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Background: Neurons of the enteric nervous system are characterised by high neuronal plasticity, with their number likely to change in response to various endogenous and exogenous substances. Materials and methods: Fifteen sexually immature gilts divided into 3 groups were used: control — animals receiving empty gelatin capsules; G1 — animals receiving a low dose of glyphosate — 0.05mg/kg bw/day; G2 — animals receiving a higher dose of glyphosate — 0.5 mg/kg/day in gelatin capsules orally for 28days. Frozen sections were then subjected to the procedure of double immunofluorescent staining. Results: With low-dose supplementation, no effect on the SP- and CART-positive neuron population was observed. However, a reduction in the number of VAChT-positive neurons in the internal submucosal plexus was described, while the number of CGRP-positive neurons increased in all enteric plexuses. In response to a high glyphosate dose, the quantitative variability of the neurons was significantly more pronounced than that for a low dose. There was an increase in the number of SP- and CGRP-positive neurons and a decrease in the number of VAChT-positive neurons in both the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexuses. The response of CART-positive neurons was the weakest, as a high dose of glyphosate led to an increase in the number of neurons only in the myenteric plexus. Conclusions: The above data show that glyphosate is an exogenous substance that affects neuronal populations of the enteric nervous system, in this case, the descending colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas gangrene is a rare, severe gas-producing infection that can be related to colorectal cancer. Gas gangrene can be confirmed by radiologic findings and crepitation on touch. Spontaneous gas gangrene can be associated with colorectal cancer. An 80-year-old female complaint about a sudden abdominal pain, accompanied with progressive swelling pain in thigh and fever. Diagnosis based on assessment findings were gas gangrene and descending colonic cancer perforation. Emergency surgery was performed for debridement and drainage, followed by vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) with polyurethane (PU). Two more surgical interventions were given before the colonic tumor surgery. The patient recovered well in the long-term follow-up. This report demonstrates the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a successful case of gas gangrene caused by perforation of descending colonic cancer. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and reasonable use of VSD (PU) material played an important role in the treatment of this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current budesonide formulations are inadequate for addressing left-sided colitis, and patients might hesitate to use an enema for a prolonged time. This study focuses on developing a single-layer coating for budesonide pellets targeting the descending colon. Pellets containing budesonide (1.5%w/w), PVP K30 (5%w/w), lactose monohydrate (25%w/w) and Avicel pH 102 (68.5%w/w) were prepared using extrusion spheronization technique. Coating formulations were designed using response surface methodology with pH and time-dependent Eudragits. Dissolution tests were conducted at different pH levels (1.2, 6.5, 6.8, and 7.2). Optimal coating formulation, considering coating level and the Eudragit (S + L) ratio to the total coating weight, was determined. Budesonide pellets were coated with the optimized composition and subjected to continuous dissolution testing simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The coating, with 48% S, 12% L, and 40% RS at a 10% coating level, demonstrated superior budesonide delivery to the descending colon. Coated pellets had a spherical shape with a uniform 30 µm thickness coating, exhibiting pH and time-dependent release. Notably, zero-order release kinetics was observed for the last 9 h in colonic conditions. The study suggests that an optimized single-layer coating, incorporating pH and time-dependent polymers, holds promise for consistently delivering budesonide to the descending colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A defunctioning stoma is used to alleviate the consequences of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. A loop ileostomy is often preferred but may lead to dehydration and kidney injury. Here, we present a case series for an alternative: the left-sided loop colostomy. A convenience sample of four patients underwent robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. A complete splenic flexure mobilization and a total mesorectal excision were performed. To defunction the anastomosis, the redundant left colon was brought up to a stoma site in the left iliac fossa and matured as a loop colostomy. Two patients experienced minor stoma leaks and one also had a small prolapse, while all patients had their colostomies reversed on average 7 months after surgery without complications. There were no dehydration episodes and creatinine levels remained within baseline levels at end of follow-up (on average 18 months). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the endoscopic sensitivity for each segment of the colon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational and retrospective study performed in the Laboratory of Histopathology and Molecular Biology of the Hospital Ángeles del Carmen, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, with the histopathological tests practiced from January 2018 to October 2021 in patients with colorectal biopsies, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and simultaneously analyzed by four specialists in pathological anatomy by light microscopy. For statistical analysis of the data, Statgraphics 18 software was used to determine the sensitivity of histopathologic examination of each colonic segment. RESULTS: Histopathologic studies of colorectal biopsies from 130 patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis were reviewed. By segment alone, the sigmoid colon had the highest sensitivity, followed by the ascending colon and the descending colon. Collagenous colitis was more common in men than in women; mixed lymphocytic and microscopic colitis were more common in women. The mean ages for collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and mixed microscopic colitis were 50.7 ± 21.8, 50.44 ± 17.6, and 49.2 ± 23.3 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high frequency of mixed microscopic colitis, it is important to consider it a subtype of microscopic colitis in future studies. Contrary to previous reports, the results of this study show that collagenous colitis is more common in men than in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Environmental contamination and the resulting food contamination represent a serious problem and pose a major threat to animal and human health. The gastrointestinal tract is directly exposed to a variety of substances. One is glyphosate, whose presence in the soil is commonly observed. This study demonstrates the effects of low and high glyphosate doses on the populations of intramural neurons of the porcine descending colon. An analysis was performed on neurons ex-pressing the vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, a neuronal isoform of nitrogen oxide synthase, and galanin. Even a low dose of glyphosate increased the number of neurons immunoreactive against the studied substances. However, the changes depended on both the plexus analysed and the substance tested. Meanwhile, a high glyphosate dose resulted in quantitative changes (an increase in the number) within neurons immunoreactive against all the studied neuropeptides/enzymes in the myenteric plexus and both submucosal plexuses. The response of the enteric nervous system in the form of an increase in the number of neurons immunoreactive against neuroprotective substances may suggest that glyphosate has a toxic effect on enteric neurons which attempt to increase their survivability through the released neuroprotective substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More early the diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction is made, more chances of success are there. At the same time, after diagnosis, appropriate management also decides the chances of success. Pathophysiological effects of the condition should be kept in mind while managing such cases. Objective: To study clinical profile of patients with acute intestinal obstruction. Methods: Prospective observational study was carried out among 90 cases of acute intestinal obstruction. Complete resuscitation of the patients was carried out. Once the patient was stable, surgical intervention was done in the indicated cases as per the standard operative guidelines. Throughout the postoperative period, the patients were monitored carefully in the postoperative intensive care units or wards depending on the patients' general condition and toxemia. Results: Incidence of acute intestinal obstruction was 25.7%. Incidence of intestinal obstruction was highest in >50 years (66.7%) cases. Hernia and Strictures (TB and non-TB) was more common in females than males. Incisional hernia was most common type in 64.3%. Descending colon, sigmoid, rectum was the most common site of carcinoma in 41.7%. Small bowel was involved more than large bowel for hernia, adhesions and band, strictures, mesenteric ischemia. But, carcinoma was almost three times more in large bowel compared to small bowel. Incidence of gangrene was 100% in case of mesenteric ischemia. Only 13 cases had postoperative complications. Most common complication was wound infection in six cases. Conclusion: Incidence of acute intestinal obstruction was 25.7%. incidence of complications was very less postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ileosigmoidal knotting (ISK) is a rare, possibly fatal cause of intestinal obstruction. ISK is a compound volvulus that is more common in Africa and Asia. ISK is mostly seen in adults, pediatric cases reported in the literature are much rarer. In this report, we present the first reported case of ISK in a pediatric patient from Nepal. An 8-year-old male child presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, and obstipation. The abdomen was distended with generalized tenderness. Erect abdominal X-ray showed multiple air-fluid levels. Intraoperatively, gangrenous ileum loops were entangled around the sigmoid, and resection of the gangrenous ileum and sigmoid was performed. An end-to-end colo-colic anastomosis from the descending colon to the remaining sigmoid with a double-loop ileostomy was performed. Pediatric ISK is a rare fatal form of intestinal obstruction that progresses quickly to gangrene. Clinical signs and symptoms are nonspecific, making preoperative diagnosis challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The colon has two different embryological origins, which is why it can be divided into right and left with different characteristics each one; therefore, neoplastic lesions have a different clinical picture and are also associated with different pathologies. Objective: To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of malignant colon tumors acording to their location. Material and methods: Descriptive, retrospective study with 94 patients diagnosed with colon cancer. Descriptive statistics were performed with the calculation of frequencies and percentages, and chi-squared tests were calculated. Results: Mean age was 61.3 years, 49 (52.1%) were women; 53 (56.4%) were left-sided and 41 (43.6%) right-sided. The main symptom was hematochezia in 32 (60.4%), in patients with left cancer; and diarrhea in 20 (48.8%), in patients with right-sided colon cancer. The presentation of stage I tumors and polyps, p = 0.044 and p = 0.043, respectively, was more frequent on the right side compared to the left side; in the left, hematochezia (p = 0.001), narrow stools (p = 0.05), and a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (p = 0.036) were more frequent compared to the opposite site. Conclusions: Stage I and the presence of polyps were more frequent in right-sided cancer compared to left-sided cancer; T2DM, as well as hematochezia and narrow stools were more associated with the left side compared to the right side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schwannomas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare spindle cell tumors that account for 2–6% of mesenchymal tumors. An elderly male was found to have a left colon mass on CT scan and colonoscopy with pathology of fibrotic tissue. A laparoscopic-assisted left hemi-colectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. Pathology demonstrated spindle cell neoplasm arranged in short fascicles that were strongly and diffusely positive for S100. An elderly female was found to have a submucosal lesion on surveillance colonoscopy in the proximal transverse colon. Biopsy with jumbo forceps revealed spindle cell neoplasm positive for S100. Patient underwent an uncomplicated limited non-oncologic segmental transverse colectomy. We report only the ninth case of left and sixth in the transverse colon described in the literature. As is true for other mesenchymal tumors, mucosal biopsy is usually inconclusive and deep biopsy or submucosal resection is required, making pre-operative surgical decision difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental contamination and the resulting food contamination represent a serious problem and pose a major threat to animal and human health. The gastrointestinal tract is directly exposed to a variety of substances. One is glyphosate, whose presence in the soil is commonly observed. This study demonstrates the effects of low and high glyphosate doses on the populations of intramural neurons of the porcine descending colon. An analysis was performed on neurons ex-pressing the vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, a neuronal isoform of nitrogen oxide synthase, and galanin. Even a low dose of glyphosate increased the number of neurons immunoreactive against the studied substances. However, the changes depended on both the plexus analysed and the substance tested. Meanwhile, a high glyphosate dose resulted in quantitative changes (an increase in the number) within neurons immunoreactive against all the studied neuropeptides/enzymes in the myenteric plexus and both submucosal plexuses. The response of the enteric nervous system in the form of an increase in the number of neurons immunoreactive against neuroprotective substances may suggest that glyphosate has a toxic effect on enteric neurons which attempt to increase their survivability through the released neuroprotective substances.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic surgery for cancer located in the transverse colon or splenic flexure is difficult because of vascular variability in this region and adjacent vital organs such as the pancreas, spleen, and duodenum. Methods This retrospective cohort study involved 51 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer at Tokushima University Hospital from July 2015 to December 2020. Variations of the middle colic artery (MCA), left colic artery (LCA), middle colic vein (MCV), and first jejunal vein (FJV) and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with each vascular variation were evaluated. Results Variations of the MCA, LCA, MCV, and FJV were classified into four, three, five, and three patterns, respectively. The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer in patients with MCA variations and those with FJV variations were evaluated, and no significant difference was found in the operation time, blood loss, postoperative complication rate, time from surgery to start of dietary intake, or time from surgery to discharge among the different variations. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer in patients with LCA variations. Conclusion Preoperative assessment of vascular variations may contribute to the stability of short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon, splenic flexure, and descending colon cancer.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for cancer located in the transverse colon or splenic flexure is difficult because of vascular variability in this region and adjacent vital organs such as the pancreas, spleen, and duodenum.Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 51 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer at Tokushima University Hospital from July 2015 to December 2020. Variations of the middle colic artery (MCA), left colic artery (LCA), middle colic vein (MCV), and first jejunal vein (FJV) and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with each vascular variation were evaluated.Results: Variations of the MCA, LCA, MCV, and FJV were classified into four, three, five, and three patterns, respectively. The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer in patients with MCA variations and those with FJV variations were evaluated, and no significant difference was found in the operation time, blood loss, postoperative complication rate, time from surgery to start of dietary intake, or time from surgery to discharge among the different variations. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer in patients with LCA variations.Conclusion: Preoperative assessment of vascular variations may contribute to the stability of short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon, splenic flexure, and descending colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A congenital band is an infrequent abnormality. Intestinal obstruction caused by an anomalous congenital band is very rare in children. Herein, we present the case of a 6-year-old patient with intestinal obstruction due to a congenital band. The compression was at the level of the descending colon. The location of the obstruction was determined by lower GI endoscopy, but the cause of the obstruction was diagnosed intraoperatively. The band was ligated and divided without intestinal resection. To the best of our knowledge, just four cases of large bowel obstruction due to congenital bands have been reported in the literature.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. With 5% risk of developing CRC in life, it became the third leading cause of cancer death in developed nations. In Nigeria, it is the most common GI cancer. However, there are limited data on CRC in the study area (North-Western part of Nigeria). The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, endoscopic and histological profile of CRC seen on colonoscopy. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study where colonoscopic and histological records of suspected CRC in the study centre between January 2008 to December 2017 were evaluated. Results: Records of 135 patients were reviewed, and males constituted 63.7%. The mean age was 46.61 ± 16.80 years, with 30–39 years as a modal group. Common presentations were diarrhoea (86.7%) and bleeding per rectum (68.9%). Areas affected were rectosigmoid colon (63%), ascending colon (14.1%), descending colon (8.9%), transverse colon (7.4%) and anal canal (6.7%). Histologically, adenocarcinoma was reported in 57.8%, mucinous adenocarcinoma in 8.1% and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in 3.7%. Tubular and villous adenomas were 3% each. Others were carcinoid tumours (1.5%), metastatic adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, GI stromal tumour, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, angiosarcoma and adenoid cyst carcinoma reported in 0.7% each. Conclusion: Majority of the patients with CRC were in their young age. The most common presentations were diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia. The most common site of affectation was in the left colon, while the most common histological finding was adenocarcinoma.

The optimal surgical approach for distal transverse colon cancer has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic safety of left colectomy with a modified complete mesocolic excision for distal transverse colon cancer as compared with descending colon cancer. This study involved 383 patients who underwent left colectomy with modified complete mesocolic excision for non-metastatic distal transverse and splenic flexure colon (transverse group, N = 110) and descending colon cancer (descending group, N = 237) from 3 institutions. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar except for the length of the distal margin (transverse group = 11.0 cm vs descending group = 9.0 cm, p = 0.004). During a median follow-up of 47.0 months, RFS and OS were not different between the transverse and descending groups (5-year RFS: 82% vs 71%, p = 0.139; 5-year OS: 83% vs 79%, p = 0.416, respectively). In multivariable analysis, RFS and OS were not different between the two groups (transverse group vs. descending group: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.557, 95% CI = 0.786–3.084, p = 0.204; aHR = 1.251, 95% CI = 0.530–2.952, p = 0.609). The oncologic outcomes of left colectomy with a modified complete mesocolic excision of distal transverse colon cancer were comparable to those of descending colon cancer. Left colectomy with a modified complete mesocolic excision can be an acceptable surgical treatment for distal transverse colon cancer. ● Optimal surgical approach for distal transverse colon cancer has not been well established ● Left colectomy for descending colon cancer was demonstrated oncological safety ● The oncologic outcomes of left colectomy for the distal transverse colon were comparable ● Left colectomy can be an acceptable surgical treatment for distal transverse colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are most often found in the small intestine, rectum, appendix, and stomach. The colon, excluding the appendix and the cecum, is a rare location for these neoplasms and often gives rise to highly proliferative, poorly differentiated tumors with aggressive features and dismal prognosis. A 32-year-old male presents with a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from an unusual location, the descending colon. The patient's clinical and imaging characteristics resembles those seen in the much more common neoplasm, colonic adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography and In-111 octreotide scan are limited in diagnosing large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Pathologic correlation of a surgical specimen is required to make the correct diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal neuropathy in diabetes is one of numerous diseases resulting in abnormal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and it may affect any section of the GIT, including the descending colon. In the gastrointestinal system, the neurons are arranged in an interconnecting network defined as the enteric nervous system (ENS) which includes the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexuses: inner and outer. Regular functioning of the ENS is determined by normal synthesis of the neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. This paper demonstrates the effect of hyperglycaemia on the number of enteric neurons which are immunoreactive to: neural isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), galanin (GAL), calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP) and cocaine amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the porcine descending colon. It was demonstrated that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of neurons within the myenteric plexus immunoreactive to all investigated substances. In the outer submucosal plexus, the CART-positive neurons were the only ones not to change, whereas no changes were recorded for nNOS or CART in the inner submucosal plexus. This study is the first study to discuss quantitative changes in the neurons immunoreactive to nNOS, VIP, GAL, CGRP and CART in the descending colon in diabetic pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Intramural hematoma of the colon should be considered as a diagnosis in anticoagulated patients who present with prolonged INR and GI symptoms. In stable cases, conservative medical treatment can be sufficient to avoid unnecessary procedures.

Intramural hematoma of the colon should be considered as a diagnosis in anticoagulated patients who present with prolonged INR and GI symptoms. In stable cases, conservative medical treatment can be sufficient to avoid unnecessary procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Stage-IIIC colon cancer is an advanced disease; however, its oncologic outcomes and prognostic factors remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage-IIIC colon cancer. Methods From a multicenter database, we retrospectively enrolled 611 patients (355 men and 256 women) who had undergone a potentially curative resection for a stage-IIIC colon adenocarcinoma between 2003 and 2011. The primary end-point was the 5-year DFS. Results The median age was 62 years; 213 and 398 patients had right-sided colon cancer (RCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LCC), respectively. The 5-year DFS in all patients was 52.0%; median follow-up time was 35 months (range, 1–134 months). A multivariate Cox regression revealed that female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.90; P < 0.01), right-sided tumor location (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.29–2.11; P < 0.01), lymphatic invasion (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08–2.15; P < 0.01) and a high (≥0.4) metastatic lymph node ratio (HR, 3.72; 95% CI, 2.63–5.24; P < 0.01) were independent predictors of worse 5-year DFS. Female patients with RCC were 1.79 fold more likely to experience recurrence than male patients with LCC. Conclusion Female sex and right-sided tumor location are associated with higher tumor recurrence rates in patients with stage-IIIC colon cancers. Aggressive treatment and close surveillance should be planned for patients in these groups.

Objectives: Colon cancer emerges as a serious health problem in both men and women. Cancers in the colon have different genotypes and phenotypes according to the anatomical region. Tumors in ascending colon are usually diagnosed later, but it is more malignant than the descending and transverse colon, and the survival rates of patients are lower than other regions. The purpose of this study was to determine significantly high or low expressed genes in the ascending colon tumors by comparing all genome information obtained from cancer samples of ascending, transverse and descending colon. In concordance with all this information, another aim of the study was to identify the pathways to which the genes obtained from the colon in the large intestine and to determine their relationship with each other and to correlate them with the characteristics of cancer. Methods: Gene expression values for three subtypes of colon cancer as ascending, transverse, and descending were obtained from GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) (GSE41258). Data included a total of 47 ascending, 18 transverse and 31 descending colon cancer patient samples. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine differentially expressed genes. Gene Cluster 3.0 was used in order to cluster the genes hierarchically. In addition to linear regression and hierarchical clustering, network analysis with multivariable genes was performed in Cytoscape application 3.8.2 using GeneMANIA. GSEA 4.1.0 (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) was performed to understand the different genes among the specified groups. Results: As a result of these analyses, it was determined that there were 85 genes with high expression and 139 genes with low expression in the ascending colon tumor samples. It has been shown that these genes can differentiate tumor samples in the ascending colon better than tumor samples in other colon regions. Conclusion: Our findings are important for understanding the genome of ascending colon tumors; if these findings are confirmed in vitro and clinically, it may have potential to be revealed that the identified genes also have biomarker properties for tumors in the ascending colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotation of the midgut is essential for normal placement of intestines in the abdominal cavity. The process of midgut rotation and simultaneous retraction of the herniated intestinal loops pushes the hind gut to the left side of the abdominal cavity. So the descending colon and the sigmoid colon occupy the left side of the abdominal cavity. In this report, we document a male cadaver that revealed right-sided sigmoid colon. On further dissection, the descending colon was found lying in the midline with a small peritoneal fold stretching from the right side of sigmoid colon to ileocecal junction. There was also variation in the inferior mesenteric artery supplying the displaced descending colon and sigmoid colon. The possible embryological and molecular basis of this variation has been discussed. The anatomical knowledge of this variation is essential for interventional and diagnostic colonoscopy procedures and colonic surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. With 5% risk of developing CRC in life, it became the third leading cause of cancer death in developed nations. In Nigeria, it is the most common GI cancer. However, there are limited data on CRC in the study area (North-Western part of Nigeria). The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, endoscopic and histological profile of CRC seen on colonoscopy. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study where colonoscopic and histological records of suspected CRC in the study centre between January 2008 to December 2017 were evaluated. Results: Records of 135 patients were reviewed, and males constituted 63.7%. The mean age was 46.61 ± 16.80 years, with 30-39 years as a modal group. Common presentations were diarrhoea (86.7%) and bleeding per rectum (68.9%). Areas affected were rectosigmoid colon (63%), ascending colon (14.1%), descending colon (8.9%), transverse colon (7.4%) and anal canal (6.7%). Histologically, adenocarcinoma was reported in 57.8%, mucinous adenocarcinoma in 8.1% and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in 3.7%. Tubular and villous adenomas were 3% each. Others were carcinoid tumours (1.5%), metastatic adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, GI stromal tumour, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, angiosarcoma and adenoid cyst carcinoma reported in 0.7% each. Conclusion: Majority of the patients with CRC were in their young age. The most common presentations were diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia. The most common site of affectation was in the left colon, while the most common histological finding was adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary tumor sidedness (PTS) is an independent prognostic factor in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), with a worse prognosis for right-sided tumors. There are limited data on the prognostic impact of PTS in stage III CRC. The main objective of this study was to analyze the prognostic impact of PTS in stage III CRC., Patients and Methods: A retrospective and uni-institutional cohort study was performed in an oncology reference center. Patients with stage III CRC treated with a 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen (mFLOX regimen) from October 2007 to February 2013 were included. The primary outcome was the probability of overall survival (OS) at 5 years stratified by PTS. Secondary outcomes were the probability of disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years and an analysis of the prognostic impact of clinical and molecular biomarkers. Kaplan‒Meier curves were used, and Cox models were used to evaluate prognostic factors associated with OS and DFS., Results: Overall, 265 patients were evaluated. Transverse colon tumors, multicentric tumors, and undetermined primary subsites were excluded, resulting in 234 patients classified according to PTS: 95 with right sidedness (40.6%) and 139 with left sidedness (59.4%). The median follow-up time was 66 months [interquartile range (IQR): 39-81]. The 5-year OS probabilities for right-sided and left-sided tumors were 67% (95% CI: 58%-77%) and 82% (75%-89%), respectively [hazard ratio (HR): 2.02, 95% CI: 1.18-3.46; P = .010]. The 5-year probabilities of DFS for right-sided and left-sided tumors were 58% (49%-69%) and 65% (58%-74%), respectively (HR: 1.29, 0.84-1.97; P = 0.248)., Conclusion: These data suggest that there may be a worse prognosis (inferior OS at 5 years) for resected right-sided stage III CRC patients treated in the real world. However, these data need to be confirmed by prospective studies with a larger number of participants., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Intussusception is a rare event in adults which constitutes 1–3% of all cases of intestinal obstruction. Malignant etiology as causes of intussusception is more common in large bowel accounting for 60–65% cases. Intussusception due to colonic lipoma is rare. The present case is a 45-year-old woman who had a polypoidal growth in the descending colon. She was operated and the growth was histopathologically diagnosed as lipoma. Though rare, colonic lipoma should be considered as a probable etiology for intussusceptions.

Background: Neurons of the enteric nervous system are characterised by high neuronal plasticity, with their number likely to change in response to various endogenous and exogenous substances., Materials and Methods: Fifteen sexually immature gilts divided into 3 groups were used: control - animals receiving empty gelatin capsules; G1 - animals receiving a low dose of glyphosate - 0.05 mg/kg bw/day; G2 - animals receiving a higher dose of glyphosate-0.5 mg/kg/day in gelatin capsules orally for 28 days. Frozen sections were then subjected to the procedure of double immunofluorescent staining., Results: With low-dose supplementation, no effect on the SP- and CART-positive neuron population was observed. However, a reduction in the number of VAChT-positive neurons in the internal submucosal plexus was described, while the number of CGRP-positive neurons increased in all enteric plexuses. In response to a high glyphosate dose, the quantitative variability of the neurons was significantly more pronounced than that for a low dose. There was an increase in the number of SP- and CGRP-positive neurons and a decrease in the number of VAChT-positive neurons in both the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexuses. The response of CART-positive neurons was the weakest, as a high dose of glyphosate led to an increase in the number of neurons only in the myenteric plexus., Conclusions: The above data show that glyphosate is an exogenous substance that affects neuronal populations of the enteric nervous system, in this case, the descending colon.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the part of the nervous system that is located in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and regulates the majority of the functions of the stomach and intestine. Enteric neurons may contain various active substances that act as neuromediators and/or neuromodulators. One of them is a gaseous substance, namely nitric oxide (NO). It is known that NO in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may possess inhibitory functions; however, many of the aspects connected with the roles of this substance, especially during pathological states, remain not fully understood. An experiment is performed here with 15 pigs divided into 3 groups: C group (without any treatment), C1 group (“sham” operated), and C2 group, in which experimental inflammation was induced. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of inflammation on nitrergic nervous structures in the muscular layer of the porcine descending colon using an immunofluorescence method. The obtained results show that inflammation causes an increase in the percentage of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive neurons in the myenteric plexus of the ENS, as well as the number of nitrergic nerve fibers in the muscular layer of the descending colon. The obtained results suggest that NO is involved in the pathological condition of the large bowel and probably takes part in neuroprotective and/or adaptive processes.

The applicability of single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) for descending colon cancer is poorly understood. In the present study, consecutive experiences with SILC for descending colon cancer are reviewed, and its long-term clinical and oncological outcomes are evaluated. A single institutional experience of SILC for descending colon cancer is presented. Thirty patients (13 women) with a median age of 68.7 years and a median body mass index of 23.0 kg/m2 were treated with SILC for clinically diagnosed colon cancer between January 2011 and December 2015. We performed left hemicolectomy in patients whose tumor located at the splenic flexure, and selected descending colectomy in the other patients. There were no conversions and additional port insertion. The mean skin incision length was 2.89 cm. The mean operative time and blood loss were 184.7 min and 72.5 mL, respectively. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 18.8. The 5-year relapse-free survival for stage I, stage II, and stage III disease was 100%, 70.0%, and 67.3%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival for stage I, stage II, and stage III disease was 100%, 72.0%, and 67.3%, respectively. Our initial experiences showed that SILC can be applied to the treatment of descending colon cancer with good long-term clinical and oncological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]