Surgical excision of retrorectal tumour using transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

Abstract Surgical excision is the best therapeutic option for tumours in the retrorectal space. Classically, surgery in this area required an abdominal or posterior approach, or a combination of the two methods. We report the use of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of retrorectal tumours as an alternative to classical procedures.

The prevalence of parastomal hernia after formation of an end colostomy. A new clinico-radiological classification.

INTRODUCTION: Parastomal hernia (PH) is a common complication of end colostomy, found in over 50% of patients. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) may help diagnosis. The prevalence of PH may be higher than previously reported. We present a new CT classification for use in clinical practice. METHOD: A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was carried out, assessing the clinical and radiological prevalence of PH in 75 patients with an end colostomy operated on since 1997. Clinical examinations were performed by a single surgeon. Abdominal CTs were assessed by a single radiologist. RESULTS: PH was observed clinically in 33 (44%) of 75 patients and 27 (82%) were symptomatic. Using the classification 0 (Normal), I (Hernial sac containing stoma loop), II (Sac containing omentum), III (Sac containing a loop other than stoma), radiological PH was observed in 35 (47%) patients. Clinical/radiological concordance (Kappa index = 0.4) increased proportionally with sac size. All type-III PHs (n = 9) were symptomatic. The combined prevalence of PH detected by one or other method was 60.8%. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological prevalence of PH is high. As there is no gold standard for PH detection, we recommend a combination of the two methods. A new classification for use in clinical practice is proposed.