Basic Sciences, Miscellaneus : Coloproctology (part III)

Survey on colorectal cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practice physicians in Lazio, Italy.
Federici A, Giorgi Rossi P, Bartolozzi F, Farchi S, Borgia P, Guastcchi G.
Prev Med 2005 Jul;41(1):30-5. Epub 2004 Dec 30.

BACKGROUND: Several international guidelines have recommended the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) in screening programs, but current evidence suggests this is very difficult. We implemented a survey to understand the attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding colorectal cancer screening of GPs in the Lazio region. METHODS: Survey of all GPs working in 13 of the 50 districts in Lazio using a mail-in questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 1192 GPs, 699 responded (59%). Ninety-four percent consider CRC a preventable disease. Knowledge about oncological screenings is higher in GPs using the guidelines as source of information. Twenty-five percent properly recommend the available screening tests for colorectal cancer, 22% do not recommend any, 6% under-recommend, and 47% over-recommend. Adequate knowledge of oncological screenings is positively associated with correct recommendation. Thirty-two percent of GPs recommend inappropriate follow-up tests for patients with positive fecal occult blood test. CONCLUSIONS: The low response rate reveals the lack of GP's interest in screening. Knowledge about screening and use of guidelines as sources of scientific information are important factors to improve attitudes about screening, but there is a large percentage of well-informed GPs who do not recommend colorectal cancer screening at all. Currently, many GPs do not properly follow the patients up after a positive FOBT.

Mesalazine improves replication fidelity in cultured colorectal cells.
Gasche C, Goel A, Natarajan L, Boland CR.
Cancer Res 2005 May 15;65(10):3993-7.

Epidemiologic studies indicate that mesalazine has chemopreventive effects in inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer. Most of our general understanding of chemoprevention in colorectal cancer is, however, derived from aspirin, which is structurally similar to mesalazine. Herein we determined the influence of aspirin and mesalazine on replication fidelity in cultured colorectal cells. Flow cytometry was used for quantitation of mutation rates at a (CA)13 microsatellite in HCT116 cells (mismatch repair deficient) and HCT116+chr3 cells (mismatch repair proficient) that had been stably transfected with pIREShyg2-EGFP/CA13, an enhanced green fluorescence protein-based plasmid, and cultured in the absence or presence of various concentrations of aspirin or mesalazine. Aspirin at doses above 1.25 mmol/L markedly reduced cell growth. Mesalazine doses up to 5.0 mmol/L had no such effect. The mutation rate in mismatch repair-deficient HCT116 cells was 6.8 x 10(-4) +/- 9.0 x 10(-5). In aspirin-treated cultures the mutation rate was 8.2 x 10(-4) +/- 1.3 x 10(-4) (121% of control). Instead, mesalazine lowered the mutation rate in a dose-dependent fashion (5.5 x 10(-4) +/- 1.1 x 10(-4); 81% of control). The effects of mesalazine were most significant in the M1 fraction (P < 0.0001), which represents a mutant population immediate after the polymerase error and were confirmed in mismatch repair-proficient HCT116+chr3 cells. Our data indicate that mesalazine reduces frameshift mutations at a (CA)13 microsatellite in cultured colorectal cells independent of mismatch repair proficiency. This finding suggests that mesalazine improves replication fidelity, an effect that may be active in reducing mutations independent of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Screening and preventive behaviors one year after predictive genetic testing for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma.
Collins V, Meiser B, Gaff C, St John DJ, Halliday J
Cancer 2005 Jun 9;.

Prevention benefits from predictive genetic testing for cancer will only be fully realized if appropriate screening is adopted after testing. The current study assessed screening and preventive behaviors during 12 months after predictive genetic testing for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC) in an Australian clinical cohort. METHODS: Participants received predictive genetic testing for HNPCC at one of five Australian familial cancer clinics. Data on self-reported screening behaviors (colonoscopy, and endometrial sampling and transvaginal ultrasound for women) and prophylactic surgery (colectomy, and hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy for women) were collected using postal questionnaires before (baseline) and 12 months after receipt of genetic test results. Age, gender, perceived risk of cancer, and cancer-specific distress were assessed as predictors of colonoscopic screening. RESULTS: In the current study, 114 participants returned baseline questionnaires (32 carriers and 82 noncarriers of an HNPCC mutation). Ninety-eight participants also returned a 12-month follow-up questionnaire. Of those >/= 25 years, 73% reported having had a colonoscopy before genetic testing. At follow-up, 71% (15 of 25) of carriers and 12% (8 of 65) of noncarriers reported having a colonoscopy in the 12 months after receipt of test results. The reduction in colonoscopy among noncarriers was statistically significant (P < 0.001). High perceived risk was associated with colonoscopy at baseline. At follow-up, mutation status was the only variable significantly associated with colonoscopy. Among female mutation carriers, 47% reported having transvaginal ultrasonography and 53% endometrial sampling during follow-up. There was low uptake of prophylactic surgery for colorectal, endometrial, or ovarian carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of individuals reported appropriate screening behaviors after predictive genetic testing for HNPCC. The small group of noncarriers who had screening after genetic testing might benefit from additional counseling.

Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted treatment for advanced colorectal carcinoma.
Venook AP
Cancer 2005 Jun 15;103(12):2435-46.

Substantial effort has focused on the development of novel targeted agents for treating patients with late-stage colorectal carcinoma. These agents are designed specifically to inhibit biochemical processes associated with pathogenesis. Numerous molecules targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor have been investigated as therapeutic agents and appear to herald a shift in the treatment paradigm for colorectal carcinoma. Cancer 2005. (c) 2005 American Cancer Society.

Transanal Excision vs. Major Surgery for T1 Rectal Cancer.
Endreseth BH, Myrvold HE, Romundstad P, Hestvik UE, Bjerkeset T, Wibe A.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 5;.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this national study was to examine the long-term results of transanal excision compared with major surgery of T1 rectal cancer. METHODS: This prospective study from the Norwegian Rectal Cancer Project included all 291 patients with a T1M0 tumor within 15 cm from the anal verge treated by anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, Hartmann's procedure, or transanal excision in the period from November 1993 to December 1999. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six patients were treated by major surgery and 35 patients by transanal excision. None of the patients had neoadjuvant therapy. Macroscopic tumor remnants (R2) occurred in 17 percent (6/35) of the transanal excisions, while major surgery obtained 100 percent R0 resections. Eleven percent of the patients treated with major surgery had glandular involvement. There were no significant differences according to tumor localization, size, or differentiation between Stage I and Stage III tumors. Patients treated with transanal excision were older than patients having major surgery (mean age, 77 vs. 68 years, P < 0.001). After curative resection (R0, R1, Rx) the five-year rate of local recurrence was 12 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 0-24) in the transanal excision group compared with 6 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 2-10) after major surgery (P = 0.010). The overall five-year survival was 70 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 52-88) in the transanal excision group compared with 80 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 74-85) in the major surgery group (P = 0.04) and the five-year disease-free survival was 64 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 46-82) in the transanal excision group compared with 77 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 71-83) in the major surgery group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The main problem of transanal excision for early rectal cancer in the present study was the inability to remove all the malignancy. Patients treated with transanal excision had significantly higher rates of local recurrence compared with patients who underwent major surgery. Patients who had transanal excision had inferior survival, but they were older than those who had major surgery.

Nicorandil and Idiopathic Anal Ulceration.
Katory M, Davies B, Kelty C, Arasaradnam R, Skinner P, Brown S, Bagley J, Shorthouse AJ, Hunt LM, Slater R.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 5;.

PURPOSE: Several reports have implicated nicorandil as a reversible cause of anal ulceration. We have recently commenced a specialist clinic for patients presenting with severe anal ulceration to assess treatment in this difficult group. Recognition of this association may avoid unnecessary surgery. METHODS: Twenty-six patients treated with nicorandil had severe painful anal ulceration. Examination under anesthesia was required to biopsy the lesions to exclude neoplasia or inflammatory bowel disease. In total, three patients had proximal diverting stomas without subsequent ulcer resolution, two had perineal debridement with one requiring subsequent skin grafting, and one had an abdominoperineal excision for unremitting pain. RESULTS: The association of perianal ulceration with nicorandil became apparent only in the latter part of this series. Ten ulcers successfully reepithelialized when nicorandil was stopped. Nine patients reported anal pain relief and partial healing on clinical examination at two months but failed to show subsequent complete resolution. One patient agreed to nicorandil cessation and reported symptomatic anal pain relief at two weeks but subsequently developed unstable angina requiring hospital admission. Nicorandil was recommenced with anal pain relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Failure to recognize nicorandil as an etiologic factor in the development of anal ulceration, when other potential underlying well-recognized inflammatory or neoplastic processes have been excluded, may lead to unnecessary surgical intervention in a group of high-risk patients. One of our patients had a potentially avoidable abdominoperineal resection. Pharmaceutical manipulation with alternative antiangina medication may induce healing. Pharmacologic manipulation should be coordinated with a physician to minimize precipitation of unstable angina.

Prospective Manometric Assessment of Botulinum Toxin and Its Correlation With Healing of Chronic Anal Fissure.
Thornton MJ, Kennedy ML, King DW.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 2;.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and pharmacokinetics of botulinum toxin for chronic anal fissure continues to be debated. Addressing both issues we prospectively assessed the manometric impact of botulinum toxin on internal anal sphincter pressure, correlating this impact with chronic anal fissure healing. METHODS: Sixty patients with chronic fissures were assessed. Fifty-seven patients had a total of 20 units of botulinum toxin injected into the intersphincteric groove at four o'clock and eight o'clock. Patients were prospectively assessed with a linear analog pain score, bleeding score, clinical fissure score, modified St. Mark's continence score, and anorectal manometry. Each parameter was reassessed two weeks following treatment and again at three months. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (30 female), median age 43 (range, 17-80) years, were followed for a median of five (range, 3-15) months with fissure healing assessed 12 weeks after treatment. Physical healing and symptom control were dependent on the baseline maximum anal resting pressure and baseline fissure score (P = 0.003, P = 0.009, respectively). Although maximum anal resting pressure fell by 17 (mean, range, 0-71) percent, pressure reduction did not correlate with clinical outcome (P > 0.2). Seventeen patients reported a mean 17 percent increase in continence score. There was no correlation between deterioration in continence and baseline or subsequent reduction in maximum anal resting pressure. CONCLUSION: Patients with Grade 1 lower-pressure fissures are more likely to heal following treatment with 20 units of botulinum toxin. Healing does not appear to be dependent on a reduction in maximum anal resting pressure.

Staging Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Search for a Uniform Approach to a Troubling Disease.
Church J, Berk T, Boman BM, Guillem J, Lynch C, Lynch P, Rodriguez-Bigas M, Rusin L, Weber T
Cancer. Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 5;.

INTRODUCTION: Desmoid tumors are a clinical problem in 12 to 15 percent of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. There is no predictably effective treatment for intra-abdominal desmoid tumors, which sometimes cause significant complications by their effects on the ureters or bowel. The relative rarity and the clinical heterogeneity of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors make randomized studies difficult to do. In this article a staging system is proposed to make multi-institutional studies easier. METHODS: Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors can be staged according to their size, clinical presentation and growth pattern. CONCLUSION: A way of staging intra-abdominal desmoid tumors is proposed to facilitate stratification by disease severity during collaborative studies of various treatments.

Crohn's Colitis Presenting With Node-Negative Colon Cancer and Liver Metastasis After Therapy With Infliximab: Report of Two Cases. Nicholson T, Orangio GR, Brandenburg D, Wolf DC, Pennington EE.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 13;.

Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 correlate with disease stage and survival in colorectal cancer patients. Waas ET, Hendriks T, Lomme RM, Wobbes T. Dis Colon Rectum 2005 Apr;48(4):700-10.
The matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors are known to be involved in the process of tumor invasion and progression. Our objective was to investigate the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Gelatinase bioactivity and immunoreactivity of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and carcinoembryonic antigen were determined simultaneously in preoperative plasma and serum of colorectal cancer patients (n = 94) and in healthy controls (n = 51). RESULTS: Plasma pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels were lower in colorectal cancer patients (P < 0.0001) than in controls, and its gelatinolytic activity revealed an inverse correlation with adverse clinicopathologic parameters, such as lymph node involvement (P = 0.017), stage (0, I, II vs. III, IV; P = 0.012), and the carcinoembryonic antigen level (P = 0.016). Pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels did not differ between patients and controls. Pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 gelatinolytic activity showed potential value in colorectal cancer diagnosis, identifying patients with 70 percent sensitivity at 95 percent specificity. Pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and carcinoembryonic antigen all showed lower sensitivities. Combining pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 measurements increased the sensitivity significantly to 84 percent. With respect to prognosis, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 showed value in predicting disease outcome in our patient group, whereas pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 did not. The combination of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and carcinoembryonic antigen was better in predicting three-year survival than tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 alone, but it remains to be determined if the combination would be a better marker for survival than carcinoembryonic antigen alone. CONCLUSIONS: Low pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels and high tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels correlate with parameters of colorectal cancer disease. These correlations may be used in the search for new markers in colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Ethical Issues in Innovative Colorectal Surgery.
Marron JM, Siegler M.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 2;.

When physicians and surgeons investigate new drugs or devices, they must adhere to stringent regulatory standards governing human experimentation. Although these standards and regulations are not perfect, they serve to protect the interests of patients and research subjects. By contrast, few standards or regulations exist for innovative procedures, including new surgical techniques. Surgeons apply the term "innovative surgery" to describe practices ranging from minor technical modifications in standard procedures to nonvalidated investigational approaches indistinguishable from human research. By focusing on recent innovations in surgery, including colorectal surgery, this article proposes an ethical model of surgical innovation that protects patients while maintaining professional self-regulation of surgical advances.

Anal Carcinomas in HIV-Positive Patients: High-Dose Chemoradiotherapy Is Feasible in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.
Blazy A, Hennequin C, Gornet JM, Furco A, Gerard L, Lemann M, Maylin C.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 Apr 27;.

BACKGROUND: Anal carcinoma, a common disease in HIV-positive patients, is usually treated with chemoradiotherapy. Generally tolerance was poor before the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapies. We report our experience of treating anal carcinoma in the era of new antiviral drugs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2001, nine men on highly active antiretroviral therapies with good immune status before chemoradiotherapy received concomitant chemoradiotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatinum, and high-dose radiotherapy (60-70 Gy) for anal carcinoma. Six cancers were Stage I, two were Stage II, and one was Stage III. CD4+ cell counts were <200/ml for four patients, between 200/ml and 500/ml for four, and >500/ml for one. RESULTS: All patients received the planned dose of radiation (>/=60 Gy). The chemotherapy dose was reduced 25 percent in six patients. Overall treatment time was 58 days. Grade 3 hematologic or skin toxicity occurred in four patients. No association was observed between high-grade toxicity and CD4+ cell count. None of the patients developed opportunistic infections during follow-up. Eight patients were disease-free after a median follow-up of 33 months. Among them, four had no or minor anal function impairment at the last follow-up visit. One patient with T4N2 disease relapsed locally one year after treatment and underwent salvage abdominoperineal excision. CONCLUSION: High-dose chemoradiotherapy for anal carcinomas is feasible with low toxicity in HIV-positive patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapies. Local control is similar to that obtained for HIV-negative patients.

Squamous-cell carcinoma developing after an ileoanal pouch procedure: report of a case.
Schaffzin DM, Smith LE.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May;48(5):1086-9.

Preoperative colonoscopy decreases the need for laparoscopic management of colonic polyps. Lipof T, Bartus C, Sardella W, Johnson K, Vignati P, Cohen J. Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May;48(5):1076-80. PURPOSE: Patients are commonly referred to surgeons for surgical resection of polyps that cannot be excised colonoscopically. Repeating the colonoscopy may be met with resistance by both the patient and the referring endoscopist. However, there are two distinct benefits. First, if the lesion was not marked, tattooing facilitates laparoscopic resection. Second, and more importantly, many of these polyps can be removed endoscopically by an experienced colorectal surgeon, avoiding unnecessary colon resection. Over a period of five years, we have reviewed preoperative colonoscopy in patients who were referred for surgical treatment of benign polyps. METHODS: From January 1999 through September 2003 all patients referred for surgical resection of a benign polyp were consecutively entered into a database by a single group of colorectal surgeons. All patients underwent preoperative colonoscopy on the day before the planned colon resection. Patient charts were reviewed, and demographics were recorded. The referral and preoperative colonoscopy reports and all pathology results were reviewed to record the polyp size, location, histology, and subsequent treatment. RESULTS: Altogether, 71 patients were included in this study. The average size of the polyps was 24 mm (range, 10-60 mm). The location of the polyp as determined by preoperative colonoscopy differed from the location noted on referral colonoscopy in nine patients (13 percent). Surgery was canceled in 23 patients (32 percent), primarily because of complete polypectomy at preoperative colonoscopy. Of the 48 who underwent surgery, 23 (47 percent) had a colonic tattoo placed, at the discretion of the surgeon. Lesions clearly located in the cecum were not tattooed routinely. Of the 48 patients who underwent surgery, 45 (94 percent) underwent laparoscopic colon resection. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that patients referred for surgical resection of a polyp should undergo repeat colonoscopy preoperatively, given that in our study one-third of patients were spared unnecessary colectomy. In addition, repeat endoscopy by the operating surgeon offers an opportunity to confirm the location of the lesion and place a colonic tattoo to facilitate laparoscopic resection.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: A Prospective Evaluation of Functional Results.
Cataldo PA, O'brien S, Osler T.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 17;.

PURPOSE: Local excision is a commonly used technique for many benign and selected malignant rectal lesions. Compared with radical resection, it is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality and improved functional results. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is gaining popularity because of its ability to access the upper rectum and its precise excision techniques. However, the functional consequences have not been extensively studied. METHODS: All patients subject to transanal endoscopic microsurgery prospectively completed preoperative and postoperative (6 weeks) surveys including Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, number of bowel movements per 24 hours, and ability to defer defecation. All data were collected by an independent research coordinator. Demographics, operative details, and complications were also collected prospectively. RESULTS: Forty-one patients successfully underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Fourteen patients had malignant lesions and 27 had benign lesions. Two patients required abdominoperineal resection based on postoperative diagnosis. Thirty-nine patients have completed follow-up and were available for review. Mean length of surgery was 64 minutes and length of stay was 0.9 day. Average distance from the anal verge to the proximal tumor margin was 11.4 cm and mean tumor size was 8.75 cm. Twenty-three patients had full-thickness excision with primary closure, ten had full-thickness excision without closure, five had partial-thickness excision, one had an excision of a mass in the anovaginal septum, and one had resection of an anastomotic stricture. Each patient served as his own control. Preoperative and postoperative number of bowel movements per 24 hours were 2.0 and 2.0, respectively. Preoperative vs. postoperative urgency (ability to defer defecation less than ten minutes) was unchanged. Mean preoperative and postoperative Fecal Incontinence Severity Index scores were 2.4 (range, 0-43) and 2.4 (range, 0-17), respectively (higher scores indicate worse function). In addition, the four parameters measured by the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life survey were unchanged when preoperative and postoperative data were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery allows precise excision of tumors throughout the rectum. However, it involves inserting a 40-mm-diameter operating proctoscope and significant operating times. Despite this, as measured by ability to defer defecation, number of bowel movements per 24 hours, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life survey, transanal endoscopic microsurgery has no detrimental affect on fecal continence.

Histologic Risk Factors and Clinical Outcome in Colorectal Malignant Polyp: A Pooled-Data Analysis.
Hassan C, Zullo A, Risio M, Rossini FP, Morini S.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 26;.

PURPOSE: The malignant polyp carries a significant risk of lymphohematic metastasis and mortality. Clinical usefulness of histologic risk factors is still controversial. The study was designed to compute the association between the main histologic risk factors and the occurrence of unfavorable outcomes in patients with malignant polyps. METHODS: A MEDLINE search regarding malignant polyps was performed. Three histologic risk factors (positive resection margin, poor differentiation of carcinoma, vascular invasion) and five (residual disease, recurrent disease, lymph node metastasis, hematogenous metastasis, mortality) unfavorable clinical outcomes were evaluated. Further analysis was performed by subgrouping polyps in high-risk and low-risk groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies enrolling 1,900 patients with malignant polyp were selected. Positivity of resection margin was significantly predictive of the presence of residual disease (odds ratio, 22; P < 0.0001), poorly differentiated carcinoma was associated with an increased mortality (odds ratio, 9.2; P < 0.05), and vascular invasion with a higher lymph node metastasis risk (odds ratio, 7; P < 0.05). Patients with high-risk polyps showed a significantly worse outcome than those with low-risk, especially for mortality (odds ratio, 11; P < 0.05). Surgical-related death was as low as 0.8 percent. CONCLUSIONS: All three histologic risk factors are significantly associated with the clinical outcome. Classification in low-risk and high-risk patients may be regarded as a meaningful staging procedure.

Dorsal Transsacrococcygeal Rectal Approach.
Canessa CE.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 27;.

METHODS: A modification of the dorsal rectal approach is described as an alternative to consider in selected low and middle rectal lesions unsuitable for the transanal approach. The dorsal rectal approach is performed through the sacrococcygeal joint and below the gluteus maximus muscle resulting in an easier, safe, and well-tolerated procedure.

Retrorectal Tumors: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.
Glasgow SC, Birnbaum EH, Lowney JK, Fleshman JW, Kodner IJ, Mutch DG, Lewin S, Mutch MG, Dietz DW.
Dis Colon Rectum 2005 May 26;.

PURPOSE: Tumors occurring in the retrorectal space are heterogeneous and uncommon. The utility of newer imaging techniques has not been extensively described, and operative approach is variable. This study examined the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of retrorectal tumors at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Patients with primary, extramucosal neoplasms occurring in the retrorectal space were identified using a prospectively maintained, procedural database of all adult colorectal surgical patients (1981-2003). Patients also were incorporated from the gynecologic oncology service. Exclusion criteria included inflammatory processes, locally advanced colorectal cancer, and metastatic malignancy. Medical records, radiology, and pathology reports were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with retrorectal tumors were treated. Malignant tumors comprised 21 percent. Older age, male gender, and pain were predictive of malignancy (P < 0.05). Sensitivity of proctoscopy was 53 percent; this increased to 100 percent with the use of transrectal ultrasound. Accuracy of magnetic resonance vs. computed tomographic imaging for specific histologic tumor type was 28 vs. 18 percent, respectively. Surgical approach was anterior (n = 14), posterior (n = 11), and combined abdominoperineal (n = 9). Eleven patients required en bloc proctectomy. Patients undergoing posterior resection had lower blood loss and required fewer transfusions (P < 0.05). All benign tumors were resected with normal histologic margins and none recurred (median follow-up, 22 months). All patients with malignancy had recurrence/recrudescence of their disease. For these patients, median disease-free and overall survivals were 38 and 61 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal tumors remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Pain, male gender, and advanced age increase the likelihood of malignancy. Various imaging modalities are useful for planning resection but cannot establish a definitive diagnosis. Whereas benign retrorectal tumors can be completely resected, curative resection of malignant retrorectal tumors remains difficult.

Sargramostim for active Crohn's disease.
Korzenik JR, Dieckgraefe BK, Valentine JF, Hausman DF, Gilbert MJ.
N Engl J Med 2005 May 26;352(21):2193-201.

BACKGROUND: Sargramostim, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, a hematopoietic growth factor, stimulates cells of the intestinal innate immune system. Preliminary studies suggest sargramostim may have activity in Crohn's disease. To evaluate this novel therapeutic approach, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Using a 2:1 ratio, we randomly assigned 124 patients with moderate-to-severe active Crohn's disease to receive 6 mug of sargramostim per kilogram per day or placebo subcutaneously for 56 days. Antibiotics and aminosalicylates were allowed; immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids were prohibited. The primary end point was a clinical response, defined by a decrease from baseline of at least 70 points in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) at the end of treatment (day 57). Other end points included changes in disease severity and the health-related quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the rate of the primary end point of a clinical response defined by a decrease of at least 70 points in the CDAI score on day 57 between the sargramostim and placebo groups (54 percent vs. 44 percent, P=0.28). However, significantly more patients in the sargramostim group than in the placebo group reached the secondary end points of a clinical response defined by a decrease from baseline of at least 100 points in the CDAI score on day 57 (48 percent vs. 26 percent, P=0.01) and of remission, defined by a CDAI score of 150 points or less on day 57 (40 percent vs. 19 percent, P=0.01). The rates of either type of clinical response and of remission were significantly higher in the sargramostim group than in the placebo group on day 29 of treatment and 30 days after treatment. The sargramostim group also had significant improvements in the quality of life. Mild-to-moderate injection-site reactions and bone pain were more common in the sargramostim group, and three patients in this group had serious adverse events possibly or probably related to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study was negative for the primary end point, but findings for the secondary end points suggest that sargramostim therapy decreased disease severity and improved the quality of life in patients with active Crohn's disease.

Statins and the risk of colorectal cancer.
Poynter JN, Gruber SB, Higgins PD, Almog R, Bonner JD, Rennert HS, Low M, Greenson JK, Rennert G
N Engl J Med 2005 May 26;352(21):2184-92.

BACKGROUND: Statins are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and effective lipid-lowering agents. Statins inhibit the growth of colon-cancer cell lines, and secondary analyses of some, but not all, clinical trials suggest that they reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer study is a population-based case-control study of patients who received a diagnosis of colorectal cancer in northern Israel between 1998 and 2004 and controls matched according to age, sex, clinic, and ethnic group. We used a structured interview to determine the use of statins in the two groups and verified self-reported statin use by examining prescription records in a subgroup of patients for whom prescription records were available. RESULTS: In analyses including 1953 patients with colorectal cancer and 2015 controls, the use of statins for at least five years (vs. the nonuse of statins) was associated with a significantly reduced relative risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio, 0.50; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.40 to 0.63). This association remained significant after adjustment for the use or nonuse of aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs; the presence or absence of physical activity, hypercholesterolemia, and a family history of colorectal cancer; ethnic group; and level of vegetable consumption (odds ratio, 0.53; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.74). The use of fibric-acid derivatives was not associated with a significantly reduced risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio, 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.59 to 2.01). Self-reported statin use was confirmed for 276 of the 286 participants (96.5 percent) who reported using statins and whose records were available. CONCLUSIONS: The use of statins was associated with a 47 percent relative reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer after adjustment for other known risk factors. Because the absolute risk reduction is likely low, further investigation of the overall benefits of statins in preventing colorectal cancer is warranted.

Colonoscopic screening of average-risk women for colorectal neoplasia.
Schoenfeld P, Cash B, Flood A, Dobhan R, Eastone J, Coyle W, Kikendall JW, Kim HM, Weiss DG, Emory T, Schatzkin A, Lieberman D
N Engl J Med 2005 May 19;352(20):2061-8.

BACKGROUND: Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Study 380 showed that some advanced colorectal neoplasias (i.e., adenomas at least 1 cm in diameter, villous adenomas, adenomas with high-grade dysplasia, or cancer) in men would be missed with the use of flexible sigmoidoscopy but detected by colonoscopy. In a tandem study, we examined the yield of screening colonoscopy in women. METHODS: To determine the prevalence and location of advanced neoplasia, we offered colonoscopy to consecutive asymptomatic women referred for colon-cancer screening. The diagnostic yield of flexible sigmoidoscopy was calculated by estimating the proportion of patients with advanced neoplasia whose lesions would have been identified if they had undergone flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. Lesions were considered detectable by flexible sigmoidoscopy if they were in the distal colon or if they were in the proximal colon in patients who had concurrent small adenomas in the distal colon, a finding that would have led to colonoscopy. The results were compared with the results from VA Cooperative Study 380 for age-matched men and women with negative fecal occult-blood tests and no family history of colon cancer. RESULTS: Colonoscopy was complete in 1463 women, 230 of whom (15.7 percent) had a family history of colon cancer. Colonoscopy revealed advanced neoplasia in 72 women (4.9 percent). If flexible sigmoidoscopy alone had been performed, advanced neoplasia would have been detected in 1.7 percent of these women (25 of 1463) and missed in 3.2 percent (47 of 1463). Only 35.2 percent of women with advanced neoplasia would have had their lesions identified if they had undergone flexible sigmoidoscopy alone, as compared with 66.3 percent of matched men from VA Cooperative Study 380 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy may be the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer in women.

Cancer Screening Beliefs and Reactions to an Innovative Colorectal Cancer Screening Kit among Chinese Worksite Population.
Hou S, Chen P.
Methods Inf Med 2005;44(2):315-8.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the relationships between cancer screening beliefs (perceived pros, cons, and susceptibility) and reactions (acceptance, selfefficacy, intention to purchase) to an innovative home-administered kit (HAK) for fecal occult blood test (FOBT) among Chinese worksite population. METHODS: A total of 450 Chinese people aged 40 and older were recruited from ten worksites in Taiwan (2002), with response rate of 83% (375/450). RESULTS: All the belief scales of cancer screening in general showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alphas >0.70). Perceived benefits and barriers towards cancer screening were significantly correlated with the acceptance, self-efficacy, and order intention towards the FOBT-HAK (p-values <0.001). Perceived susceptibility of cancer was associated with intention to purchase. After taking gender into consideration, the regression analyses showed similar relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Screening beliefs were significantly associated with reactions toward the innovative FOBT-HAK. Intervention programs addressing these beliefs could potentially promote positive reactions to innovative CRC screening strategies.

Crohn's disease after gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity: is there an association?
Ahn LB, Huang CS, Forse RA, Hess DT, Andrews C, Farraye FA.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):622-4.

Normal homocysteine levels in a population of children with inflammatory bowel disease.
Zholudev A, Rifai N, Zurakowski D, Bousvaros A
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):620-1.

Progression of diverticular colitis to ulcerative colitis.
Hokama A, Kinjo F, Tomiyama R, Maeda K, Saito A, Matayoshi M
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):618.

Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii) pneumonia after initiation of infliximab and azathioprine therapy in a patient with Crohn's disease.
Seddik M, Melliez H, Seguy D, Viget N, Cortot A, Colombel JF
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):618-20.

Debate: should mesalamine be used in Crohn's disease?: comments and conclusions.
Kamm MA
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):616-7.

Mesalamine has a well-established role in the management of ulcerative colitis. However, its role in the management of Crohn's disease (CD) is less clear. Studies evaluating its therapeutic value in CD have produced both positive and negative results. Meta-analyses have not clarified the situation, possibly because they have combined studies of different design. This debate critically examines the evidence for and against the use of mesalamine in CD.

The case against using 5-aminosalicyclates in Crohn's disease: con.
Stange EF.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):613-5.

The case for using 5-aminosalicyclates in Crohn's disease: pro.
Hanauer SB.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):609-12.

Mesalamine has a well-established role in the management of ulcerative colitis. However, its role in the management of Crohn's disease (CD) is less clear. Studies evaluating its therapeutic value in CD have produced both positive and negative results. Meta-analyses have not clarified the situation, possibly because they have combined studies of different design. This debate critically examines the evidence for and against the use of mesalamine in CD.

Crohn's disease and month of birth.
Van Ranst M, Joossens M, Joossens S, Van Steen K, Pierik M, Vermeire S, Rutgeerts P.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):597-9.

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors trigger the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in genetically predisposed individuals. Exposure to seasonal external factors during the maturation of the immune system is suspected to be an inducing factor for IBD. Some studies suggested an association between the month of birth and the later development of IBD. We studied this putative relationship in a large cohort of Belgian patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Data from 1025 patients born between 1935 and 1990 were collected. Diagnosis of CD was based on generally accepted clinical, endoscopic, and histologic criteria. As a control group, a cohort of 5125 non-IBD patients seen at the same hospital and matched for birth year and sex was used. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression including the matching variables and allowing for cyclic variation in risk with month of birth. RESULTS: A cyclic pattern described by a 4-month periodic function was observed with peaks in April and August. Moreover, being born in June significantly reduced the risk of developing CD later in life (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: In this Belgian cohort, a significant association was found between the month of birth and later development of IBD; a significant reduced risk to develop CD was observed for people born in June. Moreover, environmental yearly reoccurring factors during pregnancy or postpartum might be associated with the occurrence of CD later in life.

Systemic and local cytokine production in quiescent ulcerative colitis and its relationship to future relapse: a prospective pilot study.
Yamamoto T, Umegae S, Kitagawa T, Matsumoto K.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):589-96.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this prospective study was to examine whether systemic (plasma) and local (mucosal) cytokine production is a predictor of future relapse in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC). The impact of other clinical and laboratory parameters on relapse was also studied. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with quiescent UC were included. At enrollment, blood and mucosal (rectal biopsies) samples were collected. All patients were followed up regularly for 1 year after enrollment. Plasma and mucosal cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To identify independent significant predictive factors for relapse, time-dependent analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients remained in remission, and 16 patients relapsed during the 1-year follow-up. Higher interleukin (IL)-8 levels in the rectal mucosa were significantly associated with relapse. In contrast, IL-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the rectal mucosa were not associated with relapse. Conventional blood markers and plasma cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) did not correlate with relapse. Among clinical factors, age and number of prior relapses were significantly associated with relapse. In multivariate analysis, a higher rectal mucosal IL-8 level (> or = 160 pg/mg of tissue; hazard ratio, 4.7), younger age (<30 yr; hazard ratio, 7.3), and a greater number of prior relapses (> or = 5; hazard ratio, 4.3) were independent significant risk factors for future relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal mucosal IL-8 measurement might be an additional objective diagnostic tool that can predict relapse in patients with quiescent UC.

Impact of elemental diet on mucosal inflammation in patients with active Crohn's disease: cytokine production and endoscopic and histological findings.
Yamamoto T, Nakahigashi M, Umegae S, Kitagawa T, Matsumoto K.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):580-8.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of elemental diet on mucosal inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD), mainly by cytokine measurements. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with active CD were treated with an elemental diet (Elental) for 4 weeks. The mucosal biopsies were obtained from the terminal ileum and large bowel before and after treatment. As a control group, mucosal biopsies were obtained from 20 patients without inflammation. Mucosal cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: After treatment, clinical remission was achieved in 20 patients (71%). Endoscopic healing and improvement rates were 44% and 76% in the terminal ileum and 39% and 78% in the large bowel, respectively. Histologic healing and improvement rates were 19% and 54% in the terminal ileum and 20% and 55% in the large bowel, respectively. Before treatment, the mucosal concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the ileum and large bowel were significantly higher than in controls. These cytokine concentrations decreased to the levels of control after treatment. IL-1ra/IL-1beta ratio in the ileum and large bowel was significantly lower than in controls before treatment. The ratio increased to the level of controls after treatment. The endoscopic and histologic healing of the mucosal inflammation was associated with a decline of the mucosal cytokines and an increase of the IL-1ra/IL-1beta ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The elemental diet (Elental) reduced mucosal cytokine production and corrected an imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in CD.

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: what children can teach adults.
Hait L, Bousvaros A, Grand R.
Inflamm Bowel Dis 2005 Jun;11(6):519-27.

Prune-Belly Syndrome with anorectal malformation.
Angerpointner TA.
J Pediatr Surg 2005 May;40(5):894.

Laparoscopic ligation of the median sacral artery before excision of type I sacrococcygeal teratomas.
Bax KN, van der Zee DC.
J Pediatr Surg 2005 May;40(5):885.

Long-term outcomes of anorectal malformations.
Schmittenbecher P.
J Pediatr Surg 2005 May;40(5):893-4.

Short-term endpoints of conventional versus laparoscopic-assisted surgery in patients with colorectal cancer (MRC CLASICC trial): multicentre, randomised controlled trial.
Guillou PJ, Quirke P, Thorpe H, Walker J, Jayne DG, Smith AM, Heath RM, Brown JM.
Lancet 2005 May;365(9472):1718-26.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer has been widely adopted without data from large-scale randomised trials to support its use. We compared short-term endpoints of conventional versus laparoscopic-assisted surgery in patients with colorectal cancer to predict long-term outcomes. METHODS: Between July, 1996, and July, 2002, we undertook a multicentre, randomised clinical trial in 794 patients with colorectal cancer from 27 UK centres. Patients were allocated to receive laparoscopic-assisted (n=526) or open surgery (n=268). Primary short-term endpoints were positivity rates of circumferential and longitudinal resection margins, proportion of Dukes' C2 tumours, and in-hospital mortality. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial has been assigned the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN74883561. FINDINGS: Six patients (two [open], four [laparoscopic]) had no surgery, and 23 had missing surgical data (nine, 14). 253 and 484 patients actually received open and laparoscopic-assisted treatment, respectively. 143 (29%) patients underwent conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. Proportion of Dukes' C2 tumours did not differ between treatments (18 [7%] patients, open vs 34 [6%], laparoscopic; difference -0.3%, 95% CI -3.9 to 3.4%, p=0.89), and neither did in-hospital mortality (13 [5%] vs 21 [4%]; -0.9%, -3.9 to 2.2%, p=0.57). Apart from patients undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer, rates of positive resection margins were similar between treatment groups. Patients with converted treatment had raised complication rates. INTERPRETATION: Laparoscopic-assisted surgery for cancer of the colon is as effective as open surgery in the short term and is likely to produce similar long-term outcomes. However, impaired short-term outcomes after laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection for cancer of the rectum do not yet justify its routine use.

Cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease.
Goel NK, McBane RD, Kamath PS.
Mayo Clin Proc 2005 May;80(5):674-6.

Celiac disease or celiac sprue is predominantly a disease of the small intestine characterized by chronic malabsorption in genetically susceptible individuals who ingest grains containing gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye. Although previously believed to be uncommon, celiac disease may be present in up to 1% of the general population. Celiac disease is associated frequently with iron deficiency anemia, dermatitis herpetiformis, selective IgA deficiency, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and various connective tissue disorders but is rarely associated with cardiomyopathy. We describe a patient with celiac disease associated with cardiomyopathy whose cardiac function improved substantially after treatment with a gluten-free diet. Cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease is a serious and potentially lethal condition. However, with early diagnosis and treatment with a gluten-free diet, cardiomyopathy in patients with celiac disease may be completely reversible.

Comparison of resource utilization and long-term quality-of-life outcomes between laparoscopic and conventional colorectal surgery. Sokolovic E, Buchmann P, Schlomowitsch F, Szucs TD.
Surg Endosc 2004 Oct 13;.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of laparosopic and conventional colorectal surgery, with special reference to costs of treatment and patients' quality of life, were compared. METHODS: A partly retrospective cohort study was designed to assess the use of resources, and a follow-up interview was undertaken to evaluate patients' quality of life after both to define laparoscopic (LAP) and conventional (CON) surgery. RESULTS: The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the LAP group (median, 11 days; interquartile range [IQR], 9-15) than in the CON group (median, 16 days; IQR, 13-23; p < 0.0001), which is reflected in lower costs of hospitalization calculated for the three most frequent surgical interventions. Statistically significant improvements were noted between the median scores in the domains of physical functioning (LAP 85 vs CON 68; p < 0.05) and vitality (LAP 85 vs CON 69; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a promising alternative for the treatment of patients with colorectal diseases, offering lower costs and a better quality of life in the long term.

Early outcomes of 100 patients with laparoscopic resection for rectal neoplasm.
Law WL, Chu KW, Tung HM.
Surg Endosc 2004 Oct 13;.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection has been shown to be a feasible option in patients with colorectal diseases. However, there have been only a few studies on laparoscopic resection for rectal neoplasm. This report aimed to evaluate the early outcomes of patients treated by laparoscopic rectal resection for neoplasm. METHODS: From May 2000 to April 2003, 100 patients underwent laparoscopic resection for rectal neoplasm with mesorectal excision. Data on the patients' demographics, operative details, and outcomes were collected prospectively. In those with successful laparoscopic resection, comparison was made between patients with predominantly intracorporeal surgery (ICS) and those with anterior resection performed with extracorporeal rectal transection and anastomosis following intracorporeal bowel mobilization and vessel ligation (IECS). RESULTS: Sixty-six men and 34 women (median age, 69 years; range, 40-85) were included. Operations included 91 anterior resections, eight abdominoperineal resections, and one Hartmann's procedure. Conversion was required in 15 patients and no conversion was needed in patients treated by laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. One patient died 30 days after surgery because of liver failure. Postoperative complications occurred in 31 patients. Among them, three had anastomotic leakage and all of them could be treated conservatively. Reoperation was required in one patient with intestinal obstruction. Patients with conversion were found to have significantly more blood loss, longer time to resume diet, a longer hospital stay, and a higher morbidity rate when compared to those with successful laparoscopic surgery. Among those with successful laparoscopic procedures, no difference was observed between patients with ICS (n = 57) and those with IECS (n = 28), except that a shorter incision and less blood loss were found in patients in the former group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic rectal resection with mesorectal dissection is feasible. The operating mortality and reoperation rates were low. Conversion was associated with an increased morbidity rate, leading to a longer hospital stay. Laparoscopically assisted anterior resection with rectal transection by a transverse stapler through the abdominal incision produced similar results when compared to a procedure that was predominantly intracorporeally performed.

Sealing effect of fibrin glue on the healing of gastrointestinal anastomoses: implications for the endoscopic treatment of leaks.
Bonanomi G, Prince JM, McSteen F, Schauer PR, Hamad GG.
Surg Endosc 2004 Oct 13;.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of advanced laparoscopic techniques for complex surgical procedures has raised the concern that the leak rate might be higher than for open surgery, particularly in the surgeon's early experience or in difficult cases. In this study, the sealing effect of fibrin glue on leaking gastrointestinal anastomoses was evaluated in an experimental swine model. METHODS: A standardized gastrojejunostomy was performed on 20 female pigs (mean weight, 47.7 +/- 5.7 kg). A leak was created on the anterior surface of the anastomosis. The animals were randomized to either fibrin glue or no treatment of the leak. Clinical conditions and vital signs, including body temperature, heart rate and, respiratory rate, were collected three times a day. Preoperative and postoperative complete and differential blood count and lactate dehydrogenase levels were determined. Postmortem analysis was performed when the animals were killed. RESULTS: Clinical signs of peritonitis developed in the control animals by the second or third postoperative day. Findings that confirmed the presence of an anastomotic leak at the postmortem examination were the presence of food or gastrojejunal juices in the abdominal cavity, a localized abscess, or a positive air leak test. Fibrin glue treatment prevented the development of peritonitis in all the animals. Complete sealing of the leak was observed on postoperative day 7 in all treated animals, except one in which an asymptomatic contained leak developed. The postoperative total white blood count was significantly increased in the untreated group (24.69 +/- 5.5 vs 12.74 +/- 3.7 10(3)/ul p < 0.001, paired t-test), as compared with the treated group (15. 55 +/- 2.4 vs 14.89 +/- 2.7 10(3)/ul; p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: In this study, fibrin glue showed reproducible sealing effects on leaking gastrojejunal anastomoses. Fibrin glue application may be a valuable approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks.

Inguinal neurectomy for nerve entrapment after open/laparoscopic hernia repair using retroperitoneal endoscopic approach.
Muto CM, Pedana N, Scarpelli S, Galardo R, Guida G, Schiavone V.
Surg Endosc 2005 May 5;.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal neuralgia after open and laparoscopic hernia, repair occurs in about 0.5% of treated patients. If the pain and the functional inability persist, it is possible that the genitofemoral nerve and ileoinguinal nerve are involved in entrapment, and surgical treatment is a possible option. This paper reports a personal endoscopic retroperitoneal approach for ileoinguinal and genitofemoral branches neurectomy. METHODS: A 12-mm trocar is inserted into the lower retroperitoneum and insufflated to create a work space. Neurectomy is performed under endoscopic guidance. RESULTS: Six patients were treated using this technique. The operating time was 55 min, and all patients were completely pain-free after surgery. All patients were discharged the first day after operation and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: This retroperitoneal endoscopic approach is proposed as a new surgical technique for treating inguinal entrapment neuralgia. It is simple and feasible.

The oncological safety of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with sphincter preservation for rectal carcinoma.
Bretagnol F, Lelong B, Laurent C, Moutardier V, Rullier A, Monges G, Delpero JR, Rullier E.
Surg Endosc 2005 May 12;.

BACKGROUND: Although experience of laparoscopic treatment of rectal carcinoma has been reported, there is no evidence of its oncological safety because most procedures included partial mesorectal excision or abdominoperineal excision and quality of surgery is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the oncological results of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with sphincter preservation for rectal carcinoma. METHODS: From 2000 to 2003, 144 patients underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis for mid and low rectal adenocarcinoma. There were 88 men and 56 women, with a median age of 65 years. The tumor was located at 5.5 cm (range 1-12) from the anal verge and was classified uT1T2 in 25 cases and uT3 in 119 cases. One hundred twenty patients received preoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality and morbidity were 1% and 34% respectively. Conversion was 14% (n = 20). Macroscopic assessment of the specimen (n = 92) showed an intact mesorectum in 88% of the cases. The distal margin and the circumferential margin were safe in 98% and 94% of the cases, respectively. A complete microscopic excision, i.e., R0 resection, was achieved in 134 cases (93%). Pathological data were similar to those of an open match group. With a median follow-up of 18 months, there was no port-site recurrence and two patients had local recurrence (1.4%). The 3-year overall and disease- free survival rates were 89% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A high quality of surgical excision can be achieved by the laparoscopic dissection, suggesting that this approach in treatment of rectal carcinoma is oncologically safe.

Improvement in survival following surgery for colorectal cancer.
McArdle CS, McKee RF, Finlay IG, Wotherspoon H, Hole DJ.
Br J Surg 2005 Jun 1;.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports based on registry data have shown that survival after surgery for colorectal cancer is improving in the UK. It is not clear whether these improvements are due to earlier presentation or more effective treatment. METHODS: Outcome for 645 patients with colorectal cancer admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1974 and 1979 was compared with that for 354 patients admitted between 1991 and 1994. RESULTS: More patients in the later period had Dukes' A or B tumours and fewer had evidence of metastatic spread (P < 0.001); more underwent potentially curative resection (57.6 versus 49.9 per cent; P < 0.001) and fewer underwent palliative diversion. The overall postoperative mortality rate fell from 14.1 to 8.5 per cent (P = 0.017). Overall and cancer-specific 5-year survival after potentially curative resection increased from 40.1 to 60.5 per cent and from 47.3 to 71.7 per cent respectively (both P < 0.001). Compared with the earlier period, the adjusted hazard ratio for cancer-specific survival following potentially curative resection was 0.452 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.329 to 0.622; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The observed improvement in survival was mainly due to improvements in the quality of surgery and in perioperative care rather than earlier presentation. Copyright (c) 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quality of life assessment in patients with chronic anal fissure after lateral internal sphincterotomy.
Ortiz H, Marzo J, Armendariz P, De Miguel M.
Br J Surg 2005 May 12;.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare quality of life of patients with chronic anal fissure before and after open lateral internal sphincterotomy. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken of 108 consecutive patients with a history of chronic anal fissure who underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. Quality of life was measured before and 6 months after operation with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. RESULTS: Quality of life improved significantly in six of the eight scales of the SF-36 questionnaire: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, energy, social functioning and mental health. There were no significant differences between the 70 patients who had no change in continence after operation and the 38 patients with continence disturbances after sphincterotomy. However, there were significant improvements in four scales in patients without changes in continence compared with improvements in only two scales in those with continence disturbances. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic anal fissure showed an improvement in quality of life 6 months after internal lateral sphincterotomy. Patients with postoperative continence disturbances showed improvement in fewer scales of the SF-36 questionnaire than those without changes in continence. Copyright (c) 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A prospective study comparing diathermy and scalpel incisions in tension-free inguinal hernioplasty.
Chrysos E, Athanasakis E, Antonakakis S, Xynos E, Zoras O.
Am Surg 2005 Apr;71(4):326-9.

Although still controversial, the use of diathermy instead of scalpel for skin incision and underlying tissue dissection is gradually gaining wide acceptance. This is due to the observation that no change in wound complication rates or postoperative pain are reported with the use of electrocautery. However, these studies include operations without the use of prosthetic materials during abdominal wall closure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that a) application of extreme heat may result in significant postoperative pain and poor wound healing because of excessive tissue damage and scarring respectively, and b) skin incision with the use of diathermy entails increased risk of wound infection in the presence of an underlying prosthetic material. One hundred twenty-five consecutive patients submitted to inguinal hernioplasty using the tension-free technique and fulfilling the inclusion criteria for the study were allocated alternately to either scalpel (n = 60), or diathermy (n = 57) groups. Eight patients had bilateral hernias. Five of them were allocated to the scalpel group and three to the diathermy group. According to the study protocol, they received both approaches for skin and underlying tissues incision, thus resulting in a total of 68 scalpel and 65 diathermy individual hernioplasties. Parameters measured included blood loss during the skin incision and underlying tissue dissection, postoperative pain and requirements for analgesics, the presence of wound dehiscence in the absence of infection, and postoperative wound infection on the day of discharge, on the day staples were removed, and 1 month after surgery. The two groups of patients were similar in relation to patient demographics, type of hernias, and operation details. Blood loss was minimal, and the amount of blood lost did not differ between the two groups. Diathermy group patients required less parenteral analgesics on the first postoperative day. A higher proportion of patients in the scalpel group continued to need oral analgesics on the second postoperative day compared to patients in the diathermy group. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of wound strength. Infectious complications were totally absent. The use of diathermy for skin incision during inguinal hernioplasty is as safe as the use of scalpel in terms of wound healing and reduces the analgesics requirements in the postoperative period.

Noninvasive testing for colorectal cancer: a review.
Ouyang DL, Chen JJ, Getzenberg RH, Schoen RE.
Am J Gastroenterol 2005 Jun;100(6):1393-403.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Endoscopic screening is now in favor and its use is increasing, but overall participation rates are poor. A substantial percentage of the population will likely continue to resist endoscopic screening. As such, a noninvasive biomarker for the early detection of CRC remains a priority. Herein, we (i) review the currently available noninvasive screening markers for the early detection of CRC, (ii) discuss newer markers that have undergone preliminary testing, and (iii) introduce and explain potentially promising markers of the future. METHODS: The published literature on markers for early detection of CRC was identified using a MEDLINE/PubMed search with secondary review of cited publications. RESULTS: Noninvasive testing for CRC is most advanced in testing for stool fecal occult blood, globin, or DNA mutations. Study of abnormal mucins has also been explored. Research for serum-based markers is just beginning and includes serum proteomics, nuclear matrix proteins, and serum DNA testing. CONCLUSIONS: Serial guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is simple, inexpensive, and proven effective at reducing mortality from CRC. Immunochemical fecal occult blood tests facilitate compliance and offer improved specificity, but at increased cost in comparison to FOBT. Fecal DNA testing may provide enhanced sensitivity for detection of CRC in comparison with FOBT, but its high cost limits its use for generalized screening. Rectal mucin testing requires additional evaluation to determine its sensitivity and specificity in comparison with guaiac-based FOBT. Serum tests, such as proteomics, nuclear matrix proteins, and serum DNA, are still in their infancy, but remain a hope for the future. (Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:1-11).

Are patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving optimal care?
Reddy SI, Friedman S, Telford JJ, Strate L, Ookubo R, Banks PA.
Am J Gastroenterol 2005 Jun;100(6):1357-61.

OBJECTIVES: Guidelines have been published as a framework for therapy of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients referred for a second opinion were receiving therapy in accordance with practice guidelines. METHODS: Patients with luminal IBD under the care of a gastroenterologist who sought a a second opinion at Brigham and Women's Hospital between January 2001 and April 2003 were enrolled in this study. Clinical information was obtained by direct patient interview at the time of initial patient visit and by a review of prior records. Data obtained included the diagnosis, clinical symptoms, prior medical therapy, preventive measures for metabolic bone disease, and colon-cancer screening. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 67 consecutive patients: 21 with ulcerative colitis, 44 with Crohn's disease and 2 in whom the diagnosis of IBD could not be confirmed. Of the 65 patients with confirmed IBD, 56 patients had symptoms of active disease and 9 were asymptomatic. All analyses were carried out on the 56 patients with active disease. Of the 33 patients treated with aminosalicylates, 21 (64%) were not receiving maximal doses. Nine of 12 (75%) patients with distal ulcerative colitis were not receiving rectal aminosalicylate therapy. Within 6 months of their clinic visit, 35 patients had received corticosteroid therapy, and 27 (77%) patients had been treated with corticosteroids for greater than 3 months. In 16 of 27 (59%) there was no attempt to start steroid sparing medications such as 6-mercaptopurine (6MP), azathioprine, or infliximab. Of the 11 patients treated with either 6MP or azathioprine, 9 (82%) were suboptimally dosed without an attempt to increase dosage. Of the 27 patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy 21 (78%) received inadequate treatment to prevent metabolic bone disease. Three of 9 patients (33%) meeting indications for surveillance colonoscopy for dysplasia had not undergone colonoscopy at the appropriate interval. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD often do not receive optimal medical therapy. In particular, there is suboptimal dosing of 5-ASA and immunomodulatory medications, prolonged use of corticosteroids, failure to use steroid-sparing agents, inadequate measures to prevent metabolic bone disease, and inadequate screening for colorectal cancer. (Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:1-5).

Sphincter function after surgery for vestibular anus in adults.
Delaini GG.
Tech Coloproctol 2005 Apr;9(1):73-4; author reply 74.

Infliximab as rescue therapy in severe to moderately severe ulcerative colitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Jarnerot G, Hertervig E, Friis-Liby I, Blomquist L, Karlen P, Granno C, Vilien M, Strom M, Danielsson A, Verbaan H, Hellstrom PM, Magnuson A, Curman B.
Gastroenterology 2005 Jun;128(7):1805-11.

Background & Aims: Despite treatment with corticosteroids, severe to moderately severe attacks of ulcerative colitis have a high colectomy rate. We intended to find a rescue therapy other than cyclosporin A, which imposes a high risk of side effects and cyclosporine-related mortality. Methods: This was a randomized double-blind trial of infliximab or placebo in severe to moderately severe ulcerative colitis not responding to conventional treatment. Patients were randomized to infliximab/placebo either on day 4 after the initiation of corticosteroid treatment if they fulfilled the index criteria for fulminant ulcerative colitis on day 3 or on day 6-8 if they fulfilled index criteria on day 5-7 for a severe or moderately severe acute attack of ulcerative colitis. Results were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary end point was colectomy or death 3 months after randomization. Secondary end points were clinical and endoscopic remission at that time in patients who did not undergo operation. Results: Forty-five patients were included (24 infliximab and 21 placebo). No patient died. Seven patients in the infliximab group and 14 in the placebo group had a colectomy ( P = .017; odds ratio, 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-17) within 3 months after randomization. No serious side effects occurred. Three patients in the placebo group required operation for septic complications. Conclusions: Infliximab 4-5 mg/kg is an effective and safe rescue therapy in patients experiencing an acute severe or moderately severe attack of ulcerative colitis not responding to conventional treatment.

Human colorectal cancer cells induce T-cell death through release of proapoptotic microvesicles: role in immune escape.
Huber V, Fais S, Iero M, Lugini L, Canese P, Squarcina P, Zaccheddu A, Colone M, Arancia G, Gentile M, Seregni E, Valenti R, Ballabio G, Belli F, Leo E, Parmiani G, Rivoltini L
Gastroenterology 2005 Jun;128(7):1796-804.

Background & Aims: Normal and neoplastic cells release microvesicles, whose effects on the immune system still need to be elucidated. Because human colorectal cancer cells are hypothesized to escape immune recognition by expressing proapoptotic molecules, we investigated whether microvesicles bearing Fas ligand and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and inducing apoptosis of activated T cells are secreted by colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in affected patients. Methods: Fas ligand and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand expression were analyzed in colorectal cancer cells and purified microvesicles by flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunoelectron microscopy. Microvesicle tumor origin was assessed through simultaneous detection of lysosomal (CD63) and adenocarcinoma (carcinoembryonic antigen) markers. Proapoptotic activity of microvesicles was evaluated by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and caspase activation in T cells, including CD8 + T lymphocytes from colorectal cancer patients. Results: Colorectal cancer cells showed a granular pattern of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and Fas ligand expression, suggesting a secretory behavior. These proapoptotic molecules were detected on isolated microvesicles, together with class I HLA, CD63, and carcinoembryonic antigen. Microvesicles induced Fas ligand-mediated and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated apoptosis of activated CD8 + T cells generated from colorectal cancer patients. Microvesicles with comparable phenotypes and functions were found in plasma from patients with advanced disease, whereas vesicular structures expressing Fas ligand and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand were also detected in colorectal cancer specimens. Conclusions: These data show that colorectal cancer induces T-cell apoptosis through the release of Fas ligand-bearing and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-bearing microvesicles both in vitro and in vivo. This mechanism of immune escape has potential implications as a prognostic factor and could be targeted for the development of new antitumor therapies in colorectal cancer patients.

Current status of gastrointestinal carcinoids.
Modlin IM, Kidd M, Latich I, Zikusoka MN, Shapiro MD.
Gastroenterology 2005 May;128(6):1717-51.

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoids are ill-understood, enigmatic malignancies, which, although slow growing compared with adenocarcinomas, can behave aggressively. Carcinoids are classified based on organ site and cell of origin and occur most frequently in the GI (67%) where they are most common in small intestine (25%), appendix (12%), and rectum (14%). Local manifestations-mass, bleeding, obstruction, or perforation-reflect invasion or tumor-induced fibrosis and often result in incidental detection at emergency surgery. Symptoms are protean (flushing, sweating, diarrhea, bronchospasm), usually misdiagnosed, and reflect secretion of diverse amines and peptides. Biochemical diagnosis is established by elevation of plasma chromogranin A (CgA), serotonin, or urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), while topographic localization is by Octreoscan, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, or endoscopy/ultrasound. Histological identification is confirmed by CgA and synaptophysin immunohistochemistry. Primary therapy is surgical excision to avert local manifestations and decrease hormone secretion. Hepatic metastases may be amenable to cytoreduction, radiofrequency ablation, embolization alone, or with cytotoxics. Hepatic transplantation may rarely be beneficial. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have minimal efficacy and substantially decrease quality of life. Intravenously administered receptor-targeted radiolabeled somatostatin analogs are of use in disseminated disease. Local endoscopic excision for gastric (type I and II) and rectal carcinoids may be adequate. Somatostatin analogues provide the most effective symptomatic therapy, although interferon has some utility. Overall 5-year survival for carcinoids of the appendix is 98%, gastric (types I/II) is 81%, rectum is 87%, small intestinal is 60%, colonic carcinoids is 62%, and gastric type III/IV is 33%.

Genetic testing for inherited colon cancer.
Burt R, Neklason DW.
Gastroenterology 2005 May;128(6):1696-716.

The genes associated with each of the inherited syndromes of colon cancer have now been identified, and genetic testing is available for diagnosis. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, and, possibly, Cowden's syndrome. Clinical genetic testing approaches have been developed for each of these syndromes and are now a part of accepted clinical care. Disease-causing mutations can be found in the majority of families affected with one of the inherited syndromes, and, most importantly, once a mutation is found in an index case of the family, relatives can be tested for the presence or absence of that mutation with near 100% accuracy. Cancer screening and management in syndrome families is then based on the results of genetic testing. For the physician to order and properly interpret genetic tests, a basic understanding of the types of mutations that lead to inherited disease and the methods for detecting them is vital. These issues will be presented. Additional clinical issues somewhat unique to genetic testing include genetic counseling and informed consent for genetic testing, both of which will also be reviewed. Often the most difficult aspect of genetic testing is deciding which patients and families should undergo the testing. Furthermore, this issue is quite specific for each of the syndromes. Thus, following presentation of general principles of selection for genetic testing, a detailed approach for identifying persons who should undergo testing for each of the individual syndromes will be given, together with relevant descriptions of the syndromes. Finally, the ongoing work to discover new and possibly more common but less penetrant colon cancer susceptibility genes that cause common familial colon cancer will be presented.

Enteroendocrine tumors other than carcinoid: a review of clinically significant advances.
Warner RR.
Gastroenterology 2005 May;128(6):1668-84.

Only relatively recently has there been an increased clinical recognition and characterization of the heterogenous group of rare gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Most have endocrine function and exhibit varying degrees of malignancy. This review summarizes the derivation of these tumors and the advances in their diagnosis and treatment over the past decade and a half. They are varied in their biological behavior and clinical courses and, depending on their cell type, can produce different hormones causing distinct clinical endocrine syndromes (insulinoma [hypoglycemia], gastrinoma [Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES)], vasoactive intestinal peptideoma [VIPoma], watery diarrhea, hypokalemia-achlorhydria [WDHA], glucagonoma [glucagonoma syndrome], and so forth). In addition to surgery for cure or palliation (by excision and a variety of other cytoreductive techniques), they each are treated with antihormonal agents or drugs targeted to each tumor's specific product or its effects. The majority have benefited from the gut hormone-inhibiting action of somatostatin analogs. Because of their usual slow rate of growth it is recommended that, even when they are advanced and incurable, unlike in patients with common and more malignant cancers, patients with neuroendocrine tumors often can be palliated and appear to survive longer when managed with an active approach using sequential multimodality treatment. Advances in these various therapies are reviewed and the beneficial emergence of global self-help patient support groups is noted.

The role of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids in the gastrointestinal tract.
Wang D, Mann JR, DuBois RN.
Gastroenterology 2005 May;128(5):1445-61.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally prescribed to ameliorate symptoms associated with acute pain and chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Recent epidemiologic studies and clinical trials indicate that use of NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitors are associated with a reduced risk of certain malignancies, especially gastrointestinal cancer. The cyclooxygenase enzymes are the best known targets of NSAIDs; this diverse class of compounds blocks conversion of arachidonic acid to prostanoids. Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids derived from COX-1 and COX-2 are involved in a variety of physiologic and pathologic processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent efforts to identify the molecular mechanisms by which COX-2-derived prostanoids exert their proneoplastic effects have provided a rationale for the possible use of NSAIDs alone or in a combination with conventional or experimental anticancer agents for the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal cancers.

Recombinant probiotics for treatment and prevention of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea.
Paton AW, Jennings MP, Morona R, Wang H, Focareta A, Roddam LF, Paton JC.
Gastroenterology 2005 May;128(5):1219-28.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We have developed a therapeutic strategy for gastrointestinal infections that is based on molecular mimicry of host receptors for bacterial toxins on the surface of harmless gut bacteria. The aim of this study was to apply this to the development of a recombinant probiotic for treatment and prevention of diarrheal disease caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains that produce heat-labile enterotoxin. METHODS: This was achieved by expressing glycosyltransferase genes from Neisseria meningitidis or Campylobacter jejuni in a harmless Escherichia coli strain (CWG308), resulting in the production of a chimeric lipopolysaccharide capable of binding heat-labile enterotoxin with high avidity. RESULTS: The strongest heat-labile enterotoxin binding was achieved with a construct (CWG308:pLNT) that expresses a mimic of lacto-N-neotetraose, which neutralized > or = 93.8% of the heat-labile enterotoxin activity in culture lysates of diverse enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains of both human and porcine origin. When tested with purified heat-labile enterotoxin, it was capable of adsorbing approximately 5% of its own weight of toxin. Weaker toxin neutralization was achieved with a construct that mimicked the ganglioside GM2. Preabsorption with, or coadministration of, CWG308:pLNT also resulted in significant in vivo protection from heat-labile enterotoxin-induced fluid secretion in rabbit ligated ileal loops. CONCLUSIONS: Toxin-binding probiotics such as those described here have considerable potential for prophylaxis and treatment of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-induced travelers' diarrhea.

Comparing results of residents and attending surgeons to determine whether laparoscopic colectomy is safe.
Mehall JR, Shroff S, Fassler SA, Harper SG, Nejman JH, Zebley DM.
Am J Surg 2005 Jun;189(6):738-41.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to compare the technical success and outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy performed by resident surgeons (RS) and attending surgeons (AS). METHODS: A review of 451 consecutive laparoscopic colectomies performed by 2 surgeons either with or without a general surgery resident. Data reviewed included demographics, diagnoses, operative data, and outcomes. Comparison was made between patients operated on by RS under attending surgeon supervision, and patients operated on by AS alone. RESULTS: Of 451 patients, 324 were operated on by RS and 127 by AS. The mean age and preoperative diagnoses were similar between groups. Operative time was significantly longer in the RS group (155 minutes vs. 128 minutes, P < .05). Blood loss was slightly higher in RS groups but was not statistically significant (191 mL vs. 174 mL, P = .31). The incidence of conversion to an open procedure, postoperative complications, and length of stay were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Supervised RS can safely perform laparoscopic colectomy with results similar to AS. RS take longer to perform the procedure than AS.

Laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure.
Rosen MJ, Cobb WS, Kercher KW, Sing RF, Heniford BT.
Am J Surg 2005 Jun;189(6):670-4.

BACKGROUND: Colostomy closure after a Hartmann's procedure typically requires a laparotomy. It also carries the risk of significant morbidity including anastomotic leak, wound infection, and incisional hernia. The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann's procedure. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing laparoscopic colostomy reversal between July 1997 and July 2004. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were identified; all patients had left colon colostomies. A laparoscopic technique was used in 21 patients, and 1 patient underwent hand-assisted colostomy reversal concurrently with right radical nephrectomy. The laparoscopic approach was successful in 20 cases, and there were 2 conversions to open (9%) secondary to dense adhesions around the rectal stump. The mean time to closure of the colostomy was 168 days (range 69-385 days). The mean operative time was 158 minutes (range 84-356 minutes). The estimated blood loss averaged 114 mL (range 30-250 mL). The average length of hospitalization was 4.2 days (range 2-6 days). Bowel function returned on an average of 3.5 days (range 2-5 days). Three patients (14%) developed postoperative wound infections. There were no anastomotic leaks and no mortality. At a mean follow-up of 14.7 months, the only long-term complication has been a small hernia at a colostomy site. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colostomy reversal after Hartmann's procedure can be performed with low morbidity and a short hospital stay. The need for conversion to open surgery is uncommon despite patients' previous surgeries. A laparoscopic approach to colostomy takedown is safe and feasible and may result in a reduction in complications and length of stay as has been seen with other minimally invasive procedures.

Outcome of colorectal carcinoma in patients under 40 years of age.
Lin JT, Wang WS, Yen CC, Liu JH, Yang MH, Chao TC, Chen PM, Chiou TJ.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005 Jun;20(6):900-5.

Abstract Aims: Colorectal carcinoma in patients under 40 years of age usually has a poor prognosis. Controversies still exist regarding the features and the prognosis of colorectal cancer in young patients. Methods: The records of 45 patients with histologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma treated between 1992 and 2002 at the Division of Oncology at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were reviewed. The relevance of sex, duration of symptoms, tumor site, histological type, lymph node involvement, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels at the diagnosis and tumor stage to overall survival (OS) were determined by univariate analysis, and their independent significance were tested by multivariate analysis. Results: Most patients presented with an advanced tumor stage (24% Dukes' C and 66% Dukes' D). Colon carcinoma constituted 76% of the colorectal tumors. Family history was present in two patients and did not affect the OS. Two patients were found to have colon carcinoma during pregnancy. The 5-year survival rate in patients with Stage B, C, and D were 25, 16 and 0%, respectively. With aggressive treatment, patients with early stage carcinoma achieved longer survival. Eleven patients received resection of metastatic carcinoma of the liver, lung and ovary. Adjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan/5-fluoroucil-based chemotherapy seemed to improve the OS in such patients, though the OS was still poorer than in patients with early stage tumors. In univariate analysis, KPS (P = 0.0001), lymph node involvement (P = 0.0024), CEA (P = 0.0423) and LDH levels (P = 0.0126) at the diagnosis and tumor stage (P = 0.0122) proved to be significant predictors of overall survival. Multivariate analyses revealed that KPS >/=70% (P = 0.007) and normal LDH levels at diagnosis (P = 0.004) were predictive of overall survival in this population. Conclusions: The present study shows that performance status and preoperative LDH levels were the major determinants for survival in patients with colorectal carcinoma under 40 years of age and the present series also suggests that surgical resection of metastatic colorectal carcinoma followed by adjuvant chemotherapy might be beneficial in certain patients. The data also suggests that current treatment modalities for young patients with advanced colorectal cancer might not be effective and more effective therapeutic regimens might be needed. Thus, it is important for surgeons to recognize the potential for colorectal cancer in young patients and to take an aggressive approach to the diagnosis and early treatment of the disease.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Clinical profile, pathogenesis, treatment strategies and prognosis.
Nowain A, Bhakta H, Pais S, Kanel G, Verma S.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2005 Jun;20(6):818-24.

Abstract Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), although the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, account for <1% of all GI malignancies. Up to 94% of these tumors express the CD117 antigen. Most patients present in the fifth to seventh decade, the commonest symptom being that of an abdominal mass. Surgery is the main modality of therapy, but even after adequate resection the vast majority of GIST reoccur, and in approximately 50% the liver is the main site of the metastasis. Long-term, maybe even lifelong follow up of these patients after initial resection cannot be over-emphasized. Initial tumor size and mitotic rate are the most useful parameters to predict malignant potential. In view of high postoperative recurrence, adjuvant forms of therapy are being explored, and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib holds the most promise. (c) 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Discovery of a new biomarker for gastroenterological cancers.
Aburatani H.
J Gastroenterol 2005 Mar;40 Suppl 16:1-6.

Various genomic technologies have been applied to address crucial problems in cancer biology, because cancer develops through the accumulation of various genetic alterations. Of these, gene expression profiling analysis using microarray technology has been widely applied not only to classify cancers at molecular levels, but also to identify novel molecular targets for therapeutics and/or diagnostics. To gain molecular understanding of gastric carcinogenesis, progression, and diversity, we analyzed primary advanced gastric cancer and noncancerous gastric tissues by high-density oligonucleotide microarray. Genes differentially expressed between cancer and noncancerous tissues were identified. In cancer tissues, genes related to cell cycle, growth factor, cell motility, cell adhesion, and matrix remodeling were highly expressed, whereas those related to gastrointestinal-specific function and immune response were rather downregulated. These results provide not only a new molecular basis for understanding biological properties of gastric cancer but also useful resources for future development of therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer. Several microarray studies have been published since and have been compared for validation in meta-analysis. As integration of transcriptome information with other biological data is crucial to interpret gene expression data, we have applied oligonucleotide microarray technology to assess allelic gene dosage at 10000 polymorphic loci, namely with an average interval of 200kb. Using a newly developed algorithm, genome imbalance map, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) status can be determined simultaneously. Besides several loci with genomic amplification, we also identified a homozygously deleted chromosomal region in 7q, where frequent chromosomal instability was observed. Finally, we are currently developing novel biomarkers for gastroenterological cancers. Glypican 3 is detected at high levels in serum of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and could be a potential target for antibody therapy.

Probiotics for the Developing World.
Reid G, Anand S, Bingham MO, Mbugua G, Wadstrom T, Fuller R, Anukam K, Katsivo M.
J Clin Gastroenterol 2005 Jul;39(6):485-488.

Every minute of every day more and more children die of diarrheal diseases and women, and girls become infected by HIV. An estimated 7,000 women become infected each day. While many valiant efforts are being made to address these issues, until now they have proved to be markedly ineffective. The notion that lactic acid bacteria, formulated into food or dietary supplements, could have a role to play in slowing the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV/AIDS and gastroenteritis, is built upon sound clinical findings and scientific investigations, yet no international efforts have been placed in this approach, to date. We hereby summarize the reasons why such efforts should be made, provide an example of one model being set up in sub-Saharan Africa, and challenge the international community to consider the potential benefits of probiotics, especially for communities not reached by governmental and nongovernmental agencies.

Probiotics Used in Human Studies.
Montrose DC, Floch MH.
J Clin Gastroenterol 2005 Jul;39(6):469-484.

GOAL: To investigate the literature from 1980 to 2004 for the types of studies and organisms used as probiotics in human studies and diseases. METHODS: PubMed search for probiotic organisms used in studies from 1980 to August 2004. The data from those papers were evaluated for organisms used, dose, vehicle, frequency, and investigator's report of positive or negative results. RESULTS: A total of 185 manuscripts were identified. Investigators reported results of both single and multiple organisms in the same manuscript. A single organism was used in 125 reports, and multiple organisms, ranging from 2 to 9, were used in 60 reports. Positive results were reported in 239 clinical situations and negative results reported in 49 in a total of 288 clinical conclusions drawn by the respective investigators. The studies are tabulated in this review. CONCLUSION: There is a large literature available in credible journals that report benefit of probiotic administration using a wide range of doses, organisms, and clinical situations. Most of the studies are simple reports of a clinical situation and require additional evaluation.

Herbal remedies in gastroenterology.
Comar KM, Kirby DF.
J Clin Gastroenterol 2005 Jul;39(6):457-68.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is presently not considered to be part of conventional medicine. Nevertheless, an estimated 51% of patients with gastrointestinal disorders have tried some from of CAM. Indeed, 10% of alternative medicines are being used for digestive symptoms. After prayer or spiritual healing, herbal medicine is the second most common CAM therapy. While herbal products make numerous health-related claims, those that have been systematically evaluated are unfortunately few. The modern gastroenterologist must be up to date with the regulations, side effects, and possible benefits of specific herbal products used in patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

Selective effect of infliximab on the inflammatory component of a colonic stricture in Crohn's disease.
Sorrentino D, Avellini C, Beltrami CA, Pasqual E, Zearo E.
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Jun 11;.

Although infliximab has been shown to improve the clinical course of Crohn's disease, its effect on intestinal strictures is controversial. We describe the case of a woman with steroid-resistant colonic Crohn's disease presenting with intermittent obstruction because of a tight stricture in the splenic flexure. Compared with uninvolved areas, biopsies showed intense edema and inflammatory cell infiltration and immunohistochemistry revealed an excess of TNF-alpha. Her symptoms responded promptly (CDAI went from 444 to 168) to an infliximab infusion (10 mg kg(-1) BW), which also had a dramatic effect on the stricture, now presenting radiologically as a moderate residual, apparently fibrotic, narrowing of the lumen. Endoscopy and histology confirmed the resolution of inflammation and TNF-alpha virtually disappeared. The patient refused additional infusions and after a few months the disease recurred with features identical to the pre-treatment phase. She then opted for surgery. Histology of the resected strictured colon revealed edema, inflammation, and fibrosis, with TNF-alpha back to pre-treatment levels. This case indicates that, in the colon, infliximab specifically relieves the TNF-alpha-mediated inflammatory component of the stricture while having no effect on fibrosis and suggests that the response to infliximab treatment may depend on the nature of the, stricture itself.

Clinical spectrum and surgical approach of adult intussusceptions: a multicentric study.
Barussaud M, Regenet N, Briennon X, de Kerviler B, Pessaux P, Kohneh-Sharhi N, Lehur PA, Hamy A, Leborgne J, le Neel JC, Mirallie E.
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Jun 11;.

BACKGROUND: The preoperative diagnosis of adult intussusceptions (AIs) remains difficult, and the assessment of the radiological methods has been evaluated very little in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interest of the different imaging modalities for the preoperative diagnosis of AI and describe causes of AI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients of 15 years and older with the postoperative diagnosis of intussusception from 1979 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively for this multicentric study. Data concerning clinical considerations, morphological examinations, surgical procedure, histological conclusions, mortality rate and recurrence were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with documented intussusception were included. The mean age was 51 years (15-93 years). The preoperative diagnosis of intussusception was made in 52% of the cases. The sensitivities of the different radiological methods were abdominal ultrasounds (35%), upper gastrointestinal barium study (33%), abdominal computed tomography (CT) (58%) and barium enema (73%). An organic lesion was identified in 95% of the cases. There was 29 enteric and 15 colonic (including appendicular) intussusceptions. Thirty-seven percent of the enteric lesions were malignant, and a bit less than 50% of them were metastatic melanomas. The benign enteric lesions were Meckel's diverticulum and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in half of the cases. Fifty-eight percent of the pure colonic lesions (excluding appendix) were malignant, and 85% of them were primary adenocarcinomas. The benign colonic lesions were lipomas in 80% of the cases. All patients, except one, had a surgical treatment, and 13 of them had a complete reduction of the intussusception before resection. The mortality rate was 16% and recurrence occurred in three patients; two of them had a Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. CONCLUSION: Intussusception rarely occurs in adults, but nearly half of their causes are malignant. The CT scan is a helpful examination for enteric intussusceptions whether barium enema seems to be the most performing method for colonic lesions. Surgery is the recommended treatment, with or without a primary reduction of the intussusception. During the surgical procedure, this reduction can lead to a more limited bowel resection.

Reparative properties of a commercial fish protein hydrolysate preparation.
Fitzgerald AJ, Rai PS, Marchbank T, Taylor GW, Ghosh S, Ritz BW, Playford RJ.
Gut 2005 Jun;54(6):775-81.

BACKGROUND: A partially hydrolysed and dried product of pacific whiting fish is currently marketed as a health food supplement to support "intestinal health". However, there has been only limited scientific study regarding its true biological activity. AIMS: We therefore tested its efficacy in a variety of models of epithelial injury and repair. METHODS: Effects on proliferation were determined using [(3)H] thymidine incorporation into epithelial rat intestinal RIE-1 and human colonic HT29 cells. Effects on restitution (cell migration) were analysed using wounded HT29 monolayers and its ability to influence gastric injury analysed using a rat indomethacin restraint model. Partial characterisation of bioactive agents was performed using mass spectroscopy, high pressure liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography. RESULTS: Both cell proliferation and cell migration were increased by about threefold when added at 1 mg/ml (p<0.01). Gastric injury was reduced by 59% when gavaged at 25 mg/ml (p<0.05), results similar to using the potent cytoprotective agent epidermal growth factor at 12.5 mug/ml. The vast majority of biological activity was soluble in ethanol, with glutamine in its single, di-, and tripeptide forms probably accounting for approximately 40% of the total bioactivity seen. Fatty acid constituents may also have contributed to cell migratory activity. CONCLUSIONS: Fish protein hydrolysate possesses biological activity when analysed in a variety of models of injury and repair and could provide a novel inexpensive approach for the prevention and treatment of the injurious effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other ulcerative conditions of the bowel. Further studies appear justified.

Screening for the Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer).
Hampel H, Frankel WL, Martin E, Arnold M, Khanduja K, Kuebler P, Nakagawa H, Sotamaa K, Prior TW, Westman J, Panescu J, Fix D, Lockman J, Comeras I, de la Chapelle A
N Engl J Med 2005 May 5;352(18):1851-60.

BACKGROUND: Germ-line mutations in the mismatch-repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 lead to the development of the Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), conferring a strong susceptibility to cancer. We assessed the frequency of such mutations in patients with colorectal cancer and examined strategies for molecular screening to identify patients with the syndrome. METHODS: Patients with a new diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma at the major hospitals in metropolitan Columbus, Ohio, were eligible for the study. Genotyping of the tumor for microsatellite instability was the primary screening method. Among patients whose screening results were positive for microsatellite instability, we searched for germ-line mutations in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 genes with the use of immunohistochemical staining for mismatch-repair proteins, genomic sequencing, and deletion studies. Family members of carriers of the mutations were counseled, and those found to be at risk were offered mutation testing. RESULTS: Of 1066 patients enrolled in the study, 208 (19.5 percent) had microsatellite instability, and 23 of these patients had a mutation causing the Lynch syndrome (2.2 percent). Among the 23 probands with the Lynch syndrome, 10 were more than 50 years of age and 5 did not meet the Amsterdam criteria or the Bethesda guidelines for the diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (including the use of age and family history to identify patients at high risk for the Lynch syndrome). Genotyping for microsatellite instability alone and immunohistochemical analysis alone each failed to identify two probands. In the families of 21 of the probands, 117 persons at risk were tested, and of these, 52 had Lynch syndrome mutations and 65 did not. CONCLUSIONS: Routine molecular screening of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma for the Lynch syndrome identified mutations in patients and their family members that otherwise would not have been detected. These data suggest that the effectiveness of screening with immunohistochemical analysis of the mismatch-repair proteins would be similar to that of the more complex strategy of genotyping for microsatellite instability.

Risk of colorectal neoplasm in patients with acromegaly and its relationship with serum growth hormone levels.
Matano Y, Okada T, Suzuki A, Yoneda T, Takeda Y, Mabuchi H
Am J Gastroenterol 2005 May;100(5):1154-60.

Locally recurrent rectal cancer: when should radiofrequency ablation be used?
Ripetti V, Ausania F, Zobel B, Coppola R
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Apr 12;.

Prospective, randomised study on antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery. Is it really necessary to use oral antibiotics?
Espin-Basany E, Sanchez-Garcia JL, Lopez-Cano M, Lozoya-Trujillo R, Medarde-Ferrer M, Armadans-Gil L, Alemany-Vilches L, Armengol-Carrasco M
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Apr 21;.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of prophylactic antibiotics in addition to mechanical cleansing is the current standard of care prior to colonic surgery. The question of whether the antibiotics should be administered intravenously or orally, or by both routes, remains controversial. Our aim was to compare three methods of prophylactic antibiotic administration in elective colorectal surgery. METHODS: Three hundred consecutive elective colorectal resections were studied. All patients had preoperative mechanical colon cleansing with oral sodium phosphate and intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis with cefoxitin (one dose before skin incision and two postoperative doses). Patients were randomised to one of the following three groups: group A: three doses of oral antibiotic (neomycin and metronidazole) at the time of mechanical colon cleansing; group B: one dose of oral antibiotic; group C: no oral antibiotics. All patients were followed during their hospital stay and at 7, 14 and 30 days post-surgery. RESULTS: Vomiting occurred in 31%, 11% and 9% of the studied patients (groups A, B and C, respectively) (p<0.001). Nausea was present in 44%, 18% and 13% of patients (p<0.001). Abdominal pain was recorded in 13%, 10% and 4% of patients (p: 0.077). Wound infection was present in 7%, 8% and 6% and suture dehiscence occurred in 2%, 2% and 3% of the patients in the three groups (no differences among them). Neither were differences found among the three groups in terms of urinary infections, pneumonia, postoperative ileus or intra-abdominal abscess. CONCLUSION: The addition of three doses of oral antibiotics to intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with lower patient tolerance in terms of increased nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and has shown no advantages in the prevention of postoperative septic complications. Therefore, we recommend that oral antibiotics should not be used prior to colorectal surgery.

HPV in anal squamous cell carcinoma and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) Impact of HPV analysis of anal lesions on diagnosis and prognosis.
Varnai AD, Bollmann M, Griefingholt H, Speich N, Schmitt C, Bollmann R, Decker D
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Apr 29;.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Majority of cases of anal squamous cell carcinoma are human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced and result from anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). This study was conducted to examine methods which may enable the routine diagnosis of HPV-induced changes in the anal rim and the consequences of such detection especially in view of a more sensitive diagnosis of AIN. Results were clinically correlated. METHODS: The study included biopsy samples from 87 patients who had been diagnosed with the following disease patterns: 47 invasive anal carcinoma, 33 AIN of varying severity and seven condylomatous lesions. In 52 of these cases, a tumour was clinically suspected. All biopsies were retrospectively examined for microscopic indications of HPV infection. After microdissection, additional HPV analysis via PCR was carried out. RESULTS: In 38 of 47 cases of anal carcinoma, HPV DNA could be detected via PCR (80.9%), the majority of which were HPV 16 (33/38=86.8%). In 29 of the 33 cases of AIN, HPV DNA was detected (87.9%), most of these in AIN III (15/16=93.8%). Histological markers of HPV infection were detected in all 87 cases. DISCUSSION: In our series, the clinical diagnosis of the invasive anal carcinoma had a high sensitivity of 93.6%, with a specificity of 80%. The positive predictive value was 84.6%, and the negative predictive value 91.4%. In contrast, AIN had been detected clinically in none of the cases. In this situation, especially with high-risk patients, our findings recommend anal HPV screening in combination with anal cytology and anoscopy. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we urgently recommend for any histological report on excision of anal lesions to include a statement whether histological markers of HPV infection were detected. In individual cases, validation via HPV PCR must be considered.

Blocking MAdCAM-1 in vivo reduces leukocyte extravasation and reverses chronic inflammation in experimental colitis.
Farkas S, Hornung M, Sattler C, Edtinger K, Steinbauer M, Anthuber M, Schlitt HJ, Herfarth H, Geissler EK
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Apr 23;.

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte recruitment to sites of intestinal inflammation is a crucial multi-step process, leading ultimately to the accumulation of cells in the inflamed tissue. These interactions in the gut are critically dependent on the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), which is expressed on endothelial cells within the mesenteric lymph nodes and the lamina propria of the intestine. Here, we investigate the pathophysiologic role of MAdCAM-1 in the intestinal microcirculation in vivo. METHODS: Using a standard mouse model, chronic colitis was established after four cycles of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) application. MAdCAM-1 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, as well as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Intravital microscopy was used to study the role of MAdCAM-1 on leukocyte-endothelium interactions and leukocyte extravasation. RESULTS: Significant changes in MAdCAM-1 were observed in mice with chronic DSS-induced colitis. Upregulation of MAdCAM-1 expression in chronic colitis was demonstrated on a protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level. Anti-MAdCAM-1 treatment lead to a marked reduction (>60%) of leukocyte sticking and extravasation in vivo, compared to the controls. This was parallelled by a significant reduction (45%) of intestinal inflammation, as measured by the histologic grading score. CONCLUSION: These in vivo results demonstrate a distinct role of MAdCAM-1 in inflammatory intestinal diseases, and suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting this adhesion molecule could be useful in the treatment of chronic colitis.

Tumour regression grading in the evaluation of tumour response after different preoperative radiotherapy treatments for rectal carcinoma.
Vironen J, Juhola M, Kairaluoma M, Jantunen I, Kellokumpu I
Int J Colorectal Dis 2005 Apr 23;.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) for rectal carcinoma has been shown to cause tumour regression and increase local control and patient survival. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of tumour regression grading (TRG) in quantifying the effect of PRT. METHODS: Depending on the tumour stage (uT), as defined by preoperative endorectal ultrasound (ERUS), fixity and distance from the anal verge, 126 patients with rectal cancer underwent either surgery alone, or received short-course 25-Gy radiotherapy or long-course 50-Gy radiotherapy combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) before surgery. TRG in each group was assessed and compared with the downstaging, defined as a change in preoperative uT stage and pathologic stage (pT). RESULTS: Complete response (no residual tumour, TRG 1) was seen in 7% of the patients (3/44) and total or major regression (TRG 1-3) in 73% of the patients (32/44) treated with 50-Gy chemoradiation. Of those treated with 25-Gy PRT, 21% (9/42) showed major tumour regression. Of the patients who underwent ERUS and PRT, 32% (26/83) were downstaged when comparing uT with pT, but 53% (14/26) of the downstaged tumours showed no response by TRG. In comparison, 50% (28/57) of the tumours with no downstaging showed a marked response by TRG (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tumour regression grading offers detailed information of the effect of PRT and shows that tumour regression is more marked after long-term chemoradiation than after short-course radiotherapy (p=0.02). In contrast, T-stage downstaging was similar in both groups and did not correlate with the TRG results (p=0.05).

Different role of the colonic pouch for low anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis.
Tonelli F, Garcea A, Batignani G
Tech Coloproctol 2005 Apr;9(1):15-20.

BACKGROUND : Functional outcome after sphincter-saving operations can be improved by colonic pouch compared to the straight procedure. However, it is not clear whether the colonic pouch has a different behavior in patients treated by low anterior resection with colorectal (LAR) or coloanal anastomosis (CAA). METHODS : We evaluated the 1-year results of 75 patients who underwent a sphincter-saving operation for rectal carcinoma or villous tumor of the middle or lower third of the rectum: 18 patients underwent coloanal anastomosis (CAA), in 13 patients we performed a coloanal anastomosis with a colonic pouch (PCAA), 20 patients had low anterior resection (LAR) and 24 had LAR with pouch construction (PLAR). The two groups of patients were similar in terms of age and gender. Anorectal function was assessed 12 months after the initial operation by an interview and anorectal manometry. RESULTS : One year after surgery, the daily mean number of defecations was significantly higher in the LAR group than in the other groups (2.0+/-1.5 in CAA group, 2.2+/-1.0 in PCAA, 2.3+/-1.8 in PLAR, 4.1+/-0.7 in LAR; p<0.05). Frequent soiling was observed in all the groups except PLAR. A lower degree of incontinence and a lower frequency of urgency were found in PCAA than in CAA. There were no differences in anal resting pressure and squeeze pressure among the various groups. Greater distensibility and compliance of the neorectum were observed in CAA, PCAA and PLAR compared to LAR, respectively 8.5+/-7.0 ml air/mmHg for CAA, 8.7+/-5.0 ml air/mmHg for PCAA, 6.3+/-4.0 ml air/mmHg for PLAR and 3.1+/-2.7 ml air/mmHg for LAR. A significant inverse linear correlation was present between the mean daily number of defecations and compliance. No difference in sense of incomplete evacuation was observed among the groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS : Colonic J-pouch provides an advantage over straight anastomosis in sphincter-saving operations by reducing the daily number of defecations, and the frequencies of fecal soiling and urgency. The role of the pouch seems to be different in LAR compared to CAA. In fact, in LAR the pouch increases compliance and consequently decreases the daily number of defecations. In CAA, the pouch does not reduce the number of defecations or the compliance, but reduces the frequency of fecal soiling and urgency.

Stoma formation for fecal diversion: a plea for the laparoscopic approach.
Liu J, Bruch HP, Farke S, Nolde J, Schwandner O
Tech Coloproctol 2005 Apr;9(1):9-14.

BACKGROUND : The aim of this study was to assess the results of laparoscopic stoma creation for fecal diversion, specifically focussing on feasibility, safety, and efficacy, as well as indications and techniques. METHODS : Within a 10-year-period, all patients requiring laparoscopic stoma creation were evaluated prospectively. Patients' profiles and indications, procedures and results of operation, conversion, morbidity, mortality and short-term complications (stoma-related, laparoscopy-associated) were analyzed. RESULTS : A total of 80 patients (39 males, 41 females) with a mean age of 55.5 years (range, 17-91) underwent laparoscopic stoma creation. Most common indications were unresectable advanced colorectal cancer (n=20), pelvic malignant cancer (e. g. ovarian, cervix and prostate cancer, n=16), and perianal