The prognostic value of COX-2 in predicting metastasis of patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta analysis.

Introduction: COX-2 is overexpressed in colorectal tumour tissue relative to the healthy colonic mucosa, thus we investigated the prognostic significance of COX-2 in determining the metastasis of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched using the following terms colorectal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal carcinoma, Cyclooxygenase-2, and prognosis to identify articles providing information on the prognostic importance of COX-2 in adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Review papers, non-research letters, comments, case reports, animal studies, original research with sample sizes of fewer than 20, case reports and series, non-English language articles, and pediatric studies (those under the age of 17) were excluded. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the credibility of the included studies. The full texts were evaluated and this study complied with the terms of the local protocol and the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Eight relevant studies were included in this review involving 937 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node invasion (RR 1.85 [1.21, 2.83], P = 0.005, I2 = 88 %) and liver metastasis (RR 4.90 [1.12, 21.57], P = 0.04, I2 = 42 %), but not with venous dissemination (RR 1.48 [0.72, 3.03], P = 0.28, I2 = 87 %). Conclusion: COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node invasion in colorectal cancer but further studies are required to determine the prognostic significance of COX-2 expression in determining metastasis status for colorectal cancer patients.

A 54-Year-Old Man with a Large Rectal Prolapse Treated with Perineal Proctosigmoidectomy with Levatorplasty (Altemeier Procedure): Presentation of Case and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND The surgical procedure of perineal proctosigmoidectomy with levatorplasty is known as the Altemeier procedure. This report presents the case of a 54-year-old man with a large rectal prolapse treated with perineal proctosigmoidectomy with levatorplasty (Altemeier procedure). CASE REPORT A 54-year-old male had a large bulging in the rectum since 5 months ago. At first, the bulging was small, but its size had increased to approximately 10 cm at presentation. The patient also stated that the bulging used to reduce spontaneously after defecating or manually by applying sufficient pressure, but lately it had been irreducible. Another concern was chronic constipation over the last few years, which was treated with over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners. Physical examination of the perianal region revealed a full-thickness, irreducible, prolapsed bowel segment, approximately 10 cm long, with multiple mucosal ulcerations. Grade V rectal prolapse was diagnosed. Follow-up at 7, 14, and 30 days after surgery showed complete resolution of symptoms and no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Individually tailored and prompt surgical treatment for all patients with rectal prolapse is vital. The Altemeier procedure, which has good efficacy with low morbidity, complications, and recurrence, should be considered in elderly patients with an irreducible, large rectal prolapse.

Anal Repair and Diamond Flap in Patient with Moderate Anal Stenosis After Open Hemorrhoidectomy Surgery: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Anal stenosis due to anoderm scarring is usually caused by surgical trauma and decreases the patient's quality of life significantly. Even though mild anal stenosis can be treated non-surgically, surgical reconstruction is unavoidable for moderate to severe cases of anal stenosis, especially stenosis that causes severe anal pain and the inability to defecate. In this study, we report the diamond flap method in the treatment of anal stenosis. CASE REPORT A 57-year-old female patient reported difficulty and discomfort in defecation caused by anal stenosis 2 years after a hemorrhoidectomy surgery. On physical examination, a forceful dilatation was needed using the index finger; the size of the anal canal was precisely 6 mm, as measured by a hegar dilator. Laboratory tests results were normal. The patient underwent an anal repair and diamond flap procedure in which the scar tissue at 6 and 9 o'clock was excised and a diamond graft was incised carefully, with attention given to the vascular supply. Finally, the graft was sutured to the anal canal. After 2 days, the patient was discharged without any adverse event. Ten days after surgery, the diamond flap was in good condition and without any complications. The patient was then scheduled for further follow-up at the Digestive Surgery Division. CONCLUSIONS Anal stenosis due to overzealous hemorrhoidectomy is a complication that is preventable when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. The diamond flap was the option used for anal stenosis treatment and had few complications.