Long-term functional and quality-of-life outcomes after IPAA in children.

BACKGROUND: The impact of IPAA on long-term outcomes in adults is favorable. Studies on functional outcome and quality of life in children are sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and quality-of-life outcomes after IPAA in children and to investigate the possible correlations between the two. DESIGN: Standardized validated questionnaires of bowel/psychosocial functioning and quality of life were used to assess outcome. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: All children who had surgery at <18 years of age and were followed up at our institute were included. Global Assessment of Function Scale questionnaires were used to evaluate functional outcome. Quality of life in patients >18 years at the time of follow-up was scored by using the Short Form 36 questionnaire completed by the patients. Quality of life in the younger patients at the time of follow-up was scored using the Child Health Questionarie-28 filled by the parents. RESULTS: Data were obtained in 26 patients (25 with a preoperative diagnosis of ulcerative colitis) at a median follow-up of 6 years. The median age at surgery was 15 years. Quality of life was comparable to the general population for children >18 at the time of follow-up in 7 of 8 items, but was lower than in the general population in 7 of 12 items for those who were younger at the time of follow-up. The mean functional score was found to be negatively correlated to all 8 Short Form 36 parameters (r > 0.5; p < 0.005), but only to one of the Child Health Questionarie-28 parameters. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcomes among pediatric patients undergoing IPAA are good. Parents' perception of their child's quality of life is poorer in comparison with the perception by patients themselves when older and with no correlation to the functional results.

[Identifying ways to address the crisis facing a medical specialty: a case study of general surgery].

BACKGROUND: In a previous study we defined criteria for a medical specialty in crisis' and measures to assess the scale of the problem, and possible resolutions suggested based on experience abroad. This study seeks to gain further knowledge by exploring how front-line Israeli surgeons envisage the problems and possible solutions. OBJECTIVES: To identify ways to address the workforce crisis in general surgery (GS) white focusing on issues that can be dealt with at the department and the hospital levels. METHODOLOGY: An action study of GS conducted in two stages: (1) Semi-structured interviews with 180 GS residents. (2) The use of the retrospective method of "Learning from success" in five general surgical departments recognized as "successful" in attracting residents and integrating them into the departments while providing high-level training. FINDINGS: The factors attracting medical students to specialize in GS are presented along with the problems perceived by residents during their residency. AdditionaLLy, 12 general principles identified in the study are presented, which can be transmitted to and implemented by other GS departments. They are related to three key topics: the mode and quality of residency training; work schedules, departmental organization of work and departmental atmosphere; and the comportment of senior physicians. The value of implementing these principles should be weighed in terms of being identified as constituting "leverage for change". CONCLUSIONS: Study findings will facilitate recommendations on internal organizational/professional factors of attracting and integrating residents to the specialty and the department. The study can serve as a basis for similar action research in other medical specialties.

Evaluation of the NiTi Shape Memory BioDynamix ColonRing™ in colorectal anastomosis: first in human multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Shape-memory compression bowel anastomosis using a nickel and titanium alloy may reduce leak rates and eliminate foreign anastomotic material. Its safety and efficacy had been demonstrated by animal studies. We conducted the first prospective multi-center clinical evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of BioDynamix anastomosis with ColonRing™ for large-bowel end-to-end or side-to-end anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ColonRing™ was compared to the standard double-stapled colorectal/colocolonic anastomosis. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative and 1- and 3-month postoperative follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS: Ten study patients (four males, median age 62 years, range 35-75) were compared to 13 demographically matched controls (six males, median age 62 years, range 47-82). Colorectal neoplasia was the most frequent indication for surgery (21/23 patients, 91%). The median anastomotic distance from the anal verge for both groups was 10 cm (6-20 cm). The first postoperative bowel movement was on day 5 ±2.2 (study group) and on day 4 ±1.8 (controls), and the median hospital stay was 8 days (6-14 days) and 7 days (6-13 days), respectively. There were no anastomotic leaks. There were three minor complications in each group, unrelated to the device in the study group. Two patients required transanal digital extraction of the ring which was detached but not expelled (one had a soft anastomotic stricture). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results in this first study on humans indicate that the safety and efficacy of BioDynamix anastomosis with ColonRing™ in colorectal anastomosis in human is comparable to standard staples technology and warrant larger studies for further validation.

A longitudinal study of quality of life and functional outcome of patients with ulcerative colitis after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

PURPOSE: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is considered the surgical treatment of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis. It is safe and effective but associated with long-term complications, making functional outcome and quality of life important factors in determining patient outcome. Longitudinal studies on long-term functional outcome and quality of life are sparse. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate the long-term functional outcome and quality of life of ulcerative colitis patients who underwent proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: The study group was composed of ulcerative colitis patients who underwent pouch operation in our institution between 1990 and 2001 who had filled in quality of life and functional outcome questionnaires 60 months (mean) after ileostomy closure and responded to the same questionnaires at 133 months (mean) after ileostomy closure. They served as their own controls. Quality of life was scored using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. Global Assessment of Functioning Scale was used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS: Data were obtained for 63 of the 77 patients (82%) who had answered the first questionnaire. The mean interval between responding to the 2 questionnaires was 73 +/- 3 months. Functional outcome did not deteriorate over time. Some quality of life scores (bodily pain, general health perception, and the physical component summary) worsened over time, whereas the other scales of the Short Form 36 scores did not change. CONCLUSION: The functional outcome of ulcerative colitis patients after a pouch operation did not change significantly over time. The overall quality of life was generally stable, however, some aspects did deteriorate over time. These findings merit further investigation.

In vitro large diameter bowel anastomosis using a temperature controlled laser tissue soldering system and albumin stent.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In today's age of advancing surgical technology, there is a need for better and simpler methods of tissue bonding. The use of lasers for tissue welding or soldering is one of these sutureless methods. In 30 years of laser tissue bonding (LTB) research, published reports of cylindrical organ anastomosis were limited to small diameters. The tension resisted by the anastomosis, which is caused by the intraluminal pressure, is also proportional to the organ diameter. Therefore the anastomosis of large diameter organs requires significantly stronger mechanical strength. The aim of this study is to demonstrate such an anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro anastomosis of porcine small bowel was performed by either LTB or sutures. Anastomosis in the laser group (number of samples, n = 15) included two main stages of soldering. The bowel edges were approximated over a solid albumin stent and heated with a temperature controlled GaAs laser system to 75 degrees C. This was followed by spreading liquid albumin on the anastomotic line and heating by the same system again to 75 degrees C. The control group (n = 5) was sutured anastomosis. All anastomoses were assessed by burst pressure measurement. RESULTS: The burst pressure of the laser group attained 170+/-40 mmHg which was significantly higher than that of the sutured group 83+/-37 mmHg (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This report describes the in vitro LTB anastomosis of a large diameter cylindrical organ. The immediate bond strength, as estimated by burst pressure measurements, was double compared to sutured anastomosis.

Long-term results of local excision for T1 rectal carcinoma: the experience of two colorectal units.

BACKGROUND: Local excision for early rectal cancer has low morbidity and good functional results. Its use is limited by the inability to assess regional lymph nodes and by the uncertainty of oncologic outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent local excision of early rectal cancer in two colorectal units between 1995 and 2007. The retrieved and analyzed data were patient age and gender, tumor size, tumor distance from the anal verge, tumor differentiation, and additional treatment. RESULTS: There were 42 patients with T1 rectal cancer: 24 underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery and 18 had a transanal excision. The surgical margins were free of tumor in 39 patients (93%), they were involved by tumor in one (2%) and margin status was unclear in two (5%). Seven patients (16%) had postoperative complications. There was no postoperative mortality. The mean hospital stay was 67 h. Thirty-nine patients (93%) were followed up for 57 months (mean). Two patients had local recurrence, at 7 and 41 months post-surgery. They had a tumor that invaded into the lower third of the submucosa, sm3. Both received chemoradiotherapy, and underwent an abdominoperineal resection and a low anterior resection. One of them died of metastatic disease 13 months later and the other is alive with no evidence of disease. Another two patients had salvage low anterior resection, one for suspected local recurrence and one for lymphovascular invasion: the specimens were tumor free. Six patients died of unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: Local excision of early rectal cancer is a feasible and acceptable alternative to radical resection. It has low complication and recurrence rates and a short postoperative hospital stay.

An interval >7 weeks between neoadjuvant therapy and surgery improves pathologic complete response and disease-free survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether the time interval between neoadjuvant therapy and surgery affects the operative and postoperative morbidity and mortality, the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate, and disease recurrence in locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: One-hundred and thirty-two patients with locally advanced low- and mid-rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by radical resection (October 2000 to December 2006). Data on the neoadjuvant regime, neoadjuvant-surgery interval, final pathology, type of operation, operative time, intraoperative blood transfusions, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, disease recurrence, and mortality were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the neoadjuvant-surgery interval: 7 weeks (group B, n = 84). RESULTS: The groups were demographically comparable except for the group A patients being younger at operation. The median interval between chemoradiation and surgery was 56 days (range 13-173 days). Thirty-seven patients (28%) had a pCR and near pCR. Fifty three patients (40%) had complications. There was no in-hospital mortality. Surgery type, operative time, number of intraoperative blood transfusions, postoperative complications, and length of hospitalization were not influenced by the interval length. The pCR and near pCR rates were higher with longer interval: 17% in group A, 35% in group B (P = 0.03). Patients operated at an interval >7 weeks had significantly better disease-free survival (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A neoadjuvant-surgery interval >7 weeks was associated with higher rates of pCR and near pCR, decreased recurrence and improved disease-free survival.

Comprehensive pouch clinic concept for follow-up of patients after ileal pouch anal anastomosis: report of 3 years' experience in a tertiary referral center.

BACKGROUND: We designed and evaluated a novel concept in enhancing postoperative care of patients following restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis (UC) and determined the risk factors, incidence, and nature of RPC-associated complications in this population. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of consecutive UC patients post-RPC attending a comprehensive pouch clinic run by a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon in a tertiary care medical center (from January 2003 to December 2005). Data were collected on their medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, pouch endoscopy and biopsies, and anonymous in-house patient satisfaction questionnaires mailed to the first 90 patients. Assessment was also done on data regarding risk factors, incidence, and nature of RPC-associated complications. RESULTS: A total of 120 UC patients with a functioning pouch visited the clinic: mean age 37 years, range 13-75; 57 males; mean disease duration 11 years; mean follow-up 65 months. Of the 55 patients who responded to the questionnaire, 48 (87%) felt that the comprehensive clinic significantly improved the quality of their care. The major complications were pouchitis (52%), extraintestinal manifestations, pouch-related fistula, and mechanical dysfunction. The risk factors for the development of pouchitis were time since surgery, >1-stage surgery, and reason for surgery (acute exacerbation/intractable disease more than dysplasia/cancer); the latter was the only independent risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: The pouch clinic concept significantly enhanced patient satisfaction. The most common RPC-associated complication was pouchitis. Risk factors for developing pouchitis were duration since operation, >1-stage operation, and indication for surgery.

Compression gastrointestinal anastomosis.

The creation of anastomoses between various parts of the GI tract is a major task in the daily practice of oncological, reconstructive and transplant surgery. The most widely used anastomosing techniques today involve the use of sutures or metal titanium staples. Both techniques involve foreign material penetrating the tissue and evoking localized inflammatory response, tissue injury and breaking of mucosal barriers that may facilitate bacterial growth within the anastomotic line, increasing the propensity to anastomotic-related morbidity. Different types of compression devices were successfully used clinically in the past. The history and evolving characteristics of this technology is reviewed. Nitinol-based solutions for the creation of compression anastomosis are evaluated as a possible potential for revolutionary impact on the current surgical methods and anastomosing technology in the alimentary tract and beyond.

Immunomodulatory effects of ciprofloxacin in TNBS-induced colitis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's exacerbation and pouchitis are commonly treated with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. Few studies have shown an advantage of this regimen compared with other antibiotics. Most attributed the effect to its better antibacterial coverage. Others have shown an apparent anti-inflammatory effect of quinolones in several in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation other than inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Our objective was to test the hypothesis that ciprofloxacin may act as an anti-inflammatory agent rather than just an antibacterial drug using a model of chemical colitis. METHODS: TNBS colitis was induced in BALB/c mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of ciprofloxacin compared with ceftazidime and dexamethasone was assessed. RESULTS: Mice treated with ciprofloxacin (7.5 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg) had significant reductions in clinical signs, body weight loss, splenic and colonic weight increase compared with saline-treated and ceftazidime-treated mice. Histologic analysis showed mild inflammation in ciprofloxacin-treated mice with a mean score of 3.8 +/- 0.5 points compared with moderate colitis scored 7.8 +/- 1.3 and 9.5 +/- 0.5 points in saline and ceftazidime-treated mice, respectively. Analysis of cytokine levels in colon homogenates showed a significant decrease of IL-1beta, IL-8, and TNFalpha levels in ciprofloxacin-treated animals. Immunohistochemistry for NFkappaB showed strong positivity in saline and ceftazidime-treated mice in contrast to weak focal stain in ciprofloxacin- and dexamethasone-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings imply that ciprofloxacin has an anti-inflammatory effect, rather than just an antibacterial one, making its use favorable in IBD patients.

Recto-vaginal/urethral fistula: repair with gracilis muscle transposition.

UNLABELLED: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of gracilis muscle transposition in repairing recto-vaginal and rectourethral fistula. All patients had fecal diversion as a preliminary or concurrent step to fistula repair. Success was defined as healed fistula after stoma closure. RESULTS: Six females and four males underwent gracilis muscle transposition from 1999 to 2006. Gracilis muscle transposition is a viable option for repairing fistulas between the urethra, vagina and the rectum, especially after failed perineal or trans-anal repair. It is associated with low morbidity and good success rate. Underlying Crohn's disease and previous radiation are associated with poor prognosis.

Gracilis muscle transposition for fistulas between the rectum and urethra or vagina.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of gracilis muscle transposition in repairing rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulas. METHODS: Data were retrieved from a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent gracilis muscle transposition for fistulas between the rectum and urethra/vagina. All patients had fecal diversion as a preliminary or concurrent step to fistula repair. Follow-up data were gathered from outpatient clinic visits. Success was defined as a healed fistula after stoma closure. RESULTS: Six females and three males, aged 30 to 64 years, underwent gracilis muscle transpositions from 1999 to 2005. One pouch-vaginal, three rectourethral, and five rectovaginal fistulas were repaired. The etiologies were Crohn's disease (n = 2), iatrogenic injury to the rectum during radical prostatectomy (n = 2), previous pelvic irradiation for rectal cancer (n = 2) or for cervical cancer (n = 1), recurrent perianal abscesses with fistulas (n = 1), and obstetric tear (n = 1). Seven patients underwent previous medical and surgical repair attempts. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included perineal wound infection (n = 1) and at the colostomy closure (n = 2). There were no long-term sequelae. At a median follow-up period of 14 (range, 1-66) months since stoma closure, the fistula healed in seven patients. One patient refused ileostomy closure. One patient with severe Crohn's proctitis has a persistent rectovaginal fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Gracilis muscle transposition is a viable option for repairing fistulas between the urethra, vagina, and the rectum, especially after failed perineal or transanal repairs. It is associated with low morbidity and a good success rate. Underlying Crohn's disease and previous radiation are associated with poor prognosis.

Can rectal cancers with pathologic T0 after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (ypT0) be treated by transanal excision alone?

BACKGROUND: Patients with rectal cancer who have complete rectal wall tumor regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiation probably have eradication of tumor cells in the mesorectum as well, thus raising the possibility of transanal excision. METHODS: All pathology reports of all patients with locally advanced low and mid rectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemoradiation followed by radical resection from May 2000 to June 2004 were reviewed to evaluate the correlation between complete tumor response (ypT0) and nodal response. RESULTS: One hundred one consecutive patients had neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by definitive operation. Four were excluded, leaving 64 men and 33 women (median age, 62 years). Fifty-three patients (55%) had mid rectal cancer, and 44 (45%) had low rectal cancer. Fifty-eight patients (60%) underwent low anterior resection, and 36 (37%) underwent abdominoperineal resection. In 17 patients (18%), no residual tumor cells were present within the rectal wall. One patient (6%) with ypT0 disease had positive lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: No residual tumor in the rectal wall correlates with the absence of viable cancer cells in the mesorectal tissue (94%). Approximately 10% of T1 tumors have involved lymph nodes, and local excision is an accepted option. Transanal excision could probably be considered in a highly selected group of patients with a mural pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy. This approach should be prospectively investigated, and strict selection guidelines should be used.

Prospective, multicenter evaluation of highly concentrated fibrin glue in the treatment of complex cryptogenic perianal fistulas.

PURPOSE: The surgical management of complex perianal fistulas is challenging and may be associated with the risk of sphincter injury. Instillation of fibrin glue to the fistula tract is a simple procedure that does not involve any muscle division, and potentially results in healing of the fistula. This study was designed to assess the use of highly concentrated fibrin glue with intra-adhesive antibiotics in the treatment of complex cryptogenic perianal fistulas. METHODS: Patients with complex perianal fistulas of cryptogenic origin were prospectively included in this multicenter study. Injection of the fibrin glue mixed with antibiotics was performed in a uniform fashion. After the procedure, patients were actively examined at fixed time intervals; in cases of recurrent fistula, reinjection of fibrin glue was offered. RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled; complete healing of the fistula was achieved in 32 patients (53 percent). Eight of 28 patients (29 percent) who were not completely healed had significant symptomatic improvement. All patients resumed normal daily activity the day after surgery and none had any deterioration in continence related to the procedure. The majority of the 26 (43 percent) adverse events were considered mild and spontaneously resolved; 2 patients (3 percent) with perianal septic complications were successfully treated by drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of fibrin glue for the treatment of perianal fistulas is safe, simple, and associated with early return to normal activity. Although moderately successful, it may preclude extensive surgery in more than one-half of these patients.

Extracolonic manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis after proctocolectomy.

HYPOTHESIS: Extracolonic manifestations have a major effect on the morbidity and mortality of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis following proctocolectomy. DESIGN: Case review study. SETTING: Colorectal unit, university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty patients (25 males and 25 females) with familial adenomatous polyposis WHO underwent proctocolectomy between January 1988 and October 2003. INTERVENTIONS: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (n = 41), Kock pouch (n = 1), end ileostomy (n = 6). Two patients underwent total colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical follow-up and telephone interview; contact with clinicians following up patients elsewhere. RESULTS: The patients' median age at surgery was 33 years. The mean length of follow-up was 74 months. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Extracolonic manifestations were diagnosed in 38 patients (76%). Twelve patients had 14 desmoid tumors: 7 were treated surgically and 7 medically (these patients received celecoxib and tamoxifen citrate therapy). Of the 41 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, 11 developed duodenal and/or ampullary adenomas. Three patients had endoscopic polypectomy and 1 underwent a Whipple operation. Among the 29 patients who underwent pouchoscopy, 5 had pouch adenomas and 3 had adenomas that were found in the rectal stump. Two patients died--one of a huge mesenteric desmoid tumor and the other of an aggressive mesenteric malignant fibrous histiocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term morbidity and mortality were strongly related to the development of mesenteric tumors and ampullary-duodenal polyps. Early detection of desmoid tumors, duodenal, pouch, and rectal cuff adenomas by periodic computed tomography, gastroduodenoscopy, and pouchoscopy, respectively, may allow control by medical therapy, endoscopy, or limited surgical procedures. In most patients control of desmoid tumors was achieved using a combination of celecoxib and tamoxifen citrate therapy.

Surgical treatment and long-term outcome of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: 16 years experience at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Complications and extra-intestinal manifestations are inherent to the procedure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate operative procedures, complications, early and late results and long-term functional outcome in FAP patients operated in our department. METHODS: The study group included all patients with FAP who were operated between 1988 and 2003. Demographic data, length of follow-up, complications, colorectal cancer, pouch function and extracolonic manifestations were recorded. RESULTS: Median age at surgery was 33 years (range 13-61 years). The final operative breakdown was: 48 proctocolectomies, 41 ileal pouch-anal anastomoses, 2 Kock's pouch, 5 permanent ileostomies, and 2 colectomies with ileorectal anastomosis. There was no perioperative mortality. Early and late complications occurred in 20 and 9 patients, respectively. Twelve patients required reoperation. Colorectal carcinoma was diagnosed in eight patients, three of whom were in an advanced stage. The mean follow-up was 74 months (range 3-288 months). Four patients were lost to follow-up. Extracolonic manifestations developed in 38 patients, including desmoid tumors (in 12), duodenal adenomas (in 9), pouch adenomas (in 5), and rectal stump adenomas (in 3). Two patients died (4%) because of desmoid tumor and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. At last follow-up, 37 IPAA patients have (median) six bowel movements/24 hours and good fecal control. CONCLUSIONS: Restorative proctocolectomy can be performed with low mortality, acceptable morbidity, and good functional results. Patients should be closely followed after surgery for development of other manifestations of the syndrome. Relatives of the affected patients should be referred to a specialist multidisciplinary clinic.

Detection of recurrence in patients with rectal cancer: PET/CT after abdominoperineal or anterior resection.

PURPOSE: To assess diagnostic accuracy of combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in detection of pelvic recurrence in patients with rectal cancer who underwent abdominoperineal or anterior resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients were enrolled; 37 were men, and 25 were women. Seventeen patients underwent abdominoperineal resection and 45 underwent anterior resection with an anastomosis in the pelvic region before referral for PET/CT. Pelvic sites of fluorine 18 ((18)F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake were rated separately on PET and PET/CT images as benign or malignant on the basis of shape, location, and intensity of (18)F FDG uptake (1-2 = benign and/or physiologic, 3 = equivocal, 4-5 = malignant). Two readers interpreted images in consensus. Altered pelvic anatomy and presence of presacral abnormalities were assessed with CT. Pelvic recurrence was confirmed with histologic analysis or clinical and imaging follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of PET and PET/CT in the detection of pelvic recurrence were compared with lesion- and patient-based analyses by using the chi(2) test. Clinical relevance of PET/CT assessment was determined. RESULTS: Of 81 pelvic sites with increased (18)F FDG uptake, 44 were malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for differentiating malignant from benign (18)F FDG uptake in the pelvis were 98%, 96%, 90%, 97%, and 93% for PET/CT and 82%, 65%, 73%, 75%, and 74% for PET, respectively. The most common cause for false-positive interpretation of PET findings was physiologic (18)F FDG uptake in displaced pelvic organs. Presacral CT abnormalities were present in 30 (48%) of 62 patients, and seven (23%) abnormalities were malignant. PET/CT was used to distinguish benign and malignant presacral abnormalities with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100%, 96%, 88%, and 100%, respectively. PET/CT findings were clinically relevant in 29 (47%) of 62 patients. CONCLUSION: PET/CT is an accurate technique in the detection of pelvic recurrence after surgical removal of rectal cancer.

Presacral tumors: a practical classification and treatment of a unique and heterogeneous group of diseases.

BACKGROUND: Presacral tumors are a rare and diverse group of diseases that originate from the different tissues that comprise the potential presacral space. Because of their relative rarity, confusion exists regarding their clinical presentation, natural history, and treatment. The aim of this study is to describe a single institution's experience with the management of presacral tumors and to suggest a practical method of classification. METHODS: Records of all patients who underwent operation for presacral tumors from the years 1991 to 2001 were reviewed. Clinical, pathologic, treatment, and outcome variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the study and were divided into 4 groups according to lesion pathology: benign congenital (n = 12), malignant congenital (n = 9), benign acquired (n = 9), and malignant acquired (n = 12). Symptoms were nonspecific, and 26% of the cases were completely asymptomatic. Diagnosis was made with rectal examination and confirmed with pelvic computerized tomographic scan. Surgical approach varied among the different groups, with the posterior approach used mainly for congenital tumors and the anterior approach for acquired. Complete surgical resection of the tumor was obtained in all cases of benign tumors and in 76% of malignant tumors. No postoperative mortality was seen, and complications occurred in 36% (15/42); most were reversible. None of the patients with benign tumors had recurrences, and all are alive at this time. The survival rate of patients with malignant tumors was significantly improved when complete resection was possible. CONCLUSION: Classification of presacral tumors into congenital versus acquired and benign versus malignant is simple and efficient. Treatment is complete surgical resection, which can be performed safely with low morbidity and no mortality.

[Comparison between colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis and straight coloanal anastomosis following low anterior resection of the rectum].

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection, colo-anal anastomosis with anal sphincters preservation has become the routine procedure for the treatment of low rectal cancer. This method avoids the need for a permanent colostomy without compromising oncological principles. However, many of these patients experience symptoms of fecal frequency, urgency and variable degree of incontinence. Improvement with the functional results has been reported in patients in whom continuity has been restored by means of colonic j pouch. AIM: To compare the outcome of anterior resection and colonic pouch anal anastomosis (CPAA) with the conventional straight coloanal anastomosis (SCAA). MATERIAL & METHODS: The files of patients who underwent anterior resection with CPAA or SCAA between 1994-2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients filled out an updated questionnaire regarding their functional outcome. RESULTS: Thirty nine patients underwent CPAA and 42 SCAA. Mean follow-up was 31 months. There was no perioperative mortality and the rate of complications was similar in the two groups. Bowel movements per 24 hours were 4.2 and 6 in the CPAA and the SCCA groups respectively. The bowel movements during night were 0.4 and 1.5 respectively. Sixty percent of patients after CPAA had 3 or less bowel movements per 24 hours as compared to 44% of patients after SCAA. Continence scores were 3.9 and 3.5 in patients after CPAA and SCAA respectively. Seventy two percent of patients after CPAA reported continence scores of 4 or more as compared to only 51% of patients in the SCAA group. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous reports that anterior resection and CPAA improves the functional outcome and quality of life after sphincter saving operation for low rectal cancer.