Report on the Effect of the Implementation of an Early Detection and Prevention of Cancer Program on Families at High Hereditary Risk-Concentrating on Patients Undergoing Genetic Diagnostics and Counseling in Central Poland

Over a 46-month period, the objectives of the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP, pol. Narodowy Program Zwalczania Chorób Nowotworowych), coordinated by the Ministry of Health, were pursued by conducting genetic diagnostics on individuals at high risk of developing cancer. A total of 1097 individuals were enrolled in the study, leading to the identification of 128 cases of germline mutations. The implementation of the NCCP led to the identification of genetic mutations in 4.43% of the patients qualified for BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening tests, in 18.18% of those qualified for a comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel in cases of breast and ovarian cancer, and in 17.36% of cases of colorectal and endometrial cancer. The research conducted allowed us to establish individualized preventive and therapeutic approaches for mutation carriers. However, the results prove that liberalizing the inclusion criteria for high-throughput diagnostics and the use of broad gene panels could significantly increase the percentage of detected carriers. This publication serves as a summary and discussion of the results obtained from the implementation of the NCCP as well as of the role of genetic consulting in personalized medicine.

Sexual activity in patients after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

<b>Introduction:</b> Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the gold standard in the surgical treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis and other colorectal diseases requiring colectomy. The treatment consists in removing the large intestine and creating an intestinal reservoir from the last ileum loop and then anastomosing the intestinal reservoir with the anal canal. Like any surgical procedure, RPC-IPAA also carries the risk of complications, both early and late. Late postoperative complications include sexual dysfunction. <br><b>Aim:</b> The main goal of the following work is to assess the quality of life and sexual activity in patients having undergone the RPC-IPAA procedure at the General and Colorectal Surgery Clinic. <br><b>Material and methods:</b> The study group consisted of patients aged 19-79 who had been subjected to RPC-IPAA procedures at the General and Colorectal Surgery Clinic in years 2010-2019. The study was conducted on the basis of a survey consisting of 50 questions about the social and mental condition, medical history and previous treatment as well as the quality of sexual life before and after surgery. The scale used for the assessment of the quality of sex life consisted of 5 grades: very low, low, medium, high, very high. Thirty subjects (21 men and 9 women) took part in the survey. Ulcerative colitis (86.6%) was the most common reason for qualification for restorative proctectomy among the examined patients; less common reasons included familial adenomatous polyposis (13.3%) and synchronous colorectal cancer (3.3%). A vast majority of the surgeries had been performed after 10 years' duration of ulcerative colitis, and the intestinal reservoir had been functioning for over a year at the time of the examination. In addition, the effect of taking steroids and the impact of early postoperative complications on the quality of sex life of patients was assessed. <br><b>Results:</b> High or very high sexual activity before surgery was reported by 46% of patients whereas low or very low quality was reported by 13%. The rest of the responders assessed their pre-operative sexual activity as average. After surgery, 23% of patients rated their sexual activity as high or very high while 36.6% of patients rated it as low or very low (P = 0.07). It was also noted that taking corticosteroids before surgery decreased the quality of sex life after surgery (P = 0.07 for activity, P = 0.04 for quality). None of the women surveyed used artificial moisturizing of intimate places during sex. Only 1 person stated that they started using artificial moisturization of intimate places after the procedure (P = 0.5). None of the men surveyed had used pharmacological agents to help them obtain an erection before surgery while as many as 33% of responders reported the need for their use after surgery (P = 0.008). Other postoperative sexual dysfunctions were also registered, such as dyspareunia (13.3%), sensory disorder within the intimate region, fecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> To sum up, sexual activity and quality of sexual life deteriorated after RPC-IPAA in our patients.

Current concepts in the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular perianal fistula

Cryptoglandular perianal fistula is a common benign anorectal disorder that is managed mainly with surgery. A fistula is typically defined as a pathological communication between two epithelialized surfaces. More specifically, perianal fistula manifests as an abnormal tract between the anorectal canal and the perianal skin. Perianal fistulas are often characterized by significantly decreased patient quality of life. The cryptoglandular theory of perianal fistulas suggests their development from the proctodeal glands, which originate from the intersphincteric plane and perforate the internal sphincter with their ducts. Involvement of proctodeal glands in the inflammatory process could play a primary role in the formation of cryptoglandular perianal fistula. The objective of this narrative review was to investigate the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular perianal fistula with the specific aims of characterizing the potential role of proinflammatory factors responsible for the development of chronic inflammation. Further studies are crucial to improve the therapeutic management of cryptoglandular perianal fistulas.

Phantom pain as an adverse effect after maggot (Lucilia sericata) debridement therapy: a case study

Maggot debridement therapy, also known as larval therapy, is a well known method of treatment for hard-to-heal and intractable wounds. This case study describes severe phantom pain as a rare adverse event of maggot therapy in patients after post-traumatic amputation of the leg. We also hypothesise and discuss the possibility that the phantom pain may be a result of maggot activity, not only through tissue debridement but also through nerve nourishment and nerve regeneration.

Sexual dysfunctions following low anterior resection of the rectum in rectal cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) is a treatment of choice in patients with diagnosed low rectal cancer. Rectal cancer surgery has a close relationship with the urinary-sexual organs and also with related nerves and nerve plexus. Thus, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves of the pelvic area may be damaged. As a result of this, the important point is the sexual function loss following rectal surgeries. The aim of the study was to investigate the sexual disorders in patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study the sexual activity, comfort of the experience, quality of sexual life (QoSL) during 3 periods were analyzed: before surgery, a month after and half a year after surgery. Analysis of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, previous surgeries, toumor characteristics and adjuvant therapy as was performed.

RESULTS

Most patients (64/100, 64%) expressed that LAR operation has strongly affected their QoSL, 32 patients reported the mild decrease in QoSL, while only 4 patients stated that did not experience any changes in QoSL. QoSL was assessed in 3 different periods of time: before the operation, 1 month after and 6 months after the operation (22,6±3.7 vs. 11.3±7,9 vs. 17,0±6.3; p<0.0001 respectively). The decreased QoSL one and six months after the surgery were significantly lower in patients with diagnosed hypertension and higher BMI (p=0.0283).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual disorders after LAR for rectal cancer are often underestimated and it is very important to be aware of them. In our study, it was determined that male sex, higher BMI and hypertension are related to impair of sexual dysfunction after LAR. We observed that the most severe complaints related to sexual activity occur one month after the procedure, after 6 months in most of the patients' sexual disorders were decreased approaching the initial state.

Presacral tumors: diagnosis and treatment - a challenge for a surgeon

INTRODUCTION

Presacral tumors are a rare group of heterogeneous lesions located in a potential space referred to as the retrorectal or presacral space. Lack of characteristic symptomatology and difficult anatomical localization make the diagnosis and management challenging for a surgeon. The aim of this study was to analyze cases of presacral tumors that underwent surgical treatment with regard to diagnostics, methods and outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study enrolled patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Medical University of Lodz. The data was analyzed for age, gender, clinical symptoms, type of diagnostic procedures conducted, histopathology results, type of treatment implemented, intra- and perioperative complications as well as early and long-term treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 29 patients who underwent surgical treatment for presacral tumors. Malignant tumors accounted for 34% of all cases (n = 10), and 80% of them occurred in men. Benign cases accounted for 66% of cases (n = 19), and they occurred predominantly in women (58%). Malignant lesions were more common in men (p < 0.05). The average age of patients with benign tumors was lower than that of patients with malignant tumors (p < 0.05). The transsacral approach was used in 51% of patients, abdominal laparotomy in 41% and a combined approach in 7%. Cure was achieved in 72% of patients, including 67% who were cured after their initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Presacral tumors are more common in men and more commonly are malignant tumors in this group. The success rate of surgical treatment is 72%, and selection of the surgical approach does not affect the final treatment outcome.

Risk factors of 30-day mortality following surgery for colorectal cancer

The 30-day mortality is one of the factors reflecting the quality of treatment. All these efforts focused on decreasing 30-day mortality will directly improve quality of care. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors of 30-day postoperative mortality in a cohort of patients operated on for colorectal cancer in one tertiary colorectal centre.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients operated on due to colorectal cancer (CRC) between 2008 and 2014 were included in the study. 30-day mortality was assessed as an endpoint of the retrospective study. All records were collected from prospective database.

RESULTS

1744 patients were operated on due to CRC. The 30-day mortality was noted in 65 patients (3.5%). In multivariable analyses we revealed that spread disease and poor general condition at admission were risk factors of 30-day mortality: OR 2.35; 2.01-2.57 95%CI, p=0.03 and OR 2.18; 1.95-2.41 95% CI; p=0.01, respectively. Emergency surgery significantly increased the risk of 30-day mortality: OR 2.64; 2.45-2.87 95%CI; p=0.009. Low serum albumin concentration level and diabetes mellitus were additional risk factors for 30-day mortality, OR 1.65; 1.52-1.78 95%CI; p=0.01 and OR 1.67; 1.41-1.82 95%CI; p=0.03, respectively. Mortality was significantly higher after resection procedures than after only palliative operations: 4.21% vs 1.57%; p=0.002.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergent patients, patients with advanced disease and in poor general state have to be assessed by multidisciplinary team to prepare them to operation. Additionally to reduce the risk of 30-day mortality decision of extend of surgery should be made by experienced surgeons.

Treatment of Perianal Fistulas in Poland

A perianal fistula is a pathological canal covered by granulation tissue connecting the anal canal and perianal area epidermis. The above-mentioned problem is the reason for the patient to visit the surgeonproctologist. Unfortunately, the disease is characterized by a high recurrence rate, even despite proper management. The aim of the study was to determine the current condition of perianal fistula treatment methods in everyday surgical practice, considering members of the Society of Polish Surgeons.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

1523 members of the Society of Polish Surgeons received an anonymous questionnaire comprising 15 questions regarding perianal fistula treatment in everyday practice.

RESULTS

Results were obtained from 807 (53%) members. After receiving answers, questionnaire results were collected, analysed, and presented in a descriptive form.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results showed that most Polish surgeons choose the fistulectomy/fistulotomy method. Considering treatment of perianal fistulas the most important issue is to find the correct, primary fistula canal. Further methods should be individually selected for each patient. One should also remember that every fistula is different. Surgical departments that operate a small number of perianal fistulas should direct such patients to reference centers.

Expression of the PLS3 Gene in Circulating Cells in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are cells in circulating blood that have the antigen and gene features of tumor cells of a specific type. Since they can be potentially used in diagnostics and monitoring of treatment of many tumors, they have been attracting attention of researchers worldwide. Plastin-3 (PL S3) is one of such markers of CTC. The aim of the study was to assess expression of PL S3 in CTC in patients with colorectal cancer, to conduct a statistical analysis and to demonstrate a link between expression of PL S3 and progress of the disease, level of CEA and Ca19-9 markers, gender and age of the patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 85 patients of the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery of the Medical University in Łódź were enrolled in this study. Circulating tumor cells were isolated from whole blood of patients with colorectal cancer and an analysis of PL S3 gene expression in CTC was conducted. The next step was to conduct a statistical analysis and to demonstrate a link between expression of PL S3 in patients' CTC and progress of the disease, level of CEA and Ca 19-9 markers, gender and age of the patients.

RESULTS

PL S3 is a marker which can be potentially used in prediction and monitoring of colorectal cancer. A link between expression of PL S3 in CTC of patients with colorectal cancer and metastasis to lymph nodes has been demonstrated. It may be of key importance how PL S3 could impact the qualification to supplementary cancer treatment in patients with stage II colorectal cancer. A link between expression of PL S3 gene in CTC and gender requires further in-depth studies. It is beyond doubt that PL S3 must be further investigated to determine its role in diagnostics, prediction, treatment and monitoring of treatment of colorectal cancer.

Formalin therapy for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy within pelvis is a vital component of curative therapy for urological, gynecological and rectal malignances. Rectum is especially vulnerable to secondary radiation injury resulting in proctitis. The most common and life-threatening symptom is rectal hemorrhage. Formalin application into the rectum causes local cauterization of telangiectatic mucosal vessels. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of local formalin application in patients with hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

METHODS

A solution of 4.0% formalin was used in the treatment of 20 patients with clinical and proctoscopic evidence of radiadion proctitis. Treatment involved direct application of 4.0% formalin into the rectum. All patients were followed-up in terms of complete resolution of symptoms or recurrences of bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 69.7 (range, 57-80) years were followed for 51.2 (range, 1-93) months. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 (range, 1-10) months and the interval between the end of radiotherapy and symptoms was mostly between 5 and 30 months. Patients required an average of 2 (range, 1-5) formalin treatments. Of the 20 patients, 10 had complete resolution of their symptoms after their first treatment. In 10 patients bleeding recurred and they were offered another formalin instillation and/or 5-ASA suppositories and argon therapy. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical formalin instillation is effective, safe, and well-tolerated method for the patients with radiation proctopathy. This therapy may be repeated in case of recurrent bleeding and combined with other methods of treatment.

Evaluation of the early results of a loop stoma with a plastic rod in comparison to a loop stoma made with a skin bridge

Loop stoma allows reducing the percentage of anastomotic leak and re-operation caused by this complication. Our department has performed the loop stoma on a skin bridge since 2011. The aim of the study was to evaluate the early results of treatment after the skin bridge loop stoma creation in comparison with the stoma made on a plastic rod. Both groups had 20 patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 40 patients with ileostomy, operated 2010-2013. We evaluated 20 patients with a loop ileostomy on a plastic rod, compared to 20 other patients with a skinbridge ileostomy. The study included 24 men and 16 women. Median age was 68.3. All evaluated patients were previously operated due to rectal cancer.

RESULTS

It has been shown that the surgical site infection is more common in the group with a plastic rod (5 vs 1 patient). Inflammation of the skin around the stoma occurred in 18 patients (90%) in the first group, while no such complication was found in patients in the second group. The average number of exchanged ostomy wafers was 2.9 per week in the first group of patients, and 1,1 in the second group (p 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The creation of the skin bridge stoma allows for tight fit of the ostomy appliance immediately after surgery completion. The equipment has stable and long-lasting contact with the skin, no skin inflammatory changes occur. Also the surgical site infection rates are lower in this group of patients. As perioperative patient does not require an increased number of ostomy appliance, the cost of treatment can be considered as an important aspect.

C3435T polymorphism of the ABCB1/MDR1 gene encoding P-glycoprotein in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a Polish population

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) belongs to the group of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, prevalence of which is increasing in the Polish population. The two main clinical types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The expression level of the ABCB1/MDR1 gene which encodes P-glycoprotein seems to be of great prognostic relevance while evaluating patients' susceptibility to UC or CD. One of the most significant ABCB1/MDR1 gene mutations is the C3435T polymorphism. A decreased expression of the ABCB1/MDR1 gene and lower P-glycoprotein activity has been associated with the 3435T variant. The aim of the study was to evaluate the C3435T polymorphism in the IBD patients and to investigate a possible correlation with disease susceptibility.

METHODS

The study was performed on 108 patients with IBD and on 137 healthy individuals. All the participants were of Caucasian origin and came from central Poland. The C3435T polymorphism was analyzed by using the PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

Our results showed that ORs for IBD development (including UC and CD) were elevated in individuals both with the 3435CC genotype and the 3435C allele. The differences in genotype and allele frequencies were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The C3435T polymorphism of the ABCB1/MDR1 gene is not a risk factor for IBD, including UC and CD, in the population coming from central Poland.

[Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the stomach--a case report]

Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the stomach is a rare benign mass of unknown etiology, mostly located within the pyloric area. Histopathological findings mainly reveal the presence of mononuclear fusiforme cells forming loose extensive bundles or rotary structures of rotated spirals with abundant amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. These cells are negatively stained for S-100 protein and desmine and positively stained for CD-34. Symptoms of the disease depend on the localization and the size of the polyp. We report a case of 50-year-old woman with a large inflammatory fibroid polyp with a diameter of 60 x 50 x 40 mm imitating benign gastric tumour. She mainly suffered from abdominal pain and lab tests revealed symptoms of severe anaemia. We performed partial gastrectomy with Hofmeister-Finsterer modification. Postoperative pathological findings certified sings of inflammatory fibroid polyp. During the two year followup period we did not report any signs of recurrence or dissemination. Clinical manifestation of large inflammatory fibroid polyp of the stomach can imitate symptoms of gastric cancer. Partial gastrectomy with an unaltered, healthy wall margin of 2 to 3 cm is sufficient, curative treatment modality in such cases.

[Clinical assessment of the closure of a temporary diverting ileostomy]

Closure of the temporary diverting ileostomy is technically easy procedure but may have its own side effects, such as obstruction and anastomotic leak. The aim of this study was designed to assess the results of the closure of the protective ileostomy in the group of patients' operated on for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions with inflammatory exudate and to compare them with those who underwent surgery for uncomplicated colorectal cancer and precancerous conditions. Radiological examination of the efferent ileostomy loop was performed preoperatively to assess its influence on surgical strategy and postoperative complications resulting from the disturbances of passage of the intestinal contents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 48 patients divided into 2 groups: patients who suffered from inflammatory bowel disease or peritonitis (group I, n = 16) and patients with uncomplicated malignant disease or precancerous conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (group II, n = 32). Moreover, 18 patients (group A) without preoperative radiological assessment were compared with 30 patients (group B) in whom such examination was carried out. Statistical analysis was performed by using of the U-Mann-Whitney, the Fisher's exact and Student's t-tests. The differences were considered significant for levels of less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications (obstruction and anastomotic dehiscence) occurred in 9 patients (18.7%). Seven patients (14.6%) were reoperated on: 6 patients in group 1 (37.5%) and 1 patient in group II (3.1%), (p = 0.013). Out of all postoperative complications that required secondary surgery, 22.2% of them occurred in patients who did not have preoperative radiological examination performed and 10% of them had patients in whom radiological assessment was done. Radiological findings revealed efferent ileostomy loop stenosis in 4 patients (13.3%) what influenced the operative strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications rate was high (18.7%). Closure of the temporary diverting ileostomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease or any other inflammatory conditions within the peritoneal cavity are at the increased risk of complications than in those with malignant diseases or precancerous conditions. Preoperative radiological examination of the efferent ileostomy loop is useful in planning of surgical approach and influences improved treatment results.

Late results of treatment of anal fistulas

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to analyse the results of treatment of anal fistulas retrospectively.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2004, 407 patients were operated on for perianal fistula. In the follow-up period, 107 patients were lost, so 300 patients were analysed in the study. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 years. Analysed parameters included: types of surgical procedures in different kinds of fistulas and postoperative complications. Various types of surgical procedures and their effectiveness were described. Late results were assessed taking into account healing time, duration of sick leave, recurrence rate and incidence of anal sphincter dysfunction. Severity of gas and stool incontinence was assessed according to the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score.

RESULTS

In our study, subcutaneous fistula was diagnosed in 23.3%, inter-sphincteric in 18%, trans-sphincteric in 37.7%, supra-sphincteric in 16% and extra-sphincteric in 5% of patients. Single-tract fistulas were present in 88.7% and multi-tract fistulas were present in 11.3%. Overall, 242 patients had primary fistulas and 58 patients had recurrent fistulas. The most frequently performed procedures were cutting seton (139 patients) and radical fistulectomy (104 patients). Recurrent fistulas developed in 14.3%. Postoperative gas and/or stool incontinence was noticed in 10.7%. The recurrence rate was 5.4% in patients with primary fistula and in 51.7% patients presenting with a recurrent fistula. Gas and stool incontinence developed in 3.7% of patients with primary fistulas and in 39.7% of patients presenting with recurrent fistulas. Recurrence rate was 12% in the patients of single-tract fistulas and 32.4% in the patients of multi-tract fistulas. Postoperative gas and/or stool incontinence occurred in 8.3% of patients of single-tract fistulas and in 29.4% of patients of multi-tract fistulas.

CONCLUSIONS

The complication rate was 10-fold higher in patients presenting with a recurrent fistula than in those with primary fistulas and threefold higher in patients with multi-tract fistulas than in those with single-tract fistulas.

Injections of botulinum a toxin for the treatment of anal fissures

OBJECTIVE

To find out how injections of botulinum A toxin influence the healing of anal fissures.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Medical University of Lodz, Poland.

SUBJECTS

13 patients (6 women, 7 men), mean age 49 (range 31-78), treated with injections of botulinum A toxin 50 units on either side of the anal fissure into the internal anal sphincter from May to December 1999.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications and relapse.

RESULTS

Seven fissures had healed by one month and four by two months. Two remained unhealed but asymptomatic. There was no incontinence of flatus or faeces after three months of treatment. Resting anal pressure was significantly lower in 10 of 13 patients compared with before treatment (p < 0.05). One fissure relapsed after 4 months and this patient had a successful anal stretch.

CONCLUSION

Injection of botulinum A toxin gives good results in the treatment of anal fissures.