Adult Hirschsprung's disease presenting as sigmoid volvulus: a case report and review of literature.

Sigmoid volvulus is a rare presentation of Hirschsprung's disease. A 38-year-old male presented with acute intestinal obstruction and a history of chronic constipation since childhood. Abdominal radiographs showed megarectum and megacolon with dissipated feces. Sigmoidoscopy revealed gangrenous bowel mucosa affecting the sigmoid colon. Emergency laparotomy revealed a grossly dilated bowel with concurrent gangrenous sigmoid volvulus. He was treated successfully with proctocolectomy with J-pouch-anal anastomosis and a defunctioning ileostomy. Histological analysis was consistent with short segment Hirschsprung's disease. Although uncommon, adult Hirschsprung's disease is a cause of chronic constipation and can present acutely with a sigmoid volvulus. Mortality in cases with sigmoid volvulus is greater than in cases without (15.4% vs. 0%). A better awareness of this condition will facilitate management.

Prospective, randomized trial comparing intraoperative colonic irrigation with manual decompression only for obstructed left-sided colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing the outcome of intraoperative colonic irrigation with that of manual decompression for acutely obstructing colorectal cancers distal to the splenic flexure. METHODS: All patients admitted to our department from June 1999 to August 2002 with obstructing left-sided colorectal cancers were recruited. Patients were randomized intraoperatively and were excluded if deemed unsuitable for segmental resection and primary anastomosis. Twenty-five patients were randomized to receive colonic irrigation and twenty-eight to receive manual decompression. Perioperative parameters and outcome including mortality and anastomotic leak were recorded. RESULTS: Both groups of patients were comparable in terms of gender and age. The time taken for mobilization, decompression, and irrigation in the colonic irrigation group (median, 31 minutes) was significantly longer than that for the manual decompression group (median, 13 minutes) (P; = 0.0005). However, the total time of the operation was similar for both groups. Times for recovery of bowel function, of wound infection, and until discharge from the hospital were also similar. In the manual decompression group there were two cases of anastomotic leak (8 percent, 2/25) requiring reoperation but none (0/24) in the colonic irrigation group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Manual decompression of proximal colon without irrigation is as safe as colonic irrigation in one-stage surgical management of obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer.

Minilaparotomy left iliac fossa skin crease incision vs. midline incision for left-sided colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Midline laparotomies offer excellent exposure but are associated with increased postoperative pain and longer recovery. A minilaparotomy resection of leftsided colorectal cancers was studied as an alternative approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control retrospective review of 280 randomly selected patients (140 midline incisions; 140 left skin crease incisions) who underwent elective, curative resection of left-sided colorectal cancers. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were of comparable age and sex. The left skin crease incision was shorter (median length, 13.5 cm) than the midline incision (median length, 20.0 cm). Median operation time was less in the left skin crease group (75 min) than in the midline incision group (105 min). Similar types of operations were performed, including left hemicolectomies, sigmoid colectomies, anterior resections and ultra-low anterior resections. Adequacy of resection was confirmed by histological analysis, with no involvement of margins. The median numbers of lymph nodes removed were comparable: 10 for the skin crease incision group and 12 for the midline incision group. Postoperative parameters for the skin crease incision group showed that feeding, ambulation, narcotic use and hospital stay were significantly better than the parameters in the midline group. Complications of intestinal obstruction were also reduced in the skin crease incision group. CONCLUSIONS: The limited left skin crease incision provides adequate margins of clearance in colorectal cancers when compared to the midline incision, but has advantages of shorter operation time, earlier feeding and ambulation, and earlier discharge from hospital.

Which colorectal cancers are missed by double contrast barium enema?

BACKGROUND: The relative merits of either barium enema or colonoscopy for investigating lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms is still unclear. We studied the value of double contrast barium enema (DCBE) as the initial evaluation modality. We reviewed our 10-year experience of double contrast enemas as read by consultant radiologists. The study also aimed to identify which lesions are usually missed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical data for all patients who underwent DCBE within the 6 months prior to surgical resection of colorectal cancer between April 1989 and April 1999. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were analysed for their effects on the likelihood of the lesions being missed at DCBE. RESULTS: There were 706 patients included in the study, 54.2% were male and the mean age was 63.7 years (SEM=0.5 years). The site along the colon and rectum of tumours missed by DCBE corresponded with the frequency of tumour occurrence at each site. The overall rate of missed lesions was 4.1% (29 of 706 patients); these patients were found on subsequent endoscopy to harbour cancer. Tumours less than 3 cm in length and with lesser extent of circumferential involvement were more likely missed at DCBE (p=0.05 and p=0.01, respectively). Age, sex, and tumour grade and stage were not significant predictors of the likelihood of missed lesions. Of the 29 patients with missed lesions, 77.2% had a serum concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) above the normal range (3.5 microg/l). The mean follow-up was 65.3 months (SEM=1.8 months). The overall survival for this series was 60.1%. The inaccuracy of the initial DCBE was not found to cause statistically significant differences in the stage of the tumour at diagnosis nor the overall survival of the patients in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller cancers without circumferential involvement may be missed when DCBE is performed to evaluate lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Further evaluation by colonoscopy must be recommended when symptoms persist, especially in the context of a raised CEA level.

Prospective randomized study of bacteraemia in diathermy and stapled haemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and consequences of bacteraemia associated with diathermy and stapled haemorrhoidectomy have not been studied previously. METHODS: Two hundred and five healthy patients randomized to stapled haemorrhoidectomy or diathermy haemorrhoidectomy had perioperative blood cultures taken. The clinical sequelae of bacteraemia and complications of surgery were assessed prospectively. RESULTS: Six patients were excluded for protocol violations. Eleven (11 per cent) of 101 patients with stapled and five (5 per cent) of 98 who had diathermy haemorrhoidectomy had positive blood cultures for organisms after haemorrhoidectomy, predominantly anaerobes commonly found within the bacterial flora of the anorectum (P = 0.19). Transient postoperative pyrexia in several patients did not correlate with detected bacteraemia and settled spontaneously without treatment. There were no serious complications from either operative technique, and no clinical consequences from proven bacteraemia. CONCLUSION: Transient bacteraemia may complicate surgical haemorrhoidectomy but has no serious clinical consequences for healthy adults.

Prospective, randomized trial comparing sigmoid vs. descending colonic J-pouch after total rectal excision.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the bowel function of sigmoid vs. descending colonic J-pouches after ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial was conducted from March 1998 to September 1999. Ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing ultralow anterior resection for cancers arising from 3 to 10 cm from the anal verge were recruited. Forty-eight patients were males; the mean ages (standard error of the mean) for patients with sigmoid and descending colon pouches, respectively, were 65.2 (3.1) years and 62.3 (3.1) years. A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to each group. Two patients from each group were excluded; abdominoperineal resection was performed for two patients in the sigmoid pouch group and one patient in the descending pouch group. One patient in the descending pouch group had a transanal resection of a benign polyp. Dukes staging and use of postoperative chemoradiotherapy were statistically similar in both groups. All patients underwent a standardized ultralow anterior resection. A defunctioning loop ileostomy was used routinely. Anorectal physiology and bowel function questionnaires were performed at six weeks after ileostomy closure and again at 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 12 (range, 7 to 25) and 12 (range, 6 to 25) months, respectively, for sigmoid and descending pouch groups. Median tumor and anastomotic heights, time to ileostomy closure, operative time, and postoperative stay were statistically similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in stool frequency, incontinence, urgency, use of pads and antidiarrheals, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and anorectal physiology results between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pouches made from sigmoid or descending colon give similar bowel function after ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancers.

Randomized clinical trial of local bupivacaine perfusion versus parenteral morphine infusion for pain relief after laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are often used to decrease pain following laparotomy but are associated with unwanted side-effects. The effectiveness of local perfusion of bupivacaine 0.5 per cent following laparotomy was studied. METHODS: A prospective randomized study involving patients undergoing laparotomy for major colorectal surgery using a left iliac fossa skin crease incision was undertaken. Patients were randomized to receive either intermittent intravenous morphine infusion on demand with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA group) or continuous wound perfusion of local bupivacaine 0.5 per cent for 60 h (LA group). RESULTS: Seventy patients were recruited, 35 in each group. Patient demographics, surgical and recovery variables and complications were comparable in the two groups. The wound lengths were similar (median 14 cm in both groups). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain scores at rest and with movement between the two groups, except for pain scores at rest on the first postoperative day (P = 0.03). The median total amount of morphine used was significantly greater in the PCA group (median 38 versus 0 mg in the LA group; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Direct continuous local wound perfusion of bupivacaine 0.5 per cent is as effective as PCA for postoperative pain relief after laparotomy. It is a safe and feasible alternative to parenteral opioids.

Tumor size is irrelevant in predicting malignant potential of carcinoid tumors of the rectum.

The malignant potential and prognosis of rectal carcinoids are said to be related to tumor size. Our study assessed if size could predict the malignant potential and hence its management. All patients in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoid tumors between February 1991 and September 2000 were analyzed. Twenty patients (11 men), median age 48 years (range, 33-77 years) were studied. Median follow-up was 40 months (range, 5-120 months). The median tumor diameter was 2.5 cm (range, 0.1-5.0 cm). Eleven patients underwent radical resection and 9 patients had local resection for a presumed benign tumor. Morbidity was 15% and postoperative death was 5%. Overall median survival was 24 months (range, 5-120 months). One patient had an anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma but had an incidental 0.1-cm carcinoid tumor near the resection margin which on histology was found to have carcinoid tumor metastasis to 2 out of 12 lymph nodes. In conclusion, tumor size cannot predict malignant potential as even small tumors (<1 cm) can be malignant. Accurate preoperative staging with radical surgery may be required.

A prospective randomised study of drains in infra-peritoneal rectal anastomoses.

Although increasing evidence suggests that prophylactic drainage after intra-peritoneal colorectal anastomoses is unnecessary, drains for infra-peritoneal rectal anastomoses, where the leak rate is higher, are widely employed still. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of prophylactic drainage after anastomosis below the peritoneal reflection. All patients attending one specialist unit over an 8-month period for elective rectal cancer resection with an infra-peritoneal anastomosis were randomised to drainage or no drainage. The incidence of anastomotic leak and complications specific to the drain as well as other complications were compared. Fifty-nine patients were analysed (31 with drain). Twenty-five of the drained and 16 of the no-drain patients had a defunctioning stoma (p=ns). The groups were comparable for demographic data, operation and anastomotic height from the anal verge. There were three leaks (10%) in the drain group and five leaks (18%) in the no-drain group (p=ns). There were 2 (7%) patients in each group with a clinical leak. There were no specific drain complications and the incidence of other complications was similar in both groups. In conclusion, this study supports the contention that there is no difference in morbidity with or without the use of a drain for infra-peritoneal anastomoses.

Prospective randomised trial comparing ayurvedic cutting seton and fistulotomy for low fistula-in-ano.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ayurvedic setons in the treatment of low fistula-in-ano. One hundred and eight patients were randomised into either conventional fistulotomy (F) or ayurvedic cutting seton insertion (C). Endpoints investigated included time to wound healing and complications of surgery. Post-operative pain scores were measured daily using a visual analog scale. Anal function was compared using a continence score. Pre- and postoperative manometry and ultrasound were also performed. After exclusions, there were 54 patients in group F and 46 in group C. There were no differences in age, sex or follow-up duration between the two groups. Healing time was similar between the groups. Group C reported more pain following operation and on the first 2-4 postoperative days, but both groups experienced the same amount of pain subsequently. In conclusion, chemical seton was more painful than conventional fistulotomy in the first few days following surgery. However, there was no difference in time to wound healing, complications or functional outcome.

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy without resection is effective treatment for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

PURPOSE: The study was undertaken to evaluate the role of laparoscopic suture rectopexy without resection as a safe and effective treatment for full-thickness rectal prolapse. METHOD: Data were prospectively collected and analyzed on 25 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectopexy without resection for full-thickness rectal prolapse between October 1994 and July 1998. Four patients had conversions from laparoscopic to open surgery. Two patients had recurrent prolapse previously managed by Delorme's procedure. Another two patients had solitary rectal ulcer syndrome associated with their full-thickness rectal prolapse. There were a total of three males. Mean age was 72 (range, 37-89) years. The preoperative and postoperative course of each patient was followed up, with attention paid to first bowel movement, hospital stay, duration of surgery, fecal incontinence, constipation, recurrent prolapse, morbidity, and mortality. Follow-up was made by clinic appointments and, if necessary, by telephone review. RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 26 (range, 1-41) months. Mean duration of surgery was 96 (range, 50-150) minutes. Postoperatively, the median time for first bowel movement was four (range, 2-10) days. Median hospital stay was seven (range, 3-23) days. Overall, 15 patients (60 percent) either improved or remained unchanged with respect to continence. There was an improvement in 10 of 20 patients (50 percent) among those with continence Grade 2 or more (P < 0.05). Seven patients (28 percent) remained incontinent. No patient became more incontinent after surgery. Constipation, which was present in 9 patients (36 percent) preoperatively, affected 11 patients (44 percent) after rectopexy (P > 0.05; not significant). Postoperative morbidity included a port site hernia and deep venous thrombosis in one patient, a repaired rectal perforation, a retroperitoneal hematoma with prolonged ileus (1 case), and a superficial wound infection (1 case). One patient with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome in the laparoscopic surgery group remained unhealed despite resolution of the rectal prolapse after rectopexy and required abdominoperineal resection. Two patients (laparoscopic surgery = 1 and open surgery = 1) had severe constipation after surgery and both required loop colostomies. There were no cases of operative mortality or recurrent prolapse. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic suture rectopexy without resection is both safe and effective in this frequently frail population and offers a minimally invasive approach that may have potential advantages for selected groups of patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Randomized clinical trial of haemorrhoidectomy under a mixture of local anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Application of a topical anaesthetic agent may facilitate infiltration of local anaesthetic at haemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial of 53 consecutive patients requiring elective haemorrhoidectomy was carried out. One group underwent haemorrhoidectomy under general anaesthesia, while the second group had topical anaesthetic cream (containing lignocaine and prilocaine) applied followed by local anaesthetic infiltration for surgical anaesthesia. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of operating time, postoperative pain, nausea or vomiting, pain-free interval after operation, analgesic requirements or patients' satisfaction with the method of anaesthesia. Postoperative oxygen saturation and pulse rate were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Topical anaesthetic and local anaesthesia can be used effectively for haemorrhoidectomy and provide an alternative to general anaesthesia.

Hartmann's procedure vs. abdominoperineal resection for palliation of advanced low rectal cancer.

UNLABELLED: In managing advanced low rectal adenocarcinomas in medically fit patients, surgical resection offers the best palliation. Tenesmus, bleeding per rectum, sacral pain, and sciatic pain are common complaints, which are not relieved by radiotherapy or fulguration. The most appropriate resection, however, remains controversial. Abdominoperineal resection is faster and simpler to perform but leaves behind a perineal wound with associated complications. Hartmann's procedure requires adequate mobilization below the tumor and may be technically more demanding but avoids a perineal wound. Therefore, an analysis of outcome in patients treated by Hartmann's procedure vs. abdominoperineal resection was made. METHOD: Fifty-four symptomatic patients with advanced rectal adenocarcinoma arising within a median of 5 (range, 4-8) cm from the anal verge treated between June 1989 and October 1995 were studied. Twenty-eight patients (17 males; mean age, 67.6 +/- 10.3 years) had Hartmann's procedure, and 26 patients (12 females; mean age, 68.8 +/- 8.3 years) were treated by abdominoperineal resection. Mean follow-up was 23.5 months (+/-17.5) and 18.6 months (+/-12.9) in Hartmann's procedure and abdominoperineal groups, respectively. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 138.4 +/- 26.7 minutes for Hartmann's procedure group and 124.6 +/- 27.1 minutes for the abdominoperineal resection group (P > 0.05; not significant). Postoperatively, Hartmann's procedure group started oral intake at a mean of 2.3 days, and stomas were functioning at a mean of 3.1 days compared with 2.6 days for oral intake and 3 days for stoma functioning in the abdominoperineal resection group. Hartmann's procedure group was ambulant after a mean of 2.4 days vs. a mean of 3.2 days in the abdominoperineal resection group. Postoperative abdominal wound infection occurred in 18 and 19 percent, respectively, in Hartmann's procedure and abdominoperineal resection groups. Forty-six percent of patients had perineal wound sepsis, and 38 percent had perineal wound pain in the abdominoperineal resection group. These complications were absent in Hartmann's procedure group. Postoperative stay was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Hartmann's procedure offers superior palliation compared with abdominoperineal resection because it provides good symptomatic control without any perineal wound complications and pain.

Biofeedback is effective treatment for levator ani syndrome.

PURPOSE: The effects of biofeedback (BF) on pain relief and anorectal physiology in patients with levator ani syndrome (LAS) were prospectively studied. METHOD: Sixteen consecutive patients (9 men, 7 women; mean age, 50.1 (range, 39-66) years) with LAS were treated with BF from July 1993 to October 1995. Mean duration of pain was 32.5 (standard error of the mean, 6.7) months. All underwent a full course of BF using a manometric balloon technique. Mean follow-up was 12.8 (standard error of the mean, 2.6) months. Pain score and anorectal physiology tests were administered prospectively by an independent observer before and after BF. RESULTS: After BF, the pain score was significantly improved (before BF: median, 8 (range, 6-10); after BF: median, 2 (range, 1-4); P < 0.02). Analgesic requirements were also significantly reduced (all 16 patients needed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) before BF; only two patients needed NSAID after BF; P < 0.03). There were no significant changes to the anorectal physiology parameters after BF. To date, there have been no side effects or regressions. CONCLUSION: Although BF had a negligible effect on anorectal physiologic measurements in LAS, it was effective in pain relief, with no side effects.

The "inadequate doughnut" technique for stapling in rigid rectums.

PURPOSE: A technique to achieve sound anastomosis of a stiff irradiated rectum is described. METHOD: After application of the pursestring, manipulation of the rectal stump creates an inadequate doughnut anteriorly after firing the circular stapler, which is conveniently repaired manually. RESULTS: A sound anastomosis is achieved. CONCLUSION: This technique is efficient and reliable for creating a sound anastomosis in the rigid rectum.