Spanish version of the ICIQ-Bowel questionnaire among colorectal cancer patients: construct and criterion validity : Comprehensive assessment of bowel function.

PURPOSE: Bowel complaints are very common among patients with colorectal cancer. However, the most used questionnaires for colorectal cancer survivors do not comprehensively comprise bowel symptoms. This study aimed to examine construct and criterion validity, as well as internal consistency, of the Chilean Version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Bowel Module (ICIQ-B) among people with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional, validation study performed with 106 colorectal cancer patients from Hospital del Salvador, Chile. Bowel function was assessed with the ICIQ-B. Construct validity was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing. Specific items of a quality-of-life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CR29) were used to correlate with similar ICIQ-B items for criterion validity. For internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was computed. RESULTS: For construct validity, the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three factors model did not fit our data. Meanwhile, hypothesis testing favored the construct validity of the instrument, considering that rectal cancer patients showed worse bowel pattern (p = 0.001), bowel control (p = 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.001) scores compared to colon cancer patients. In addition, those patients assessed before surgery also presented worse scores bowel control (p = 0.023) and quality of life (p = 0.009) compared to post-surgical patients. Regarding criterion validity, the ICIQ-B items showed a significant correlation with similar QLQ-CR29 items. The internal reliability of the instrument was good (Cronbach's α = 0.909). CONCLUSION: Considering that this questionnaire appraises bowel function in more depth, it is recommended for use in clinical practice and research with colorectal cancer patients.

Resultado de los primeros 2 años de implementación de un protocolo ERAS o STAR (eSTrategias para Adelantar la Recuperación) en un hospital público de Chile

Introducción: Las herramientas que han demostrado ser más eficaces en el manejo perioperatorio, corresponden a los protocolos ERAS o STAR (eSTrategias para Adelantar la Recuperación) como nombre local. Objetivo: Describir los resultados obtenidos luego de 2 años de implementación del protocolo STAR en estadía hospitalaria, complicaciones y reingresos. Objetivo secundario describir adherencia al protocolo. Material y Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo no concurrente, en cirugía colorrectal electiva. Enero-diciembre 2016 manejo no protocolizado (grupo no-STAR), agosto 2018 a julio 2020 manejo protocolo STAR (grupo STAR). Registro de variables demográficas, adherencias, complicaciones y reingreso. Se utilizaron variables continuas (cuartiles, promedio y DE), test t-Student, test de Wilcoxon, variables categóricas (frecuencias y porcentajes), test de Fisher y Propensisty Score (PS). Resultados: 239 pacientes; grupo no-STAR 85 pacientes (35,5%), grupo STAR 154 (64,5%), sexo masculino 111 pacientes (43 no-STAR p = 0,347). Promedio edad no-STAR 64,2 (SD 14,7) vs. STAR 66,3 (SD 14,39) (p = 0,3147). Mediana de estadía no-STAR 5 días (promedio 6,9, SD 6,2) y STAR 3 días (promedio 4,8 días, SD 4,4). No-STAR tuvo 22 complicaciones (25,9%) vs 28 STAR (18,2%) p = 0,185. No-STAR 7 reingresos vs 17 STAR (p = 0,654). Análisis de covarianza días de hospitalización ajustado por sexo, edad y cirugía laparoscópica, grupo STAR produce 1,93 días menos de hospitalización (p = 0,005) y PS disminuye en 1,92 días la estadía hospitalaria (p-value = 0,007). Discusión y Conclusión: La implementación de un protocolo de recuperación avanzada logra la reducción de 2 días en la estadía hospitalaria de los pacientes sometidos a una cirugía colorrectal, sin aumentar complicaciones, mortalidad ni reingresos.

Introduction: >Enhanced recovery after Surgery (ERAS) or STAR are the tools that have proven to be more effective in perioperative management. Objective: Primary objective is to describe the results obtained regarding complications, hospital stay and readmissions after 2 years of implementation of the STAR. Secondary objective is to describe protocol adherence. Materials and Method: Non-concurrent retrospective cohort study, in patients with elective colorectal surgery. From January to December 2016 non-protocolized management (non-STAR group), August 2018 to July 2020 STAR protocol management (STAR group). Registration of data like the demographic variables, adherence to protocol, complications and readmissions. Continuous variables (quartiles, mean and SD), t-Student test, Wilcoxon test, categorical variables (frequencies and percentages), Fisher test and propensity score (PS) were used. Results: 239 patients; non-STAR group 85 patients (35.5%), STAR group 154 (64.5%), male 111 patients (43 non-STAR p = 0.347). Average age non-STAR 64.2 (SD 14.7) vs STAR 66.3 (SD 14.39) (p = 0.3147). Median non-STAR stays 5 days (average 6.9, SD 6.2) and for STAR 3 days (average 4.8 days, SD 4.4). Non-STAR had 22 complications (25.9%) vs 28 STAR (18.2%) p = 0.185. No-STAR 7 hospital readmissions vs 17 STAR (p = 0.654). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for hospitalization days adjusted by gender, age and laparoscopic surgery shows 1.93 less hospitalization days (p = 0.005); Propensity Score (PS) shows reduced hospital stay in 1.92 days (p-value = 0.007). Discussion and Conclusión: The implementation of an advanced recovery protocol achieves a reduction of 2 days in the hospital stay of patients undergoing colorectal surgery, without increasing complications, mortality or readmissions.

Colgajo de Martius como tratamiento de una fístula rectovaginal recidivada: revisión de la técnica quirúrgica a propósito de un caso clínico / Martius Flap for recurrent Rectovaginal Fístula: clinical Case and surgical approach

Resumen Introducción: La fístula rectovaginal es una patología quirúrgica compleja de tratar. El trauma perineal obstétrico y las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales, especialmente la Enfermedad de Crohn son las causas más frecuentes. La reparación quirúrgica con un Colgajo de Martius en manos experimentadas ha mostrado buenos resultados con mínima morbilidad en pacientes seleccionados. Material y Método: Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente que cursó con una fístula rectovaginal posparto tardía, la cual tuvo una recurrencia precoz, luego de intentar tratamiento quirúrgico consistente en un colgajo de avance, siendo necesaria la desfuncionalización del tránsito con una colostomía en asa. Posteriormente se realizó un Colgajo de Martius con resultado exitoso. Resultados: Evolución satisfactoria. Cursó con dehiscencia de la herida perineal la cual requirió solo curaciones ambulatorias. Luego de 8 meses posterior a la confección del Colgajo de Martius, se realizó el cierre de colostomía. A los 30 meses poscolgajo, la paciente se encuentra en buenas condiciones, sin evidencia de recidiva y tránsito intestinal normal. Conclusión: En este caso clínico, el colgajo de Martius fue una alternativa segura y efectiva en el tratamiento de una fístula rectovaginal recidivada.

Introduction: The rectovaginal fistula is a complex surgical pathology to treat. Obstetric perineal trauma and inflammatory bowel diseases, especially Crohn's disease, are the most frequent causes. Surgical repair with a Martius flap in experienced hands has shown good results with minimal morbidity in selected patients. Material and Methods: We present a clinical case of a patient who had a late postpartum rectovaginal fistula, which recurred early after attempting surgical treatment consisting of an advancement flap, requiring defunctionalization of the transit with a loop colostomy. Subsequently, a Martius flap was performed with a successful result. Results: Satisfactory evolution. The patient presented a dehiscence of the perineal wound which required only ambulatory dressings. At 8 months from the Martius flap was made, the colostomy was closed. At 30 months post-flap, the patient is in good condition, with no evidence of recurrence and normal intestinal transit. Conclusión: In this clinical case, the Martius flap was a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of a recurrent rectovaginal fistula.

Spanish translation, face validity, and reliability of the ICIQ-B questionnaire with colorectal cancer patients

Purpose: To describe the English-to-Spanish translation process and preliminary psychometric analysis (face validity, cultural adaptation, and test-retest reliability) of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Bowels Module (ICIQB) among Chilean colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The face validity was studied with 10 colorectal cancer patients, and the test-retest reliability, with 15 patients, 1 month before and 6 months after cancer surgery. Results: Two rounds of translation/back translation resulted in a Spanish version. The English expression open your bowels was translated as defecar, as it is easily understandable in Spanish. The patients reported that the instrument was easy to answer, with clear instructions, and that it was adequate to appraise their health condition. The testretest reliability was good (Spearman rho [ρ] ≥ 0.842); only item 15a, the Bristol Stool Scale, obtained a moderate correlation (ρ=0.639). The patients reported a variety of symptoms, including increased bowel movements, nocturnal bowel movements, fecal urgency, and incontinence. Conclusions: The first Spanish version of the ICIQ-B was culturally adapted for Chilean colorectal cancer patients, and showed good test-retest reliability. It might be a reference for other Spanish-speaking countries and for patients with other conditions. The ICIQ-B is a robust comprehensive questionnaire for bowel function. (AU)

[Strategies to advance recovery (STAR) protocol implemented colorectal cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / En época de COVID-19: ¿cómo las estrategias de recuperación avanzadas (STAR) pueden ayudar a dar soluciones a los pacientes oncológicos?

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 hampered the resolution of multiple diseases, including cancer. AIM: To show that a multidisciplinary program of Strategies to Advance Recovery (STAR) can be implemented in a public hospital in Chile, despite the global pandemic and state of a national catastrophe, to provide a solution to cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study, of patients requiring an elective resolution of a colorectal cancer. Patients met the inclusion criteria, established in the STAR program. A total of 24 perioperative interventions were performed in the protocol. Demographic variables, days of hospitalization, complications, mortality, and readmissions were described. RESULTS: The 24 interventions of the protocol were successfully implemented, although some partially. Sixteen patients aged 53 to 83 years (50% women) were operated. The median length of hospitalization was four days (range 2 to 9). Four complications were recorded, all were grade I or II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Two patients were readmitted. There were no reoperations or mortality. One patient was infected with coronavirus, diagnosed at the time of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The STAR protocol reduces the length of hospital stay. In a pandemic context such as COVID-19 it becomes a useful resource and can be implemented in cancer patients, as herein reported.

A randomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor physiotherapy for bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of patients with rectal cancer: CARRET protocol.

BACKGROUND: There is scarcity of trials about preventative strategies for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor rehabilitation program on the bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of rectal cancer patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups (pelvic floor rehabilitation versus control group), with a blinded evaluator. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 56 stage I to III rectal cancer patients aged from 18 to 80 years old undergoing sphincter preservation surgery at Hospital del Salvador and who have a sufficient knowledge of Spanish. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ICIQ-B questionnaire for intestinal symptoms, high-resolution anorectal manometry (Alacer Multiplex 24-channel manometry equipment) for anorectal function, pelvic floor muscle strength test with Oxford Modified Scale, and a quality of life test with the EORTC QLQ C30 questionnaire. The evaluations will be carried out at five stages: before surgery, before and after the pelvic floor rehabilitation, and during a 3-month and 1-year follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: one pre-rehabilitation session and 9 to 12 sessions of pelvic floor rehabilitation, including patient education, pelvic floor muscle exercises, pelvic floor electromyography biofeedback, and capacitive and sensory rectal training with a balloon probe. Rehabilitation will begin 3-5 weeks before the ileostomy is removed (four sessions) and around 3 weeks after stoma removal (5-8 sessions). DISCUSSION: We expect the program to improve the bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of rectal cancer patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12620000040965 . Registered on 21 January 2020.

En época de COVID-19: ¿cómo las estrategias de recuperación avanzadas (STAR) pueden ayudar a dar soluciones a los pacientes oncológicos? / Strategies to advance recovery (STAR) protocol implemented colorectal cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: SARS-CoV-2 hampered the resolution of multiple diseases, including cancer. Aim: To show that a multidisciplinary program of Strategies to Advance Recovery (STAR) can be implemented in a public hospital in Chile, despite the global pandemic and state of a national catastrophe, to provide a solution to cancer patients. Material and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study, of patients requiring an elective resolution of a colorectal cancer. Patients met the inclusion criteria, established in the STAR program. A total of 24 perioperative interventions were performed in the protocol. Demographic variables, days of hospitalization, complications, mortality, and readmissions were described. Results: The 24 interventions of the protocol were successfully implemented, although some partially. Sixteen patients aged 53 to 83 years (50% women) were operated. The median length of hospitalization was four days (range 2 to 9). Four complications were recorded, all were grade I or II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Two patients were readmitted. There were no reoperations or mortality. One patient was infected with coronavirus, diagnosed at the time of readmission. Conclusions: The STAR protocol reduces the length of hospital stay. In a pandemic context such as COVID-19 it becomes a useful resource and can be implemented in cancer patients, as herein reported.