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Aim: Morbidity in patients with an ostomy is high. A new care pathway, including perioperative home visits by enterostomal therapists, was studied to assess whether more elaborate education and closer guidance could reduce stoma-related complications and improve quality of life (QoL), at acceptable cost. Method: Patients requiring an ileostomy or colostomy, for any inflammatory or malignant bowel disease, were included in a 15-centre cluster-randomized ‘stepped-wedge’ study. Primary outcomes were stoma-related complications and QoL, measured using the Stoma-QOL, 3 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included costs of care. Results: The standard pathway (SP) was followed by 113 patients and the new pathway (NP) by 105 patients. Although the overall number of stoma-related complications was similar in both groups (SP 156, NP 150), the proportion of patients experiencing one or more stoma-related complications was significantly higher in the NP (72% vs 84%, risk difference 12%; 95% CI: 0.3−23.3%). Although in the NP more patients had stoma-related complications, QoL scores were significantly better (P

Aim Comparison of functional and surgical outcome of the J-pouch with the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis after preoperative radiotherapy and total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer patients. Method In a multicentre study, patients with a carcinoma of the lower two-thirds of the rectum were randomized to either a J-pouch or a side-to-end reconstruction. Primary outcome was function of the neorectum 1 year after surgery. A functional outcome [COloREctal Functional Outcome (COREFO)] questionnaire, and two quality of life questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-CR38 and SF-36) were to be completed by all participants preoperatively, and 4 and 12 months postoperatively. Independent data managers recorded surgical outcome. A group size of 30 patients in each group was calculated based on a 15-point difference of the COREFO scale. Results In total, 107 patients were randomized, 55 in the J-pouch group and 52 in the side-to-end anastomosis group. The COREFO incontinence scale at 4 months and the total functional outcome at 4 and 12 months showed better results for the J-pouch group in comparison with the side-to-end anastomosis group. The remaining COREFO scales (frequency, social impact, stool-related aspects and bowel medication), surgical outcome (complications, reoperations, length of hospital stay, readmissions and mortality) and quality of life did not show significant differences between treatment groups. Conclusion The overall results of a coloanal J-pouch and a side-to-end anastomosis are comparable, although functional results are slightly better with a J-pouch. The side-to-end anastomosis is technically less demanding and therefore a justified alternative in sphincter-saving surgery.

Background Capecitabine is an attractive radiosensitizer. In this study acute toxicity and surgical complications were evaluated in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following total mesorectal excision (TME) after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with capecitabine. Methods Between 2004 and 2008, consecutive patients with clinical tumour category (cT) 3–4 (with a threatened circumferential resection margin or cT3 within 5 cm of the anal verge) or clinical node category 2 rectal cancer were treated with preoperative CRT (25 × 2 Gy, capecitabine 825 mg/m2 twice daily, days 1–33). TME followed 6 weeks later. Toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria (version 3.0) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring systems. Treatment-related surgical complications were evaluated for up to 30 days after discharge from hospital using the modified Clavien–Dindo classification. Results Some 147 patients were analysed. The mean cumulative dose of capecitabine was 95 per cent and 98·0 per cent of patients received at least 45 Gy. One patient died from sepsis following haematological toxicity. Grade 3–5 toxicity developed in 32 patients (21·8 per cent), especially diarrhoea (10·2 per cent) and radiation dermatitis (11·6 per cent). There were no deaths within 30 days after surgery. Anastomotic leakage and perineal wound complications developed after 13 of 47 low anterior resections and 23 of 62 abdominoperineal resections. Surgical reintervention was required in 30 patients. Twenty-seven patients (19·6 per cent) of 138 patients who had a laparotomy were readmitted within 30 days after initial hospital discharge. Conclusion Preoperative CRT with capecitabine is associated with acceptable acute toxicity, significant surgical morbidity but minimal postoperative mortality.

Background and Aims: Traditionally large, complex colorectal polyps were managed by surgical resection (SR), and in recent years endoscopic resection (ER) has progressed significantly. However, to what extent ER has replaced SR remains largely unknown. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study to assess the volume and volume changes of SR for benign colorectal polyps over the past decade. Methods: Patients who underwent SR for a benign colorectal polyp in the Netherlands between 2005 and 2015 were selected from the prospective nationwide Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA database). Clinical characteristics were obtained from the charts of patients who underwent SR in the province of Noord-Holland. Results: A total of 5937 patients were treated with SR for a colorectal polyp and the absolute (454-739 per year) and relative volumes (0.20%-0.37% per colonoscopy per year) of SR remained stable. In the province of Noord-Holland, 928 patients (15.6%) underwent SR. In these patients, submucosal lifting and ER were attempted in 19.9% (n = 175) and 15.0% (n = 134). After 2010, patients were more likely to undergo lifting (27.7% vs 11.4%, P

OBJECTIVE: Anorectal function is greatly disturbed after rectal surgery with or without radiotherapy (RT). To clarify the underlying mechanisms, we designed a prospective study to evaluate the effect of RT and surgery on anorectal function and clinical outcome of patients with a rectal carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with a rectal carcinoma participated in this study. They filled out a symptom questionnaire and underwent anal manometry, anal and rectal mucosal electrosensitivity testing, and a rectal barostat, before surgery, 4 and 12 months postoperatively. Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up, 14 underwent surgery alone (total mesorectal excision [TME]), and seven also received RT (RT + TME). RESULTS: Functional outcome was disappointing in both groups, with at 4 months a significantly higher defecation frequency after RT + TME as compared with TME. Anal sphincter function and rectal sensitivity to pressure-controlled distention were not affected by either treatment. Rectal compliance, however, was significantly reduced after RT + TME at 4 and 12 months, resulting in lower rectal volumes at the thresholds for first sensation and desire to defecate. Rectal but not anal mucosal electrosensitivity was higher after TME + RT. CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal function after rectal surgery with or without RT is greatly hampered because of a decreased rectal compliance. After 12 months, partial improvement is shown, especially in the absence of RT.

PURPOSE: The effects of the Parks' anal retractor on anal sphincter function were studied in a prospective, randomized trial. A closed hemorrhoidectomy was performed intraanally in 20 patients using the Parks' anal retractor; in 20 other patients, the procedure was done perineally without the use of a retractor. METHODS: Anal manometry was performed before and at 6 and 12 weeks after hemorrhoidectomy. RESULTS: Mean squeeze pressure decreased by 4 percent whether or not a retractor was used. Mean resting pressure decreased by 23 percent after use of Parks' anal retractor (P=0.01) compared with 8 percent when it was not used (P >0,05). CONCLUSIONS: The internal anal sphincter is easily damaged with the use of the Parks' anal retractor. When possible, its use should be avoided to obtain better manometric and functional results.

Disorders of continence are disorders of the ability to perceive, retain, or excrete faeces, or a combination of these. Disorders of perception are an absent or false feeling of urge. Retentional disorders are soiling, insufficiency and incontinence; disorders of excretion are constipation and complete rectal prolapse. Application of functional tests from the colorectal laboratory is helpful in diagnosing these functional disorders and in arriving at a strategy for treatment. Single tests represent different aspects of anorectal function and need to be performed together. Abnormal results in one test must be interpreted with caution, especially when therapeutic surgery is considered. Continence disorders are difficult to deal with as the symptomatology is often not specific

BACKGROUND: The improvement in local control by preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer can be at the cost of substantial morbidity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of short-course preoperative radiotherapy on morbidity and mortality after total mesorectal excision in a low-volume hospital. METHODS: From 2000 to 2007, 104 patients underwent rectal resection for a proven malignancy. Outcome parameters including anastomotic leakage rate, duration of hospital stay, and survival were retrospectively compared between patients who received radiotherapy followed by resection and patients who underwent resection alone. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage occurred in 11 of 28 patients (39%) who underwent radiotherapy and in 10 of 54 patients (19%) in the surgery-alone group (P = 0.04). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the radiotherapy group in comparison with the surgery-alone group (median 22 vs. 12 days; P = 0.002). Independent predictors of decreased overall survival were high American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, application of preoperative radiotherapy, necessity of Intensive Care Unit admission, and advanced pathological stage. CONCLUSIONS: A negative impact of preoperative radiotherapy on morbidity and mortality after rectal cancer surgery with an annual caseload of 16 was observed. Auditing of local practices is essential for quality control and potential improvement of clinical outcome

Background and aims The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy, interobserver variability, timing and discordance with relaparotomy of postoperative radiological examination of colorectal anastomoses. Patient/methods From 2000 to 2005, 429 patients underwent an ileocolonic, colo-colonic, or colorectal anastomosis. Radiological examination of the anastomosis was not performed routinely, but only when there were clinically signs of leakage. Radiological imaging was reviewed by an independent radiologist and medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical anastomotic leakage was the standard of reference and defined as leakage confirmed during relaparotomy, drainage of pus per anum or as an anastomotic defect identified at digital examination. Results Radiological evaluation of the anastomosis was performed in 91 patients (21%): CT in 27 patients, contrast radiography in 40, and both imaging modalities in 24 patients. The interobserver variability of CT and contrast radiography was 10% and 14%, respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of imaging of the anastomosis was 65% and 73%, respectively. Anastomotic leakage was found in 11 of 21 patients (52%) who underwent relaparotomy despite negative imaging. Three of 36 patients (8%) with a diagnosis of anastomotic leakage based on radiological examination had an intact anastomosis at relaparotomy. Conclusion Radiological imaging of the anastomosis after colorectal surgery should be restrictively applied and interpreted with caution because of the high false-negative rate and the substantial interobserver variability.

AIM: To analyze the time interval ('delay') between the first occurrence of clinical parameters associated with anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection and subsequent relaparotomy. METHODS: In 36 out of 289 consecutive patients with colorectal anastomosis, leakage was confirmed at relaparotomy. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively analysed and type and time of appearance of clinical parameters suggestive of anastomotic leakage were recorded. These parameters included heart rate, body temperature, local or generalized peritoneal reaction, leucocytosis, ileus and delayed gastric emptying. Factors influencing delay of relaparotomy and consequences of delayed recognition and treatment were determined. RESULTS: First documentation of at least one of the predefined parameters for anastomotic leakage was after a median interval of 4 +/- 1.7 d after the operation. The median number of days between first parameter(s) associated with leakage and relaparotomy was 3.5 +/- 5.7 d. The time interval between the first signs of leakage and relaparotomy was significantly longer when a weekend was included (4.2 d vs 2.4 d, P = 0.021) or radiological evaluation proved to be false-negative (8.1 d vs 3.5 d, P = 0.007). No significant association between delay and number of additional relaparotomies, hospital stay or mortality could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: An intervening weekend and negative diagnostic imaging reports may contribute to a delay in diagnosis and relaparotomy for anastomotic leakage. That delay was more than two days in two-thirds of the patients

Background: To properly balance the benefit (reduction of local recurrence) of short-term pre-operative radiotherapy for resectable rectal cancer against its harm (complications), a consensus concerning the severity of complications is required. The aim of this study was to reach consensus regarding major and minor complications after short-term radiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision in the treatment of rectal carcinoma, using the Delphi technique. Methods: A Delphi round was performed in cooperation with 21 colo-rectal surgeons from the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Sweden. The key-question was: 'Which of the predefined complications, caused or substantially aggravated by radiotherapy, are so important (major) that they might lead to the decision to abandon short-term pre-operative radiotherapy (5 × 5Gy) when treating patients with resectable rectal cancer (T1-3N0-2M0)?' Results: After three rounds, consensus was reached for 37 (68%) of 54 complications of which 13 were considered major and 24 considered minor. The following complications were considered to be major: mortality, anastomotic leakage managed by relaparotomy, anastomotic leakage resulting in persisting fistula, postoperative haemorrhage managed by relaparotomy, intra-abdominal abscess without healing tendency, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, compartment syndrome of the lower legs, long-term incontinence for solid stool, long-term problems with voiding, pelvic fracture with persisting pain, and neuropathy with persisting pain (legs). Three of 17 complications without consensus showed a tendency to be considered as major: perineal wound dehiscence managed by surgical treatment, small bowel obstruction leading to relaparotomy and long-term incontinence for liquid stool. Conclusion: The 13 major and three 'accepted as major' complications can be used to properly balance the benefit and harm of short-term pre-operative radiotherapy in resectable rectal cancer. This may eventually lead to improved treatment strategies for these patients.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to assess biofeedback treatment (active sphincter exercises under direct electromyography vision) in neurogenic fecal incontinence. METHODS: Twelve patients with neurogenic fecal incontinence have been studied prospectively. External sphincter contractions were exercised under direct electromyographic vision twice per day for 30 minutes during 12 weeks. Manometry was done at the beginning and after 12 weeks of training to evaluate objectively changes in sphincter functions. RESULTS: No patient experienced any improvement in fecal control. Mean resting pressure increased from 7 to 9 kPa and mean squeeze pressure from 3.9 to 4.9 kPA, which was of no statistical significance (P=0.20 andP=0.46, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: External sphincter contraction exercises under direct electromyographic vision are not effective in neurogenic fecal incontinence. Degree of continence does not improve, and external sphincter function is not increased significantly.

Objective This study was undertaken to assess the results of anal fistulotomy on faecal continence, recurrence and satisfaction. Methods We reviewed the records of 60 patients who underwent anal fistulotomy between 1997 and 2000. Follow-up was by a questionnaire with 46 (77%) patients responding. Mean follow-up was 1–4 years. Fistulas were intersphincteric in 12 patients and transsphincteric in 34 patients. Operative procedure consisted of fistulotomy. Results Of 11 patients with high fistula, 9 (82%) had impaired continence; Of 17 patients with midanal fistula, 4 (24%) suffered impaired continence. Eighteen patients had a low fistula and 8 (44%) developed impaired continence. In the whole group 50% had suffered faecal incontinence. There were no recurrences and there was satisfaction with the situation in 87% of patients. Conclusions Fistulotomy for primary fistula in ano in this retrospective study with a follow-up up to 4 years was associated with no recurrences. Eighty-two percent of patients with a high anal opening have impaired faecal continence, nevertheless patients' satisfaction is high.

PURPOSE: Postanal repair was designed to restore both anatomy and function of the anal canal in neurogenic fecal incontinence. In most series, the degree of continence is improved in fewer than 50 percent of patients. Adding anterior levatorplasty and sphincter plication (total pelvic floor repair) is claimed to improve functional results. We performed a randomized trial comparing postanal and total pelvic floor repair for neurogenic incontinence. METHOD: Twenty female patients were studied. All had Type D incontinence (Parks and Browning). Anal manometry, defecography, and grading of the degree of continence were repeated 12 weeks after surgery to assess changes in clinical, manometric, and radiologic parameters. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and Wilcoxon's two-sample test. RESULTS: Continence improved in eight patients. Differences among clinical, manometric, and radiologic data were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor repair procedures produce no consistent changes in anatomy or physiology. Clinical improvement is caused by creation of a local stenosis or by the placebo effect rather than by improvement of muscle function.

Restoration of intestinal continuity by anal anastomosis after sphincter-saving rectal excision is feasible from an oncological, technical and functional standpoint. We present our experience.The records of 223 patients with an anal anastomosis were reviewed. The anal anastomosis was performed hand-sutured transanally in 92 patients and double-stapled transabdominally in 131 patients. Coloanal anastomosis was performed in 39 patients and ileoanal pouch anastomosis in 184 patients.Operation time, blood loss and admission times were considerably less after double-stapling anastomosis. Relevant complications occurred in 15% after coloanal anastomosis and in 35% after ileoanal pouch anastomosis, failure rate was similar (13%). Complication (7% vs 43%) and failure rate (2% vs 27%) were less after double-stapled anastomosis. Prednisone did not influence the failure rate whereas previous abdominal surgery did.The double-stapling technique gives less complications and better results although effects of a learning curve are undoubtedly present in this series. The technique makes a temporary diverting ileostomy superfluous. The double-stapling technique is to be preferred for anal anastomoses.

Staged fistulotomy with a seton is considered to decrease the high incidence of continence disorders after surgical incision of a fistula. This retrospective study reports the results of the two-stage procedure with special emphasis on faecal continence. Thirty-four patients (aged between 20 and 57 years) were treated between 1981 and 1990 with a two-stage seton procedure for anal fistula (16 extrasphincteric and 18 trans-sphincteric) with a high anal or rectal internal opening. Thirty-one patients had normal preoperative continence. There were two recurrences. All trans-sphincteric fistulas healed. Twenty-nine patients with preoperative normal faecal control were available for follow-up. Postoperative continence was normal in 12 patients (category A according to Browning and Parks classification2): five patients had no control over flatus (B), 11 were incontinent for liquid stool or flatus (C) and one had continued faecal leakage (D). The two-stage seton technique is not recommended for fistulas with high anal or rectal openings.

PURPOSE: There is still considerable debate whether internal intussusception represents a functional disorder. We have reviewed our results in an effort to define its symptomatology and to assess defecography. METHODS: Rectopexy has been performed for internal intussusception in 37 patients. Eighteen had solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS), and 31 had anterior rectal wall prolapse. Defecography demonstrated anterior wall prolapse in 13, circular prolapse in 21, and no disorders in 3 patients. Pelvic floor function was normal. Follow-up varied from one to nine years. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients became asymptomatic. Anterior wall prolapses could not be palpated anymore. All SRUS lesions healed. Patients with SRUS (P

External fixation for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children seems an attractive alternative, which explains why its application gets more and more advocates. Between 1984 and 1989 15 children aged from 4 to 10 years were treated for a diaphyseal femoral fracture with an external fixation using a small Hofmann system. Fracture healing was without complications. Four children were able to walk on crutches non-weight-bearing after a short period. Six cases had complications, such as pin tract infection, inexplicable pain, or secondary displacement. One patient sustained a supracondylar fracture through one of the distal pin tracts. Hospital stay was longer than expected. In conclusion external fixation for femoral fractures in children is simple and elegant, but has considerable complications, while presumed advantages are not always obtained. In selected cases it is an attractive alternative, but the indications must be restricted.

Two patients presented with an isolated pulmonary lesion on routine x-ray of the thorax almost 2 years after treatment of bladder cancer. Needle biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma in the first patient but did not classify the lesion in the second patient. No evidence of extrapulmonary disease was found. Lobectomy was performed. Pathologic examination showed similar histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics as the primary bladder carcinoma. Postoperatively, it was decided not to give chemotherapy. One patient died 6 months postoperatively and 1 patient was alive 27 months after metastasectomy without evidence of disease.