Classification system of radical surgery for rectal cancer based on membrane anatomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Because the classification system of radical surgery for rectal cancer has not been established, it is impossible to select the appropriate surgical method according to the clinical stage of the tumor. In this paper, we explained the theory of " four fasciae and three spaces " of pelvic membrane anatomy and then combined this theory with the membrane anatomical basis of Querleu-Morrow classification for radical cervical cancer resection. Based on this theory and the membrane anatomy of Querleu-Morrow classification of radical cervical cancer resection, we proposed a new classification system of radical rectal cancer surgery based on membrane anatomy according to the lateral lymph node dissection range of the rectum. This system classifies the surgery into four types (ABCD) and defines corresponding subtypes based on whether the autonomic nerve was preserved. Among them, type A surgery is total mesorectal excision (TME) with urogenital fascia preservation, type B surgery is classical TME, type C surgery is extended TME, and type D surgery is lateral extended resection. This classification system unifies the anatomical terminology of the pelvic membrane, validates the feasibility of using the " four fasciae and three fascial spaces " theory to classify rectal cancer surgery, and lays the theoretical foundation for the future development of a unified and standardized classification of radical pelvic tumor surgery.

Is there a precise correlation between the lengths of the peritoneal reflection and the middle rectal valve?

Introduction: Pelvic anatomy remains a challenge, and thorough knowledge of its intricate landmarks has major clinical and surgical implications in several medical specialties. The peritoneal reflection is an important landmark in intraluminal surgery, rectal trauma, impalement, and rectal adenocarcinoma. Objectives: To investigate the correlation between the lengths of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection determined with rigid sigmoidoscopy and to determine whether there are any differences in the location of the peritoneal reflection between the genders and in relation to body mass index (BMI) and parity. Design: We prospectively investigated the location of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection via intraoperative rigid sigmoidoscopy in colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Results: We evaluated 38 patients with a mean age of 55.5 years old (57.5% males) who underwent colorectal surgery at the coloproctology service of the Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. There was substantial agreement between the lengths of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection (Kappa = 0.66). In addition, the peritoneal reflection was significantly lower in overweight patients (p = 0.013 for women and p < 0.005 for men) and in women with > 2 vaginal deliveries (p = 0.009), but there was no significant difference in the length of the peritoneal reflection between genders (p = 0.32). Conclusion: There was substantial agreement between the lengths of the peritoneal reflection and of the middle rectal valve, and the peritoneal reflection was significantly lower in overweight patients and in women with more than two vaginal deliveries. (AU)

Anatomical observation and clinical significance of the prostatic part of neurovascular bundle in total mesorectal excision / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To observe the anatomical architecture of the prostatic part of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) in total mesorectal excision (TME). Methods: A descriptive cohort study and an anatomical observation study were carried out. A total of 38 male patients with rectal cancer who underwent TME in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the affiliated Union hospital of Fujian Medical University between November 2013 and March 2015 were included. A total of 4 hemipelvis were examined at the Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University. The following outcomes were observed: 1) the clinical significance of bleeding of the prostatic part of NVB: surgical videos were reviewed and the incidence of bleeding was recorded. The urogenital function was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. The correlation between prostatic part bleeding and postoperative urogenital function was evaluated. 2) anatomical observation: the vessels, nerve fibers, as well as their surrounding fatty tissue from the prostatic part were treated as a whole, namely, the fat pad of the prostatic part. The anatomical architecture of the prostatic part in the surgical videos was reviewed and interpreted with the cadaveric findings. Categorical variables were compared between groups using a Fisher exact probability. while continuous variables with skewed distribution were compared between groups using the Mann-Whiteny U test. Results: The median age of the included 38 patients was 57 years (range, 31-75), and the median tumor distance to the anal verge was 6 cm (range, 1-8). Of them, a total number of 21 (55.3%) patients had bleeding of the prostatic part of NVB (bleeding group), while the rest had not (17 cases, 44.7%, non-bleeding group). 1) the clinical significance of bleeding of the prostatic part of NVB. The urinary function significantly decreased in patients in the bleeding group according to IPSS score after the 3rd month and the 6rd month of the surgery [7 (0-16) vs. 2 (0-3), Z=-1.787, P=0.088; 2 (0-15) vs. 0 (0-2), Z=-2.270, P=0.028]. There was no difference regarding the IPSS score between the two groups after 1 year of the surgery (P>0.05). With a total of 23 patients with normal preoperative sexual activity included, 87.5% (7/8) of patients in the non-bleeding group can expect to return to their preoperative baseline, this incidence was significantly higher than that of only 40% (6/15) in the bleeding group (P=0.029). 2) anatomical observation: for cadaveric observation, the prostatic part of NVB was located in the narrow triangular space composed of anterolateral walls of the rectum, the posterolateral surface of the prostate and the medial surface of the levator ani musculature. The tiny vascular branches and nerve fibers from the prostatic part were hard to identify. The cavernosal nerves cannot reliably be distinguished from the neural supply to the prostate, rectum and levator ani. In the cross-section of levels of prostatic base and mid-prostate in cadaveric hemipelvis specimens, the boundary of the prostatic part fat pad was partly overlapped and merged with the boundary of the mesorectum. Intraoperative observation showed that the areas of overlap referred to the rectal branches from the prostatic part piercing the proper fascia to supply the mesorectum, which carried the largest tension and high risk of bleeding during circumferential dissection toward the perirectal plane. The ultrasonic scalpel was required to pre-coagulate the rectal branches at the point close to the proper fascia of the rectum to prevent bleeding. In the cross-section of the prostatic apex level, the prostatic part approached ventrally and its boundary was away from the boundary of the mesorectum. Conclusions: NVB prostatic part injury is one of the causes of urogenital dysfunction after TME. The nerve fibers from the prostatic part were tiny, and its functional zones cannot be distinguished during operation. Therein, the fat pad of the prostatic part should be protected as a whole. Understanding the morphology of the fat pad of the prostatic part provides invaluable surgical guidance to dissect this critical area. When dissecting around the anterolateral rectal wall, appropriate anti-traction tension should be maintained and the rectal branches from the prostatic part should be coagulated with an ultrasonic scalpel to prevent bleeding.

Cognition and reflection on the "lateral ligament of rectum" / 中华胃肠外科杂志

As total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer is widely carried out in China, lateral ligament of rectum, as an important anatomical structure of the lateral rectum with certain anatomical value and clinical significance, has been the focus of attention. In this paper, by comparing and analyzing the characteristics about ligaments of the abdomen and pelvis, reviewing the membrane anatomy and the theory of primitive gut rotation, and combining clinical observations and histological studies, the author came to a conclusion that lateral ligament of rectum does not exist, but is only a relatively dense space on the rectal side accompanied by numerous tiny nerve plexuses and small blood vessels penetrating through it.

Understanding the anatomy of the Denonvilliers fascia: review article / Compreendendo a anatomia da fáscia de Denonvilliers: artigo de revisão

Abstract The postoperative outcome of rectal cancer has been improved after the introduction of the principles of total mesorectal excision (TME). Total mesorectal excision includes resection of the diseased rectum and mesorectum with non-violated mesorectal fascia (en bloc resection). Dissection along themesorectal fascia through the principle of the "holy plane" minimizes injury of the autonomic nerves and increases the chance of preserving them. It is important to stick to the TME principle to avoid perforating the tumor; violating the mesorectal fascia, thus resulting in positive circumferential resection margin (CRM); or causing injury to the autonomic nerves, especially if the tumor is located anteriorly. Therefore, identifying the anterior plane of dissection during TME is important because it is related with the autonomic nerves (Denonvilliers fascia). Although there are many articles about the Denonvilliers fascia (DVF) or the anterior dissection plane, unfortunately, there is no consensus on its embryological origin, histology, and gross anatomy. In the present review article, I aim to delineate and describe the anatomy of the DVF inmore details based on a review of the literature, in order to provide insight for colorectal surgeons to better understand this anatomical feature and to provide the best care to their patients.

Resumo O resultado pós-operatório do câncer retal foi melhorado após a introdução dos princípios da excisão total do mesorreto (TME, na sigla em inglês). A excisão total do mesorreto inclui a ressecção do reto e do mesorreto afetados com fáscia mesorretal não violada (ressecção em bloco). A dissecção ao longo da fáscia mesorretal pelo princípio do "plano sagrado" minimiza a lesão dos nervos autônomos e aumenta a chance de preservá-los. É importante seguir o princípio da TME para evitar: a perfuração do tumor; a violação da fáscia mesorretal, resultando em margem de ressecção circunferencial (CRM) positiva; ou a lesão aos nervos autônomos, especialmente se o tumor estiver localizado anteriormente. Portanto, a identificação do plano anterior de dissecção durante a TME é importante, pois está relacionada comos nervos autonômicos (fáscia de Denonvilliers). Embora existammuitos artigos sobre a fáscia de Denonvilliers (DVF, na sigla em inglês) ou o plano de dissecção anterior, infelizmente não há consenso sobre sua origem embriológica, histologia e anatomia macroscópica. No presente artigo de revisão, retendo delinear e descrever a anatomia da DVF em mais detalhes com base em uma revisão da literatura, a fim de fornecer subsídios para os cirurgiões colorretais entenderemmelhor esta característica anatômica e fornecer o melhor cuidado para seus pacientes.

Anatomía segmentaria del recto. Nuevo enfoque / Anatomy segmentation of the rectal. New approach

RESUMEN Se actualizó la clasificación anatómica del tumor de recto, con la revisión de varios tratados sobre anatomía. El estudio de la morfología interna del recto reconoce la formación de anchos pliegues. La formación de anchos pliegues de mucosas transversales, denominadas válvulas: una válvula inferior a 7 cm del ano, otra a 2 cm. Más arriba con una forma de media luna y la tercera a 11 cm del ano. Como estas válvulas son pliegues mucosos sin localización precisa no pueden ser consideradas como puntos anatómicos para segmentación del recto. De esta manera, la segmentación rectal como el límite entre recto superior e inferior se sitúa en la reflexión peritoneal; en el diagnóstico de tumores rectales la definición de su situación anatómica es importante para la conducta terapéutica, ya que el recto inferior tiene su origen embriológico en el proctodeo (ectoblástica) y puede ser más sensible a las radiaciones y los tumores del recto superior son tumores que se originan de tejido de formación entoblástica, las radiaciones producen lesiones del peritoneo y de otros órganos de la cavidad pelviana. La segmentación rectal es importante para el estadio locorregional del tumor y para la definición de un esquema de tratamiento adecuado. En primer lugar, establece el concepto anatómico de localización de un tumor de recto inferior, se diagnóstica con un tacto rectal, si es tocable es del recto inferior. En segundo lugar, define cuáles son los estudios complementarios para saber el estadio de la enfermedad y establece los parámetros anatómicos necesarios para la indicación del tratamiento neoadyuvante (AU).

SUMMARY To present a recent an anatomic classification of rectal tumor localization. Review of many anatomy treaties. The rectal internal morphology studies recognize the formation of thick folds of transversal mucosa thick folds named valves: a low valve to 7 cm from anus. Another is to 2 cm upper with a half moon form, a third one to 11 cm from anus. As this valves are mucosal folds without a clear localization they can't be consider as anatomical points to the rectum segment. Therefore, the rectal segmentation as the limit between up and low rectum, is located in the peritoneal reflection. In the rectal tumors diagnosis definition of it's anatomic situation is important for the therapeutic behavior, because the low rectum has its embryologic origin in the Proctodeum (ectoblastic). It can be more sensitive to the radiation the up rectum tumors are originated from the formation entoblast tissue (endoblast) the radiations cause peritoneal injuries and other pelvic cavity organs. The rectal segmentation is important for the locate-regional tumor stadium and for the appropriate treatment definition. In first place, establish the anatomic concept of the low rectal tumor localization. In second place defines which are the complementary for the new adjuvant indication (AU).

A ultrassonografia na determinação do diâmetro retal e da espessura da parede retal em crianças com e sem constipação: estudo caso-controle / Ultrasonography in determining the rectal diameter and rectal wall thickness in children with and without constipation: a case-control study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography has shown to be useful in the diagnosis of constipation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the rectal diameter and rectal wall thickness in children with and without constipation. METHODS: Children with the diagnosis of constipation according to Rome III criteria were included in the study. The children underwent transabdominal sonography for the evaluation of rectal diameter and rectal wall thickness. Ultrasonography was performed with a full bladder. Children without constipation who underwent abdominal sonography were assigned to the control group. RESULTS: The rectal diameter was larger in children with constipation than in children without constipation (31.72±9.63 mm vs 19.85±4.37 mm; P=0.001). The rectal wall was thinner in children with constipation than in children without constipation (1.75±0.33 mm vs 1.90±0.22 mm; P=0.032). There was no significant difference between boys and girls with constipation in terms of rectal diameter (31.02±8.57 mm 32.77±11.35 mm; P=0.63). CONCLUSION: Transabdominal rectal diameter measurement may be useful in the diagnosis of constipation.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A ultrassonografia tem sido demonstrada como útil no diagnóstico de constipação. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o diâmetro retal e a espessura da parede retal em crianças com e sem constipação. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas no estudo crianças com diagnóstico de constipação de acordo com os critérios de Roma III. As crianças foram submetidas à ultrassonografia abdominal com bexiga cheia para avaliação do diâmetro retal e da espessura da parede retal. Crianças sem constipação que foram submetidas à ultrassonografia abdominal foram atribuídas ao grupo controle. RESULTADOS: O diâmetro retal foi maior em crianças com constipação do que em crianças sem constipação (31,72±9,63 mm vs 19,85±4,37 mm; P=0,001). A parede retal foi mais fina em crianças com constipação do que em crianças sem constipação (1,75±0,33 mm vs 1,90±0,22 mm; P= 0,32). Não houve diferença significante entre meninos e meninas com constipação em relação ao diâmetro retal (31,02±8,57 mm 32,77±11,35 mm; P=0,63). CONCLUSÃO: A medida do diâmetro retal por ultrassonografia abdominal pode ser útil no diagnóstico de constipação.

Tratamento da doença hemorroidaria por ligadura elástica endoscópica / Endoscopic band ligation for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are several therapeutic options for symptomatic hemorrhoids, from hygienic and dietary measures to conventional surgery. The best technique adopted for alternative and non-surgical treatment for intermediate grade (II and III) hemorrhoidal disease is rubber band ligation. More recently, the technique has been used with the aid of a gastroscope and a kit of elastic rubber bands for esophageal varices. This technique was called Endoscopic Rubber Band Ligation of hemorrhoids (ERBL). OBJECTIVE: The objective is Compare the results and the incidence of the immediate and late complications in patients undergoing ERBL. The satisfaction with the treatment of patients undergoing different number of rubber band ligatures were also analyzed. METHODS: This is a cohort study included patients undergoing ERBL from 2007 to 2014 at the hospital. The incidence of early and late complications and the satisfaction with the treatment of patients undergoing until two ligatures and patients undergoing three or more ligatures in the same procedure were compared. RESULTS: The study included 116 patients. The most frequently reported symptom was anal bleeding (n=72; 62.1%). The number of rubber band ligatures performed during the ERBL procedure varied from one to six; 84 (72,4%) patients had three or more rubber band ligatures performed during the procedure. No significant associations were observed between the incidence of early or late complications and satisfaction with ERBL among the group subjected until two rubber band ligatures or three or more rubber band ligatures. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic elastic ligation method proved to be a feasible, safe and efficient for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease grades II and III. The technique had moderate rates of immediate and late complications, but most of the complications are considered of low magnitude, easily resolved and without clinical repercussions, no matter how much ligations were performed in the same procedure.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Existem diversas opções terapêuticas para o tratamento da doença hemorroidária sintomática, desde medidas higienodietéticas até cirurgia. A técnica mais consagrada para o tratamento alternativo e não operatório da doença hemorroidária em graus intermediários (graus II e III) é a ligadura elástica. Mais recentemente, tem se utilizado a técnica com o auxílio de um gastroscópio e um kit de ligadura elástica de varizes esofágicas. Esta técnica recebeu o nome de ligadura elástica endoscópica (LEE) de mamilos hemorroidários. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a exequibilidade do método de LEE. Descrever os resultados e as complicações imediatas e tardias de pacientes submetidos a LEE. Comparar a incidência de complicações precoces e tardias e a satisfação com o tratamento de pacientes submetidos de uma a duas LEE e de pacientes submetidos a três ou mais LEE no mesmo procedimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, em que foram incluídos pacientes submetidos à LEE no período de janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2014, no setor de Endoscopia da Sociedade Beneficente de Senhoras Hospital Sírio-Libanês. As informações foram obtidas a partir dos prontuários médicos do hospital e dos prontuários dos consultórios privados dos médicos que realizaram os procedimentos e registrados em uma ficha padronizada de coleta de dados. As incidências de complicações precoces e tardias e a satisfação com o tratamento de pacientes submetidos a uma ou duas ligaduras e dos submetidos a três ou mais ligaduras no mesmo procedimento foram comparadas com uso do teste de qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 116 pacientes, dos quais 76 (65,5%) eram homens. A idade dos mesmos variou de 30 a 88 anos (média =53,9 anos; desvio padrão =11,6 anos). O sintoma mais frequentemente relatado foi sangramento anal (n=72; 62,1%). O número de ligaduras realizadas, durante o procedimento de LEE, variou de um a seis; 49 (42,2%) pacientes tiveram quatro ou mais ligaduras realizadas durante o procedimento. Não foram observadas associações significativas entre a incidência de complicações precoces ou tardias e a satisfação com a LEE, entre os grupos submetidos a uma a duas ligaduras ou a três a seis ligaduras. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de complicações precoces e tardias foi baixa, entre os pacientes submetidos à LEE, o que sugere que o método é seguro e exequível. A realização de mais de duas ligaduras, durante o mesmo procedimento, não esteve associada, significativamente, a aumento da incidência de complicações, o que reforça a opção da LEE como método para o tratamento não operatório da doença hemorroidária não complicada em graus II e III.

Estudo descritivo dos exames de manometria anorretal realizados no laboratório de motilidade digestiva da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brasil / A descriptive study of anorectal manometry tests performed in the laboratory of digestive motility of Santa Casa de Misericórdia in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Introdução: A manometria anorretal é, atualmente, o padrão ouro, como método de diagnóstico laboratorial dos distúrbios evacuatórios. O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever uma experiência brasileira, da realização da manometria anorretal, valorizando-a como meio diagnóstico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, com revisão dos laudos dos exames, no Laboratório de Motilidade Digestiva da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Foram incluídos os pacientes consecutivos, acima de 12 anos de idade, submetidos à manometria anorretal, entre março de 2003 e outubro de 2015. Resultados: No período, foram realizados 1319 exames, em pacientes com média de idade de 53,4±19,4 anos, sendo 70,7% do sexo feminino. A incontinência anal, com 62,4% dos exames, foi a principal indicação da manometria anorretal, a segunda foi constipação com 29,4% e por outros motivos em 8,2% dos pacientes. No período entre 2011 e 2015, houve um aumento significativo dos exames realizados por incontinência anal, em relação ao de 2003 até 2010. Conclusões: As duas principais indicações da manometria anorretal, no presente estudo e na literatura, são constipação e incontinência anal. O aumento significativo dos exames por incontinência anal, após 2011, sugere uma maior consciência dos médicos e pacientes em relação às possibilidades de diagnóstico e tratamento das disfunções evacuatórias. Este é o primeiro estudo brasileiro, que discute as indicações da manometria anorretal e as características dos pacientes encaminhados para o exame. Os autores sugerem a valorização da manometria anorretal como ferramenta de diagnóstico nas disfunções evacuatórias AU)

Introduction: Anorectal manometry is currently the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of bowel disorders. The aim of the present study is to describe a Brazilian experience in performing anorectal manometry, valuing it as a diagnostic tool. Methods: A retrospective study, with review of test reports, in the Digestive Motility Laboratory of Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brazil. We included consecutive patients, over 12 years of age, undergoing anorectal manometry from March 2003 to October 2015. Results: 1319 tests were performed in the studied period in patients with mean age of 53.4 ± 19.4, 70.7% of whom females. Anal incontinence, accounting for 62.4% of the tests, was the main indication for anorectal manometry, the second was constipation with 29.4%, and other reasons in 8.2% of the patients. In the 2011-2015 period there was a significant increase in the number of tests due to anal incontinence as compared to the 2003-2010 period. Conclusions: The two main indications for anorectal manometry in this study and in the literature are constipation and anal incontinence. The significant increase in the number of tests performed due to anal incontinence after 2011 suggests clinicians' and patients' greater awareness of the possibilities for diagnosis and treatment of bowel dysfunction. This is the first Brazilian study discussing the indications of anorectal manometry and the characteristics of the patients referred to the test. The authors suggest the use of anorectal manometry as a diagnostic tool in evacuation dysfunctions (AU)

Anococcygeal Raphe Revisited: A Histological Study Using Mid-Term Human Fetuses and Elderly Cadavers

PURPOSE: We recently demonstrated the morphology of the anococcygeal ligament. As the anococcygeal ligament and raphe are often confused, the concept of the anococcygeal raphe needs to be re-examined from the perspective of fetal development, as well as in terms of adult morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the horizontal sections of 15 fetuses as well as adult histology. From cadavers, we obtained an almost cubic tissue mass containing the dorsal wall of the anorectum, the coccyx and the covering skin. Most sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson-trichrome solution. RESULTS: The adult ligament contained both smooth and striated muscle fibers. A similar band-like structure was seen in fetuses, containing: 1) smooth muscle fibers originating from the longitudinal muscle coat of the anal canal and 2) striated muscle fibers from the external anal sphincter (EAS). However, in fetuses, the levator ani muscle did not attach to either the band or the coccyx. Along and around the anococcygeal ligament, we did not find any aponeurotic tissue with transversely oriented fibers connecting bilateral levator ani slings. Instead, in adults, a fibrous tissue mass was located at a gap between bilateral levator ani slings; this site corresponded to the dorsal side of the ligament and the EAS in the immediately deep side of the natal skin cleft. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that a classically described raphe corresponds to the specific subcutaneous tissue on the superficial or dorsal side of the anococcygeal ligament.

Disección ganglionar en el cáncer rectal: análisis comparativo de tres técnicas de aislamientos de ganglios linfáticos del mesorrecto / Lymph node disection from rectal carcinoma: comparative analyzes of mesorectum three different lymph node retrieval tecniques

Introducción: Debido a que la presencia o ausencia de metástasis linfáticas es de importancia pronostica en el cáncer de recto, el número de ganglios linfáticos que necesitan ser examinados ha suscitado controversia entre los distintos autores. Se ha propuesto que el examen de al menos un promedio de 12 ganglios permite estadificar un tumor de manera adecuada. Objetivo: describir los resultados obtenidos mediante tres técnicas de aislamientos de ganglios linfáticos del mesorrecto en piezas quirúrgicas por adenocarcinoma de recto operados con intención curativa, y su influencia en la supervivencia y recidiva local. Material y Método: Desde el 1º de enero del año 2000 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2005, se estudiaron los mesorrectos dividiendo los especímenes en tres grupos de manera aleatoria, para realizar búsqueda de los ganglios linfáticos, mediante disección ganglionar convencional, disección con lupa de 3X, y desengrase y lupa de 3X. Calculamos la supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad, así como la supervivencia a 5 años de cada grupo de disección, realizando análisis estadístico y cálculo de la supervivencia según curvas de Kaplan y Meier. Resultados: se intervinieron 108 pacientes operados con intención curativa. El total de ganglios disecados es de 1481 con un promedio de 13,71 ganglios (rango 1-42). Entre los tres grupos, las diferencias encontradas son estadísticamente significativas entre el total de ganglios obtenidos por "disección con lupa" y "desengrase y lupa" respecto del grupo "disección convencional". La supervivencia global a 5 años proyectada según las curvas de Kaplan-Meier en relación a los tipos de disección ganglionar realizados, no presentan diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En cuanto a la recidiva local no se observan diferencias al análisis estadístico entre los tres tipos de disección... (TRUNCADO)

Background: Because the presence or absence of lymph node metastases is a prognostic significance in rectal cancer, the number of lymph nodes that need to be examined has sucite controversy among different authors. It is proposed that the review of at least an average of 12 lymph nodes allows tumor staging properly. Objective: describe the results obtained using three techniques of isolation of mesorectal lymph nodes in surgical specimens from rectal adenocarcinoma operated with curative intent, and their influence on survival and local recurrence. Patient and Methods: Since 1 January 2000 to December 31, 2005, we studied the mesorectum specimens dividing them into three groups randomly, to search for lymph nodes in three different ways: conventional dissection, dissection with loupe 3X and degreasing and 3X loupe. We estimate overall survival and desease free survival at 5 years. We also calculate overall survival at 5 years of each dissection group, performing statistical analysis with calculation of Kaplan and Meier curves. Results: 108 patients were treated with curative intent. The total number of dissected nodes is 1481 with an average of 13.71 lymph nodes (range 1-42). Among the three groups, the differences are statistically significant between total lymph nodes obtained by "dissecting with loupe" and "degreasing and loupe" on the group "conventional dissection". Overall survival at 5 years projected by the Kaplan-Meier in relation to the types of lymph node dissection performed, showed no statistically significant differences. With regard to local recurrence did not differ in the statistical analysis between the three types of dissection... (TRUNCADO)

Relato Oficial: prolapso rectal / Offcial lecture: rectal prolapse

El prolapso rectal continúa siendo una patología que genera controversias a pesar del tiempo trascurrido. La etiopatogenia no es aún bien conocida y se manifiesta como un trastorno del piso pelviano asociado a otras patologías, además se suman la incontinencia y la constipación que generan mayor complejidad al momento de decidir el tratamiento adecuado. Durante el desarrollo del relato se analizan las diferentes series y sus resultados, con el objetivo de arribar a conclusiones que definan si la mejor operación existe. Debido a la falta de publicaciones que presenten series numerosas y seguimiento adecuado, como así también a resultados basados en evidencia, el tratamiento ideal del prolapso rectal es aún cuestionado. Concluimos que se evidencia algún cambio respecto a las vías de abordaje, con una reivindicación de las técnicas perineales y un incremento de la vía laparoscópica con tendencia a proyectarse como el estándar oro. Pero creemos todavía que cada cirujano deberá decidir la conducta quirúrgica caso por caso.

Despite the time that has passed, rectal procidencia continues to be an entity that gives rise to controversy. Pathogenesis is not yet well know and is manifested as a disorder of the pelvic floor associated with other diseases, besides incontinence and constipation are added that generate even higher complexity when having to decide on the appropriate treatment. Along this review, different series and its results have been analyzed with the objective of finding out conclusions that define if the best surgery exists. Due to the lack of publications with extensive series and appropriate monitoring, as well as to results based on evidence, the ideal treatment of rectal procidence is still questioned. We conclude that some change is evidenced according to the technique or approach selected with a revindication on perineal techniques and an increase on laparoscopic approach tending to project itself as the gold standard. We still believe that each surgeon must decide the conduct of surgery on a case by case basis.

Análisis del volumen rectal en pacientes con cáncer de próstata: temprano durante la radioterapia conformada / Analysis of rectal volume in patients with early prostate cancer: during the 3D radiation therapy

Se realiza un estudio observacional, descriptivo y cuantitativo, con descripción numérica de los datos, con el objetivo de determinar el cambio del volumen rectal en noventa pacientes con cáncer de próstata durante el tratamiento radiante. Utilizamos técnica de radioterapia conformada y tres dimensiones. El método complementario elegido para valorar el cambio del volumen de la ampolla rectal fue una tomografía axial computarizada de pelvis durante el tratamiento radiante. En el 86% de pacientes se evidenció la ampolla rectal con material fecal y gaseoso; y en 14% restante se encontraba vacía. Los diámetros promedios fueron de: 23,4 mm para ampolla rectal vacía y 32,8 mm para la ampolla rectal dilatada, los cambios del volumen rectal alteran la posición del volumen blanco de tratamiento radiante (próstata). Recomendamos efectuar la radioterapia entre las 15 y las 18 horas de acuerdo a la fisiología y practicar a todo paciente una manometría ano-rectal.

We realized a study observational, descriptive and quantitative with numeric description of date, we carry out this work to determine the change of rectal volume in 90 patients with diagnostic of prostate cancer during radiant treatment. We utilize conformal radiation therapy technique in tree dimension. The complementary method used to valor the changes in the volume of the rectal was axial computer tomography of the pelvis during the radiation treatment. In 86% of patients we evidence the rectal blister with fecal and gaseous material the rest 14% blister was empty. The average of diameters were 23.4 mm to the blister empty and 38.8 mm to the rectal dilated blister, the changes in the rectal volume alter the volume target of the radiation treatment (prostate). Recommend do the radiation therapy between the 15 and 18 hours in relation with physiology and practice to all patients a rectal manometer study.

Is peritoneal reflection the best anatomical repair landmark in experimental colorectal surgery on rats? / A reflexão peritoneal é o melhor reparo anatômico na cirurgia experimental colorretal em ratos?

PURPOSE: To validate Peyer's patch as an anatomical repair landmark for colorectal surgery in rats and to measure the collagen content in segments of the colon containing or not containing Peyer's patch. METHODS: The distance between Peyer's patch and the peritoneal reflection was measured in forty-five Wistar rats. The colon and rectum were resected for quantification of collagen content by means of computer-assisted image analysis in regions of the colon with and without Peyer's patch. RESULTS: There was great variation in the distance between Peyer's patch and the peritoneal reflection when the male and female rats were considered as a single group (p=0.04). Comparison between the genders showed that the distance between the patch and the peritoneal reflection was greater in female than in male rats (p=0.001). The colonic segment containing Peyer's patch was observed to have lower tissue collagen content than the segment in which this structure was not present (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Peyer's patch can be indicated as an anatomical repair landmark, and there is a need to study the healing of colorectal anastomoses in rats based on differing quantities of tissue collagen existing in the colonic wall with or without this structure.

OBJETIVO: Validar a placa de Peyer como reparo anatômico para a cirurgia colorretal em ratos e mensurar a quantidade de colágeno em segmentos da parede cólica que contém ou não a placa de Peyer. MÉTODOS: Foi aferida a distância entre a placa de Peyer e a reflexão peritoneal em 45 ratos Wistar. O cólon e o reto foram ressecados, para a quantificação do colágeno, por meio de análise de imagem assistida por computador, em regiões do cólon que continham ou não a placa de Peyer. RESULTADOS: Existe grande variação entre a distância da placa de Peyer e a reflexão peritoneal quando se consideraram os animais de ambos os gêneros como grupo único (p= 0.04), sendo a distância entre a placa e a reflexão peritoneal maior entre as fêmeas (p=0.001). Constatou-se que o segmento cólico que contém a placa de Peyer apresenta conteúdo menor de colágeno quando comparado ao segmento onde a estrutura não estava presente (p=0.02). CONCLUSÃO: A placa de Peyer pode ser indicada como reparo anatômico e no estudo da cicatrização de anastomoses colorretais em ratos, baseado nas diferentes quantidades de colágeno tecidual existente na parede cólica que contém ou não esta estrutura.

Manejo de los tumores retrorrectales del adulto / Management of the retrorectal tumors of the adult

Antecedentes: Los tumores que asientan en el espacio virtual entre el mesorrecto y el sacrocoxis comprenden un grupo heterogéneo y poco frecuente cuya incidencia se estima en 1/40.000 ingresos. Se clasifican en congénitos, neurogénicos, óseos y misceláneas. Por ser asintomáticos u ocasionar síntomas inespecíficos su diagnóstico suele ser tardío y muchas veces cuando han alcanzado un gran tamaño o comprometido las estructuras vecinas. El diagnóstico y tratamiento, que requiere un equipo multidisciplinario, han evolucionado en los últimos años por el aporte de la resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN), las nuevas terapias quimiorradiantes y un abordaje quirúrgico más agresivo. Objetivo: Comunicar nuestra experiencia y sugerir la estrategia de manejo de estos tumores basada en esta serie y la de los centros internacionales de referencia. Pacientes y Métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes con tumores retrorrectales operados entre 1991 y 2006 en la División Cirugía del Hospital Juan A. Fernández. Se excluyeron procesos inflamatorios, tumores rectales localmente avanzados y metastásicos. Se registraron sexo, edad, síntomas/signos, tiempo de evolución, estudios preoperatorios, tamaño tumoral, compromiso sacro y/o de órganos vecinos, tratamiento quirúrgico, morbimortalidad inmediata, estadía postoperatoria, secuelas, histopatología, recurrencia y supervivencia. Además se evaluó la utilidad de la tomografía axial computada (Te) y la RMN para establecer la estirpe tumoral, la posible malignidad, la invasión de estructuras vecinas y la vía de abordaje. Resultados: Hubo 7 pacientes (5 mujeres), edad promedio 37,5 (23-54) años. Congénitos: 2 (cordoma 1, hamartoma quístico 1), neurogénicos: 2 (neurofibroma plexiforme 1, schwanoma maligno 1), óseos: 1 (tumor de células gigantes del sacro) y misceláneas: 2 (liposarcoma 1, fibroma extrapleural maligno 1)...

Background: Tumors occupying the virtual space between the mesorectum and sacro-coccyx are heterogeneous and infrequent, with an estimated incidence of 1/40.000 hospitalizations. They are classified as congenital, neurogenic, osseous, and miscellaneous. Because they are asymptomatic or cause non-specific symptoms diagnosis is usually delayed, and very often done when have reached a great dimension or involved adjacent structures. Diagnosis and treatment, that required a multidisciplinary team, has evolved in recent years due to the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), new chemo-radiation therapies and a more aggressive surgical approach. Objective: Report on our experience, and suggest the management strategy for these tumors based on this series and that of international referral centers. Patients and Methods: Clinical records of patients with retrorectal tumors operated on, between 1991 and 2006 in the Division of Surgery of the Hospital Juan A. Fernández were retrospectively reviewed. Inflammatory processes, locally advanced rectal tumors and metastatic lesions were excluded. Registe red data included gender, age, symptom/signs, time of evolution, preoperative studies, size of tumors, involvement of sacrum and/or adjacent viscera, surgical treatment, 30-day morbidity and mortality, postoperative hospital stay, secuela, histopathology, recurrence and survival. Besides, the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) and MRI to establish the histologic tumor type, possible malignancy, invasion of adjacent structures, and operative approach was assessed. Results: Seven patients (5 women), mean age 37.5 (23-54) years, were treated. Congenital: 2 (chordoma 1, tailgut cyst 1), neurogenic: 2 (plexiform neurotibroma 1, malignant schwannoma 1), osseous: 1 (gigant cell tumor of the sacrum) and miscellaneous: 2 (liposarcoma 1, extrapleural malignant fibroma 1)...

Opciones terapéuticas en el cáncer de recto inferior / Terapeutic options in low rectal cancer

El tratamiento del cáncer de recto inferior ha evolucionado desde la cirugía al tratamiento multidisciplinario. Presenta todavía controversias. En esta revisión se ha investigado la patología, método de diagnóstico y tratamientos, mostrando finalmente la experiencia de nuestro Servicio. Concluimos manifestando que el futuro se encuentra en los adelantos en el diagnóstico para estadificar esta patología, aplicando luego el tratamiento adecuado a cada paciente.

Low rectal cancer treatment has changed from surgery to a multidisciplinary approach. There are still discussions about it. On this review, we have researched the pathology, diagnostic methods, and treatments. It also shows at the end, our surgical services experience. Finally, we make the comment that the future depends on the improvement of staging diagnostic in order to offer the proper patient treatment.

Rincones olvidados de la gastroenterología III: la compleja interacción entre la musculatura recto-anal y la circulación / Forgotten corners of the gastrointestinal tract III: the complex interaction between anorectal muscles an blood supply

Our medical education does not emphatize the study of the lower GI tract physiology. This results in a biased view of the importance of knowing both the syndromes and the pathologies arising from local derangements. When diseases of the lower GI tract do occur, our approach is too local, with excessive emphasis in topical therapy, while neglecting the causal factors. Therefore, we cannot educate our patients into correcting their habits and lifestyle, usually the responsible factors for the pathology. Because of little prevention and inadequate treatments, these problems derive into chronic conditions that may finally result in surgical therapies. In this review we aim to analize the importance of the vascular structures of the lower GI tract and of the irrigation of the rectal and anal muscles, describing the complex interaction that exists between vessels and muscles both in the physiology of continence and in ano-rectal pathology, detailing which derangements are causal and which are consequences, with the intention of leading us into a different approach based on physiology.

Nuestra formación no profundiza en la fisiología del tubo digestivo bajo. Ello nos lleva a una visión sesgada de la importancia de conocer los síndromes y las patología derivadas de los problemas en esa zona. Cuando se genera patología orificial o del recto distal, nuestro enfoque suele ser, erróneamente, muy localista, con mucho énfasis en terapias tópicas, olvidando de abordar los factores causales. Con ello no podemos educar bien a los pacientes en corregir los hábitos y costumbres, responsables, casi siempre, de la patología. La consecuencia es que hacemos poco por prevenir y hacemos terapias inadecuadas, desembocando los cuadros en patología crónicas que finalmente pueden terminar en resolución quirúrgica. En la presente revisión se analiza la importancia de las alteraciones de las estructuras vasculares y de la irrigación de la musculatura recto-anal, describiendo la interacción que existe entre vasos y músculos, tanto en la fisiología de la continencia como en la patololgía ano-rectal, examinando cuales alteraciones son causa y cuales son consequencia. La intención es cambiar nuestro enfoque hacia un abordaje basado en la fisiopatología.