Programa multicéntrico de cribado de cáncer colorrectal en Chile / Results of a multicentric colorectal cancer screening program in Chile

Background: Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs (CRCSP) are widely accepted in developed countries. Unfortunately, financial restrictions, low adherence rate and variability on colonoscopy standardization hamper the implementation of CRCSP in developing countries. Aim: To analyze a multicentric pilot model of CRCSP in Chile. Material and Methods: A prospective model of CRCSP was carried out in three cities, from 2012 to 2015. The model was based on CRC risk assessment and patient education. Health care personnel were trained about logistics and protocols. The endoscopy team was trained about colonoscopy standards. A registered nurse was the coordinator in each center. We screened asymptomatic population aged between 50 and 75 years. Immunological fecal occult blood test (FIT) was offered to all participants. Subjects with positive FIT underwent colonoscopy. Results: A total of 12,668 individuals were enrolled, with a FIT compliance rate of 93.9% and 2,358 colonoscopies were performed. Two hundred and fifty high-risk adenomas and 110 cancer cases were diagnosed. One patient died before treatment due to cardiovascular disease, 74 patients (67%) underwent endoscopic resection and 35 had surgical treatment. Ninety one percent of patients had an early stage CRC (0-I-II). Among colonoscopy indicators, 80% of cases had an adequate bowel preparation (Boston > 6), cecal intubation rate was 97.7%, adenoma detection rate was 36.5%, and in 94.5% of colonoscopies, withdrawal time was adequate (> 8 min). Conclusions: This CRCS pilot model was associated to a high rate of FIT return and colonoscopy quality standards. Most CRCs detected with the program were treated by endoscopic resection.

Impacto de las filtraciones anastomóticas en cirugía colorrectal / Impact of anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery

Introducción: La filtración de anastomosis es una de las complicaciones de mayor impacto en cirugía colorrectal. Objetivo: Analizar la frecuencia e impacto de las filtraciones anastomóticas en cirugía laparoscópica colorrectal. Material y método: Estudio longitudinal de base de datos prospectiva de pacientes operados por cirugía colorrectal entre julio de 2007 y agosto de 2014. Resultados: De un total de 654 pacientes operados, 52,3% correspondían a hombres con una edad promedio de 57 años (42-72). La indicación más frecuente fue cáncer colorrectal con 244 pacientes, 159 (24,3%) operados por cáncer de colon y 85 (12,9%) por cáncer de recto, seguido por la enfermedad diverticular con 239 pacientes (36,5%) y 171 pacientes (26,1%) con otros diagnósticos. En 44 pacientes (6,7%) se objetivó filtración anastomótica, con una mediana de 4 días desde el postoperatorio para su diagnóstico. Como factores asociados a filtración se identificó al género masculino, riesgo anestesiológico según ASA, necesidad de conversión a laparotomía y la anastomosis ileoanal. En relación con el tratamiento, 15 pacientes (33,7%) fueron tratados de forma médica exitosa y 29 fue necesario reintervenirlos, de los cuales 23 (79,3%) requirieron una ostomía de protección. No hubo mortalidad asociada a la cirugía, y el promedio de hospitalización en los pacientes con filtración fue de 12 vs. 5 días para los pacientes sin filtración de la anastomosis. Conclusión: Este trabajo permite identificar a grupos de pacientes con mayor riesgo de filtraciones anastomóticas, quienes duplican su estadía hospitalaria y en un alto porcentaje deben ser reintervenidos. La sospecha y diagnostico precoz reducen la morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Anastomotic leak is the most important complication on colorectal surgery. Objective: Analyze the frequency and impact of anastomotic leaks in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Material and methods: Longitudinal study of prospective database of patients undergoing colorectal surgery between July 2007 and August 2014. Results: 654 patients operated, 52.3% were men with an average age of 57 years (42-72). The most frequent indication was colorectal cancer in 244 patients, 159 (24.3%) operated for colon cancer and 85 (12.9%) for rectal cancer followed by diverticular disease in 239 patients (36.5%) and 171 patients (26.1%) with other diagnoses. In 44 patients (6.7%) anastomotic leakage was observed with a median of 4 days post surgery for diagnosis. As factors associated with filtration, we identified male gender, anesthesic risk according to ASA, need for conversion to laparotomy and ileoanal anastomosis. With regard to treatment, 15 (33.7%) were successfully treated with medical therapy alone and 29 required re-intervention, of which 23 (79.3%) required an ostomy protection. There was no mortality associated with surgery and average LOS was 12 vs. 5 days in patients with filtration compared with patients without anastomotic leakeage. Conclusion: This serie helps to identify patients groups with increased risk of anastomotic leakage who double their hospital LOS and in a higher percentage should need re-intervention. Suspicion and early diagnosis reduces morbidity and mortality.

Rehabilitación pelviperineal multimodal en pacientes con incontinencia fecal / Multimodal pelviperineal rehabilitation in patients with fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence (FI) is associated with low self-esteem and quality of life. Nowadays, multimodal pelviperineal rehabilitation (MPPR) has become the preferred treatment. Purpose: To evaluate our results of multimodal pelviperineal rehabilitation (MPPR) in patients diagnosed with fecal incontinence (FI). Methods: Historic cohort study using a prospectively maintained database from patients with FI that underwent MPPR between years 1999 and 2012. FI was classified according to Jorge-Wexner´s scale, at the beginning (Winitial) and the end (Wfinal) of treatment. In July 2013 a survey was carried out to measure follow-up Wexner score (Wfollow-up) and pelvic muscle training. Statystical analysis was performed using Chi square test, Fisher Test, Mann-Whitney and Odds Ratio. Significant p value < 0.05. Results: One hundred and thirteen patients completed treatment, median age 67 years-old (r: 24-91) and 83 percent female. Median scores for Winitial and Wfinal were 9 points (r: 3-19) and 3 points (r: 0-13), respectively (p < 0.001). In July 2013, 68 (61 percent) patients were available for follow-up. Wexner score at the beginning, end and follow-up were as follows: 9 (i: 3-19), 3 (i:0-12) and 4 (i:0-19), respectively. There were significant differences between Winitial and Wfollow-up (p < 0.001), but not between Wfinal and Wfollow-up (p = 0.23). There were 20 patients (29 percent) who kept training their pelvic muscles and 48 (71 percent) who did it very rarely or did not do it at all. It was the latter group who showed an increased risk to obtain worst score in Wfollow-up (OR = 3.89; CI 95 percent: 1.26-11.9; p = 0.0175). Conclusion: FI patients treated with MPPR show good short and long-term results.

Introducción: La incontinencia fecal (IF) se asocia a menor calidad de vida en quienes la sufren. Actualmente, la rehabilitación pelviperineal multimodal (RPPM) es el tratamiento inicial de elección. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la RPPM en pacientes con IF. Método: Estudio de cohorte histórica de pacientes con IF que recibieron RPPM entre 1999-2012. Se utilizó la escala de Jorge-Wexner para medir laIF, al inicio (Wi) y fin (Wf) del tratamiento. Se aplicó una encuesta en julio de 2013 para medir el Wexner de seguimiento (Ws) y mantención de ejercicios terapéuticos. Análisis estadístico: prueba de c2, prueba exacta de Fisher, Mann-Whitney y Odds Ratio. Significancia estadística p < 0,05. Resultados: Hubo 113 pacientes que completaron el tratamiento. La mediana de edad fue 67 años (i: 24-91) y 83 porciento género femenino. La mediana de Wi fue de 9 puntos (i: 3-19) y la mediana de Wf fue de 3 puntos (i: 0-13) (p < 0,001). Se logró contactar a 68 pacientes para el seguimiento, en ellos la mediana del puntaje de Wi, Wf y Wsfue de 9 (i: 3-19), 3 (i:0-12) y 4 (i:0-19), respectivamente. Hubo diferencia significativa entre Wi y Ws (p < 0,001), pero no entre Wf y Ws (p = 0,23). Veinte pacientes (29 por ciento) realizaron ejercicios terapéuticos regularmente y 48 (71 por ciento) nunca o raramente; este último grupo es factor de riesgo para obtener peores resultados (OR = 3,89; CI 95 porciento: 1,26-11,9; p = 0,0175). Conclusión: El tratamiento con RPPM en pacientes con IF tiene buenos resultados a corto y largo plazo.

Prevalencia de la incontinencia fecal en centros de salud y casas de reposo / Prevalence of fecal incontinence in health centers and nursing home residents

Background: Fecal and urinary incontinence (FI and UI) are psychologically and socially debilitating and embarrassing conditions. Aim: To determine the prevalence of FI and associated factors in patients assessed in health centers (HC) and nursing home (NH) residents. Material and Methods: Prospective, multicentric survey carried out in 3 HC and 16 NH of Santiago. Patients and residents of NH were interrogated about FI between March and July 2004. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 618 patients attending health centers aged 18 to 87 years (75 percent females) and 128 nursing home residents aged 40 to 103 years (80 percent females). The prevalence of liquid or solid FI in HC and NH was 2.7 and 45 percent, respectively. Among the latter, the incontinence for liquids and solids was 19 percent and 42 percent, respectively. The prevalence of UI was 30.1 and 62.7 percent in HC patients and NH residents, respectively. Among patients attending HC, multivariable analysis showed a relation between older age and urinary incontinence with liquid or solid FI Among NH residents, multivariate analysis showed a relation between urinary incontinence and motor disabilities with liquid or solid FI Conclusions: The prevalence of liquid or solid FI among patients assessed in health center is 2.7 percent. This figure increases in older people, those with UI and in NH residents.

Resultados de la cirugía laparoscópica en el tratamiento electivo de la enfermedad diverticular de colon / Results of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of diverticular disease of the colon

The laparoscopic approach is an alternative for the elective treatment of diverticular colon disease (DCD). Aim: To analyze the results of patients electively operated for DCD using a laparoscopic technique. Material and Methods: Data of patients with DCD operated using laparoscopy at the Catholic University of Chile Clinical Hospital were prospectively recorded from January 1999 to August 2006. Indications for surgery were repetitive crises of acute diverticulitis, the persistence of the symptoms or anatomic deformity after the first crisis and complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey 1-2) that responded to the medical treatment. The laparoscopic technique used five ports and the surgical specimen was extracted through a suprapubic approach. Results: One hundred and six patients aged 32 to 82 years (49 percent females) were operated in the study period. Fifty five percent had a previous abdominal surgery. The mean operative time was 213 minutes (range: 135-360). Four patients were converted to open surgery (3.7 percent). One or more early post-operative complications were observed in five patients (4.7 percent). The mean time for passing gases and reinitiate liquid diet was 1.7 and 2.4 days respectively. The median post operative stay after surgery was 4 days. There was no operative mortality. Mean follow-up time was 27 months and only one patient (0.9 percent) had a new episode of acute diverticular disease, with a satisfactory response to medical treatment. No patient has developed bowel obstruction. Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach is a safe alternative in the elective surgical treatment of DCD.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la perforación de colon durante la colonoscopia / Diagnosis and management of colon perforation after colonoscopy

Background: Colon perforation is an uncommon but feared complication of colonoscopy. The treatment is usually surgical but occasionally it does not require an operation. Aim: To report our experience in the diagnosis and management of colon perforation after colonoscopy. Material and methods: Retrospective review of the database of 11,720 colonoscopies. The medical records of those patients that had a perforation were reviewed. Results: Twelve perforations in patients aged 26 to 92 years (six women), were identified with a global perforation rate of 0.1 percent. Five occurred during diagnostic and seven during therapeutic procedures. All perforations were confirmed by a plain X ray or CT scan of the abdomen. Four patients, without signs of initial diffuse peritoneal irritation, were medically treated. One of these, finally required surgery. Among operated patients, a primary suture was done in five, a primary excision without colostomy in three and a Hartmann procedure due to a severe peritoneal contamination in one. No patient died. Conclusions: There is a higher risk of colon perforation during therapeutic colonoscopies. Selected cases may be safely treated without surgery.

Estudio endoscópico en familiares de primer grado de pacientes operados por cáncer colorrectal / Screening colonoscopy among first degree relatives of patients with colorectal carcinoma

Background: First degree relatives of patients with colorectal carcinoma are at a higher risk of having the disease than the general population. Therefore, they should be subjected to screening colonoscopy. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of colonoscopy among first degree relatives of patients with colorectal carcinoma. Material and methods: A free colonoscopy was offered to first degree relatives of patients operated on for colorectal cancer between 1998 and 2000. As inclusion criteria, subjects had to be asymptomatic, older than 40 years or less than 10 years younger than the index case. Each subject was contacted twice, inviting him/her to have a colonoscopy performed. Results: Two hundred forty three relatives were contacted for the study and in 76, a colonoscopy was performed. Among the latter, a neoplasm was found in 13 (17 percent): One adenocarcinoma and 12 adenomas. Three of these lesions were located in the right colon. The main reason given by the 176 subjects that did not agree to have a colonoscopy was lack of interest. Conclusions: Screening colonoscopy is effective to detect adenoma and adenocarcinomaamong first degree relatives of patients with colorectal carcinoma, however only 31 percent of all potential relatives agreed to undergo a colonoscopy.

Cáncer de recto en mayores de 70 años: ¿se justifica una resección con intención curativa? / Rectal cancer in older than 70 years old: is it justify a ressection?

El objetivo de esta comunicación es analizar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico y pronóstico en los pacientes mayores de 70 años con cáncer del recto (CR). Método: este estudio retrospectivo incluye 211 pacientes operados con intención curativa en el período enero de 1975 a diciembre 1997. De éstos 81 pacientes son de 70 o más años (grupo A) y 130 menores de 70 años (grupo B). La información fue obtenida de la base de datos computarizada y la sobrevida certificada a través de registros clínicos, entrevista telefónica y certificados de defunción. Las curvas de sobrevida fueron estimadas por el método de Kaplan-Meier, y comparadas con el test log-rank. Resultados: la localización del cáncer en el tercio inferior del recto (0-7 cm del margen anal) fue de 43 por ciento (35) para el grupo A y 54 por ciento (70) para el grupo B (p=n.s). Resección abdominoperineal se practicó en el 36 por ciento del grupo A y en el 44 por ciento del grupo B. Hubo un mayor porcentaje de pacientes ASA II y III en el grupo A (p<0,05). Se observó una mayor morbilidad en grupo A (40 por ciento v/s 22 por ciento), p<0,05). Sin embargo, al comparar sólo los pacientes ASA I de ambos grupos no se encontró diferncia en la morbilidad (p=n.s). No hubo mortalidad operatoria (30 días) en el grupo B, en tanto que en el grupo A se observó en dos pacientes (2,4 por ciento). El tiempo de seguimiento medio fue de 39 y 56 meses para el grupo A y para el grupo B, respectivamente. La sobrevida libre de enfermedad a 5 años fue de 54 por ciento sin observarse diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos (p=n.s). Conclusión. En pacientes seleccionados mayores de 70 años con CR, la cirugía resectiva con intención curativa se puede realizar con cifras de morbimortalidad y pronóstico comparables al grupo de menores de 70 años