Dose Escalation Using Contact X-ray Brachytherapy After External Beam Radiotherapy as Nonsurgical Treatment Option for Rectal Cancer: Outcomes From a Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To review the outcomes of rectal cancer patients treated with a nonsurgical approach using contact x-ray brachytherapy (CXB) when suspicious residual disease (≤3 cm) was present after external beam chemoradiation therapy/radiation therapy (EBCRT/EBRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Outcome data for rectal cancer patients referred to our institution from 2003 to 2012 were retrieved from an institutional database. These patients were referred after initial local multidisciplinary team discussion because they were not suitable for, or had refused, surgery. All selected patients received a CXB boost after EBCRT/EBRT. Most patients received a total of 90 Gy of CXB delivered in 3 fractions over 4 weeks. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 2.5 years (range 1.2-8.3). Of 345 consecutive patients with rectal cancer referred to us, 83 with suspicious residual disease (≤3 cm) after EBCRT/EBRT were identified for a CXB boost. Their median age was 72 years (range 36-87), and 58 (69.9%) were men. The initial tumor stages were cT2 (n = 28) and cT3 (n = 55), and 54.2% were node positive. A clinical complete response (cCR) was achieved in 53 patients (63.8%) after the CXB boost that followed EBCRT/EBRT. Of these 53 patients, 7 (13.2%) developed a relapse after achieving a cCR, and the 6 patients (11.6%) with nonmetastatic regrowth underwent salvage surgery (100%). At the end of the study period, 69 of 83 patients (83.1%) were cancer free. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a CXB boost for selected patients with suspicious residual disease (≤3 cm) after EBCRT/EBRT can be offered as an alternative to radical surgery. In our series, patients with a sustained cCR had a low rate of local regrowth, and those with nonmetastatic regrowth could be salvaged successfully. This approach could provide an alternative treatment option for elderly or comorbid patients who are not suitable for surgery and those with rectal cancer who wish to avoid surgery.

Dose escalation using contact X-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) for rectal cancer: does it improve the chance of organ preservation?

OBJECTIVE: A watch and wait policy for patients with a clinical complete response (cCR) after external beam chemoradiotherapy (EBCRT) for rectal cancer is an attractive option. However, approximately one-third of tumours will regrow, which requires surgical salvage for cure. We assessed whether contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) can improve organ preservation by avoiding surgery for local regrowth. METHODS: From our institutional database, we identified 200 of 573 patients treated by CXB from 2003 to 2012. Median age was 74 years (range 32-94), and 134 (67%) patients were males. Histology was confirmed in all patients and was staged using CT scan, MRI or endorectal ultrasound. All patients received combined CXB and EBCRT, except 17 (8.5%) who had CXB alone. RESULTS: Initial cCR was achieved in 144/200 (72%) patients. 38/56 (68%) patients who had residual tumour received immediate salvage surgery. 16/144 (11%) patients developed local relapse after cCR, and 124/144 (86%) maintained cCR. At median follow up of 2.7 years, 161 (80.5%) patients were free of cancer. The main late toxicity was bleeding (28%). Organ preservation was achieved in 124/200 (62%) patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CXB can reduce local regrowth to 11% compared with around 30% after EBCRT alone. Organ preservation of 62% achieved was higher than reported in most published watch and wait studies. Advances in knowledge: CXB is a promising treatment option to avoid salvage surgery for local regrowth, which can improve the chance of organ preservation in patients who are not suitable for or refuse surgery.

Rectosigmoid gallstone coleus: a rare emergency presentation.

An elderly woman presented with abdominal pain and vomiting, was known to have gallstones. A CT scan was arranged identifying gallstone ileus and cholecystitis. Ensuing sepsis precipitated fast atrial fibrillation delaying the planned laparotomy. Her symptoms subsequently resolved with conservative management. Ten days following admission her abdomen became distended. A repeat CT scan showed large bowel dilation with intramural air suggestive of obstruction and bowel ischaemia. Emergency laparotomy was performed identifying a large 23 mm gallstone impacted at the rectosigmoid junction (gallstone coleus). The stone was milked back to the transverse colon where it was retrieved and a transverse loop colostomy was formed. Gallstone ileus is rare; gallstone coleus is even rarer. On review of the published literature both entities have not been seen in the same patient during the same admission or indeed caused by the same gallstone.

Outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection vs. biofeedback for the treatment of outlet obstruction associated with rectal intussusception and rectocele: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the safety and outcomes achieved with stapled transanal rectal resection vs. biofeedback training in obstructed defecation patients. METHODS: A total of 119 women patients who suffered from obstructed defecation with associated rectocele and rectal intussusception were randomized to stapled transanal rectal resection or biofeedback training. Stapled transanal rectal resection was performed by using two circular staplers to produce transanal full-thickness rectal resection. Primary outcome was symptoms of obstructed defecation resolution at 12 months; secondary outcomes included safety, change in quality of life score, and anatomic correction of rectocele and rectal intussusception. RESULTS: Fourteen percent (8/59) stapled transanal rectal resection and 50 percent (30/60) biofeedback training patients withdrew early. Eight (15 percent) patients treated with stapled transanal rectal resection and 1 (2 percent) biofeedback patient experienced adverse events. One serious adverse event (bleeding) occurred after stapled transanal rectal resection. Scores of obstructed defecation improved significantly in both groups as did quality of life (both P < 0.0001). Successful treatment was observed in 44 (81.5 percent) stapled transanal rectal resection vs. 13 (33.3 percent) evaluable biofeedback training patients (P < 0.0001). Functional benefit was observed early and remained stable during the study. CONCLUSIONS: In this controlled trial, stapled transanal rectal resection was well tolerated, was more effective than biofeedback training for the resolution of obstructed defecation symptoms, and improved quality of life, with minimal risk of impaired continence. Thus, stapled transanal rectal resection offers a new treatment alternative for obstructed defecation after failure of conservative measures including biofeedback training, a noninvasive approach.

Characterization of epithelial cell shedding from human small intestine.

Intestinal epithelial cells migrate from the base of the crypt to the villi where they are shed. However, little is known about the cell shedding process. We have studied the role of apoptosis and wound healing mechanisms in cell shedding from human small intestinal epithelium. A method preparing paraffin sections of human small intestine that preserves cell shedding was developed. A total of 14 417 villus sections were studied. The relationship of cell shedding to leukocytes (CD45), macrophages (CD68) and blood vessels (CD34) were studied by immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic cells were identified using the M30 antibody against cleaved cytokeratin 18 and an antibody against cleaved caspase-3. Potential wound healing mechanisms were studied using antibodies against Zona Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and phosphorylated myosin light chains (MLCs). We found that 5.3% of villus sections contained a shedding cell. An eosin-positive gap was often seen within the epithelial monolayer beneath shedding cells. Shedding was not associated with leukocytes, macrophages or blood vessels. Cells always underwent apoptosis during ejection from the monolayer. Apoptotic bodies were never seen in the monolayer but morphologically normal cells that were positive for M30 or cleaved caspase-3 were often seen. ZO-1 protein was usually (41/42) localized to the apical pole of cells neighboring a shedding event. Phosphorylated MLCs could be identified in 50% of shedding events. In conclusion, cell shedding is associated with apoptosis though it remains unclear whether apoptosis initiates shedding. It is also associated with phosphorylation of MLCs; a process associated previously with wound healing.

Therapy for intra-abdominal adhesions.

Therapy for adhesions encompasses their prevention and treatment. They are reduced in number and severity by good surgical technique but anti-adhesion agents are useful adjuncts. Small bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions requires surgery following resuscitation if signs of peritonism develop. Otherwise a trial of conservative therapy is advocated.

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy: a novel procedure.

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is an effective procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids with mucosal prolapse. The advantages over the conventional surgical technique include reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work.

The role of the nurse in colorectal cancer follow up.

The follow up of patients after colorectal cancer surgery remains controversial. It may be intensive or minimal. The authors describe an intensive follow-up regimen and discuss the leading role of the colorectal specialist nurse. In the absence of evidence from randomized trials, the most persuasive arguments for routine follow up are patient support and audit.

Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis is potentially cured by total excision of the colon and rectum. Crohn's disease is an unremitting condition in which operations are frequently multiple and in which the minimum amount of bowel possible should be excised.

Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease is an expanding field, which has physical benefits to the patient and economic benefits to the trust and community.

STAR procedure: stapled transanal resection of tumour.

This study assesses the practicality, mortality and morbidity of the STAR procedure for debulking of large rectal tumours prior to transanal endoscopic microsurgery.