Diagnosis of angiodysplasia on the caudal aspect of the pylorus: need for side-viewing endoscopy.

Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia is common after treatment. This probably is related to the difficulty identifying all the lesions because they frequently are multiple and can be located in areas not easily visualized with forward-viewing endoscopy. We report two cases of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding in whom angiodysplasia as found at surgical enteroscopy on the caudal aspect of the pylorus that could not be identified with forward-viewing endoscopy. The lesions were ablated at the time of surgery or subsequently after location with side-viewing endoscopy, and no further bleeding occurred.

Early toxicity from preoperative radiotherapy with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil for resectable adenocarcinoma of the rectum: a Phase II trial for the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group.

PURPOSE: To assess the toxicity and the efficacy of preoperative radiotherapy with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eligible patients had newly diagnosed localized adenocarcinoma of the rectum within 12 cm of the anal verge, Stage T3-4, and were suitable for curative resection. Eighty-two patients were treated with radiotherapy-50.4 Gy in 28 fractions in 5.6 weeks, given concurrently with continuous infusion 5-FU, using either 96-h/week infusion at 300 mg/m(2)/day or 7-days/week infusion at 225 mg/m(2)/day. RESULTS: The median age was 59 years (range, 27-87), and 67% of patients were male. Pretreatment stages of the rectal cancer were T3, 89% and resectable T4, 11%, with endorectal ultrasound confirmation in 67% of patients. Grade 3 acute toxicity occurred in 5 of 82 patients (6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2-14%). Types of surgical resection were anterior resection, 61%; abdominoperineal resection, 35%; and other procedures, 4%. There was no operative mortality. Anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection occurred in 3 of 50 patients (6%; 95% CI, 1-17%). The pathologic complete response rate was 16% (95% CI, 9-26%). Pathologic Stages T2 or less occurred in 51%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiotherapy with continuous infusion 5-FU for locally advanced rectal cancer is a safe regimen, with a significant downstaging effect. It does not seem to lead to a significant increase in serious surgical complications.

Young patients with colorectal cancer: how do they fare?

BACKGROUND: Younger patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have long been thought to have a poorer prognosis than older patients. Recent overseas reports, however, have disputed this. The aim of the present study was to conduct a review of data on patients with colorectal cancer collected over a 29-year period at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) to ascertain the outcome of a younger subset of patients at this hospital. METHODS: The PAH Colorectal Project records on 2495 patients with malignancies of the colon, rectum and anus who were treated and followed since 1971, were analysed to determine clinical presentation, treatment and outcome. A group of 61 patients with colo-rectal adenocarcinoma was identified who were aged less than 40 years at presentation. Their clinical data were then compared with the larger group of older patients. RESULTS: There were 30 male and 31 female patients in the younger group. A positive family history was the most consistent risk factor, present in 34% of patients. Despite this, only one patient out of 61 had been diagnosed as a result of a screening programme. The Australian Clinico-Pathological Stage (ACPS), histology and distribution of tumours corresponded to that of the older patients. The overall 5-year survival among younger patients was 53%. The 5-year survival rates in younger patients were better than that for older patients for ACPS A and B, reaching statistical significance for both of these stages. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that younger patients with colorectal cancer have the potential to do just as well as older ones. With the influence of a family history of colorectal cancer being very apparent in this group, greater emphasis should be placed on an adequate screening programme for them.

Cut or paste? The use of glyceryl trinitrate paste in the treatment of acute and chronic anal fissure.

BACKGROUND: Anal fissure unresponsive to conservative measures such as stool softeners frequently requires surgical intervention. The present study describes the use of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in the treatment of acute and chronic anal fissure. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients with anal fissure were treated with 0.5% GTN paste in soft white paraffin applied twice daily to the anus. These patients were followed at regular intervals to assess symptom control, rate of healing, adverse effects and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Two patients were lost to follow-up. Twelve of the remaining 16 were cured. Of these, symptomatic relief was obtained for most within 2 days, and for all within 1 week. No patient required cessation of treatment due to adverse effects. Treatment failed in four of 16 patients. Two of these patients subsequently underwent successful surgical procedures, and two patients (while not completely cured) had sufficient symptomatic relief to decide against surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of GTN paste in the treatment of acute and chronic anal fissure may be a safe and effective modality that can be considered as first-line treatment for this condition.

Diagnostic failure in colonoscopies for malignant disease.

BACKGROUND: While colonoscopy has become established as more accurate than double contrast barium enema for detecting colonic polyps and cancers, as well as offering the opportunity for therapy, there are occasional instances where colonoscopy is misleading. The present study is to determine what problems occur, with a view to finding a solution. METHODS: The records of the Colorectal Project at the Princess Alexandra Hospital indicate retrospectively that 346 patients have been correctly diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum by colonoscopy in the 5 years up to October 1996. During the same time eight patients (2.3%) were recorded at the same hospital as being misdiagnosed by colonoscopy, the lesion being either missed completely or misplaced. RESULTS: In five of these patients there was failure to recognize that the whole colon had not been examined endoscopically, thereby missing a more proximal lesion. In two patients the lesion was missed although the entire colon was examined. In one patient the lesion was discovered but inaccurately sited. Six of these mistakes would have been obviated by the routine use of fluoroscopy to confirm the totality of the colonoscopy and to site any lesions found. The other two cases occurred because of failure to remember that colonic examination during withdrawal should be performed meticulously back as far as the anal canal. Failure to diagnose a colon cancer on the initial colonoscopy led to an average delay of 6 months for definitive care. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that fluoroscopy be used routinely during colonoscopy to site accurately any lesions found, and to confirm the completeness of insertion if reliable landmarks, including terminal ileum, are not clearly identified.

Colorectal injury: where do we stand with repair?

BACKGROUND: The chief danger of colonic injury is sepsis resulting from faecal spill. Primary repair is now well established in the USA, particularly injuries, in up to 81% of patients. However, in Australia, highly destructive blunt trauma forms a larger proportion of injuries, and the purpose of this study was to determine if there are any contrasts in the management of these patients. METHOD: A retrospective survey was undertaken over the past 20 years of all of the patients with full-thickness colorectal injuries presenting at the three major hospitals which receive multi-trauma patients in Brisbane. RESULTS: Of 112 patients 114 sustained full-thickness colorectal injuries. Forty patients had penetrating injuries, 41 had blunt injuries and 33 had iatrogenic injuries. Primary repair or resection and anastomosis was performed in 39% of patients with colonic injuries and the leak rate was 8%. Exteriorized repairs had a 67% leak rate. A colostomy was used in 58% of patients. The mortality for penetrating injuries was zero. The mortality for blunt colonic injuries was 17% and for iatrogenic injuries was 7%, but for blunt rectal injuries was 50%. The overall mortality was 10%. Colostomy closure had a 20% morbidity but no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of shock, associated injuries, or gross faecal soiling primary repair or resection with anastomosis may be considered. For blunt injury, colostomy is still usually indicated, often with resection. For iatrogenic injury, when seen early, primary repair can be performed. We do not recommend exteriorized repair. Extraperitoneal rectal injuries require proximal colostomy and distal washout, with drainage where appropriate. Blunt devitalizing injury is relatively more common in Australia than in the USA, and therefore there is less indication here for primary repair. Colostomy remains an important consideration in operative management.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: prospective randomized trial.

A prospective randomized trial comparing laparoscopic appendectomy with open appendectomy in patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis was conducted between October 1992 and April 1994. Of the 158 patients randomized, 7 patients were excluded because of protocol violations (conversion to laparotomy in 4, appendix not removed in 3). The 151 patients randomized to either a laparoscopic (n = 79) or an open appendectomy (n = 72) showed no difference in sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) rating, or previous abdominal surgery. The histologic classification of normal, catarrhal, inflamed, suppurative, and gangrenous appendicitis was not different between the two groups. Conversion from laparoscopic to open appendectomy was necessary in seven patients (9%) who had advanced forms of appendiceal inflammation. When compared to open appendectomy the laparoscopic group had a longer median operating time (63 minutes versus 40 minutes), fewer wound infections (2% versus 11%), less requirement for narcotic analgesia, and an earlier return to normal activity (median 7 days versus 14 days). There was no difference in morbidity, and both groups had a median time to discharge of 3 days. Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe as open appendectomy; and despite the longer operating time, the advantages such as fewer wound infections and earlier return to normal activity make it a worthwhile alternative for patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Function of the distal rectum after low anterior resection for carcinoma.

From a personal series of 232 anterior resections performed over 10 years, functional results have been analysed in two specific groups of patients: those with anastomoses 3 cm (n = 26) and 6 cm (n = 42) from the anal verge. In both groups low anterior resection had been performed with total mesorectal excision. Function was assessed in four categories: bowel frequency, ability to distinguish flatus from faeces, ability to defer defaecation, and frequency of soiling. Independent analysis of the 3 cm group showed a significant deterioration in function in each category after operation. The ability to defer defaecation and the frequency of soiling were unchanged after operation in the 6 cm group, and these functions were significantly better than in the 3 cm group. On the basis of these results, patients undergoing low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision should benefit from the preservation of a short segment of distal rectum, provided that the distal resection margin is not compromised.

Wound infection following high saphenous ligation. A trial comparing two skin closure techniques: subcuticular polyglycolic acid and interrupted monofilament nylon mattress sutures.

A prospective, randomized trial was performed to compare the incidence of wound infection following skin closure with subcuticular polyglycolic acid and interrupted monofilament nylon mattress sutures in patients undergoing high saphenous ligation (126 patients; 75 polyglycolic acid wounds, 86 interrupted monofilament nylon mattress wounds). By 6 weeks after operation, pus had discharged from 15 (20%) polyglycolic acid wounds compared with seven (8%) interrupted monofilament nylon mattress wounds (P = 0.05), giving an overall infection rate of 13.7%. Infection occurred in 23% of the 56 procedures performed by the two surgeons with the highest infection rates compared with 8% of the 105 procedures performed by the remaining nine surgeons (P = 0.02). The excess of infections in wounds closed with subcuticular polyglycolic acid was caused by an excess of infections in operations performed by the two surgeons with the highest infection rates. The higher infection rate found with subcuticular polyglycolic acid appeared to be operator dependent.

'Close shave' in anterior resection.

Of 192 anterior resections for rectal cancer performed over 10 years by one author (R.J.H.), 169 (88 per cent) included total mesorectal excision and all included lavage of the clamped distal rectum. Of this series, 152 (79 per cent) were classed as curative, 110 with a resection margin greater than 1 cm and 42 with a resection margin less than or equal to 1 cm. The group with a greater than 1 cm margin had a significantly lower Dukes' A to B ratio than the group with a margin less than or equal to 1 cm, although the proportion with Dukes' C lesions was similar in both groups (chi 2 = 6.712; P = 0.035). There were no local recurrences in the latter group (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) is 0-5.9 per cent) while there were four (3.6 per cent) in the former group (95 per cent CI is 0.8-7.4 per cent). There were no significant differences in recurrence rates, local and distant, between the two groups (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.2). Reduction of resection margin, provided total mesorectal excision and washout is properly performed, does not increase local recurrence or compromise survival.

Hepatic resection for colorectal secondaries.

A postal survey of consultant surgeons in England and Wales was carried out to assess current attitudes towards screening for and treatment of hepatic metastases from primary colorectal carcinoma. The results showed that pre-, intra- and postoperative screening were inadequate. There was no consensus as to which patients would benefit from major hepatic resection for colorectal liver secondaries. Fewer than one-third of potentially operable patients underwent liver surgery.

Congenital pilonidal sinus of the nose.

The aetiology of pilonidal disease, which occurs frequently in the sacrococcygeal region, is uncertain; whether it is congenital or acquired has been debated considerably. An instance of pilonidal disease, occurring at a previously unreported site, and of definite congenital origin, is reported.

Long-term recurrence patterns following proximal gastric vagotomy.

Two hundred and forty-two consecutive patients were prospectively followed up following elective proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) for duodenal, pyloric or prepyloric ulceration. There was no operative mortality and no case of lesser curve necrosis. Five to 15 years follow-up have been completed. One hundred and eighty-three patients were assessable (80% of survivors) and 29 of 33 symptomatic patients attended for endoscopy. Fourteen recurrent ulcers had been diagnosed previously and six new recurrences were diagnosed, giving a total recurrence rate of 11%. Seven of these were transient/innocuous and 13 (7%) were chronic/malevolent recurrences. The majority (70%) of recurrences occurred in the first 5 years of follow-up and only one recurrence occurred later than 10 years' follow-up. More than half (56%) of the operations were performed utilizing Burge intra-operative testing and 44% without Burge testing. No difference in recurrence rates was apparent between these two groups. In seven patients with pyloric or prepyloric ulceration, three (43%) developed a chronic recurrence. PGV is a safe, surgical treatment for duodenal ulceration, offering acceptable recurrence rates and a very low mortality and low incidence of side-effects. The majority of recurrences occur early in the follow-up period. Burge intra-operative testing provides no clear reduction in recurrence rates. PGV should not be used for pyloric or prepyloric ulceration.

Management of the pelvic space following low anterior resection.

Four cases of low anterior resection without pelvic drainage are described. The outcome was unsatisfactory in three of the four patients. The role of pelvic drains and omentum in the management of the pelvic space following low anterior resection for rectal cancer is reviewed and discussed. Pelvic drains are required to remove blood and omentum may be used to fill the pelvic space. Pelvic collections are related to anastomotic leakage and the optimal management of the pelvic space can reduce the incidence of this complication. A suggested regimen for management of the pelvic space after low anterior resection is outlined.

Femoral false aneurysms: a recommendation for the method of repair.

False aneurysm formation is a major complication of vascular surgery. The most frequent site of anastomotic false aneurysm formation is the femoral artery. Between January 1974 and June 1986, 26 patients with 42 femoral false aneurysms were treated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Aneurysms developed following Dacron arterial grafting (29 aneurysms), saphenous vein grafting (10 aneurysms), umbilical vein grafting (one aneurysm) and femoral embolectomy (two aneurysms). Arterial wall failure (with intact suture and graft) was the most frequent operative finding. Ten recurrent aneurysms developed. There was a significantly greater number of recurrences when resuture or patch repair was employed than when an interposition graft was used as a repair. The development of a femoral anastomotic false aneurysm should be viewed as a total failure of that anastomosis and repair should be by replacement with an interposition graft rather than repair of the failed anastomosis by suture or patch.