Fissurectomy versus lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissures: no advantages in terms of post-operative incontinence.

PURPOSE: The standard treatment for chronic anal fissures that have failed non-operative management is lateral internal sphincterotomy. Surgery can cause de novo incontinence. Fissurectomy has been proposed as a sphincter/saving procedure, especially in the presence of a deep posterior pouch with or without a crypt infection. This study investigated whether fissurectomy offers a benefit in terms of de novo post-operative incontinence. METHODS: Patients surgically managed with fissurectomy or lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissures from 2013 to 2019 have been included. Healing rate, changes in continence and patient satisfaction were investigated at long-term follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients (55 females, 65 males) were analysed: 29 patients underwent fissurectomy and 91 lateral internal sphincterotomy. Mean follow-up was 55 months [confidence interval (CI) 5-116 months]. Both techniques showed some rate of de novo post-operative incontinence (> +3 Vaizey score points): 8.9% lateral internal sphincterotomy, 17.8% fissurectomy (p = 0.338). The mean Vaizey score in these patients was 10.37 [standard deviation (sd) 6.3] after lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) and 5.4 (sd 2.3) after fissurectomy Healing rate was 97.8% in the lateral internal sphincterotomy group and 75.8% in the fissurectomy group (p = 0.001). In the lateral internal sphincterotomy group, patients with de novo post-op incontinence showed a statistically significant lower satisfaction rate (9.2 ± 1.57 versus 6.13 ± 3; p = 0.023) while no differences were present in the fissurectomy group (8.87 ± 1.69 versus 7.4 ± 1.14; p = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is confirmed as the preferred technique in term of healing rate. Fissurectomy did not offer a lower rate of de novo post-operative incontinence, but resulted in lower Vaizey scores in patients in whom this occurred. Satisfaction was lower in patients suffering a de novo post-operative incontinence after lateral internal sphincterotomy.

Altered Gut Microbic Flora and Haemorrhoids: Could They Have a Possible Relationship?

To date, the exact pathophysiology of haemorrhoids is poorly understood. The different philosophies on haemorrhoids aetiology may lead to different approaches of treatment. A pathogenic theory involving a correlation between altered anal canal microflora, local inflammation, and muscular dyssynergia is proposed through an extensive review of the literature. Since the middle of the twentieth century, three main theories exist: (1) the varicose vein theory, (2) the vascular hyperplasia theory, and (3) the concept of a sliding anal lining. These phenomena determine changes in the connective tissue (linked to inflammation), including loss of organization, muscular hypertrophy, fragmentation of the anal subepithelial muscle and the elastin component, and vascular changes, including abnormal venous dilatation and vascular thrombosis. Recent studies have reported a possible involvement of gut microbiota in gut motility alteration. Furthermore, dysbiosis seems to represent the leading cause of bowel mucosa inflammation in any intestinal district. The alteration of the gut microbioma in the anorectal district could be responsible for haemorrhoids and other anorectal disorders. A deeper knowledge of the gut microbiota in anorectal disorders lays the basis for unveiling the roles of these various gut microbiota components in anorectal disorder pathogenesis and being conductive to instructing future therapeutics. The therapeutic strategy of antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation will benefit the effective application of precision microbiome manipulation in anorectal disorders.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic mucosal resection vs endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal sessile/non-polypoid lesions.

BACKGROUND: Current international guidelines strongly advise endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) instead of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for the endoscopic resection of sessile colorectal tumours >20 mm. AIMS: To compare the safety and efficacy of EMR and ESD for treating large non-invasive colorectal lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review using electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) on February 21st, 2021 and a meta-analysis to assess en-bloc and R0 rates, and related adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included, comparing 3,424 ESD and 5,122 EMR procedures. The en-bloc resection rate was 90.8% in the ESD and 33.0% in the EMR group (p < .001). The R0 resection rate was 85.0% in the ESD and 64.6% in the EMR group (p = .005). The rate of perforation was 5.1% in the ESD and 1.67% in the EMR group (p < .001). The bleeding rate was 4.3% in the ESD and 3.6% in the EMR group (p = .008). The overall need for surgery, including oncologic reasons and complications, was 5.9% in the ESD and 3.1% in the EMR group (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: ESD for large non-pedunculated colorectal lesions allows a higher rate of R0 resections than EMR, at the cost of a higher perforation rate and the need for additional surgery.

Indications and outcomes of endoscopic resection for non-pedunculated colorectal lesions: A narrative review.

In the last years, endoscopic techniques gained a crucial role in the treatment of colorectal flat lesions. At the same time, the importance of a reliable assessment of such lesions to predict the malignancy and the depth of invasion of the colonic wall emerged. The current unsolved dilemma about the endoscopic excision techniques concerns the necessity of a reliable submucosal invasive cancer assessment system that can stratify the risk of the post-procedural need for surgery. Accordingly, this narrative literature review aims to compare the available diagnostic strategies in predicting malignancy and to give a guide about the best techniques to employ. We performed a literature search using electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library). We collected all articles about endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) registering the outcomes. Moreover, we analyzed all meta-analyses comparing EMR vs ESD outcomes for colorectal sessile or non-polypoid lesions of any size, preoperatively estimated as non-invasive. Seven meta-analysis studies, mainly Eastern, were included in the analysis comparing 124 studies and overall 22954 patients who underwent EMR and ESD procedures. Of these, eighty-two were retrospective, twenty-four perspective, nine case-control, and six cohorts, while three were randomized clinical trials. A total of 18118 EMR and 10379 ESD were completed for a whole of 28497 colorectal sessile or non-polypoid lesions > 5-10 mm in size. In conclusion, it is crucial to enhance the preoperative diagnostic workup, especially in deciding the most suitable endoscopic method for radical resection of flat colorectal lesions at risk of underlying malignancy. Additionally, the ESD necessitates further improvement because of the excessively time-consuming as well as the intraprocedural technical hindrances and related complications. We found a higher rate of en bloc resections and R0 for ESD than EMR for non-pedunculated colorectal lesions. Nevertheless, despite the lower local recurrence rates, ESD had greater perforation rates and needed lengthier procedural times. The prevailing risk for additional surgery in ESD rather than EMR for complications or oncologic reasons is still uncertain.

Colorectal surgery during the COVID-19 outbreak: do we need to change?

The outbreak of COVID-19 has led some leading surgical societies to postpone colorectal cancer resections, support the employment of low-risk strategies in patients requiring colorectal surgery, such as construction of a stoma rather than primary anastomosis, in order to minimize the risk of potentially life-threatening complications. They have also recommended against the use of the laparoscopic approach. However, the evidence supporting these recommendations is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of colorectal resections during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a retrospective review of a prospective institutional database. All consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergent colorectal resections between March 9 and April 15, 2020, were compared to those treated in the same period of time in 2019. Despite an overall reduction in the surgical activity of 56.3% in 2020, the two groups were similar in terms of absolute numbers of colorectal resections, type of surgery and use of laparoscopy. The overall postoperative complications rate was similar: 20% in 2019 versus 14.9% in 2020 (p = 0.518), without any difference in terms of severity. No patient during the postoperative course got infected by COVID-19, as well as none from the surgical team. Median length of hospital stay was 5 days in both groups (p = 0.555). Postponing surgery in colorectal cancer patients and performing more stomas rather than direct anastomosis is not justified. The routine use of laparoscopy should not be abandoned, thus not depriving patients of its clinically relevant early short-term benefits over open surgery.

Are there any limits for laparoscopy in splenomegaly? Our experience.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in the case of massive or supermassive splenomegaly has been associated with higher conversion rates and morbidity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy for massive spleens and to identify if there are limits beyond which the laparoscopic approach is not recommended in massive and supermassive spleens. This is a retrospective study of 93 consecutive laparoscopic splenectomies in adult patients performed by a single surgeon, from January 2008 to December 2017. The data collected included the patient's age, sex, ASA, spleen weight, volume and dimension, type of disease, hospital stay, surgical technique, operative time. Median splenic weight was 400 g (range 65-3800 g) and median volume was 1365 cc (range 600-3800). Median operative time was 120 min and the overall conversion rate was 5.4%. Globally, 52 patients (55.9%) had a normal-weight spleen, 25 (26.9%) had massive and 16 (17.2%) had supermassive splenomegaly. In splenomegaly group (n = 41), patient's age, percentage of malignant diagnosis, spleen weight, anteroposterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML) and craniocaudal (CC) diameter, surgical time and conversion rate were significantly higher compared to normal-weight spleen patients. None of the normal-weight spleen patients underwent open conversion, while 5 patients among 41 splenomegalic cases underwent laparotomic conversion (12.2%). Comparing massive and super-massive patients, the latter showed longer operative time and hospital length of stay, and higher conversion rate. We identified as significant cut-off limits for higher conversion risk a spleen weight ≥ 1300 g and a spleen CC diameter ≥ 22 cm. In our experience laparoscopy was the gold standard in the case of spleen weight and diameter equal to or less than 1300 g and 22 cm, but it was safe and feasible also in the case of larger spleens, taking into account the greater risk of conversion.

Robotic-Assisted Colonoscopy Platform with a Magnetically-Actuated Soft-Tethered Capsule.

Background and Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite offering a prime paradigm for screening, CRC screening is often hampered by invasiveness. Endoo is a potentially painless colonoscopy method with an active locomotion tethered capsule offering diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Materials and Methods: The Endoo system comprises a soft-tethered capsule, which embeds a permanent magnet controlled by an external robot equipped with a second permanent magnet. Capsule navigation is achieved via closed-loop interaction between the two magnets. Ex-vivo tests were conducted by endoscopy experts and trainees to evaluate the basic key features, usability, and compliance in comparison with conventional colonoscopy (CC) in feasibility and pilot studies. Results: Endoo showed a 100% success rate in operating channel and target approach tests. Progression of the capsule was feasible and repeatable. The magnetic link was lost an average of 1.28 times per complete procedure but was restored in 100% of cases. The peak value of interaction forces was higher in the CC group than the Endoo group (4.12N vs. 1.17N). The cumulative interaction forces over time were higher in the CC group than the Endoo group between the splenic flexure and mid-transverse colon (16.53Ns vs. 1.67Ns, p < 0.001), as well as between the hepatic flexure and cecum (28.77Ns vs. 2.47Ns, p = 0.005). The polyp detection rates were comparable between groups (9.1 ± 0.9% vs. 8.7 ± 0.9%, CC and Endoo respectively, per procedure). Robotic colonoscopies were completed in 67% of the procedures performed with Endoo (53% experts and 100% trainees). Conclusions: Endoo allows smoother navigation than CC and possesses comparable features. Although further research is needed, magnetic capsule colonoscopy demonstrated promising results compared to CC.

A structured light laser probe for gastrointestinal polyp size measurement: a preliminary comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Polyp size measurement is an important diagnostic step during gastrointestinal endoscopy, and is mainly performed by visual inspection. However, lack of depth perception and objective reference points are acknowledged factors contributing to measurement errors in polyp size. In this paper, we describe the proof-of-concept of a polyp measurement device based on structured light technology for future endoscopes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Measurement accuracy, time, user confidence, and satisfaction were evaluated for polyp size assessment by (a) visual inspection, (b) open biopsy forceps of known size, (c) ruled snare, and (d) structured light probe, for a total of 392 independent polyp measurements in ex vivo porcine stomachs. RESULTS: Visual assessment resulted in a median estimation error of 2.2 mm, IQR = 2.6 mm. The proposed probe can reduce the error to 1.5 mm, IQR = 1.67 mm ( P  = 0.002, 95 %CI) and its performance was found to be statistically similar to using forceps for reference ( P  = 0.81, 95 %CI) or ruled snare ( P  = 0.99, 95 %CI), while not occluding the tool channel. Timing performance with the probe was measured to be on average 54.75 seconds per polyp. This was significantly slower than visual assessment (20.7 seconds per polyp, P  = 0.005, 95 %CI) but not significantly different from using a snare (68.5 seconds per polyp, P  = 0.73, 95 %CI). However, the probe's timing performance was partly due to lens cleaning problems in our preliminary design. Reported average satisfaction on a 0 - 10 range was highest for the proposed probe (7.92), visual assessment (7.01), and reference forceps (7.82), while significantly lower for snare users with a score of 4.42 ( P  = 0.035, 95 %CI). CONCLUSIONS: The common practice of visual assessment of polyp size was found to be significantly less accurate than tool-based assessment, but easy to carry out. The proposed technology offers an accuracy on par with using a reference tool or ruled snare with the same satisfaction levels of visual assessment and without occluding the tool channel. Further study will improve the design to reduce the operating time by integrating the probe within the scope tip.

Stent as bridge to surgery for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction reduces adverse events and stoma rate compared with emergency surgery: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Twenty years after the first description of the technique, the debate is still open on the role of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge to elective surgery for symptomatic left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. The aim was to compare morbidity rates after colonic stenting bridge to surgery (SBTS) versus emergency surgery (ES) for left-sided malignant obstruction. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on SBTS or ES for acute symptomatic malignant left-sided large bowel obstruction. The primary outcome was overall morbidity within 60 days after surgery. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 8 RCTs and 497 patients. Overall mortality within 60 days after surgery was 9.6% in SBTS-treated patients and 9.9% in ES-treated patients (relative risk [RR], 0.99; P = .97). Overall morbidity within 60 days after surgery was 33.9% in SBTS-treated patients and 51.2% in ES-treated patients (RR, 0.59; P = .023). The temporary stoma rate was 33.9% after SBTS and 51.4% after ES (RR, 0.67; P < .001). The permanent stoma rate was 22.2% after SBTS and 35.2% after ES (RR, 0.66; P = .003). Primary anastomosis was successful in 70.0% of SBTS-treated patients and 54.1% of ES-treated patients (RR, 1.29; P = .043). CONCLUSIONS: SBTS was associated with lower short-term overall morbidity and lower rates of temporary and permanent stoma. Depending on multiple factors such as local expertise, clinical status including level of obstruction, and level of certainty of diagnosis, SBTS does offer some advantages with less risk than ES for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction in the short term.

The role of stents in the management of colorectal complications: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Complications in colorectal surgery include a wide range of clinical conditions, which increase mortality, morbidity, hospital stay and costs. In some cases, the placement of a self-expanding metal stent may represent a possible therapeutic strategy, avoiding further surgery. METHODS: In order to verify the feasibility and safety of the technique, we reviewed the medical literature, between January 1997 and 2015, selecting 32 studies. Inclusion criteria were based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. RESULTS: The estimated rate of early success was 73.3% (95% CI 66.3-79.3), raising from 25 to 68% in the time frame 1997-2007. The rate of early complications was 31.4% (95% CI 25.3-38.3%), progressively decreasing from 75 to 43% up to 2009. The rate of surgery for acute complication was 9.3% (95% CI 6.0-14.2%), reduced on time course from 25 to 9%. The rate of closure of dehiscence was 74.5% (95% CI 62.8-83.5%), while the rate of long-lasting success was 57.3% (95% CI 50.3-64.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stenting in the early postoperative management of anastomotic complications after colorectal surgery should be considered in patients with minimal risk for sepsis, as a safe and often effective alternative to surgery. However, in order to establish the safety and efficacy of this technique, prospective studies involving a larger cohort of patients are required.