Spray skin protectant versus standard moisturiser in the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with anal canal and rectal cancer: A randomised clinical trial.

The evidence on products for the prevention of radiodermatitis is limited. The primary objective was to analyse the effectiveness of the spray skin protectant 'non-burning barrier film' in the prevention of radiodermatitis with moist desquamation in patients with the anal canal and rectal cancer followed in nursing consultations compared to a standardised moisturiser based on Calendula officinalis and Aloe barbadensis. Single-blind randomised clinical trial. The study was performed in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 63 patients undergoing anal canal and rectal cancer treatment, randomised into one of the following two groups: an experimental group, which used a spray skin protectant and a control group, which used a moisturiser. Data were collected using an initial and subsequent evaluation form and were assessed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Participants who used the spray skin protectant had a lower chance of presenting radiodermatitis with moist desquamation and a longer time without this outcome when compared to the control group. The overall incidence of radiodermatitis was 100%, with 36.5% being severe. Furthermore, 17.5% of participants discontinued radiotherapy due to radiodermatitis. There were no differences between the groups regarding the severity of radiodermatitis and the number of patients who discontinued radiotherapy. The skin protectant was effective in preventing radiodermatitis with moist desquamation amongst patients with anal canal and rectal cancer.

Assessing the role of prognostic nutritional index in predicting outcomes for rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The association of Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) with prognosis has been established for various cancer types, including rectal cancer. However, the precise relationship between PNI and body composition characteristics in patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PNI on overall survival and disease-free survival in non-metastatic rectal cancer patients undergoing total surgical resection. Additionally, it sought to assess the inflammatory status and body composition in patients across different PNI levels. METHODS: Patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer who underwent total surgical resection, were consecutively enrolled. PNI was calculated using the formula: PNI = (10 × serum albumin [g/dl]) + (0.005 × lymphocytes/µL). Body composition was assessed using CT-derived measurements and laboratory tests performed at diagnosis were used to calculate inflammatory indices. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses as well as Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine prognostic values. RESULTS: A total of 298 patients were included. Patients with low PNI demonstrated significantly reduced overall survival and disease-free survival compared to those with high PNI (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; Confidence interval [CI] 1.30-2 0.62; p = 0.001). Moreover, patients with low PNI exhibited heightened systemic inflammatory status and reduced skeletal muscle index, increased muscle radiodensity, as well as a decrease in subcutaneous adipose tissue area, subcutaneous fat index, and low attenuation of both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: The PNI, assessed prior to treatment initiation, serves as a prognostic biomarker for non-metastatic rectal cancer patients undergoing total surgical resection and is linked with both inflammation and alterations in body composition.

Restaging magnetic resonance imaging of the rectum after neoadjuvant therapy: a practical guide.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Rectal cancer accounts for approximately one-third of new colorectal cancer cases, with adenocarcinoma as the predominant subtype. Despite an overall decline in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, due to advancements in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment options, there is a concerning increase in incidence rates among young patients. Recent significant advances in managing locally advanced rectal cancer, such as the establishment of different surgical approaches, neoadjuvant treatment using different protocols for high-risk cases, and the adoption of organ-preservation strategies, have increased the importance of the role played by radiologists in locoregional assessment on magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, at restaging, and during active surveillance of patients with rectal cancer. In this article, we review the role of restaging rectal magnetic resonance imaging after neoadjuvant therapy, providing radiologists with a practical, step-by-step guide for assessing treatment response.

O câncer colorretal é o terceiro câncer mais comum e a segunda principal causa de morte relacionada ao câncer. O câncer retal representa aproximadamente um terço dos novos casos de câncer colorretal, sendo o adenocarcinoma o subtipo predominante. Apesar de uma diminuição geral na incidência e mortalidade, impulsionada por avanços na prevenção do câncer, diagnóstico precoce e opções de tratamento aprimoradas, há uma preocupante elevação nas taxas entre os pacientes jovens. Avanços recentes significativos no manejo do câncer retal localmente avançado, como abordagens cirúrgicas, o uso de diferentes protocolos de tratamento neoadjuvante para casos de alto risco e a adoção de estratégias de preservação de órgãos, aumentaram o papel dos radiologistas na avaliação locorregional por meio da ressonância magnética na avaliação inicial, reestadiamento e vigilância ativa de pacientes com câncer retal. Este manuscrito tem como objetivo revisar o papel da ressonância magnética retal no reestadiamento após terapia neoadjuvante, fornecendo aos radiologistas um guia prático para revisar exames nesse contexto.

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes con síndrome posterior a resección anterior baja de recto y aproximación de su relación con aspectos demográficos, patológicos y quirúrgicos, en un centro de referencia en Medellín, entre 2016-2022 / Epidemiological characterization of patients with post-low anterior rectal resection syndrome and approximation of its relationship with demographic, pathological, and surgical aspects, in a referral center in Medellin, between 2016-2022

Introducción. El cáncer colorrectal es uno de los tipos de cáncer más comunes y mortales a nivel mundial. Aunque los avances médicos han mejorado el manejo, la cirugía sigue siendo fundamental. La resección anterior baja (RAB) de recto ha ganado relevancia, a pesar de que puede llevar al síndrome de resección anterior baja de recto (LARS, por sus siglas en inglés), afectando la calidad de vida. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal con intención analítica en un centro de referencia en Medellín, Colombia. Los pacientes con cáncer de recto sometidos a RAB entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2022 completaron el cuestionario LARS para evaluar disfunción intestinal. Se evaluaron factores relacionados con la presencia de LARS por medio de un análisis bivariado. Resultados. De 234 pacientes elegibles, 110 (47 %) respondieron la encuesta, predominantemente mujeres (58,2 %). La edad promedio fue 62 años. Dos tercios de los pacientes recibieron neoadyuvancia y el 69 % requirieron ileostomía. La prevalencia de LARS fue 47,3 %. El 80,9 % llevaban más de 12 meses desde la cirugía o el cierre del estoma. Factores estadísticamente significativos asociados a LARS fueron edad mayor de 65 años (p=0,03), estadío patológico avanzado (p=0,02) y requerimiento de estoma (p=0,03). Conclusiones. El LARS afecta a casi la mitad de los pacientes en diferentes etapas posquirúrgicas. El LARS scorees una herramienta práctica para evaluar la función intestinal en el seguimiento del paciente. La prevalencia y los factores de riesgo identificados contribuyen a la comprensión del impacto de la cirugía conservadora del esfínter en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer worldwide, with a high incidence of rectal cancer. Although medical advances have improved management, surgery remains crucial. Low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) has gained significance, despite its potential to lead to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), affecting quality of life. Methods. A cross-sectional study with analytical intent was conducted at a referral center in Medellín, Colombia. Patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR between January 2016 and December 2022 completed the LARS questionnaire to assess intestinal dysfunction. Factors related to the presence of LARS were analyzed using bivariate analysis. Results. Of 234 eligible patients, 110 (47%) responded, predominantly women (58.2%). The average age was 62 years. Two-thirds of patients received neoadjuvant therapy and 69% required ileostomy. The prevalence of LARS was 47.3%. 80.9% had been more than 12 months post-surgery or stoma closure. Statistically significant factors associated with LARS included age over 65 years (p=0.03), advanced pathological stage (p=0.02), and stoma requirement (p=0.03). Conclusions. LARS affects almost half of the patients in various post-surgical stages. The LARS score is a practical tool for assessing intestinal function in patient follow-up. The prevalence and risk factors identified contribute to the understanding of the impact of sphincter-conserving surgery on patients' quality of life.

Turnbull-Cutait pull-through coloanal anastomosis versus standard coloanal anastomosis plus diverting ileostomy for low anterior resection: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: Coloanal anastomosis with loop diverting ileostomy (CAA) is an option for low anterior resection of the rectum, and Turnbull-Cutait coloanal anastomosis (TCA) regained popularity in the effort to offer patients a reconstructive option. In this context, we aimed to compare both techniques. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for studies published until January 2024. Odds ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, with p-values inferior to 0.10 and I2 >25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was conducted in RStudio version 4.1.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Registered number CRD42024509963. RESULTS: One randomized controlled trial and nine observational studies were included, comprising 1,743 patients, of whom 899 (51.5%) were submitted to TCA and 844 (48.5%) to CAA. Most patients had rectal cancer (52.2%), followed by megacolon secondary to Chagas disease (32.5%). TCA was associated with increased colon ischemia (OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.13 to 11.14; p < 0.031; I2 = 0%). There were no differences in postoperative complications classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIb, anastomotic leak, pelvic abscess, intestinal obstruction, bleeding, permanent stoma, or anastomotic stricture. In subgroup analysis of patients with cancer, TCA was associated with a reduction in anastomotic leak (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.97 p = 0.04; I2 = 34%). CONCLUSION: TCA was associated with a decrease in anastomotic leak rate in subgroups analysis of patients with cancer.

Brazil-TNT: A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Followed by FOLFIRINOX Versus Chemoradiation for Stage II/III Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant radiation and oxaliplatin-based systemic therapy (total neoadjuvant therapy-TNT) have been shown to increase response and organ-preservation rates in localized rectal cancer. However, trials have been heterogeneous regarding treatment protocols and few have used a watch-and-wait (WW) approach for complete responders. This trial evaluates if conventional long-term chemoradiation followed by consolidation of FOLFIRINOX increases complete response rates and the number of patients managed by WW. METHODS: This was a pragmatic randomized phase II trial conducted in 2 Cancer Centers in Brazil that included patients with T3+ or N+ rectal adenocarcinoma. After completing a long-course 54 Gy chemoradiation with capecitabine patients were randomized 1:1 to 4 cycles of mFOLFIRINOX (Oxaliplatin 85, irinotecan 150, 5-FU 2400)-TNT-arm-or to the control arm, that did not include further neoadjuvant treatment. All patients were re-staged with dedicated pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and sigmoidoscopy 12 weeks after the end of radiation. Patients with a clinical complete response were followed using a WW protocol. The primary endpoint was complete response: clinical complete response (cCR) or pathological response (pCR). RESULTS: Between April 2021 and June 2023, 55 patients were randomized to TNT and 53 to the control arm. Tumors were 74% stage 3, median distance from the anal verge was 6 cm, 63% had an at-risk circumferential margin, and 33% an involved sphincter. The rates of cCR + pCR were (31%) for TNT versus (17%) for controls (odds ratio 2.19, CI 95% 0.8-6.22 P = .091) and rates of WW were 16% and 9% (P = ns). Median follow-up was 8.1 months and recurrence rates were 16% versus 21% for TNT and controls (P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: TNT with consolidation FOLFIRINOX is feasible and has high response rates, consistent with the current literature for TNT. This trial was supported by a grant from the Brazilian Government (PROADI-SUS - NUP 25000.164382/2020-81).

Robot-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma.

This is a video vignette of a 57-year-old asymptomatic female patient. The patient underwent a screening colonoscopy which revealed a 10 mm scar in the rectum. Biopsy resulted in a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging confirmed tumor characteristics without distant or lymph nodal metastasis. A minimally invasive robotic transanal resection using the Da Vinci Xi platform was performed, achieving full-thickness lesion excision with uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed intramucosal adenocarcinoma with free margins. Local resection is advocated for selected T1 lesions and demands a thorough preoperative assessment. Robotic-assisted surgery presents a valuable alternative for early rectal adenocarcinoma management.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh secondary to perforated rectal cancer: the sciatic foramen as a route for infective spread.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially life-threatening surgical emergency. It is a rapidly progressive infection of soft tissues, and mortality is related to the degree of sepsis and the general condition of the patient. It is a rare condition that requires a rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment is aggressive debridement. There are a small number of reported cases of perforation of a rectal malignancy leading to NF of the thigh. We present a case with rectal cancer in which the sciatic foramen had provided a channel for the spread of pelvic infection into the thigh.

La fascitis necrotizante es una emergencia quirúrgica potencialmente mortal. Es una infección de tejidos blandos rápidamente progresiva y la mortalidad está relacionada con el grado de sepsis y el estado general del paciente. Es una condición poco común que requiere un diagnóstico rápido, y el tratamiento quirúrgico consiste en un desbridamiento agresivo. Existe un pequeño número de casos notificados de perforación de neoplasia maligna de recto que conduce a fascitis necrotizante del muslo. Presentamos un caso de cáncer de recto en el cual el foramen ciático fue el canal para la propagación de la infección pélvica al muslo.

Does Tri-Staple™ technology reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery? A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the Tri-Staple™ technology in colorectal anastomosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent rectosigmoidectomy between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups: EEA™ (EEA) or Tri-Staple™ (Tri-EEA). The groups were matched for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and neoadjuvant radiotherapy using propensity score matching (PSM). RESULT: Three hundred and thirty-six patients were included (228 EEA; 108 Tri-EEA). The groups were similar in sex, age, and neoadjuvant therapy. The Tri-EEA group had fewer patients with ASA III/IV scores (7% vs. 33%; p < 0.001). The Tri-EEA group had a lower incidence of leakage (4% vs. 11%; p = 0.023), reoperations (4% vs. 12%; p = 0.016), and severe complications (6% vs. 14%; p = 0.026). There was no difference in complications, mortality, readmission, and length of stay. After PSM, 108 patients in the EEA group were compared with 108 in the Tri-EEA group. The covariates sex, age, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and ASA were balanced, and the risk of leakage (4% vs. 12%; p = 0.04), reoperation (4% vs. 14%; p = 0.014), and severe complications (6% vs. 15%; p = 0.041) remained lower in the Tri-EEA group. CONCLUSION: Tri-Staple™ reduces the risk of leakage in colorectal anastomosis. However, this study provides only insights, and further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

Restaging magnetic resonance imaging of the rectum after neoadjuvant therapy: a practical guide / Ressonância magnética do reto no reestadiamento após terapia neoadjuvante: um guia prático

Abstract Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Rectal cancer accounts for approximately one-third of new colorectal cancer cases, with adenocarcinoma as the predominant subtype. Despite an overall decline in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, due to advancements in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment options, there is a concerning increase in incidence rates among young patients. Recent significant advances in managing locally advanced rectal cancer, such as the establishment of different surgical approaches, neoadjuvant treatment using different protocols for high-risk cases, and the adoption of organ-preservation strategies, have increased the importance of the role played by radiologists in locoregional assessment on magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, at restaging, and during active surveillance of patients with rectal cancer. In this article, we review the role of restaging rectal magnetic resonance imaging after neoadjuvant therapy, providing radiologists with a practical, step-by-step guide for assessing treatment response.

Resumo O câncer colorretal é o terceiro câncer mais comum e a segunda principal causa de morte relacionada ao câncer. O câncer retal representa aproximadamente um terço dos novos casos de câncer colorretal, sendo o adenocarcinoma o subtipo predominante. Apesar de uma diminuição geral na incidência e mortalidade, impulsionada por avanços na prevenção do câncer, diagnóstico precoce e opções de tratamento aprimoradas, há uma preocupante elevação nas taxas entre os pacientes jovens. Avanços recentes significativos no manejo do câncer retal localmente avançado, como abordagens cirúrgicas, o uso de diferentes protocolos de tratamento neoadjuvante para casos de alto risco e a adoção de estratégias de preservação de órgãos, aumentaram o papel dos radiologistas na avaliação locorregional por meio da ressonância magnética na avaliação inicial, reestadiamento e vigilância ativa de pacientes com câncer retal. Este manuscrito tem como objetivo revisar o papel da ressonância magnética retal no reestadiamento após terapia neoadjuvante, fornecendo aos radiologistas um guia prático para revisar exames nesse contexto.

Anorectal balloon cell melanoma: a rare variant.

Balloon cell melanoma is a rare presentation of malignant melanoma, usually on the skin, with less than 100 cases reported. Mucosal BCM is even rarer, with only one case of anorectal BCM reported in English literature. The diagnosis is based on the histopathologic findings of a tumor composed of large, foamy melanocytes, with or without pigmentation, and confirmed by immunohistochemical studies showing expression for melanocytic markers. The foam cell appearance of the tumor cells and the lack of melanin pigment lead to a diagnostic dilemma, mostly when presented at an unusual location. Herein, we report a case of balloon cell melanoma at the anorectal junction in a 73-year-old male patient complaining of constipation and bleeding per rectum. Surgical resection was performed with no evidence of recurrence after three years of close follow-up. We believe this case will raise awareness among the medical community to consider this tumor a differential diagnosis in rectal masses.

Primary Anorectal Melanoma: Case Report and Review of a Rare Neoplasm

Primary anorectal melanoma is a rare malignant melanocytic neoplasm; its principal manifestation is rectal bleeding. It has an ominous prognosis with a five-year survival rate of 10%. The case of a 56-year-old woman with rectal bleeding and the sensation of a rectal mass is presented. A polypoid lesion, resected transanally, was documented in the distal rectum during the colonoscopy. The histological study confirmed a primary anorectal melanoma.

El melanoma anorrectal primario es una neoplasia melanocítica maligna poco frecuente, su principal manifestación es el sangrado rectal. Tiene un pronóstico ominoso con una tasa de sobrevida del 10% a 5 años. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 56 años con rectorragia y sensación de masa rectal. Durante la colonoscopia se documentó una lesión polipoide en el recto distal, que se resecó por vía transanal. El estudio histológico confirmó la presencia de un melanoma anorrectal primario.

Split scar sign to predict complete response in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for rectal cancer initial staging and restaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of the split scar sign (SSS) on rectal MRI in predicting complete response after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant published studies through June 2023. Primary studies met eligibility criteria if they evaluated the diagnostic performance of the SSS to predict complete response on pathology or clinical follow-up in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled sensitivity and specificity, area under the curve (AUC), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of the SSS. RESULTS: A total of 4 studies comprising 377 patients met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of complete response in the studies was 21.7-52.5%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the SSS to predict complete response were 62.0% (95% CI, 43.5-78.5%) and 91.9% (95% CI, 78.9-97.2%), respectively. The estimated AUC for SSS was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.56-0.94) with a DOR of 18.8 (95% CI, 3.65-96.5). CONCLUSION: The presence of SSS on rectal MRI demonstrated high specificity for complete response in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. This imaging pattern can be a valuable tool to identify potential candidates for organ-sparing treatment and surveillance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: SSS presents high specificity for complete response post-neoadjuvant. This MRI finding enhances rectal cancer treatment assessment and aids clinicians and patients in choosing watch-and-wait over immediate surgery, which can potentially reduce costs and associated morbidity. KEY POINTS: •Fifteen to 50% of rectal cancer patients achieve complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and may be eligible for a watch-and-wait strategy. •The split scar sign has high specificity for a complete response. •This imaging finding is valuable to select candidates for organ-sparing management.

CEA-delta could be a biomarker of tumor phenotype, clinical stage, and chemotherapeutic response in rectal cancer with OCT4-positive cancer stem cells.

Background: There is very limited evidence on biomarkers for evaluating the clinical behavior and therapeutic response in rectal cancer (RC) with positive expression of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Methods: An exploratory prospective study was conducted, which included fresh samples of tumor tissue from 109 patients diagnosed with primary RC. Sociodemographic, pathological and clinical characteristics were collected from medical records and survey. The OCT4 protein was isolated using the Western Blot technique. It was calculated the ΔCEA, ΔOCT4, and ΔOCT4/GUSB values by assessing the changes before and after chemotherapy, aiming to evaluate the therapeutic response. Results: Patients had an average age of 69.9 years, with 55% (n=60) being male. Approximately 63.3% of the tumors were undifferentiated, and the most frequent staging classification was pathological stage III (n=64; 58.7%). Initial positive expression was observed in 77.1% of the patients (n=84), and the median ΔCEA was -1.03 (-3.82 - 0.84) ng/ml, with elevated levels (< -0.94 ng/ml) found in 51.4% of the subjects (n=56). Being OCT4 positive and having an elevated ΔCEA value were significantly associated with undifferentiated tumor phenotype (p=0.002), advanced tumor progression stage (p <0.001), and negative values of ΔOCT4 (p <0.001) (suggestive of poor therapeutic response) compared to those without this status. Conclusion: This study identified a significant and directly proportional association among the values of ΔCEA, ΔOCT4, and ΔOCT4/GUSB. These findings suggest that ΔCEA holds potential as a clinical biomarker for determining the undifferentiated tumor phenotype, advanced clinical stage, and poor therapeutic response in RC with CSCs positive expression.

Magnifying chromoendoscopy is a reliable method in the selection of rectal neoplasms for local excision.

PURPOSE: Adequate staging of early rectal neoplasms is essential for organ-preserving treatments, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently overestimates the stage of those lesions. We aimed to compare the ability of magnifying chromoendoscopy and MRI to select patients with early rectal neoplasms for local excision. METHODS: This retrospective study in a tertiary Western cancer center included consecutive patients evaluated by magnifying chromoendoscopy and MRI who underwent en bloc resection of nonpedunculated sessile polyps larger than 20 mm, laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) [Formula: see text] 20 mm, or depressed-type lesions of any size (Paris 0-IIc). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of magnifying chromoendoscopy and MRI to determine which lesions were amenable to local excision (i.e., [Formula: see text] T1sm1) were calculated. RESULTS: Specificity of magnifying chromoendoscopy was 97.3% (95% CI 92.2-99.4), and accuracy was 92.7% (95% CI 86.7-96.6) for predicting invasion deeper than T1sm1 (not amenable to local excision). MRI had lower specificity (60.5%, 95% CI 43.4-76.0) and lower accuracy (58.3%, 95% CI 43.2-72.4). Magnifying chromoendoscopy incorrectly predicted invasion depth in 10.7% of the cases in which the MRI was correct, while magnifying chromoendoscopy provided a correct diagnosis in 90% of the cases in which the MRI was incorrect (p = 0.001). Overstaging occurred in 33.3% of the cases in which magnifying chromoendoscopy was incorrect and 75% of the cases in which MRI was incorrect. CONCLUSION: Magnifying chromoendoscopy is reliable for predicting invasion depth in early rectal neoplasms and selecting patients for local excision.

Rectal stimulation with prebiotics and probiotics before ileostomy reversal: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ileostomy closure is associated with a high rate of postoperative morbidity, and adynamic ileus is the most common complication, with an incidence of up to 32%. This complication is associated with delayed initiation of oral diet intake, abdominal distention, prolonged hospital stay, and more significant patient discomfort. The present study aims to evaluate the rectal stimulus with prebiotics and probiotics before ileostomy reversal. METHODS: This is a protocol study for an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial. Ethical approval was received (CAAE: 56551722.6.0000.0071). The following criteria will be used for inclusion: adult patients with rectal cancer stages cT3/4Nx or cTxN+ that underwent loop protection ileostomy, patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups. The intervention group (with rectal stimulus): the patients will apply 500 ml of saline solution with 6 g of Simbioflora® rectally, once a day, for 15 days before ileostomy closure. The control group (without rectal stimulation): the patients will close the ileostomy with no previous rectal stimulus. The primary outcomes will be the adynamic ileus (need for postoperative nasogastric tube insertion; nausea/vomiting; or intolerance to oral feedings within the first 72 h) and intestinal transit (time to first evacuation/flatus). RESULTS: The patient's enrollment starts in January 2023. We expect to finish in July 2025. DISCUSSION: The findings of this randomized clinical study may have important implications for managing patients undergoing ileostomy reversal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the Brazilian Trial Registry (ReBEC) under RBR-366n64w. Registration date: 19/07/2022.

Surgical outcomes and factors associated with postoperative complications of colorectal cancer in a Colombian Caribbean population: Results from a regional referral hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Its incidence and mortality vary markedly at a global level. Assessing the epidemiological behavior of this condition allows reevaluating diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic options, based on new findings. In Colombia, few studies have correlated variables associated with surgical and oncological outcomes in this type of cancer. Then, the aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and factors associated with postoperative complications of colorectal cancer in a Colombian Caribbean Population. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study, including patients with a histopathological diagnosis of colorectal cancer who underwent open or laparoscopic surgery, during a period of two years (2018-2020), from a regional referral hospital. Clinical history variables were collected. Frequencies and prevalence ratios were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were finally included. Adenocarcinoma of non-special type with advanced clinical stages was the most prevalent (72.6%). Rectal neoplasia (45.2%) was the most frequent anatomical subsite, followed by proximal colon (p = 0.026). The anatomical subsite of the neoplasm, intraoperative complication (PR 1.38; 95% CI, 1.21-1.59, p = 0.001) and intensive care stay (PR 1.062; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12, p = 0.048) were associated with postoperative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical subsite of the neoplasm location, the presence of intraoperative complications and the stay in intensive care may be associated with the surgical and oncological outcome of individuals with colon cancer from the Colombian Caribbean region.

Validation of low anterior resection syndrome score in Brazil with Portuguese.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the convergent validity, discriminative validity, and reliability of the Brazilian version of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score in a population with low educational and socioeconomic levels. METHODS: The LARS score was translated into the Portuguese language by forward- and back-translation procedures. In total, 127 patients from a public hospital in Brazil completed the questionnaires. The convergent validity was tested by comparing the LARS score with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core Module 30 (QLQ-C30) and with patients' self-reported quality of life. For the discriminative validity, we tested the ability of the score to differentiate among subgroups of patients regarding neoadjuvant radiotherapy, type of surgery, and tumor distance from the anal verge. The test-retest reliability was investigated in a subgroup of 36 patients who responded to the survey twice in 2 weeks. RESULTS: The LARS score demonstrated a strong correlation with 5 of 6 items from the EORTC QLQ-C30 (P<0.05) and good concordance with patients' self-reported quality of life (95.3%), confirming the convergent validity. The score was able to discriminate between subgroups of patients with different clinical characteristics related to LARS (P<0.001). The agreement between the test and retest showed that 86.1% of the patients remained in the same LARS category, and there was no significant difference between the LARS score numerical values (P=0.80), indicating good reliability overall. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the LARS score is a valid and reliable instrument to assess postoperative bowel function in a population with low educational and socioeconomic levels.

Lipoma de recto prolapsado e incarcerado: caso clínico y análisis de la literatura / Prolapsed and incarcerated rectal lipoma: case report and literature review / Prolapso e encarceramento de lipoma do reto: caso clínico e análise da literatura

Los lipomas colónicos son tumores benignos poco frecuentes, extremadamente raros a nivel rectal. A pesar de ello, ocupan el segundo lugar en frecuencia detrás de los pólipos adenomatosos. Aunque la mayoría de los lipomas colorrectales son asintomáticos y se descubren incidentalmente, en ocasiones pueden ser sintomáticos y determinar complicaciones agudas que requieren tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencia. Estas formas de presentación pueden confundirse con las del cáncer colorrectal, constituyendo un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente que consultó en emergencia por una gran masa dolorosa de aparición aguda a nivel del ano, resultando ser un lipoma rectal prolapsado a través del canal anal.

Colonic lipomas are infrequent benign tumors, extremely rare at the rectum. Nevertheless, they follow in frequency polyp adenomas. Even though most colorectal lipomas are asymptomatic and incidental, they can occasionally be symptomatic and develop acute complications that require urgent surgical treatment. This form of presentation can be confounded with colorectal cancer, therefore impairing diagnosis and treatment. We present the case of a female patient who came to the emergency room with an acute painful mass through the anus, that resulted in a prolapsed rectal lipoma.

Os lipomas colônicos são tumores benignos pouco frequentes, extremamente raros no nível retal. Apesar disso, ocupam o segundo lugar em frequência atrás dos pólipos adenomatosos. Embora a maioria dos lipomas colorretais sejam assintomáticos e descobertos incidentalmente, às vezes eles podem ser sintomáticos e levar a complicações agudas que requerem tratamento cirúrgico de emergência. Essas formas de apresentação podem ser confundidas com as do câncer colorretal, constituindo um desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente que consultou na sala de emergência por uma grande massa dolorosa de início agudo ao nível do ânus, que acabou por ser um lipoma retal prolapsado pelo canal anal.

Anorectal balloon cell melanoma: a rare variant

ABSTRACT Balloon cell melanoma is a rare presentation of malignant melanoma, usually on the skin, with less than 100 cases reported. Mucosal BCM is even rarer, with only one case of anorectal BCM reported in English literature. The diagnosis is based on the histopathologic findings of a tumor composed of large, foamy melanocytes, with or without pigmentation, and confirmed by immunohistochemical studies showing expression for melanocytic markers. The foam cell appearance of the tumor cells and the lack of melanin pigment lead to a diagnostic dilemma, mostly when presented at an unusual location. Herein, we report a case of balloon cell melanoma at the anorectal junction in a 73-year-old male patient complaining of constipation and bleeding per rectum. Surgical resection was performed with no evidence of recurrence after three years of close follow-up. We believe this case will raise awareness among the medical community to consider this tumor a differential diagnosis in rectal masses.