Development and validation of a patient reported outcome measure for health-related quality of life for locally recurrent rectal cancer: a multicentre, three-phase, mixed-methods, cohort study.

Background: Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) occurs in 5-10% of patients following previous treatment of rectal cancer. It has a significant impact on patients' overall health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Major advances in surgical treatments have led to improved survival outcomes. However, due to the lack of disease-specific, validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), HrQoL, is variably assessed. The aim of this study is to develop a disease-specific, psychometrically robust, and validated PROM for use in LRRC. Methods: A multicentre, three phase, mixed-methods, observational study was performed across five centres in the UK and Australia. Adult patients (>18 years old) with an existing or previously treated LRRC within the last 2 years were eligible to participate. Patients completed the proposed LRRC-QoL, EORTC QLQ-CR29, and FACT-C questionnaires. Scale structure was analysed using multi-trait scaling analysis and exploratory factor analysis, reliability was assessed using Cronbach's and the intra-class coefficient, convergent validity was assessed using Pearson's correlation, and known-groups comparison was assessed using the student t-test or ANOVA. Findings: Between 01/03/2015 and 31/12/2019, 117 patients with a diagnosis of LRRC were recruited. The final scale structure of the LRRC-QoL consisted of nine multi-item scales (healthcare services, psychological impact, pain, urostomy-related symptoms, lower limb symptoms, stoma, sexual function, sexual interest, and urinary symptoms) and three single items. Cronbach's Alpha and Intraclass correlation values of >0.7 across the majority of scales supported overall reliability. Convergent validity was demonstrated between LRRC-QoL Pain Scale and FACT-C Physical Well Being scale (r = 0.528, p < 0.001), LRRC-QoL Psychological Impact scale with EORTC QLQ CR29 Body Image (r = 0.680, p < 0.001) and the FACT-C Emotional Well Being scale (r = 0.326, p < 0.001), and LRRC-QoL Urinary Symptoms scale with EORTC QLQ-CR29 Urinary Frequency scale (r = 0.310, p < 0.001). Known-groups validity was demonstrated for gender, disease location, treatment intent, and re-recurrent disease. Interpretation: The LRRC-QoL has demonstrated robust psychometric properties and can be used in clinical and academic practice. Funding: None.

Short-term outcomes of health-related quality of life in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer: multicentre, international, cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Overall survival rates for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) continue to improve but the evidence concerning health-related quality of life (HrQoL) remains limited. The aim of this study was to describe the short-term HrQoL differences between patients undergoing surgical and palliative treatments for LRRC. METHODS: An international, cross-sectional, observational study was undertaken at five centres across the UK and Australia. HrQoL in LRRC patients was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-CR29 and functional assessment of cancer therapy - colorectal (FACT-C) questionnaires and subgroups (curative versus palliative) were compared. Secondary analyses included the comparison of HrQoL according to the margin status, location of disease and type of treatment. Scores were interpreted using minimal clinically important differences (MCID) and Cohen effect size (ES). RESULTS: Out of 350 eligible patients, a total of 95 patients participated, 74.0 (78.0 per cent) treated with curative intent and 21.0 (22.0 per cent) with palliative intent. Median time between LRRC diagnosis and HrQoL assessments was 4 months. Higher overall FACT-C scores denoting better HrQoL were observed in patients undergoing curative treatment, demonstrating a MCID with a mean difference of 18.5 (P < 0.001) and an ES of 0.6. Patients undergoing surgery had higher scores denoting a higher burden of symptoms for the EORTC CR29 domains of urinary frequency (P < 0.001, ES 0.3) and frequency of defaecation (P < 0.001, ES 0.4). Higher overall FACT-C scores were observed in patients who underwent an R0 resection versus an R1 resection (P = 0.051, ES 0.6). EORTC CR29 scores identified worse body image in patients with posterior/central disease (P = 0.021). Patients undergoing palliative chemoradiation reported worse HrQoL scores with a higher symptom burden on the frequency of defaecation scale compared with palliative chemotherapy (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Several differences in short-term HrQoL outcomes between patients undergoing curative and palliative treatment for LRRC were documented. Patients undergoing curative surgery reported better overall HrQoL and a higher burden of pelvic symptoms.

Assessment of a circular powered stapler for creation of anastomosis in left-sided colorectal surgery: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Circular staplers perform a critical function for creation of anastomoses in colorectal surgeries. Powered stapling systems allow for reduced force required by surgeons to fire the device and may provide advantages for creating a secure anastomosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a novel circular powered stapler in a post-market setting, during left-sided colectomy procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive subjects underwent left-sided colorectal resections that included anastomosis performed with the ECHELON CIRCULAR™ Powered Stapler (ECP). The primary endpoint was the frequency in which a stapler performance issue was observed. Secondary endpoints included evaluation of ease of use of the device via a surgeon satisfaction questionnaire, and monitoring/recording of procedure-related adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: A total of 168 anastomoses were performed with the ECP. Surgical approaches included robotic-assisted (n = 74, 44.0%), laparoscopic (n = 71, 42.3%), open (n = 20, 11.9%), and hand-assisted minimally invasive (n = 3, 1.8%) procedures. There were 22 occurrences of device performance issues in 20 (11.9%) subjects during surgery. No positive intraoperative leak tests were observed, and only 1 issue was related to a procedure-related AE or surgical complication, which was an instance of incomplete surgical donut necessitating re-anastomosis. Postoperative anastomotic leaks were experienced in 4 (2.4%) subjects. Clavien-Dindo classification of all AEs indicated that 92.0% were Grades I or II. Participating surgeons rated the ECP as easier to use compared to previously used manual circular staplers in 85.7% of procedures. CONCLUSION: The circular powered stapler exhibited few clinically relevant performance issues, an overall favorable safety profile, and ease of use for creation of left-sided colon anastomoses.

Advances in surgical management for locally recurrent rectal cancer: How far have we come?

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is a complex disease with far-reaching implications for the patient. Until recently, research was limited regarding surgical techniques that can increase the ability to perform an en bloc resection with negative margins. This has changed in recent years and therefore outcomes for these patients have improved. Novel radical techniques and adjuncts allow for more radical resections thereby improving the chance of negative resection margins and outcomes. In the past contraindications to surgery included anterior involvement of the pubic bone, sacral invasions above the level of S2/S3 and lateral pelvic wall involvement. However, current data suggests that previously unresectable cases may now be feasible with novel techniques, surgical approaches and reconstructive surgery. The publications to date have only reported small patient pools with the research conducted by highly specialised units. Moreover, the short and long-term oncological outcomes are currently under review. Therefore although surgical options for LRRC have expanded significantly, one should balance the treatment choices available against the morbidity associated with the procedure and select the right patient for it.

Accuracy of the Surgeons' Clinical Prediction of Postoperative Major Complications Using a Visual Analog Scale.

BACKGROUND: Although the risk factors that contribute to postoperative complications are well recognized, prediction in the context of a particular patient is more difficult. We were interested in using a visual analog scale (VAS) to capture surgeons' prediction of the risk of a major complication and to examine whether this could be improved. METHODS: The study was performed in 3 stages. In phase I, the surgeon assessed the risk of a major complication on a 100-mm VAS immediately before and after surgery. A quality control questionnaire was designed to check if the VAS was being scored as a linear scale. In phase II, a VAS with 6 subscales for different areas of clinical risk was introduced. In phase III, predictions were completed following the presentation of detailed feedback on the accuracy of prediction of complications. RESULTS: In total, 1295 predictions were made by 58 surgeons in 859 patients. Eight surgeons did not use a linear scale (6 logarithmic, 2 used 4 categories of risk). Surgeons made a meaningful prediction of major complications (preoperative median score 40 mm for complications v. 22 mm for no complication, P < 0.001; postoperative 46 mm v. 21 mm, P < 0.001). In phase I, the discrimination of prediction for preoperative (0.778), postoperative (0.810), and POSSUM (Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity) morbidity (0.750) prediction was similar. Although there was no improvement in prediction with a multidimensional VAS, there was a significant improvement in the discrimination of prediction after feedback (preoperative, 0.895; postoperative, 0.918). CONCLUSION: Awareness of different ways a VAS is scored is important when designing and interpreting studies. Clinical assessment of major complications by the surgeon was initially comparable to the prediction of the POSSUM morbidity score and improved significantly following the presentation of clinically relevant feedback.

Incidence and significance of postoperative complications occurring between discharge and 30 days: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate documentation of complications is fundamental to clinical audit and research. While it is established that accurate diagnosis of surgical site infection (SSI) requires follow-up for 30 days; for other complications, there are minimal data quantifying their importance between discharge and 30 days. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, inpatients undergoing general or vascular surgery were reviewed daily for complications by the medical team and a research fellow. A standardized telephone questionnaire was performed 30 days following surgery. All complications were documented and classified according to severity. RESULTS: A total of 237 of 388 patients who completed the telephone survey developed a complication, including 77 who developed a complication for the first time after discharge from hospital. Overall 135 (33%) of a total of 405 complications were identified after discharge. These complications included 36 of 63 (57%) SSI, 6 of 12 small bowel obstructions, and three of four major thromboembolic events and a number of space SSI, urinary infections, functional gastrointestinal problems, and pain management problems. Cardiac, respiratory, and neurologic complications were mainly diagnosed in hospital. Of the 135 "postdischarge" complications, 89 were managed in the community and 46 (34%) resulted in admission to hospital, including seven which required a major intervention. There was one death. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of complications occurred after discharge, and one-third of these resulted in readmission to hospital. Research and audit based on inpatient data alone significantly underestimates morbidity rates. Discharge planning should include contingency plans for managing problems commonly diagnosed after discharge form hospital.

The Outcomes and Patterns of Treatment Failure After Surgery for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes and patterns of treatment failure of patients who underwent pelvic exenteration surgery for recurrent rectal cancer. BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the management of rectal cancer, local recurrence still occurs. For appropriately selected patients, pelvic exenteration surgery can achieve long-term disease control. METHODS: Prospectively maintained databases of 5 high volume institutions for pelvic exenteration surgery were reviewed and data combined. We assessed the combined endpoints of overall 5-year survival, cancer-specific 5-year mortality, local recurrence, and the development of metastatic disease. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-three patients who had undergone surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer were identified. Five-year cancer-specific survival for patients with a complete (R0) resection is 44%, which was achieved in 59% of patients. For those with R1 and R2 resections, the 5-year survival was 26% and 10%, respectively. Radical resection required sacrectomy in 170 patients (32%), and total cystectomy in 105 patients (20%). Treatment failure included local recurrence alone in 75 patients (14%) and systemic metastases with or without local recurrence in 226 patients (42%). Chemoradiotherapy before exenteration was associated with a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in overall 5-year cancer-specific survival for those patients with an R0 resection. Postoperative chemotherapy did not alter outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: R0 resection of the pelvic recurrence is the most significant factor affecting overall and disease-free survival. The surgery is complex and often highly morbid, and where possible patients should be given perioperative chemoradiotherapy. Further investigations are required to determine the role of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Transitional cell carcinoma arising in a tailgut cyst.

Malignant transformation in tailgut cysts (TGCs) is extremely rare, with no reports of transitional cell carcinoma arising in them in the UK literature. Here, we discuss a case of a patient with a malignant TGC encapsulating the rectum. This case report highlights the pathological and diagnostic considerations and discusses its management.

Systematic review of health-related quality of life issues in locally recurrent rectal cancer.

The standardization of surgical techniques supplemented with appropriate neoadjuvant chemoradiation has led to the decline in local recurrence rates of rectal cancer (LRRC) from 25-50% to 5-10%. The outcomes reported for surgical intervention in LRRC is encouraging, however, a number of controversies exist especially in the ultra-advanced and palliative setting. Incorporating health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in this field could supplement traditional clinical endpoints in assessing the effectiveness of surgical intervention in this cohort. This review aimed to identify the HRQOL themes that might be relevant to patients with LRRC. A systematic review was undertaken to identify all studies reporting HRQoL in LRRC. Each study was evaluated with regards to its design and statistical methodology. A meta-synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies was undertaken to identify relevant HRQoL themes. A total of 14 studies were identified, with 501 patients, with 80% of patients undergoing surgery. HRQoL was the primary endpoint in eight studies. Eight themes were identified: physical, psychological and social impact, symptoms, financial and occupational impact, relationships with others, communication with healthcare professionals and sexual function. The impact on HRQoL is multifactorial and wide ranging, with a number of issues identified that are not included in current measures. These issues must be incorporated into the assessment of HRQoL in LRRC through the development of a validated, disease-specific tool.

Emerging surgical therapies for faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence is a common condition and is associated with considerable morbidity and economic cost. The majority of patients are managed with conservative interventions. However, for those patients with severe or refractory incontinence, surgical treatment might be required. Over the past 20 years, numerous developments have been made in the surgical therapies available to treat such patients. These surgical therapies can be classified as techniques of neuromodulation, neosphincter creation (muscle or artificial) and injection therapy. Techniques of neuromodulation, particularly sacral nerve stimulation, have transformed the management of these patients with a minimally invasive procedure that offers good results and low morbidity. By contrast, neosphincter procedures are characterized by being more invasive and associated with considerable morbidity, although some patients will experience substantial improvements in their continence. Injection of bulking agents into the anal canal can improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with mild-to-moderate incontinence, and the use of autologous myoblasts might be a future therapy. Further research and development is required not only in terms of the devices and procedures, but also to identify which patients are likely to benefit most from such interventions.

Retrieval of a migrated AxiaLIF lumbosacral screw using fluoroscopic guidance with simultaneous real-time sigmoidoscopy: technical report.

STUDY DESIGN: Technical report. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the technique of using intraoperative sigmoidoscopy as an adjunct for retrieval of the AxiaLIF lumbosacral screw after failure of lumbar fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Minimally invasive axial lumbar interbody fusion devices have emerged during the past 3 years as an alternative to traditional surgery for the treatment of intractable back pain. No reports of inferior migration of the lumbosacral screw causing rectal symptoms have been previously described. A 32-year-old firefighter with intractable lumbar back pain was treated with minimally invasive axial lumbar interbody fusion with L4-S1 pedicle screw fixation. Sequential images obtained for more than 18 months demonstrated loosening and migration of the axial screw 3.5 cm inferiorly causing impression on the rectum and symptoms of tenesmus. METHODS: Preoperative sigmoidoscopy was performed to exclude rectal perforation. During retrieval of the lumbosacral screw, simultaneous sigmoidoscopy was performed to ensure the rectum was not damaged. RESULTS: The lumbosacral screw was successfully removed using a presacral approach. The patient's rectal symptoms improved postoperatively, and was discharged after 48 hours. CONCLUSION: For the retrieval of migrated AxiaLIF lumbosacral screws, intraoperative sigmoidoscopy is technically feasible and serves as a useful adjunct to ensure the integrity of the rectal mucosa is maintained. This technique can be used to avoid the potential morbidity of rectal perforation, and subsequent laparotomy and defunctioning colostomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Clinical algorithms for the surgical management of locally recurrent rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Advances in surgical practice have helped expand the options for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer through improvements in reconstructive options, management of operative complications, addition of intraoperative adjuvant therapies, and postoperative care. This review outlines the presentation and management of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, and it describes easy-to-apply clinical algorithms to aid management. METHODS: The electronic literature was searched for studies reporting outcomes for locally recurrent rectal cancer limited to the English language. RESULTS: Prospective and retrospective case series and single-center experiences were identified. A total of 106 articles were selected for full-text review of which 82 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No randomized studies were identified. We found that multimodality treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer can improve 5-year survival from 0% to over 40%, and selected patients may survive up to 10 years. A mixture of imaging modalities is used in patient selection for surgery. An R0 resection is consistently a favorable prognostic factor. R1 resection and surgery in the setting of oligometastases compare favorably with nonoperative palliation. Although mortality figures remain low, morbidity is significant and mostly wound related. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in radiological imaging modalities and technical improvements in surgical and reconstructive options have facilitated more accurate staging, better selection of patients for surgery, reduced morbidity and mortality, and higher R0 resections. Optimal management is in specialist units with a multidisciplinary approach with the use of multimodal therapy.

Morphology of the mesorectum in patients with primary rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The size and contents of the pelvis differ between the genders, and this may affect mesorectal size and shape. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to examine radiologically the applied anatomy of the mesorectum. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients (35 male, 23 female) with primary rectal cancer who had suitable high-resolution staging pelvic magnetic resonance images between November 2002 and July 2004 were studied. Ten variables of mesorectal morphology were measured on axial images at the ischial spines. The associations between morphologic variables and gender and body mass index were examined. RESULTS: Compared with female patients, male patients had a larger area of overall mesorectal package (3,776 mm2 vs. 2,772 mm2, P = 0.001), larger area of mesorectal fat (2,562 mm2 vs. 1,842 mm2, P = 0.001), and higher ratio of anteroposterior to transverse diameter of the mesorectal package (0.82 vs. 0.56, P < 0.001). The anterior mesorectal fat buffer was significantly thinner in females than in males (2.9 mm vs. 7.8 mm, P < 0.001). Mesorectal fat area was greater in males with a body mass index >25 than with a body mass index <25. CONCLUSIONS: Males have a larger overall mesorectal package compared with females, mainly caused by mesorectal fat. The anterior mesorectal fat is significantly thinner in females than in males. Such morphologic differences may affect resection margin status.

Contribution of posture to anorectal manometric measurements: are the measurements in left-lateral position physiologic?

PURPOSE: Anorectal manometry is commonly used to investigate fecal incontinence. Traditional practice dictates that measurements are performed with the patient in the left-lateral position however, episodes of fecal incontinence usually occur in the erect position. The influence of erect posture on anorectal manometry has not been studied. METHODS: We examined the contribution of posture to commonly measured variables during manometry by performing assessment in the left-lateral position and the erect posture. Maximum mean resting pressure, vector volumes, and resting pressure gradient were compared. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 172 patients. Median age was 55 (interquartile range, 44-65) years. Thirty-seven (22 percent) patients were continent, and 135 (78 percent) were incontinent. Both resting pressure and vector volume increased significantly in the erect position for both continent (P = 0.008 and 0.001, respectively) and incontinent (P = 0.001 for both) patients. A significant negative correlation was seen between severity of incontinence and resting pressure in the erect posture and amount of change in maximum mean resting pressure from left-lateral to erect posture (Spearman coefficients = -0.203, -0.211, and P = 0.013, 0.017, respectively) but not with maximum mean resting pressure in the left-lateral position (Spearman coefficient = -0.119; P = 0.164). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows significant increase in measurements of manometric variables in the erect position. The increase may be related to anal cushions, which have a significant role in this position. The measurements in erect posture are better correlated with severity of incontinence and may be a more physiologic method of performing anorectal manometry.

Evaluation of a protocol-based management of rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The management of rectal cancer is multidisciplinary. We have devised and implemented a standardized protocol. This study was designed to evaluate the protocol and identify areas for improvement. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were staged preoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were used to predict whether surgical resection would be complete (RO) or involved (R1/2). Data were collected on preoperative adjuvant therapy, surgical procedure, and subsequent pathologic stage, including circumferential resection margin status. RESULTS: Between January 2000 and October 2002, 163 patients were studied (107 male; median age, 70 (range, 60-77) years). One hundred and fifty seven patients underwent surgical excision for rectal cancer of whom 155 were discussed in the multidisciplinary meeting. One hundred seventeen patients (75 percent) had pelvic magnetic resonance scan and staging computed tomography of chest and abdomen, whereas 38 had computed tomography only. Seventy-seven tumors were predicted as R0 and 78 as likely R1/2. In the predicted RO group, 50 had surgery alone, 25 had short-course radiotherapy, and 2 had chemoradiotherapy. Twelve patients (15.5 percent) had involved circumferential resection margin on the histologic specimen. In the predicted R1/2 group (n = 78), 40 patients received chemoradiotherapy, 11 had short-course radiotherapy, and 27 had surgery alone. Thirty patients (38.4 percent) had involved circumferential resection margin. Circumferential margin involvement was seen in 11 of 40 patients (27.5 percent) who received chemoradiotherapy, 6 of 11 patients (54.5 percent) who received short-course preoperative radiotherapy, and 13 of 27 patients (48.1 percent) who had surgery alone. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol-driven management of rectal cancer within the context of a multidisciplinary team has been demonstrated to work. Regular audit allows for modification and improvement of the protocol as newer management strategies evolve.

Surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer after curative resection represents a difficult clinical problem and a surgical challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of a series of patients who underwent resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer with curative intent. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 64 patients who underwent surgical exploration with a view to cure for locally recurrent rectal cancer under the care of one surgeon between April 1997 and April 2004. Details were obtained on the primary tumor and the operation, the indication for investigation of recurrence, preoperative imaging, operative findings, morbidity and mortality, and histopathology. RESULTS: The median time interval between resection of primary tumor and surgery for locally recurrent disease was 31 (interquartile range, 21 to 48) months. Twenty-three patients had central disease, 10 patients had sacral involvement, 21 patients had pelvic sidewall involvement, and 10 patients had both sacral and sidewall involvement. Fifty-seven patients underwent resection of the tumor. Thirty-nine of the 57 patients underwent wide resection (abdominoperineal excision of rectum, anterior resection, or Hartmann's procedure) whereas 18 patients (31.6 percent) required radical resection (pelvic exenteration or sacrectomy). Curative, negative resection margins were obtained in 21 of 57 patients who had tumor excision (36.8 percent). Perioperative mortality was 1.6 percent. Significant postoperative morbidity occurred in 40 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that a significant proportion of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer can undergo resection with negative margins.

A randomized, double-blind trial of the effect of metronidazole on pain after closed hemorrhoidectomy.

PURPOSE: Patients consider hemorrhoidectomy to be a painful operation. Attempts to reduce the length of inpatient stay have concentrated mainly on a reduction in postoperative pain. Metronidazole has been shown to reduce pain after open hemorrhoidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of metronidazole after closed hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients undergoing closed hemorrhoidectomy were randomly allocated to receive metronidazole 400 mg (n = 18) or placebo (n = 20) three times daily for seven postoperative days. All patients received a stool softener and analgesics perioperatively. Linear analog scales were used to assess expected pain, actual pain and patient satisfaction. Time to first bowel movement, return to normal activity, complications, and use of additional analgesics were recorded. RESULTS: Both groups of patients experienced less pain than expected. Patients in the metronidazole group required fewer additional analgesics postoperatively (6.3 vs. 26.3 percent), and satisfaction scores in the placebo group were higher at one week (0.5 vs. 2.5), although these differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in pain actually experienced, time to first bowel movement, return to normal activity, or complications between the two groups. Satisfaction scores at six weeks for all patients were relatively high, with no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Closed hemorrhoidectomy results in high patient satisfaction and low pain scores. The use of postoperative metronidazole did not reduce postoperative pain.

Adenocarcinoma in the residual outflow tract after incomplete excision of a failed ileoanal pouch: a late complication of unrecognized Crohn's colitis: report of a case.

A case of adenocarcinoma complicating the outflow tract remnant of a previously excised ileoanal pouch is described. The pouch had failed because of unsuspected Crohn's disease. This is the first reported case of malignancy complicating a pouch that had been constructed in a patient with Crohn's disease. More importantly, it demonstrates that carcinoma may develop in the outflow tract remnant left in situ after simple pouch excision. This case suggests that patients who require pouch excision may benefit from excision of the outflow tract.