Usefulness of the one-step technique in functional end-to-end anastomosis for colonic surgery: results of a prospective multicentre cohort study from the Japanese KYCC group.

BACKGROUND: Although functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) using a stapler in the colorectal field has been recognised worldwide, the technique varies by surgeon, and the safety of anastomosis using different techniques is unknown. METHODS: This multicentre prospective observational cohort study was conducted by the KYCC Study Group in Yokohama, Japan, and included patients who underwent colonic resection at seven centres between April 2020 and March 2022. This study compared the incidence of surgery-related abdominal complications (SAC: anastomotic leakage [AL], anastomotic bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, enteritis, ileus, surgical site infection, and other abdominal complications) between two different methods of FEEA (one-step [OS] method: simultaneous anastomosis and bowel resection; two-step [TS] method: anastomosis after bowel resection). Complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade 2 or higher were assessed. RESULTS: Among 293 eligible cases, the OS and TS methods were used in 194 (66.2%) and 99 (33.8%) patients, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The OS method used fewer staplers (three vs. four staplers, p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in SAC rate between the OS (19.1%) and the TS (16.2%) groups (p = 0.44). The OS group had four cases (2.1%) of AL (two patients; grade 3, two patients; grade 2) while the TS group had one case (1.0%) of grade 2 AL (p = 0.67). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.95; p < 0.00001), an open surgical approach (OR 2.36; p = 0.03), and longer operative duration (OR,2.79; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of complications, whereas the OS method was not an independent predictor (OR 1.17; p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The OS and the TS technique for stapled colonic anastomosis in a FEEA had a similar postoperative complication rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000039902 (registration date 23 March 2020).

Robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic surgery (RS) is gaining prominence in colorectal procedures owing to advantages like three-dimensional vision and enhanced dexterity, particularly in rectal surgery. Although recent reviews report similar outcomes between laparoscopic surgery (LS) and RS, this study investigates the evolving trends in outcomes over time, paralleling the increasing experience in RS. METHODS: A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted of randomised controlled trials exploring postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RS or LS for colorectal pathology. The primary outcome measure was postoperative complications. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's assessment tool. Randomised controlled trials were identified from the PubMed®, Embase® and CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases via the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RESULTS: Of 491 articles screened, 13 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of postoperative complications revealed no significant difference between RS and LS (relative risk [RR]: 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79 to 1.18, p=0.72). Meta-regression analysis of postoperative complications demonstrated a significant trend favouring RS over time (yearly change in Ln(RR): -0.0620, 95% CI: -0.1057 to -0.0183, p=0.005). Secondary outcome measures included operative time, length of stay, blood loss, conversion to open surgery, positive circumferential resection margins and lymph nodes retrieved. The only significant findings were shorter operative time favouring LS (mean difference: 41.48 minutes, 95% CI: 22.15 to 60.81 minutes, p<0.001) and fewer conversions favouring RS (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.85, p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: As experience in RS grows, evidence suggests an increasing safety profile for patients. Meta-regression revealed a significant temporal trend with complication rates favouring RS over LS. Heterogeneous reporting of complications hindered subgroup analysis of minor and major complications. LS remains quicker. Rising adoption of RS coupled with emerging evidence is expected to further elucidate its clinical efficacy.

Development of a Standardized Process for Transition to Adult Care in a Pediatric Colorectal Surgery Clinic.

BACKGROUND: As pediatric patients with colorectal diseases grow, it is important to address transition to adult practice. We aim to describe our center's transition process and early outcomes. METHODS: We developed a standardized process for transition to adult practice. An annual survey is given to parents and caregivers starting at age 12 that assesses knowledge of disease, independence with healthcare tasks, and confidence and interest regarding transition. After multidisciplinary review, those eligible are recommended for transition. Those not referred are provided with tools to help with areas of weakness. Outcomes were analyzed with descriptive and regression analyses (significance at p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were evaluated, with 80 patients (69.0%) recommended for transition. Median age at survey was 15.5 years [IQR: 13.7-18.1], and those recommended were older (16.6 years [IQR: 14.7-19.4] vs 13.5 years [IQR: 12.5-14.9], p < 0.001)). Primary diagnosis and gender were not associated with recommendation for transition. Overall, a minority (18.1%) were able to complete healthcare tasks; this correlated strongly with transition recommendation (26.3% vs 0.0%, p < 0.0001). On regression controlling for age, diagnosis, knowledge, and confidence, age (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.44-2.71) and confidence (aOR 3.78, 95% CI 1.29-11.11) independently predicted transition recommendation. CONCLUSION: A standardized approach may be effective in transitioning patients from pediatric to adult colorectal surgery practice. Patients who transition are more confident and can perform healthcare tasks independently; however, these skills are not essential prior to a recommendation of transition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Colorectal cancer with synchronous unresectable liver metastases: resecting the primary tumor improves survival.

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment strategy of patients affected by colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous unresectable liver metastases (SULM) is at present undefined. It is not known if a palliative primary tumor resection followed by chemotherapy could have a survival benefit compared to upfront chemotherapy (CT). The aim of the study is to analyze the safety and effectiveness of both therapeutic strategies in a group of patients treated at one institution. METHODS: A prospectively collected database was queried for patients affected by colorectal cancer with synchronous unresectable liver metastases between January 2004 and December 2018, defining and comparing 2 groups: patients treated by chemotherapy alone (group 1) vs patients who underwent primary tumor resection with or without a first line chemotherapy (group 2). The primary end point was Overall Survival (OS), estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-seven patients were included: 52 in group 1 and 115 in group 2, median follow-up 48 months (range 25-126). A difference of 14 months in overall survival was observed between group 2 compared to group 1 (28 vs 14 months respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, overall survival increased in patients who underwent liver metastases resection (p < 0.001) or percutaneous radiofrequency ablation after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: With the limits of a retrospective analysis, the study shows that surgical resection of the primary tumor has a significant impact on survival compared to chemotherapy alone. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these data.

Quality of life in benign colorectal disease-a review of the assessment with the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) is an instrument for the assessment of quality of life (QOL) in diseases of the upper and lower GI tract, which is validated in several languages around the world. The purpose of this literature review is the assessment of the GIQLI in patients with benign colorectal diseases. Reports on GIQLI data are collected from several institutions, countries, and different cultures which allows for comparisons, which are lacking in literature. METHODS: The GIQL Index uses 36 items around 5 dimensions (gastrointestinal symptoms (19 items), emotional dimension (5 items), physical dimension (7 items), social dimension (4 items), and therapeutic influences (1 item). The literature search was performed on the GIQLI and colorectal disease, using reports in PubMed. Data are presented descriptively as GIQL Index points as well as a reduction from 100% maximum possible index points (max 144 index points = highest quality of life). RESULTS: The GIQLI was found in 122 reports concerning benign colorectal diseases, of which 27 were finally selected for detailed analysis. From these 27 studies, information on 5664 patients (4046 female versus 1178 male) was recorded and summarized. The median age was 52 years (range 29-74.7). The median GIQLI of all studies concerning benign colorectal disease was 88 index points (range 56.2-113). Benign colorectal disease causes a severe reduction in QOL for patients down to 61% of the maximum. CONCLUSIONS: Benign colorectal diseases cause substantial reductions in the patient's QOL, well documented by GIQLI, which allows a comparison QOL with other published cohorts.

Total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for rectal carcinoma in comparison with conventional chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was done using NetMetaXL and WinBUGS. This study was registered in PROSPERO on March 3, 2022 (No. CRD-42022307867). RESULTS: Outcomes of 2,719 patients from 10 randomized trials between 2010 and 2022 were selected. Of these 1,191 (44%) had conventional long-course CRT (50-54 Gy) and capecitabine, 506 (18%) had induction chemotherapy followed by CRT (50-54 Gy) and capecitabine (iTNT), 230 (9%) had long-course CRT (50-54 Gy) followed by consolidation chemotherapy (cTNT), and 792 (29%) undergone modified short-course radiotherapy (25 Gy) with subsequent chemotherapy (mTNT). Total pathologic complete response (pCR) was 20% in the iTNT group, 21% in the mTNT group, 22% in the cTNT group, and 12% in the CRT group. Statistically significant difference in pCR rates was detected when comparing iTNT with CRT (odds ratio [OR], 1.76; 95% credible interval [CrI], 1.06-2.8), mTNT with CRT (OR, 1.90; 95% CrI, 1.25-2.74), and cTNT with CRT groups (OR, 2.54; 95% CrI, 1.26-5.08). No differences were found in R0 resection rates. No significant difference was found in long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: The early administration of systemic chemotherapy in the TNT regimen has improved short-term outcomes, though long-term results are underreported. Randomized trials with survival as the endpoint are necessary to evaluate the possible advantages of TNT modes.

O preparo intestinal em dose dividida é superior à dose direta em pacientes hospitalizados submetidos à colonoscopia hospitalar / Split-dose bowel preparation is superior to straight-dose in hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy

ABSTRACT Background: There is a two-fold higher rate of failed colonoscopy secondary to inadequate bowel preparation among hospitalized versus ambulatory patients. Split-dose bowel preparation is widely used in the outpatient setting but has not been generally adapted for use among the inpatient population. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of split versus single dose polyethylene glycol bowel (PEG) preparation for inpatient colonoscopies and determine additional procedural and patient characteristics that drive inpatient colonoscopy quality. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 189 patients who underwent inpatient colonoscopy and received 4 liters PEG as either split- or straight-dose during a 6-month period in 2017 at an academic medical center. Bowel preparation quality was assessed using Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS), Aronchick Score, and reported adequacy of preparation. Results: Bowel preparation was reported as adequate in 89% of the split-dose group versus 66% in the straight-dose group (P=0.0003). Inadequate bowel preparations were documented in 34.2% of the single-dose group and 10.7% of the split-dose group (P<0.001). Only 40% of patients received split-dose PEG. Mean BBPS was significantly lower in the straight-dose group (Total: 6.32 vs 7.73, P<0.001). Conclusion: Split-dose bowel preparation is superior to straight-dose preparation across reportable quality metrics for non-screening colonoscopies and was readily performed in the inpatient setting. Interventions should be targeted at shifting the culture of gastroenterologist prescribing practices towards use of split-dose bowel preparation for inpatient colonoscopy.

RESUMO Contexto: Há uma taxa duas vezes maior de colonoscopia com falha secundária ao preparo intestinal inadequado entre pacientes hospitalizados versus ambulatoriais. O preparo intestinal em dose dividida é amplamente utilizado em ambulatório, mas geralmente não foi adaptado para uso entre a população hospitalar. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia da preparação do intestino de polietilenoglicol (PEG) em dose única versus doses separadas para colonoscopias hospitalares e determinar características adicionais do procedimento e do paciente que promovam a qualidade da colonoscopia do paciente internado. Métodos Um estudo de coorte retrospectivo foi realizado em 189 pacientes que foram submetidos a colonoscopia hospitalar e receberam 4 litros de PEG como dose dividida ou direta durante um período de 6 meses em 2017 em um centro médico acadêmico. A qualidade do preparo intestinal foi avaliada usando-se o Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS), o Aronchick Score, e relatório sobre a adequação do preparo. Resultados O preparo intestinal foi relatado como adequado em 89% do grupo de dose dividida versus 66% no grupo de dose direta (P=0,0003). Preparações intestinais inadequadas foram documentadas em 34,2% do grupo de dose única e 10,7% do grupo de dose dividida (P<0,001). Apenas 40% dos pacientes receberam PEG em dose fracionada. O BBPS médio foi significativamente menor no grupo de dose direta (total: 6,32 vs 7,73, P<0,001). Conclusão O preparo intestinal em dose dividida é superior ao preparo de dose única em todas as métricas de qualidade relacionadas para colonoscopias sem triagem e foi adequadamente realizado no ambiente de internação. As intervenções devem ser direcionadas para mudar a cultura das práticas de prescrição de gastroenterologistas para o uso de preparação intestinal em dose dividida para colonoscopia hospitalar.

Variation in the length of terminal ileum specimen in right hemicolectomy: a descriptive study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to clarify the length of the bowel specimen and to assess if the length was affected by certain characteristics. METHODS: Eligible patients were adults who had undergone right hemicolectomy for cancer in caecum, appendix, ascending colon or transverse colon from September 2019 to September 2020 at Herlev Hospital, Denmark. Data were collected from medical records. The primary outcome was the length of the resected terminal ileum. Secondary outcomes were to assess if body mass index (BMI), surgical approach, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy affected the length of the terminal ileum specimen, and to report the length of the colon specimen subdivided on the cancer locations. RESULTS: In total, 50 patients were included. The median age was 74 years (range 36-91), 30 patients (60%) were females, and BMI was median 26 (range 17-45). The variation in the length of terminal ileum specimen was median 5 cm (range 1-17). The explorative analyses showed significant positive correlation between the length of terminal ileum specimen and BMI (P = 0.050) but not surgical approach (P = 0.23) nor neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.51). The length of the colon specimen naturally differed according to the cancer location with a median length of 26 cm (range 14-90). CONCLUSION: We found a variation in the length of the terminal ileum specimen without an apparent explanation for this variation. The colon specimen also varied naturally according to cancer location.

Health economic evaluation of patients with postoperative complications after colorectal surgery / 中华消化外科杂志

Postoperative complications of colorectal surgery are one of the most important reasons affecting patients' postoperative health and also an important factor increasing the burden of medical care. It can give policymakers a basis to the optimization of medical resources by clarifying the health economic burden of different postoperative complications through health economic evalua-tion. Through a detailed search of domestic and foreign literatures, the authors summarize and analyze the increased medical costs and prolonged hospital stays associated with postoperative anastomotic leak, surgical site infection, and postoperative ileus. Furthermore, the authors identify shortcomings in existing clinical studies of different mediacal centers for colorectal postoperative complications, in order to better guide future clinical researches related to colorectal postoperative complications.

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Metronidazole and Glyceryl Trinitrate Versus Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate Alone in the Treatment of Acute Anal Fissure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and objective An anal fissure is a longitudinal, oval lesion in the anal canal. In over 90% of instances, the anal fissures are located posterior to the midline and produce discomfort upon defecation and/or bleeding owing to spasms of the internal anal sphincter that leads to ischemia. This research aimed to determine if topical metronidazole treatment when combined with glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% (GTN), is more successful than GTN alone in reducing the time for an acute anal fissure to heal. Material and methods This study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted at the DHQ Hospital Okara from January 2022 to August 2022. Patients of both genders, aged 18 to 70 years, with acute anal fissures, were included. One hundred forty patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were randomized through the lottery technique and were divided into two groups (70 in each group). Group A contained patients who got metronidazole combination with GTN, while in Group B, patients treated with GTN alone without metronidazole. The primary endpoint was fissure healing, confirmed as finding a scar where the fissure was. While the secondary endpoint was maximum pain on defecation assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v24. Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests were done for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Three patients lost the follow-up. Out of the remaining 137, 70 (51.1%) patients were male. The patient's ages ranged from 22 to 68 years, with a mean age of 39.18 ± 11.52. One hundred twenty six (92%) complained of pain on defecation with a mean VAS of 6.01 ± 2.35. 80 (58.4%) patients complained of perianal itching, while 25 (18.2%) patients complained of bleeding on defecation. On week 1 follow-up, in group A out of 69 patients, 27 (39.1%) had complete healing, 38 (55.1%) had partial healing, while in group B out of 68 patients, one (1.4%) had complete healing, 43 (63.2%) had partial healing (p = < 0.001, significant).  On week 3 follow-up, in group A out of 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) had complete healing, and 22 (31.8%) had partial healing, while in group B out of 68 patients, 16 (23.5%) had complete healing, 49 (72%) had partial healing (p = < 0.001, significant). Mean VAS score of group A was 0.61 ± 1.38 while that of group B was 2.57 ± 2.50 (p = < 0.001, significant). Conclusion Using topical metronidazole as an addition to standard therapy may reduce the chronicity of acute anal fissures and prevent surgical treatments with high rates of complications.

Effects of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Clinical Outcomes and In-Patient Mortality Among Hospitalized Patients With Diverticulitis.

Purpose Though there are studies on other autoimmune diseases, the literature is deficient on the associations between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and diverticulitis. This study aims to evaluate the effects of SLE on clinical outcomes and in-patient mortality in patients with diverticulitis. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify adult patients with diverticulitis-related hospitalizations from 2012 to 2014 using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Primary outcomes were mortality, hospital charges, and length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were effects on the complications associated with diverticulitis. Chi-squared tests and independent t-tests were used. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the primary outcomes after adjusting for confounding variables. Results There were 2,553,320 diverticulitis-related hospitalizations from 2012 to 2014, of which 13,600 patients had SLE. The average LOS was 5.2 days, mortality rate was 0.8%, and total hospital charges per patient were $43,970. SLE was associated with a statistically significant longer LOS and higher hospital costs. SLE was statistically significant for having higher perforation rates but lower rates for morality, abscesses, and fistula formation. Differences in complications such as sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and surgical intervention requirement were non-significant. Conclusion Since SLE causes a high inflammatory state, one would expect higher rates of complications and possibly higher mortality rates in those with concomitant diverticulitis. However, although there was a higher LOS and hospital cost, the mortality rate was lower and only a complication of perforation was found to be higher in SLE patients.

Outpatient Botulinum Injections for Early Obstructive Symptoms in Patients with Hirschsprung Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin (BT) injections may play a role in preventing Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis (HAEC) episodes related to internal anal sphincter (IAS dysfunction). Our aim was to determine the association of outpatient BT injections for early obstructive symptoms on the development of HAEC. METHODS: A retrospective review of children who underwent definitive surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) from July 2010 - July 2020 was performed. The timing from pull-through to first HAEC episode and to first BT injection was recorded. Primary analysis focused on the rate of HAEC episodes and timing between episodes in patients who did and did not receive BT injections. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. Sixty patients (75%) were male, 15 (19%) were diagnosed with trisomy 21, and 58 (72.5%) had short-segment disease. The median time to pull-through was 150 days (IQR 16, 132). Eight patients (10%) had neither an episode of HAEC or BT injections and were not included in further analysis. Forty-six patients (64%) experienced at least one episode of HAEC, while 64 patients (89%) had at least one outpatient BT injection. Compared to patients who never received BT injections (n = 9) and those who developed HAEC prior to BT injections (n = 35), significantly fewer patients who received BT injections first (n = 28) developed enterocolitis (P < 0.001), with no patient developing more than one HAEC episode. CONCLUSION: Outpatient BT is associated with decreased episodes of HAEC and increased interval between HAEC episodes requiring inpatient treatment. Scheduling outpatient BT injections to manage obstructive symptoms may be beneficial after pull-through for HSCR.

The use of faecal haemoglobin in deciding which patients presenting to primary care require further investigation (and how quickly) - the FIT approach.

Patients presenting to general practitioners (GPs) with new bowel symptoms can be difficult to assess since symptoms are poor predictors of pathology. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence referral guidelines highlight features that may suggest colorectal cancer (CRC) including rectal bleeding, palpable mass, iron deficiency anaemia, but also non-specific symptoms such as weight loss. In those patients referred for investigation on the basis of symptoms alone the yield of CRC is low (2-3%). Faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) quantify faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) and are widely used in bowel screening programmes. A number of groups have now studied the utility of FIT in patients attending primary care with new bowel symptoms. Studies have concluded that if the FIT is negative and clinical assessment and full blood count normal then the risk of underlying significant bowel disease (SBD) is extremely small. Furthermore, patients with f-Hb ≥400 µgHb/g faeces have >50% risk of SBD and should be investigated urgently. Thus, a single f-Hb requested by GPs provides both a reliable prediction of the absence of SBD, and an objective assessment of the need and urgency of further investigation.

Intraprocedural Artificial Intelligence for Colorectal Cancer Detection and Characterisation in Endoscopy and Laparoscopy.

In this article, we provide an evidence-based primer of current tools and evolving concepts in the area of intraprocedural artificial intelligence (AI) methods in colonoscopy and laparoscopy as a 'procedure companion', with specific focus on colorectal cancer recognition and characterisation. These interventions are both likely beneficiaries from an impending rapid phase in technical and technological evolution. The domains where AI is most likely to impact are explored as well as the methodological pitfalls pertaining to AI methods. Such issues include the need for large volumes of data to train AI systems, questions surrounding false positive rates, explainability and interpretability as well as recent concerns surrounding instabilities in current deep learning (DL) models. The area of biophysics-inspired models, a potential remedy to some of these pitfalls, is explored as it could allow our understanding of the fundamental physiological differences between tissue types to be exploited in real time with the help of computer-assisted interpretation. Right now, such models can include data collected from dynamic fluorescence imaging in surgery to characterise lesions by their biology reducing the number of cases needed to build a reliable and interpretable classification system. Furthermore, instead of focussing on image-by-image analysis, such systems could analyse in a continuous fashion, more akin to how we view procedures in real life and make decisions in a manner more comparable to human decision-making. Synergistical approaches can ensure AI methods usefully embed within practice thus safeguarding against collapse of this exciting field of investigation as another 'boom and bust' cycle of AI endeavour.

AI based colorectal disease detection using real-time screening colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is an effective tool for early screening of colorectal diseases. However, the application of colonoscopy in distinguishing different intestinal diseases still faces great challenges of efficiency and accuracy. Here we constructed and evaluated a deep convolution neural network (CNN) model based on 117 055 images from 16 004 individuals, which achieved a high accuracy of 0.933 in the validation dataset in identifying patients with polyp, colitis, colorectal cancer (CRC) from normal. The proposed approach was further validated on multi-center real-time colonoscopy videos and images, which achieved accurate diagnostic performance on detecting colorectal diseases with high accuracy and precision to generalize across external validation datasets. The diagnostic performance of the model was further compared to the skilled endoscopists and the novices. In addition, our model has potential in diagnosis of adenomatous polyp and hyperplastic polyp with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.975. Our proposed CNN models have potential in assisting clinicians in making clinical decisions with efficiency during application.

Faecal haemoglobin concentration thresholds for reassurance and urgent investigation for colorectal cancer based on a faecal immunochemical test in symptomatic patients in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb), estimated using a faecal immunochemical test, can be safely implemented in primary care to assess risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Clinical outcomes of patients presenting with symptoms of lower gastrointestinal disease were examined using an extensive range of f-Hb thresholds to decide on reassurance or referral for further investigation. METHODS: All patients who attended primary care and submitted a single faecal specimen faecal immunochemical test in the first year of the routine service had f-Hb estimated using HM-JACKarc: f-Hb thresholds from <2 to ≥ 400 µg Hb/g faeces (µg/g) were examined. RESULTS: Low f-Hb thresholds of <2, <7, <10 and <20 µg/g gave respective CRC risks of 0.1, 0.3, 0.3 and 0.4%, numbers needed to scope for one CRC of 871, 335, 300 and 249, and 'false negative' rates of 2.9, 11.4, 13.3 and 17.1%. With thresholds of <2, <7, <10 and <20 µg/g, 48.6, 74.6, 78.1 and 83.2% respectively of symptomatic patients could be managed without further investigation. With reassurance thresholds of <2 µg/g, <7 µg/g and <10 µg/g, the thresholds for referral for urgent investigation would be >400 µg/g, ≥200 µg/g and ≥100 µg/g. However, patients with a f-Hb concentration of <10 or <20 µg/g with iron deficiency anaemia, or with severe or persistent symptoms, should not be denied further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: In primary care, f-Hb, in conjunction with clinical assessment, can safely and objectively determine individual risk of CRC and decide on simple reassurance or urgent, or routine referral.

Unexplained systemic inflammatory response following ileostomy closure after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a deeper dive into a rare entity.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to shed light on a rare complication following ileostomy closure after 3-stage IPAA for further study and discussion. METHODS: Our department IPAA database was queried for all patients who underwent 3-stage IPAA creation from 2011 through 2018. Data was reviewed and analyzed using the SPSS application. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for categorical variables. t test or ANOVA was used for continuous variables. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-eight charts were queried. Sixty-eight complications (18.0%) were identified after ileostomy closure. Thirty-seven were small bowel obstruction or partial small bowel obstruction (SBO or pSBO, 9.79%), 5 cases of leak from ileoileostomy anastomosis (7.4%), and 4 cases of leak from pouch (5.9%). There was no significant difference in time between restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA and loop ileostomy closure with cases where a complication occurred and where one did not (p = 0.28). Eight patients developed a SIRS response in the first 5 days after surgery without an identified intraabdominal source after extensive work-up. Of these patients, 87.5% also had negative re-explorations (both open and laparoscopic). None required re-diversion, and all recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: While SBO remains the most common complication following ileostomy closure, a surprisingly large number of presents present with a SIRS response with no identifiable source. All of these patients recovered with supportive care, and none required further intervention or diversion. This is a poorly understood phenomenon which is unique to ileostomy closure after IPAA, and further study is required.

Management options for chronic anal fissure: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Anal fissure is the most common cause of severe anorectal pain in adults, contributing significantly to coloproctology workloads. There are a wide variety of management options available, including topical nitrites, calcium channel blockers, botulinum toxin injection and sphincterotomy. The aim of this study was to review current options for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. METHODS: A comprehensive search identifying randomized controlled trials comparing treatment options for anal fissure published between January 2000 and February 2020 was performed. The primary outcome assessed was healing at 8 weeks post commencing treatment. Secondary outcomes included recurrence, intolerance of treatment and complications. RESULTS: A total of 2822 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and non-relevant studies, we identified nine randomized controlled trials which met pre-defined criteria. There was a total of 775 patients. At 8 weeks, healing rates were 95.13% in those treated with sphincterotomy, 66.7% in the botulinum toxin group, 63.8% in the nitrate group, 52.3% for topical diltiazem and 50% for topical minoxidil. Recurrence was highest amongst those treated with botulinum toxin injection (41.7%) and lowest for sphincterotomy (6.9%). Although the absolute number is low, there was a risk of permanent incontinence with sphincterotomy. CONCLUSION: This review of the randomized control data demonstrates that healing was significantly higher amongst those treated with sphincterotomy versus more conservative modalities. Topical nitrites had similar outcomes to botulinum toxin injection but were poorly tolerated in comparison to other treatments. The benefit of sphincterotomy was at a cost of increased complications, notably permanent incontinence.

COVID-19 and the Global Impact on Colorectal Practice and Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus that emerged in December 2019 causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the sudden national reorganization of health care systems and changes in the delivery of health care globally. The purpose of our study was to use a survey to assess the global effects of COVID-19 on colorectal practice and surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A panel of International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) selected 22 questions, which were included in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to ISUCRS fellows and other surgeons included in the ISUCRS database and was advertised on social media sites. The questionnaire remained open from April 16 to 28, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 287 surgeons completed the survey. Of the 287 respondents, 90% were colorectal specialists or general surgeons with an interest in colorectal disease. COVID-19 had affected the practice of 96% of the surgeons, and 52% were now using telemedicine. Also, 66% reported that elective colorectal cancer surgery could proceed but with perioperative precautions. Of the 287 respondents, 19.5% reported that the use of personal protective equipment was the most important perioperative precaution. However, personal protective equipment was only provided by 9.1% of hospitals. In addition, 64% of surgeons were offering minimally invasive surgery. However, 44% reported that enough information was not available regarding the safety of the loss of intra-abdominal carbon dioxide gas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, 61% of the surgeons were prepared to defer elective colorectal cancer surgery, with 29% willing to defer for ≤ 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: The results from our survey have demonstrated that, globally, COVID-19 has affected the ability of colorectal surgeons to offer care to their patients. We have also discussed suggestions for various practical adaptation strategies for use during the recovery period.

Measurement of faecal haemoglobin with a faecal immunochemical test can assist in defining which patients attending primary care with rectal bleeding require urgent referral.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines document persistent rectal bleeding as an alarm symptom in patients presenting to primary care. We studied whether a faecal immunochemical test could assist in their assessment. METHODS: From December 2015, faecal immunochemical tests were routinely available to primary care when assessing patients with new-onset bowel symptoms: general practitioners were encouraged to include faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) within any referral to secondary care. Results with f-Hb ≥10 µg Hb/g faeces were defined as positive. The incidence of significant bowel disease (SBD: colorectal cancer [CRC], higher-risk adenoma [HRA: any ≥1 cm, or three or more] and inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]) at subsequent colonoscopy, referred symptoms and f-Hb were recorded. RESULTS: Of 1447 patients with a faecal immunochemical test result and colonoscopy outcome, SBD was diagnosed in 296 patients (20.5%; 95 with CRC, 133 with HRA, and 68 with IBD). Four hundred and sixty-two patients (31.9%) reported rectal bleeding: 294 had f-Hb ≥10 µg Hb/g faeces. At colonoscopy, 105/294 had SBD versus 14/168 with rectal bleeding and f-Hb <10 µg Hb/g faeces (P < 0.0001), comprising one case of CRC (0.6%), 12 HRA (7.1%) and one new case of IBD (0.6%); further, the single cancer and 8 of the 12 HRA were located in the descending colon. CONCLUSION: Patients with rectal bleeding and f-Hb <10 µg Hb/g faeces are unlikely to have SBD and could be investigated by sigmoidoscopy alone. Using the faecal immunochemical test to guide investigation of patients with rectal bleeding is a rational and practical way forward.