Postexercise reflex facilitation in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

A 62-year-old woman had 6 months of proximal weakness, fatigue and occasional diplopia, symptoms normally suggesting myasthenia gravis or inflammatory myopathy. Postexercise reflex facilitation is a bedside clinical sign that points to a diagnosis of the rarer alternative, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). We confirmed this diagnosis using electrodiagnostic short exercise testing and serum assay for voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. Further investigation identified a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder, not previously associated with LEMS. Postexercise reflex facilitation is an important bedside clinical finding that helps clinicians to distinguish LEMS from its mimics.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality among infective endocarditis patients

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis (IE), it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Our study objective is to determine the factors associated with in-hospital mortality in IE patients among the local population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All IE patients who were diagnosed with definite or possible IE and were treated at Sarawak Heart Centre from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2022 were recruited. We examined the demographic features of the subjects and the factors that contributed to in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the associated factors and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Our study population comprised a total of 37 patients with a mean age of 46.4 years and male predominance. The in-hospital mortality rate of IE in this study was 44.4%. Haemodynamic instability and anaemia were found to be strong predictors of IE survival outcome, with an odds ratio of 51.5 and 35.7 respectively. Patients with vascular phenomenon and heart failure were at 10.5- and 6.0-times higher odds of dying, however, these two associations were found to be not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The in-hospital mortality due to IE in our study was among the highest in developing countries. Factors of hypotension and optimal response to individual hemodynamic parameters may confer lower mortality. While anaemia is demonstrable as a risk factor for inpatient mortality, a target has yet to be reasonably established.

Tissue-Specific microRNA Expression Profiling to Derive Novel Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Subtyping of Small B-Cell Lymphomas

Accurate diagnosis of the most common histological subtypes of small B-cell lymphomas is challenging due to overlapping morphological features and limitations of ancillary testing, which involves a large number of immunostains and molecular investigations. In addition, a common diagnostic challenge is to distinguish reactive lymphoid hyperplasia that do not require additional stains from such lymphomas that need ancillary investigations. We investigated if tissue-specific microRNA (miRNA) expression may provide potential biomarkers to improve the pathology diagnostic workflow. This study seeks to distinguish reactive lymphoid proliferation (RL) from small B-cell lymphomas, and to further distinguish the four main subtypes of small B-cell lymphomas. Two datasets were included: a discovery cohort (n = 100) to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs and a validation cohort (n = 282) to develop classification models. The models were evaluated for accuracy in subtype prediction. MiRNA gene set enrichment was also performed to identify differentially regulated pathways. 306 miRNAs were detected and quantified, resulting in 90-miRNA classification models from which smaller panels of miRNAs biomarkers with good accuracy were derived. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the upregulation of known and other potentially relevant signaling pathways in such lymphomas. In conclusion, this study suggests that miRNA expression profiling may serve as a promising tool to aid the diagnosis of common lymphoid lesions.

Characteristics of patients with tuberculosis and the associated factors with TB-related mortality in a rural setting in Sarawak, Malaysia: A single-centre study

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculosis (TB) in Malaysia has estimated incidence and mortality rates of 81 cases per 100,000 people-year and 4.9 per 100,000 populations, respectively. This study aimed to study the characteristics of rural TB patients and their mortality outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study involving real-world data analysis, looking into TB patients in Lubok Antu Health Clinic by obtaining data through clinic cards, from 1 January 2019 till 31 December 2020. Statistical significance was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were included. Fifty-two (61.9%) were male. Median age was 58.5 (39-67). Forty-six (54.8%) had smear-positive TB. Seventy-eight (92.9%) were alive at treatment completion. Fifteen (17.9%) experienced adverse drug reactions. Estimated prevalence and mortality rate were 7.1% and 10.7 per 100,000 populations, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that drug reaction was significantly associated with compliance [OR = 8.38 (95% CI: 1.26, 55.53), p = 0.029]. Patients compliant with treatment were more likely to survive [OR = 12.5 (95% CI: 1.61, 97.34), p = 0.028].

CONCLUSION

Compliance with TB treatment should be emphasised to reduce TB-related mortality.

Carcinogenesis of Male Oral Submucous Fibrosis Alters Salivary Microbiomes

Most oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors arise from oral premalignant lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), usually occurring in male chewers of betel quid, is a premalignant stromal disease characterized by a high malignant transformation rate and high prevalence. Although a relationship between the inhabited microbiome and carcinogenesis has been proposed, no detailed information regarding the oral microbiome of patients with OSF exists; the changes of the salivary microbiome during cancer formation remain unclear. This study compared the salivary microbiomes of male patients with OSCC and a predisposing OSF background (OSCC-OSF group) and those with OSF only (OSF group). The results of high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene indicated that OSF-related carcinogenesis and smoking status significantly contributed to phylogenetic composition variations in the salivary microbiome, leading to considerable reductions in species richness and phylogenetic diversity. The microbiome profile of OSF-related malignancy was associated with increased microbial stochastic fluctuation, which dominated the salivary microbiome assembly and caused species co-occurrence network collapse. Artificial intelligence selection algorithms consistently identified 5 key species in the OSCC-OSF group: Porphyromonas catoniae, Prevotella multisaccharivorax, Prevotella sp. HMT-300, Mitsuokella sp. HMT-131, and Treponema sp. HMT-927. Robust accuracy in predicting oral carcinogenesis was obtained with our exploratory and validation data sets. In functional analysis, the microbiome of the OSCC-OSF group had greater potential for S-adenosyl-l-methionine and norspermidine synthesis but lower potential for l-ornithine and pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotide synthesis and formaldehyde metabolism. These findings indicated that the salivary microbiome plays important roles in modulating microbial metabolites during oral carcinogenesis. In conclusion, our results provided new insights into salivary microbiome alterations during the malignant transformation of OSF.

Laryngeal gout mimicking chondrosarcoma with concurrent longus colli tendinitis

A 42-year-old man with multiple comorbidities, including gout, presented to the emergency department with severe odynophagia for 4 days with intermittent dysphagia for 1-2 months. A CT scan of the neck showed right longus colli tendinitis and partially calcified excrescences from the right thyroid cartilage which raised suspicion of a cartilaginous tumour. He underwent an MRI scan of the neck to better evaluate the thyroid cartilage findings, which showed a heterogeneous mass suspicious for a chondroid tumour. He then underwent a positron-emission tomography-CT scan which showed a fluorodeoxyglucose-avid mass containing foci of calcification involving the right thyroid cartilage and adjacent strap muscle, with high standardised uptake value of 7.7. He subsequently underwent a CT-guided biopsy and an open biopsy of the right thyroid cartilage, and the results revealed gouty tophi. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of laryngeal gout with longus coli tendinitis, both of which are rare conditions.

A rare case of bipartite combined tumour of the oesophagus

Background

Bipartite combined oesophageal tumours are an exceedingly rare entity and much less is known about the natural history of these tumours following curative surgery. The authors present a case of a bipartite combined oesophageal tumour comprising of sarcomatoid carcinoma and small cell carcinoma with early postoperative recurrence.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old Chinese male with a smoking history presents with hemoptysis on a background of dysphagia and odynophagia for 1 month. An endoscopic evaluation found an exophytic oesophageal tumour with contact bleeding for which biopsy of this lesion returned as a malignant high-grade tumour where immunohistochemistry staining was unable to establish the lineage of the tumour. Differential diagnoses include sarcomatoid carcinoma and malignant undifferentiated sarcoma. With the provisional diagnosis of a high-grade oesopheageal sarcoma, the patient underwent minimally invasive McKeown’s oesophagectomy. Final histological assessment was pT1bN0 with two histological types of malignancy within a single tumour—70% poorly differentiated spindle cell squamous carcinoma and small cell carcinoma. He was planned for adjuvant chemotherapy in view of the small cell carcinoma component after the resolution of the postoperative infective collections. A computed tomographic scan performed 4 months postoperatively demonstrated metastasis to the lung, pleura, thoracic nodes and liver. Biopsy of the largest lung nodule confirmed small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with features similar to the small cell carcinoma component in the prior oesophagectomy specimen. He was thereafter initiated on palliative chemotherapy aimed at three weekly carboplatin and etoposide aimed at a total of 4 cycles with peglasta support. Etoposide was stopped during the first cycle due to asymptomatic bradycardia. The regime was then converted to carboplatin with irinotecan for 5 cycles. Repeat computed tomographic scan performed 3 weeks after the completion of chemotherapy showed a complete response of lung and liver metastasis and no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Conclusion

The management of bipartite combined oesophageal tumours should be guided by its more aggressive component. Bipartite combined oesophageal tumours with a small cell carcinoma component are believed to demonstrate aggressive tumour biology likened to that of primary oesophageal small cell carcinoma. Preoperative confirmation of a combined tumour may be challenging, and biopsy results may only yield one of the two components. The more aggressive component is usually a small cell carcinoma, for which the mainstay of therapy is platinum-based chemotherapy rather than surgery.

Nurses Treating Patients in the Emergency Department? a Patient Survey

Background

Hong Kong residents are familiar with prolonged waiting times in emergency departments (ED), particularly with semi-urgent or non-urgent conditions. In the United Kingdom and Australasia, extended nurse practitioners are well established. The aim of this study was to identify whether Hong Kong patients would prefer treatment by ED nurses or traditional care by doctors under various waiting time conditions.

Methods

This was a prospective questionnaire study of patients who had been triaged into category 4 (semi-urgent) or 5 (non-urgent) during office hours from 20 to 27 June 2005. Following verbal consent, three waiting time scenarios were considered by the patient using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis used the chi square test.

Results

Overall, 253 patients were approached and 249 patients [119 (47.8%) male; mean age 48 (SD 19.4) years] verbally agreed to participate (98.4%). Patients were classified into three age groups. When the waiting time for nurse treatment was four hours shorter than doctors, patients aged 15–30 and 31–64 years more often chose nurses (overall 59.3%) for treatment but those aged ≥65 years preferred doctors to nurses (58.1% in favour of doctors), despite the longer waiting time (p=0.013, chi square test). Men also preferred nursing treatment compared to women (p<0.001). When the waiting time for doctors was 4 hours shorter than nurses or the same, 99.2% and 95.5% chose doctors respectively.

Conclusion

When the waiting times are long, Hong Kong patients <65 years would prefer to see suitably trained nurses in preference to doctors. Consideration should be given to providing training for senior nurses to have an extended role in Hong Kong EDs.

Giant phaeochromocytoma presenting with an acute stroke: reappraising phaeochromocytoma surveillance for the neurofibromatosis type 1 phakomatosis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystem genetic disorder associated with reduced lifespan attributed largely to malignancy and vascular causes. One of the tumours associated with NF1 is phaeochromocytoma. The phaeochromocytoma has earned the moniker, a 'great mimicker', due to its varied means of presentation. We present a patient with NF1 who was diagnosed with a giant 20 cm phaeochromocytoma after suffering from an ischaemic stroke. Current guidelines do not advocate surveillance of phaeochromocytoma in asymptomatic patients with NF1, unlike other genetic syndromes associated with phaeochromocytoma. However, there is increasing evidence that this approach may not help in the early detection and treatment of this potentially life-threatening disease. Our patient remained hypertensive after surgery despite achieving biochemical cure. The suggested chronicity of the underlying tumour in our patient is a reminder to practising clinicians to rethink our strategy in identifying phaeochromocytoma in adults with NF1.

Enhancement of Chlorella vulgaris harvesting via the electro-coagulation-flotation (ECF) method

This article explores the potential of using an electro-coagulation-flotation (ECF) harvester to allow flotation of microalgae cells for surface harvesting. A response surface methodology (RSM) model was used to optimize ECF harvesting by adjusting electrode plate material, electrode plate number, charge of the electrodes, electrolyte concentration, and pH value of the culture solution. The result revealed that three aluminum electrode plates (one anode and two cathodes), brine solution (8 g/L), and acidity (pH = 4) of culture solution (optimized ECF harvester) The highest flocculant concentration was measured at 2966 mg/L after 60 min and showed a 79.8 % increase of flocculation concentration. Such results can provide a basis for designing a large-scale microalgae harvester for commercial use in the future.

Maximization of cell growth and lipid production of freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris by enrichment technique for biodiesel production

Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated under limitation and starvation and under controlled conditions using different concentrations of nitrate (NaNO₃) and phosphate (K₂HPO₄ and KH₂PO₄) chemicals in modified Bold basal medium (BBM). The biomass and lipid production responses to different media were examined in terms of optical density, cell density, dry biomass, and lipid productivity. In the 12-day batch culture period, the highest biomass productivity obtained was 72.083 mg L^-1 day^-1 under BBM - N_controlP_limited condition. The highest lipid content, lipid concentration, and lipid productivity obtained were 53.202 %, 287.291 mg/L, and 23.449 mg L^-1 day^-1 under BBM - N_ControlP_Deprivation condition, respectively. Nitrogen had a major effect in the biomass concentration of C. vulgaris, while no significant effect was found for phosphorus. Nitrogen and phosphorus starvation was found to be the strategy affecting the lipid accumulation and affected the lipid composition of C. vulgaris cultures.

Biofeedback therapy for faecal incontinence: a rural and regional perspective

INTRODUCTION

Faecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool with or without the patient's awareness. It affects 8-11% of Australian community dwelling adults and up to 72% of nursing home residents with symptoms causing embarrassment, loss of self-respect and possible withdrawal from normal daily activities. Biofeedback, a technique used to increase patient awareness of physiological processes not normally considered to be under voluntary control, is a safe, conservative first-line therapy that has been shown to reduce symptom severity and improve patient quality of life. The Townsville Hospital, a publicly funded regional hospital with a large rural catchment area, offers anorectal biofeedback for patients with faecal incontinence, constipation and chronic pelvic pain. The aim of this report is to describe the effect of the biofeedback treatment on the wellbeing of regional and rural participants in a study of biofeedback treatment for faecal incontinence in the Townsville Hospital clinic.

METHODS

There were 53 regional (14 male) and 19 rural (5 male) participants (mean age 62.1 years) enrolled in a biofeedback study between January 2005 and October 2006. The program included 4 sessions one week apart, 4 weeks home practice of techniques learnt and a final follow-up reassessment session. Session one included documenting relevant history, diet, fibre, and fluid intake and treatment goals; anorectal function and proctometrographic measurements were assessed. Patients were taught relaxation (diaphragmatic) breathing in session two with a rectal probe and the balloon inserted, prior to inflating the balloon to sensory threshold. In session three, patients were taught anal sphincter and pelvic floor exercises linking the changes in anal pressures seen on the computer monitor with the exercises performed and sensations felt. Session four included improving anal and pelvic floor exercises, learning a defecation technique and receiving instructions for 4 weeks home practice. At the fifth session, home practice and bowel charts were reviewed and anorectal function was reassessed. Symptom severity and quality of life were assessed by surveying participants prior to sessions one and two and following session five. Patients were interviewed after session five to determine their satisfaction with the therapy and the helpfulness of individual program components. They were mailed a follow-up survey 2 years later.

RESULTS

Regional participants lived within 30 min drive of the clinic (median distance 8 km) while rural participants travelled up to 903 km (median 339 km, p<0.001) to attend the clinic. Faecal Incontinence risk factors were similar for rural and regional participants. Rural participants reported poorer general health (p=0.004) and their symptoms affected their lifestyle more negatively (p=0.028). Participants' incontinence (p<0.001) and quality of life (p<0.001) improved significantly over the treatment period. Improvement for rural participants over the course of treatment was marginally better than that of regional participants, although not significantly. More than 97% of patients reported that the biofeedback program was very/extremely helpful and all participants attending the final session reported that they would advise a friend in a similar situation not to wait, but seek help immediately, with more than half specifically citing the biofeedback program. Two years later regional participants' symptoms and quality of life continued to improve while rural participants' quality of life had regressed to pre-treatment levels.

CONCLUSIONS

For equivalent long term improvement in faecal continence and quality of life to be achieved in both regional and rural participants, an additional follow-up session with the biofeedback therapist, ongoing local support provided by continence advisors, or both, should be investigated for rural patients.

Electronic and optical properties of monolayer and bilayer graphene

The electronic and optical properties of monolayer and bilayer graphene are investigated to verify the effects of interlayer interactions and external magnetic field. Monolayer graphene exhibits linear bands in the low-energy region. Then the interlayer interactions in bilayers change these bands into two pairs of parabolic bands, where the lower pair is slightly overlapped and the occupied states are asymmetric with respect to the unoccupied ones. The characteristics of zero-field electronic structures are directly reflected in the Landau levels. In monolayer and bilayer graphene, these levels can be classified into one and two groups, respectively. With respect to the optical transitions between the Landau levels, bilayer graphene possesses much richer spectral features in comparison with monolayers, such as four kinds of absorption channels and double-peaked absorption lines. The explicit wave functions can further elucidate the frequency-dependent absorption rates and the complex optical selection rules. These numerical calculations would be useful in identifying the optical measurements on graphene layers.

Meta-analysis of survival of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer managed with surgical resection versus chemotherapy alone

BACKGROUND There is no consensus regarding the appropriate management of asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic patients with stage IV colorectal cancer and irresectable metastases. METHODS A literature search was conducted on Medline and Embase. Outcome measures included: survival; postoperative morbidity and mortality; complications from the primary tumor and the need for surgery to manage complications; the likelihood of curative surgery after initial response to primary therapy; and length of hospital stay. Quantitative meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. RESULTS Eight retrospective studies, including 1,062 patients, met the criteria for inclusion in this study. Meta-analysis has shown an improvement in the survival of patients managed with palliative resection of their primary tumor, with an estimated standardized median difference of 6.0 months (standardized difference, 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29, 0.82; p < 0.001). Patients managed with chemotherapy alone were 7.3 times more likely to have a complication from the primary tumor (95% CI, 1.7, 34.4; p = 0.008). There was no difference in the response rates to chemotherapy, making metastatic disease amendable to curative resection (0.85; 95% CI 0.40, 1.8; p = 0.662). CONCLUSIONS To date, only retrospective data are available, showing that palliative resection of the primary tumor in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with stage IV colorectal cancer is associated with longer survival. Resection of the primary tumor reduces the likelihood of complications from the primary tumor and avoids the need for emergency procedures.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the adrenal gland with unusual immunophenotype: a potential diagnostic problem and a brief review of endocrine organ solitary fibrous tumor

Solitary fibrous tumor was initially thought to be a pleura-based tumor. However, over the last two decades, its involvement in a variety of extrapleural sites gained recognition. Nonetheless, a primary involvement of the endocrine organs is rare, and in this report, we detail an instance where the tumor affected the adrenal gland of a 71-year-old Arab man. On histology, besides the typical morphologic features seen in solitary fibrous tumor, the neoplasm also exhibited unusual features on immunohistochemistry such as positive staining for cytokeratin AE1/3 and calponin in conjunction with diffuse expression for S-100. The genetic tests for t(X:18) as seen in synovial sarcoma were negative, and the overall histological appearance favored a diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents the fifth case of a solitary fibrous tumor primarily occurring in the adrenal gland. The differential diagnoses of this neoplasm in our case and a brief summary of solitary fibrous tumor primarily involving the various endocrine organs are presented.

Avian influenza monitoring in migrating birds in Taiwan during 1998-2007

Avian influenza virus (AIV) monitoring in migratory birds has been performed in Taiwan since 1998. From 1998 to 2007, 29,287 samples were collected from wild ducks, shorebirds, and other wild birds in the four wetlands around Taiwan and at two outside islets, Penghu and Kinmen. Virus isolation was performed for all collected samples by inoculating chicken embryos. The AIV in the allantoic fluid was identified using hemagglutination and reverse transcription PCR. The AIV prevalence from those samples was 0.81% (237/29,287). The peak prevalence reached 1.06% (186/17,493) from September to December, during which time migrating ducks came from the North. The prevalence from January to April was 0.51%. However, no virus was isolated from May to August. The partial HA genes of 28 H4 AIVs were sequenced and analyzed. The phylogenetic tree showed that a correlation existed between the isolation years and the evolutional distances. The pathogenicity of the isolated H5 and H7 AIVs was determined by intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) testing in specific-pathogen-free chickens and by HA cleavage sequencing. Using the IVPI test and the HA cleavage sequences, all of the H5 or H7 AIVs isolated were determined to be low pathogenicity AIVs.

A new method for CE-EC determination of mercaptopurine (MP) in a PMMA biochip with on-chip gold nano-electrode ensemble (GNEE) working and decouple electrodes

This paper presents a new method for CE-EC determination of Mercaptopurine (MP), one of the most important medicines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, in a PMMA-based microfluidic chip. A simple and reliable process for preparing the template of gold nanoelectrode ensemble (GNEE) and fabricating the integrated microfluidic chip is reported in the present study. The use of GNEE electrodes for both electric current decoupling and signal sensing in the proposed CE-EC chip not only enhances the signal response but also decreases the background noise during detection. Results show that a good detection limit of 100 nM for detecting mercaptopurine is achieved with the proposed method. In addition, the measured results also shows a good linear response between the detected CE-EC signals and the concentration of MP within the range of 100 nM-10 mM (R2 = 0.989). The proposed microchip device provides a novel and fast detection method for mercaptopurine analysis.

Reasons for non-disclosure of faecal incontinence: a comparison between two survey methods

PURPOSE

We explored reasons for discordance in disclosure of faecal incontinence (FI) between 2 measurement instruments: the Self Administered Faecal Incontinence Questionnaire (SAFIQ) and the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCF-FI) METHODS: Patients >or=18 years attending the urogynaecology (n=135) and colorectal (n=148) outpatient clinics at The Townsville Hospital, a referral centre serving regional North Queensland, Australia, were invited to complete the SAFIQ and answer questions from the CCF-FI asked by their treating doctor. Selected patients undertook semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

262 patients completed both questionnaires. The prevalence of FI in this population was 25.6% (SAFIQ) and 29.9% (CCF-FI). 24% disclosed FI on both instruments, 3.1% on SAFIQ only and 6.1% on CCF-FI only. Major reasons for non-disclosure were: FI historical but not current; problem not considered as FI by patient; SAFIQ too long; condition embarrassing; doctor considered too busy; patient wanted to focus on primary reason for consultation; and doctor explained that a one-off bout of uncontrollable diarrhoea was not FI. Interviewees reported they would respond to FI questions initiated by their general practitioner (GP) during regular consultations, or in a generic questionnaire in the GP's surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

GPs could identify patients with FI by initiating discussions during routine consultations. Such patients could then be referred to colorectal surgeons for treatment. A more specific definition of FI, which excludes historical data and isolated instances of diarrhoea, is desirable. A measurement instrument suitable for population surveys should contain simple language and acknowledge issues of embarrassment.

Open compared with closed haemorrhoidectomy: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

This review compares the most popular techniques in managing the wounds after excisional haemorrhoidectomy, which are either to lay the wounds open or to close them.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials were identified from the major electronic databases using the search terms "hemorrhoid*" and "haemorrhoid*." Duration of operation, pain, length of hospital stay, time off work, time for wound healing, patient satisfaction, continence, manometry findings and complications were assessed. Quantitative meta-analysis was performed as appropriate or possible.

RESULTS

Six trials including 686 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median follow-up time ranged from 1.5 to 19.5 months. Quantitative meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in cure rates between the two techniques (relative risk, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.86 to 2.2; p=0.191). Open haemor-rhoidectomy was more quickly performed (weighted mean difference, 1.03 min; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.54; p<0.001). Closed haemorrhoidectomy wounds showed faster healing (weighted mean difference, 1.2 weeks; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.55; p<0.001). Hospital stay, maximum pain score, total and individual complication rates were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from faster wound healing after closed haemorrhoidectomy, open and closed techniques appeared equally effective and safe. However, there were only a few studies which presented information in different ways, and statistical heterogeneity was high.

Concurrent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and ultra-low anterior resection with colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis for synchronous carcinoma

An extensive large bowel resection with a single anastomosis is the accustomed management option for widely spaced synchronous colorectal neoplasms. We report a successful case of concurrent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and ultra-low anterior resection with colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis in an 85-year-old man with synchronous cancers of the hepatic flexure and lowrectum. This surgical technique is advantageous for elderly patients as it provides the benefits of multiple segmental resection and laparoscopic surgery while potentially reducing mortality, time of procedure, postoperative pain, ileus, length of hospitalization and direct cost of care, and improving independence at discharge. The technique for efficient multiple extractions of specimens and effective reconstitution of pneumoperitoneum for a multistaged procedure is discussed.

Controlled, randomized trial of island flap anoplasty for treatment of trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano: early results

Treatment of trans-sphincteric fistula is usually a compromise between recurrence and incontinence. Dermal island flap anoplasty has been found to be useful in the treatment of these fistulas. We performed a randomized trial to compare dermal island flap anoplasty with conventional treatment for trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano. Seventy nine patients with fistula-in-ano were recruited; twenty patients with trans-sphincteric fistula confirmed by endoanal ultrasound were prospectively randomized to receive either dermal island flap anoplasty (IFA) or conventional treatment (CVN) for trans-sphincteric fistula-inano. Conventional treatment consisted of lay open fistulotomy or seton insertion if deemed unsuitable for fistulotomy. Dermal island flap anoplasty involved a cutaneous advancement flap into the rectum. Pain scores, fecal incontinence scores, operative complications, wound healing and recurrence rates were charted. Two patients in the CVN group required seton insertions, which were still intact at the 9-month follow-up. Two patients with similar high trans-sphincteric fistula in the IFA group avoided having a long-term seton. There were no differences in the postoperative pain score, incontinence score, complications, wound healing and recurrence rates between the two groups. IFA is a safe and useful method for treating transsphincteric fistula. It can be considered when a suprasphincteric extension is suspected, thus avoiding risk of incontinence or the discomfort of a long-term seton.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the caecum in a patient with neurofibromatosis

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the large intestine is uncommon. To our knowledge, this condition has not been reported in a patient with neurofibromatosis.

CLINICAL PICTURE

In this report, a 66-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis was found to have a large polyp in the caecum.

TREATMENT

Right hemicolectomy was performed because of the size of the polyp.

OUTCOME

Pathological examination showed that the polyp was an inflammatory fibroid polyp.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware that inflammatory fibroid polyps could be one of the many manifestations of neurofibromatosis in the gastrointestinal tract.

Comparison between midline incision and limited right skin crease incision for right-sided colonic cancers

We compared the postoperative recovery parameters between patients undergoing curative surgery for right-sided colonic carcinoma using a limited skin crease incision and a traditional midline incision. A retrospective study was carried out analyzing clinical records and histopathological reports for all patients operated in one colorectal surgical unit for cancer of the right colon over a 2-year period. Palliative procedures were excluded. We analyzed demographic details, operative data (length of incision and time of operation), recovery parameters (time to parenteral analgesia, time to first oral fluid intake, time to first solid meal, time to discharge) and oncological parameters (lymph node harvest and resection margins). A total of 123 patients were analyzed, 61 with a midline incision and 62 with a skin crease incision. Demographic and tumour data (number of lymph nodes resected and resection margins) as well as postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. Wound length was significantly longer in the midline incision group (median, 20 cm vs. 10 cm; p<0.0005), as was the duration of surgery (median, 60 min vs. 45 min; p0.0005). With regard to postoperative recovery, the skin crease incision group had a significantly quicker return of bowel function ( p<0.0005), shorter time to oral fluid ( p<0.001) and solid food ( p<0.0005) intake, and shorter hospital stay ( p<0.0005) than the midline incision group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning postoperative narcotic requirements. In conclusion, the limited skin crease approach for right colon cancer resection is technically feasible and safe. It can achieve the same standards of tumour resection and clearance as the vertical midline approach while reducing postoperative recovery.

Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis with subdural effusion: a case report

Haemophilus influenzae type b causes invasive infection in children under 2 years of age. The disease may be complicated with hearing impairment, lowered learning ability, and other neurologic sequelae. The incidence of invasive H. influenzae type b has declined dramatically after the introduction of routine administration of protein-conjugated H. influenzae type b vaccine in the United States and some other countries. Because of its low incidence in Taiwan, many clinicians are not familiar with the initial symptoms and management of H. influenzae type b. This case report describes a 7-month-old H. influenzae type b meningitis patient who had initial presentations of prolonged intermittent fever and vague neurologic signs. Left peripheral facial palsy with hearing loss in left ear and bilateral frontal subdural effusion developed during the first 5 days of cefotaxime therapy. Betamethasone was then given for 4 days to relieve the severe inflammation. Drug-induced fever was observed after 11 days of antibiotic use and subsided with prednisolone treatment. Left ear hearing impairment persisted during the follow-up period, but the children did not experience other significant development delay.

Prospective, randomized trial comparing sigmoid vs. descending colonic J-pouch after total rectal excision

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the bowel function of sigmoid vs. descending colonic J-pouches after ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized trial was conducted from March 1998 to September 1999. Ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing ultralow anterior resection for cancers arising from 3 to 10 cm from the anal verge were recruited. Forty-eight patients were males; the mean ages (standard error of the mean) for patients with sigmoid and descending colon pouches, respectively, were 65.2 (3.1) years and 62.3 (3.1) years. A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to each group. Two patients from each group were excluded; abdominoperineal resection was performed for two patients in the sigmoid pouch group and one patient in the descending pouch group. One patient in the descending pouch group had a transanal resection of a benign polyp. Dukes staging and use of postoperative chemoradiotherapy were statistically similar in both groups. All patients underwent a standardized ultralow anterior resection. A defunctioning loop ileostomy was used routinely. Anorectal physiology and bowel function questionnaires were performed at six weeks after ileostomy closure and again at 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 12 (range, 7 to 25) and 12 (range, 6 to 25) months, respectively, for sigmoid and descending pouch groups. Median tumor and anastomotic heights, time to ileostomy closure, operative time, and postoperative stay were statistically similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in stool frequency, incontinence, urgency, use of pads and antidiarrheals, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and anorectal physiology results between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pouches made from sigmoid or descending colon give similar bowel function after ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancers.

Carcinoma of the rectum with a single penile metastasis

Metastatic disease of colon and rectal carcinoma accounts for a high proportion of cancer related deaths. The common organs involved in metastatic diseases include liver, lung, brain and bone. Although, theoretically possible, metastasis to the other organs are rare. We report the first case of carcinoma of the rectum with a solitary metastasis to the glans penis.

Prospective randomised trial comparing ayurvedic cutting seton and fistulotomy for low fistula-in-ano

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ayurvedic setons in the treatment of low fistula-in-ano. One hundred and eight patients were randomised into either conventional fistulotomy (F) or ayurvedic cutting seton insertion (C). Endpoints investigated included time to wound healing and complications of surgery. Post-operative pain scores were measured daily using a visual analog scale. Anal function was compared using a continence score. Pre- and postoperative manometry and ultrasound were also performed. After exclusions, there were 54 patients in group F and 46 in group C. There were no differences in age, sex or follow-up duration between the two groups. Healing time was similar between the groups. Group C reported more pain following operation and on the first 2-4 postoperative days, but both groups experienced the same amount of pain subsequently. In conclusion, chemical seton was more painful than conventional fistulotomy in the first few days following surgery. However, there was no difference in time to wound healing, complications or functional outcome.

External beam radiation therapy for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor impact on prognosis. Many of these tumors may cause intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. From January 1991 to December 1996, 41 unresectable HCC patients with PVT underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to the portion of PVT. The irradiated field, with a mean equivalent field size of 6.6 x 7.1 cm2, was localized and simulated by abdominal sonography, angiography and computed tomography. Radiation dose ranged from 36 to 66 Gy (mean dose: 51.4 Gy), in a daily fraction of 1.8 to 2 Gy. The response of EBRT was evaluated by abdominal sonography within 3 months of completion of EBRT. The response rates of the PVT after treatment were 39% for complete response (CR), 41% for partial response (PR), and 19% for no response (NR), respectively. The median overall survival time from start of radiotherapy was 10 months for all patients, 17 months for CR patients, 8 months for PR patients and 4 months for NR patients. By multivariate analysis, response of PVT resulted in a significant improvement in survival. (P = 0.001) There was no occurrence of severe complication of radiation-induced liver disease. The results obtained with combined treatment modality of EBRT and TACE in the treatment of HCC patients with PVT are encouraging.

Primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma in Singapore

BACKGROUND

Primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma is a rare but distinctive tumour of the colon and rectum. The clinicopathological features are still controversial. The aim of this study is to review the clinicopathological features and management of this type of tumour in our hospital.

METHODS

The clinicopathological features and survival data of all cases of primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were nine cases of primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma in 3000 consecutive colorectal carcinoma patients seen from 1989 to 1999. There were seven male and two female patients with a mean age of 54.7 years. Three patients were younger than 40 years. The common presenting symptoms were rectal bleeding (33%) and small bowel obstruction (33%). Two (22%) patients required emergency surgery due to acute small bowel obstruction. The most common tumour location was the right colon (44%) followed by the rectum (33%). All nine patients presented at a very late stage of disease. A majority (77%) had Dukes' C disease while two (22%) had Dukes' D disease with distant dissemination. Peritoneal spread (33%) was the most frequent way of dissemination. There was no patient with liver metastases at the time of diagnosis and initial presentation. The mean survival time was 30 (range 5-108) months. The 5-year survival rate was 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma is frequently diagnosed late with a very poor prognosis. A high incidence of peritoneal seeding and low incidence of liver metastases appears to be a characteristic of signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum.

Randomized trial assessing anal sphincter injuries after stapled haemorrhoidectomy

BACKGROUND

Conventional stapled haemorrhoidectomy involves the use of a large circular anal dilator (DL technique), which may cause anal sphincter injuries. This study compared whether the procedure can be effectively performed without this dilator (ND technique), with better sphincter preservation.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with symptomatic prolapsed irreducible haemorrhoids were randomized to DL (n = 29) and ND (n = 29) groups. Preoperative continence scoring, anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography were performed. These were repeated at up to 14 weeks after operation, with additional pain scores, analgesic requirements and quality of life assessments.

RESULTS

DL haemorrhoidectomy took significantly longer to perform (P = 0.02). However, there were fewer residual skin tags (P = 0.044) and less perianal pruritus (P = 0.007) at 2 weeks, although such symptoms subsided to an equivalent level in both groups afterwards. Internal anal sphincter fragmentation persisting to at least 14 weeks was found in four patients after DL, but not after ND haemorrhoidectomy (P = 0.038). However, these were asymptomatic and no differences were found in continence scores and anal pressures. The pain scores, satisfaction scores, quality of life assessments and time off work were similar.

CONCLUSION

The large circular anal dilator used for stapled haemorrhoidectomy increased the risk of anal sphincter injuries, which may become problematic with ageing.

Head-column field-amplified sample stacking in capillary electrophoresis for the determination of cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine-HCl in plasma

In this study, low concentrations of histamine2-receptor (H2-)antagonists were effected across a water plug, with separation taking place in a binary buffer comprising ethylene glycol and NaH2PO4 (pH 5.0), and detection at 214 nm. Liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate- isopropanol is shown to provide extracts that are sufficiently clean. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 0.1-2.00 microg/mL cimetidine, 0.2-5.0 microg/mL ranitidine-HCl, 0.3-5.0 microg/mL nizatidine, and 0.1-3.0 microg/mL famotidine. Mean recoveries were > 82%, while the intra- and interday relative standard deviations (RSDs) and relative errors (REs) were all < 13%. The method is sensitive with a detection limit of 3 ng/mL cimetidine, 30 ng/mL ranitidine HCl, 50 ng/mL nizatidine and 10 ng/mL famotidine (S/N = 3, electric-driven injection 90 s). This newly developed capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was applied for the determination of analytes extracted from plasma taken from a volunteer dosing a cimetidine, ranitidine, and nizatidine tablet simultaneously. These three H2-antagonists can be detected in real samples by this method, excluding the low dosing of famotidine tablet.

Simultaneous determination of cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine in tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis

A simple capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method is described for the simultaneous determination of cimetidine (CIM), famotidine (FAM), nizatidine (NIZ), and ranitidine (RAN). The analysis of these drugs was performed in a 100 mM phosphate buffer, pH 3.5. Several parameters were studied, including wavelength for detection, concentration and pH of phosphate buffer, and separation voltage. The quantitative ranges were 100-1,000 microM for each analyte. The intra- and interday relative standard deviations (n = 5) were all less than 4%. The detection limits were found to be about 10 microM for CIM, 20 microM for RAN, 20 microM for NIZ, and 10 microM for FAM (S/N = 3, injection 1 s) at 214 nm. All recoveries were greater than 92%. Applications of the method to the assay of these drugs in tablets proved to be feasible.

Postanal sphincter repair for anterior resection anal sphincter injuries: report of three cases

Treatment options are limited for intractable excessive stool frequency and incontinence after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Fortunately, this is quite rare, but three such patients were reported. The patients did not respond to two years of expectant treatment, including medications and anorectal biofeedback. Anorectal physiologic tests and endoanal ultrasound findings were consistent with internal anal sphincter injuries, which are known to occur with transanal insertion of stapling instruments. After postanal sphincter repair, stool frequency was reduced from 5.7 (standard error of the mean, 1.3) to 1.7 (0.3) stools per day. Fecal incontinence requiring pads in all patients was reduced to full continence in two patients and gas incontinence in one. Continence score improved from 13.7 (2.2) to 1.3 (0.3). Mean follow-up was 3.2 (0.5) years. Postanal sphincter repair could be considered when persistent bowel dysfunction after anterior resection is caused by internal sphincter injury.

Regulation of herpes simplex virus type 1 replication in Vero cells by Psychotria serpens: relationship to gene expression, DNA replication, and protein synthesis

Inhibitory effects of ethanolic extracts from seven Chinese herbs on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication were investigated. From a bioassay-guided fractionation procedure, PS-A-6 was isolated from Psychotria serpens (P. serpens), which suppressed HSV-1 multiplication in Vero cells without apparent cytotoxicity. Time-of-addition experiments suggested that the inhibitory action of PS-A-6 on HSV-1 replication was not through blocking of virus adsorption. In an attempt to further localize the point in the HSV-1 replication cycle where arrest occurred, a set of key regulatory events leading to viral multiplication was examined, including viral gene expression, DNA replication, and structural protein synthesis. The results indicated that gB mRNA and protein expression in Vero cells were impeded by PS-A-6. Southern blot analysis showed that HSV-1 DNA replication in Vero cells was arrested by PS-A-6. In addition, PS-A-6 decreased thymidine kinase (tk) and ICP27 mRNA expression in the cells. The mechanisms of antiviral action of PS-A-6 seem to be mediated, at least in part, through inhibition of early transcripts of HSV-1, such as tk and ICP27 mRNAs, arresting HSV-1 DNA synthesis and gB gene expression in Vero cells. Plans are underway for the isolation of pure compounds from PS-A-6 and elucidation of their mechanism of action.

Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis leads to appreciable loss in quality of life irrespective of primary diagnosis

Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC) is a well-accepted procedure for many colonic pathologies but data on faecal incontinence and related quality of life after TC are lacking. The aims of this study were to assess the long-term bowel frequency, degree of incontinence and quality of life with respect to faecal incontinence and to compare them with the outcome for TC for different diagnostic groups. We identified 54 patients who had undergone TC at Singapore General Hospital and interviewed them using two questionnaires: the faecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) scale and the Wexner faecal incontinence score (WS). The patients were allocated in 3 groups based on the primary diagnosis leading to operation, i. e. slow-transit constipation or megacolon (STC), colonic neoplasm (CA) and complicated pan-colonic diverticular disease (DD). Median bowel frequencies for STC and DD groups were 2.5/day; for CA, it was 3.5/day (p=0.042). There was no significant difference in the FIQL score and WS between the groups. Eleven patients had some degree of faecal incontinence based on WS. Many patients (20.4%) with perfect continence had fear of faecal leakage affecting their quality of life. In conclusion, patients with frequent stools do not need to have incontinence to suffer from the fear of it. The primary pathology leading to TC made no difference to the faecal incontinence or bowel urgency problems.

Tumor size is irrelevant in predicting malignant potential of carcinoid tumors of the rectum

The malignant potential and prognosis of rectal carcinoids are said to be related to tumor size. Our study assessed if size could predict the malignant potential and hence its management. All patients in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoid tumors between February 1991 and September 2000 were analyzed. Twenty patients (11 men), median age 48 years (range, 33-77 years) were studied. Median follow-up was 40 months (range, 5-120 months). The median tumor diameter was 2.5 cm (range, 0.1-5.0 cm). Eleven patients underwent radical resection and 9 patients had local resection for a presumed benign tumor. Morbidity was 15% and postoperative death was 5%. Overall median survival was 24 months (range, 5-120 months). One patient had an anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma but had an incidental 0.1-cm carcinoid tumor near the resection margin which on histology was found to have carcinoid tumor metastasis to 2 out of 12 lymph nodes. In conclusion, tumor size cannot predict malignant potential as even small tumors (<1 cm) can be malignant. Accurate preoperative staging with radical surgery may be required.

Colonic J-pouch function at six months versus straight coloanal anastomosis at two years: randomized controlled trial

The colonic J-pouch (pouch group) functions better than the straight coloanal anastomosis (straight group) immediately after ultra-low anterior resection, but there are few studies with long-term follow-up. This randomized controlled study compared functional outcome, anal manometry, and rectal barostat assessment of these two groups over a 2-year period. Forty-two consecutive patients were recruited, of which 19 of the straight group [17 men with a mean age of 62.1 +/- 2.3 (SEM) year] and 16 of the pouch group (11 men with a mean age of 61.3 +/- 3.2 year) completed the study. Four died from metastases and two emigrated; there was no surgical morbidity or local recurrence. At 6 months the Pouch patients had significantly less frequent stools (32.9 +/- 2.8 vs. 49 +/- 1.4/week; p < 0.05) and less soiling at passing flatus (38% vs. 73.7%; p < 0.05). At 2 years both groups had improved with no longer any differences in stool frequency (7.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 8 +/- 0.2/week) and soiling at passing flatus (38% vs. 53%). Defecation problems remained minimal in both groups. Anal squeeze pressures were significantly impaired in both groups up to 2 years (p < 0.05). The rectal maximum tolerable volume and compliance were not different between groups. Rectal sensory testing on the barostat phasic program showed impairment at 6 months and recovery at 2 years, suggesting that postoperative recovery of residual afferent sympathetic nerves may play a role in functional recovery. In conclusion, stool frequency and incontinence were less in the Pouch patients at 6 months; but after adaptation at 2 years the straight group patients yielded similar results. Nonetheless, this functional advantage can be given to patients with minimal added effort or complications by using the colonic J-pouch.

Stratifying risk factors for follow-up: a comparison of recurrent and nonrecurrent colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

The selection of patients for individualized follow-up and adjuvant therapy after curative resection of colorectal carcinoma depends on finding reliable prognostic criteria for recurrence. However, such criteria are not universally accepted, and follow-up is often standardized for all patients without regard for each individual's level of risk of recurrence. Such a system of follow-up is not cost-effective.

METHODS

A comparison of operative findings, pathologic features, and follow-up data of 1,731 cases of nonrecurrent colorectal cancer (821 colon, 910 rectum) with 357 cases of recurrent colorectal cancer (164 colon, 193 rectum) following potentially curative surgery was made, and results were analyzed to ascertain criteria for stratifying follow-up according to risk factors.

RESULTS

Single-factor analysis showed that Dukes staging and tumor invasion were significantly associated with recurrence in both rectal and colon carcinoma. Tumor fixation and grading were additional significant factors in rectal cancer. Recurrence rates, time to recurrence, site of recurrence (locoregional vs. distant), and pattern of metastatic spread were not significantly affected by original tumor site. Recurrence was not significantly affected by patient age and gender. Individual surgeon performance in this series had also no significant effects on tumor recurrence. With multivariate analysis only, Dukes staging and tumor invasion into adjacent tissues were found to be independent adverse prognostic factors for recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Dukes staging and tumor penetration into adjacent tissues are the only significant adverse prognostic factors for tumor recurrence of colonic and rectal carcinoma. Tumor grade and tumor fixation are additional adverse prognostic factors in rectal cancer. Guidelines for follow-up may be based on these factors and follow-up thus stratified according to risk of developing recurrence.

Biofeedback avoids surgery in patients with slow-transit constipation: report of four cases

Biofeedback is established treatment for intractable constipation in patients with an element of pelvic floor dysfunction. In those with intractable slow-transit constipation and normal pelvic floor function, colectomy is usually recommended. We report four patients with isolated slow-transit constipation who benefited from biofeedback and avoided surgery. All four patients were extensively investigated for pelvic floor dysfunction before undergoing a standard biofeedback course of four outpatient sessions. All improved in terms of bowel frequency, laxative use, bloating, straining, and lifestyle. Improvement has been maintained for a median of nine (range, 5-12) months without the requirement for further treatment. Biofeedback represents a safe and inexpensive treatment for these patients and may avoid surgery in a significant proportion.

A comparison between open versus laparoscopic assisted colonic pouches for rectal cancer

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted vs. open ultralow anterior resection (ULAR) with the creation of a colonic pouch-anal anastomosis. Patients undergoing ULAR with creation of a colonic pouch and who either had conventional open (CO) or laparoscopic assisted (LA) surgery in colorectal cancer were studied and compared. There were 33 patients, 22 in CO group and 11 in LA group. The groups were comparable for age, sex, tumour and anastomotic heights from anal verge, stage of disease, length of specimen removed and duration of surgery. Incisions were significantly shorter in the LA group (median, 9 cm vs. 16 cm, p = 0.01). Less parenteral analgesia was required in the LA group (2 days vs. 3 days, p = 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the time to passage of flatus, commencement of oral fluids or solid foods and length of hospital stay. There was no difference in morbidity or mortality. With regards to patients with Dukes A to C disease only, at a median of 12 months of follow-up, there was no patient with local or port site recurrence in the LA group. In the CO group, there was one local recurrence and two with distal metastases. In conclusion, laparoscopic assisted ULAR with colonic J pouch anal anastomosis is feasible, easy to perform and safe. It s advantages include significantly shorter incision and lower analgesic requirements postoperatively. Return of bowel function and length of hospital stay, however, are comparable to those of conventional open surgery.

Total pelvic exenteration: results from a multispecialty team approach to complex cancer surgery

Total pelvic exenteration is often the only curative option for recurrent or locally advanced pelvic cancers, but it carries a high risk of mortality and morbidity. A dedicated multispecialty team operative approach may provide the expertise to perform this uncommon procedure with favorable outcomes. Data were analyzed from a prospectively collected computerized database. There were 14 patients (2 men; mean age, 54.6 +/- 3.6 years) with mainly cervical cancers, of which 71.4% were recurrent. Anesthetic time was 5 +/- 0.9 hours, intraoperative blood loss was 2.1 +/- 0.5 liters, and postoperative hospitalization was 22 +/- 9.9 days. An ileal conduit was performed in all patients, but intestinal continuity was restorable with colonic J-pouch in 71.4% of the patients. There was no mortality at 30 days or during hospitalization. Complication rates were 35.7%, accounting for reoperations in 28.6%. Recurrences were detected in 50% patients at a mean follow-up of 53.1 +/- 9.2 months. The mean time for cancer recurrence was 13.3 +/- 3.3 months. Fifty percent of those patients had otherwise survived to date. We conclude that a dedicated multispecialty team may perform total pelvic exenteration with minimum mortality and acceptable morbidity.

High preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen predicts metastatic recurrence in potentially curative colonic cancer: results of a five-year study

INTRODUCTION

Serum carcinoembryonic antigen is used mainly for tumor follow-up to detect recurrence of colonic cancer. However, raised preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels may be helpful for the identification of understaged cases and of patients meriting more intensive preoperative and postoperative diagnostic workup.

METHODS

From a prospectively collected database, the data on 261 patients who had curative colonic carcinoma with a minimal follow-up of five years and who had preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels assessed were retrieved and analyzed. Outcome parameters were local and/or distant recurrence and time to recurrence. These parameters were correlated with Dukes staging and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels.

RESULTS

The cumulative disease-free survival of patients with a preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level within the normal range was significantly better than that of those whose carcinoembryonic antigen was 5 ng/ml or more (P = 0.001). No patient with carcinoembryonic antigen levels less than 1 ng/ml developed metastatic recurrence. Twenty-three percent of all patients with a raised carcinoembryonic antigen above 5 ng/ml compared with 2.1 percent of patients with carcinoembryonic antigen below 5 ng/ml developed a metastasis at two years. At five years, these figures were 37.2 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively. Dukes staging and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were found to be directly correlated (P < 0.001) when all patients were included. Carcinoembryonic antigen of more of 15 ng/ml was found to be a significant adverse prognostic indicator for disease-free survival irrespective of Dukes staging (P < 0.02). Raised carcinoembryonic antigen levels predicted distant metastatic recurrence (P < 0.001) but did not predict local recurrence (P = 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

High preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels above 15 ng/ml predicted an increased risk of metastatic recurrence in potentially curative colonic cancer and may indicate undetectable disseminated disease. Preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels predict understaging and the possibility of distant recurrence. Such patients may therefore be selected for adjuvant therapy where indicated. Therefore, carcinoembryonic antigen is complementary to conventional Dukes staging for the prediction of recurrence and survival.

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy--cost and effectiveness. Randomized, controlled trial including incontinence scoring, anorectal manometry, and endoanal ultrasound assessments at up to three months

PURPOSE

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is performed without leaving painful perianal wounds. The aim of this study was to assess any benefits, compared with a conventional open diathermy technique.

METHODS

A total of 119 consecutive patients with prolapsed irreducible hemorrhoids were randomly assigned (conventional open diathermy technique = 62; stapled hemorrhoidectomy = 57). Preoperative fecal incontinence scoring, anorectal manometry, and endoanal ultrasound were performed. Postoperatively, these were repeated at up to three months with pain scores, analgesic requirements, quality of life assessment, and total related medical costs.

RESULTS

Conventional open diathermy technique was quicker to perform (mean, 11.4 (standard error of the mean, 0.9) vs. 17.6 (3.1) minutes). Hospitalization was similar, but conventional open diathermy technique patients felt more pain during defecation (5.1 (0.4) vs. 2.6 (0.4); P < 0.005) at two weeks, and analgesic requirements were more for up to six weeks (P < 0.05). Up to the latter, 85.5 percent conventional open diathermy technique wounds remained unhealed, with more bleeding (33 (53.2 percent) vs. 19 (33.3 percent); P < 0.05) and pruritus (27 (43.5 percent) vs. 9 (15.8 percent); P < 0.05). Total complication rates were similar (conventional open diathermy technique 16 (25.8 percent) vs. stapled hemorrhoidectomy 10 (17.5 percent)), including mild strictures and bleeding in both groups. Minor incontinence occurred postoperatively in two conventional open diathermy technique and two stapled hemorrhoidectomy patients at six weeks. Endoanal ultrasound internal anal sphincter defects were found in the incontinent conventional open diathermy technique patients, but were asymptomatic in another one conventional open diathermy technique and one stapled hemorrhoidectomy. Only one patient (conventional open diathermy technique with internal sphincter defect) remained incontinent at three months. Changes between preoperative and postoperative anorectal manometry were similar in the two groups. Patients' satisfaction scores and quality of life assessments were also similar. Conventional open diathermy technique patients resumed work later (mean 22.9 (1.8) vs. 17.1 (1.9) days; P < 0.05), but the total costs incurred were less ($921.17 (16.85) vs. $1,283.09 (31.59); P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and effective option in treating irreducible prolapsed piles. It is more expensive but less painful, with less time needed off work. Nonetheless, long-term results are still awaited.