Laparoscopic appendicectomy: calculating the cost.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a commonly performed procedure presenting a considerable cost burden. Given the additional operative costs of laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy, it is not clear whether the national tariffs are appropriate for laparoscopic appendicectomy. We conducted a study to establish the institutional costs, and to determine whether re-imbursement according to the national tariffs was sufficient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on patients undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomy within Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. Theatre and bed costs were obtained. Cost analysis was performed, and costs were compared to the re-imbursement due. RESULTS: Fifty laparoscopic appendicectomies were performed. Median operative time was 60 min. The median total operative cost of laparoscopic appendicectomy was pound906. Median equipment cost for laparoscopically completed cases was pound254. Median total in-patient cost was pound1617 (range, pound880- pound3360). This compared with a mean re-imbursement of pound1981 representing a cost benefit of pound233 per case (P = 0.0009). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a liberal use of disposable equipment, laparoscopic appendicectomy can still be performed within the confines of the national tariffs. There is a considerable variation in the cost of this procedure, and it may be possible to reduce costs by more stringent use of disposable equipment and standardising recovery protocols.

Efficacy of the anal fistula plug in complex anorectal fistulae.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of complex anorectal and rectovaginal fistulae remains a difficult problem. The options are fistulotomy, setons, fibrin glue and a variety of flap procedures. Recently, there have been several reports of a new plug; the Surgisis AFP plug. Reports from various centres do not give consistent results. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Surgisis AFP fistula plug in a wide spectrum of patients with anorectal, rectovaginal and pouch vaginal fistulae. METHOD: Between March 2006 and September 2007, patients with a variety of anal fistulae were selected for fistula plug insertion in the coloproctology units at Leeds, UK, and Aarhus, Denmark. Demographic and fistulae details were obtained. Postoperatively, all patients had a course of oral antibiotics. RESULTS: Forty-three patients with a median age of 45 (range 18-65) years underwent a total of 45 procedures. Seventy-five per cent (n = 32) had a fistula secondary to cryptoglandular abscess. Median follow up was 47 (range 12-77) weeks. The success rate for complete healing was 44%. Dislodgement caused failure on 10 (22%) occasions. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a moderate success rate for treatment with fistula plugs. The complex nature of the fistulae selected may be the reason for the low success rate.

The impact of spontaneous tumour perforation on outcome following colon cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of spontaneous tumour perforation on survival following surgery for colon cancer is unclear. This study compares survival outcomes for patients with perforated colonic cancer with stage-matched nonperforated cancer. METHOD: A prospective histological database was searched for all patients undergoing resection for adenocarcinoma of the colon between 1996 and 2002. Patients with T4 cancer were selected and classified into those with spontaneous perforation at the tumour site and those with nonperforated tumour. Patients with synchronous colonic and rectal cancers, familial polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, iatrogenic or remote colonic perforation were excluded. Histological variables were combined with clinical data obtained by case note review. Data were analysed for differences in demographics, histological variables, operative mortality, disease-free and overall survival. Multivariate analysis of factors predictive of overall survival in both groups was performed. RESULTS: Of 960 patients identified, 52 patients had spontaneous tumour perforation and 82 patients served as the T-stage matched control group. Overall survival at 2 years was 47% and 54% and at 5 years was 28% and 33% for perforated and nonperforated cancers respectively. Patients with perforated cancers were more likely to present with metastatic disease and undergo emergency surgery with a higher 30-day mortality. There was a trend towards reduced overall survival in the perforated group (P = 0.06), but no difference in disease-free survival (P = 0.43). On multivariate testing, 'emergency surgery' and 'age >75 years' were the only independent predictors of mortality in the perforated and nonperforated group respectively. CONCLUSION: Both perforated and nonperforated T4 colon cancers have a poor prognosis. Spontaneous perforation of the cancer is associated with reduced overall survival, due to higher 30-day mortality, but in itself does not appear to significantly impact on disease-free survival. Rather, it is the advanced oncological stage at which perforated cancers present that determines outcome.

Retroperitoneal margin involvement by adenocarcinoma of the caecum and ascending colon: what does it mean?

OBJECTIVE: Circumferential margin involvement (CRM) is a powerful predictor of local recurrence, distant metastasis and patient survival in rectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of retroperitoneal margin involvement in right colon cancer and describe its relationship to tumour stage and outcome of surgical treatment. METHOD: Two hundred and twenty-eight consecutive resections for adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon and caecum were identified between 1998 and 2006. Tumour involvement of the posterior retroperitoneal surgical resection margin (RSRM) was recorded and correlated with tumour stage, grade and clinical outcome. RSRM positive patients were compared with CRM positive rectal tumours resected in the same surgical unit. RESULTS: Nineteen of 228 right hemicolectomies (8.4%) showed tumour involvement of the RSRM (defined as < or = 1 mm). Approximately half of the RSRM positive patients underwent palliative resections because of synchronous distant metastases. Out of nine 'potentially curative' resections where the RSRM was involved, five patients subsequently developed metastatic recurrence and two isolated local recurrence. RSRM positivity was associated with advanced tumour stage and more extensive extramural spread than CRM positive rectal cancers. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal surgical resection margin involvement by caecal and ascending colon carcinoma is a marker of advanced tumour stage and associated with a high incidence of synchronous and metachronous distant metastasis. More aggressive surgery to obtain a clear margin or postoperative radiotherapy to the tumour bed is likely to benefit only a minority of patients.

Fate of the inguinal hernia following removal of infected prosthetic mesh.

Open tension-free hernioplasty using a prosthetic mesh is a common operation for inguinal hernia repair because of the relative ease of the operation and low recurrence rate. Wound infection is a potential complication of all hernia repairs and deep-seated infection involving an inserted mesh may result in chronic groin sepsis which usually necessitates complete removal of mesh to produce resolution. Removal of mesh would potentially result in a weakness of the repair and subsequent hernia recurrence. We reviewed the outcome of all our patients who had mesh removal for sepsis over an 8-year period, particularly examining for hernia recurrence and chronic groin pain. This was a retrospective review of the database of patients who had mesh repair of inguinal hernias over an 8-year period. There were 2,139 inguinal hernias repaired using prosthetic mesh. All patients who had mesh removal for infection were identified and followed up. Fourteen patients had deep-seated wound infection which required mesh removal for resolution of sepsis. No peri-operative complications occurred during mesh removal. After a median follow-up of 44 months (range 5-91 months), there were two asymptomatic recurrences and none of the patients had chronic groin pain. Hernia recurrence is uncommon following mesh removal for chronic groin sepsis, suggesting that the strength of a mesh repair lies in the fibrous reaction evoked within the transversalis fascia by the prosthetic material rather than in the physical presence of the mesh itself. When there is established deep infection, there should be no unnecessary delay in removing an infected mesh in order to allow resolution of chronic groin sepsis.

Ligasure trademark vs conventional diathermy haemorrhoidectomy: long-term follow-up of a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy has short-term benefits over conventional diathermy haemorrhoidectomy. The current study aimed to determine the long-term efficacy of Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty patients, previously randomised to Ligasure or diathermy haemorrhoidectomy in 2002, were invited to participate in the study. Haemorrhoidal symptoms and patient satisfaction were recorded. Incontinence was quantified and sphincter anatomy and function assessed by endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry. RESULTS: Thirty (75%) patients participated in the study (14 Ligasure, 16 conventional). There was no difference in age, sex distribution, or length of follow-up (Ligasure : 37 months; conventional: 36 months) between the groups. Both techniques achieved good symptom control, but with a trend to less recurrent bleeding following Ligasure. Incontinence scores and patient satisfaction were similar. A significant difference was observed in internal sphincter thickness (Ligasure : 2.5 mm, 2.2-2.8 (mean, 95%CI) vs conventional: 1.88 mm, 1.7-2.1, P = 0.005) and rectal urge sensation (Ligasure : 284 mls, 211-378 vs conventional: 173 mls, 129-217, P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Ligasure is as effective as conventional diathermy haemorrhoidectomy in achieving long-term symptom control. Less radical haemorrhoidal excision with the Ligasure could explain the differences in internal sphincter thickness and urge sensation, and might make it the preferred method for patients with compromised sphincter function.

A case of Sister Mary Joseph nodule associated with primary gastric lymphoma.

The Sister Mary Joseph nodule is a peri-umbilical metastasis most commonly found with adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract and ovary. It was first described 140 years ago but has not previously been reported in association with primary gastric lymphoma.

What factors affect lymph node yield in surgery for rectal cancer?

OBJECTIVE: The detection of lymph node metastases is of vital importance in patients undergoing excisional surgery for rectal cancer as it provides important prognostic information and facilitates decision-making with regards to adjuvant therapy. It has been suggested that patients in whom only a small number of nodes are present in the excised specimen have a worse prognosis, presumably due to inadequate lymphadenectomy and consequent understaging of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine which factors affect the yield of lymph nodes. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who had undergone a resection for histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the rectum. The total number of lymph nodes identified in the excised specimen was recorded in each case. A multivariate analysis was performed to ascertain whether this number was significantly influenced by any of several variables. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were studied (M:F ratio 107 : 60, median age 70 years). The median number of lymph nodes contained within the resected specimen was 16 (interquartile range 10-21). On univariate analysis a significantly higher yield of lymph nodes was obtained with tumours in the middle third of the rectum (P=0.007), larger tumours (P < 0.001), more locally advanced tumours according to both pT staging (P=0.001) and Dukes' staging (P=0.020), an increased number of involved nodes (P=0.003) and examination by a specialist histopathologist (P=0.003). On multivariate analysis the only significant variables were tumour size (P=0.021), number of positive nodes (P=0.007) and histopathologist (P=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The number of lymph nodes identified within the excised specimen in patients undergoing resection of a rectal cancer positively correlates with the size of the tumour and is also dependent on the examining histopathologist. In addition, in node-positive patients the number of involved nodes increases with increasing lymph node yield.

The two week referral for colorectal cancer: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The two-week referral (TWR) system was introduced in July 2000 to address the delays in referral, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and lessen the associated psychological morbidity of prolonged waiting. General practitioners complete a proforma outlining 'high-risk' criteria for CRC to ensure an urgent referral within 14 days. The aim of the study was to analyse the TWR process and the proforma criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine two-week referral proforma were retrospectively reviewed between January and August 2001. The waiting times and proforma data, together with investigations performed and diagnoses made were gathered for 144 patients. Three did not attend clinic and two sets of notes were missing. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of patients (n = 144) were two week compliant and 14 CRC (10%) were diagnosed. The most common referral symptom was a recent change in bowel habit (36.6%) but specificity for all criteria was low. The highest diagnostic yield was a palpable abdominal or rectal mass where 16.7% had CRC and iron deficiency anaemia had high sensitivity (90%) for surgical pathology. Per rectum examination and haemoglobin analysis by general practitioners was infrequently performed. DISCUSSION: Our study has shown that CRC is difficult to diagnose by history and examination alone with a 10% detection rate. CRC incidence in TWR may be improved by primary care through routine rectal examinations, increased detection of iron deficiency anaemia and public education to reduce presentation via other referral routes. Further studies are needed to address these issues.

Treatment of resistant distal intestinal obstruction syndrome with a modified antegrade continence enema procedure.

We report a case of a patient with CF who had a long history of recurrent distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. She had been treated with conventional treatment including gastrografin, n-acetyl cysteine, Klean prep and Picolax. She underwent a modified antegrade continence enema procedure. She currently irrigates her conduit every 2-3 days. She has had no further symptoms of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome.

Randomized clinical trial of Ligasure versus conventional diathermy for day-case haemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhoidectomy is frequently associated with postoperative pain and prolonged hospital stay. A new technique of haemorrhoidectomy using the Ligasure device suited to day-case surgery is described. This technique was compared with conventional open diathermy haemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Forty patients with grade III or IV haemorrhoids were randomized to Ligasure (group 1) or conventional diathermy (group 2) haemorrhoidectomy. Operative details were recorded and patients recorded daily pain scores on a linear analogue scale. Follow-up was at 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks to evaluate complications, return to normal activity, ongoing symptoms and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Reduced intraoperative blood loss (median (range) 0 (0-5) ml versus 20 (12-22) ml; P < 0.001) and a shorter operating time (10 (8-11) versus 20 (18-25) min; P < 0.001) was observed in group 1 compared with group 2. More patients in group 1 were discharged on the day of operation (18 of 20 versus 11 of 20; P < 0.05) and there was a trend towards lower postoperative pain scores on day 1 (group 1 median 5 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 2.6 to 6.8) versus group 2 7 (95 per cent c.i. 4.2 to 7.7); P = 0.36). There was no difference between the two groups in the degree of patient satisfaction or number of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Ligasure diathermy may be used safely in the treatment of patients with grade III or IV haemorrhoids. It reduces intraoperative blood loss and operating time, and facilitates same-day discharge.

MR imaging classification of perianal fistulas and its implications for patient management.

Until recently, imaging had a limited role in the preoperative assessment of perianal fistulas. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been shown to demonstrate accurately the anatomy of the perianal region. In addition to showing the anal sphincter mechanism, MR imaging clearly shows the relationship of fistulas to the pelvic diaphragm (levator plate) and the ischiorectal fossae. This relationship has important implications for surgical management and outcome and has been classified into five MR imaging-based grades. If the ischioanal and ischiorectal fossae are unaffected, disease is likely confined to the sphincter complex (simple intersphincteric fistulization, grade 1 or 2), and outcome following simple surgical management is favorable. Involvement of the ischioanal or ischiorectal fossa by a fistulous track or abscess indicates complex disease related to trans-sphincteric or suprasphincteric disease (grade 3 or 4). Correspondingly more complex surgery may be required that may threaten continence or may require colostomy to allow healing. If the track traverses the levator plate, a translevator fistula (grade 5) is present, and a source of pelvic sepsis should be sought.

Prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of fistula-in-ano.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging of fistula-in-ano has been shown to predict surgical anatomy accurately and identify complex features. In addition, fistula complexity has been correlated with poor outcome after surgical intervention. We investigated whether preoperative magnetic resonance imaging could predict clinical outcome after surgery for fistulous disease better than clinical examination under anesthetic. METHODS: Seventy patients with clinically suspected fistula-in-ano underwent preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging before surgical exploration. Outcome was assessed at a minimum of one year after surgical exploration and correlated in a blinded fashion with the surgical and magnetic resonance grading of the severity of the fistulous disease. RESULTS: Of 70 patients, 12 were not operated on and 6 were lost to follow-up, making 52 patients eligible for analysis. Assessment by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging more accurately predicted outcome than the findings at initial surgical exploration. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging had a sensitivity of 81 percent, specificity of 73 percent, and positive predictive value of 75 percent; surgery had a sensitivity of 77 percent, specificity of 46 percent, and positive predictive value of 59 percent. Surgical assessment of apparent disease severity bore no relation to final outcome. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging could accurately predict whether patients were likely to have a satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome after surgery. CONCLUSION: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging better predicts clinical outcome of patients with fistula-in-ano than initial surgical exploration.

Hereditary internal anal sphincter myopathy causing proctalgia fugax and constipation: further clinical and histological characterization in a patient.

Hereditary internal anal sphincter myopathy is a very rare condition, only three families have so far been described in the literature. In this case report further clinical and histological findings of one affected member of one of the above families are presented.

The use, value and safety of herniography.

AIMS: To assess the safety, sensitivity and specificity of out-patient herniography when used to diagnose hernias in the presence of a normal or equivocal physical examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the symptoms, clinical findings, radiological findings, surgical findings and clinical outcome of 112 patients referred for herniography over a 5-year period. RESULTS: No significant complications were encountered. Thirty hernias were diagnosed. There was one false-positive and one false-negative examination giving herniography a sensitivity of 96.6% and a specificity of 98.4%. CONCLUSION: Herniography is a sensitive, specific, safe and reliable investigation which should be available to and used by all surgeons who perform hernia repair operations.