Early vs. standard reversal ileostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Formation of a defunctioning loop ileostomy is common after mid and low rectal resection. Historically, they were reversed between 3 and 6 months after initial resection. Recently, earlier closure (< 14 days) has been suggested by some current randomised controlled trials. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early stoma closure on surgical and patient outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of the current randomised controlled trial literature comparing early and standard ileostomy closure after rectal surgery was performed. Specifically, we examined surgical outcomes including; morbidity, mortality and quality of life. RESULTS: Six studies met the predefined criteria and were included in our analysis. 275 patients underwent early stoma closure compared with 259 patients having standard closure. Overall morbidity was similar between both groups (25.5% vs. 21.6%) (OR, 1.47; 95% CI 0.75-2.87). However, there tended to be more reoperations (8.4 vs. 4.2%) (OR, 2.02, 95% CI 0.99-4.14) and small bowel obstructions/postoperative ileus (9.3% vs. 4.4%) (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.90) in the early closure group, but no difference across the other domains. CONCLUSIONS: Early closure appears to be a feasible in highly selective cases after good perioperative counselling and shared decision-making. Further research on quality of life outcomes and long term benefits is necessary to help define which patients are suitable candidates for early closure.

Management options for chronic anal fissure: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Anal fissure is the most common cause of severe anorectal pain in adults, contributing significantly to coloproctology workloads. There are a wide variety of management options available, including topical nitrites, calcium channel blockers, botulinum toxin injection and sphincterotomy. The aim of this study was to review current options for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. METHODS: A comprehensive search identifying randomized controlled trials comparing treatment options for anal fissure published between January 2000 and February 2020 was performed. The primary outcome assessed was healing at 8 weeks post commencing treatment. Secondary outcomes included recurrence, intolerance of treatment and complications. RESULTS: A total of 2822 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and non-relevant studies, we identified nine randomized controlled trials which met pre-defined criteria. There was a total of 775 patients. At 8 weeks, healing rates were 95.13% in those treated with sphincterotomy, 66.7% in the botulinum toxin group, 63.8% in the nitrate group, 52.3% for topical diltiazem and 50% for topical minoxidil. Recurrence was highest amongst those treated with botulinum toxin injection (41.7%) and lowest for sphincterotomy (6.9%). Although the absolute number is low, there was a risk of permanent incontinence with sphincterotomy. CONCLUSION: This review of the randomized control data demonstrates that healing was significantly higher amongst those treated with sphincterotomy versus more conservative modalities. Topical nitrites had similar outcomes to botulinum toxin injection but were poorly tolerated in comparison to other treatments. The benefit of sphincterotomy was at a cost of increased complications, notably permanent incontinence.

Management of anal intraepithelial neoplasia and anal squamous cell carcinoma at a tertiary referral centre with a dedicated infectious diseases unit: an 18-year review.

INTRODUCTION: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare malignancy with rising incidence rates. Risk factors include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, high-risk sexual activity and HPV-related genitourinary dysplasia/neoplasia. There is an overlap between high-risk patients and those attending HIV Medicine/Sexual Health (HMSH) services. We hypothesised that HMSH involvement may facilitate earlier referral to colorectal surgeons, with better outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of all ASCC and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) treated at a tertiary-referral hospital with a dedicated HMSH clinic between 2000 and 2018. Comparative analysis was performed of demographics, management and outcomes between HMSH and non-HMSH patients. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients had anal pathology, eighty-five with ASCC (78%) and twenty-four with AIN (22%). Seventy (64%) were male. Median (range) age at ASCC diagnosis was 51 years (26-88). Thirty-six percent of all patients attended HMSH services, 28% were HIV positive, and 41% of males were men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Eighty-one ASCC patients (97.5%) were treated with curative intent. Sixty-seven (80%) had primary chemoradiation therapy. Fifteen (17.5%) had primary surgical excision. Twelve (14%) developed recurrent disease. Ultimately, seven required salvage APR. Overall 3-year survival (3YS) was 76%. HMSH patients were significantly younger at ASCC diagnosis (p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of HIV, HPV and MSM. HMSH attenders also tended to be diagnosed at earlier stages, were less likely to develop recurrence and achieved better overall outcomes, with a superior overall 3YS than non-HMSH patients (92% vs 72%, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: ASCC incidence is increasing worldwide. The HMSH cohort has emerged as a distinct subpopulation of younger, high-risk, male patients. Collaboration between HMSH and colorectal surgeons offers an opportunity for risk reduction strategies and earlier intervention.

Outcomes following colonic stenting for malignant left-sided bowel obstruction: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Malignant bowel obstruction is a common presentation and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Emergency resection is the traditional treatment modality. In recent years, colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery has become more prevalent. However, there is considerable debate surrounding its use. The aim of this review was to examine the technical and clinical success of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery for obstructing colorectal tumours. METHODS: We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials using PubMed, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases. Included studies must have compared outcomes in SEMS as a bridge to surgery with those proceeding straight to emergency resection. RESULTS: A total of 1245 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and non-relevant studies, we identified seven articles which met the predefined criteria. This review observed that 81% of SEMS were technically successful, with 76% of patients having restoration of gastrointestinal function. Iatrogenic perforation rate was 5%. One-fifth of patients required emergency surgery following stent placement, and permanent stoma rate was 8.7%. CONCLUSION: This study observed that SEMS as a bridge to surgery is associated with good technical and clinical success, with low rates of perforation and permanent stoma. SEMS should be part of the treatment armamentarium for obstructing colorectal neoplasms, but careful patient selection and institutional expertise are important factors for success.

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in malignant large bowel obstruction: oncological outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Stenting of obstructing colorectal cancers obviates the need for emergency surgery, reducing initial morbidity and mortality rate associated with emergency surgery and facilitates full staging of the neoplastic process with an opportunity to optimize the patient for surgery. Some recent publications have suggested however that this approach may be associated with higher local recurrence rates. We examined our outcomes following colonic stenting as a bridge to resection. METHODS: A database was reviewed (2006-2018) of patients presenting with acute colorectal obstruction that proceeded to endoscopic stenting. We assessed the bridge to surgery strategy, its success, complication rate, and impact on recurrence and survival. RESULTS: Of a total of 103 patients who presented with acute malignant large bowel obstruction over this time period, 26 patients had potentially curable disease at presentation and underwent stenting as a bridge to surgery. The technical success rate for stenting in those managed as a bridge to surgery was 92% (n = 24/26) with 7.69% (n = 2/26) having a complication. There was one stent-related perforation. Median follow-up of this cohort was 31 months, with a 5-year overall survival of 53.5%. CONCLUSION: Colorectal stenting as a bridge to resection is a successful management strategy for those presenting with obstructing colorectal obstruction. Selective use is associated with lower rates of stoma formation, greater rates of laparoscopic resections with low complication rates, and acceptable oncological outcomes.

Should MRI Be the Imaging Modality of Choice in Suspected Appendicitis During Pregnancy?

Aim The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining appendicitis during pregnancy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course for all pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis from 2013-2018. We evaluated the efficacy of MRI and Alvarado scoring and its impact on management. Results Twenty-nine pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis had an MRI. The majority (90%, n=26/29) had normal diagnostics with two patients (10.3%) having findings consistent with acute appendicitis. Two other patients proceeded to laparoscopy, one with an inconclusive MRI, and one patient with clinical appendicitis. We found no accurate correlation between pregnancy and Alvarado scoring. Conclusion MRI is a safe adjunct in accurately diagnosing appendicitis in pregnancy. Its routine use could help reduce rates of negative appendectomies and the potential risk to maternal and fetal health.

Brain metastasis from colorectal carcinoma: a single cancer centre experience.

PURPOSE: Brain metastases (BM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are rare. As survival increases in patients with metastatic CRC, it is hypothesised that new metastatic patterns will emerge: for instance, as CRC with limited metastatic involvement of the liver and lung can now be successfully resected, we propose that sites, previously rarely involved in metastatic spread, will become more common. The objective of this study was to describe the experience with BM from CRC in a single cancer centre. METHODS: A prospectively compiled database (1988-2012) of patients with CRC treated in a tertiary referral hospital was retrospectively examined. Patients with a histological diagnosis of CRC and radiologically documented BM were included. Clinical information (including patient demographics, primary and metastatic disease factors) was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Eleven patients (0.3 % of 4219 patients) were identified (8 male, 3 female). The median age at CRC diagnosis was 70 years (range 55-80 years) while the median age at diagnosis of BM was 73 years (range 56-83 years). Three patients diagnosed with synchronous metastases underwent palliative treatment while eight patients had undergone surgical resection of the primary tumour with curative intent a median of 24 months (range 0-48 months) prior to diagnosis of BM. 10/11 patients were symptomatic at diagnosis of BM. All were diagnosed using computed tomography and managed palliatively. The cerebellum was most the frequently involved site. The median overall survival time following diagnosis of BM was 2.5 months (range 2-9 months). Notably, 8/11 patients were diagnosed in the latter 8 years of the study period (between 2004 and 2012). CONCLUSION: With increased survival, improved systemic therapy and aggressive approaches to surgical management of "classical" metastases from CRC, it is likely that a changing pattern of metastases will emerge. As survival rates increase, we propose that metastatic sites, which were previously considered rare (e.g. brain), will now become more common and thus, surgeons must recognise pertinent symptomatology.

Primary colorectal lymphoma - A single centre experience.

PURPOSE: The incidence of primary colorectal lymphoma (PCL) is rare (0.2-0.6% of large bowel malignancy). Up to one third of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will present with extra-nodal manifestations only. Extra-nodal lymphomas arise from tissues other than the lymph nodes and even from sites, which contain no lymphoid tissue. The incidence of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has increased over the past fifty years. The objective of this study was to examine our experience of PCL. METHODS: A prospectively-compiled database (1988-2012) of patients with colorectal cancer was retrospectively examined for cases of colorectal lymphoma. A retrospective chart review identified cases of PCL based on Dawson's criteria. Clinical information was obtained from case notes. RESULTS: Eleven patients (0.3% of 4219 patients) were identified (6 male, 5 female). The median age at diagnosis was 63 years. Mode of presentation varied; abdominal pain, a palpable mass and per rectal bleeding being the most frequent. The caecum was the most frequently involved site (5/11). Nine patients underwent surgical management, one had chemotherapy alone and one had radiotherapy alone. All cases were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in majority. The median event-free survival of those treated with surgery and post-operative chemotherapy was 10 months (range 5-120 months). CONCLUSION: Primary colorectal lymphoma is rare. Management is multidisciplinary and dependent on the subtype of lymphoma. Due to the rarity of diagnosis, there is a paucity of randomised control trials. Most information published is based on individual case reports and there is, thus, no clear treatment algorithm for these cases.

Gastrointestinal Erdheim-Chester disease.

We report a rare case of Erdheim-Chester Disease, a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. A 60-year old female presented with a seven-month history of vague abdominal symptoms. A large retroperitoneal mass was detected on computed tomography (CT), but multiple CT-guided biopsy samples were inconclusive. Laparoscopy revealed a mass in the distal ileum, which was resected. Histology and immuno-histochemistry supported a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester Disease.

Self-expanding metal stent insertion by colorectal surgeons in the management of obstructing colorectal cancers: a 6-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) in patients presenting with colorectal cancer as an acute large bowel obstruction may obviate emergency surgery, potentially effectively palliating incurable cancers and acting as a bridge to surgery in patients with operable tumours. We present our experience with stenting for malignant acute large bowel obstruction over a 6-year period (2006-2011). METHODS: A prospectively compiled colorectal cancer database was reviewed to identify all patients presenting to our unit with malignant acute large bowel obstruction who had stenting carried out to achieve colonic decompression. All 44 procedures were performed by colorectal surgeons using a combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic technique. RESULTS: Overall, successful decompression was achieved in 42 patients by SEMS insertion (95.5%). Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 30 patients undergoing stenting as a palliative measure (100%). There was no clinical perforation in any of the 44 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SEMSs insertion is a safe and effective technique for colonic decompression in the setting of acute malignant large bowel obstruction as either a palliative measure or as a bridge to subsequent resection.

Seppuku: a modern approach to an ancient injury.

A 67 year-old man with paraplegia and depression presented with self-inflicted evisceration and small bowel injury. Damage control surgery was undertaken at emergency laparotomy with definitive anastomosis performed at second-look laparotomy following 24 hours resuscitation in ICU. He had an uncomplicated post-operative course and was discharged to an inpatient psychiatric unit.

Curative surgical management of isolated adrenal recurrence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Adrenal metastases of oesophageal adenocarcinoma are rarely detected in the clinical setting, more frequently being found as an incidental postmortem finding in the presence of widespread metastases. With improvements in the sensitivity of radiological diagnostic modalities, the incidence of adrenal tumour detection is on the rise. We report herein a particularly rare case of primary operative management by adrenalectomy for an isolated right-sided adrenal metastasis secondary to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, with a long-term survival.

Multivisceral resection in colorectal cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to critically evaluate current literature on outcomes following multivisceral resection (MVR) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Adequate surgical resection with clear margins is imperative in achieving long-term survival in colorectal cancer. Where there is adherence to or invasion of adjacent organs, (MVR) may be needed to achieve complete disease clearance. METHODS: A systematic review of MVR in CRC was performed. Pubmed/Medline and Cochrane databases were searched for English language articles from 1995 to 2012 using a predefined strategy. Retrieved abstracts were independently screened for relevance and data extracted from selected studies by 2 researchers. Results are reported as weighted means. RESULTS: Included were 22 studies comprising 1575 patients (87.0% primary colorectal cancer; 13.0% recurrent, 63.8% rectal; 36.2% colon). The most common organs resected were the bladder and reproductive organs. The perioperative mortality was 4.2% with morbidity of 41.5% (95% CI, 40.8-42.2%). The overall 5-year survival rate was 50.3% (95% CI, 49.9-50.8%). Surgery for recurrence was associated with worse outcomes than primary tumors with 5-year survival 19.5% (95% CI, 17.8-21.1%) for recurrent rectal cancer and primary rectal tumors 5-year overall survival 52.8% (95% CI, 52.0-53.8%). R0 resection was the strongest factor associated with long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Multivisceral resection provides the best possibility of long-term survival in locally advanced primary colorectal cancer in which a clear margin has been achieved.

Necrotising pancreatitis presenting as a painful mass in the groin and sepsis.

Acute pancreatitis is typically associated with classical clinical and radiological features. The sensitivity of CT to diagnose acute pancreatitis depends on the severity of the attack and ranges from 77% to 92% with a specificity approaching 100%. Despite the fact this is a common disease, there are myriad clinical presentations of acute pancreatitis. We report herein an especially rare presentation where severe acute necrotising pancreatitis presented with a tender inguinoscrotal swelling with a normal pancreas on CT imaging.

Re-laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has increasingly become the standard of care in the management of both benign and malignant colorectal disease. We herein describe our experience with laparoscopy in the management of complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Between November 2010 and July 2012, data were prospectively collected for all patients requiring surgical intervention for colorectal cancer. This was performed by a full-time colorectal cancer data manager. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients had surgery for colorectal cancer during this period, 154 (75.9%) of which were performed laparoscopically and 49 (24.1%) performed by open surgery. Ten patients (4.9%) underwent surgery for complications of which 7 were following laparoscopic surgery. Two of these 7 patients had an exploratory laparotomy due to abdominal distension and haemodynamic instability. Laparoscopic surgical intervention was successful in diagnosing and treating the remaining 5 patients. Three of these patients developed small bowel obstruction which was managed by re-laparoscopy while in 2 patients there was a significant suspicion of an anastomotic leakage despite appropriate diagnostic imaging which was out ruled at laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can frequently be used to diagnose and treat complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This is another benefit associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery which is rarely described and allows the benefits associated with the laparoscopic approach to be maintained.

Severe epigastric pain following a birthday party.

Epigastric pain is a very common symptom which can be caused by a wide range of clinical conditions. A 28 year old male presented to our clinic with new onset severe epigastric pain. As part of the routine work up for pain of this nature, we proceeded to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A toothpick was found lodged in the antral gastric wall with a resulting inflammatory mass abutting the free edge. It was removed successfully with full resolution of symptoms, however a review of the literature shows that ingested toothpicks can cause major morbidity.

Evolving changes in the management of early oesophageal adenocarcinoma in a tertiary centre.

OBJECTIVES: Series from high volume oesophageal centres highlight an increasing prevalence of early malignant (EM) lesions. The advent of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offer alternatives to traditional surgery. The evolution of this pattern of care in a high volume centre is analysed. METHODS: Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. 96 patients were treated with an EM lesion from 2000 to 2011. Surgery was the standard approach during the initial period (2000-2006). In 2007, with the introduction of EMR±RFA to our Centre, a rising trend toward definitive endoscopic treatment was seen. This study details the selection of cases into treatment groups and their outcomes. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2006, 23 patients were treated with EM lesions, 96% by surgery. Seventy-three were treated from 2007 to 2011, 55% surgically and 45% by EMR±RFA. In the entire experience, there was one death from surgery and morbidity was higher in the surgery group compared with EMR±RFA (p<0.001). Three surgical patients (4.8%) relapsed with HGD or cancer, and one patient with T1N1 disease died of disease recurrence. At a median of 13 months, EMR±RFA offered 100% disease control, 72% had no endoscopic or histological evidence of Barrett's oesophagus and one patient represented with low grade dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the changing pattern of care in the management of early oesophageal cancer. EMR±RFA appears an acceptable alternative to surgery in carefully selected cases. However, long-term outcome analysis using these methods is required and close interdisciplinary collaboration of specialists in gastroenterology, surgery, pathology and radiology is mandatory to achieve optimum outcomes.

Multivisceral resection for T4 or recurrent colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of patients with colorectal cancer have locally advanced disease with peritoneal involvement (T4a) or invasion of adjacent organs (T4b) at the time of diagnosis. Of patients who undergo resection with curative intent, between 7 and 33% develop isolated locoregional recurrences. R0 surgical excision is potentially curative. METHODS: We reviewed the literature relating to multivisceral resection for T4 or recurrent colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Comprehensive staging to identify the local and systemic extent of disease is essential to determine resectability and patient suitability for a curative approach. PET scans and pelvic MRI (rectal) staging and a coordinated multispecialty input to neoadjuvant treatment, multivisceral surgical resection, reconstruction and adjuvant chemotherapy are essential. Intraoperative radiotherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may have a role in selected patients. R0 resection can achieve 5-year local control rates for primary locally advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer of up to 89 and 38%, respectively, and overall 5-year survival up to 66 and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: An aggressive surgical strategy as part of a multimodal strategy in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer in the absence of incurable metastatic disease affords the best prospect for long-term survival in selected patients.