Internal anal sphincter nerves - a macroanatomical and microscopic description of the extrinsic autonomic nerve supply of the internal anal sphincter.

AIM: The internal anal sphincter (IAS) contributes substantially to anorectal functions. While its autonomic nerve supply has been studied at the microscopic level, little information is available concerning the macroscopic topography of extrinsic nerve fibres. This study was designed to identify neural connections between the pelvic plexus and the IAS, provide a detailed topographical description, and give histological proof of autonomic nerve tissue. METHODS: Macroscopic dissection of pelvic autonomic nerves was performed under magnification in seven (five male, two female) hemipelvises obtained from body donors (67-92 years). Candidate structures were investigated by histological and immunohistochemical staining protocols to visualize nerve tissue. RESULTS: Nerve fibres could be traced from the anteroinferior edge of the pelvic plexus to the anorectal junction running along the neurovascular bundle anterolaterally to the rectum and posterolaterally to the prostate/vagina. Nerve fibres penetrated the longitudinal rectal muscle layer just above the fusion with the levator ani muscle (conjoint longitudinal muscle) and entered the intersphincteric space to reach the IAS. Histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the presence of nerve tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic nerve fibres supplying the IAS emerge from the pelvic plexus and are distinct to nerves entering the rectum via the lateral pedicles. Thus, they should be classified as IAS nerves. The identification and precise topographical location described provides a basis for nerve-sparing rectal resection procedures and helps to prevent postoperative functional anorectal disorders.

Comparative quality of life in patients following abdominoperineal excision and low anterior resection for low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is widely believed that quality of life is worse after abdominoperineal excision then after low anterior resection. However, this view is not supported unequivocally. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare quality of life in patients 1 year following low anterior resection and abdominoperineal excision for low rectal cancer. DESIGN: Data were collected prospectively on 62 patients undergoing low anterior resection (32) and abdominoperineal excision (30) for low rectal adenocarcinoma within 6 cm of the anal verge. Patients with metastatic disease were excluded. Quality of life was assessed by the use of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 modules and Coloplast stoma quality-of-life questionnaire. Bowel function was assessed by using the St Mark's bowel function questionnaire. Quality of life in patients who had low anterior resection was compared with those who had abdominoperineal excision both preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at 3 centers in the United Kingdom and 1 center in Europe. PATIENTS: Included were consecutive patients with rectal cancer within 6 cm of the anal verge, all of whom provided written consent for participation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mann-Whitney U test comparisons of QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 module scores for patients undergoing low anterior resection and abdominoperineal excision were the main outcomes measured. RESULTS: Patients undergoing low anterior resection were younger (median age, 59.5 vs 67, p = 0.03) with higher tumors (4 vs 3, p < 0.001) and less likely to receive neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.02). At 1 year postoperatively, global quality-of-life ratings were comparable, but patients undergoing abdominoperineal excision reported better cognitive (100 vs 83, p = 0.018) and social (100 vs 67, p = 0.012) function, and less symptomatology with respect to pain (0 vs 17, p = 0.027), sleep disturbance (0 vs 33, p = 0.013), diarrhea (0 vs 33, p = 0.017), and constipation (p = 0.021). Patients undergoing low anterior resection reported better sexual function (33 vs 0, p = 0.006), but 72% experienced a degree of fecal incontinence. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION: Abdominoperineal excision should not be regarded as an operation that is inferior to low anterior resection in the management of low rectal cancer on the basis of quality of life alone.

[Quality indicators for surgery of rectal cancer : Evidence-based development of a set of indicators for quality]. / Qualitätsindikatoren für die Chirurgie des Rektumkarzinoms : Evidenzbasierte Entwicklung eines Indikatorensets für die Ergebnisqualität.

The definition of valid quality indicators is an essential task of medical self-administration and quality assurance. Based on the literature and the results of the Study, Documentation, and Quality Center (StuDoQ) Rectal Cancer Registry, we suggest the following QIs: rate of circumferential resection margin (CRM) positive resected material, rate of anastomotic leak in patients with anastomoses, rate of abdominal wound healing disorders and rate of patients with newly established permanent urinary diversion. Additionally, a new marker, the MTL30, which subsumes patient death within 30 days after the index operation, patient transfer to another acute hospital within 30 days after the index operation or a length of inpatient hospital stay of more than 30 days.

[Rectal neuroendocrine tumors: surgical therapy]. / Rektale neuroendokrine Tumoren: chirurgische Therapie.

The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has increased in recent years. Most of these neoplasms are asymptomatic and are diagnosed by colonoscopy screening, which could be one of the reasons for the increasing occurrence. As less than 1 % of rectal NET produce serotonin they are practically never discovered due to a carcinoid syndrome. The current guidelines of the European (ENETS) and North American (NANETS) Neuroendocrine Tumor Societies support clinicians with useful diagnostic and treatment algorithms. The most important criteria for therapy are tumor size and histopathological risk factors for metastases. For well-differentiated rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms < 1 cm, local endoscopic or surgical excision is recommended. Due to the lack of evidence tumors sized 1-2 cm represent a grey area for prognosis and treatment. All NET > 1.5 cm must be excised by radical surgery as low anterior rectal resection or abdominoperineal extirpation with total mesorectal excision (TME). Resectable liver and lung metastases of well-differentiated NETs should be surgically treated with curative intent.

[Cystic gastric stromal tumors: a diagnostic dilemma?]. / Cystische gastrale Stromatumoren--ein diagnostisches Dilemma?

Gastric cysts are a rare disease and their diagnostic work-up often produces inconclusive results. We report on four gastric stromal tumors, in part huge, with cystic degeneration where the diagnosis and organ of origin remained unclear until operation. Considering these tumors as examples we discuss means and limits of differential diagnosis, taking into account further diseases with cystic formations in the gastric wall, such as other soft tissue tumors, pancreatic pseudocysts and gastric duplication cysts. In conclusion, every cystic tumor in the upper abdomen for which a diagnosis and origin cannot be established should be explored by surgery.

[Glomus tumour of the stomach. A case report]. / Glomustumor des Magens. Ein Fallbericht.

Glomus tumours are benign neoplasms that usually arise in the skin of the extremities but have infrequently been found to occur in other sites including the stomach. We report on a 71-year-old female with non-specific epigastric pain who was diagnosed as having a small, intramural gastric tumour in addition to a cholecystolithiasis. Intraoperatively, the tumour was investigated by frozen section, but the diagnosis remained inconclusive. The ultimate histological examination showed clusters of uniform epithelioid cells surrounding wide vascular spaces. This led to the diagnosis of a glomus tumour. In a review of the recent literature,we discuss the methods and limitations of preoperative diagnostic measures.

[Anorectal diagnostics for proctological diseases]. / Anorektale Diagnostik bei proktologischen Erkrankungen.

The majority of proctological diseases can be defined by a structured evaluation of the symptoms and a physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anal endosonography can detect complex anal fistulas with a high accuracy but MRI should be preferred because of its objective visualization. Functional anorectal disorders are multifactorial and show morphological and functional irregularities in different compartments of the pelvic floor which is why MR defecography is now one of the most important methods in diagnostic algorithms. Interpreting the results of anal endosonography, anal manometry and neurophysiological testing is highly demanding because of large interindividual variability. Scores are used for objective measurement of symptom severity and quality of life. In clinical practice, well validated scores evaluated in large patient groups with predetermined circumstances are needed. Bringing together morphological results with scores based on subjective perception is required to optimize diagnostics and therapy evaluation in proctology.

[Indications and results of sacral nerve stimulation in faecal incontinence]. / Indikationen und ergebnisse der sakralnervenstimulation bei stuhlinkontinenz.

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective and less invasive treatment of faecal incontinence (FI). Patient selection has evolved from strict criteria to a more liberal approach, since temporary testing reliably predicts the efficacy of permanent stimulation in FI of various aetiologies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2005 until June 2007, we evaluated 20 consecutive patients (17 females, 3 males) with FI by percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE), i. e., temporary stimulation. 13 patients proceeded to a permanent implantation of a pulse generator (3 bilateral generators). 11 patients with permanent stimulation were eligible for a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Median follow-up for this group was 10 (range 3-19) months. All patients provided bowel diaries, the disease-specific quality of life questionnaire of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), and the Standard Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) at baseline, screening and at the follow-up. RESULTS: The aetiologies of the FI were pelvic floor insufficiency (n = 12), history of anterior resection (n = 3), history of surgery for disk prolaps (n = 2), sphincter disruption (n = 1), history of surgery for recto-vaginal fistula (n = 1), and idiopathic (n = 1). The mean number of incontinence episodes dropped from 9.9 to 1.3 during temporary testing (p = 0.02) and to 4.5 at last follow-up (p = 0.043). The quality of life assessment showed a significant improvement in the subscale embarrassment of the ASCRS (p = 0.043). There were 2 minor postoperative complications, and 1 medium-term failure of SNS treatment. CONCLUSION: SNS is a minimally invasive and effective treatment of FI. A pragmatic approach is justified due to the possibility of temporary testing and the low rate of complications.

[How should patients with completely resected gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) be followed up?]. / Welche Form der Nachsorge ist bei Patienten mit R0-resezierten gastrointestinalen Stromatumoren (GIST) sinnvoll?

UNLABELLED: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are topical because of their uncertain biological behaviour and the potential of treatment with imatinib. In the following study we have examined which pattern of follow-up is both appropriate for detecting recurrences and cost-effective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1997 and February 2004 we treated 43 patients diagnosed with a GIST. Patients with high risk (HR), intermediate risk (IR), or overtly malignant (OM) tumours were followed-up regularly. In 2004 we screened all patients independent of their risk of malignant disease with an ultrasound scan and endoscopy followed by endosonography. Further diagnostic procedures were carried out if necessary. RESULTS: Overall, we diagnosed recurrences in five out of 33 patients at risk (two in patients with OM, one in a patient with HR, and 2 in patients with IR according to the NIH criteria). The time period between resection of the primary tumour and recurrence ranged from 4.5 to 33 months. One of the patients with a recurrence was seen before the imatinib era, the other four were treated with imatinib mesylate. CONCLUSION: In our experience, regular follow-up should be restricted to patients with OM, HR, and IR GIST. We suggest that patients are initially seen in six months intervals for two years and annually for another three years thereafter.

The mixed type in Laurén's classification of gastric carcinoma. Histologic description and biologic behavior.

Of 198 gastric carcinomas, resected at the Surgical Department, Leipzig University between 1986 and 1995, 28 cases were classified as mixed type according to Laurén's classification. These cases were examined in respect to morphologic features associated with biologic behavior. Contrary to the intestinal and diffuse type carcinomas, the mixed type carcinomas showed a deeper infiltration of the gastric wall (pT, P < 0.001), a higher metastatic rate to regional lymph nodes (pN, P < 0.05), and the need of higher staging at the UICC-classification system (P < 0.05). Histologically, it is possible to establish four distinct groups; the first group shows a combination of intestinal and diffuse features, the second shows more diffuse structures with a nodular growth pattern, the third group shows both a glandular pattern and signet ring cells. In the fourth group, the tumors reveal an excessive production of mucin. The authors conclude that this subclassification of the mixed type of gastric carcinomas is useful for a better understanding and interpretation of these tumors.

[Sugerbaker technique in para-colostomy hernia. An analysis of personal experiences]. / Die Versorgung der Parakolostomiehernie nach Sugarbaker. Eine Analyse eigener Erfahrungen.

Paracolostomy hernias represent the most common complication after colostomy surgery occurring in approximately 30% of all patients. The need for operation, however, emerges in only 20% of the hernias becoming symptomatic with pain, difficulties in stoma care, bowel obstruction and cosmetic problems. Due to their often huge size the repair is technically difficult and frequently accompanied by complications and recurrence. The method of intraperitoneal mesh repair and lateralisation of the colon presented by Sugarbaker 1980 offers not only the advantages of sufficient strengthening of the ventral abdominal wall even in big hernias and of an aseptic technique but also the chance of simultaneous treatment of other hernias. We present 9 patients with large paracolostomy hernias operated on according to Sugarbaker. In three patients we delt with a recurrence of a paracolostomy hernia. Three patients suffered additionally from an incisional hernia, one from an umbilical hernia and another one from an inguinal hernia. The hernial orifice was usually closed with a 30 x 20 cm Gore patch. All patients (6 males, 3 females, median age 63 years) tolerated the operation well which lasted as a mean 240 min. In the follow-up we saw two recurrences one of them being small, asymptomatic and without tendency to enlargement. In conclusion we can say that a considerable improvement was achieved in 89% of our patients after surgery performed in the herein presented way. We esteem this method a good option in a situation with otherwise poor alternatives.

[Perioperative risk assessment in surgery - an analysis in 10 395 patients]. / Perioperative Risikoeinschätzung in der Chirurgie - eine Analyse bei 10 395 Patienten.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to perform a risk analysis on the basis of routinely documented variables (age, sex, ASA-classification, priority of operation, malignant disease, intraperitoneal or intrathoracic operation and duration of operation) to identify surgical patients who benefit from a more complex risk assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective observational trial we analysed a consecutive series of 10 395 patients who were operated on in our General Surgical Department from January 1996 until December 2000 in respect to in-hospital mortality. The variables were examined in univariate tests. Factors with significant impact were subsequently included in a multiple logistic regression analysis. This was done for all variables and afterwards for each ASA-class separately. Predictive accuracy of the prediction model was calculated by the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC (ROC)). RESULTS: The overall mortality was 3.9 %. For ASA-classes 2 to 4 we were able to establish a prediction model by means of multiple logistic regression that identified ASA-classification (Odds Ratio [OR ] ASA-class 3 = 3.7; OR ASA-class 4 = 22.4), age (OR 1.019 per year), duration of operation (OR for duration > or = 240 min = 2.25), intraperitoneal/intrathoracic operation (OR = 4.6), emergency operation (OR = 3.1), and malignant disease (OR = 1.5) as independent predictive factors. Both risk group 1 and risk group 5 were excluded from the analysis because there was no mortality in risk group 1 and too few patients in risk group 5. We found an AUC (ROC) of 91.6 % for the considered ASA-classes. CONCLUSION: The ASA-classification is a good instrument for the assessment of perioperative mortality. Its predictive power can substantially be improved in the classes 2 to 4 by the variables age, duration of operation, intraperitoneal or intrathoracic operation, priority of operation, and malignant disease.