Cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer in the Czech Republic in 2018.

BACKGROUND: For highly selected patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC), an aggressive surgical approach with intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be beneficial. This management may prolong overall survival, which is well documented by the results of a number of clinical trials. In the Czech Republic, five specialized centers of surgical oncology are able to perform cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). All of these centers provided accurate information on the number of CRS procedures in 2018 in the PM CRC indication. The estimation of the prevalence of peritoneal metastases from CRC is based on data from the Czech National Cancer Registry. PURPOSE: To determine the number of cytoreductive procedures performed in patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC in the Czech Republic in 2018, and to compare it with the number of patients who could hypothetically benefit from this procedure according to statistical data. RESULTS: Twenty-five CRS/HIPEC procedures were performed on patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC in 2018 in the Czech Republic. However, based on the prevalence of peritoneal metastases from CRC in the Czech Republic, cytoreduction with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) could probably bring benefit to a minimum of 150 patients a year in the Czech Republic. CONCLUSION: In the Czech Republic in 2018, the cytoreduction and HIPEC procedures for peritoneal metastases from CRC were performed in significantly fewer cases than would correspond to the estimated number of potentially curable patients.To increase the awareness of this issue and improve the number of potentially curative cytoreductive procedures, there will be necessary better awareness and closer cooperation among specialized centers, general surgeons, and clinical oncologists.

Peritoneal surface malignancy spread reoperations after cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal malignancies (PM) are observed in about 1030% of patients suffering from gastrointestinal malignant diseases, both in connection with the primary surgical management or as metachronous metastases due to cancer recurrence. METHODS: In the 1980s a new method of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) + HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) was introduced. Today, we consider this method to be the gold standard for treatment of pseudomyxoma peritonei and peritoneal mesothelioma. The method increases overall survival (OS) of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, primary peritoneal and ovarian cancers. However, the disease recurs after this demanding treatment in the certain group of patients, approximately in 2544% of patients treated for pseudomyxoma peritonei, and in 40% and up to 82% of those treated for mesothelioma and colorectal cancer, respectively. Based on literary data (PubMed-Medline, last 5 years) and our own experience we present the basic factors associated with tumor recurrence, possibility of treatment using repeated CRS + HIPEC, data regarding second-look operations, and as applicable, prophylactic HIPEC. CONCLUSION: The method CRS + HIPEC provides an effective treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis even in cases of recurrence. The second-look operations and prophylactic HIPEC may favorably affect the prognosis after primary R0 resections.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin treated by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy at the Bulovka University Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PK) of colorectal origin is a malignant tumour of the peritoneum caused by spreading of colorectal carcinoma (KRK) over the peritoneal surface of the abdominal cavity and its organs. PK occurs as a synchronous tumour in 1520% of patients, and as metachronous disease in 2550% of patients. METHODS: A group of 66 patients operated on for PK was retrospectively evaluated; 18 patients were excluded due to insufficient data. We evaluated 48 patients in total (22 men and 26 women) with mean age of 58 and 53 years, respectively; 12 patients (25%) were aged over 65 years. The patients were operated on between 2000 and 2019 using the Sugarbaker´s method of maximal cytoreduction (CRS) + HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraoperative Peritoneal Chemotherapy). We evaluated the length, median survival, the incidence of complications and lethality in relation to the Peritoneal Carcinoma Index (PCI) and the Completeness of Cytoreduction (CC) score. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the PCI score (012 and >12, respectively) and the CC score (CC 01 and CC 23, respectively). RESULTS: The mean survival was 26.3 months in the group with PCI up to 12 and 21.4 months in patients with PCI above 12 (p=0.02). In the group with CC 01 the mean survival was 27.1 months, while in the patients with the CC 23 it reached 12.6 months (p=0.06). The morbidity rate requiring an intervention was 18.7% and the lethality rate was 6.25% in the entire group. The median survival of the entire group was 22 months (1334 months). CONCLUSION: Literary references and our results are comparable, confirming the high efficiency of this method both in our country and worldwide. The use of CRS and HIPEC, associated with acceptable mortality and morbidity in selected patients with PK of colorectal origin, results in a significant extension of overall survival (OS).

Pulmonary metastases in pseudomyxoma peritonei - case report and review of the literature.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare disease caused by dissemination of cancer forming mucous and gelatinous masses in the peritoneal cavity. Local recurrence is frequent; however, dissemination outside the peritoneal cavity is rare.  Case report: We present the case report of a female patient treated for bilateral pulmonary metastases from pseudomyxoma peritonei. We removed 1 metastasis from her left lung and 12 metastases form her right lung. The patient remained in a good clinical state; however, additional lung metastases developed, as well as a metastasis in L2 vertebra for which the patient underwent a surgical procedure. Conclusion: Cytoreductive surgeries for intrathoracic involvement in pseudomyxoma peritonei with additional hyperthermic cytostatic intrapleural lavage in case of pleural involvement can lead to a longer lifespan in indicated patients.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and its therapy - 20 years experience of a single surgical department.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignant disease with various grades of malignancy, producing mucinous and gelatinous masses. The origin of PMP is usually connected with the rupture of appendiceal mucinous tumours, other mucinous tumours of the gastrointestinal tract or of the ovary. The staging of this disease is determined by the PCI score (peritoneal cancer index), and the efficiency of surgical procedure by the CC score. Clinical presentation is very variable and depends on the stage of the disease. Many patients are asymptomatic with a minimal clinical finding, presented only with abdominal discomfort. A typical finding of the “jelly belly“ syndrome expands with progression of the disease. The diagnosis consists in preoperative determination of the tumour characteristics and PCI based on imaging methods, especially CT imaging. METHODS: The Sugarbaker technique of complete tumour removal or the so-called cytoreductive surgery (CRS) was used, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) or alternatively early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC). We performed retrospective evalu-ation of 73 patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei undergoing surgery, 39 males and 34 females, mean age 50.6 and 56.4 years, respectively. Surgical revision was performed in 18 patients, 14 males and 4 females. The mean age of this group was 48.8 for the males and 47 for the females. The surgical procedures were performed between 1999 and 2018. Survival rates, median survival, complications based on Clavien-Dindo classification, lethality rates, and PCI and CC scores were assessed in the patient group. RESULTS: 96 surgeries were performed in 73 patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei at our surgical department between 19992018. The surgery had to be repeated in 18 patients (24.6%). High grade (HG) pseudomyxoma was diagnosed in 29 patients (39.7%), and low grade (LG) pseudomyxoma in 44 patients (60.3%). Overall morbidity was 27.3%, and the mortality rate was 5.4%. The mean overall survival (OS) was 139.5 months in the LG pseudomyxoma group and 71.5 months in the HG pseudomyxoma group. Median survival was 86 months in the entire group and 72 in the HG pseudomyxoma group; the median was not reached in the LG pseudomyxoma group. CONCLUSIONS: Results in the literature and our results are comparable, confirming the high efficiency of this method both in the world and in the Czech republic. The results indicate a highly statistically significant improvement of the OS with acceptable mortality and morbidity. These results confirm this method as a gold standard therapy for selected patients.

[Complications of hemorrhoids]. / Komplikace hemoroidu

The most common and serious complications of haemorrhoids include perianal thrombosis and incarcerated prolapsed internal haemorrhoids with subsequent thrombosis. They are characterised by severe pain in the perianal region possibly with bleeding. In a short history of the perianal thrombosis, acute surgical incision or excision is indicated, which can result in rapid relief of the painful symptoms. In incarcerated prolapsed internal haemorrhoids, emergency haemorrhoidectomy may also be indicated. Segmental haemorrhoidectomy in the most affected quadrants followed by further elective surgery for haemorrhoids in the next stage is preferred.

[Acute periproctal abscesses]. / Akutní periproktální abscesy.

Periproctal inflammations related to the anus are characterized by the rapid spread of the infection to the surrounding tissue, which is determined by the anatomical characteristics and infectious agents. Inflammation, which starts as a phlegmon, quickly forms boundaries and an abscess develops in most cases. Up to 80-90% of anorectal abscesses develop according to the crypto-glandular theory on the basis of infection of the anal glands, spilling into the Morgagni crypts in the anal canal. Up to two-thirds of such abscesses are associated with the emergence of anorectal fistulas. Anorectal abscesses can be divided into marginal and subcutaneous perianal abscesses, submucosal, intersphincteric, ischiorectal and supralevator abscesses. Their diagnosis is based on thorough physical examination, sometimes also with the help of imaging methods such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and endoanal ultrasound. What is decisive for the successful treatment of anorectal abscessess is their early and adequate surgical drainage. Adjuvant antibiotic therapy is necessary only when the overall signs of sepsis are present and for patients with a comorbidity such as diabetes, valvular heart disease, or immunodeficiency.

[Anorectal injury]. / Poranení anorekta.

Anal and rectal traumas are relatively rare (with the exception of iatrogenic damage) due to the anatomical position of the anorectum. The anal canal is injured more frequently due to its relatively superficial position, but injuries involving the extraperitoneal rectum, although more rare, tend to be much more severe and may affect the surrounding organs. Intraperitoneal rectal injury is associated with bleeding or perforation and may lead to peritonitis and diffuse contamination of the abdominal cavity. The decisive factor is the early detection of the injury and early initiation of treatment. The first step in surgical treatment of severe anorectal injury is the control of massive bleeding and volume resuscitation. The aim of the surgery is to preserve life, control infections and to preserve the patients anal continence and evacuation function. Key words: anorectal trauma - aetiology - surgical treatment.

Palliative treatment of the advanced gastric cancer by means of surgery and HIPEC.

OBJECTIVES: We demonstrate a case report of the patient who suffered from advanced gastric cancer and was treated by means of surgery and HIPEC. BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is a therapeutic challenge in the European countries due to late diagnosis, advanced stages of the disease in time of diagnosis and early recurrence in cases where a radical surgery is possible. METHOD: The patient with an advanced gastric cancer (pT3N2M1 - peritoneal and ovarian metastases) was treated by means of radical surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC). Surgical treatment was followed by a standard chemotherapy. Due to recurrence, there was the second look surgery one year later again with HIPEC procedure. RESULTS: Patient survived 32 months after diagnosis and despite intraperitoneal recurrence she never developed clinically significant ascites and she never suffered from intestinal obstruction. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrate a potential benefit of new oncosurgical approach -radical surgery + HIPEC + EPIC in the treatment of gastric cancers (Tab. 2, Fig. 6, Graph 4, Ref. 18). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

[Compliance with the procedures of modern perioperative care (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) at surgery departments in the Czech Republic - results of a national survey]. / Jak jsou dodrzovány postupy moderní perioperacní péce (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) na chirurgických pracovistích v CR - výsledky národní ankety.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), also called fast-track surgery, is a complex of modern multimodal strategies intended to reduce the perioperative stress response and achieve faster postoperative rehabilitation and rapid recovery of normal physiologic functions. The effect of ERAS on reduction of length of stay and postoperative complications has been proven by randomized controlled trials. The recommendations are supported by substantial evidence, and they are guaranteed by the ERAS society and included in the European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutritions (ESPEN) guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance with ERAS protocol in surgical departments in the Czech Republic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey with 19 questions on ERAS measures was sent to 148 surgical departments in the Czech Republic. Answers were anonymous. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 57/148 (38,5%). The indications and proper administration of preoperative nutritional support are performed according to recommendations in 37% respectively 67%. In total, 55% of responders restrict oral intake for more than 6 hours prior to an elective gastrointestinal surgery. A carbohydrate drink is administered preoperatively by 7% of the respondents. A mechanical bowel preparation before surgery is routinely used in 86% of surgical departments. Overall, 52% routinely insert a permanent urinary catheter for 3-5 days and one third of departments left a nasogastric tube in place after the operation. Early postoperative oral intake is restored in 2% of questioned departments. Epidural analgesia is standardly used by 68% respondents. Half of the surgery departments indicate artificial enteral or parenteral nutrition support without any respect to the nutrition status of the patient. CONCLUSION: Protocol of modern perioperative care recommended by ERAS and ESPEN societies should be respected in clinical practice in the Czech Republic. According to the national survey most of the surgical departments do not accept ERAS guidelines. The most challenging procedures include the inadequately long interval of perioperative fasting, use of mechanical bowel preparation and routine insertion of invasions. Early oral intake is, according to the answers, often replaced by artificial enteral or parenteral nutrition.

[Fascial closure of the abdominal wall by dynamic suture after topical negative pressure laparostomy treatment of severe peritonitis--results of a prospective randomized study]. / Uzáver steny brisní po laparostomii s pouzitím negativníiho tlaku pro tezkou peritonitidu pomocí dynamické fasciální sutury--výsledky prospektivní randomizované studie.

INTRODUCTION: Severe peritonitis is a frequent condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Topical negative pressure (TNP) laparostomy could improve the results of the treatment, provided that the adverse events of this method are reduced. The aim of our study was to prove, in a prospective randomized study, that the primary use of TNP laparostomy reduces morbidity and mortality when compared to primary abdominal wall closure after the index surgery for severe peritonitis. The possibility of the abdominal wall fascial closure significantly influencing morbidity was the main topic of this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 9/2009 and 9/2011,57 patients with severe peritonitis were included in the study at the Department of Surgery of the Bulovka Faculty Hospital; 28 of them were randomized to the TNP laparostomy group and 29 to the primary closure group. The two groups did not differ in age, gender, polymorbidity and severity of peritonitis. RESULTS: The length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (median: 22 days; range 10-171 days) in the intervention group and 23 days (range 3-71) in the control group (p = 0.89). The mortality rate was significantly lower in the TNP laparostomy group in comparison with the primary closure group (3 patients, 11% vs. 12 patients, 41%; p = 0.01). A complete closure of the abdominal wall including fascia and complete abdominal wall healing was achieved in 80% of survivors in the TNP group, compared to 29% in the primary closure group (p = 0.01). No enteral fistula occurred in any surviving patients from both groups. The overall length of abdominal wall healing was significantly shorter in the TNP group (median: 7; 7-94 days, versus 30; 7-223; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Primary TNP laparostomy is an effective and safe method in the treatment of severe peritonitis. Keeping good clinical practice, especially using dynamic suture as early as after the index surgery and the timely closure of laparostomy as soon as the indication disappears (according to relevant criteria) leads to a significantly higher abdominal wall healing rate, icluding fascial closure, than after peritonitis treatment without laparostomy.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in acute surgical procedures--the current praxis in Czech Republic]. / Antibiotická profylaxe u akutních chirurgických výkonu--soucasná situace v CR.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSI) are currently one of the most frequent postoperative complications. Emergent surgery is generally subject to a higher risk of SSI. Antibiotic prophylaxis is one of many measures that should be taken to prevent postoperative infection. However, due to possible adverse effects it must be applied only in indicated cases. Many guidelines have been published abroad, but still missing in Czech Republic. Standard use of prophylaxis can be currently followed due to compliance with SCIP (Surgical Care Improvement Project) measurements and reflects the quality of surgical care. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the current clinical praxis of prophylactic antibiotic administration in Czech Republic in emergent surgery for diagnosis: acute appendicitis, small bowel obstruction and perforated gastroduodenal ulcer and evaluate the SCIP criteria adherence. METHOD: The survey was sent to 149 surgical departments. The questionnaire included 7 questions and feedback was considered to be anonymous. The compliance with 3 main SCIP measurements (INF-1, INF-2, INF-3) was evaluated by the patients with acute appendicitis as a indication for emergent surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 85 (57%) completed questionnaires were received back. According to a survey results, antibiotic prophylaxis is always administered in 15% of patients operated for acute appendicitis, 27% operated for small bowel obstruction and 47% of patients with gastroduodenal perforation. No prophylaxis is given in 11 (13%) hospitals for either of the mentioned diagnoses. Antibiotics are mostly (46%) administered at induction of general anesthesia and extended to 24 hours. The SCIP measurements adherence was as follows: INF-1--4.7%; INF-2--86%; INF-3--81% of evaluated departments. All of 3 (all-or-none) criteria were fulfilled only at 3 (3.5%) surgical departments. CONCLUSION: The clinical praxis of antibiotic prophylaxis in urgent surgical procedures in Czech Republic is highly variable and mostly ignores the current international guidelines (SCIP). There is a need of local specific guideline concerning antibiotic prophylaxis guaranteed by scientific company.

[Sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of fecal incontinence--initial experience in the Czech Republic and assessment of functional outcomes]. / Stimulace sakrálního nervu v lécbe fekální inkontinence--první zkusenosti v Ceské republice a hodnocení funkcních výsledku.

INTRODUCTION: During the last decade, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has become a new perspective and effective method in the treatment of fecal incontinence. In the Czech Republic, SNSs have been used since 2010. METHODS: From May 2010 to August 2011, sacral nerve stimulation was performed in 15 patients in FN Na Bulovce Surgical Clinic in Prague. All of the subjects were female patients and their mean age was 59 (46-68 years of age). The first phase of the treatment included the following procedures: percutaneous sacral nerve (S2-S4) examination, electrode implantation and subchronic stimulation. Permanent neurostimulator implantation was indicated in 14 out of the 15 subjects and over 50% of them experienced reduction in incontinence episodes. The following neurostimulators were used: Medtronic InterStim 3023 or InterStim II 3058. Stimulation parameters included 15 Hz frequency, pulse width of 210 micros and the stimulation range was between 1-3 V. The patients' follow up period was 1-15 months after the procedure. OUTCOMES: After the first phase of SNS, the morbidy rate was 7%. The morbidity rate after the permanent neurostimulator implantation was 0 %. Permanent neurostimulators were implanted in 14 out of the total of 15 subjects, i.e. the success rate was 93 %. Based on the incontinence recording sheet (diary) data collected from all the 14 subjects, the mean number of incontinence epizodes was 24 epizodes/week (+/- 13.0) before the stimulation and 4 epizodes/week (+/- 3.8) after the stimulation procedure. Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score was assessed in the first 8 subjects and its mean value was 20 (+/- 0.7) before the procedure, vs. 7 (+/- 1.2) after the stimulation procedure. The both values were significantly lower after the stimulation procedure (p <0.05). No significant differences between the manometric values before the procedure and after the stimulation procedure were detected. SF-36 showed improvement in the quality of life, in particular in the parameters assessing social and mental functions. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in any of the studied parameters. CONCLUSION: The initial experience with SNS in the Czech Republic showed over 50% improvement in continence rates in 93% of the subjects with introduction of stimulation electrodes and subchronic stimulation and over 50% improvement in 100% of the subjects, who underwent permanent neurostimulator implantations, and full continence was achieved in 33% of the subjects.

[Malignant ascites--optional management using hyperthermic peroperative chemotherapy (HIPEC)]. / Maligní ascites--moznost ovlivnení tvorby pomocí hypertermické peroperacní chemoterapie (HIPEC).

UNLABELLED: 146 procedures using hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were performed in 121 patients in the FNB Surgical Clinic, during 2000-2008. During these procedures, ascites was detected in 30 subjects (24.8%) and its volume was 250-11,000 ml. The patients concerned could not undergo radical surgery for their GIT or gynecological tumors. The patient group was divided into two subgroups. Subgroup A (22 subjects) included subjects, in whom at least palliative debulking of the tumors (usually total omentectomy) was feasible, and the procedure was followed by HIPEC. Subgroup B (8 patients) included subjects who could not undergo even the minimum debulking procedure because of extensive tumorous spread in their abdominal cavity, underwent only HIPEC. Out of the total of 22 subjects in Subgroup A, ascites was not postoperatively recorded in 17 patients. In 5 patients, ascites was gradually formed from month 6.3 onwards, however, it only reached subclinical levels. In this subgroup, 7 patients exited (at the mean postoperative month 11.7), the remaining 15 patients were surviving at that time, out of whom 9 patients were surviving for more than 1 year after the procedure, 4 subjects were surviving for over 2 years after the procedure and 2 patients for over 4 years. The geometric mean survival time 16.49 months, standard deviation of 1.57. In Subgroup B (8 patients), no ascites was detected in 3 subjects until their death (37.5%), further 5 subjects presented with ascites at the mean postoperative month 7.25. These patients survived for 2-23 months. The geometric mean survival time was 6.83 months, standard deviation of 2.12. There was a statistically significant difference between the two subgoups in the survival time parametres (p = 0.009), thereas, the difference in ascites relapse rates was statistically insignificant (p = 0.12). In the whole study group, in-hospital morbidity was 16.6% and lethality 3.3%. CONCLUSIONS: HIPEC with/without debulking is an efficient method for controlling, managing or preventing the development of malignant ascites, it extends the mean survival time of the patients (especially when bulking is feasible) with low morbidity and lethality rates of the procedure.

[Tolerance of accelerated postoperative rehabilitation following intestinal resections]. / Tolerance akcelerované pooperacní rehabilitace po strevních resekcních výkonech.

INTRODUCTION: Modern procedures in peri-operative care arising from evidence-based medicine improve postoperative results. Their acceptance is however not a common clinical practice at most surgical centers. AIM: The aim of our study was to design a protocol and introduce it into the praxis. The subject of announcement is tolerance of protocol in our conditions. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective randomized study included patients who were operated on (open bowel resection) at Department of Surgery in period 4/2005-12/2007. They were randomized in fast track group (n=53) and non-fast track group (n=52). Protocol with accelerated recovery was used in the fast track group (FTG) and we used traditional approach in the not-fast track (non-FTG). Results were statistically evaluated, 2 patients (FTG) were excluded from analysis for protocol failure (protocol was non kept by anesthesiologist in 1 patient and by the nurse in the second patient). Protocol and informed consent form was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Both groups did not differ in age, diagnosis and length of surgery. Analgesia was controlled significantly better in FTG; similarly oral intake tolerance was higher in this group (day of surgery--mean value 634 ml versus 304 ml). Restoration of bowel functions was also faster in interventional group (mean time 2.1 versus 3.9 days). Frequency of postoperative complications was lower and hospital stay was shorter (median 7.0 versus 9.0 days, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Designed fast track protocol of postoperative recovery could be introduced in clinical praxis in terms of study. Patients' tolerance was very good. Application of accelerated recovery procedures is possible in our conditions but it means primarily to overcome worse tolerance of attending personnel.

[Reconstruction of anal sphincters following fecal incontinence and assessment of functional results]. / Rekonstrukce análních sveracu pro fekální inkontinenci a hodnocení funkcních výsledku.

The aim of the study was to assess functional results of surgical sphincter reconstructions for anal incontinence. From August 1999 to January 2007, 52 patients (females 50, males 2), 45 y.o.a. on average (24-69), underwent secondary anal sphincters reconstructions for fecal incontinence, resulting from birth injuries, event. in combination with sphincter weakening in pudendal neurophathy, or for post-anorectal surgery incontinence. Duration of the incontinence symptoms prior to the surgery was 2 months to 19 years. The overlap technique in combination with anterior levatorplasty was used in most subjects (n = 31). In 12 subjects, anterior sphincters and levators plication was performed. Four patients underwent overlap reconstructions only and five patients underwent complete sphincter reconstructions. Protective colostomy was performed in six patients. Six patients underwent additional postoperative biofeedback. Endoanal ultrasound was performed in all patients prior to their procedures. Terminal motor latency examination of the pudendal nerve was indicated in all patients with sphincter dysfunction without localized defects. Anal manometry was recorded prior and post-operatively. Incontinence was assessed using the St. Mark's incontinence score (0-13). The patients assessed the reconstruction results based on the Likert scale. The reconstruction was successfull in 46 patients (88.5 %), full continence was recovered in 20 (38.5 %) patients and improvement of incontinence was recorded in 26 (50 %) subjects. In six subjects (11.5 %), the reconstruction failed. The mean incontinence score reduction following the procedure was from 11.8 to 2.4. The short-term sphincter reconstruction results were successful in the majority of the subjects, the long-term results will be assessed in another study.

Comparison of sutured versus non-sutured subcutaneous fat tissue in abdominal surgery. A prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate the necessity of suturing subcutaneous fat tissue in elective abdominal surgery. METHODS: 415 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were admitted to the trial. The patients were divided into two basic groups according to wound contamination: clean operations (n = 201) and clean-contaminated operation (n = 214). Subcutaneous suturing of the subcutaneous fat tissue was performed in half of the patients in each group, determined using the envelope method ('Suture Yes' or 'Suture No'). Wounds were checked on postoperative days 3, 7, 14, and 30. Infectious and non-infectious wound complications were charted in the records. Data were statistically analyzed. The percentages of complications in groups with and without subcutaneous suturing were statistically compared using Yates' corrected chi(2) two-tailed test. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant group differences in infectious and non-infectious wound complications. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that omission of subcutaneous fat tissue suturing does not increase the occurrence of infectious or non-infectious wound complications.