The impact of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for colorectal cancer on the autonomous nervous system.

BACKGROUND: The oxaliplatin (ΟΧΑ)-based regimens FOLFOX and XELOX can cause peripheral neuropathy. It is unknown if ΟΧΑ, alone or in combination regimens, affects the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS). Accordingly, we evaluated the impact of ΟΧΑ-based chemotherapy on the ANS. METHODS: We enrolled 36 patients with colorectal cancer, treated with adjuvant mFOLFOX6 or XELOX chemotherapy, and 22 healthy volunteers. For the assessment of ANS function, participants completed a questionnaire and underwent neurophysiological examination at three time points (baseline, 3-4 months and 6-8 months after the first chemotherapy cycle). ANS testing included assessment of the adrenergic cardiovascular function (orthostatic hypotension-OH), parasympathetic heart innervation (ratio 30/15) and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR). RESULTS: The values of the 30/15 ratio were significantly reduced at the two time point assessments compared to baseline (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, both P < 0.001), while patients had more often diastolic OH at the 6-8 month evaluation compared to baseline (P = 0.039). In contrast, SSR was not affected. The incidence of positive responses in the questionnaire assessing the subjective impact of symptoms attributable to ANS dysfunction was higher at the two time points compared to baseline (P = 0.036 and P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is associated with significant effects on the adrenergic cardiovascular reaction and the parasympathetic heart innervation, whereas SSR remains untouched.

Pheochromocytoma crisis presenting with cardiogenic shock.

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal glands whose typical presentation includes the triad of headache, palpitations, and diaphoresis. Pheochromocytoma crisis is an urgent medical condition whose diagnosis and management constitute a challenge for physicians. We present the case of a 55-year-old man who developed cardiogenic shock in the setting of a pheochromocytoma crisis. After stabilizing blood pressure with combined administration of α- and ß-blockers, the tumor was surgically removed. Our diagnostic and therapeutic challenges are discussed.

Surgical management of rectal prolapse.

PURPOSE: Rectal prolapse is uncommon; however, the true incidence is unknown because of underreporting, especially in the elderly population. Full-thickness rectal prolapse, mucosal prolapse and internal prolapse are three different clinical entities, which are often combined and constitute rectal prolapse. The aim of the study is to present our experience in the surgical management of rectal prolapse. METHODS: In a 6-year period (2004-2010), 27 patients were surgically treated for rectal prolapse. The majority of patients were women (25 women, two men) and their mean age was 72.36 years. The operations performed were two Delorme's procedures, five STARR (Stapled TransAnal Rectal Resection), 14 Wells procedures, two Wells combined with Thiersch, one Altemeier, one sigmoid resection combined with Wells and two Thiersch. RESULTS: An emergency sigmoidostomy was performed on a patient after Wells operation due to obstructive ileus. One death occurred on the 5th postoperative day due to pulmonary embolism. Two recurrences observed 8 months postoperatively, one in a patient after STARR operation and one in a patient after Thiersch technique. The great majority of patients are completely relieved of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The application of different modalities in the treatment of rectal prolapse is attributed to the fact that cause, degree of prolapse and symptoms, vary from one patient to another. Successful approach depends on many factors, including the status of a patient's anal sphincter muscle before surgery, whether the prolapse is internal or external and the overall condition of the patient.

A retrospective analysis of 2000 cases with colorectal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of death in the western world and a leading cause of cancer-related death. It is one of the most common human malignancies with >300,000 cases both in the United States and in the European Union each year. The present study was conducted to assess differences in various variables of CRC, such as location of the tumor, differentiation, Dukes classification, 5-year survival and possible changes in these patterns during the examined period. METHODS: We collected data on 2000 patients with colorectal cancer, diagnosed and treated from 1960 to 2008 in 1st Propedeutic Surgical Clinic of Aristotle's University, Thessaloniki. RESULTS: Of 2000 cases reviewed, cancer was almost equal presented to both sexes, for all groups. Rectum was the most common tumor location in all analyzed groups (40.1%). The most common tumor differentiation was the moderate one (68.5%). Concerning tumor staging, Dukes' B tumors were most common (42.5%), and the cancer-related 5-year survival was increased by the time from 42 to 71%. CONCLUSION: In the past 20 years, considerable improvements have been made in colorectal cancer therapy, and patients had received more sophisticated and multidisciplinary treatments, resulting in a better 5-year survival rate.

Cecal volvulus after twin gestation: laparoscopic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal obstruction in pregnancy is not common. Colonic volvulus occurs in 24% of such cases. Due to the rare incidence and lack of imaging during pregnancy, correct diagnosis is often delayed. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 33-year-old female with a twin pregnancy gestation, who presented with acute abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed a gravid uterus and tenderness in the lower abdominal quadrants. Due to intense uterine contractions, the patient was urgently submitted to cesarean delivery, giving birth to two healthy infants. Twelve hours after the cesarean section, right lower quadrant abdominal pain was persistently severe. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal dilatation were also present. Abdominal X-ray and CT scan showed bowel obstruction, possibly secondary to cecal volvulus. The patient was subjected to explorative laparoscopy, cecal volvulus detorsion, and laparoscopic appendectomy. RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Cecal volvulus in pregnancy is a rare, difficult to diagnose, clinical entity. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, both of mother and fetus, because of delayed diagnosis. A high index of clinical suspicion is required in pregnant or puerperant women with signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction and persistent pain at the right low abdominal quadrant. As long as diagnosis is timely set, laparoscopy is a safe and successful means of surgical treatment.

The stapled hemorrhoidopexy syndrome: a new clinical entity?

PURPOSE: Haemorrhoidal disease is a rather common disease of unknown cause. A new technique for treating prolapsing haemorrhoids known as the stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) or the "Longo procedure" is widely used. Serious adverse events were reported in 2000 and some discussion over the syndrome but nothing since. METHODS: Two hundred and five patients underwent SH by our surgical team at the Interbalkan European Medical Center. Modified SH was performed. RESULTS: Despite the low incidence of postoperative complications (11/205), 36.58% of patients developed syndrome comprised of urgency to defecate, sensation of anal foreign body and incomplete defecation and mild cramp like anal discomfort, immediately after surgery or in the following 48 h. There is not statistically significant relationship between the presence of the syndrome and the gender, the presence of muscle fibres in the resected "ring" the degree of haemorrhoidal disease, age and ring length. CONCLUSION: Observations led us to conclude that the stapled hemorrhoidopexy syndrome (SHS) is probably caused by the irritating presence of the titanium staples in the rectal mucosa and by the resection itself.

Gossypiboma presenting as mesosigmoid abscess [corrected].

INTRODUCTION: The term "gossypiboma" is used to describe any mass of non-absorbable surgical material. It is estimated that this complication appears every 1.000-10.000 procedures. It may lead to peritonitis, acute abdominal pain, intraperitoneal abscess, bowel obstruction, or perforation. REPORT OF A CASE: We present the case of an 80-year-old female patient admitted for chronic abdominal pain and fever. A CT scan and MRI were performed with a probable diagnosis of carcinoma or pelvic abscess. A surgical history of hysterectomy and repair of abdominal wall hernia with a mesh were mentioned. RESULTS: Exploratory laparotomy revealed the presence of an irregular, soft mass with characteristics of an abscess located into the mesosigmoid. Hartman's sigmoidectomy was performed, and the patient's postoperative course was uneventful. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of gossypiboma. CONCLUSIONS: Retained foreign intraperitoneal materials often represent diagnostic dilemmas, since symptomatology is no specific and the time elapsed from surgery is long. The policy of prevention's importance is highly appreciated.

Surgical management of colorectal injuries: colostomy or primary repair?

PURPOSE: Several factors have been considered important for the decision between diversion and primary repair in the surgical management of colorectal injuries. The aim of this study is to clarify whether patients with colorectal injuries need diversion or not. METHODS: From 2008 to 2010, ten patients with colorectal injuries were surgically treated by primary repair or by a staged repair. RESULTS: The patients were five men and five women, with median age 40 years (20-55). Two men and two women had rectal injuries, while 6 patients had colon injuries. The mechanism of trauma in two patients was firearm injuries, in two patients was a stab injury, in four patients was a motor vehicle accident, in one woman was iatrogenic injury during vaginal delivery, and one case was the transanal foreign body insertion. Primary repair was possible in six patients, while diversion was necessary in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Primary repair should be attempted in the initial surgical management of all penetrating colon and intraperitoneal rectal injuries. Diversion of colonic injuries should only be considered if the colon tissue itself is inappropriate for repair due to severe edema or ischemia. The role of diversion in the management of unrepaired extraperitoneal rectal injuries and in cases with anal sphincter injuries is mandatory.

Changes in treatment of rectal cancer: increased use of low anterior resection.

PURPOSE: The most common surgical procedures for patients with rectal cancer are low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal excision (APE). The aim of the present study is to evaluate and report the changes in the incidence of LAR and APE in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer over the last 15 years in a single surgical department. METHODS: The patient sample consisted of 251 consecutive patients (mean age 65.17; age range 22-87) that underwent surgical treatment for rectal cancer in a single center from 1996 to 2010. This time frame was divided into three 5-year periods (1996-2000, 2001-2005 and 2006-2010). Patients were classified into one of the aforementioned groups, depending on the date of their treatment. RESULTS: In the first period (1996-2000), 71 patients were treated for rectal cancer. Among them, 32.4% (n = 23) underwent an abdominoperineal excision (APE) while 56.3% (n = 40) were treated with LAR. In the second period (2001-2005), included 102 patients, from which 29.4% (n = 30) received an APE and 60.8% (n = 62) underwent a LAR for their disease. In the final period (2006-2010), from the 78 patients, only 12.8% (n = 10) of them underwent APE, while 74.3% (n = 58) were treated with LAR. There was a statistically significant (chi-square test, P = 0.005) difference between the 3 periods of time concerning the performance of LAR and APE. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, the rates of APE seem to decrease during the last 15 years, while LAR is more widely used in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer.

Inflammation of solitary caecal diverticula:a rare aetiology of acute abdominal pain [corrected].

Caecal diverticula are rare, representing the 3.6% of colonic diverticula. They may have congenital origin and remain asymptomatic, presenting as an accidental finding. We present a case of a 42-year-old Caucasian woman, admitted with a 12-h history of sudden onset of sharp right iliac fossa pain, anorexia, and nausea. There was leukocytosis (23.49 × 10(3)/µl) and increased C-reactive protein (11.76 mg/dl). CT scan showed an inflamed appendix. At laparotomy, a diffuse caecal phlegmon with an inflammatory solitary caecal diverticula was found. A limited right hemicolectomy was performed. Histological examination confirmed the caecal diverticulitis without malignancy. Post-operative period was uneventful. Three months later, endoscopy showed no diverticula or other pathologies. Solitary caecal diverticulum is very rare, but surgeons must bear this in mind in case of pain in right iliac fossa.

Laparoscopic low anterior resection for early rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Early rectal cancer (ERC) is adenocarcinoma that has invaded into, but not extended beyond, the submucosa. Endoscopic or minimal access surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic resection, have emerged as a useful tool in the surgical treatment of such diseases. The aim of this study is to present and analyze the feasibility, the short- and long-term results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) in patients with ERC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 4/2011, a total of 164 patients with colorectal cancer underwent laparoscopic surgery (LS). Of these, 7 patients (4.2%) had ERC and underwent laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR). The median follow-up was 41 months. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 2.5 h. None of the laparoscopic procedures was converted to open surgery. Liquids and solid food were started on median postoperative days 1 and 3, respectively. The median length of postoperative stay was 5 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients (28.5%), including wound infection in one patient (14.2%) and atelectasis in one patient (14.2%). None of the patients required an urgent re-operation. There was no mortality related to LS. CONCLUSIONS: LS for ERC can be used as a strategy sited between endoscopic mucosal resection and open anterior resection with beneficial long- and short-term results. It appears as a technically and oncologically safe procedure when performed by surgeons with sufficient experience in laparoscopic techniques.

Breast cancer metastatic to the rectum: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with breast cancer may present with systemic recurrence in any organ, primarily the bones, lungs, lymph nodes, liver, pleura, and adrenal glands. We report a case of rectal tumor, metastatic from breast cancer, which represents an unusual location of metastasis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old woman, operated for lobular breast cancer 5 years ago, but not compliant with the annual follow-up, presented with severe constipation and pseudodiarrhea. Digital examination and anoscopy revealed a mass at the lower rectum, 2 cm distant from the anal verge. CT and MRI scan of the abdomen confirmed this finding and did not reveal metastatic lesions elsewhere. The patient underwent abdominoperineal resection. RESULTS: The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. The histopathological findings revealed rectal cancer, metastatic from the known invasive lobular breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal metastasis from breast cancer is very rare. The presented case emphasizes the need to keep in mind this possibility and at all times associate the emergency condition with the related history of breast cancer.

The use of fibrin glue in the treatment of complex perianal fistulae: a case report.

We present a 71-year-old man with a horseshoe, complex perianal fistula. He was treated by a simple fistulotomy for the fistula at sixth hour, while fibrin sealant was applied for the complicated one. He is free of symptoms 24 months postoperatively.

Desmoid tumor of mesentery in familial adenomatous polyposis: a case report.

Our case concerns a 52-year-old male with FAP, who was treated surgically by restorative colectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis. Three years later, he presented with acute epigastric pain and obstructive ileum. While a mass in the left lateral abdominal region was palpated. The patient underwent laparotomy, some adhesions were dissected and biopsies were taken from the mass. Pathological examination revealed a desmoid tumor of the mesentery.

Prospective clinical trial comparing sphincterotomy, nitroglycerin ointment and xylocaine/lactulose combination for the treatment of anal fissure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the ability of three treatments in patients with anal fissure, sphincterotomy, nitroglycerin ointment and combination of gel xylocaine and lactulose. METHODS: Ninety adults divided in three groups of 30 patients each group, received one of the three treatments in a 3-year interval (2007-2009) and the follow-up was for 2 months. Group A received nitroglycerin ointment, Group B underwent sphincterotomy and Group C received gel xylocaine and lactulose. RESULTS: Concerning pain, after treatment 60% of patients in Group A did not complain of pain, 20% had transient pain, another 10% moderate pain and the remaining 10% had severe pain. In Group B, 95% of the patients had no pain and only 5% had mild, transient pain. In Group C 60% of the patients had moderate pain and the other 40% suffered from severe pain. Concerning fissure healing, in 60% of the patients of Group A, the fissure was healed. In Group B fissure healed in 93.3% and in Group C only in 16.6% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The "gold standard" for anal fissure treatment is the lateral internal sphincterotomy and that each one of the three methods has its advantages and disadvantages.

Management of peritoneal hydatid cysts: A fourty-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid disease is a global problem. We report our experience with such cases where the dominant cysts were located outside the liver and lungs. In particular, these cysts were found in the peritoneum which is an uncommon location. METHODS: Between 1967 and 2007 a total of 34 patients were operated for primary or secondary peritoneal cysts. Most of the patients were asymptomatic or had atypical symptoms. The diagnosis was based on the preoperative history, rupture of the cysts, serology, ultrasound (USS) and computer tomography (CT). Open surgery was the procedure of choice with conservative (18 cysts) and radical (25 cysts) methods. RESULTS: The outcome of surgery was good without postoperative mortality or severe morbidity and the recurrence rate was 23.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative surgery can provide good results in symptomatic peritoneal cysts. Radical therapy is also ideal but only in properly selected cases. The management of this situation is difficult requiring sound operative experience preferably with a one-stage procedure after an appropriate preoperative preparation.

Randomized clinical trial of stapled hemorrhoidectomy vs open with Ligasure for prolapsed piles.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the results in 95 patients randomly allocated to undergo either stapled or open hemorrhoidectomy using Ligasure. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids were randomly allocated to undergo either stapled (50 patients) or open using Ligasure (45 patients). Stapled hemorrhoidectomy was performed with the use of a circular stapling device. Open hemorrhoidectomy was accomplished according to the Milligan-Morgan technique by using Ligasure. Postoperative pain was assessed by means of a visual analog scale (VAS). Recovery evaluation included return to pain-free defecation and normal activities. A 6-month clinical follow-up and an 18 (12-24) month median telephone follow-up were obtained in all patients. RESULTS: Operation time for open hemorrhoidectomy using Ligasure was shorter [median 13 (range 9.2-16.1) min vs 15 (range 8-17) minutes, p < 0.05]. Median range of VAS score in the stapled group were significantly lower [VAS score after 8 h: 3 (2-6) vs 5 (3-8), p < 0.01; VAS score after first defecation: 5 (3-8) vs 7 (3-9), p < 0.001. The stapled hemorrhoidectomy was associated with an increased incidence of intraoperative bleeding in 18 cases (36%) vs four cases (8.8%) of the Ligasure group. There were three cases (6%) from the stapled group with recurrence of the hemorrhoids and none from the open technique. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhoidectomy with a circular stapler device is easy to perform, but one more line of clips must be added to the device to avoid intraoperative bleeding from the cut line. Hemorrhoidectomy performed using Ligasure is more painful postoperatively but is a more radical operation.

Novel mutations of the APC gene in familial adenomatous polyposis in Greek patients.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a premalignant clinical entity inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, is characterized by the development thousands of adenomatous polyps of the colorectum during the 2nd and 3rd decade of life. Approximately 80% of patients with FAP harbor truncating germline mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene. We tested 24 members of six Greek families. All patients had the FAP phenotype, and one patient had an extracolonic tumor (medulloblastoma). Our method for testing was the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification from genomic DNA extracted from whole blood, followed by automated DNA sequencing. Two novel truncating mutations (2601delGA and R923X) and three already-known mutations (R876X, Q1045X, and D1822V) were found. Other polymorphisms were also found. We identified the inactivating APC mutation in 12 of 13 of our FAP patients. Our results suggest that PCR sequencing is a reliable method for screening the APC gene for germline mutations.

High-dose leucovorin, fluorouracil and oral dipyridamole in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

Fifty-five patients with advanced colorectal cancer were treated with the combination of leucovorin (LV), fluorouracil (FU) and dipyridamole (DP). Two (4%) patients achieved a clinical complete remission, 4 (7%) a partial remission, 24 (44%) had stable disease while 25 (45%) patients progressed during the chemotherapy period. Median survival was 47 weeks and median time to progression 19.5 weeks. Major toxicities included diarrhea (66%), leukopenia (45%), anemia (50%) and nausea/vomiting (44%). In conclusion, the addition of oral DP does not appear to improve the efficacy of the standard LV/FU regimen in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Pancreatic abscess following acute pancreatitis.

Without surgical treatment, pancreatic abscess remains a highly lethal complication of acute pancreatitis. Many surgical series have reported mortality rates of 32 to 65 per cent in treated cases. Although pancreatic abscess is a rare condition, it is more common in patients with severe pancreatitis. A retrospective study of 130 patients admitted to our unit with severe acute pancreatitis during the period from 1965 to 1987 revealed 18 cases of pancreatic abscess. All pancreatic abscesses were primary in nature, and no infected pseudocysts were included in the series. Clinical surveillance, repeated laboratory tests, conventional radiology, and especially ultrasonography and CT scan all contributed to the preoperative diagnosis. The applied treatment was surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue and either local or extensive external drainage. In 12 cases this procedure was combined with other surgical interventions. The recorded mortality rate was 16.66 per cent. Factors adversely affecting survival include: 1) severity of precipitating pancreatitis; 2) difficulty in making early and accurate diagnosis of the pancreatic abscess; 3) marked tendency for recurrence of sepsis; and 4) life-threatening associated complications and/or diseases.