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A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair compared short- and long-term outcomes between individuals with or without history of previous abdominopelvic surgery, aiming to determine the feasibility of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair within this population. All patients who underwent elective TEP inguinal hernia repair by one consultant surgeon across three London hospitals from January 2017 to May 2023 were retrospectively analysed to assess perioperative outcomes. Two hundred sixty-two patients were identified, of whom two hundred forty-three (93%) underwent laparoscopic TEP repair. The most frequent complications were haematoma (6.2%) and seroma (4.1%). Recurrence occurred in four cases (1.6% of operations, 1.1% of hernias). One hundred eighty-four patients (76%) underwent day-case surgery. There were no mesh infections or explanations, vascular or visceral injuries, port-site hernias, damage to testicle, or persisting numbness. There were no requirements for blood transfusion, returns to theatre, or readmissions within 30 days. There was one conversion to open and one death within 60 days of surgery. Eighty-three (34%) had a history of previous AP surgery. There was no significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the AP and non-AP arms. This finding carried true for subgroup analysis of 44 patients whose AP surgical history did not include previous inguinal hernia repair and for those undergoing repair of recurrent hernia. In expert hands, laparoscopic TEP repair is associated with excellent outcomes and low rates of long-term complications, and thus should be considered as standard for patients regardless of a history of AP surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) results in improved survival. Existing non-invasive biomarkers have suboptimal accuracy. Neurotensin (NTS) is involved in CRC carcinogenesis. This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of plasma NTS for colorectal polyps and cancers. Participants were selected based on national CRC referral guidelines. All subjects underwent colonoscopy. Average plasma concentrations were compared across different diagnostic groups. Predictors for detecting colorectal neoplasia were identified. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of NTS. An independent biobank was used as validation group. Of 165 participants, 46 had polyps or CRC. Significantly higher plasma NTS was found in the colonic neoplasia group (603.6 pg/ml vs. 407.2 pg/ml, p < 0.01). Risk factors for colonic polyps or cancers included Loge (plasma NTS concentration) (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.33–5.59, p < 0.01), loge (Age) (OR, 15.49; 95% CI, 2.67–89.66, p < 0.01) and cigarette smoking (OR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.31–9.26, p = 0.01). Plasma NTS had an optimal sensitivity of 60.4% and specificity of 71.6% for the diagnosis of colorectal polyps and cancers. Similar diagnostic accuracy was obtained in the validation group. Plasma NTS has the potential to be a non-invasive biomarker for colorectal neoplasia. It appears to be more accurate than existing blood markers and is unique in being able to detect precancerous polyps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest cancers in Western society with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease. Targeted therapy is of increasing interest and already, targeted hormone treatment for breast and prostate cancer has improved survival. The aim of this literature review is to summarise the role of hormones in CRC prognosis and treatment. A literature review of all human and animal in vivo and in vitro studies in the last 20 years, which assessed the role of hormones in CRC treatment or prognosis, was carried out. The hormones described in this review have been subdivided according to their secretion origin. Most of the studies are based on in vitro or animal models. The main findings point to adipokines, insulin and the insulin growth factor axis as key players in the link between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and a subset of CRC. Gut-derived hormones, especially uroguanylin and guanylin are being increasingly investigated as therapeutic targets, with promising results. Using hormones as prognostic and therapeutic markers in CRC is still in the preliminary stages for only a fraction of the hormones affecting the GIT. In light of the increasing interest in tailoring treatment strategies, hormones are an important area of focus in the future of CRC management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MR defecography (MRD) is an alternative to conventional defecography (CD) which allows for dynamic visualisation of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study was to assess whether MRI features indicative of pelvic floor dysfunction correlated with patient-reported symptom severity. MR proctograms were matched to a prospectively-maintained functional database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using pre-treatment questionnaire responses to the Birmingham Bowel, Bladder and Urinary Symptom Questionnaire (BBUSQ), Wexner Incontinence Score (WIS), and modified Obstructed Defecation Symptom (ODS) Score. 302 MRI proctograms were performed between January 2012 and April 2015. 170 patients were included. Patients with a rectocele > 2 cm (p = 0.003; OR 5.756) or MRD features suggestive of puborectalis syndrome (p = 0.025; OR 8.602) were more likely to report a higher ODS score on multivariate analysis. Lack of rectal evacuation was negatively associated with an abnormal WIS (p = 0.007; OR 0.228). Age > 50 (p = 0.027, OR 2.204) and a history of pelvic floor surgery (p = 0.042, OR 0.359) were correlated with an abnormal BBUSQ incontinence score. Lack of rectal evacuation (p = 0.027, OR 3.602) was associated with an abnormal BBUSQ constipation score. Age > 50 (p = 0.07, OR 0.156) and the presence of rectoanal intussusception (p = 0.010, OR 0.138) were associated with an abnormal BBUSQ evacuation score. Whilst MRD is a useful tool in aiding multidisciplinary decision making, overall, it is poorly correlated with patient-reported symptom severity, and treatment decisions should not rest solely on results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the diagnostic ability of blood markers for colorectal cancer (CRC). A systematic review of the literature for diagnostic blood markers for primary human colorectal cancer over the last 5 years was performed. The primary outcome was to assess the diagnostic ability of these markers in diagnosing colorectal cancer. The secondary outcome was to see whether the marker was compared to other markers. The tertiary outcome was to assess diagnostic ability in early versus late CRC, including stage IV disease. We identified 51 studies (29 prospective, 14 retrospective, and 8 meta-analyses). The markers were divided in broadly four groups: nucleic acids (RNA/DNA/messenger RNA/microRNAs), cytokines, antibodies, and proteins. The most promising circulating markers identified among the nucleid acids were NEAT_v2 non-coding RNA, SDC2 methylated DNA, and SEPT9 methylated DNA. The most promising cytokine to detect CRC was interleukin 8, and the most promising circulating proteins were CA11-19 glycoprotein and DC-SIGN/DC-SIGNR. Sensitivities of these markers for detecting primary colorectal carcinoma ranged from 70 to 98% and specificities from 84 to 98.7%. The best studied blood marker was SEPT9 methylated DNA, which showed great variability with sensitivities ranging from 48.2 to 95.6% and specificities from 80 to 98.9%, making its clinical applicability challenging. If combined with fecal immunochemical test (FIT), the sensitivity improved from 78 to 94% in detecting CRC. Methylated SEPT9, methylated SDC2, and -SIGN/DC-SIGNR protein had better sensitivity and specificity than CEA or CA 19-9. With the exception of SEPT9 which is currently being implemented as a screening test for CRC all other markers lacked reproducibility and standardization and were studied in relatively small population samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) are both second-line treatments for faecal incontinence (FI). To compare the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of SNS versus PTNS for treating FI in adults.Method: A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane was performed in order to identify studies comparing SNS and PTNS for treating FI. A risk of bias assessment was performed using The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis.Results: Four studies (one randomised controlled trial and three nonrandomised prospective studies) reported on 302 patients: 109 underwent SNS and 193 underwent PTNS. All included studies noted an improvement in symptoms after treatment, without any significant difference in efficacy between SNS and PTNS. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the Wexner score improved significantly with SNS compared to PTNS (weighted mean difference 2.27; 95% confidence interval 3.42, 1.12; P < 0.01). Moreover, SNS was also associated with a significant reduction in FI episodes per week and a greater improvement in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life coping and depression domains, compared to PTNS on short-term follow-up. Only two studies reported on adverse events, reporting no serious adverse events with neither SNS nor PTNS.Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that SNS results in significantly improved functional outcomes and quality of life compared to PTNS. No serious adverse events were identified with either treatment. Further, high-quality, multi-centre randomised controlled trials with standardised outcome measures and long-term follow-up are required in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate oncological outcomes have been demonstrated with rectal resection and handsewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA) in tumours in close proximity to the internal anal sphincter. Our aim was to assess functional differences between handsewn CAA and ultralow stapled anastomosis. Participants were identified from a single-surgeon series. Included participants underwent anorectal physiology testing of anal sphincter function, in addition to completion of several questionnaires: Wexner Incontinence Score (WIS); Birmingham Bowel, Bladder and Urinary Symptom Questionnaire (BBUSQ); Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score; SF36. Non-parametric data compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. 20 participants were included; 11 stapled and 9 handsewn. Mean follow-up was 2.95 ± 1.97 years. The mean LARS score was 21.9 ± 1.97 years in the stapled group versus 29.4 ± 9.57 in the handsewn group (p = 0.133). The Wexner incontinence score was significantly higher in the handsewn group (p = 0.0076), with a mean score of 4.6 ± 3.69 versus 10.9 ± 4.76. The incontinence domain of the BBUSQ was also significantly worse in patients with a handsewn anastomosis (p = 0.001). With the exception of general health (p = 0.035) and social functioning (p = 0.035), which were worse in the handsewn groups, the other six domains of the SF-36 showed no statistical difference between groups. Anorectal physiology scores were not significantly different. Handsewn CAA anastomosis is known to be safe and oncologically feasible. Patient selection should be vigorous, with preoperative counseling regarding the likelihood of incontinence to manage patients’ expectations and promote comparable quality of life in the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to compare functional and quality of life data in patients with increasing grades of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) presenting to a tertiary colorectal pelvic floor clinic within 24 months of delivery. Methods: Prospective data were collected from the patients for the period 2009-2016 and included data on functional outcomes and motor anorectal manometry parameters. The instruments used for the evaluation of functional outcomes were the Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptoms Questionnaire, the Wexner Incontinence Score, Short Form 36, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. OASI grade of injury was based on the postdelivery endoanal ultrasound scan. Data from patients with a grade 3a, 3b, 3c or 4 OASI were compared using one-way ANOVA for parametric data and the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric data overall and for separate time periods (3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months). Results: Functional patient data were available in 177 patients: 29 with grade 3a, 55 with grade 3b, 77 with grade 3c and 16 with grade 4 OASI. There was no discernible trend in worsening function with increasing severity of OASI overall, nor for the specified time periods of 3-6 months 58 patients), 6-12 months (85 patients) or 12-24 months (18 patients). Conclusions: Our series demonstrated no significant differences in functional outcomes or quality of life in patients with different OASI grades. Longer-term follow-up is required to ascertain any later functional differences which may become apparent with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer screening programs aim at early detection of cancer to reduce incidence rates and mortality. The objective of this study is to identify the role of neurotensin in the endoscopic screening of high-risk population for developing colorectal neoplasia. Blood samples from patients referred for urgent colonoscopy to investigate symptoms suspicious of colorectal cancer were collected. Blood neurotensin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Colonoscopy findings were used as reference for determining the diagnostic accuracy of blood neurotensin. The study comprised 26 patients in total: 12 healthy and 14 with colon pathology (13 high-grade dysplasia adenomatous polyps, 1 adenocarcinoma). There were no statistically significant differences in the clinical and biochemical parameters between colon pathology and healthy group except neurotensin levels. Pathology in colon was associated with 3.7-fold increase in NT levels. In multivariate analysis, patients with pathology in colon have increased serum neurotensin levels compared to controls adjusted for age, gender, BMI and co-morbidities. The value of 12.93 pg/ml is associated with 87.5% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity for discriminating the colon pathology from normal colonic epithelium ( p = 0.001). Neurotensin plasma values differentiate healthy people from patients suffering from colonic pathologies such as adenomatous polyps and cancer. The use of neurotensin as a potential endoscopic screening tool for identifying high-risk population for developing colorectal cancer is promising, but much has to be done before it is validated in larger scale prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an ever-growing need, with the ongoing developments in research and the progress towards patient centered care, to delineate standardized protocols of management of anal cancer. However, guidelines from different societies show some degree of disagreement. This is a systematic review of the literature to identify similarities and discrepancies between the guidelines for the management of anal cancer drafted by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). We found essentially similar management for investigation, diagnosis, chemotherapy regimens, and radiotherapy doses in both ESMO and NCCN recommendations in the management of anal cancer. There were few differences, which included the levels of evidence and grades of recommendations, the delineation of radiotherapy fields, and the treatment of the elderly and personalized medicine based on genetics. The follow-up regime is also marginally different in the first 2 years. Even if the observed differences may be justified by a different implementation of evidence-based medicine among different countries for particular management modalities of anal cancer, we identified the grey areas which need further study. In addition, these facets should be assessed more carefully when planning future guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]