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.