Prognostic Value of Computed Tomography: Measured Parameters of Body Composition in Primary Operable Gastrointestinal Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports suggest that body composition parameters can be used to predict outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. However, evidence for an association with long-term survival is conflicting, with much of the data derived from patients with advanced disease. This study examined the effect of body composition on survival in primary operable GI cancer. METHODS: Patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the GI tract (esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum) between 2006 and 2014 were identified from a prospective database. Computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed using a transverse section at L3 to calculate sex-specific body composition indices for skeletal muscle, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis were used to compare unadjusted survival. Multivariate survival analyses were performed using a proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The study enrolled 447 patients (191 woman and 256 men) with esophagogastric (OG) (n = 108) and colorectal (CR) (n = 339) cancer. Body composition did not predict survival for the OG cancer patients. Among the CR cancer patients, survival was shorter for those with sarcopenia (p = 0.017) or low levels of subcutaneous fat (p = 0.005). Older age (p = 0.046) and neutrophilia (p = 0.013) were associated with sarcopenia in patients with CR. Tumor stage (p = 0.033), neutrophil count (p = 0.011), and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.023) were associated with sarcopenia in OG cancer patients. In the multivariate analysis, no single measure of body composition was an independent predictor of reduced survival. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia and reduced subcutaneous adiposity are associated with reduced survival for patients with primary operable CR cancer. However, in this study, no parameter of body composition was an independent prognostic marker when considered with age, tumor stage, and systemic inflammation.

A pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing stapled haemorrhoidopexy to traditional excisional surgery for haemorrhoidal disease (eTHoS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Current interventions for haemorrhoidal disease include traditional haemorrhoidectomy (TH) and stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) surgery. However, uncertainty remains as to how they compare from a clinical, quality of life (QoL) and economic perspective. The study is therefore designed to determine whether SH is more effective and more cost-effective, compared with TH. METHODS/DESIGN: eTHoS (either Traditional Haemorrhoidectomy or Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy for Haemorrhoidal Disease) is a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Currently, 29 secondary care centres are open to recruitment. Patients, aged 18 year or older, with circumferential haemorrhoids grade II to IV, are eligible to take part. The primary clinical and economic outcomes are QoL profile (area under the curve derived from the EuroQol Group's 5 Dimension Health Status Questionnaire (EQ-5D) at all assessment points) and incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) based on the responses to the EQ-5D at 24 months. The secondary outcomes include a comparison of the SF-36 scores, pain and symptoms sub-domains, disease recurrence, complication rates and direct and indirect costs to the National Health Service (NHS). A sample size of n =338 per group has been calculated to provide 90% power to detect a difference in the mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.25 standard deviations derived from EQ-5D score measurements, with a two-sided significance level of 5%. Allowing for non-response, 400 participants will be randomised per group. Randomisation will utilise a minimisation algorithm that incorporates centre, grade of haemorrhoidal disease, baseline EQ-5D score and gender. Blinding of participants and outcome assessors is not attempted. DISCUSSION: This is one of the largest trials of its kind. In the United Kingdom alone, 29,000 operations for haemorrhoidal disease are done annually. The trial is therefore designed to give robust evidence on which clinicians and health service managers can base management decisions and, more importantly, patients can make informed choices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN80061723 (assigned 8 March 2010).

Increased lymph node yield in colorectal cancer is not necessarily associated with a greater number of lymph node positive cancers.

The presence of lymph node metastasis is a key prognostic factor in colorectal cancer and lymph node yield is an important parameter in assessing the quality of histopathology reporting of colorectal cancer excision specimens. This study assesses the trend in lymph node evaluation over time in a single institution and the relationship with the identification of lymph node positive tumours. It compares the lymph node yield of a contemporary dataset compiled from the histopathology reports of 2178 patients who underwent surgery for primary colorectal cancer between 2005 and 2012 with that of a historic dataset compiled from the histopathology reports of 1038 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at 5 yearly intervals from 1975 to 2000. The mean lymph node yield was 14.91 in 2005 rising to 21.38 in 2012. In 2012 92.9% of all cases had at least 12 lymph nodes examined. Comparison of the mean lymph node yield and proportion of Dukes C cases shows a significant increase (Pearson correlation = 0.927, p = 0.001) in lymph node yield while there is no corresponding significant trend in the proportion of Dukes C cases (Pearson correlation =  -0.138, p = 0.745). This study shows that there is increasing yield of lymph nodes from colorectal cancer excision specimens. However, this is not necessarily associated with an increase number of lymph node positive cancers. Further risk stratifying of colorectal cancer requires consideration of other pathological parameters especially the presence of extramural venous invasion and relevant biomarkers.

Pumactant in the prevention of postoperative adhesions: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions are a considerable source of morbidity. Supplementing compromised endogenous intraperitoneal phospholipids can reduce postoperative adhesions. A randomised, controlled, parallel group study was performed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of pumactant in the prevention of peritoneal adhesions after abdominal colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 134 patients undergoing partial colectomy and colostomy or ileostomy were randomized to receive either 240 mg of pumactant or placebo (carbon dioxide) sprayed into the peritoneal cavity. The outcome measures were efficacy (adhesion incidence and extent and severity at the second surgery) and the safety of pumactant in the peritoneal cavity after abdominal surgery. RESULTS: The mean adhesion score increased from surgery 1 to surgery 2 in the pumactant group and decreased in the placebo group, and the incidence and extent of adhesions increased in both groups. A total of 2149 adverse events were reported, of which 158 were serious. The overall adverse event profile for the two groups (pumactant and placebo) was very similar. CONCLUSIONS: Although pumactant is relatively safe by the intraperitoneal route, 240 mg powdered pumactant is not effective in reducing postoperative peritoneal adhesions.

Retrieval of large colonic polyps: simple use of proctoscope.

Retrieval of polyps during colonoscopic procedures can be technically difficult and time consuming. This is particularly the case when attempting to retrieve large polyps intact through the anal canal of an anxious patient with a hypertonic sphincter. In this paper, we describe a simple technique that permits the complete removal of a large polyp intact by using a readily available theater instrument. The success rate of this procedure can be improved with the aid of simple instrument like a proctoscope.