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Purpose To compare brachytherapy (BT) boost of low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) techniques in patients diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Material and methods Between January 2005 and February 2018, 142 patients (50 LDR and 92 HDR) with intermediate-risk prostate cancer were treated with a BT boost, and retrospectively analyzed. Prescribed dose was 45 Gy with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) plus 100-108 Gy with LDR-BT, and 60 Gy with EBRT plus one fraction of 10 Gy with HDR-BT. 99% of patients received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for 6 months. Primary endpoint was to compare LDR and HDR boosts in terms of biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS). Secondary endpoint, after re-classifying patients into "favorable" and "unfavorable" sub-groups, was to analyze differences with a similar treatment intensity. Results Median overall follow-up for the total cohort was 66.5 months (range, 16-185 months). There were no significant differences in bPFS, overall survival, cause specific survival, local failure, lymph node failure, or distant failure when LDR or HDR was employed. bPFS at 90 months was 100% for favorable, and 89% and 85% for unfavorable patients at 60 months and 90 months, respectively (log-rank test, p = 0.017). The crude incidence of genitourinary acute and chronic toxicity grade 3 was 0.7% and 4%, respectively. Twelve patients (8%) had chronic rectal hemorrhage grade 2, in whom argon was applied (4 LDR and 8 HDR). Conclusions Combined treatment is an excellent therapeutic option in patients with intermediate-risk prostate carcinoma, with similar results in both LDR and HDR approaches and very low toxicities. Importantly, the current literature has indicated that unfavorable-risk patients belong to a different category, and should be treated as patients with high-risk factors. Therefore, the stratification and identification of both risk groups is extremely relevant.

Background Increasing evidence has indicated that gut microbiota is closely associated with radiation-induced bowel injury. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with chronic radiation enteritis (CRE). Methods A pilot study of FMT for CRE was performed. The primary outcomes were safety and response to FMT which was defined as a ≥1-grade reduction in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG/EORTC) late toxicity grade from baseline, by 8 weeks post-FMT. The secondary outcomes included a decrease in the severity of four common symptoms (diarrhea, rectal hemorrhage, abdominal/rectal pain and fecal incontinence) in CRE and changes in Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score. Microbial analyses were performed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results Five female patients underwent FMT from January to November 2018 with a median age of 58 (range 45–81) years. The median baseline RTOG/EORTC grade was 2 (range 2–4). Three patients responded to FMT and experienced improvement in diarrhea, rectal hemorrhage, abdominal/rectal pain and fecal incontinence as well as a decrease in KPS score. No FMT-related death and infectious complications occurred. One mild FMT-related AE was observed during a follow-up ranged from 8 to 18 months. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that FMT altered the composition of gut microbiota of patients. Conclusion The present case series first demonstrated that FMT might be safe and effective to improve intestinal symptoms and mucosal injury in patients with CRE for a period of time. Trial registration ID: NCT03516461.

Rectal bleeding is a known complication of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. It is usually mild and resolves spontaneously. However, massive life-threatening hemorrhage can also rarely occur in this setting, potentially presenting a therapeutic conundrum. We hereby delineate the case of a patient who experienced severe intermittent lower gastrointestinal bleeding following a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Traditional tamponade methods failed to control the hemorrhage. Subsequently, an urgent flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed an anterior rectal wall prominence with biopsy punctures as the possible source of bleeding. Endoclip was successfully applied at the bleeding site, achieving permanent hemostasis. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital. While the use of endoclipping has been widely reported in gastrointestinal endoscopy, its application remains exceedingly rare in this group of patients. To our knowledge, this case represents only the third report of endoclipping alone to treat massive rectal bleeding follwing a prostate biopsy procedure. In addition, we systematically review published medical literature to evaluate endoscopic techniques aimed at managing this important complication. This article illustrates that endoscopic therapy may present an efficient, noninvasive method to deal with severe post-biopsy rectal hemorrhage. Therefore, prompt consultation with the gastroenterology service should be advocated.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of rectal toxicity and to identify the associated dosimetric predictive parameters after I-125 seed low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) combined with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and dose constraints. Methods and Materials In total, 110 patients with high-risk prostate cancer received 110 Gy LDR-BT, followed by 45 Gy VMAT. Rectal toxicity was recorded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.03. The dosimetric factors associated with LDR-BT and VMAT were analyzed to determine their relationship with rectal toxicity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for ≥ grade 2 (G2) rectal toxicity prediction. Results The follow-up duration was 10.1–115.2 months (median 60.5 months). Seven patients had G2 rectal hemorrhage, and none of the patients had grade 3 rectal hemorrhage. In the univariate analysis, the rectal volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (rV100) (p Conclusion Predictors of late ≥ G2 rectal hemorrhage are rV100, rD2cc, and combined rD2cc. The incidence of rectal toxicity is low and acceptable in this setting and is highly dependent on the rectal dose of LDR-BT. The use of higher-quality LDR-BT and VMAT dose constraints may further reduce the rate of rectal hemorrhage.

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-volume histogram parameters for late hematuria and rectal hemorrhage in patients receiving radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy. Patients and methods Data of 86 patients treated between January 2006 and June 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The median radiation dose was 64 Gy in 32 fractions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify optimal cut-off values for late adverse events. Results Eleven patients experienced hematuria, and the 5-year cumulative rate was 18%. Four patients experienced rectal hemorrhage, and the 5-year cumulative rate was 7%. ROC curve analysis demonstrated the following significant cut-off values: bladder V50 Gy: 43% (p=0.02) and V40 Gy: 50% (p=0.03) for hematuria, and rectum V60 Gy: 13% (p=0.04) and V50 Gy: 33% (p=0.03) for rectal hemorrhage. Conclusion This is the first study to identify dose constraints that may reduce hematuria and rectal hemorrhage in patients receiving radiotherapy in the postoperative setting.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinical covariates or the prescribed radiation dose for the prostate and rectal hemorrhage in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who received iodine-125 low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT group) or the combination of LDR-BT and external beam radiation therapy (CMT group). In this retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical records of 298 consecutive PCa patients with clinical stage T1c/T2 who underwent LDR-BT between August 2004 and August 2016 at a single institution. The prescribed minimum peripheral doses were 145 Gy for the LDR-BT group and 104 Gy for the CMT group. The dosimetric parameters analyzed were minimal dose received by 90% of the prostate gland, biologically effective dose, and rectal volume receiving 100% (RV100) or 150% of the prescribed dose. The endpoint of this study was the onset of any-grade clinical rectal hemorrhage after treatment. The median follow-up period was 6.8 years. The 5-year overall survival rate was found to be 98.3%, and two patients (0.7%) reported biochemical recurrence during follow-up period. A total of 33 patients (11%) experienced rectal hemorrhage. However, ≥ grade 2 rectal hemorrhage occurred in eight patients (2.7%). On multivariate analysis, CMT, RV100 ≥ 0.66 mL, and hemorrhoids before treatment were identified as predictors of rectal hemorrhage after radiation therapy. Maximal reduction of the rectal dose seems very important to prevent serious rectal hemorrhage. In addition, we should consider the risk of rectal toxicities in patients with abnormalities in the rectal mucosa, especially hemorrhoids.

Purpose The aim of this analysis was to compare acute and late toxicities between low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) (110 Gy) in combination with 45 Gy in 25 fractions external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and LDR-BT (160 Gy) alone for localized prostate cancer. Material and methods One hundred five consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer treated from May 2014 to May 2017 were included in this retrospective analysis. Sixty patients received combination therapy and 45 patients received BT monotherapy. The LDR-BT procedure was performed using 125I seeds. Results The median follow-up time was 28 months in both groups. Three-year effect rates were overall survival: 100% in both groups. The biochemical failure rate was 2.3% in the combination group and 0% in the monotherapy group (p = 0.373). No patients died during the study period. In both groups, almost all the patients experienced acute urethritis. There was a significant difference between the combination therapy group (8.3%) and BT monotherapy group (11.1%) in late genitourinary (GU) toxicities ≥ grade 2 (p = 0.035). Only 2 patients (3.3%) in the combination therapy group developed late ≥ grade 2 rectal hemorrhage. There were no significant differences between two groups in hematuria ≥ grade 2 (p = 0.068) or rectal hemorrhage ≥ grade 2 (p = 0.206). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report to compare the GU and gastrointestinal toxicities between the combination therapy and BT monotherapy (160 Gy) for localized prostate cancer. Unexpectedly, there were more late GU toxicities (except for hematuria) in the BT monotherapy group.

Introduction: Urachal carcinoma is a rare type of non-urothelial malignancy that arises from the urachal ligament, a remnant of fetal development. It frequently involves the dome of the bladder or its midline, with adenocarcinoma being the most common histological type. This malignancy is generally diagnosed in advanced stages and is associated with poor prognosis. Case report: A 40-year-old woman was referred to hospital due to recurrent urinary tract infections. Imaging studies showed the presence of a 3.7 cm tumor in the bladder dome that extended to the posterior region of the umbilicus. A biopsy through cystoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of urachal carcinoma. Since there were no metastases, the patient underwent partial cystectomy and resection of the urachal ligament and the umbilicus. Surgical margins were negative and it was considered a complete resection. Nine months later, disease progression occurred, with peritoneal carcinomatosis, multiple adenopathies and a 4 cm mass in the pelvic cavity with invasion of the vagina, rectum, and sigmoid colon. She began palliative chemotherapy with cisplatine and 5-fluorouracil. After 7 cycles, progression was again observed, with an increase of the pelvic mass, vaginal and rectal hemorrhage, multiple intramuscular implants, bilateral axillary adenopathies, as well as lesion in the right breast, which was compatible with metastasis from urachal carcinoma. She underwent hemostatic radiotherapy to the pelvic mass and second line palliative chemotherapy with gemcitabine and paclitaxel. After 4 cycles, the patient clinically deteriorated and eventually died. Conclusion: Urachal carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy. Although systemic treatment may be effective in disease control, a standard chemotherapy regimen is yet to be determined. Multicenter trials are needed to clarify the best treatment approach in these patients.

Purpose : To evaluate the correlations of post-implant regional dosimetrics at 24 hours (24 h) and 1 month after implant procedures, with clinical outcomes of low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. Material and methods : Between January 2008 and December 2014, 130 consecutive patients treated for localized prostate cancer, receiving definitive iodine-125 ( 125 I) brachytherapy treatment were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent post-implant CT imaging for dosimetric analysis at 24 h and 1 month after implantation procedure. Prostate contours were divided into quadrants: anterior-superior (ASQ), posterior-superior (PSQ), anterior-inferior (AIQ), and posterior-inferior (PIQ). Predictive factors and cut-off values of biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS) and toxicities of LDR brachytherapy were analyzed. Results : The median follow-up time was 69.5 months. Seven patients (5.4%) had biochemical failure. The 3-year and 5-year BFFS rates were 96.7% and 93.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, prostate-specific antigen and Gleason score were significant prognostic factors for biochemical failure. D 90 (the minimal dose received by 90% of the volume) of PSQ and PIQ at 24 h, and D 90 of PSQ at 1 month were also significant factors. The cut-off values of PSQ D 90 were 145 Gy at 24 h and 160 Gy at 1 month. D 90 of the whole prostate was not significant at 24 h and at 1 month. D 90 of PSQ at 1 month was a significant factor for rectal hemorrhage. Conclusions : Post-implant D 90 of PSQ is significantly associated with BFFS for localized prostate cancer not only at 1 month, but also at 24 hours. D 90 of PSQ at 1 month is also a significant factor for rectal hemorrhage.

Rectal hemorrhage should be evaluated within a wide spectrum ranging from benign diseases to a malignant process. Especially, the melanomas of rectum are detected at an advanced stage when diagnosed since the present symptoms of rectal melanomas are similar. The question of what will be the surgical approach with MR, CT, and PET-CT imaging methods performed after histopathological diagnosis still conserves its topicality. PET-CT is a good imaging method for determination of distant metastasis and lymphatic involvement. In the present case, a patient with early-stage rectal melanoma was treated with APR. No relapse/metastasis was detected during the 18-month follow-up. The aggressive course of the disease and its low response rates to medical treatments may cause the surgical approaches to be more extensive.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) was first described in 2010 as a crossover between single-incision laparoscopic surgery and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) to allow access to the proximal and mid-rectum for resection of benign and early-stage malignant rectal lesions. The TAMIS technique can also be used for noncurative intent surgery of more advanced lesions in patients who are not candidates for radical surgery. Proper workup and staging should be done before surgical decision-making. In addition to the TAMIS port, instrumentation and set up include readily available equipment found in most operating suites. TAMIS has proven its usefulness in a wide range of applications outside of local excision, including repair of rectourethral fistula, removal of rectal foreign body, control of rectal hemorrhage, and as an adjunct in total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. TAMIS is an easily accessible, technically feasible, and cost-effective alternative to TEM.

Objectives It has been established that concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is efficacious for cervical cancer, but adherence is unsatisfactory among elderly patients. To improve adherence, we have developed and initiated a daily low-dose cisplatin-based CCRT regimen. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the use of CCRT, especially for elderly patients. Methods The study included a total of 53 patients who were 70 years or older, had stage IB-IVA cervical cancer, and were initially treated with daily CCRT. The daily CCRT comprised pelvic external beam radiotherapy (2 Gy/d × 25) with daily low-dose cisplatin (8.0 mg/m2 per day) and either low- or high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy. Results The median age was 72 years (range, 70–85 years). The median follow-up duration was 32 months (range, 2–104 months). The 3-year overall survival rate was 79.0%. Daily cisplatin chemotherapy was successfully completed in 32 (60.4%) of the 53 patients. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in 19 patients (36%). A late complication of grade 3 rectal hemorrhage occurred in 3 patients who received high-dose-rate brachytherapy. All primary tumors responded to daily CCRT; complete response was observed in 43 patients (91.5%) and partial response was observed in 4 patients (8.5%). Conclusions Daily CCRT in patients 70 years and older had acceptable compliance and safety. Daily CCRT is suggested to be a good treatment option for elderly patients who have advanced cervical cancer and require concurrent cisplatin.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children is a critical condition that demands quick and effective management. The differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage is wide. Heterotopic pancreas is a rare congenital anomaly and usually discovered incidentally. It is generally asymptomatic, but symptoms may occur when complicated by inflammation, bleeding, obstruction or malign transformation. Heterotopic pancreas may present throughout the gastrointestinal tract, but it is most commonly found in the stomach, duodenum and proximal jejunum. Juvenile polyps are common during childhood and present most often with painless rectal hemorrhage. They remain the most common colonic polyps in children. Colonoscopic polypectomy is the most effective procedure in the treatment of juvenile polyps. In this study, we describe rare causes of gastrointestinal system hemorrhage in infancy and discuss some diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The present study compared the complications associated with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (Hypo-IMRT) of prostate cancer to conventionally fractionated IMRT (Conv-IMRT). Hypo-IMRT delivered 70 Gy in 28 fractions, whereas Conv-IMRT delivered 78 Gy in 39 fractions. Toxicity was graded with the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0, weekly during radiotherapy, 1 month after radiotherapy, and annually in both patient groups. The median follow-ups were 39.1 and 38.7 months for patients in the Hypo- and Conv-IMRT groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in rates of acute and late adverse events. The proportions of grade 2 acute genitourinary complications were 48.4 and 51.2% in the Hypo- and Conv-IMRT groups, respectively. The presence of a baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of ten or more was the only significant prognostic factor for grade 2 acute genitourinary toxicity. The incidence of grade 2 late rectal hemorrhage at 3 years was 3.2 and 3.5% in the Hypo- and Conv-IMRT groups, respectively. Small rectal volume was significantly associated with grade 2 late rectal hemorrhage. Regarding acute and late adverse events, hypofractionated IMRT for prostate cancer was well tolerated and comparable with conventionally fractionated IMRT. Clinical trial registration no. UMIN000003218.

Background We investigated the feasibility of adding FOLFOXIRI to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for patients (pts) with high risk rectal adenocarcinoma (T3-4 +/- node positivity, threatened margin and/or sphincter involvement). Methods Eligible patients were treated with 4 cycles of modified FOLFOXIRI (D1: CPT-11 165mg/m2, D1: oxaliplatin 85mg/m2, D1-2 200mg/m2 leucovorin, D1-2 5FU 400mg/m2 30min, then D1-2 5FU 600mg/m2 over 22hrs, with GCSF support), followed by capecitabine (825mg/m2 b.d) given concurrently during pre-operative radiotherapy (CRT, 50.4 Gy, 28 fr, 5 wks). Pts underwent surgery at planned 8-10 weeks after CRT, followed by adjuvant chemo. The primary endpoints were pathologic complete response rate (pCR) and objective response rate (ORR, RECIST ver 1.1). Results 40 eligible pts were enrolled (median age 60 yrs; male:female=82%:18%), 1 pt was excluded before starting treatment. Baseline stage distribution was stage II (10.2%), IIIB (64.1%) and IIIC (25.7%). Of the 39 pts evaluated for response (ITT), ORR to FOLFOXIRI was 38.5% (15 PRs, 24 SDs); ORR to CRT was 64.1% (25 PRs, 9 SDs, 1 PD, 4NA). Total of 28 pt (out of 38 evaluated, 73.7%) had a reduced overall TNM stage. Of the 27 pts who underwent surgery (18.5% had permanent stoma), pCR rate was 25.9%, 26 pts had negative and 1 pt had close margin, respectively. At median follow-up of 30.2 months, the 2-yr overall survival and relapse-free rates were 79.3% and 82.8%, respectively. The top three most common grade 3-4 toxicities: (1) To FOLFOXIRI were diarrhea (12%), neutropenia (7.7%) and hyponatremia (5.1%); (2) To CRT – diarrhea (2.5%), RT-dermatitis (2.5%) and rectal hemorrhage (2.5%). No treatment-related deaths or perioperative mortality were encountered. Conclusions In summary, neoadjuvant FOLFOXIRI followed by Cape-RT for high risk rectal cancer is feasible and the pCR rate compares favorably with the historic rate of 13.8% with CRT alone (Yeung et al. Hong Kong Med J 2016;22) This strategy is being evaluated in a randomized study. Clinical trial identification NCT01941641. Legal entity responsible for the study The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Funding Hong Kong Research Grant Council General Research Fund 471613. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

A 21-year-old man with a history of sudden rectal hemorrhage was referred to our hospital. Examination disclosed thrombocytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly. A liver biopsy specimen demonstrated Gaucher cells in Glisson's capsule. Additional investigations revealed a low level of leukocyte β-glucosidase activity and common mutations of the glucocerebrosidase gene, L444P/D409H. We diagnosed the patient with Gaucher disease type 1. He underwent enzyme replacement therapy. Thrombocytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly improved at a rate of approximately 50 and 20%, respectively, within 6 months. This case suggests that we must pay attention to adult Gaucher disease as a differential diagnosis for cryptogenic thrombocytopenia.

Radiation recall is an acute inflammatory reaction that can be triggered when systemic agents are administered long time after radiotherapy. Because radiotherapy is now indicated for many types of cancer, care should be taken regarding possible toxic events relating to radiotherapy in combination with radio-sensitizing agents. Gemcitabine, one such anti-cancer agent, is widely used, especially for urologic cancers. We report an intriguing case of possible radiation recall in the rectum caused by gemcitabine administration 37 years after radiation therapy. From a review of the literature, it appears that there have been no reported cases of radiation recall in the rectum with such a long interval between radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Here, we describe the case and provide a literature review.

A polyp is defined as a mass of the mucosal surface that protrudes into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Neoplastic epithelial polyps are classified histologically as either benign adenoma or malignant carcinoma. The colonic polyps that most commonly present in children occur sporadically and individually and are of the juvenile type; they are most frequently associated with painless rectal hemorrhage (which is the most common symptom). Adenomatous polyps are similar to other nontumoral polyps, and it is very rare for children to have symptoms other than rectal bleeding. This report describes two rare cases of polyps in pediatric patients. An 11-year-old girl presented with tubulovillous adenoma and a 13-year-old boy with tubular adenoma; both patients complained of rectal hemorrhage as well as anemia and abdominal pain. Epithelial adenoma is a tumor that is rarely found in adults or children. Colonoscopic perforation and biopsy are mandatory for establishing a definitive diagnosis and avoiding medical mismanagement.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of definitive radiation therapy (RT) for invasive carcinoma of the vagina. Twenty-six patients with invasive carcinoma of the vagina who received RT were studied retrospectively. The median age was 68 years. The pathologic subtype of vaginal carcinoma was squamous cell carcinoma in 24 patients, adenosquamous cell carcinoma in one patient, and adenocarcinoma in one patient. The distribution of clinical stage according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system was as follows: stage I, seven patients; stage II, 10 patients, stage III, seven patients; and stage IVA, two patients. Twenty patients received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) combined with high-dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT), and three received EBRT alone. The remaining three patients with stage I disease were given HDR-ICBT alone. The median dose was 50 Gy for EBRT, and 23 Gy for HDR-ICBT. Systemic chemotherapy was administered concurrently with RT to three patients. The median follow-up was 90 months. The initial rate of response to RT was 100%, and complete remission was attained in 21 patients (81%). The 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and the median survival time of the 26 patients were 57% and 97 months, respectively. The 5-year OS for the three patients who received HDR-ICBT alone was 100%. Severe toxicity occurred in three patients—grade 3 rectal hemorrhage in one, grade 3 cystitis in one, and grade 4 cystitis in one. Our results demonstrated that definitive RT with HDR-ICBT is effective for invasive carcinoma of the vagina, with acceptable toxicity.

Malacoplakia is a form of chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction that rarely affects the pediatric age group. The gastrointestinal system is the second most common site for the occurrence of malacoplakia. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who was hospitalized for abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and rectal hemorrhage. The endoscopic examinations and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal malacoplakia. We successfully treated her with oral levofloxacin. This disease does not have any specific clinical or biological signs, and the diagnosis is exclusively based on histology.

Background: We aimed to systematically review the efficacy of unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) for remission induction in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: A literature search to April 2011 was performed to identify all randomized trials studying UFH or LMWH use in patients with UC. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess study quality. Results: LMWH administered subcutaneously showed no benefit over placebo for any outcome, including clinical remission, and clinical, endoscopic, or histological improvement. High-dose LMWH administered via an extended colon-release tablet demonstrated benefit over placebo for clinical remission (odds ratio [OR] 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–5.67; P = 0.007), clinical improvement (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.30–6.87; P = 0.01), and endoscopic improvement (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.01–5.01; P = 0.05) but not endoscopic remission or histologic improvement. LMWH was not beneficial when added to standard therapy for clinical remission, clinical improvement, endoscopic remission, or endoscopic improvement. One study examining UFH versus corticosteroids for the treatment of severe UC demonstrated the inferiority of UFH for clinical improvement. More patients assigned to UFH had rectal hemorrhage as an adverse event. Conclusions: LMWH administered by extended colon-release tablets may be effective for the treatment of active UC. This benefit needs to be confirmed by further randomized controlled studies. The same benefits were not seen when LMWH was administered subcutaneously at lower doses. There is no evidence to support the use of UFH for the treatment of active UC. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)

Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat symptomatic haemorrhoids. In 2005, the DGHAL proctoscope was redesigned to incorporate a window through which a recto anal repair (RAR) could be performed to improve the outcome in patients with significant prolapse symptoms. The aim of this study was to observe the outcome of a series of consecutive DGHAL-RAR procedures.Seventy-seven consecutive patients (49 male) underwent DGHAL-RAR for symptomatic haemorrhoids and were reviewed for a minimum of 6 months post-surgery.Fifty-seven (74%) of patients presented with both prolapse and bleeding symptoms. The median number of DGHALs performed was six, and the median number of RARs was two. Most (96%) patients were discharged the same day. At follow-up, 11 patients complained of recurrent symptoms, five of prolapse, four of bleeding and two of pruritus. Eight patients suffered with post-operative anal fissures. The procedure is recommended by 84.4% of patients 6 weeks post-surgery.DGHAL-RAR is safe, effective and well tolerated. It reduces the need for potentially dangerous excisional procedures. The RAR component is an effective addition to DGHAL in the short term for the treatment of prolapse, but longer follow-up will be required to demonstrate durability of the technique.

The management of fecal incontinence is a struggle to maintain patient hygiene and limit the transmission of nosocomial infections. Intrarectal devices that cause diversion and collection of the fecal stream have been used with increasing frequency. This method can effectively control patient waste if used in an appropriate setting. We examine a series of 3 patients in whom rectal trauma resulting in life-threatening hemorrhage was associated with use of the ConvaTec Flexi-Seal fecal management system. In 2 patients there was a history of traumatic removal, and the third developed a rectal pressure ulcer associated with use of this device. All 3 patients required surgical or endoscopic intervention to achieve hemostasis. Although effective, the Flexi-Seal fecal management system should be used with caution to avoid rectal trauma. Injury is most likely to occur because of traumatic removal or rectal ulceration secondary to pressure necrosis.

Choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) is a relatively rare, slow-growingbenign tumor (WHO level I). Recently, an adult patient with fourthventricle choroid plexus papilloma received surgery via a suboccipitalmidline approach in our hospital. It has been rare in clinicalpractice to see postoperative hemorrhage occurring in the samepatient 3 times. The causes of the hemorrhage were analyzed basedon literature regarding postoperative hemorrhage in choroid plexuspapilloma and in intracranial tumors. The case involved in our studyis described and detailed in the following.

Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to determine cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) cases in a tertiary care hospital in India and to study its clinical presentations and outcome following treatment. Methods: Consecutive children with chronic diarrhea from June 2004 to December 2007 were evaluated with hemogram, anti-endomysial antibody, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and intestinal biopsies. Initial diagnosis of CMPA was based on characteristic intestinal biopsy (> 6 eosinophils/HPF) and diagnosis was confirmed by positive milk challenge. Results: Forty CMPA cases (25 boys, with a mean age of 17.2 ± 7.8 months and symptom duration of 8.3 ± 6.2 months) presented with diarrhea (bloody in 16, watery in 16, combined in three, recurrent hematemesis in two, rectal bleeding in one and one case each with pain in the abdomen with vomiting and anemia with occult bleeding). Sigmoidoscopy revealed aphthous ulcers in 82% of cases and rectal biopsy was positive in 97% of cases. All children improved on a milk-free diet. Milk challenge was positive in 100% of cases when it was done early (within 6 months). On follow up of 15 ± 9 months, milk was successfully restarted in 25 cases after a median milk-free period of 15 months, 10 were still on a milk-free diet and five were lost to follow up while on a milk-free diet. Conclusions: CMPA is not uncommon in a developing country such as India. Presence of aphthous ulcers and abnormal rectal biopsy are clues to initial diagnosis. Milk challenge confirms the diagnosis in all if it is done on time.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of treatment with a high dose of 3-dimensional conformal boost (3DCB) using a real-time tracking radiation therapy (RTRT) system in cervical cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2004, 10 patients with cervical cancer were treated with a high dose 3DCB using RTRT system. Nine patients received whole pelvis radiation therapy (RT) with a median dose of 50 Gy (range, 40-50 Gy) before the 3DCB. The median dose of the 3DCB was 30 Gy (range, 25-30 Gy). Eight patients received the 3DCB twice a week with a daily fraction of 5 Gy. The determined endpoints were tumor response, overall survival, local failure free survival, and distant metastasis free survival. The duration of survival was calculated from the time of the start of radiotherapy. Results: All patients were alive at the time of analysis and the median follow-up was 17.6 months (range, 4.9-27.3 months). Complete response was achieved in nine patients and one patient had a partial response. The 1- and 2-year local failure free survival was 78.8% and 54%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year distant metastasis free survival was 90% and 72%, respectively. Late toxicity of a grade 2 rectal hemorrhage was seen in one patient. A subcutaneous abscess was encountered in one patient. Conclusion: The use of the high dose 3DCB in the treatment of cervical cancer is safe and feasible where intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) is unable to be performed. The escalation of the 3DCB dose is currently under evaluation.

Background: Rectal bleeding is a recognised early symptom of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, signs and diagnostic tests in patients with rectal bleeding in relation to risk of colorectal cancer in primary care.\ud methods: Diagnostic accuracy systematic review. Medline (1966 to May 2009), Embase (1988 to May 2009), British Nursing Index (1991 to May 2009) and PsychINFO (1970 to May 2009) were searched. We included cohort studies that assessed the diagnostic utility of rectal bleeding in combination with other symptoms, signs and diagnostic tests in primary care. An eight-point quality assessment tool was produced to assess the quality of included studies. Pooled positive likelihood ratios (PLRs), sensitivities and specificities were calculated.\ud results: Eight studies incorporating 2323 patients were included. Average weighted prior probability of colorectal cancer was 7.0% (range: 3.3–15.4%, median: 8.1%). Age 60 years (pooled PLR: 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00–3.90), weight loss (pooled PLR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.03–3.07) and change in bowel habit (pooled PLR: 1.92, 95% CI: 0.54–3.57) raise the probability of colorectal cancer into the range of referral to secondary care but do not conclusively ‘rule in’ the diagnosis. Presence of severe anaemia has the highest diagnostic value (pooled PLR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.30–10.35), specificity 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.96), but still only generates a post-test probability of 21.6%.\ud conclusions: In patients with rectal bleeding who present to their general practitioner, additional ‘red flag’ symptoms have modest diagnostic value. These findings have implications in relation to recommendations contained in clinical practice guidelines.

PURPOSE: Chronic radiation proctopathy occurs in 5 to 20% of patients receiving radiation therapy, with rectal bleeding as its most common presentation. Although formalin treatment for rectal bleeding is promising, improvement is possible. Given the success of vitamin A in other radiation-induced treatments, we studied the efficacy of combining formalin with vitamin A in controlling bleeding symptoms of chronic radiation proctopathy. METHODS: A retrospective review ( 1993-2007) was performed of patients presenting with features of chronic radiation proctopathy. Formalin 8% in a buffered solution was applied to the affected mucosa with use a tip applicator, and 10,000 units of vitamin A were given orally on a daily basis. Formalin treatments were repeated at three-week to four-week intervals until symptoms resolved. RESULTS: A comparison was made between patients who received formalin alone (n = 30) and those who received formalin in combination with vitamin A (n = 34). The 64 patients had a mean age of 79 years (range, 54-90 years). The combination group required fewer treatments (mean, 1.9) and a shorter time (11 weeks) for resolution of symptoms compared with the formalin-alone group (mean, 5.2 and 31 weeks, respectively) (P < 0.001). The overall success rate in controlling bleeding was only 64% in the formalin-alone group when compared with 94% in the combination group. CONCLUSIONS: When vitamin A was added to the regimen, a significant reduction was observed in the number of treatments and the time needed for resolution of symptoms, and there was an increased overall success rate. This combination represents a simple, effective, and well tolerated method of controlling hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctopathy.

Malgre les progres de la vaccination, au Maroc, la tuberculose constitue encore un reel probleme de sante publique. Dans les pays developpes, cette affection est en recrudescence, du fait de l’emergence de groupes a risque (les patients atteints par le VIH et les immunodeprimes). La tuberculose digestive est frequente, elle touche le plus souvent la region ileo-caecale. Cependant la localisation au niveau du colon transverse est exceptionnelle. Elle pose un probleme de diagnostic differentiel avec le cancer. Le traitement repose sur les anti-bacillaires. La place de la chirurgie reste incontournable dans les formes stenosantes et dans les formes ou les moyens preoperatoires n’ont pas pu eliminer un cancer colique. Nous rapportons un cas d’un patient de 50 ans, qui presentait une semaine avant son admission des rectorragies et un syndrome subocclusif. L’endoscopie revelait une lesion ulcero-bourgeonnante et stenosante du colon transverse. L’opacification digestive montrait une image d’arret evoquant une neoplasie colique. La biopsie etait non concluante. Une colectomie segmentaire etait realisee. L’examen histologique avait conclu a une tuberculose. L’interet de notre observation est lie a cette localisation rare de la tuberculose au niveau du colon transverse qui peut etre deroutante, meme dans les pays d’endemie tuberculeuse, car le diagnostic ne peut parfois etre affirme que par l’examen anatomopathologique de la piece de resection.

An 81-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of acute and massive rectal bleeding associated with hypotension. Two episodes of rectal bleeding had occurred in the previous 2 years, and evaluation had disclosed colonic diverticula and duodenal erosions. Bleeding continued and hypotension persisted despite the administration of fluid and red cells. A diagnostic procedure was performed.

Background The purpose of this study was to assess our colorectal surgical training program experience with the Delorme procedure for complete rectal prolapse. Methods Consecutive patients were identified from a surgical database and evaluated by chart review. Results Seventy-six patients with a mean follow-up period of 3.6 years were included. Outcomes included a recurrence rate of 14.5%, an overall complication rate of 25%, and a surgical site-specific complication rate of 8%. For patients younger than 50 years old (mean age, 36 y; range, 19–49 y), the recurrence rate was 8% with a mean follow-up period of 4.1 years. Their total complication rate was 15%, with no surgery site-specific complications. Conclusions Our results are consistent with previously published experiences in that most preoperative evacuatory symptoms resolve with repair of the prolapse, and serious complications are uncommon. The observation that recurrence and complication rates may be lower in younger medically fit patients suggests the Delorme repair need not be restricted specifically to older, medically unfit patients.

Doppler-guided ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries was described as an alternative to hemorrhoidectomy. The authors report their experience with this procedure.From 2002 to 2004, 100 consecutive patients underwent hemorrhoidal artery ligation procedure for symptomatic hemorrhoids and were reviewed at one month and at three years.There were 54 females. Seventy-eight patients had Grade III hemorrhoids. Eighteen patients had previously been treated for the disease. The mean operative time was 28 minutes. On average, 8.4 ligatures were placed. Seventy-nine patients were discharged the same day. Six patients presented with early complication: isolated pain in one, pain and bleeding in three, isolated bleeding in one, and obstructed defecation in one. Late complications occurred in six patients: anal pain in one, fissure in two, and thrombosis of residual hemorrhoids in three. Twelve patients presented with a recurrence at a mean delay of 12.6 months, which was treated by repeat hemorrhoidal artery ligation (n = 1), hemorrhoidopexy (n = 7), and hemorrhoidectomy (n = 4).Hemorrhoidal artery ligation procedure is safe, easy to perform, and should be considered as an alternative for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids, even with a recurrence rate of 12 percent, which can be treated by the same technique or another.

Total colectomy is the surgery of choice for colonic inertia (CI) when medical treatment has failed. Laparoscopic total colectomy has demonstrated to be a feasible technique. Present our experience in patients with CI who underwent laparoscopic total colectomy (TC) + ileorectoanastomosis (IRA) and evaluate the functional results and medium-term follow-up after this surgery. All patients with CI were included in a prospective laparoscopic surgical protocol, from 2002 to 2007. These patients had a complete work-up for chronic constipation (clinical records, barium enema, colonic transit time, defecography, anorectal manometry, small bowel follow through). All patients were evaluated with Wexner’s score for constipation pre- and postoperatively, asked if they would recommend surgery to other patients, and if they were satisfied with the procedure (on a scale from 1 to 10). Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s T-test. In this period 20 patients were operated with diagnosis of CI. All patients were females with an average age of 41.5 years (range 18–52 years). Mean operative time was 248 min (range 170–360 min). One (5%) patient was converted to open surgery. The medium time to flatus per anum and feeding was 2 (range 1–6) and 3 (range 2–6) days, respectively. The medium postoperative stay was 7 days. Seven patients (35%) presented surgical postoperative complications (three postoperative ileus, one portal thrombosis, one rectal hemorrhage, one anastomotic leakage, and one hemoperitoneum). There was no postoperative mortality. The average follow-up was 25 months (range 1–60 months). Preoperative Wexner’s constipation score was 22.3 (range 19–29 months) pre surgery and at the end of follow-up was 1.8 (range 0–6) (p

Full diagnostic colonoscopy often is performed to exclude significant pathology in patients presenting with rectal bleeding. In patients with classic "outlet" bleeding, defined as bright red blood after or during defecation, with no family history of colorectal neoplasia or change in bowel habits, we hypothesize that the diagnostic yield of complete colonoscopy will be low. The purpose of this study was to determine whether complete colonoscopy is necessary in the evaluation of patients with "outlet" rectal bleeding.Information for all patients undergoing colonoscopy by a single endoscopist was prospectively recorded. Before each colonoscopy, a complete history, including indication for the examination, was obtained. Using standard definitions, patients with outlet bleeding, suspicious bleeding, hemorrhage, and occult bleeding were accessed and the findings of their colonoscopies were analyzed. Institutional permission was obtained.A total of 9,098 patients had colonoscopy recorded in the database, and 703 had the indication of outlet bleeding, 251 suspicious bleeding, 204 occult bleeding, and 67 hemorrhage. Of the patients with outlet bleeding, only 47 (6.7 percent) had significant lesions on colonoscopy (adenomas1 cm, villous adenomas, cancer in situ, or invasive cancer). By contrast a greater number of significant lesions were present in patients with all other types of bleeding (17.2 percent; P0.001). The incidence of invasive cancer was significantly lower in the outlet bleeding group compared with other types of bleeding (1 vs. 3.6 percent; P0.01). Patients with outlet bleeding were much less likely than patients with other bleeding to have isolated right-sided colonic pathology. Younger patients with outlet bleeding have a particularly low yield on colonoscopy. In 182 patients younger than aged 50 years with outlet bleeding, only 3 (1.6 percent) had adenomas1 cm and no invasive cancers were detected.In patients with classic outlet bleeding, the yield of a complete diagnostic colonoscopy is low. If the history is classic for outlet bleeding and no other indication for colonoscopy exists, flexible sigmoidoscopy is enough to exclude significant pathology.

Background and Aims: Few data were available on the optimal diagnostic strategy for Chinese patients with hematochezia. We aimed to evaluate the impact of age and distal colonic findings on the yield of diagnostic strategies in young Chinese patients with hematochezia. Methods: Consecutive outpatients aged less than 50 years were analyzed using a hypothesized mixed diagnostic strategy to determine the optimal cut-off age for the use of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. The efficacy and cost of the diagnostic strategy and the number of colonoscopies needed to detect one advanced proximal neoplasm (APN) using different cut-off ages were assessed. Results: In the hypothesized mixed diagnostic strategy for young patients, the sensitivities for the detection of APN were 100%, 92% and 75% if the cut-off ages were 30, 35 and 40 years, respectively. The cost needed to detect one APN would be $US 3155, $US 3179 and $US 3497 if the cut-off ages were 30, 35 and 40 years, respectively. Colonoscopy would be performed in 84%, 69% and 51% of patients if the cut-off ages were 30, 35 and 40 years, respectively. Conclusion: Colonoscopy should be considered for Chinese patients with rectal bleeding who are aged ≥35 years or those aged

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare disorder often misdiagnosed as a malignant ulcer. Histopathological features of SRUS are characteristic and pathognomonic; nevertheless, the endoscopic and clinical presentations may be confusing. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcomes in patients who suffer from SRUS. A retrospective chart review was undertaken, from January 1989 to May 2005 for all patients who were diagnosed with SRUS. Data recorded included: patient’s age, gender, clinical presentation, past surgical history, diagnostic and preoperative workup, operative procedure, complications, and outcomes. During the study period, 23 patients were diagnosed with SRUS. Seven patients received only medical treatment, and in three patients, the ulcer healed after medical treatment. Sixteen patients underwent surgical treatment. In four patients, the symptoms persisted after surgery. Two patients presented with postoperative rectal bleeding requiring surgical intervention. Three patients developed late postoperative sexual dysfunction. One patient continued suffering from rectal pain after a colostomy was constructed. Median follow-up was 14 (range 2–84) months. The results of this study show clearly that every patient with SRUS must be assessed individually. Initial treatment should include conservative measures. In patients with refractory symptoms, surgical treatment should be considered. Results of anterior resection and protocolectomy are satisfactory for solitary rectal ulcer.

Acute ischemic proctitis is an extremely rare clinical entity. It is mainly described in patients with significant atherosclerotic and cardiac risk factors who present with lower gastrointestinal symptoms in the setting of hemodynamic instability. Previous reports of ischemic proctitis suggest that rectal resection is not necessary in the treatment of this disease. We present four cases of acute ischemic proctitis that required complete proctectomy. All patients had large vessel atherosclerosis with rectal bleeding and sepsis as the presenting signs and symptoms. Three of four patients underwent complete proctectomy as the initial procedure. The fourth patient underwent complete proctectomy five days after the initial intervention. Two of four patients survived and were ultimately discharged from the hospital. A third patient recovered from surgery but ultimately died of respiratory complications. Only the patient who was initially treated by subtotal proctectomy died as the result of the disease. Although ischemic necrosis of the rectum is rare, complete proctectomy may be necessary to save the patient's life.