Current concepts in malignant bowel obstruction management. Curr Oncol Rep. 2009;11:298-303. [PMID: 19508835 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-009-0042-2]

Recurrent Left Renal Fossa Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma With Pancreatic Tail Invasion Presenting as Intestinal Obstruction

Distant renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastatic disease is mostly seen in the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. The incidence of local recurrences within the ipsilateral retroperitoneum (RFR) is very low. We report a case of a 79-year-old male with recurrent left renal fossa RCC with pancreatic tail invasion who presented with large bowel obstruction. To the best of our knowledge, no cases have been reported of recurrent left renal fossa RCC initially presenting as extrinsic large bowel obstruction.

Epidural pain management in advanced gastric cancer with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction

Presented is a case of a man in his 20s with gastric cancer with metastasis to a perineal nodule and the splenic flexure (previously resected due to acute bowel obstruction) who presented with prolonged, intermittent, inoperable bowel obstruction likely due to adhesions, exacerbated by functional ileus due to substantial opioid requirement. In an episode of obstruction during the described admission, the patient remained obstructed after more than 10 days of medical management. The patient suffered from intense abdominal distention and pain, necessitating hundreds of oral morphine equivalents daily. A ropivacaine thoracic epidural infusion was initiated, allowing decreased opioid use and relief of opioid-induced ileus contributing to his bowel obstruction. He subsequently had multiple formed bowel movements, which quickly decreased the patient's abdominal distention and immediate risk of perforation. This case explores epidurals as an underutilised approach to pain management in metastatic gastric malignancy and inoperable malignant bowel obstructions.

Colorectal Cancer-The "Parent" of Low Bowel Obstruction

Introduction: Despite the improvement of early diagnosis methods for multiple pathological entities belonging to the digestive tract, bowel obstruction determined by multiple etiologies represents an important percentage of surgical emergencies. General data: Although sometimes obstructive episodes are possible in the early stages of colorectal cancer, the most commonly installed intestinal obstruction has the significance of an advanced evolutionary stage of neoplastic disease. Development of Obstructive Mechanism: The spontaneous evolution of colorectal cancer is always burdened by complications. The most common complication is low bowel obstruction, found in approximately 20% of the cases of colorectal cancer, and it can occur either relatively abruptly, or is preceded by initially discrete premonitory symptoms, non-specific (until advanced evolutionary stages) and generally neglected or incorrectly interpreted. Success in the complex treatment of a low neoplastic obstruction is conditioned by a complete diagnosis, adequate pre-operative preparation, a surgical act adapted to the case (in one, two or three successive stages), and dynamic postoperative care. The moment of surgery should be chosen with great care and is the result of the experience of the anesthetic-surgical team. The operative act must be adapted to the case and has as its main objective the resolution of intestinal obstruction and only in a secondary way the resolution of the generating disease. Conclusions: The therapeutic measures adopted (medical-surgical) must have a dynamic character in accordance with the particular situation of the patient. Except for certain or probably benign etiologies, the possibility of colorectal neoplasia should always be considered, in low obstructions, regardless of the patient's age.

Mechanisms of lymphoid depletion in bowel obstruction

Background and aims: Bowel obstruction (BO) causes not only gastrointestinal dysfunctions but also systemic responses such as sepsis, infections, and immune impairments. The mechanisms involved are not well understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that BO leads to lymphoid depletion in primary and peripheral lymphoid organs, which may contribute to systemic responses. We also sought to uncover mechanisms of lymphoid depletion in BO. Methods: Partial colon obstruction was induced with a band in the distal colon of Sprague-Dawley rats, and wild-type and osteopontin knockout (OPN^-/-) mice. Obstruction was maintained for 7 days in rats and 4 days in mice. Thymus, bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) were taken for flow cytometry analysis. Results: The weight of thymus, spleen, and MLN was significantly decreased in BO rats, compared to sham. B and T lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow and thymus was suppressed, and numbers of lymphocytes, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen and MLN were all decreased in BO. Depletion of gut microbiota blocked BO-associated lymphopenia in the MLN. Corticosterone antagonism partially attenuated BO-associated reduction of lymphocytes in the thymus and bone marrow. Plasma OPN levels and OPN expression in the distended colon were increased in BO. Deletion of the OPN gene did not affect splenic lymphopenia, but attenuated suppression of lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow and thymus in BO. Conclusions: BO suppresses lymphocyte generation and maintenance in lymphoid organs. Mechanical distention-induced OPN, corticosterone, and gut microbiota are involved in the immune phenotype in BO.

Establishment of an early diagnosis model of colon cancerous bowel obstruction based on 1H NMR

Objective

To prospectively establish an early diagnosis model of acute colon cancerous bowel obstruction by applying nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy(1H NMR) technology based metabolomics methods, combined with machine learning.

Methods

In this study, serum samples of 71 patients with acute bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from December 2018 to November 2020 were collected within 2 hours after admission, and NMR spectroscopy data was taken after pretreatment. After postoperative pathological confirmation, they were divided into colon cancerous bowel obstruction (CBO) group and adhesive bowel obstruction (ABO) control group. Used MestReNova software to extract the two sets of spectra bins, and used the MetaboAnalyst5.0 website to perform partial least square discrimination (PLS-DA), combining the human metabolome database (HMDB) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to find possible different Metabolites and related metabolic pathways.

Results

22 patients were classified as CBO group and 30 were classified as ABO control group. Compared with ABO group, the level of Xanthurenic acid, 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid, Gentisic acid, Salicyluric acid, Ferulic acid, Kynurenic acid, CDP, Mandelic acid, NADPH, FAD, Phenylpyruvate, Allyl isothiocyanate, and Vanillylmandelic acid increased in the CBO group; while the lecel of L-Tryptophan and Bilirubin decreased. There were significant differences between two groups in the tryptophan metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and synthesis pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan (all P<0.05). Tryptophan metabolism pathway had the greatest impact (Impact = 0.19). The early diagnosis model of colon cancerous bowel was established based on the levels of six metabolites: Xanthurenic acid, 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid, Gentisic acid, Salicylic acid, Ferulic acid and Kynurenic acid (R2 = 0.995, Q2 = 0.931, RMSE = 0.239, AUC = 0.962).

Conclusion

This study firstly used serum to determine the difference in metabolome between patients with colon cancerous bowel obstruction and those with adhesive bowel obstruction. The study found that the metabolic information carried by the serum was sufficient to discriminate the two groups of patients and provided the theoretical supporting for the future using of the more convenient sample for the differential diagnosis of patients with colon cancerous bowel obstruction. Quantitative experiments on a large number of samples were still needed in the future.

Surgery in platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is one of the three most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive tract and ranks first in terms of mortality among gynecological tumors. Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the most common ovarian malignancy, accounting for 90% of all primary ovarian tumors. The clinical value of cytoreductive surgery in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent EOC remains largely unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility of secondary cytoreductive surgery for treating platinum-resistant recurrent EOC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of the clinical data of patients with platinum-resistant EOC admitted to the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences between September 2012 and June 2018. Patient baseline data were obtained from clinical records. Routine follow-up of disease progression was performed as follows. CA125 assessment and physical examination were performed every 3 wk during treatment, including gynecological examination. Imaging assessment was carried out every 12 wk by B-mode ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), chemotherapy-free interval (CFI), and complications. Follow-up ended on April 15, 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients were included. R0 resection was achieved in 25 (65.8%) patients and R1/2 in 13 (34.2%). Twenty-five (65.8%) patients required organ resection. Nine (23.7%) patients had operative complications, 36 (94.7%) received chemotherapy, and five (13.2%) had targeted therapy. Median PFS and OS were 10 (95%CI: 8.27-11.73) months and 28 (95%CI: 12.75-43.25) months, respectively; median CFI was 9 (95%CI: 8.06-9.94) months. R0 resection and postoperative chemotherapy significantly prolonged PFS and OS (all P < 0.05), and R0 resection also significantly prolonged CFI (P < 0.05). Grade ≥ 3 complications were observed, including rectovaginal fistula (n = 1), intestinal and urinary fistulas (n = 1), and renal failure-associated death (n = 1). Except for the patient who died after surgery, all other patients with complications were successfully managed. Two patients developed intestinal obstruction and showed improvement after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Secondary cytoreductive surgery is feasible for treating platinum-resistant recurrent EOC. These findings provide important references for the selection of clinical therapeutic regimens.

Targeting Mechano-Transcription Process as Therapeutic Intervention in Gastrointestinal Disorders

Mechano-transcription is a process whereby mechanical stress alters gene expression. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is composed of a series of hollow organs, often encountered by transient or persistent mechanical stress. Recent studies have revealed that persistent mechanical stress is present in obstructive, functional, and inflammatory disorders and alters gene transcription in these conditions. Mechano-transcription of inflammatory molecules, pain mediators, pro-fibrotic and growth factors has been shown to play a key role in the development of motility dysfunction, visceral hypersensitivity, inflammation, and fibrosis in the gut. In particular, mechanical stress-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and certain pro-inflammatory mediators in gut smooth muscle cells are responsible for motility dysfunction and inflammatory process. Mechano-transcription of pain mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may lead to visceral hypersensitivity. Emerging evidence suggests that mechanical stress in the gut also leads to up-regulation of certain proliferative and pro-fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and osteopontin (OPN), which may contribute to fibrostenotic Crohn's disease. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiological significance of mechanical stress-induced expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, pain mediators, pro-fibrotic and growth factors in obstructive, inflammatory, and functional bowel disorders. We will also evaluate potential therapeutic targets of mechano-transcription process for the management of these disorders.

Transanal decompression tube is superior to self-expandable metallic colonic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, self-expandable metallic colonic stent (SEMS) and transanal decompression tube (TDT) used as a 'bridge to surgery' (BTS) have been widely used. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and oncological safety of SEMS and TDT as BTS to transform MLBO into elective surgery.

METHODS

Between February 2013 and March 2019, 62 patients with MLBO received SEMS (n = 32) or TDT (n = 30), and elective one-stage surgery later. We evaluated decompression efficiency and oncological safety in selective operation in TDT and SEMS groups, including preoperative preparation time, surgical approach, number of lymphatic dissection and vascular invasion, ulcer formation and histopathological findings of resected specimens.

RESULTS

The preoperative preparation time in the SEMS group was shorter than that of the TDT group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in postoperative length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). The number of vascular invasions in the TDT group was less than that in the SEMS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk of wound abscess and ulcer formation in the TDT group was significantly lower than that in the SEMS group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that SEMS is associated with a relatively poor oncological outcome and the placement of TDT as BTS in MLBO patients may be a better alternation.

Medical Management of Inoperable Malignant Bowel Obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To review medical management of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction.

DATA SOURCES

A literature review using PubMed and MEDLINE databases searching malignant bowel obstruction, etiology, types, pathophysiology, medical, antisecretory, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic drugs, analgesics, promotion of emptying, prevention of infection, anticholinergics, somatostatin analogs, gastric antisecretory drugs, prokinetic agents, glucocorticoid, opioid analgesics, antibiotics, enema, and adverse effects.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Randomized or observational studies, cohorts, case reports, or reviews written in English between 1983 and November 2020 were evaluated.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) commonly occurs in patients with advanced or recurrent malignancies and severely affects the quality of life and survival of patients. Its management remains complex and variable. Medical management is the cornerstone of MBO treatment, with the goal of reducing distressing symptoms and optimizing quality of life. Until now, there has been neither a standard clinical approach nor registered medications to treat patients with inoperable MBO.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review provides information on the etiology, type and pathophysiology, and medical treatment of MBO and related adverse reactions of the drugs commonly used, which can greatly assist clinicians in making clinical decisions when treating MBO.

CONCLUSIONS

Published research shows that medical management of MBO mainly consists of antisecretory, anti-inflammatory strategies, controlling vomiting and pain, promoting emptying, preventing infection, and combination therapy. Being knowledgeable about the most current treatment options, the related adverse effects, and the evidence supporting different practices is critical for clinicians to provide individualized medical therapy for MBO patients.

Precision Lactobacillus reuteri therapy attenuates luminal distension-associated visceral hypersensitivity by inducing peripheral opioid receptors in the colon

Luminal distension and abdominal pain are major clinical hallmarks of obstructive bowel disorders and functional bowel disorders linked to gut dysbiosis. Our recent studies found that chronic lumen distension increased visceral sensitivity and decreased abundance of gut commensal Lactobacillus reuteri in a rodent model of partial colon obstruction (OB). To establish causation, we performed precision microbial therapy to assess whether recolonization of L. reuteri prevents visceral hypersensitivity in lumen distension, and if so, to identify the gut-microbiota mechanism. Lumen distension was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by implanting an OB band in the distal colon for up to 7 days. L. reuteri strains or vehicle were gavage ingested 1 × 10 colony-forming units/g daily starting 2 days before OB. L. reuteri rat strains that were able to recolonize obstructed colon significantly improved food intake and body weight in OB rats, and attenuated referred visceral hyperalgesia measured by the withdrawal response to von Frey filament applications to the abdomen. Mechanistically, L. reuteri treatment attenuated hyperexcitability of the dorsal root ganglia neurons projecting to the distended colon by promoting opioid receptor function in affected tissues. The expression of µ, δ, and κ opioid receptors was significantly downregulated in colonic muscularis externae and sensory neurons in OB rats. However, L. reuteri treatment prevented the loss of opioid receptors. Furthermore, administration of peripheral opioid receptor antagonist naloxone methiodide abolished the analgesic effect of L. reuteri in OB. In conclusion, precision L. reuteri therapy prevents lumen distension-associated visceral hypersensitivity by local bacterial induction of opioid receptors.

Metastatic large cell carcinoma of the lung: A rare cause of acute small bowel obstruction

Here, we report a case of acute intestinal obstruction as the initial presentation of primary lung cancer in a male patient. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed multiple polypoid masses and regional lymphadenopathy with small bowel obstruction. The patient underwent emergency surgery for multiple luminal malignancy with mesenteric masses. According to the various clinicopathological features, the tumor was confirmed to be metastatic large cell carcinoma originating from the lung. Large masses in the left lower lobe of the lung were identified on the chest CT after emergency surgery, and non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), not otherwise specified (NOS), was finally diagnosed on biopsy through bronchoscopy.

Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the pathogenesis of distention-associated abdominal pain in bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND

Previous studies found that visceral sensitivity is increased in bowel obstruction (BO). We hypothesized that mechanical stress-induced expression of BDNF in smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the distended bowel plays a critical role in visceral hypersensitivity in BO by altering voltage-gated K⁺ channel (K_v ) activity in sensory neurons.

METHODS

Partial colon obstruction was maintained in rats for 7 days. Colon-projecting neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG, T13 to L2) were isolated for electrophysiological and gene expression studies.

KEY RESULTS

Compared to controls, membrane excitability of colon-projecting DRG neurons was markedly enhanced in BO. The densities of total K_v and transient A-type (I_A ) K⁺ currents, but not sustained delayed I_K current, were significantly reduced in the neurons in BO. The mRNA expression of I_A subtype K_v 1.4 in colon neurons was down-regulated in BO. Expression of BDNF mRNA and protein was dramatically increased in colonic smooth muscle of the distended segment, but not in the non-distended aboral segment. Mechanical stretch of colon SMC in vitro increased BDNF expression. Treatment with anti-BDNF antibody restored total K_v and I_A currents of neurons from BO rats. Administration of Trk B inhibitor ANA-12 blocked BO-associated changes of neuronal excitability, K_v activity and gene expression in obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Mechanical stress-induced expression of BDNF in colon SMC plays a critical role in visceral hypersensitivity in BO by suppressing A-type K⁺ currents and gene expression in sensory nerve. These findings help to identify therapeutic targets for distention-associated abdominal pain in the gut.

Novel Insights Into the Mechanisms of Abdominal Pain in Obstructive Bowel Disorders

Obstructive bowel disorders (OBD) are characterized by lumen distention due to mechanical or functional obstruction in the gut. Abdominal pain is one of the main symptoms in OBD. In this article, we aim to critically review the potential mechanisms for acute and chronic pain in bowel obstruction (BO). While clustered contractions and associated increase of intraluminal pressure may account for colicky pain in simple obstruction, ischemia may be involved in acute pain in severe conditions such as closed loop obstruction. Recent preclinical studies discovered that visceral sensitivity is increased in BO, and visceral hypersensitivity may underlie the mechanisms of chronic abdominal pain in BO. Mounting evidence suggests that lumen distension, as a circumferential mechanical stretch, alters gene expression (mechano-transcription) in the distended bowel, and mechano-transcription of nociceptive and inflammatory mediators plays a critical role in the development of visceral hypersensitivity in BO. Mechano-transcription of nerve growth factor (NGF) in gut smooth muscle cells is found to increase voltage-gated Na⁺ channel (Na_v) activity of the primary sensory neurons by up-regulating expression of TTX-resistant Na_v1.8, whereas mechanical stretch-induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reduces K_v currents especially A-type (IA) currents by down-regulating expression of specific IA subtypes such as K_v1.4. The NGF and BDNF mediated changes in gene expression and channel functions in the primary sensory neurons may constitute the main mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity in OBD. In addition, mechanical stretch-induced COX-2 and other inflammatory mediators in the gut may also contribute to abdominal pain by activating and sensitizing nociceptors.

Mechanical Regulation of Gene Expression in Gut Smooth Muscle Cells

Intraluminal contents and their movement along the gastrointestinal tract create shear stress and mechanical stretch on the gut wall. While the shear stress is important in the initiation of immediate physiological responses, the circumferential mechanical stretch, such as that in obstructive bowel disorders, exerts long-lasting impacts on bowel functions by mainly affecting the deeper muscularis externae. Recent studies demonstrate that mechanical stretch alters gene transcription in gut smooth muscle cells (SMC), and the stretch-altered gene expression (mechano-transcription) may play a critical role in pathogenesis of motility dysfunction and abdominal pain in obstruction. Specifically, stretch-induced cyclo-oxygenase-2 and other pro-inflammatory mediators in gut SMC account for impairments of muscle contractility. Mechano-transcription of pain mediators such as nerve growth factor may contribute to visceral hypersensitivity, by sensitizing primary sensory neurons. This review aims to highlight the novel findings of mechano-transcription in the gut, and to discuss the signaling mechanisms and pathophysiological significance of mechano-transcription.

Application of small intestine decompression combined with oral feeding in middle and late period of malignant small bowel obstruction

The application value of small intestine decompression combined with oral feeding in the middle and late period of malignant small bowel obstruction was examined. A total of 22 patients with advanced malignant small bowel obstruction were included in the present study. An ileus tube was inserted via the nose under fluoroscopy into the obstructed small intestine of each patient. At the same time, the insertion depth the of the catheter was adjusted. When the catheter was blocked, small bowel selective angiography was performed to determine the location and cause of the obstruction and the extent of the obstruction, and to determine the length of the small intestine in the site of obstruction, and to select the variety and tolerance of enteral nutrition. We observed the decompression tube flow and ease of intestinal obstruction. In total, 20 patients were treated with oral enteral nutrition after abdominal distension, and 22 cases were treated by the nose to observe the drainage and the relief of intestinal obstruction. The distal end of the catheter was placed in a predetermined position. The symptoms of intestinal obstruction were relieved 1–4 days after decompression. The 22 patients with selective angiography of the small intestine showed positive X-ray signs: 18 patients with oral enteral nutrition therapy had improved the nutritional situation 2 weeks later. In 12 cases, where there was anal defecation exhaust, 2 had transient removal of intestinal obstruction catheter. In conclusion, this comprehensive treatment based on small intestine decompression combined with enteral nutrition is expected to become a new therapeutic approach and method for the treatment of patients with advanced tumor small bowel obstruction.

Acute intestinal obstruction due to metastatic lung cancer-case report

We present a case of male patient, who was referred to our department because of acute intestinal obstruction, which was the initial clinical symptom of primary lung cancer. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) prior to the emergency operation showed small intestinal obstruction and metastases to both adrenal glands. The patient underwent an emergency abdominal exploratory laparotomy, that confirmed small bowel obstruction and diffuse metastatic lesions along the entire small bowel length. During the operation we took a sample of one metastasis for pathological examination and we created an intestinal bypass to relieve small bowel obstruction. The pathologist suspected to primary lung cancer according to the immunohistochemical staining. The chest CT after the emergency operation showed a large primary tumor in the left upper pulmonary lobe.

Pathogenesis of abdominal pain in bowel obstruction: role of mechanical stress-induced upregulation of nerve growth factor in gut smooth muscle cells

Abdominal pain is one of the major symptoms in bowel obstruction (BO); its cellular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that mechanical stress in obstruction upregulates expression of nociception mediator nerve growth factor (NGF) in gut smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and NGF sensitizes primary sensory nerve to contribute to pain in BO. Partial colon obstruction was induced with a silicon band implanted in the distal bowel of Sprague-Dawley rats. Colon-projecting sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (T13 to L2) were identified for patch-clamp and gene expression studies. Referred visceral sensitivity was assessed by measuring withdrawal response to stimulation by von Frey filaments in the lower abdomen. Membrane excitability of colon-projecting dorsal root ganglia neurons was significantly enhanced, and the withdrawal response to von Frey filament stimulation markedly increased in BO rats. The expression of NGF mRNA and protein was increased in a time-dependent manner (day 1-day 7) in colonic SMC but not in mucosa/submucosa of the obstructed colon. Mechanical stretch in vitro caused robust NGF mRNA and protein expression in colonic SMC. Treatment with anti-NGF antibody attenuated colon neuron hyperexcitability and referred hypersensitivity in BO rats. Obstruction led to significant increases of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na currents and mRNA expression of Nav1.8 but not Nav1.6 and Nav1.7 in colon neurons; these changes were abolished by anti-NGF treatment. In conclusion, mechanical stress-induced upregulation of NGF in colon SMC underlies the visceral hypersensitivity in BO through increased gene expression and activity of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na channels in sensory neurons.

Tumor characteristics associated with malignant large bowel obstruction in stage IV colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Little is known about predictable clinical factors associated with the occurrence of malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO) in incurable stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing medical treatment. This study investigates the clinical characteristics associated with MLBO that occurred while patients with stage IV CRC were receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 216 patients who were diagnosed with stage IV CRC without bowel obstruction and who received chemotherapy between May 2005 and June 2012 were retrospectively included in this study. Patients were divided into an "obstruction group" and a "non-obstruction group" based on whether they did or did not develop MLBO during chemotherapy or follow-up, respectively. The initial endoscopic findings and clinical information were retrospectively reviewed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (21.3 %) developed MLBO during the treatment or follow-up periods. The mean duration between diagnosis and MLBO was 9.8 ± 9.3 months. After adjusting for clinically relevant factors, MLBO development was independently associated with the following factors: higher initial tumor-occupying circumference (HR 1.030 [95 % CI, 1.012-1.049], P = 0.001), longer initial horizontal tumor width (HR 1.035 [95 % CI, 1.011-1.059], P = 0.004), primary tumor location at a turning point in the colon (HR 2.404 [95 % CI, 1.185-4.877], P = 0.015), and the presence of primary tumor ulceration at presentation (HR 3.767 [95 % CI, 1.882-7.538], P < 0.001). MLBO development was not associated with tumor response to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

In patients with stage IV CRC, MLBO development during chemotherapy treatment is associated with tumor ulceration, location, circumference, and width at diagnosis.

Colon distention induces persistent visceral hypersensitivity by mechanotranscription of pain mediators in colonic smooth muscle cells

Abdominal pain and distention are major complaints in irritable bowel syndrome. Abdominal distention is mainly attributed to intraluminal retention of gas or solid contents, which may cause mechanical stress to the gut wall. Visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) may account for abdominal pain. We sought to determine whether tonic colon distention causes persistent VHS and if so whether mechanical stress-induced expression (mechanotranscription) of pain mediators in colonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a role in VHS. Human colonic SMCs were isolated and stretched in vitro to investigate whether mechanical stress upregulates expression of the pain mediator cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Rat colon was distended with a 5-cm-long balloon, and gene expression of COX-2, visceromotor response (VMR), and sensory neuron excitability were determined. Static stretch of colonic SMCs induced marked expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein in a force- and time-dependent manner. Subnoxious tonic distention of the distal colon at ∼30-40 mmHg for 20 or 40 min induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in colonic smooth muscle, but not in the mucosa layer. Lumen distention also increased VMR in a force- and time-dependent manner. The increase of VMR persisted for at least 3 days. Patch-clamp experiments showed that the excitability of colon projecting sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia was markedly augmented, 24 h after lumen distention. Administration of COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 partially but significantly attenuated distention-induced VHS. In conclusion, tonic lumen distention upregulates expression of COX-2 in colonic SMC, and COX-2 contributes to persistent VHS.

Percutaneous needle decompression in treatment of malignant small bowel obstruction

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous needle decompression in the treatment of malignant small bowel obstruction (MSBO).

METHODS: A prospective analysis of the clinical data of 52 MSBO patients undergoing percutaneous needle decompression was performed.

RESULTS: Percutaneous needle decompression was successful in all 52 patients. Statistically significant differences were observed in symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal distension and abdominal pain before and after treatment (81.6% vs 26.5%, 100% vs 8.2%, and 85.7% vs 46.9%, respectively; all P < 0.05). The overall significantly improved rate was 19.2% (11/52) and the response rate was 94.2% (49/52) using decompression combined with nasal tube placement, local arterial infusion of chemotherapy and nutritional support. During the one-month follow-up period, puncture-related complications were acceptable.

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous needle intestinal decompression is a safe and effective palliative treatment for MSBO.

Status and literature review of self-expandable metallic stents for malignant colorectal obstruction

Use of colorectal stents has increased dramatically over the last decades. Colorectal stents offer an alternative way to relieve fatal intestinal obstruction and can take place of emergency surgery, which associated with significant morbidity and mortality and a high incidence of stoma creation, to elective resection. Although there remain a few concerns regarding the use of stents as a bridge to surgical resection, use of self-expandable metallic stents for palliation in patients with unresectable disease has come to be generally accepted. Advantages of colorectal stents include acute restoration of luminal patency and allowance of time for proper staging and surgical optimization, and the well-known disadvantages are procedure-related complications including perforation, migration, and stent failure. General indications, procedures, and clinical outcomes as well as recent evidences regarding the use of colorectal stents will be discussed in this review.

Incidence and predictors of bowel obstruction in elderly patients with stage IV colon cancer: a population-based cohort study

IMPORTANCE

Research has been limited on the incidence, mechanisms, etiology, and treatment of symptoms that require palliation in patients with terminal cancer. Bowel obstruction (BO) is a common complication of advanced abdominal cancer, including colon cancer, for which small, single-institution studies have suggested an incidence rate of 15% to 29%. Large population-based studies examining the incidence or risk factors associated with BO in cancer are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with BO in patients with stage IV colon cancer.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective cohort, population-based study of patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and Medicare claims linked databases who were diagnosed as having stage IV colon cancer from January 1, 1991, through December 31, 2005.

PATIENTS

Patients 65 years or older with stage IV colon cancer (n = 12 553).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Time to BO, defined by inpatient hospitalization for BO. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to determine associations between BO and patient, prior treatment, and tumor features.

RESULTS

We identified 1004 patients with stage IV colon cancer subsequently hospitalized with BO (8.0%). In multivariable analysis, proximal tumor site (hazard ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.07-1.40]), high tumor grade (1.34 [1.16-1.55]), mucinous histological type (1.27 [1.08-1.50]), and nodal stage N2 (1.52 [1.26-1.84]) were associated with increased risk of BO, as was the presence of obstruction at cancer diagnosis (1.75 [1.47-2.04]). A more recent diagnosis was associated with decreased risk of subsequent obstruction (hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.72-0.98]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this large population of patients with stage IV colon cancer, BO after diagnosis was less common (8.0%) than previously reported. Risk was associated with site and histological type of the primary tumor. Future studies will explore management and outcomes in this serious, common complication.

Octreotide prescribing patterns in the palliation of symptomatic inoperable malignant bowel obstruction patients at a single US academic hospital

BACKGROUND

Medical management is the cornerstone of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) therapy and may include antisecretory agents such as octreotide. Currently, no data exist regarding octreotide prescribing patterns in US academic hospitals in the palliation of inoperable MBO. The aim of this study is to collect octreotide prescribing data to shape future prospective studies.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review evaluated inpatient inoperable MBO admissions at a single academic US hospital between 2008 and 2011. The prescribing primary service (medical vs. surgical), inpatient day initiated, average octreotide daily dose, cumulative octreotide dose, days receiving octreotide, length of stay (LOS), subject age, cancer stage, lines of chemotherapy, cancer type, and overall survival were analyzed utilizing a Wilcoxon rank sum test, Spearman rank correlation test, Kaplan-Meier curves, log rank test, and multiple linear regression analysis when appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 767 patients received octreotide. A cancer diagnosis was documented in 134 patients and 37 of these (24 females and 13 males; mean age, 56.7 years) had a confirmed inoperable MBO. Statistical significance was not achieved for variables analyzed. However, octreotide prescribing trends were observed for several variables: the mean LOS was equivalent on both services (16.8 vs. 17 days), mean octreotide dose was higher on the medical service (201.2 μg vs. 119 μg surgical), cumulative octreotide dose was higher on the medical service (3,558 vs. 1,884 mcg), mean day of octreotide initiation was roughly equivalent (7.9 days medical vs. 8.8 days surgical), subjects on the medical service had a decreased overall survival, and earlier octreotide initiation (defined as <7 days) was associated with a decreased overall survival.

LIMITATION

The data were collected retrospectively, with a limited population distribution at a specific time.

CONCLUSIONS

These data possibly suggest that the MBO patients on the medical vs. surgical services are distinct patient populations. MBO patients on the medical service trended to receive higher cumulative doses and have a decreased overall survival compared with surgical patients. Consequently, future studies should possibly consider these distinct study groups.

Postpyloric decompression tube placement through a gastrostomy for malignant bowel obstruction

Background

Malignant bowel obstruction affect a patient’s quality of life, but, management of MBO is controversial.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as uterine cervix cancer 2 years ago and had undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, was admitted to our hospital. She was diagnosed as having a recurrence of peritoneal metastasis and bowel obstruction. For her nasal pain, we considered insertion of a postpyloric decompression tube through the gastrostomy instead of via the nasal cavity. After insertion of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube was performed endoscopically, we introduced a postpyloric decompression tube through her gastrostomy. She could be discharged home, and 91 days later, she died in her home under hospice care, as she had wished.

Conclusions

Insertion of a postpyloric decompression tube through a gastrostomy might be useful in the management of advanced cancer patients with bowel obstruction.

Safety and efficacy of radiological percutaneous jejunostomy for decompression of malignant small bowel obstruction

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiological jejunostomy (PRJ) and stent placement in patients with malignant small bowel obstructions (MSBO).

METHODS

A total of 21 patients (mean age 60 years) with single (n = 4) or multiple (n = 17) MSBO underwent PRJ following jejunopexy. The medical records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the technical/clinical success and complications. Clinical success was determined by symptomatic relief and radiologic bowel decompression.

RESULTS

PRJ using a 12- or 14-F drainage catheter was technically successful in all patients. Eleven patients required placement of an 18-F nasogastric tube across one (n = 3), two (n = 6) and three (n = 2) obstructions to achieve clinical success. Subsequently, self-expandable stents were placed through the PRJ tracts to recanalise MSBO in four patients. Clinical success was achieved in 18 patients (85.7 %). The median food intake capacity score improved from 4.0 to 2.0 (P = 0.001). There were one major (peritonitis, 4.8 %) and six minor complications (28.6 %)

CONCLUSIONS

PRJ using a nasogastric tube across the obstructions is an effective palliative treatment for MSBO. The PRJ tract can be used as an approach route for stent placement to recanalise MSBO. However, dedicated devices should be developed to reduce frequent procedure-related complications.

KEY POINTS

• Bowel decompression provides palliative treatment in malignant small bowel obstruction • Percutaneous radiological jejunostomy (PRJ) is a safe and effective palliative treatment. • Long tube placement across obstructions facilitates adequate drainage of multiple bowel obstructions. • PRJ tract can be used for stent placement to approach MSBO recanalisation.

Bowel obstruction in elderly ovarian cancer patients: a population-based study

PURPOSE

Bowel obstruction is a common pre-terminal event in abdominal/pelvic cancer that has mainly been described in small single-institution studies. We used a large, population-based database to investigate the incidence, management, and outcomes of obstruction in ovarian cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified patients with stages IC-IV ovarian cancer, aged 65 years or older, in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database diagnosed between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2005. We modeled predictors of inpatient hospitalization for bowel obstruction after cancer diagnosis, categorized management of obstruction, and analyzed the associations between treatment for obstruction and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 8607 women with ovarian cancer, 1518 (17.6%) were hospitalized for obstruction subsequent to cancer diagnosis. Obstruction at cancer diagnosis (HR=2.17, 95%CI: 1.86-2.52) and mucinous tumor histology (HR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.15-1.83) were associated with increased risk of subsequent obstruction. Surgical management of obstruction was associated with lower 30-day mortality (13.4% in women managed surgically vs. 20.2% in women managed non-surgically), but equivalent survival after 30 days and equivalent rates of post-obstruction chemotherapy. Median post-obstruction survival was 382 days in women with obstructions of adhesive origin and 93 days in others.

CONCLUSION

In this large-scale, population-based assessment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer, nearly 20% of women developed bowel obstruction after cancer diagnosis. While obstruction due to adhesions did not signal the end of life, all other obstructions were pre-terminal events for the majority of patients regardless of treatment.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement for end-stage palliation of malignant gastrointestinal obstructions

BACKGROUND/AIM

Decompression of malignant gastrointestinal obstructions is an uncommon indication for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of venting PEG tubes in relieving nausea and vomiting and assessing complications associated with tube placement.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective chart review of patients with PEG tubes placed to decompress malignant gastrointestinal obstructions between January 2005 and September 2010 by the gastroenterology service at our institute. Patient demographics, symptom relief, procedural complications, diet tolerability and home palliation were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven PEG tubes were inserted to decompress malignant gastrointestinal obstructions. The mean patient age was 62 years (range 37-82 years). The underlying primary malignancies were small intestine (1), appendiceal (1), pancreatic (2), and colon (3) cancer. Gastric outlet obstruction was present in 3 (43%) patients while small bowel obstruction occurred in 4 (57%) patients. There was relief of nausea and vomiting in 6 (86%) patients. Procedural complications were present in 1 (14%) patient and involved superficial cellulitis followed by peristomal leakage. Patients with gastric outlet obstruction continued to have limited oral intake while patients with small bowel obstruction tolerated varying degrees of oral nutrition. Six (86%) patients were discharged home after PEG tube placement, but only 2 (33%) were able to undergo end-stage palliation at home without re-admission for hospital palliation.

CONCLUSIONS

Venting PEG tubes significantly reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal obstruction due to primary gastrointestinal malignancies. Complications associated with tube placement were minimal.

Expandable metal stents for malignant colorectal strictures

The surgical management of malignant colorectal obstruction is still controversial and has higher associated mortality and complication rates compared with elective surgery. Placement of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) has been proposed as an alternative therapeutic approach for colonic decompression of patients with acute malignant obstruction. SEMS placement may be used both as a bridge to surgery in patients who are good candidates for curative resection and for palliation of those patients presenting with advanced stage disease or with severe comorbid medical illnesses.

Bowel obstruction and hernia

Bowel obstruction and abdominal hernia are commonly observed in patients seeking emergency care for abdominal pain. This article discusses bowel obstruction, adynamic ileus, acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, and abdominal hernias, with particular emphasis on the management of patients in the emergency department (ED). Although the diagnostic approach to bowel obstruction often requires imaging, abdominal hernia may be identified in most circumstances by history and physical examination alone. Urgent surgical consultation is indicated when there is a concern for bowel ischemia, strangulation, or complete obstruction. This article reviews an ED-based approach to the patient presenting with symptoms of bowel obstruction or hernia.

Malignant bowel obstruction: a review of current treatment strategies

Malignant bowel obstruction is common in individuals with intra-abdominal and pelvic malignancies and results in considerable suffering. Treatments target both the resolution of obstruction and symptom management. Emerging procedures include stents placement in the bowel to return patency and newer surgical procedures that are evolving to be less invasive. The use of medical interventions like corticosteroids, alone or in concert with additional drugs, can be utilized to achieve resolution of obstruction. Throughout treatment, it is important to also aggressively treat obstructive symptoms like pain and nausea/vomiting. This can mostly be achieved with medications, but use of venting percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) can also relieve symptoms. Parenteral hydration and nutrition use remain controversial with this population. The factor most closely tied to prognosis is performance status.

A magnetic retrieval system for stents in the pancreaticobiliary tree

Clinical endoscopic intervention of the pancreaticobiliary tree [endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)] often concludes with the insertion of a temporary plastic stent to reduce the risk of post-ERCP complications by promoting continued flow of bile and pancreatic fluids. This stent is later removed once the patient has fully recovered, but today this necessitates a second endoscopic intervention. The final goal of this work is to obviate the second intervention. This is to be achieved by adding a magnetic ring to the stent such that the stent is removed using a hand-held magnet, held in a suitable position ex vivo . This paper details the design, optimization, and both ex vivo and in vivo testing of the magnetized stent and hand-held magnet, which has been accomplished to date. The optimized design for the hand-held magnet and the modified stent with a magnetic attachment performs in line with simulated expectations, and successful retrieval is achieved in the porcine ex vivo setting at 9-10 cm separation. This is comparable to the mean target capture distance of 10 cm between the entry point to the biliary system and the closest cutaneous surface, determined from random review of clinical fluoroscopies in ten human patients. Subsequently, the system was successfully tested in vivo in the acute porcine model, where retrieval at an estimated separation of 5-6 cm was captured on endoscopic video. These initial results indicate that the system may represent a promising approach for the elimination of a second endoscopic procedures following placement of pancreatic and biliary stents.