Ileostomy: early and late complications

Introduction: Ileostomy formation is performed for multiple purposes related to intestinal pathology, such as obstructive malignant or benign tumors, inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal ischemia, and, for the most part, as a protective stoma in high-risk anastomosis. The creation of this surgical opening, despite being considered a simple procedure, is undoubtedly followed by complications in certain cases. Materials and Methods: We conducted an electronic literature search in the MEDLINE database using the PubMed search engine. A total of 43 articles were included in the present review. Results/Discussion: Over the course of the present work, we were able to explore different types of complications that can arise in patients with an ileostomy. High-output stomas were found to be associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Skin-related morbidity was shown to be present in a great percentage of patients. More severe complications, such as peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum and necrosis, are less frequent and require urgent management. Several risk factors were identified in cases of retraction, obstruction, prolapse, and parastomal herniation. Conclusion: Even though ileostomies may present numerous benefits in certain patients, they are also associated with many complications, which should be avoided and quickly managed, because they can severely affect the quality of life of the patients. Surveillance and follow-up by a multidisciplinary team is strongly advisable, bearing in mind that a good performance on the part of the responsible surgeon is also a key factor. (AU)

Prognosis in colorectal cancer beyond TNM / Prognóstico no carcinoma colorretal para além do TNM

ABSTRACT Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the neoplasms with the greatest social impact. Given the great molecular heterogeneity and diversity of pathophysiological mechanisms, it is difficult to define prognostic factors that could guide therapy. Objectives: To identify the molecular prognostic factors that may be of interest in clinical practice and to synthesize the existing evidence. Material and methods: The search for the articles was carried out using the PubMed platform and the keywords "sporadic colorectal cancer and prognosis", for articles published between 2014 and 2019. We selected all articles published on studies in humans and written in English or Portuguese. Of the 215 articles found, 35 articles were selected to perform this review. Results: Current evidence supports the use of four molecular markers in clinical practice − KRAS, NRAS and BRAF (EGFR signalling pathway) and the mismatch repair status. Conclusion: The use of molecular biomarkers in clinical practice to define prognosis is still little supported by the existent evidence. The studies are slightly contradictory, so new projects and international collaborations must be carried out in this area to obtain more robust evidence.

RESUMO Introdução: O carcinoma colorretal é uma das neoplasias com maior impacto social. Dada a grande heterogeneidade molecular e diversidade de mecanismos fisiopatológicos, torna-se difícil definir fatores de prognóstico que orientem a terapêutica. Objetivos: Identificar os fatores de prognóstico moleculares que poderão vir a ter interesse na prática clínica e fazer uma síntese da evidência existente. Material e métodos: A pesquisa dos artigos foi realizada recorrendo à plataforma PubMed e utilizou-se as palavras-chave "sporadic colorectal cancer and prognosis", para artigos publicados entre 2014 e 2019. Foram selecionados todos os artigos publicados sobre estudos em humanos e escritos em inglês ou em português. Dos 215 artigos encontrados, foram selecionados 35 artigos para realizar esta revisão. Resultados: A evidência atual apoia a utilização de quatro marcadores moleculares na prática clínica - KRAS, NRAS e BRAF (via de sinalização do EGFR) e o estado mismatch repair. Conclusão: A utilização na prática clínica de biomarcadores moleculares para definir o prognóstico é ainda pouco apoiada pela evidência disponível. Os estudos são algo contraditórios, pelo que novos projetos e colaborações internacionais devem ser realizados neste âmbito para se obter evidência mais robusta.