Long-term bowel function patient-reported outcomes after successful chemoradiation for carcinoma of the anal canal.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate long-term changes in patient-reported bowel function from presentation of anal canal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) successfully treated with the modified Nigro protocol using a patient-reported outcome measure for bowel function. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes for bowel function. We included patients that were successfully treated with the modified Nigro protocol for anal SCC and had completed the Colorectal Functional Outcomes (COREFO) questionnaire at presentation, following the modified Nigro treatment (post-Nigro), and at subsequent surveillance visits (medium and long term). We compared the differences in mean domain and total COREFO scores using a paired t test for each paired time point. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Time from completion of the modified Nigro was post-Nigro at 3-6 months, medium-length follow-up at 8-12 months and long-term follow-up at 12-18 months. There was significant improvement in the stool-related aspects domain (pain, bleeding and anal skin irritation) from presentation to our short- and medium-length follow-up (42.5 to 23.7, P = 0.01). There was worsening in the frequency domain in the medium term (7.23 to 14.5, P = 0.02). There were no differences in any other domain or time point. CONCLUSION: Global bowel function does not appear to change following successful treatment of anal canal SCC with the modified Nigro protocol in the long term. There are some improvements in stool-related aspects and worsening in bowel movement frequency at medium-length follow-up. These findings should help surgeons counsel patients with regard to bowel function expectations for those with anal canal SCC in the long term.

Reduction of lymphocele rate in patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy for melanoma by intraoperative placement of plant-based hemostatic powder: Results of a prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocele is a complication of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) for melanoma. Plant-based hemostatic powder (PBHP) may have a lymphostatic benefit. We studied whether PBHP placed intraoperatively could reduce lymphocele rates. METHODS: We performed an open label, prospective, IRB -approved, before- and-after, matched control trial of PBHP placed into the wound in patients undergoing SNB of groin or axillary nodes for melanoma staging. Patient/tumor features and lymphocele rates were compared by standard statistical tests. RESULTS: 66 control and 66 treatment (49 axillary and 17 groin in each arm) SNBs were performed in 61 and 55 patients, respectively, for a total 132 SNBs in 116 patients. Patient and tumor features were similar between groups. Nineteen lymphoceles occurred (14.4%); lymphocele rates were 22.2% (14/66) in the control group and 7.6% (5/66) in the treatment group (p = 0.026). The reduction in lymphocele rates between arms was greater for axillary than for groin sites (87.5% vs. 33%); the axillary reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operative placement of PBHP reduced the rate of lymphoceles in patients undergoing SNB for melanoma.