Minimally Invasive Treatment of Recurrent Anal Fistulas with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined With Internal Orifice Closure.

AIM: Minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of anal fistulas are gaining more and more popularity. For this purpose, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) are administered to accelerate the healing process of various difficult wounds or lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate preliminary results of PRP injection into the tissues adjacent to anal fistulas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 42 patients with recurrent anal fistula, who underwent at least one cutting procedure previously, were enrolled into this preliminary and prospective trial. Closure of internal orifice was performed in all investigated patients, however, in 22 patients from group I, that procedure was combined with topical injection of PRP. In the postoperative period, the PRP administration could be repeated in case of incomplete fistula closure. Follow-up consisted of out-patient visits in a fortnight, 1, 2, and 12 months. RESULTS: Complete closure of anal fistulas was achieved in 16 (75%) patients from group I and 10 (45,5%) patients from group II. The fistulas were healed in 9 patients from group I after single application of PRP. In the next 9 patients with incomplete fistula closure, the injection was repeated 2 to 4 times every fortnight leading finally to complete recovery in 6 of them. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical fistula closure with local PRP application spares the anal sphincter and gives the opportunity to repeat the procedure several times if necessary. Treatment of recurrent anal fistulas with PRP can be considered as last resort therapy.

NTHL1 Gene Mutations in Polish Polyposis Patients-Weighty Player or Vague Background?

Multiple polyposes are heterogeneous diseases with different underlying molecular backgrounds, sharing a common symptom: the presence of transforming into cancerous intestinal polyps. Recent reports have indicated biallelic mutations in the NTHL1 gene, which is involved in base excision repair (BER), as predisposing to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to evaluate the significance of the p.Q82* truncating variant in predisposition to intestinal polyposis by assessing its frequency in polyposis patients. We genotyped 644 Polish patients and 634 control DNA samples using high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) and Sanger sequencing. We found the p.Q82* variant in four polyposis patients; in three, it was homozygous (OR = 6.90, p value = 0.202). Moreover, the p.R92C mutation was detected in one patient. We also looked more closely at the disease course in patients carrying NTHL1 mutations. Two homozygous patients also presented other neoplasia. In the family case, we noticed the earlier presence of polyps in the proband and early hepatoblastoma in his brother. We cannot univocally confirm the relationship of p.Q82* with an increased risk of CRC. However, homozygous p.Q82* was more frequent by 10-fold in patients without other mutations identified, which makes NTHL1 gene screening in this group reasonable.

Botulinum Toxin Injection for Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: Is There Any Dose-Dependent Efficiency? A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissure (CAF) is a linear split of the anoderm. The minimally invasive management of CAF such as botulinum toxin (BT) injection is recommended. However, the exact efficient dose of BT, number of injections per session and the injection sites are still debatable. The aim of this analysis was to assess the dose-dependent efficiency of botulinum toxin injection for CAF. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for terms: "anal fissure" AND "botulinum toxin." Studies published between October 1993 and May 2015 were included and had to meet the following criteria: (1) chronic anal fissure, (2) prospective character of the study, (3) used simple BT injection without any other interventions and (4) no previous treatment with BT. RESULTS: A total of 1577 patients from 34 prospective studies used either Botox or Dysport formulations were qualified for this meta-analysis. A total number of BT units per session ranged from 5 to 150 IU, whereas the efficiency across analyzed studies ranged from 33 to 96 %. Surprisingly, we did not observe a dose-dependent efficiency (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.060; p = 0.0708). Moreover, there were no BT dose-dependent postoperative complications or fecal incontinence and significant difference in healing rates compared BT injection into the anal sphincter muscles. CONCLUSIONS: BT injection has been an accepted method for the management of CAF. Surprisingly, there is no dose-dependent efficiency, and the postoperative incontinence rate is not related to the BT dosage regardless the type of formulation of botulinum neurotoxin used. Moreover, no difference in healing rate has been observed in regard to the site and number of injections per session.

Large bowel mucosal neoplasia in the original specimen may increase the risk of ileal pouch neoplasia in patients following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy is a current gold standard procedure for patients who require a colectomy for ulcerative colitis. The incidence of ileal pouch neoplasia is low. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of neoplasia in ileal pouch and investigate the risk factors for ileal pouch neoplasia. METHODS: A total of 276 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis between 1984 and 2009 were analyzed. Results of histological examinations of both original specimen and biopsies from the J-pouch taken during routine pouch endoscopy were evaluated. Patients' records were analyzed for ulcerative colitis duration, the time from pouch creation to pouch neoplasia, presence of pouchitis, as well as the concurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis. RESULTS: Analyzing the original specimen of large bowel, fifty-six lesions of low-grade dysplasia, twenty-five high-grade dysplasia, and five adenocarcinoma were revealed. All patients with dysplasia (n = 8) or adenocarcinoma (n = 1) of the J-pouch were positive for dysplasia in the original specimen. Duration of ulcerative colitis before surgery and duration time following restorative proctocolectomy were found as risk factors for J-pouch neoplasia with a significant difference (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Patients with pouch neoplasia developed significantly more severe pouchitis (p = 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Neoplasia of the J-pouch is rare. Patients with neoplasia in the original specimen are more susceptible to develop neoplasia in the J-pouch. Precise follow-up in patients with neoplasia lesions in the original specimen should be recommended. Moreover, in patients with risk factors, the exact surveillance pouch endoscopy should be recommended.

Prevention of Postoperative Malnutrition with Oral Nutritional Supplements in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) offer support for the nutritional needs of surgical patients. However, their efficacy is contingent upon the nutrient composition, absorption efficiency, and postingestion tolerance. Our study included a cohort of 84 patients who underwent elective open surgery involving at least one intestine anastomosis. To mitigate the risk of malnutrition, 2 groups of 28 patients each received either a high-protein low-osmotic ONS (Group I) or a high-calorie high-osmotic ONS (Group II). A standard diet was used in the control group (Group III). The metabolic effects were evaluated by measuring body weight and relative change in body weight (Δkg) from 24 h (-1 day) presurgery to 28 days postprocedure. Subjective tolerance following ONS consumption on the second postoperative day was also assessed. Our findings showed that, across all groups, the average body weight decreased during the initial 2 weeks postsurgery, subsequently stabilizing or returning to baseline levels by the third and fourth week of observation. Patients receiving ONS demonstrated greater weight gain between days 14 and 28, with Group I exhibiting the highest rate of gain. Low-osmotic ONS displayed superior tolerance and elicited fewer patient complaints postconsumption. Postoperative hospitalization duration did not differ significantly among the nutritional strategies. In conclusion, early administration of ONS supplies essential nutrients and facilitates refeeding, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition. Low-osmotic preparations are better tolerated and contribute more effectively to the restoration of preoperative body weight, despite their lower caloric content.

Dehiscence of colorectal anastomosis treated with noninvasive procedures.

Introduction: Most postoperative rectal leakages can be successfully treated with minimally invasive procedures. Endoscopic vacuum therapy supported by tissue adhesives or cellular growth stimulants closes even chronic anastomotic fistulas. Aim: To present a treatment strategy for postoperative leakage of rectal anastomoses with noninvasive procedures. Material and methods: From 2015 to 2020, a group of 25 patients with postoperative rectal leakage was enrolled for minimally invasive treatment. The indication for the therapy was anastomotic dehiscence not exceeding 1/2 of the bowel circuit and the absence of severe septic complications. All patients were healed with endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) supported by hemostatic clips, tissue adhesives or cellular growth stimulants. Results: Complete drainage and reduction of leakage were achieved in 23 patients. The fistula was totally closed in 21 patients and in 2 of them it was restricted to a slit sinus. Two patients required revision surgery. Endoscopic treatment attempted within 7 days from leakage detection, as well as the size of the dehiscence less than 1/4 of the bowel circuit, increased the chance of full healing. In contrast, ultra low resection and neoadjuvant radiotherapy impaired the healing process, limiting the effectiveness of noninvasive therapy. Conclusions: The minimally invasive approach successfully restricts anastomotic leakage and reduces the diameter of dehiscence. Early initiation of the therapy and the size of rupture determine the final results. The use of complementary endoscopic solutions, such as clips or tissue adhesives, increases the effectiveness of the noninvasive strategy.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding as an unusual manifestation of localized Ménétrier's disease with an underlying lipoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ménétrier's disease is a rare condition characterized by enlarged gastric folds, usually located in the whole body and fundus of the stomach. This report presents an unusual case of localized Ménétrier's disease elevated by a submucosal lipoma and thus looking like a polypoid mass and causing an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The mass was successfully removed with endoscopic submucosal dissection. CASE SUMMARY: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed on a 76-year-old male patient after an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, manifesting as fatigue and melena. A large polypoid mass (4 cm × 1 cm) with enlarged mucosal folds was found in the body of the stomach, between the lesser curvature and posterior wall. A small ulcer at the distal end of the mass was identified as the source of the bleeding. Biopsy was negative for neoplasia. Computed tomography showed a submucosal lesion beneath the affected mucosa, most likely a lipoma. The mass was removed en bloc with tunneling endoscopic submucosal dissection. Final pathology determined that the mass included Ménétrier's disease and a submucosal lipoma. The patient was scheduled for follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy. CONCLUSION: Localized Ménétrier's disease can coexist with a submucosal lipoma creating a polypoid mass with risk of bleeding.

Minimally invasive treatment of postoperative fistulas, leakages, and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract: a single-center observational study.

Introduction: Most anastomotic leaks in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be treated with minimally invasive techniques dominated by endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) or stent implantation. Chronic leaks often require additional solutions, such as tissue adhesives or cellular growth stimulants. Aim: To present a treatment strategy for postoperative leakage of upper GI anastomoses with noninvasive procedures. Material and methods: A group of 19 patients treated in the period 2015-2023 with postoperative upper GI tract leakage was enrolled for endoscopic treatment. The indication for the therapy was anastomotic dehiscence not exceeding half of the circumference and the absence of severe septic complications. All patients were managed using endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) or a self-expanding stent while persistent fistulas were additionally treated with alternative methods. Results: The EVT was successfully implemented in 13 cases, but 7 patients required alternative methods to achieve definitive healing. Self-expanding stent placement was performed in 6 patients; however, in 3 cases a periprosthetic leakage occurred. In this group, 2 patients had the stent removed and the third one died due to septic complications. Post-treatment stenosis was identified in 5 patients after EVT that required balloon dilation with acceptable resolution in all cases. Conclusions: Early detected anastomotic dehiscence limited to half of the circumference most effectively responded to the noninvasive treatment. Nutritional support as well as complementary endoscopic solutions such as tissue adhesives, growth stimulants and hemostatic clips increase the percentage of complete healing.

Endoscopy-assisted minimally invasive loop ileostomy after previous restorative proctocolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Complications after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may impair pouch function. Loop ileostomy can be performed to allow recovery of function before intestinal continuity is restored. To minimize operative trauma and to form the stoma with as little damage to the abdominal wall as possible, the invasiveness of the procedure should be minimized as far as possible. OBJECTIVE: To minimize the extent of surgical invasion, we developed a technical modification of loop ileostomy in which lower endoscopy is used to assist the procedure. PROCEDURE: The procedure requires only a single incision, which is made at the site of the ileostomy. While the surgeon incises the fascia and peritoneum, the endoscopist advances a flexible endoscope through the pouch to the distal part of the ileum up to approximately 40 cm above the anal verge. The operation lamp is switched off, allowing the surgeon to see the lighted end of the endoscope in a loop of the ileum near the incision. This loop is drawn out through the incision and the stoma is created in a standard manner. LIMITATIONS: Clinical factors such as the presence of adhesions or obesity limit the use of the procedure in certain patients. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this technique of endoscopic-assisted loop ileostomy is a safe method for minimizing the invasiveness of surgery in patients who require ileostomy after restorative proctocolectomy.

Endoscopic Surveillance and Treatment of Upper GI Tract Lesions in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis-A New Perspective on an Old Disease.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Patients with FAP develop up to thousands of colorectal adenomas as well as lesions in the upper GI tract. In FAP, the upper digestive lesions include gastric fundic gland polyps (FGPs), antrum adenomas, duodenal or small intestinal adenomas, and carcinoma. Patients, after colectomy, are still at significant risk for extracolonic malignancies. Advances in endoscope resolution and optical enhancement technologies allow endoscopists to provide assessments of benign and malignant polyps. For this reason, in the past decades, endoscopic resection techniques have become the first line of treatment in patients with polyps in the upper GI, whereby polyps and even early cancers can be successfully cured. In FAP patients, endoscopic ampullectomy appears to be a safe and effective way of treating patients with ampullary tumors. According to current indications, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting of the main pancreatic duct follow ampullectomy.

Strong Hereditary Predispositions to Colorectal Cancer.

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. A strong predisposition to cancer is generally only observed in colorectal cancer (5% of cases) and breast cancer (2% of cases). Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer with a strong genetic predisposition, but it includes dozens of various syndromes. This group includes familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, NTHL1-associated polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and Muir-Torre syndrome. The common symptom of all these diseases is a very high risk of colorectal cancer, but depending on the condition, their course is different in terms of age and range of cancer occurrence. The rate of cancer development is determined by its conditioning genes, too. Hereditary predispositions to cancer of the intestine are a group of symptoms of heterogeneous diseases, and their proper diagnosis is crucial for the appropriate management of patients and their successful treatment. Mutations of specific genes cause strong colorectal cancer predispositions. Identifying mutations of predisposing genes will support proper diagnosis and application of appropriate screening programs to avoid malignant neoplasm.

The prognosis of clinical course and the analysis of the frequency of the inflammation and dysplasia in the intestinal J-pouch at the patients after restorative proctocolectomy due to FAP.

PURPOSE: The main operative method in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients is restorative proctocolectomy with "J"-shaped pouch and temporary loop ileostomy. The aim of the study was the analysis of the frequency of the dysplasia and inflammation in the intestinal pouch and prognosis of the clinical course in FAP patients after restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: A group of 165 FAP patients (86 females and 79 males, mean age 22.49 ± 12) subjected to a restorative proctocolectomy in the years 1985-2009 was analyzed. Clinical data coming from follow-up observation in the period of 2004-2009 were evaluated. In all patients, clinical examination and endoscopy with polypectomy and/or biopsy of pouch mucosa were done. RESULTS: The mean time of pouchitis occurrence after an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was 6 months. Mean time for low-grade dysplasia was 14 months. The time difference of low-grade dysplasia after the above procedure as compared to pouchitis alone was substantial. Mean time for high-grade dysplasia was 16 months and for neoplasia even 19 months. It was estimated that early pouchitis happening within the first year after surgery occurs in 5% of patients, low-grade dysplasia 4 years later in 7% of cases, high-grade dysplasia 7 years later in around 10% of patients and neoplasia 14 years after surgery in 15% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the Polyposis Registry encompassing whole country is the best way of controlling FAP patients. The regular lifelong endoscopic monitoring gives the opportunity of the early detection of the dysplasia and can protect against neoplasia.

The diameter of the ileal J-pouch-anal anastomosis as an important risk factor of pouchitis - clinical observations.

BACKGROUND: Patients' quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy depends on the potential complications. Stricture of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is one of the complications following restorative proctocolectomy. MATERIAL/METHODS: We analyzed the correlation between the diameter of the anastomosis and clinical parameters, including pouchitis disease activity index (PDAI), the activity of fecal M2-pyruvate kinase and maximum tolerable volume of the pouch. The study group consisted of 31 patients in whom covering ileostomy had been closed 72 ± 50 months before enrolement to the study. Restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis coli had been performed in this group. RESULTS: The study did not show any correlation between the diameter of the anastomosis and primary indication for surgery, the time elapsed after restoration of the bowel continuity, the activity of fecal M2-pyruvate kinase, or maximum tolerable volume. However, meaningful correlations between the stricture of the anastomosis and the presence and activity of pouchitis, together with the ileal villi atrophy, were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Stricture of the anastomosis appears to be an important factor increasing the incidence of pouchitis, and is independent of the underlying condition and time after the operation. Dilation of the anastomosis and prevention of stricture should constitute a permanent element of postoperative follow-up.

ASSESSMENT OF RECURRENT ANAL FISTULAS TREATMENT WITH PLATELET-RICH PLASMA.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of recurrent anal fistulas can lead to numerous complications, including fecal incontinence. Therefore, sphincter preserving techniques are gaining more popularity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in the patients with recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas. METHODS: A cohort of 18 patients with anal fistulas was enrolled into a preliminary and prospective trial. They were divided into two groups consisting of eight and ten patients respectively. PRP was injected locally in all patients, however in the group II it was applied after 7 days drainage of fistulas with polyurethane foam or negative pressure wound therapy. On average, three doses of PRP were administered, but with the opportunity to double the number of applications if it was clinically justified. The patients were evaluated in an out-patient department after fortnight and then in 1, 6, and 12 months following the last PRP application. RESULTS: Anal fistulas were closed in 4 (50%) patients from the group I and in 7 (70%) patients form the group II. Although, the difference between both groups was not statistically significant, PRP therapy should be preceded with fistulous tract drainage in all patients. Summarizing, that successful result was achieved in 11 (60%) patients from the entire group of 18 participants. CONCLUSION: The rate of recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas closure reaching 60%, after topical treatment with PRP, exceeds the results of other sphincter-saving methods of treatment. Therefore, it might become a novel method of anal fistulas therapy.

The Role of Diagnostic Management in COVID-19 Screening of Asymptomatic Patients Admitted for Elective Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission by asymptomatic patients, the aim of this study was to evaluate chest computed tomography (CT) and blood differential test as an additional COVID-19 screening tool for patients undergoing elective or urgent surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The preoperative assessment of 118 patients hospitalized from June to July 2020 included real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction RNA test before elective surgery or rapid antigen test in emergency patients. The diagnostics were supplemented by chest CT and a complete blood count with a blood smear in all patients. RESULTS: None of the hospitalized patients had molecular, serological or radiographic symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The chest CT revealed non-COVID-19 pathologies in a total of 48 patients. Leukocytosis and lymphopenia were typical of emergency patients. CONCLUSION: Routine chest CT scans have no benefit in screening for potential COVID-19 changes in asymptomatic patients. Blood differential tests are readily available, which makes them more helpful in COVID-19 screening.

Crohn's Disease Susceptibility and Onset Are Strongly Related to Three NOD2 Gene Haplotypes.

The genetic background and the determinants influencing the disease form, course, and onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unresolved. We aimed to determine the NOD2 gene haplotypes and their relationship with IBD occurrence, clinical presentation, and onset, analyzing a cohort of 578 patients with IBD, including children, and 888 controls. Imaging or endoscopy with a histopathological confirmation was used to diagnose IBD. Genotyping was performed to assess the differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies. Linkage disequilibrium was analyzed, and associations between haplotypes and clinical data were evaluated. We emphasized the prevalence of risk alleles in all analyzed loci in patients with Crohn disease (CD). Interestingly, c.2722G>C and c.3019_3020insC alleles were also overrepresented in ulcerative colitis (UC). T-C-G-C-insC, T-C-G-T-insC, and T-T-G-T-wt haplotypes were correlated with the late-onset form of CD (OR = 23.01, 5.09, and 17.71, respectively), while T-T-G-T-wt and C-C-G-T-wt were prevalent only in CD children (OR = 29.36, and 12.93, respectively; p-value = 0.001). In conclusion, the presence of c.3019_3020insC along with c.802C>T occurred as the most fundamental contributing diplotype in late-onset CD form, while in CD children, the mutual allele in all predisposing haplotypes was the c.2798 + 158T. Identifying the unique, high-impact haplotypes supports further studies of the NOD2 gene, including haplotypic backgrounds.

Postoperative supplementation of propionate and silicon dioxide in patients after total gastrectomy - preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative impairment of gastrointestinal tract function and metabolic consequences occur in patients after gastrectomy by Roux-en-Y method. Short-chain fatty acids and silicon dioxide may prove beneficial in the treatment of these conditions. AIM: To evaluate a preparation containing propionic acid and silicon dioxide on the body weight, number of stools and their consistency (the Bristol scale), and pain and a feeling of gastric fullness after a meal, in patients after gastrectomy by Roux-en-Y method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Measurements were performed at the beginning of the study, on day 7 and 14 of application (Colostop®; Miralex, 2 × 15 g/day). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Initially the average daily number of movements was 10/day, after the therapy it was 3.8/day. At the beginning of the study, 3 patients described their faeces as type 6 and two as type 7 on the Bristol scale. After supplementation, 3 patients described stool consistency as type 5, and two as type 4. Initially, patients rated their pain at 3.4/10 on average, the stomach fullness as 4.6/10. At the end of the study, 3 patients did not feel any pain, while others reported pain at 1/10. Four patients described their feeling of gastric fullness as 1/10, and 1 no longer observed this feeling. Patients disclaimed any adverse effects, and satisfaction after therapy reached 9-10/10 points. Patients' body weight did not change significantly. An improvement in standard diet tolerance was observed. Despite the limited study group, clinical benefits of the supplementation were observed.