High resolution anorectal manometry in patients with anorectal dysfunctions and the therapeutic consequences.

INTRODUCTION: High resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) is a diagnostic method indicated in patients with anorectal dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anorectal dysfunctions and to assess therapeutic consequences. METHODS: Retrospective data of consecutive patients referred to HRAM in the period from March 2019 to February 2021 were evaluated. Basic manometric parameters were assessed: resting pressure (RP), maximal squeeze pressure (SP), rectal sensitivity (RS), and dyssynergic defecation (DD). RESULTS: 113 patients with combined fecal incontinence and obstructive defecation syndrome (FI + ODS: 44.2%), fecal incontinence (FI: 26.5%), obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS: 16.8 %), stoma before restoration of intestinal continuity (6.2%), functional pelvic pain (FP: 3.5 %) and controversial cases (2.7%) were analyzed. The average age was 54 years; female patients predominated (72 %). Patients with FI and FI+ODS had lower mean RP (57 mmHg and 53 mmHg) and/or lower SP (160 mmHg and 140 mmHg) compared to baseline. Patients with ODS had normal values of mean RP (75 mmHg) and SP (225 mmHg). DD was noted in most patients (FI: 76.6%, FI + ODS: 88%, ODS: 89.5%, FP: 100%). Conservative therapy with pelvic floor physiotherapy was provided in most cases (FI+ODS: 40%, ODS: 36.8%, FI: 13.3%, FP: 75%). CONCLUSION: In patients with defecation disorders there is a high prevalence of pathological manometric findings that combine with each other. Based on manometric findings, conservative treatment with individual pelvic floor physiotherapy can be initiated.

Pathophysiological Characteristics Linking Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Neoplasia.

A substantial body of literature has provided evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and colorectal neoplasia share several common factors. Both diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide and have an increasing incidence. In addition to usual risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and family history, common pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of these diseases have been identified. These include changes in glucose metabolism associated with adipose tissue dysfunction including insulin resistance resulting to hyperinsulinemia and chronic hyperglycemia. In addition to altered glucose metabolism, abdominal obesity has been associated with accented carcinogenesis with chronic subclinical inflammation. An increasing number of studies have recently described the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic diseases including T2DM and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to the interconnectedness of different pathophysiological processes, it is not entirely clear which factor is crucial in the development of carcinogenesis in patients with T2DM. The aim of this work is to review the current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms of colorectal neoplasia development in individuals with T2DM. Here, we review the potential pathophysiological processes involved in the onset and progression of colorectal neoplasia in patients with T2DM. Uncovering common pathophysiological characteristics is essential for understanding the nature of these diseases and may lead to effective treatment and prevention.

Zenkers diverticulum - effectiveness of endoscopic therapy.

Zenkers diverticulum is the most common type of esophageal diverticulum with a prevalence of 0.01 to 0.11 %, usually found in middle-aged and older patients. The prevalent symptoms are dysphagia and regurgitation. Treatment is recommended in symptomatic patients and consists of myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle. Both surgical and endoscopic methods are used in the treatment of Zenkers diverticulum. With technical advances, flexible endoscopy has come to the forefront in the treatment of Zenkers diverticulum, especially in older polymorbid patients. Its advantages include lower morbidity and mortality, shorter surgery time, the possibility of performing the procedure without general anesthesia, and a shorter hospital stay, including early oral food intake. In this paper we present our own experience with endoscopic treatment of Zenkers diverticulum and at the same time we provide a review of effectiveness with other methods of treatment.

Update and review of diagnosing functional anorectal disorders - standardized protocol for high-resolution anorectal manometry and the London classification.

Complex anorectal examination including a detailed medical history, physical proctological examination and evaluation of the sensorimotor and structural function of the anorectum is essential for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of functional anorectal dysfunction. The aim of the work is to provide an overview of diagnosing functional anorectal disorders according to the new update and consensus statement of the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group (IAPWG) with a focus on indications, a standardized examination protocol and introduction of the new London classification of anorectal dysfunction. The indications are: fecal incontinence, defecation disorders, functional pelvic (anorectal) pain, evaluation before an anorectal intervention and before planned delivery to assess the function of a previously traumatized anal sphincter. Standardization of the diagnosis and the evaluated data are the basis for multidisciplinary cooperation and determination of a treatment plan for each patient individually.

3D high-resolution anorectal manometry selected case reports.

Presented selected case reports are focused on the individual cases of patients suffering from functional anorectal disorders. During the examination algorithm, the emphasis is on 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry, which is a useful diagnostic technique and helps to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms in the field of functional anorectal disorders. Thanks to a comprehensive examination an individualized treatment plan can be determined for each patient.

Accuracy of EUS and CEH EUS for the diagnosis of pancreatic tumours.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective is to compare the accuracy of EUS and CEH EUS for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). The secondary objective is to evaluate the accuracy of EUS FNA and to determine to what extent EUS and CEH EUS findings are affected by endosonographer subjectivity. METHODS: A prospective single-centre study was conducted in patients with pancreatic lesions detected on CT. The patients were examined by EUS, CEH EUS and EUS FNA. The obtained results were compared with the final diagnosis that was based on cytology and further clinical findings and on histopathological findings from subjects who underwent surgery. A second reading of the EUS and CEH EUS images was performed by the endosonographer, who was blinded to clinical data of patients. RESULTS: We examined 116 patients, 73 had a final diagnosis of PC, 14 had NETs and 20 had other tumours. The sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and accuracy of EUS for diagnosis of PC were 83.1, 62.5, 83.1, 70.7 and 78.6%, for CEH EUS 94.5, 61.7, 84.1, 84 and 84.1% and for EUS FNA 87.6, 91.2, 95.5, 77.5 and 88.8, respectively. The inter-observer agreement for EUS marker of PC was good (κ = 0.75), and that for CEH EUS was average (κ = 0.59 for arterial phase and κ = 0.68 for washout in venous phase). CONCLUSION: CEH EUS is a non-invasive method that allows more accurate identification of PC than EUS. The subjectivity of CEH EUS evaluation is worse than that of EUS but acceptable.

[Current application and future perspectives of capsule colonoscopy]. / Soucasné vyuzití a budoucnost kapslové kolonoskopie.

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a noninvasive technique for diagnostic imaging of the colon that does not require air insufflation or sedation. CCE can be used in average-risk patients, in patients with incomplete colonoscopy and in patients with contraindications for conventional colonoscopy. In this paper, we review the technical characteristics, current application and possible future development of CCE.Key words: colorectal cancer - screening colon capsule endoscopy.

[Pneumoperitoneum after colonoscopy - "to cut or not to cut"]. / Pneumoperitoneum po kolonoskopii - "to cut or not to cut".

Colon perforation is a very serious complication of colonoscopy. The correct diagnosis and management of therapy improve the prognosis of patients. The treatment can be conservative, endoscopic and surgical. In this case report we present microperforation as a complication of polypectomy in the caecum during colonoscopy, followed by laparoscopic surgery.Key words: colonoscopy - complication -perforation polypectomy.

[The populations attitudes to colorectal cancer screening in the Czech Republic]. / Prístup populace ke screeningu kolorektálního karcinomu v Ceské republice.

BACKGROUND: The mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) is significant worldwide. There is good evidence for benefits of the CRC screening in mortality reduction. Since 2009, the population of the Czech Republic have had two CRC screening options from which to choose: a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) at the age of 50 to be repeated every two years or primary screening colonoscopy (PSC) at the age of 55. General practitioners play a crucial role in the CRC screening programme. The CRC screening adherence of the Czech population is poor and does not exceed 25%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aims of the study were to analyse the reasons behind the low CRC screening adherence of the Czech population, to classify the populations attitudes, and to identify the barriers. A questionnaire survey was conducted in a Czech energy company with 13,000 employees in 2011-2012. The questionnaire was administered electronically by e-mail or directly at the workplace. RESULTS: The questionnaire response rate was 31.3% (4070). The pool of respondents consisted of 2804 (68.9%) females and 1266 (31.1%) males. Of the respondents, 1345 (33.1%) were aged over 50 years (73.5% women and 26.5% men). Of the cohort aged over 50, 68.65% of women and 63.2% of men took a FOBT. Ten percent of respondents aged over 50 years have never heard of CRC screening and 32.8% of this age category have never participated in CRC screening. The main reasons for not taking a FOBT were feeling well and having no health problems (38.8%) or FOBT not offered the by the general practitioner (27.8%). Other reasons were no time to do so, fear of the result, unsure of the procedure, unawareness of what FOBT is, or uncomfortable about the test procedure. On the other hand, 8.37% of the participants aged between 15 and 39 years and 20.7% of those aged between 40 and 49 years have already taken a FOBT. Overall, 15.4% of respondents prefer the new alternative, PSC, as the CRC screening option. Significant differences in CRC screening adherence are seen between administrative regions of the Czech Republic and between education levels. CONCLUSIONS: From the results, it follows that a considerable proportion of the population of the Czech Republic do not understand the principle of CRC screening and its methods. Enough room has been left to promote education on CRC screening for both the public and general practitioners. On the other hand, a large part of proactive individuals participate in CRC screening before the age of 50.

[Urgent surgical treatment of gastric volvulus related to upside-down stomach syndrome]. / Urgentní chirurgické resení volvulu zaludku pri "upside-down stomach syndrome".

Upside-down stomach syndrome is a rare type of a large paraoesophageal hiatal hernia, which requires an immediate surgical treatment in case of incarceration. The authors present a case report of a 53-year-old male patient with gastric volvulus related to the upside-down stomach syndrome. Surgical treatment was complicated by an injury to distal oesophagus, which was successfully treated using a self-expandable metallic stent among other methods. Despite the complicated postoperative course with a necessity of reoperation, insertion of an oesophageal stent, thoracotomy for a mediastinal abscess and secondary healing of the laparotomy, the patient was discharged in a good condition with healed oesophageal perforation and laparotomy after 52 days.

[Approach to population-based screening in the Czech Republic, methodology and first results of the personalised invitation of citizens to cancer screening programmes]. / Koncepce populacního screeningu v Ceské republice, metodika a první výsledky adresného zvaní obcanu do preventivních onkologických programu

In January 2014, a programme of personalised invitations was launched in the Czech Republic, with the objective of inviting insured persons to cancer screening programmes; namely breast cancer screening and cervical cancer screening in women, and colorectal cancer screening both in women and men. This programme aims at strengthening the current cancer prevention programmes, and to increase the currently inadequate participation of the target population in these programmes; therefore, personalised invitations are sent to citizens who have not participated in these programmes for several years and therefore at risk of developing a serious disease. The project is coordinated by the Czech Ministry of Health in cooperation with the expert medical societies involved (gynaecology, gastroenterology, gastrointestinal oncology, diagnostic radiology, general practice), representatives of health care payers, and other experts nominated by the Minister of Health. All health care payers invite their clients (insured persons) to preventive check-ups, covering all examinations needed. The project has been realised with the assistance of financial resources from EU funds. This article describes the methodology of personalised invitations which has been implemented nationwide, its data background, and the first results of the project in the first half of 2014, when almost 1.3 million Czech citizens were invited.

[Results of the Czech National Colorectal Cancer screening programme -  faecal occult blood tests]. / Výsledky Národního programu screeningu kolorektálního karcinomu v Ceské republice -  testy na okultní krvácení do stolice.

INTRODUCTION: The nationwide Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme was introduced in the Czech Republic in 2000. The aim of this article is to describe the employment of faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) by the Czech population within the screening programme, and to provide information on the latest results of the programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the development of the colorectal cancer (CRC) burden in the Czech population is obtained from the Czech National Cancer Registry, a database required by the Czech law that has been collecting comprehensive data on cancer patients since 1977. Data on FOBT employment can be obtained from health care payers, and was provided by the Czech National Reference Centre. RESULTS: Around 8,000 patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the Czech Republic each year, and the number of CRC deaths is about 4,000. Despite the ongoing screening programme, significant improvements in the proportional representation of cancer stages (i.e., improvements in early detection of CRC cases) have yet to be seen. Although the number of FOBTs performed in the Czech Republic has significantly grown in the long term (which is accompanied by an increase in coverage by this screening test), the total coverage of the Czech population aged over 50 was only 25.5% in 2012. The Olomouc Region, the Zlin region, and the Usti nad Labem region had the highest coverage rates by CRC screening based on FOBT (over 28%), while the Capital of Prague had the lowest coverage rate (18%). Since 2008, FOBT positivity rates have seen a continuous and significant increase, reaching 6.9% in 2012. Between 13 to 14% of FOBTs in women are performed by practical gynaecologists. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant increase in the participation rate in recent years, which was partially improved by the involvement of practical gynaecologists, the programme unfortunately still covers only a quarter of the eligible population. Implementation of effective measures aimed at getting people interested in preventive examinations (including the recently introduced programme of personalized invitations) is therefore essential; otherwise, the screening programme will not be successful on the population level.

[Results of the Czech National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme - colonoscopy examinations]. / Výsledky Národního programu screeningu kolorektálního karcinomu v Ceské republice - kolonoskopická vysetrení

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, and the Central European countries have the highest CRC burden worldwide. CRC screening has repeatedly been proven capable of decreasing CRC mortality and incidence rates. The nationwide Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme in the Czech Republic involves the colonoscopic examination as a diagnostic method (for patients with a positive FOBT result -  screening colonoscopy -  SC), or as a screening method (primary screening colonoscopy -  PSC). The aim of this article is to present the results of colonoscopic examinations performed as part of the Czech screening programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the purpose of quality assurance, the Czech programme has been equipped since 2006 with an information system called the Colorectal Cancer Screening Registry, which collects and evaluates data on preventive colonoscopies performed in the colonoscopy screening centres. Performance indicators, as specified in the European Guidelines (and adapted for the Czech programme), are employed to assess preventive colonoscopies performed in the Czech Republic. RESULTS: Since 2006, more than 110,000 SCs and almost 20,000 PSCs were recorded. Approximately 95% of SCs and almost 98% of PSC were classified as total, i.e. examining the entire colonic mucosa up to the caecum. The positive predictive value of FOBT for adenomas has increased slightly and continuously over time, and was 39.7% in 2013. In PSC, the adenoma detection rate (ADR) has recently increased compared to previous years, and was 27.3% in 2013. CRC was detected in 3.7% of individuals undergoing an SC examination and in 1.0% of individuals undergoing a PSC examination. The programme safety is controlled based on the monitoring of complications during colonoscopies; these can occur either during diagnostic colonoscopy (perforation in 0.03% of cases since 2006) or during endoscopic polypectomy (perforation in 0.12% of cases, bleeding in 0.73% of cases since 2006). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the quality of colonoscopic examinations corresponds to the international standards and that this is not an obstacle to a positive impact of CRC screening on the Czech population, which has a high colorectal cancer burden.

[New European Information and Communication Platform Striving for Improved Care for Colorectal Cancer Patients - www.crcprevention.eu]. / Nová evropská konferencní a informacní platforma usilující o zlepsení péce o pacienty s kolorektálním karcinomem -  www.crcprevention.eu.

The article introduces a new information and communication platform that focuses on the promotion of colorectal cancer prevention and on the improvement of care for colorectal cancer patients. In addition to the platforms objectives, the article also presents the conclusions of the first year of the "European Colorectal Cancer Days" international conference held annually in Brno since 2012. Further information and news are available at www.crcprevention.eu.

Mutation-based detection and monitoring of cell-free tumor DNA in peripheral blood of cancer patients.

Prognosis of solid cancers is generally more favorable if the disease is treated early and efficiently. A key to long cancer survival is in radical surgical therapy directed at the primary tumor followed by early detection of possible progression, with swift application of subsequent therapeutic intervention reducing the risk of disease generalization. The conventional follow-up care is based on regular observation of tumor markers in combination with computed tomography/endoscopic ultrasound/magnetic resonance/positron emission tomography imaging to monitor potential tumor progression. A recent development in methodologies allowing screening for a presence of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) brings a new viable tool in early detection and management of major cancers. It is believed that cfDNA is released from tumors primarily due to necrotization, whereas the origin of nontumorous cfDNA is mostly apoptotic. The process of cfDNA detection starts with proper collection and treatment of blood and isolation and storage of blood plasma. The next important steps include cfDNA extraction from plasma and its detection and/or quantification. To distinguish tumor cfDNA from nontumorous cfDNA, specific somatic DNA mutations, previously localized in the primary tumor tissue, are identified in the extracted cfDNA. Apart from conventional mutation detection approaches, several dedicated techniques have been presented to detect low levels of cfDNA in an excess of nontumorous (nonmutated) DNA, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), "BEAMing" (beads, emulsion, amplification, and magnetics), and denaturing capillary electrophoresis. Techniques to facilitate the mutant detection, such as mutant-enriched PCR and COLD-PCR (coamplification at lower denaturation temperature PCR), are also applicable. Finally, a number of newly developed miniaturized approaches, such as single-molecule sequencing, are promising for the future.

[A detailed study of colon polyps]. / Podrobná studie o polypech tlustého streva.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTION, STUDY AIM: Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignancies. Most frequently, neoplasms, including malignant precursors, are in the form of polyps, although these might be of a non-tumour origin. The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to provide an overview of coloscopic identification and biological nature of polyps. RESULTS: 3,400 consecutive coloscopies performed between 2009 and 2010 were analyzed. At different centres, the top of the cecum was reached in 89% to 93% and terminal ileum in 73% to 87% of cases. In the above 40 age group, 26.6% were screening coloscopies. The mean age of the above 40 patients was 56 years. The incidence of potential neoplastic lesions (polyps, carcinomas), advanced adenomas and carcinomas were: 7.8 %, 0.8 % and 0.16 %, respectively, in the above 40 age group, 41.5 %, 9.8 % and 1.6 %, respectively, in the 40-50 years age group and 70.5 %, 31.3 % and 6.8 %, respectively, in the above 50 age group. The incidence of tubular adenoma and hyperplastic polyps was 23.9% and 66.2%, respectively, in the below 40 age group and 53.1% and 26.1% in the above 50 age group. 57.8% of advances neoplasms were located in the rectosigmoid a descendent colon. The incidence ratio for adenomas and hyperplastic polyps was 76.6% and 14%, respectively, for rectosigmoid colon, 63.6 and 17.4 %, respectively, for descendent colon, 63.6 and 11.4 % for traverse colon and 63,4 a 17,9 %, respectively, for cecum and ascendant colon. The incidence of tubulovillous adenomas and hyperplastic polyps in pedunculated polyps larger than 1 cm was 19.4 % and 20.4 %, respectively, and 34.2 % and 13.1 %, respectively, in other polyps. The incidence of potential lesions (polyps and carcinomas), advanced adenomas, carcinomas and advanced neoplasms was 66.7 %, 23.1 %, 5.8 % and 28.9 %, respectively, in women and 63.1 %, 30.0 %, 5.7 % and 34.7 %, respectively, in men. CONCLUSION: The top of the cecum was reached in a higher proportion of cases than required, although this was lower than in the majority of other recent studies. Terminal ileum was reached in high number of cases. The incidence of polyps and neoplasms rose sharply from 40 years of age. Therefore, the screening threshold should be extended to the below 50 age group. Hyperplastic polyps predominated in younger age and adenomas in the above 40 age group. Histological profile was similar and did not suggest importantly different pathogenesis with respect to localization. There were relatively fewer adenomas and more hyperplastic polyps in pedunculated polyps and vice verse in other types of polyps, suggesting a higher risk associated with non-pedunculated lesions. Both sexes differed less than suggested based on epidemiological statistics.

Czech National Cancer Screening Programmes in 2010.

BACKGROUNDS: All three cancer screening programmes recommended by the Council of the EU are available to defined target age groups in the Czech Republic. Organized programmes for screening of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer have been initiated in the last decade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A system for information support, as an essential component of organized screening programmes, has been implemented in all screening programmes. It comprises the Czech National Cancer Registry to monitor the cancer burden and population impact of the programmes, the National Reference Centre as a provider of nationwide insurance claims data, and the specialised databases of all three programmes, which collect information on screening, diagnostics and final diagnoses. RESULTS: Early diagnostics of malignant neoplasms and progress in therapy have helped to stabilize mortality, even in diagnoses with increasing incidence. The coverage of the Czech screening programmes has constantly been rising; however, it is still insufficient: 51.2%, 17.9% and 48.4% of the target population was covered at the end of 2008 in breast, colorectal and cervical screening programmes, respectively. In 2008, a total of 468,419 women underwent screening mammography and 2,128 tumours were detected (4.5 per 1,000 screened). According to the screening colonoscopy registry, more than 13,000 men and women underwent preventive colonoscopy in 2009, 4,085 patients were diagnosed with adenoma and 619 with colorectal cancer, mostly in the early stages. The information system for cervical screening was implemented in 2009 and has been running in pilot mode; the first results are expected at the end of 2010. CONCLUSION: The system for information support within organised cancer screening programmes enables monitoring of the performance of screening and diagnostic centres and thus helps to maintain continuous quality improvements, which are a necessary presumption for replicating the promising results of clinical trials. To achieve a substantial impact on population incidence and mortality, a large increase in test coverage in target populations will be necessary. The programmes should be transformed to a population-based form, which involves inviting all people in the target population to be screened.