Clostridium difficile toxin B is more potent than toxin A in damaging human colonic epithelium in vitro.

Toxin A but not toxin B, appears to mediate intestinal damage in animal models of Clostridium difficile enteritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrophysiologic and morphologic effects of purified C. difficile toxins A and B on human colonic mucosa in Ussing chambers. Luminal exposure of tissues to 16-65 nM of toxin A and 0.2-29 nM of toxin B for 5 h caused dose-dependent epithelial damage. Potential difference, short-circuit current and resistance decreased by 76, 58, and 46%, respectively, with 32 nM of toxin A and by 76, 55, and 47%, respectively, with 3 nM of toxin B, when compared with baseline (P < 0.05). 3 nM of toxin A did not cause electrophysiologic changes. Permeability to [3H]mannitol increased 16-fold after exposure to 32 nM of toxin A and to 3 nM of toxin B when compared with controls (P < 0.05). Light and scanning electron microscopy after exposure to either toxin revealed patchy damage and exfoliation of superficial epithelial cells, while crypt epithelium remained intact. Fluorescent microscopy of phalloidin-stained sections showed that both toxins caused disruption and condensation of cellular F-actin. Our results demonstrate that the human colon is approximately 10 times more sensitive to the damaging effects of toxin B than toxin A, suggesting that toxin B may be more important than toxin A in the pathogenesis of C. difficile colitis in man.

Effects of extracellular pH on intracellular pH-regulation and growth in a human colon carcinoma cell-line.

Mechanisms of intracellular pH (pHi) regulation seem to be involved in cellular growth and cell division. Little is known about how extracellular acidosis, known to occur in central regions of solid tumors, or alkaline conditions affect pHi regulation in colonic tumors. pHi changes in the colonic adenocarcinoma cell-line SW-620 were recorded by spectrofluorimetric monitoring of the pH-sensitive, fluorescent dye BCECF, and proliferative activity was assessed by [3H]thymidine uptake. Resting pHi in Hepes-buffered solution was 7.53 +/- 0.01 (n = 36). Both 1 mM amiloride and Na(+)-free solution inhibited pHi recovery from acidification and decreased pHi in resting cells. In HCO3-/CO2-buffered media resting pH1 was 7.42 +/- 0.01 (n = 36). Recovery from acidification was Na(+)-dependent, CI(-)-independent, and only partially blocked by 1 mM amiloride. In the presence of amiloride and 200 microM H2DIDS pHi recovery was completely inhibited. In Na(+)-free solution pHi decreased from 7.44 +/- 0.04 to 7.29 +/- 0.03 (n = 6) and no alkalinization was observed in CI(-)-free medium. Addition of 5 microM tributyltin bromide (an anion/OH-exchange ionophore) caused pHi to decrease from 7.43 +/- 0.05 to 7.17 +/- 0.08 (n = 5). The effects of pH0 on steady-state pHi, pHi recovery from acidification and proliferative activity after 48 h were investigated by changing buffer [CO2] and [HCO3-]. In general, increases in pH0 between 6.7 and 7.4 increased pHi recovery, steady-state pHi and growth rates. In summary, SW-620 cells have a resting pHi > 7.4 at 25 degrees C, which is higher than other intestinal cells. Acid extrusion in physiological bicarbonate media is accomplished by a pHi-sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger and a pHi-insensitive Na(+)-HCO3-cotransporter, both of which are operational in control cells at the resting pHi. No evidence for activity of a CI-/HCO3- exchanger was found in these cells, which could account for the high pHi observed and may explain why the cells continue to grow in acidic tumor environments.

Personality attributes of depressive patients.

Three groups of depressive patients (endogenous bipolar, endogenous unipolar, and nonendogenous) and one nondepressive control group displayed statistically significant differences on several personality variables when the patients were in a depression-free interval. Each of the depressive groups had stronger autodestructive-neurotic tendencies than the control group. The nonendogenous patients were overautonomous and aggressive, the endogenous unipolar patients lacked autonomy, and the endogenous bipolar patients had a hypomanic drive toward success and achievement and were anancastic and aggressive. These results were controlled for the influence of persisting symptoms of depression. They rectify generally accepted views and represent a basis for further clinical research.

The effect of acid perfusion on mucosal blood flow and intramural pH of rabbit duodenum.

To evaluate the role of blood flow for acid tolerance of the duodenal mucosa, we perfused the duodenums of anesthetized rabbits with different concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Acid perfusion stimulated blood flow to the duodenal wall in a concentration-dependent fashion up to 80 mmol/L HCl (0 mmol/L; 0.44 +/- 0.05, 10 mmol/L; 0.84 +/- 0.14, 50 mmol/L; 1.44 +/- 0.11, 80 mmol/L; 2.03 +/- 0.12, 100 mmol/L; 1.82 +/- 0.07 ml/gm/min X +/- SEM). The pH in the lamina propria of the mucosa, which was measured with antimony microelectrodes was not changed in experiments during perfusion with 50 and with 80 mmol/L HCl in normotension. Acidosis in the lamina propria could be demonstrated only when the duodenum was perfused with 100 and with 80 mmol/L HCl combined with hemorrhagic hypotension. Damage to the mucosa, which developed after 30 and 60 minutes of acid perfusion, also showed a H+-dependent pattern. Reduction of blood flow by hemorrhagic hypotension aggravated the morphologic damage. We conclude that luminal acid stimulates blood flow in the duodenum. The decrease in blood flow induced by hypotension results in a greater susceptibility to mucosal damage.

The multidrug-resistance modifiers verapamil, cyclosporine A and tamoxifen induce an intracellular acidification in colon carcinoma cell lines in vitro.

In this study we have investigated the effects of the multidrug-resistance (MDR) modifiers verapamil (VPM), cyclosporin A (CsA) and tamoxifen (TMX) on the intracellular pH(pHi) of four colon carcinoma-derived cell lines with low P-glycoprotein expression (CaCo-2, HT-29, SW 620 and SW 480). Addition of VPM (1 mu M), CsA (1 microgram/ml) or TMX (2 microM) in HEPES- or bicarbonate/CO2-buffered Ringer's solution was followed by dose-dependent and reversible decreases of the pHi (0.1-0.3 units) of all cell lines, as measured ratiometrically by the changes in the pH-dependent fluorescence of bis(carboxyethyl)carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Testing the effects of the resistance modifiers on the Na+/H+ antiporter and bicarbonate trans-porters under appropriate buffer conditions and addition of inhibitors (amiloride, DIDS) revealed that the chemomodulator-induced acidification does not interfere with the function of these major pHi-regulating acid-base transporters. The induction of changes in pHi shows no correlation with MDR-reversing activity of the drugs and our data do not support the P-gp-inhibition-mediated accumulation of acidic substrates as underlying mechanism. In addition to the P-gp-directed MDR-reversal, chemomodulator-induced intracellular acidification may enhance the chemosensitivity of the cells especially under alkaline extracellular conditions, and contribute to the decreased efficacy of MDR-modifiers in acidic extracellular environments and to the chemosensitising effect of VPM in P-gp-negative cell lines.

Restoration of anal sphincter function by single-stage dynamic graciloplasty with a modified (split sling) technique.

BACKGROUND: Controlled muscle fiber conversion by electrostimulation makes transformation of fast twitching type II muscle fibers to slow twitching type I fibers possible, which gives skeletal muscles the capacity for tetanic contraction. This phenomenon has been recently applied in the so-called "dynamic graciloplasty" to restore function of an insufficient or excised anal sphincter. This paper describes our results with this method in patients with fecal incontinence or following an abdomino-perineal resection (APR) of the anorectum. METHODS: From April 1992 through April 1997, 28 patients (12 women and 16 men) were treated by dynamic graciloplasty. The median age was 53.5 years (range 16 to 79). Indications were as follows: APR + synchronous restoration of the excised sphincter by graciloplasty (n = 12); total anorectal reconstruction (TAR) following APR in the past (n = 6); Patients with acquired fecal incontinence (n = 4); and Congenital atresia (n = 6). Muscle transposition, implantation of stimulation electrodes and pulse generator were done as a single-stage procedure, the "neosphincter" was wrapped in a modified technique (split-sling technique). Muscle transformation was performed by controlled neuromuscular stimulation during 8 weeks (from 1992 to 1995) and 4 weeks (since 1996), respectively. RESULTS: No postoperative mortality (90 days) was observed in either group. In our early experience, rectal injury occurred in 4 patients as the most prominent complication. Evaluation of the functional outcome showed the best results in patients operated either for congenital of acquired incontinence who achieved a continence for solids and liquids or solids alone, respectively (1 or 2 according to Williams' score) in 90%, while patients following APR showed a satisfying outcome (continence for solids and liquids, solids alone or with occasional episodes for liquids) in only 55.5%. In patients following APR, defecation disorders turned out to be the most prominent functional problem and had to be treated by enemas. CONCLUSION: In this series, we have been able to perform dynamic graciloplasty as a one-stage procedure using a modified muscle wrap (split-sling-technique) thus reducing the time period until continence could be achieved to 7 weeks. We found the appropriate tension of the muscle wrap essential to prevent direct injury to the rectum as it was seen in our early experience. For this reason, we have introduced a modified device to perform intraoperative anal manometry and to measure pressures created by the neosphincter objectively.

Factors influencing the restitution of the duodenal and colonic mucosa after damage.

Rapid epithelial restitution is an important protective mechanism which enables the gastrointestinal mucosa to reestablish epithelial integrity following superficial injury within hours. In this study we examined the influence of an acidic luminal pH, removal of the necrotic layer, nutrient bicarbonate, calcium and sodium desoxycholate (Na-DOC) on restitution in the rabbit duodenum in vitro and the role of Na-DOC and calcium for rapid restitution of the human colon in vitro. Transmucosal potential difference (PD), short-circuit current (lsc) were measured and resistance against passive ion flux (R) was calculated. Electrophysiological changes paralleled morphological injury but did not necessarily reflect restitution in all experiments. The extent of mucosal injury was assessed by computerized real-time morphometry. 5 hrs after luminal exposure to 10 mH HCl for 10 min residual damage (RD) was 14% in the duodenum. Luminal pH of 3.0 (RD of 30%), removal of necrotic layer at acidic luminal pH (RD of 66%), absence of bicarbonate from the serosal solution (RD of 35% at neutral luminal pH; RD of 96% at acidic luminal pH) and removal of calcium from the serosal solution (RD of 58%) impaired restitution in the duodenum. Continuous postinjury luminal Na-DOC exposure did not influence restitution in the duodenum (RD of 19%). 5 hrs after luminal exposure to 0.5 mM Na-DOC for 10 min RD was 26% in the human colon. Continuous postinjury luminal Na-DOC exposure (RD of 51%) and removal of calcium from the nutrient solution (RD of 65%) impaired restitution in the human colon. Thus we conclude that restitution of the rabbit duodenum in vitro requires a necrotic layer and bicarbonate flux to withstand acidic luminal pH, while restitution is not affected by Na-DOC. In the human colon Na-DOC inhibits restitution. Both the duodenum and colon require calcium for rapid restitution.

MIPSY: real-time morphometry to quantify the time course of rapid epithelial restitution.

The gastrointestinal mucosa has the ability to repair itself rapidly following superficial mucosal injury by rapid epithelial restitution. The mechanism consists of cell migration and does not involve mitosis. This study reports the mechanisms of rapid epithelial restitution in the rabbit colon in vivo and in the human colon in vitro, describes a new computerized real-time morphometry system to investigate the time course of restitution and presents a new method to calculate the migration speed of epithelia during the repair process. Superficial mucosal damage to the rabbit colon in vivo was produced by luminal exposure to 100 mM HCl for 5 min (80% of mucosal surface), a comparable injury in the human colon in vitro was obtained by luminal exposure to 10 mM HCl for 10 min (96% of mucosal surface). After detachment of the damaged tissue the intact epithelial cells in the vicinity of the necrosis extended pseudopodia and migrated over the denuded basal lamina. The morphological appearance of rapid epithelial restitution was the same in the rabbit and the human, only the time course was postponed in the human. The time course of rapid restitution was assessed by a newly developed computerized morphometry system (MIPSY). When tissues were examined after various time points following acid damage, 61% of the mucosa were damaged in the rabbit after 1 h, 10% after 2 hs and 20% after 5 hs. In the human colon 85% of the mucosal surface were damaged after 2 hs and 20% 5 hs after the end of acid exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The percutaneous catheter drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts]. / Perkutane Katheterdrainage von Pankreaspseudozysten.

The results of CT/US-guided percutaneous drainage in 35 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts are reported. 27 patients recovered without surgery and no further treatment was required. 8 patients required a subsequent surgery due to recurrence. The role of CT/US-guided percutaneous drainage in pancreatic pseudocysts as well as an analysis of the technical aspects associated with a successful procedure are discussed. Although US may be used, we believe CT is safer and allows more precise localisation and guidance in the treatment of pseudocysts.

Effects of temperature on the flight activity of Graphocephala atropunctata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

Graphocephala atropunctata (Signoret) is the principal vector of Xylella fastidiosa (Wells, Raju, Hung, Weisberg, Mandelco-Paul and Brenner), the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease of grapevine in coastal California. Monitoring the activity of C. atropunctata in the early spring is important for timing insecticide sprays and assessing the potential for disease spread to adjacent vineyards. Trapping studies with yellow sticky traps over 3 yr in Napa Valley, CA, established a significant correlation between early spring trap catch and temperature. Sticky trap catches of G. atropunctata occurred in the springs of 1996-1998 only when temperature was greater than or equal to 14.5 degrees C. In 1997 and 1998, the degree-hours (> 14.5 degrees C) per day from sunrise to sunset during March and April, but not in May, correlated significantly with trap catches. The temperature threshold of 14.5 degrees C in the early spring can be used to improve the timing of insecticidal applications aimed at reducing C. atropunctata populations in vineyards affected by Pierce's disease.

[Value of consistent after care in stomach cancer]. / Wert einer konsequenten Nachsorge beim Magenkarzinom.

This study analyses the efficacy of a consistent, strict follow-up programme in the management of patients with gastric cancer. Between 1978 and 1986 671 patients were treated, of whom 361 (54%) had a radical operation. The data were fed into an electronic data base and patients were invited to attend the follow-up investigations. The drop-out rate was 21%. Recurrence was detected in 177 cases, 25% in the liver, 25% as carcinosis, 21% in lymph nodes, 15% locally and 14% in other localizations. 78% of the recurrences were seen two years postoperatively and 27% were asymptomatic; 10% underwent radical operation, 27% palliative operation and 63% conservative treatment. Survival rates after 3 and 5 years were 73% and 62% in patients without recurrence and 21% and 8% with recurrence, respectively (p = 0.0 Breslow and Mantel test). The survival rate 2 years after treatment of recurrence was 37% after radical surgery and 0% after palliative operations or conservative treatment (p less than 0.06 Breslow and p less than 0.002 Mantel test). Furthermore, a tight follow-up programme enables control of surgical quality and accurate follow-up during clinical trials, whilst the opportunity to advise patients after operation is an important aspect.

[Significance of alkali secretion in acid tolerance of the rabbit duodenum]. / Die Bedeutung der Alkalisekretion für die Säuretoleranz des Kaninchenduodenums.

Different rates of alkaline secretion and their effect on acid tolerance were investigated in segments of proximal duodenum of anaesthetized New Zealand white rabbits in situ. Metabolic alkalosis and glucagon led to a significant increase in alkaline secretion, while metabolic acidosis, vasopressin and furosemide significantly reduced alkaline secretion. Mucosal blood flow was significantly increased by glucagon and decreased by vasopressin. Alkaline secretion after an acid challenge was significantly higher than preacid secretion in animals with metabolic alkalosis, glucagon and NaCl, whereas vasopressin reduced alkaline secretion significantly. No significant change was observed during treatment with furosemide or metabolic acidosis. After perfusion with acid, 51.8% of the villi showed superficial damage (stage 1) under control conditions. Damage was significantly reduced after administration of bicarbonate or glucagon, while NH4Cl, vasopressin or furosemide increased damage both quantitatively and qualitatively. There was a direct linear correlation between the degree of damage and alkaline secretion. The proximal duodenum showed considerably less damage than the distal segment. We conclude that a decrease in alkaline secretion is associated with a reduced tolerance of duodenal mucosa to luminal acid, whereas stimulation of alkaline secretion improves mucosal protection. These results support the hypothesis that alkaline secretion is an important factor in the protection of the duodenum against luminal acid.

[Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach: surgical therapy and prognosis]. / Das Non-Hodgkin-Lymphom des Magens: Chirurgische Therapie und Prognose.

This study reports 43 patients (male: n = 17, female: n = 26) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach, who underwent surgery between 1. January 1977 and 31. December 1986. The main clinical symptoms were abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting. Symptoms preceded diagnosis by 13 weeks. Barium meal and endoscopy were useful diagnostic procedures. The biopsy specimens indicated malignancy in 80% of cases. Operations performed were: total gastrectomy (n = 18), distal resection (B I: n = 4, B II: n = 14), partial duodenopancreatectomy (n = 3), proximal gastric resection (n = 1), local excision (n = 1) and explorative laparotomy (n = 2). Perioperative mortality was 0%. Peritonitis occurred in 1 patient due to leakage of the duodenal stump. According to the Ann-Arbor system we found stage I in 19, stage II in 10 and stage III in 14 cases. The histological type according to the Working Formulation showed low grade of malignancy in 15 and high grade of malignancy in 28 patients. All patients underwent postoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy with respect to tumour staging and morphology. 24 patients are alive without relapse, 16 patients died intercurrently. The data were collected retrospectively and analysed by means of Kaplan-Meier survival functions. For comparisons we used the Breslow and the Mantel test. We investigated the prognostic significance of: sex, clinical symptoms, localisation of the tumour, type and radicality of operation, lymphadenectomy, splenectomy, splenic infiltration, tumour size and depth of infiltration, staging and grading. The 2-year survival rate was 82%, the 5-year rate was 55%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Familial colon cancer]. / Das familiäre Kolonkarzinom.

5 families with autosomal dominant inherited colonic cancer were analyzed with reference to the characteristics of familial colonic cancer: 45% out of 54 family members had colorectal carcinomas, with a mean of 4.5 affected members per family. The mean age on diagnosis of colonic cancer was 43.9 years. 50% of the colorectal carcinomas were located in the right colon; 11 out of 14 carcinomas were Dukes C, with a predominance of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and mucin-producing cancers. 22% had synchronous cancers and 13% developed metachronous cancers. Cancer at another location was found in 8.7% of cases. Prospective screening of relatives (siblings, children) revealed a colonic neoplasm in 3 out of 6 asymptomatic subjects. The typical characteristics of familial colonic cancers were demonstrable in our patients. The elucidation of an exact family history in all patients with colorectal carcinoma and a strategy of meticulous surveillance are absolutely necessary for the diagnosis and management of this inherited trait.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy--a meta-analysis of 23,700 cases and status of a personal patient sample]. / Laparoskopische Cholezystektomie--eine Metaanalyse von 23,700 Fällen und der Stellenwert im eigenen Patientenkollektiv.

Meta-analysis of 23,700 laparoscopic cholecystectomies of 27 authors shows an intraoperative complication rate of 1.35% and a postoperative complication rate of 3%, including injuries of the bile duct in 0.48% and of the intestine in 0.19%. A second operation was necessary in 1.26%. In 0.43% retained common bile duct stones were observed. The conversion rate was 4.1% and the mortality rate was 0.08%. Our own experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a standard procedure on 455 out of 574 unselected patients (50 acute, 405 elective) resulted in 9 (2.2%) intraoperative and 5 (1.2%) postoperative complications. In 4 cases (0.9%) the complications necessitated a second operation. The conversion rate was 11.6% and the mortality rate was zero. It is concluded that the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy appear equivalent the "gold standard" of open cholecystectomy up to certain pathomorphological limits. Using an exact preoperative diagnostic regimen (sonography, cholangiography, ERCP if indicated) the place of routine intraoperative cholaniography is discussed critically.

[Repair of the duodenal mucosa following acid damage. A protective mechanism as an approach to new therapeutic principles?]. / Reparation der Duodenalschleimhaut nach Schädigung durch Säure. Ein protektiver Mechanismus als Ansatzpunkt für neue Therapieprinzipien?

Epithelial repair after luminal acid exposure was studied in the rabbit duodenum in vivo, HCl (200 mM for 30 min) caused uniform damage of the mucosa confined to the villi, 50% of the total villus height was affected by the acid-induced lesion in the proximal, and 70% in the distal duodenum. After demarcation and detachment of the necrotic tissue the defect was bridged by the remaining viable epithelial cells underneath a layer of mucus and necrotic debris (= necrotic layer). Mucosal repair resulted in a reduction of villus height by 62% in the proximal, and 77% in the distal duodenum. This process of mucosal repair progressed continuously, so that 9 hours after acid damage only 33% of villi in the proximal, and 41% in the distal duodenum were not yet fully restored, irrespective of luminal pH(pHL = 7 or pHL = 3). The difference between proximal and distal duodenum is due to the higher acid susceptibility of the distal duodenum. Rapid epithelial repair of the duodenal mucosa in vivo provides an important protective mechanism against the aggression from luminal acid.

Peptic esophageal stricture: is surgery still necessary?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is frequently complicated by peptic esophageal stricture formation. Treatment of choice over the past 25 years has changed from resection of the stenotic esophagus towards fundoplication, or conservative treatment combined with dilatation. Reports on the long-term results of the clinical course of such patients are still rare. Between 1965 and 1990 200 patients were treated for peptic esophageal stricture by surgery or bougienage with antisecretory medication. Retrospective analysis of the clinical outcome according to the primary therapeutic strategy was performed after a follow-up period of 1.5 to 267 months. 139 patients (group A) primarily received bougienage and medical treatment. After 71 months 36% of the patients were symptom-free, 52% had received further dilatation and 11% had undergone surgery. One fatal complication occurred. 61 patients (group B) underwent primary surgical treatment. Fundoplication was performed in 72% of the cases, resection in 18% and other procedures in 10%. After a median period of 84 months following standard fundoplication (n = 43) 44% were free of symptoms, 39% had received further dilatations and 12% had to be reoperated. Fatal complications occurred in 2 patients (5%). The risk of undergoing surgery after primary dilatation was 16% after 2 years, remaining on this level throughout follow-up time. We conclude that resection of peptic strictures of the esophagus is rarely indicated any more. Treatment of choice consists of primary bougienage combined with antisecretory medication. If conservative treatment fails or patient compliance is low we recommend fundoplication with intraoperative dilatation within the first 2 years after diagnosis of symptomatic stricture.

[Dilatation treatment of achalasia as initial therapy. Results of a prospective study]. / Dilatationsbehandlung der Achalasie als Initialtherapie. Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Studie.

From 1972 to 1991 primary dilatation therapy was investigated in a prospective study in 77 patients suffering from achalasia of the gastroesophageal sphincter. The patients were followed up continuously and the median follow-up period was ten years. 70% of patients were symptom-free after dilatation therapy at the time of the last follow-up examination, whereby 50% were cured of symptoms after a single dilatation. 27% required surgery after unsuccessful dilatation therapy. The probability of avoiding operation after dilatation therapy within 15 years of diagnosis of achalasia was 73%. The clinical symptomatology at diagnosis graded according to a scheme from I to IV, was significantly worse in patients requiring an operation (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.0005). The data of esophageal manometry were of no prognostic relevance.

[Consequences of after-care in colorectal cancer]. / Konsequenzen der Nachsorge beim kolorektalen Karzinom.

Results of a computer supported follow-up-program on patients with colorectal cancer are presented. Between 1978 and 1985 1024 patients underwent these program, the drop-out-rate was 18%. 231 recurrences in 137 patients were discovered (40% local recurrence, 30% liver metastases and 30% others). 54% of patients with local recurrence and 43% with liver metastases were free of symptoms. Radical surgery was performed in 47% of local recurrences and in 24% of liver metastases. The three year survival rate after radical surgery for recurrence amounted to 28% for local recurrences and to 31% for liver metastases.

[Rectal cancer: prognostically relevant factors for the development of local recurrence following radical anterior resection]. / Rektumkarzinom: Prognostisch relevante Faktoren für die Entstehung von Lokalrezidiven nach radikaler vorderer Resektion.

The study was designed to detect criteria which influence the incidence of local recurrence after radical anterior resection for rectal cancer. Local recurrence developed in 18 patients (20%) out of 90. All patients entered a prospective clinical study for the detection of local recurrence (mean observation time: 50 months). The following criteria were evaluated retrospectively: age, sex, staging, grading, gross appearance of the tumour, lymphatic reaction, invasion of lymph and blood vessels, perineural invasion, mucus production of the tumour and width of the distal margin of clearance (measurement in cm in the specimen immediately after resection). Kaplan-Meier survival functions estimated the probability of staying free of local recurrence depending on the various criteria. Statistical significance was calculated using the tests of Breslow and Mantel. The incidence of local recurrence (%) depended on Dukes stage (A: 7%, B: 17%, C: 40%; p less than or equal to 0.03), grading (well differentiated: 5%, average: 20%, poorly differentiated: 55%; p less than or equal to 0.02), gross appearance (protuberant: 15%, infiltrating: 47%; p less than or equal to 0.006), lymphatic stroma reaction (yes: 10%, no: 45%; p less than or equal to 0.006), invasion of veins (yes: 75%, no: 20%; p less than or equal to 0.002), perineural invasion (yes: 52%, no: 17%; p less than or equal to 0.001) and the margin of clearance (less than 1 cm: 52%, 1-3 cm: 10%, greater than 3 cm: 15%; p less than or equal to 0.02 Mantel, p less than or equal to 0.05 Breslow between less than 1 cm vs. 1-3 cm and greater than 3 cm, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)