Prognostic value of lymph node ratio and extramural vascular invasion on survival for patients undergoing curative colon cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: Increasing lymph node ratio (LNR) (ratio of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of harvested lymph nodes) and extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) have been proposed as adverse prognostic indicators in colorectal cancer, although their use remains variable and controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of LNR and EMVI in predicting survival for patients undergoing curative colon cancer resection. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2012, 922 patients underwent curative colon cancer resection. Surgical technique and pathological assessment did not change during the study period. Clinical and pathological data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. The primary outcome measure was overall survival and disease-free survival. LNR was separated into five categories based on three previously calculated cutoff values: LNR 0 (no lymph nodes involved), LNR 1 (ratio 0.01<0.17), LNR 2 (ratio 0.18-0.41), LNR 3 (ratio 0.42-0.69), and LNR 4 (ratio >0.70). RESULTS: Nine hundred and twenty-two patients underwent colon cancer resection. The median follow-up for survivors was 52.8 months (IQR 34.6-77.6). The median total number of lymph nodes harvested was 16 (IQR13-22). On multivariate analysis, both pN and LNR were strongly associated with overall and disease-free survival. Using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), LNR had greater prognostic value compared with pN. For overall survival, compared with patients in LNR category 0, hazard ratios (95% CI) for those in categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 1.37 (1.03,1.82), 2.37 (1.70,3.30), 2.40 (1.57,3.65) and 5.51 (3.16,9.58), respectively. For disease-free survival, patients had hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.78 (1.25,2.52), 3.79 (2.56,5.61), 2.60 (1.50,4.48) and 4.76 (2.21,10.27), respectively. The presence of EMVI was a significant predictor of decreased overall and disease-free survival (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated, in the presence of high surgical, oncology and pathological standards, EMVI and increasing LNR were independent predictors of decreased overall and disease-free survival for patients undergoing curative colon cancer resection. LNR was superior to pN stage in predicting overall and disease-free survival.

Does the location of colorectal carcinoma differ between screened and unscreened populations?

AIM: Screening for colorectal malignancy using faecal occult blood testing is established across the UK. In NHS Grampian the programme was introduced in 2007. Previous studies have reported no difference in anatomical locations of cancers detected by screening programmes compared with those in unscreened populations. This study aims to review the location of tumours detected in an established screening programme compared with those diagnosed through symptomatic presentation within the same population. METHOD: All patients discussed at the regional multidisciplinary meeting between June 2007 and August 2011 were included. Data were collated prospectively from multidisciplinary team records while site of tumour was documented from radiology, endoscopy, operative and pathology reports. Comparative statistics (χ(2) ) were performed using spss 19. RESULTS: Of 1487 patients included 255 were detected via the screening programme and 1232 from symptomatic presentation. More left sided tumours (splenic flexure to rectosigmoid) were detected via screening (P=0.005). Of non-screened patients (n=1232), 456 (37%) tumours were right sided (caecum to distal transverse colon), 419 (34%) were left sided and 357 (29%) were in the rectum. This compares with the screened group (n=255): right sided 74 (29%), left sided 113 (44%) and rectal 68 (27%). CONCLUSION: More left sided tumours appear to be detected in screened patients compared with symptomatic presentation, contrary to previously published work. These results may be worthy of further consideration given the ongoing debate on the optimal means of screening.

Urgency of referral and its impact on outcome in patients with colorectal cancer.

AIM: Primary care referral for patients with bowel symptoms is triaged by general practitioners to urgent or routine based on the clinical suspicion of malignancy. Triage directly influences time to assessment and investigation. This study aimed to establish whether urgency of referral of patients with large bowel malignancy has any effect on management. METHOD: An analysis was undertaken of all patients with colorectal cancer referred by primary care and discussed at the regional colorectal multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings from January 2009 to December 2010. Demographics and tumour data were collated prospectively from MDT records, and operation and investigation reports. RESULTS: Of 369 primary case referrals with colorectal cancer, 303 (82.1%) were urgent and 66 (17.9%) routine. Patient characteristics (age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade) and resection rates were similar in both groups and no significant difference in tumour location was observed. The time from referral to diagnosis was significantly longer in the routine group (mean 73.7 days vs 30.2 days; P = 0.001). Dukes stage was less advanced for the routine referral group, (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Urgency of referral decreased the time to diagnosis. This did not influence resection rates. Dukes stage was higher for urgent referrals. Long-term follow-up is required to determine any impact on survival.

Self-expanding metallic stents for large bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) may relieve colonic obstruction as definitive therapy or as a bridge to elective surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of patients undergoing insertion of SEMS for large bowel obstruction at one institution. Scrutiny of the radiology department's coding system allowed identification of all patients undergoing colonic stent insertion between 2002 and 2008. Data were extracted from patient case notes and investigation reports. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with a median age of 75 (interquartile range (i.q.r.) 43-94) years underwent stent insertion, 71 for palliation and 11 as a bridge to surgery. Obstruction was due to malignant disease in 67 patients and had a benign cause in 15. Median survival in the palliative setting was 103 (i.q.r. 44-317) days. Complications occurred in 43 patients, of whom 22 underwent unplanned surgery. High-grade obstruction (relative risk (RR) 2·05; P = 0·055) and benign disease (RR 3·45; P < 0·001) were associated with risk of adverse events. CONCLUSION: SEMS should not be used for large bowel obstruction with benign pathology.

Randomized controlled trial comparing rubber band ligation with stapled haemorrhoidopexy for Grade II circumferential haemorrhoids: long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of haemorrhoids has resulted in the introduction of new surgical techniques including stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH). This randomized controlled trial compared the long-term effectiveness of SH with rubber band ligation (RBL) in the treatment of grade II circumferential symptomatic haemorrhoids. METHOD: A consecutive cohort of patients was randomly allocated to either SH or RBL. Data on haemorrhoidal symptoms, Cleveland continence scores, sphincter assessment, SF-36, EQ-5D, HAD score and prior treatment history were assessed at enrollment and reassessed by long-term postal questionnaire. The details were analysed using spss 12.0 from Microsoft Access. RESULTS: Sixty patients were allocated by computer block randomization. Both groups were balanced for age, sex and symptoms. Recurrence favoured SH [3 vs 11; OR 0.18, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.86), P = 0.028] at 1 year and, at a mean of 40.67 (31-47) months [4 vs 12; OR 0.23, 95% CI (0.05, 0.95); P = 0.039]. SH patients experienced prolonged pain [Median (IQR) = 7 (5,7) vs 3 (1,7), P = 0.008] and took a longer time to return to work [6 (3,7) vs 3 (1,6) days, P = 0.018]. This was no significant difference in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy achieved better disease control at 1 year without any major complication. This was sustained in the long-term. Further studies with greater patient numbers are needed to confirm this study.

Protocol-driven trauma resuscitation: survey of UK practice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of protocol-driven trauma resuscitation strategies in UK emergency departments. METHODS: Postal/internet questionnaire survey of emergency departments to evaluate the existence of guidelines or protocols to direct resuscitation, blood component treatment, second line imaging of patients who had major trauma and the existence of a trauma team/trauma call system. RESULTS: 243 departments were identified and contacted, 183 responded. Five replies were excluded. Of the remaining 178 departments, 139 (78.1%) had a trauma team or trauma call system, but only 49 (27.5%) had a guideline or protocol for resuscitation. 92 (51.7%) had guidelines or protocols for blood component treatment in trauma, and 88 (49.4%) had guidelines or protocols for the use of second line imaging in trauma. The use of protocols and guidelines did not correlate with emergency department size, as measured by volume of activity. CONCLUSIONS: The utilisation of trauma resuscitation protocols and guidelines in British emergency departments is limited. Given the clear benefits of these strategies, consideration should be given to greater integration of such algorithms into practice.

Is magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography the new gold standard in biliary imaging?

The timing and technique of perioperative biliary imaging in relation to laparoscopic surgery remains controversial. This study assessed the predictive value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the diagnosis of biliary pathology. Clinical, laboratory and investigational data were evaluated from 374 patients undergoing MRCP at two hospital sites over a 5-year period. MRCP findings were compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or operative findings and appropriate clinical endpoints. Complete data were available for 351 of the 374 patients (94%), of whom 232 (66%) were female. Median age was 64 years. The predominant presentation was abdominal pain (n = 190). Features of pancreatitis were present in 59, cholangitis in 26 and jaundice in 109 patients. Ultrasound was the initial investigation in 312 (89%) (176-gallstone positive). Common duct dilatation was evident in 114 patients and ductal calculi in 31. ERCP was successful in 212/283 (75%) patients. Significant ERCP induced pancreatitis occurred in 12 (5.6%). Comparison between MRCP and ERCP was not possible in 85 due to failure of either technique. Nine patients underwent other investigations including intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) and were included. Of the 221 patients with full comparative data available the MRCP showed a sensitivity of 97.98% and specificity of 84.4%. MRCP is highly sensitive and specific for choledocholithiasis and avoids the need for invasive imaging in most patients with suspected choledocholithiasis.

Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: Traditional treatment methods for haemorrhoids fall into two broad groups: less invasive techniques including rubber band ligation (RBL), which tend to produce minimal pain, and the more radical techniques like excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH), which are inherently more painful. For decades, innovations in the field of haemorrhoidal treatment have centred on modifying the traditional methods to achieve a minimally invasive, less painful procedure and yet with a more sustainable result. The availability of newer techniques has reopened debate on the roles of traditional treatment options for haemorrhoids. OBJECTIVES: To review the efficacy and safety of the two most popular conventional methods of haemorrhoidal treatment, rubber band ligation and excisional haemorrhoidectomy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched all the major electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic haemorrhoids in adult human patients were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted data on to previously designed data extraction sheet. Dichtomous data were presented as relative risk and 95% confidence intervals, and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS: Three trials (of poor methodological quality) met the inclusion criteria. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptom was better with EH (three studies, 202 patients, RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.83). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 90.5%; P = 0.0001). Similar analysis based on the grading of haemorrhoids revealed the superiority of EH over RBL for grade III haemorrhoids (prolapse that needs manual reduction) (two trials, 116 patients, RR 1.23, CI 1.04 to 1.45; P = 0.01). However, no significant difference was noticed in grade II haemorrhoids (prolapse that reduces spontaneously on cessation of straining) (one trial, 32 patients, RR 1.07, CI 0.94 to 1.21; P = 0.32) Fewer patients required re-treatment after EH (three trials, RR 0.20 CI 0.09 to 0.40; P < 0.00001). Patients undergoing EH were at significantly higher risk of postoperative pain (three trials, fixed effect; 212 patients, RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.33, P < 0.00001). The overall delayed complication rate showed significant difference (P = 0.03) (three trials, 204 patients, RR 6.32, CI 1.15 to 34.89) between the two interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review confirms the long-term efficacy of EH, at least for grade III haemorrhoids, compared to the less invasive technique of RBL but at the expense of increased pain, higher complications and more time off work. However, despite these disadvantages of EH, patient satisfaction and patient's acceptance of the treatment modalities seems to be similar following both the techniques implying patient's preference for complete long-term cure of symptoms and possibly less concern for minor complications. So, RBL can be adopted as the choice of treatment for grade II haemorrhoids with similar results but with out the side effects of EH while reserving EH for grade III haemorrhoids or recurrence after RBL. More robust study is required to make definitive conclusions.

Modified Opsite sandwich for temporary abdominal closure: a non-traumatic experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laparostomy techniques have advanced since the advent of damage control surgery for the critically injured patient. Numerous methods of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) are described in the literature with most reports focusing on trauma. We describe a modified technique for TAC and report its use in a series of critically ill non-trauma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients under the care of one consultant underwent TAC over a 36-month period. A standardised technique was used in all cases and this is described. Severity of illness at the time of the first laparotomy was assessed using the Portsmouth variant of the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM). RESULTS: Nineteen TACs were performed in 11 patients with a variety of serious surgical conditions. In-hospital mortality was zero despite seven of the patients having an individual P-POSSUM predicted mortality in excess of 50%. The laparostomy dressing proved simple in construction, facilitated nursing care and was well-tolerated in the critical care environment. All patients underwent definitive fascial closure during the index admission. CONCLUSIONS: Laparostomy is a useful technique outwith the context of trauma. We have demonstrated the utility of the modified Opsite sandwich vacuum pack for TAC in a series of critically ill patients with a universally favourable outcome. This small study suggests that selective use of TAC may reduce surgical mortality.

Factors affecting anastomotic complications following anterior resection in rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Anastomotic complications following sphincter saving rectal surgery remains a significant clinical problem in rectal cancer surgery. Preoperative combined modality therapy followed by anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) has become the preferred treatment paradigm for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, its impact on anastomotic complications has not been adequately evaluated. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the response of the primary tumour to neo-adjuvant therapy with anastomotic complications and to evaluate the effect of other clinico-pathological factors previously implicated, in this patient cohort. METHOD: A total of 119 consecutive patients with primary rectal cancer were assessed of which there were 87 anterior resections. A prospectively collected database was queried to determine the incidence of anastomotic complications, association with response to neo-adjuvant therapy and other clinico-pathological factors. Data were analysed with SPSS 14.0. RESULTS: Anterior resection was performed in 87/111 (78.4%) patients of which 46/84 (56%) were low resections, with an abdominoperineal excision of rectum rate of 11/111 (9.9%). Anastomotic complications were seen as clinical leaks in 10/87 (11.5%) and late colo-visceral fistulae in 2/87 (2.2%) patients. Subclinical/ radiological 'leaks' were quantified as 4/87 (4.5%). A good pathological response to neo-adjuvant therapy was found to be strongly associated with anastomotic complications (P = 0.006). Presence of a perioperative cardiac event was the only other clinical factor associated with anastomotic complications (P = 0.004) in our study. CONCLUSION: Rectal cancer treated with neo-adjuvant therapy and radical resection with TME for better local control may be associated with greater anastomotic complications particularly when a good pathological response is seen.

Day case stapled haemorrhoidopexy for prolapsing haemorrhoids.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional surgical management of prolapsing haemorrhoids is by excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Postoperative pain has restricted the application of such procedures in the day case setting. These operations remain associated with a period of restricted activity. The use of circular stapling devices as an alternative to the excisional approach in the management of haemorrhoids has been described. This study reports our experience of stapled haemorrhoidopexy as a day case procedure. METHODS: Patients with third or fourth degree haemorrhoids were eligible for the procedure. Patients were considered suitable candidates for day case surgery based on conventional parameters. Symptoms were assessed using a previously validated symptom severity rating score. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy was carried out using a circular stapling device. Pain scores were obtained prior to discharge. Patients were admitted if pain was uncontrolled despite oral analgesia. Symptoms were re-scored at six-week follow-up. RESULTS: Over a 70-month period 168 consecutive stapled haemorrhoidopexies were performed or directly supervised by one consultant colorectal surgeon. One hundred and ten (65%) patients were considered appropriate candidates for day case surgery by conventional criteria. Ninety-six (87.3%) patients successfully underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy on a day case basis. Fourteen (12.7%) patients required admission on the day of surgery (5 for early postoperative bleeding, 4 for pain necessitating continuing opiate analgesia, two for urinary retention and three for surgery performed late in the day). Six (5%) patients were re-admitted postoperatively; four for pain relief and two because of urinary retention. Of the day case patients, 91 (82.7%) and 56 (50.9%) had been seen for 6 week and 6 month review, respectively, at the time of analysis. Symptom scores were 6 (pre-operatively) vs 0 (postoperatively) (P < 0.01). 76/91 (83.5%) patients reviewed at 6/52 were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a safe and effective procedure that can be carried out on selected patients on a day case basis. Complications are of a similar nature to excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

Pathological audit of stapled haemorhoidopexy.

INTRODUCTION: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is increasingly used for the surgical management of prolapsing haemorrhoids. Accurate placement of the staple line is essential to avoid involvement of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and the pain sensitive squamous epithelium. The aim of this study was to correlate histology with symptomatic outcome after stapled haemorrhoidopexy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single pathologist reviewed one hundred and six consecutive rectal mucosal specimens. Each specimen was assessed for the presence of columnar, transitional and squamous epithelium as well as involvement of smooth and skeletal muscle. In November 2003 all patients were sent a previously validated postal questionnaire about haemorrhoidal symptoms and a Cleveland Clinic continence scale. Symptomatic outcome was compared between patients who did or did not have squamous epithelium involvement in their pathology specimens and were analysed by Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: One hundred and six stapled haemorrhoidopexies were performed between June 2001 and September 2003. Eighty-four patients (79%) returned the questionnaire; 19 patients had squamous epithelium present in the pathology specimens. There was no significant difference between symptom or Cleveland Clinic scores in patients with or without squamous epithelium in their pathology specimens. Some specimens (n = 6) were found to have smooth muscle underlying squamous epithelium; this was interpreted as the presence of internal anal sphincter (IAS) within the specimen. There was no significant difference in Cleveland Clinic scores between this group and those without IAS involvement. CONCLUSION: This study has not demonstrated a long-term difference in symptomatic outcome or continence in patients who have squamous epithelium present in their stapled haemorrhoidopexy specimens.

Systematic review of randomized trials comparing rubber band ligation with excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND METHOD: This review compares the two most popular treatments for haemorrhoids, namely rubber band ligation (RBL) and excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Randomized trials were identified from the major electronic databases. Symptom control, retreatment, postoperative pain, complications, time off work and patient satisfaction were assessed. Relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference with 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) were estimated using a random-effects model for dichotomous and continuous outcomes respectively. RESULTS: Three trials met the inclusion criteria and all were of poor methodological quality. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptoms was better after haemorrhoidectomy (RR 1.68 (95 per cent c.i 1.00 to 2.83)). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I(2) = 90.5 per cent; P < 0.001). Fewer patients required retreatment after haemorrhoidectomy (RR 0.20 (95 per cent c.i 0.09 to 0.40)), but anal stenosis, postoperative haemorrhage and incontinence to flatus were more common with this operation. CONCLUSIONS: Haemorrhoidectomy produced better long-term symptom control in patients with grade III haemorrhoids, but was associated with more postoperative complications than RBL.

Outcomes after placement of colorectal stents.

BACKGROUND: Colonic stents are increasingly used to palliate or alleviate large bowel obstruction in patients with colon cancer and other obstructing lesions in whom a definitive surgical procedure is inappropriate. We report on the outcomes of a large group of patients who underwent deployment of a colon stent in a single institution by a single operator. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients undergoing colonic stenting between September 1995 and May 2002. Data collected included nature of pathology, type of stent used, procedure morbidity, patient survival and details of any definitive procedures performed after stenting. RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients were evaluated (58 male) with a median age of 75 years (range 36-99 years). A total of 112 stents were successfully deployed (46 as an emergency). Twelve patients had double stents inserted coaxially and overlapping. In 7 patients the stent could not be safely deployed. Eighty-seven patients had colorectal cancer, 13 patients had an extra-luminal malignancy, 5 had diverticular strictures and in 2 patients the pathology was unknown. At last review (May 2002) 18 patients were alive, 82 patients had died and 7 patients had been lost to follow-up. Of those patients who died, the median survival after stenting alone was 6 weeks (range 4 days-36 weeks). Ten patients underwent subsequent definitive surgery. Stent complications included, 2 colonic perforations, 3 stent occlusions and 4 stent migrations. CONCLUSION: Colonic stenting can be used effectively, with acceptable morbidity, to manage patients presenting with large bowel obstruction. In a smaller number of patients colon stents may safely temporize symptoms while definitive surgery is planned.

A novel and convenient method of delayed primary skin closure for grossly contaminated abdominal wounds.

We describe a new method of delayed primary closure for grossly contaminated abdominal surgical wounds, combining the reduced vulnerability to infection associated with delayed skin closure and the excellent cosmesis of subcuticular suture. The surgical technique is outlined and the results in nine patients with gross intra-abdominal sepsis reported.

Minimizing the risk of penetrating injury to surgical staff in the operating theatre: towards sharp-free surgery.

Conventional surgery carries a significant risk of inadvertent injury to members of the scrub team. Although minor injury is common and usually no more than unpleasant, serious consequences may occur. Modifications in technique together with the application of modern instrumentation may reduce the risks of sharp injury substantially. The techniques and technology available in the conventional open surgery setting are reviewed.

Follow-up confirms sustained benefit of circumferential stapled anoplasty in the management of prolapsing haemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: Circumferential stapled anoplasty is gaining popularity as a safe and effective treatment in the surgical management of haemorrhoids and mucosal prolapse. However, little is known about the medium- and long-term durability of this procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of stapled anoplasty in maintaining symptom remission and to identify possible procedure-related adverse effects. METHODS: Of a consecutive series of 85 stapled anoplasties in 83 patients, 64 patients were eligible for 6-month review; 50 patients were seen in surgical outpatient clinics and seven were contacted by telephone. All patients attending the outpatient clinic were questioned about current symptoms and overall satisfaction with the procedure. The staple line was palpated digitally and inspected at proctoscopy. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) symptom scores were 6 (5--8) before operation compared with 0 (0--1) at 6 months (P < 0.01). There was no deterioration in symptoms between 6-week and 6-month follow-up. No recurrences and no procedure-related adverse effects, in particular impaired continence or persistent anal pain, were identified. CONCLUSION: The initial promising results of circumferential stapled anoplasty in effectively treating haemorrhoidal symptoms appear to be sustained at 6-month follow-up.

The contemporary management of haemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: New concepts in the management of haemorrhoidal disease have recently rekindled interest in this common pathology. General and subspecialist colorectal surgeons were surveyed to assess their impact on the current management of haemorrhoids. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) and the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI). Regarding indications for surgery, surgical techniques, day case haemorrhoidectomy (DCH) and postoperative treatment regimens. ASGBI members were asked to state their subspecialist interest and estimated time devoted to colorectal practice. RESULTS: There were 406 (71%) ACPGBI respondents and 483 (68%) ASGBI respondents. Eighty-four (12%) ASGBI respondents performed no elective colorectal surgery. One hundred and ninety-nine (35%) of ACPGBI respondents saw between 6 and 10 new haemorrhoid patients per week whereas three hundred (42%) of ASGBI respondents saw between 1 and 5 per week. Non-operative management included routine advice on fluid and diet by the majority of surgeons, with banding carried out in 79% (ACPGBI) and 75% (ASGBI) and injection sclerotherapy in 61% (ACPGBI) and 56% (ASGBI). The Milligan Morgan haemorrhoidectomy was performed in 265 (46%; ACPGBI) and 336 (47%; ASGBI). ACPGBI members used Submucosal diathermy (148, 26%vs 67, 9%; ASGBI (P < 0.01; chi2 test with Yates correction)) and stapled anoplasty (61, 11%vs 14, 2%; ASGBI (P < 0.01; chi2 test with Yates correction)) more often. DCH was performed in 117 (20%; ACPGBI) and in 48 (7%; ASGBI)(P < 0.01; chi2 test with Yates correction). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of surgeons, operative management varies according to specialist interest. There was a trend towards day case haemorrhoidectomy. Whilst more surgeons have accepted the use of postoperative techniques to reduce pain, only a small minority have, as yet, adopted new surgical techniques such as stapling.

Importance of reflux symptoms in functional dyspepsia.

The relation between symptom severity in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and quantitated oesophageal acid reflux is variable. Furthermore, when oesophageal acid exposure lies within the conventional normal range, the cause of the symptoms is unknown. This prospective study evaluated 24 hour ambulatory oesophageal pH profiles in relation to objective symptom scores in 100 dyspeptic patients who were free from ulcer and gall stones. Twenty patients had raised oesophageal acid exposure and reflux symptoms consistent with GORD, and 80 had oesophageal pH profiles within the conventional normal range. Forty four of the 80 had severe or moderate reflux symptoms and were classified as having reflux like functional dyspepsia (RFD); 36 had minimal or absent reflux symptoms, and were categorised as having non-reflux dyspepsia (NFD). While oesophageal pH profiles lay within the conventional normal range in both functional dyspepsia subgroups, patients with RFD had consistently greater acid exposure values as follows: mean (SEM) total oesophageal acid exposure time, RFD 16.2 (2.56) min v NFD 9.05 (2.0) min (p < 0.03); percentage of time with pH < 4, RFD 1.4 (0.2) v NFD 0.8 (0.2) (p < 0.03); DeMeester scores, RFD 12.8 (0.5) v NFD 11.4 (0.4) (p < 0.03). The RFD group had a pain/reflux event correlation of 23.8 (5.3)% v 8.1 (3.7)% for the NFD group (p < 0.01). This study shows that patients with RFD have oesophageal acid exposure that lies below the diagnostic threshold for GORD, but exceeds that of patients with NFD. The high pain/reflux event correlation in RFD, suggests that subthreshold oesophageal acid exposure may be associated with troublesome reflux symptoms.