Diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of rectal retroflexion: a prospective, single-blind study conducted in three centers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: No clear data have been established and validated regarding whether rectal retroflexion has an important and therapeutic impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of rectal retroflexion compared with straight view examination. METHODS: A prospective single-blind study was conducted. Consecutive patients evaluated between October 2011 and April 2012 were included. RESULTS: A total of 934 patients (542 women, 58%) were included. The mean age was 57.4±14.8 years. Retroflexion was successful in 917 patients (98.2%). Distinct lesions in the anorectal area were detected in 32 patients (3.4%), of which 10 (1%) were identified only on retroflex view and 22 (2.4%) on both straight and retroflex views. Of the 32 identified lesions, 16 (50%) were polyps, nine (28.1%) were angiodysplasias, six (18.8%) were ulcers, and one (3.1%) was a flat lesion. All 10 patients (1%) in whom lesions were detected only by rectal retroflexion showed a therapeutic impact. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal retroflexion has minimal diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact. However, its low rate of major complications and the possibility of detecting lesions undetectable by straight viewing justify its use.

Midterm outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

In this study, the authors examine midterm survival and recurrence after laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer. This is a retrospective review of a prospective database for rectal cancer surgeries performed at the authors' institution, with follow-up data obtained through chart review. In all, 74 patients in this study had open surgery, and 93 had laparoscopic surgery. The 5-year overall survival was 73.6% ± 12.0% in the open group and 80.0% ± 12.8% in the laparoscopic group (P = .159). Disease-free survival at 5 years was better in the laparoscopic group (71.0% ± 13.4%) than in the open group (50.3% ± 12.7%), with a P value of .01. Laparoscopic surgery remained an independent predictor of disease-free survival in the multivariate analysis. Results of prospective randomized trials are awaited, and the authors expect that the laparoscopic approach will be shown to be a safe and effective option for the management of rectal cancer.

Utility of a simplified predictive model to predict rebleeding in patients with high-risk stigmata ulcers.

AIM: To evaluate a simplified Predictive Model (sPM) to predict rebleeding in patients with high-risk stigmata ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, patients seen from March 2002 to September 2007 with peptic ulcers Forrest Ia, Ib, IIa and/or IIb were included. A sPM based on modified Blatchford Score Risk System (mBRS) was used. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients were included. The positive and negative predictive values for rebleeding with mBRS ≤1 were 15% [95% confidence interval (CI): 4-42] and 72% (95% CI: 61-80), respectively; for sPM ≤1 these values were 16% (95% CI: 8-29) and 65.3% (95% CI: 52-76), respectively. The odds ratio for rebleeding in patients with sPM ≤1 was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.6-0.97, P=0.03) and odds ratio for mBRS ≤1 was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.64-1.1, P=0.3). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high-risk stigmata ulcers with sPM and mBRS ≤1 the risk of rebleeding is low and their early discharge could be considered.

PPIs are not associated with a lower incidence of portal-hypertension-related bleeding in cirrhosis.

AIM: To determine if proton pump inhibitor use in cirrhotic patients with endoscopic findings of portal hypertension is associated with a lower frequency of gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis and endoscopic findings related to portal hypertension, receiving or not receiving proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, were included retrospectively. We assigned patients to two groups: group 1 patients underwent PPI therapy and group 2 patients did not undergo PPI therapy. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients with a median age of 58 (26-87) years were included, 57 (54.3%) of which were women. Esophageal varices were found in 82 (78%) patients, portal hypertensive gastropathy in 72 (68.6%) patients, and gastric varices in 15 (14.3%) patients. PPI therapy was used in 45.5% of patients (n = 48). Seventeen (16.1%) patients presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding; in 14/17 (82.3%) patients, bleeding was secondary to esophageal varices, and in 3/17 patients bleeding was attributed to portal hypertensive gastropathy. Bleeding related to portal hypertension according to PPI therapy occurred in 18.7% (n = 9) of group 1 and in 14% (n = 8) of group 2 (odds ratio: 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.5-1.3, P = 0.51). CONCLUSION: Portal hypertension bleeding is not associated with PPI use. These findings do not support the prescription of PPIs in patients with chronic liver disease with no currently accepted indication.

[Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis with an open technique. Experience of a third level Latin American center]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico de la poliposis adenomatosa familiar con técnica abierta. Experiencia de un centro latinoamericano de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) are the preferred surgical methods in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). OBJECTIVE: To describe the results obtained from the surgical treatment in patients with FAP related to morbidity, mortality, rectal cancer and overall survival. METHODS: We studied a retrospective cohort including all patients operated on with IPAA or IRA for FAP during the period of 1969 to 2000 at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. IRA was performed in 9 patients and IPAA in 17. Surgical morbidity was observed in 5 patients (19.2%). Mean postoperative follow-up was 68.8 +/- 58.8 months (median 52.5 months, range 0-240 months). Functional results were similar in both groups. The five year survival in patients with IPAA and IRA was 100% and 55.6%, respectively (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: In our institution, postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with FAP are similar to those published in the literature. IPAA seems to offer better results related to survival with similar functional results and postoperative complications.

Endoscopic treatment with argon plasma coagulation in postradiation proctopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Postradiation proctopathy (PP) is a major complication in patients who receive radiotherapy for cancer. Medical treatments of this entity are unsatisfactory. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) had been shown to be successful with low complications. The aim was to describe our experience with APC in the management of PP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic- and paper-based records of patients with PP managed with APC. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with PP were included, nine were women. Median age was 64 years, and follow-up was 29 months. The most frequent cause of radiotherapy for cancer was cervicouterine and prostate ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS: Moderate disease was observed in nine patients; mild and severe diseases were observed in five patients each. At endoscopy, telangiectasias were present in 15, ulcers in five, and active bleeding in two patients. Median of APC sessions was two (one to seven). Mean dose of APC was 30 W (30-40 W) and 1.7 l (1.5-2.0 l). Median time for relief of symptoms was 3 months. All patients were asymptomatic at the end of treatment, and bleeding was controlled at the end of treatment in all patients. Recurrence of bleeding presented in one patient at 4 months. No complications were related to the APC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, APC is successful in treatment of PP, with few sessions and low morbidity and null mortality.

Mucosectomía rectal con engrapadora sola y combinada con otros procedimientos quirúrgicos anorrectales: análisis multivariado de los factores que afectan el resultado clínico / Stapled rectal mucosectomy alone and in combination with other surgical anorectal procedures: multivariate analysis of factors affecting clinical outcome

Objetivo: Comparar el resultado clínico de la mucosectomía rectal con engrapadora (MRE) sola y de la MRE combinada con esfinterotomía y con plastia anal de colgajos cutáneos, y examinar qué factores influyen sobre las complicaciones y la satisfacción del paciente. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con enfermedad hemorroidal grados II a IV sometidos a MRE sola o en combinación con otros procedimientos. Se analizaron las complicaciones posoperatorias, resolución de síntomas y grado de satisfacción. Resultados: 241 pacientes consecutivos con seguimiento mínimo de un año se dividieron en tres grupos: MRE sola (n = 187), MRE combinada con esfinterotomía (n = 31) y MRE combinada con plastia de colgajos (n = 23). Los pacientes con MRE con esfinterotomía presentaron un porcentaje de complicaciones mayor que el resto (32 versus 12.8 % y 13 %, respectivamente, p = 0.02). La MRE con esfinterotomía se asoció con mayor riesgo de complicaciones que la MRE sola (RM = 3.5, IC 95 % = 1.4-8.7); la inclusión exclusiva de epitelio columnar en la zona resecada se asoció con menor riesgo de complicaciones que cuando se incluyó además epitelio transicional (RM = 0.4, IC 95 % = 0.2-0.8). La resolución de síntomas preoperatorios en la mayor parte de los pacientes fue > 80 % en los tres grupos. No hubo asociación de complicaciones o del tipo de procedimiento con el grado de satisfacción. Cuando el porcentaje de síntomas resueltos fue < 80 % se asoció con grado bajo o intermedio de satisfacción (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: La resolución de los síntomas preoperatorios con los tres procedimientos es similar. La MRE con esfinterotomía tiene mayor riesgo de complicaciones. El grado de satisfacción se asocia con la resolución de los síntomas preoperatorios.

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to compare the clinical outcome of stapled rectal mucosectomy (SRM) alone and in combination with sphincterotomy and cutaneous flap anoplasty and to determine the influence of factors related to complications and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Patients with second- to fourth-degree hemorrhoids who underwent SRM alone or in combination with other anorectal procedures were included. Postoperative complications, symptom resolution and patient satisfaction were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred forty one patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were divided into three groups: SRM alone (n = 187), SRM combined with sphincterotomy (n = 31) and SRM combined with cutaneous flap anoplasty (n = 23). Patients with SRM with sphincterotomy showed a higher complication rate than the other groups (32 vs. 12.8% and 13%, respectively, p = 0.02). SRM combined with sphincterotomy was associated with a higher rate of complications (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.4-8.7). SRM alone with low mucosal resection was associated with a lower complications rate (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.8). Resolution of preoperative symptoms was >80% among the three groups. There was no association between complications and type of procedure with satisfaction level. Resolution of symptoms <80% was associated with low/intermediate level of satisfaction (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Resolution of preoperative symptoms is similar among the three groups. SRM combined with sphincterotomy has a higher risk of complications. The satisfaction level is associated with resolution of preoperative symptoms.

Utility of endoscopy in patients with incidental gastrointestinal luminal wall thickening detected with CT.

BACKGROUND: Reports of incidental gastrointestinal luminal wall thickening (IGILWT) on computed tomography (CT) in patients without gastrointestinal complaints are not rare. Currently there is no consensus about what to do in those cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of endoscopic study in asymptomatic patients with IGILWT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data obtained prospectively between September 2004 and March 2007 was carried out. Patients without gastrointestinal symptoms/signs with IGILWT and assessed by endoscopy were included. The endoscopic findings were classified as follows: normal, abnormal or nonspecific. RESULTS: A total of 10,161 abdominal/pelvic CT scans were performed. Thirty-one patients were included (14 women and 17 men). Median age was 59 years (19-84 years). Distribution of IGILWT along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was as follows: 1 esophagus, 19 stomach, 1 small-bowel, and 10 colon. Endoscopy was normal in 19 cases (61.2%) and abnormal/nonspecific in 12 cases (38.8%). Nine (29%) patients had cancer as a final diagnosis (gastric cancer in six, colon cancer in two, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in one). On multivariate analysis hemoglobin <12 g/dl was the only significant variable to predict an abnormal result by endoscopy. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic study is useful in patients with IGILWT. More than one-third of patients with IGILWT have a significant finding by endoscopic evaluation, mainly cancer. Absence of GI symptoms/signs, age or gender are not valid criteria to decide about further endoscopic evaluation.

[Surgical and medical treatment outcome of enterocutaneus fistulas]. / Resultados del tratamiento médico-quirúrgico de las fistulas enterocutáneas.

INTRODUCTION: Enterocutaneous fistulas are an important complication of gastrointestinal surgery. Most of the cases (75% to 85%) are secondary to postoperative complications and are related to a high morbi-mortality rate, mainly sepsis, malnutrition and fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The aim of this study is to describe the main causes of enterocutaneous fistulas and morbi-mortality associated to treatment in the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán. METHODS: Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study. Clinical records of patients with enterocutaneous fistula from January 1999 to December 2003 were reviewed. RESULTS: 51 patients were identified; median age was 45 years (interval 20 to 79 years). Fistula resulted from surgery in 49 cases (96%). A combined therapy of total parenteral nutrition and low residue diet were used in 28 patients (55%). Surgery was performed as definitive treatment in 29 patients (57%). Indications for surgery were: failure to medical treatment in 25 patients (59%) and a persistent high output in 4 (8%). The median of postoperative hospitalization was 11 days (interval 3 to 96 days) and the median of lenght of stay was 30 days (interval 40 to 130 days). There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: Enterocutaneous fistulas require long time of hospitalization. More than 50% of patients need surgery as final treatment.

Stapled rectal mucosectomy alone and in combination with other surgical anorectal procedures: multivariate analysis of factors affecting clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to compare the clinical outcome of stapled rectal mucosectomy (SRM) alone and in combination with sphincterotomy and cutaneous flap anoplasty and to determine the influence of factors related to complications and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Patients with second- to fourth-degree hemorrhoids who underwent SRM alone or in combination with other anorectal procedures were included. Postoperative complications, symptom resolution and patient satisfaction were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred forty one patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were divided into three groups: SRM alone (n = 187), SRM combined with sphincterotomy (n = 31) and SRM combined with cutaneous flap anoplasty (n = 23). Patients with SRM with sphincterotomy showed a higher complication rate than the other groups (32 vs. 12.8% and 13%, respectively, p = 0.02). SRM combined with sphincterotomy was associated with a higher rate of complications (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.4-8.7). SRM alone with low mucosal resection was associated with a lower complications rate (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.8). Resolution of preoperative symptoms was >80% among the three groups. There was no association between complications and type of procedure with satisfaction level. Resolution of symptoms <80% was associated with low/intermediate level of satisfaction (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Resolution of preoperative symptoms is similar among the three groups. SRM combined with sphincterotomy has a higher risk of complications. The satisfaction level is associated with resolution of preoperative symptoms.

SECCA procedure for the treatment of fecal incontinence: results of five-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the long-term (5-year) durability of radiofrequency energy delivery for fecal incontinence. METHODS: This was an extension of the follow-up from our original prospective study in which patients who suffered from fecal incontinence were treated with the SECCA system for radiofrequency energy delivery to the anal canal muscle. The Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale (0-20), fecal incontinence-related quality of life score, and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 were administered to five years. Differences between baseline and follow-up were analyzed by using paired t-test. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were treated and followed for five years, including 18 females (aged 57.1 (range, 44-77) years). The mean duration for fecal incontinence was 7.1 (range, 1-21) years. At five-year follow-up, the mean fecal incontinence score had improved from 14.37 to 8.26 (P<0.00025) with 16 patients (84.2 percent) demonstrating>50 percent improvement. All fecal incontinence-related quality of life scores improved, including lifestyle (2.43 to 3.15; P<0.00075), coping (1.73 to 2.6; P<0.00083), depression (2.24 to 3.15; P<0.0002), and embarrassment (1.56 to 2.51; P<0.0003). The social function component of the Short-Form 36 improved from 38.3 to 60 (P<0.05). There was a trend toward improvement in the mental component summary of the Short-Form 36 from 38.1 to 48.14. There were no long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: Significant and sustained improvements in fecal incontinence symptoms and quality of life are seen at five years after treatment with the SECCA system. This treatment should be considered for patients suffering from fecal incontinence not amenable to surgery and who have failed conservative management.

Upper gastrointestinal dieulafoy's lesions and endoscopie treatment: first report from a mexican centre.

The aim was to evaluate the initial success, rebleeding rate, need for emergent surgery, and mortality rates of patients with Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) and endoscopic treatment (ET). Patients with DL from a tertiary center were included. We included 20 patients with follow-up of 90 (60-550) days. The lesser curvature was the most common localization. Initial success, rebleeding, and emergent surgery requirement were observed in 90%, 10%, and 15%, respectively. No objective variables were related with response to ET. In conclusion, ET is secure and useful in patients with DL and it must be considered as the first-line treatment modality.

[Single-layer colonic anastomoses using polyglyconate (Maxon) vs. two-layer anastomoses using chromic catgut and silk. Experimental study]. / Anastomosis colónicas en una sola capa continua con poligliconato (maxon) vs. anastomosis en dos capas con catgut cró6mico y seda. Estudio experimental.

BACKGROUND: The safety of an intestinal anastomosis is usually measured by its complication rate, especially the incidence of anastomotic leakage. A wide variety of methods have been described to reestablish intestinal continuity including single-layer continuous or two-layer interrupted anastomosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if the single-layer continuous anastomosis using polygluconate is safer and reliable than two-layer interrupted anastomosis with chromic catgut and silk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, experimental, randomized and comparative analysis was conducted in 20 dogs. They were divided in two groups; group 1 underwent two-layer interrupted anastomosis and group 2 underwent sigle-layer continuous technique. Anastomoses were timed. Both groups were under observation. Anastomotic leakage, and other complications were evaluated. The animals were sacrified and the anastomosis was taken out together with 10 cm of colon on both sides of the anastomosis. Breaking strength, histologic evaluation and hydroxyproline determination were performed. RESULTS: Ten two-layer anastomosis and ten single-layer anastomosis were performed. A median of 25 minutes (range: 20-30 minutes) was required to construct the anastomoses in group 1 versus 20 minutes (range: 12-25 minutes) in group 2. All animals survived and no leakage was observed. Wound infection ocurred in four dogs (20%). Median breaking strength was 230 mm Hg in group 1 and 210 mm Hg in group 2. Hydroxyproline concentration was 8.94 mg/g in group 1 (range: 5.33-16.71) and 9.94 mg/g in group 2 (range: 2.96-21.87). There was no difference among groups about the inflammatory response evaluated by pathology. There was no statistical significance in any variable evaluated. CONCLUIONS: This study demonstrates that a single-layer continuous is similar in terms of safety to the two-layer technique, but because of its facility to perform, the single-layer technique could be superior.

Anastomosis colónicas en una sola capa continua con poligliconato (maxon) vs. anastomosis en dos capas con catgut crómico y seda: Estudio experimental / Single layer colonic anastomoses using maxon vs. two layer anastomoses using chromic catgut and silk: structured abstract

Background. The safety of an intestinal anastomosis is usually measured by its complication rate, especially the incidence of anastomotic leakage. A wide variety of methods have been described to reestablish intestinal continuity including single-layer continuous or two-layer interrupted anastomosis. Objectives. To evaluate if the single-layer continuous anastomosis using polygluconate is safer and reliable than two-layer interrupted anastomosis with chromic catgut and silk. Material and methods. A prospective, experimental, randomized and comparative analysis was conducted in 20 dogs. They were divided in two groups; group 1 underwent two-layer interrupted anastomosis and group 2 underwent sigle-layer continuous technique. Anastomoses were timed. Both groups were under observation. Anastomotic leakage, and other complications were evaluated. The animals were sacrified and the anastomosis was taken out together with 10 cm of colon on both sides of the anastomosis. Breaking strength, histologic evaluation and hydroxyproline determination were performed. Results. Ten two-layer anastomosis and ten single-layer anastomosis were performed. A median of 25 minutes (range: 20-30 minutes) was required to construct the anastomoses in group 1 versus 20 minutes (range: 12-25 minutes) in group 2. All animals survived and no leakage was observed. Wound infection ocurred in four dogs (20%). Median breaking strength was 230 mm Hg in group 1 and 210 mm Hg in group 2. Hydroxyproline concentration was 8.94 mg/g in group 1 (range: 5.33-16.71) and 9.94 mg/g in group 2 (range: 2.96-21.87). There was no difference among groups about the inflammatory response evaluated by pathology. There was no statistical significance in any variable evaluated. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that a single-layer continuous is similar in terms of safety to the two-layer technique, but because of its facility to perform, the single-layer technique could be superior.

Antecedentes. Una de las preocupaciones más importantes en cirugía colorrectal es la presencia de dehiscencia o fístula de la anastomosis. Múltiples técnicas han sido descritas para realizar anastomosis, entre las que se incluyen las anastomosis en una sola capa o en dos capas. Objetivos. Evaluar si la anastomosis colonica en una capa con poligliconato es más segura y efectiva que la anastomosis colonica en dos capas con catgut crómico y seda. Material y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo, experimental, aleatorio y comparativo en 20 perros. Se dividieron a los animales en dos grupos; grupo 1: anastomosis en dos capas y grupo 2: anastomosis en una sola capa. Se evaluó el tiempo de duración de la anastomosis. Todos los animales se mantuvieron en observación evaluando datos de complicaciones como fístulas colocutáneas o dehiscencia de la anastomosis. En el día diez del postoperatorio se sacrificaron. Se resecó el segmento de la anastomosis abarcando 10 cm proximales y 10 cm distales. Se midió la presión de ruptura, se realizó análisis histopatológico y se determinó la cantidad de hidroxiprolina de la línea de la anastomosis. Resultados. Se incluyeron diez perros en el grupo 1 y diez perros en el grupo 2. La mediana del tiempo de duración de la anastomosis en el grupo 1 fue de 25 minutos (rango: 20-30 minutos) y en el grupo 2 de 20 minutos (rango: 12-25 minutos) (p = NS). No se presentaron datos de fístula, dehiscencia o estenosis de la anastomosis. Cuatro perros presentaron infección en la herida. La presión de ruptura del grupo 1 fue de 230 mm Hg (115-360) y del grupo 2 fue de 210 mm Hg (100-300). La concentración de hidroxiprolina en el grupo 1 fue de 8.94 mg/gramo (rango: 5.33-16.71), y en el grupo 2 fue de 9.94 mg/gramo (rango: 2.96-21.87). No se encontró diferencia significativa en las variables analizadas. Se comparó el grado de reacción inflamatoria en ambos grupos, no hubo diferencia estadística. Conclusiones. Los dos procedimientos son seguros y confiables de realizar, aunque por su mayor facilidad, estos datos apoyan la utilización del método de una sola capa.

[Morbi-mortality related to ileostomy and colostomy closure]. / Morbimortalidad asociada al cierre de ileostomía y colostomía en asa.

INTRODUCTION: The main goal of gastrointestinal stomas is to divert the faecal stream from technically difficult anastomoses or intestinal obstruction. Current tendency is to avoid definitive stomas, temporary loop stomas are commonly used to protect high risk anastomosis or sections of the distal bowel. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the morbi-mortality after loop stomas closure. METHODS: Retrolective, observational and comparative study was conducted. The files of patients submitted to loop ileostomy or colostomy closure from 1981 to 2001 were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed by the Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: From a total of 107 procedures included, 73% were ileostomy closures and 27% colostomy closures. The mean age was 46 years (14-88). Protection of anastomoses was the most common indication in both stoma groups. The colostomy group had a larger interval days between stoma creation and closure than the ileostomy group (172.3 days vs. 125.6 days p = 0.008). Stoma closure was performed by hand sewn sutures in 81.3% patients and by stapled technique in 19.7% patients. The mean operative time for stoma closure was higher for colostomy group than for ileostomy (108.1 min vs. 88.3 min, p = 0.04). Colostomy group patients required a midline abdominal incisions more often than ileostomy group (21.4 vs. 2.5% p = 0.04). Morbidity rates were 7.6% for the ileostomy group and 10.3% for the colostomy group. Colostomy closure required a longer length of stay. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that stoma closure was a well tolerated procedure with low morbidity and no mortality rates. The result suggest that ileostomy closure is a simpler procedure.

El antígeno carcinoembrionario: a propósito de un viejo conocido / The carcinoembryonic antigen: by the way a well-known friend

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is glycoprotein localized in the apical surface of mature enterocytes. The members of the CEA gene family are clustered on chromosome 19q13.2. It is formed by 29 genes, of which 18 are expressed. Many functions of CEA have been known in healthy individuals, however its role as cell adhesion molecule is the most studied. Besides the colon, CEA is expressed in the stomach, tongue, oesophagus, cervix, and prostate. The most important clinical function is in colorectal, gastric and ovary cancer. It is used as prognosis marker, staging system, recurrence, treatment response and liver metastases. There are many no neoplasic-diseases that enhance CEA value. Actually, the CEA is being studying as target of immunotherapy.

El antígeno carcinoembrionario (ACE) es una glucoproteína localizada en el polo apical de los enterocitos. Los genes que codifican para el ACE se localizan en el cromosoma 19q13.2. El grupo total está constituido por 29 genes, divididos en tres subgrupos de los cuales se expresan sólo 18. En el individuo sano existen múltiples funciones del ACE que han sido ampliamente estudiadas, su función como molécula de adhesión ha sido la más ampliamente difundida. En pacientes sanos además de expresarse a nivel de colon el ACE se expresa en células de la lengua, esófago, estómago, cervix y próstata. Los pacientes que reciben una mayor utilidad clínica son aquellos con cáncer colorrectal (CCR), cáncer gástrico y cáncer de ovario. Su uso más amplio es en el CCR, actualmente se utiliza como marcador pronóstico, estadiaje, marcador de recurrencia, de respuesta al tratamiento y como indicador de metástasis a nivel hepático. Existen algunas patologías no neoplásicas que causan elevación de las cifras séricas de ACE. Actualmente se estudia al ACE como blanco de inmunoterapia dirigida a tumores que contengan células que expresen esta molécula.

[The carcinoembryonic antigen: apropos of an old friend]. / El antígeno carcinoembrionario: a propósito de un viejo conocido.

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is glycoprotein localized in the apical surface of mature enterocytes. The members of the CEA gene family are clustered on chromosome 19q13.2. It is formed by 29 genes, of which 18 are expressed. Many functions of CEA have been known in healthy indiuiduals, however its role as cell adhesion molecule is the most studied. Besides the colon, CEA is expressed in the stomach, tongue, oesophagus, cervix, and prostate. The most important clinical function is in colorectal, gastric and ovary cancer. It is used as prognosis marker, staging system, recurrence, treatment response and liver metastases. There are many non-neoplasic diseases that enhance CEA value. Actually, CEA is being studying as target of immunotherapy.

Extended two-year results of radio-frequency energy delivery for the treatment of fecal incontinence (the Secca procedure).

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the durability and long-term safety of radio-frequency energy delivery for fecal incontinence (Secca procedure). METHODS: This was an extended follow-up of a prospective study in which patients with fecal incontinence of various causes underwent radio-frequency energy delivery to the anal canal muscle. The Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale (0-20), fecal incontinence-related quality-of-life score, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 were administered at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedure. Differences between baseline and follow-up were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Ten females (aged 55.9 +/- 9.2 (range, 44-74) years) were treated. At two-year follow-up, the mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale score was improved from 13.8 to 7.3 (P = 0.002), with eight patients having scores of < or =10. All fecal incontinence-related quality-of-life score parameters were improved, including lifestyle (from 2.3 to 3.3; P = 0.002), coping (from 1.7 to 2.7; P = 0.002), depression (from 2.4 to 3.4; P = 0.004), and embarrassment (from 1.5 to 2.4; P = 0.008). There was no decrement in effect noted in any parameter between 12 and 24 months (P > 0.2). The social function component of the Short Form 36 improved from 50 to 82.5 (P = 0.04), whereas there was an improvement trend for the mental component summary of the Short Form 36 from 38.3 to 48.1 (P = 0.11). Protective pad use was eliminated in four of the seven baseline users. There were no long-term complications, such as stricture, pain, or constipation. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement in symptoms of fecal incontinence and quality of life persists two years after radio-frequency delivery to the anal canal, which demonstrates durability of this intervention.

Rigid rectosigmoidoscopy: still a well-tolerated diagnostic tool.

BACKGROUND: Although rigid rectosigmoidoscopy has been gradually replaced by the use of flexible rectosigmoidoscopy in recent years, it remains an effective, economic and widely available diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to determine the type and magnitude of symptoms during rigid rectosigmodoscopy. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of patients who underwent diagnostic rigid rectosigmoidoscopy. The main complaints were recorded, and their magnitude quantified using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients (mean age = 48 years) were examined. The prone jackknife position was used in 54% of them and left lateral decubitus in 46%. A complete (full length) examination was achieved in 68%. There were no complications. Sixty percent of patients referred complaints: pain (33%), discomfort by rectal preparation (13%), uncomfortable defecation desire (8%), and discomfort by the position (4%). Median values determined by visual analogue scale for pain, discomfort by rectal preparation, uncomfortable positioning and overall discomfort were graded as 3.3, 3.3, 2.1 and 2, respectively. There was an association between higher magnitude of pain and overall discomfort with female gender, left lateral decubitus position, and full-length exploration (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A high percentage of patients have symptoms during rigid rectosigmoidoscopy but the study is usually well tolerated due the low magnitude of pain and discomfort and remains a very cost-effective study.

Effect of ulcerative colitis in the bursting strength of colonic anastomoses in rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease may have a deleterious effect on bowel healing, but its role is difficult to demonstrate in clinical practice because of the association of multiple factors. An experiment was conducted in rats. They were divided into two groups: group I, a model of acetic acid induced colitis, and group II, the control group. Both groups underwent a rectal resection and primary anastomosis. On postoperative day 7, the bursting strength of the anastomosis was evaluated. There were 44 rats in group I and 38 in group II. In 91% of group I rats there were histopathological changes compatible with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mean bursting pressure was significantly reduced in rats with acetic-acid induced IBD (142.18 +/- 18.22 mm Hg in group I, and 208.85 +/- 14.8 mm Hg in group II; p < .05). These results suggest the deleterious effect of IBD on bowel healing.