Porcine dermal collagen mesh (Permacol™) as a bioprosthesis in the ligation of intersphincteric tract (BioLIFT) procedure.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of intersphincteric tract (LIFT) is a sphincter-saving technique used to treat anal fistulas. Incorporation of a bioprosthesis in LIFT (BioLIFT) aims to improve healing. The use of cross-linked porcine dermal collagen mesh Permacol™ in BioLIFT has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the healing rates and outcome of LIFT and BioLIFT for complex anal fistulas using the Permacol™ biological mesh. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients having LIFT or BioLIFT for complex fistulas from January 2010 to November 2019 was performed in a tertiary referral centre. Patient data from a prospectively collected database of all patients having LIFT or BioLIFT were analyzed. RESULTS: LIFT and BioLIFT were performed in 48 (82.8%) and 10 (17.2%) patients, respectively. All BioLIFT patients had previous interventions for their fistulas compared to 30 (62.5%) of patients who had LIFT, p = 0.023. The primary healing rate for LIFT was 87.5% (42/48) compared to 80% (8/10) in BioLIFT, (p = 0.42). Eight (13.8%) patients developed complications, 6 (12.5%) in the LIFT group vs 2 (20%) in the BioLIFT group (p = 0.62). On univariate analysis, the number of previous operations was predictive of complications (p = 0.03). BioLIFT was not associated with complication (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 0.30-10.3, p = 0.54) or primary healing (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.97-3.36, p = 0.54). There was no significant difference in recurrence (LIFT 12.5% vs BioLIFT 0%, p = 0.58). Kaplan-Meier analysis found no difference in time to recurrence between the two groups (p = 0.65). CONCLUSION: Permacol™ mesh in BioLIFT is feasible and achieves a high primary healing rate of 80%. Prospective evidence is needed to establish the benefits of BioLIFT and determine whether Permacol™ is superior to the non-cross-linked porcine submucosal mesh.

Self-expanding metallic stents for acute left-sided large-bowel obstruction: a review of 130 patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement in acute left-sided large-bowel obstruction. METHOD: From 1997 to 2008, 130 patients [mean 67 (SD 14.7)] underwent SEMS insertion for acute left-sided large-bowel obstruction. One-hundred and one procedures were palliative, and 29 patients underwent stent insertion as a bridge for surgery. The success rate and the outcome were analysed. RESULTS: The chief causes of obstruction were primary (67%) and recurrent (16%) colorectal carcinoma. The success rate was 88% after insertion of the first stent. In nine patients, insertion of a second stent was required. Complications occurred in 20% of the insertions, with migration (10.8%) being the most common. Perforation occurred in two patients and one developed a colovesical fistula. In patients with palliative stenting, 14 (13.9%) required subsequent surgery, with a stoma placed in all except three. Among the 29 patients who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery, subsequent surgical resection was performed in 26 patients at a mean interval of 12 days (SD 18.0). Primary anastomosis was performed in 24 patients. The mean survival for those who underwent SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery was 40 (95% confidence interval: 24-55) months. CONCLUSION: SEMS placement is safe and effective in relieving acute left-sided colonic obstruction. It allows subsequent definitive surgery on an elective setting and also serves as good palliation for advanced or disseminated disease.

A case of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis--undiagnosed for 44 years and resulting in fixed-flexion deformity of the arm.

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TBVC) is a paucibacillary form of cutaneous tuberculosis caused by exogenous re-infection in previously sensitized individuals. Here, we report an unusual case of TBVC in a 53-year-old Chinese woman that had been present for 44 years and resulted in fixed-flexion deformity of her arm and functional disability. The diagnosis was made by a positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and she responded well to antituberculous therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first such case of TBVC reported in the English literature with sequelae of functional impairment of the arm.

Rapid column liquid chromatographic analysis of flucloxacillin in plasma on a microparticulate pre-column.

A rapid, sensitive, accurate and precise high-performance liquid chromatographic assay is described for flucloxacillin in plasma. Samples (100 microliters) containing dicloxacillin (internal standard) were extracted with ethyl acetate (2 ml). The mobile phase of acetonitrile (18%, v/v) in phosphate buffer (0.01 M, pH 7) was pumped at 1.2 ml/min through a 40 x 3.2 mm I.D. column (3 microns particles). Detection was at 220 nm. Calibration plots were linear (r > 0.9995) from 0.2 to 40 mg/l. Within-day and between-day coefficients of variation were less than 9% (n = 6). The detection limit was 0.05 mg/l and the limit of quantitation was 0.3 mg/l. Of 24 drugs tested, only phenytoin and carbamazepine may interfere in some patients' samples.