Total anal sphincter saving technique for fistula-in-ano; the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique for fistula-in-ano surgery aimed at total sphincter preservation, and evaluate the preliminary results concerning non-healing and intact anal function. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective observational study in eighteen fistula-in-ano patients treated by ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique, from January to June 2006. RESULTS: Fistula-in-ano in seventeen patients healed primarily (94.4%). There was one non-healing case (5.6%). The mean healing time was four weeks. None had disturbances in clinical anal continence. CONCLUSION: The early outcome of the LIFT technique is quite impressive. Results warrant a larger study with long-term evaluation. This technique has the potential to become a viable option for fistula-in-ano surgery.

Total mesorectal excision training in soft cadaver: feasibility and clinical application.

BACKGROUND: The major problem in the treatment of rectal cancer is local recurrence. After the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME), the recurrent rate decreased from 100% to around 10%. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the quality of organ and tissue plane preservation in soft cadaver and to assess the feasibility to perform the procedure (mobilization of colon and rectum, total mesorectal excision and stapler anastomosis) in soft cadaver. SETTING: Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery and Surgical Training Center Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seven soft cadavers were used for total mesorectal excision (TME) training. These procedures were performed by 21 participants (1 soft cadaver for 3 participants). The procedures were done under the supervision of experienced colorectal surgeons. The successfulness, satisfaction in performing the procedure and the quality of organ preservation were evaluated using standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants were satisfied about TME training in soft cadaver (mean 8.24-8.71) and rated that soft cadavers were good in terms of internal organs and tissue plane preservation (mean 7.19-8.19) (0 = extremely unsatisfied, 10 = extremely satisfied). CONCLUSION: Training of TME in soft cadaver is feasible. The similarity in tissue quality (texture, consistency, color) of the preserved organs to that of the living and the good feel of performing the procedure make the trainee better understand the techniques and improve their skills.

Outcome of familial adenomatous polyposis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the presence of numerous colorectal adenomatous polyps that progress to colorectal cancer if left untreated. Following colorectal cancer, periampullary cancer and aggressive desmoid tumor are also the common causes of death. The purpose of the present study was to describe the clinical course of FAP patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 31 FAP patients who were treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) between March 2000 and March 2006. Demographic data, family history, symptoms, extracolonic manifestations, operative procedures, pathologic findings, and postoperative results were collected. RESULTS: Two patients were excludedfrom the present study. The average age of the 29 patients was 33.48 years with the sex ratio (male/female) of 0.93. Seventeen of the 29 patients (58.6%) had a family history of FAP Sixteen of 29 patients were discovered with colorectal cancer with a mean age of34.56 years. Mucous bloody stool was the most common presenting symptom and most of the patients with this symptom (11/13) already had colorectal cancer Gastroduodenal polyps and desmoid tumor were common extracolonic manifestations. The most common operative procedure was restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J pouch (RPC). Wound infection and gut obstruction were the frequent complications. Functional outcomes of patients with RPC were good. The mean age ofpatients with colon cancer was older than the mean age ofpatients without colon cancer However, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The sex ratio and family history of FAP were not statistically different. No significant differences were found in surgical procedures and postoperative complications. On the follow up period, two patients in the later group died of desmoid tumor and pancreatic cancer while seven patients in the former group died of metastatic colon cancer and one with desmoid tumor CONCLUSION: The proportion ofpatients who were discovered with colorectal cancer in the present study was high with young age onset of cancer Moreover, patients in this group had poorer outcome compared to the group of patients without colorectal cancer; of which, metastatic colorectal cancer was the major cause of death. This result may be due to aggressiveness and advanced stage of disease at the first diagnosis.

Closed vs ligasure hemorrhoidectomy: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the operative time, postoperative complications, and analgesic requirement between closed hemorrhoidectomy and Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted in a prospectively randomized controlled fashion. Forty-seven patients with grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoids plus external component or skin tag were operated on by either hemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure (24 patients) or closed hemorrhoidectomy (23 patients). One patient in each group was lost to follow up. The operative time, postoperative verbal numeric pain score, analgesic requirement, bleeding, and wound dehiscence between the two groups were compared Unpaired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, or Fisher's Exact tests were used where appropriate. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical data between two groups were comparable. Operative time for the Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy was significantly shorter than the closed hemorrhoidectomy group (21.70 +/- 11.76 vs 35.68 +/- 14.25 min, p < 0. 001), while the number of resected hemorrhoids in the study group were 2.91 versus 2.18 in the control group. However, there were no differences in post-operative pain score, analgesic requirement, bleeding, or wound dehiscence between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Ligasure hemorrhoidectomy is superior to closed hemorrhoidectomy in terms of reducing the operative time without affecting postoperative complications.

Perineum push-up device to facilitate transabdominal suturing of the lower rectum.

Pressure on the perineum by the fist facilitates the placement of sutures into the rectal remnant, but put the assisting surgeon on an awkward and strenuous posture. The perineum push-up device to facilitate transabdominal suturing of the lower rectum was invented. The assisting surgeon can push up the perineum more comfortably with his abdominal wall or thigh. The device was tested in fifteen patients. The average distance that can be pushed up is 4.2 cm, which is a significant distance, facilitating in the maneuver of the distal rectal stump.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectosigmoid and rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer and rectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty four patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer or rectal cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Results were compared with those of 25 patients who had open surgery at the same period. The procedures of both groups were anterior resection, low anterior resection, coloanal anastomosis, abdominoperineal resection and subtotal colectomy. RESULTS: The mean operative time was significantly increased in the laparoscopic group. However, this group showed faster recovery of bowel function. There were no differences in the distal margin and yield of harvested lymph nodes of resected specimens. Although anastomotic leakage was comparable between 2 groups, surgical wound infection was significantly higher in open surgery group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer and rectal cancer is feasible and can be performed safely with comparable oncological clearance.

The new laparoscopic proctocolectomy training (in soft cadaver).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the quality of preservation (tissue plane, named vessels identification, consistency of colon and rectum), quality of performing procedures, difficulties and problems and finally the satisfaction of surgeons in laparoscopic proctocolectomy in soft cadaver. SETTING: Colorectal Division, Department of Surgery and Surgical Training Center Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study MATERIAL AND METHOD: 10 soft cadavers were scheduled for laparoscopic proctocolectomy. The procedures (colon-rectum mobilization and named vessels identification) were performed by 14 experienced surgeons (8 colorectal surgeons) and assisted by surgical residents. The quality of preservation, successfulness and the satisfaction in performing the procedures were recorded using questionnaires for evaluation. RESULTS: The preservation was very good in every aspect especially tissue plane between colon, mesocolon and retroperitoneum which was clearly dissected, same asfasciapropria of rectum. The named vessels and the tissue consistency were very well preserved and tolerated to laparoscopic equipment handling. The surgeons were satisfied with the tissue handling and dissections. There were two difficulties, the first was air leakage but simply corrected with purse string suture and the second was unflavored smell which was not concerned. Laparoscopic proctocolectomy could be completely performed in soft cadaver. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic proctocolectomy could be performed in soft cadavers with great satisfaction. Repeated practice is possible, so the surgeons can gain their experiences outside the operating theatre. This success may shorten the learning curve and may be the new era in cadaver-based training.