Gross morphologic features of surgical specimen in rectal cancer patients with pathological complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

pathological complete response (pCR) is achieved in 10%-30% of rectal cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Residual mucosal abnormalities, which make patients ineligible for nonoperative management, may not be an accurate indicator of the pCR. The purpose of this study was to report the gross findings of rectal cancer patients with pathological complete responses.

METHODS

This study was conducted at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. A total of 130 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma, treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by surgical resection between March 2007, and March 2017, with a surgical pathology report of pCR, were included. Patients' demographics and pretreatment tumor characteristics were collected from the medical records. Data regarding residual mucosal abnormalities were extracted from postoperative surgical pathology reports. Abnormal findings were reported as "ulcer" or " non-ulcerative lesion".

RESULTS

One hundred and fifteen patients (88.5%; 95% CI: 81.7%-93.4%) had at least one abnormal finding in the gross examination, including ulcer or non-ulcerative lesion (any mucosal abnormalities other than ulcers, including polyps, telangiectasia, etc.). Patients with higher-stage tumors had a higher chance of having an ulcerative lesion (p = 0.05). Younger patients tended to have deeper layers of involvement (p = 0.013). Patients with different gross findings were not significantly different regarding baseline characteristics, except for the pretreatment stage, where patients with a higher stage had higher odds of having ulcerative lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Most rectal cancer patients achieving a pCR exhibit abnormalities on gross examination. The higher pretreatment stages were significantly associated with gross abnormalities especially ulcers.

Role of Oxaliplatin in the Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: a Review of Evidence

The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is a challenging situation for radiation oncologists and colorectal surgeons. Most current approaches recommend neoadjuvant fluorouracil or capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery as a standard of care. Intensification of concurrent chemotherapy by adding oxaliplatin to fluorouracil or capecitabine backbone to get better outcomes is the matter that has remained unresolved. In this review, we searched Medline and Google Scholar databases and selected 28 prospective phase II and III clinical trials that addressed this question. We discussed the potential advantages and drawbacks of incorporating oxaliplatin into concurrent chemoradiation therapy. We tried to define whether adding oxaliplatin to concurrent chemoradiation with excellent performance and high-risk features benefits some subpopulations. The available literature suggests that by adding oxaliplatin there are some benefits in enhancing response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, however, without any translated improvements in long-term outcomes including overall and disease-free survival.

Mucosal vs. cutaneous advancement flaps for the treatment of chronic anal fissures: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare two surgical treatment methods for chronic anal fissures (CAF), mucosal advancement flap anoplasty (MAFA) and cutaneous advancement flap anoplasty (CAFA).

METHODS

A randomized, blinded clinical trial was conducted on patients with CAF refractory to medical treatment referred to a tertiary-level hospital between January 2021 and December 2022. The patients were assigned to two groups by block randomization and were compared in terms of outcome, pain reduction, and complications.

RESULTS

There were 30 patients (male to female ratio 2:3, median age 42 years [range 25-59 years]). Both techniques reduced anal pain significantly (p = 0.001); however, there were no significant differences between MAFA and CAFA groups in recurrence, duration of healing, postoperative pain, and postoperative bleeding. No patient suffered from fecal incontinence (Wexner score = 0) or flap necrosis postoperatively. Only two patients in the MAFA group (1 and 3 months after surgery) and one patient in the CAFA group (2 months after surgery) had recurrence (total recurrence rate = 10%, healing rate = 90%). All of the patients were satisfied with their surgical results.

CONCLUSION

Mucosal and cutaneous anal advancement flap techniques are effective and comparable surgical procedures for the treatment of chronic anal fissures with minimal complications, fast healing process, and minimal postoperative pain and complications.

CLINICAL TRIAL ID

IRCT20120129008861N4 ( www.irct.ir ).

The impact of circular stapler size on the risk of anastomotic stricture following total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer patients: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery complications are a major issue affecting morbidity and mortality rates. Anastomotic stricture, which occurs in almost 30% of patients after surgery for rectal cancer, is one of the most serious but underreported side effects. In this study, we tried to assess the effect of stapler size on anastomotic stricture rate.

Materials and Methods

At our facility, all patients underwent low anterior resections (LAR) performed using an open laparotomy technique. A contour-curved stapler and an end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) circular stapler were used in the double stapling technique (DST). All patients also underwent a protective loop ileostomy. Patients who developed stricture following leakage were excluded.

Results

This study comprised a total of 173 rectal cancer patients. A 29-mm circle stapler was used to anastomose 77 patients (44.5%), while a 31-mm circular stapler was used to anastomose 96 patients (55.5%). Six individuals experienced strictures; two had a 29 mm stamper and four (4.4%) had a 31 mm one. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p:0.575). On aggregate, 8 patients experienced leakage; 3 (3.8%) of these patients received treatment with a 29 mm stapler, whereas 5 (5.2%) received treatment with a 31 mm stapler.

Conclusion

this study found no statistically significant difference in the stricture rates and stapler size. The findings of this study provide credibility to the notion that in rectal cancer patients having LAR, strictures can be safely avoided by performing the anastomoses with both staplers.

Evaluation of colonic anastomosis healing using hybrid nanosheets containing molybdenum disulfide (MOS2) scaffold of human placental amniotic membrane and polycaprolactone (PCL) in rat animal model

Anastomosis is a standard technique following different conditions such as obstruction, tumor, and trauma. Obstruction, adhesion, or anastomosis leakage can be some of its complications. To improve healing and prevent postoperative complications, we design a hybrid scaffold containing acellular human amniotic membranes and polycaprolactone-molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for colon anastomosis. The animal model of colocolonic anastomosis was performed on two groups of rats: control and scaffold. The hybrid scaffold was warped around the anastomosis site in the scaffold group. Samples from the anastomosis site were resected on the third and seventh postoperative days for histopathological and molecular assessments. Histopathologic score and burst pressure had shown significant improvement in the scaffold group. No mortality and anastomosis leakage was reported in the scaffold group. In addition, inflammatory markers were significantly decreased, while anti-inflammatory cytokines were increased in the scaffold group. The result indicates that our hybrid scaffold is a proper choice for colorectal anastomosis repair by declining postoperative complications and accelerating healing.

Evaluation of the Farsi-translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health Scale questionnaires in patients with hemorrhoid disease: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS) is a tool that is scored based on five main symptoms: pain, bleeding, itching, soiling, and prolapse. Furthermore, the Short Health Scale (SHS) is a measurement tool of subjective health and health-related quality of life. This study was performed to validate the Farsi-translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), and Scale Short Health Scale adapted for hemorrhoidal disease (SHS-HD) as a measure of symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.

Methods

In this study, HDSS and SHS-HD were translated into Farsi. Participants with confirmed hemorrhoid disease completed the questionnaire. Subsequently, the questionnaire's discriminative validity, convergent validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity were evaluated.

Results

Data from 31 patients were analyzed (mean age 39.68; 71% male). The results of the analysis showed good internal consistency as Cronbach's α for HDSS and SHS were 0.994 and 0.995 respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient for the test-retest comparison was 0.986 (p < 0.01). The responses demonstrated good convergent validity. Moreover, the comprehension and suitability of each question were rated as excellent (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.3).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that the Farsi translation of the HDSS and SHS-HD can be a valuable tool for evaluating the symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.

Assessment of the efficacy of Handmade Vacuum-Assisted Sponge Drain for Treatment of Anastomotic leakage after Low Anterior Rectal Resection

Anastomotic leakage is one of the major complications of colorectal surgery, which might lead to reoperation, increased hospital stays, further intervention and mortality. Vacuum-assisted closure by devices such as Endo-SPONGE® produced by (B-Braun Medical B.V.) is currently being used to treat leakage and fistula. In this study, we aimed to assess the handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain for anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection. This prospective study included 22 patients who had undergone sponge drain placement to treat anastomotic leakage. All patients had anastomotic leaks or defects after left anterior rectal resection (LAR) without ileostomy. They were treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before the surgery and then subjected to rigid recto-sigmoidoscopy for 30 days following the operation. Any sign of leakage, such as perianal and pelvic pain, was immediately identified and followed up with a CT scan and another recto-sigmoidoscopy. Twenty-two patients were enrolled in this study, 12 men (54.5%) and 10 women (47.4%). All patients had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with an average follow-up of 22.30 ± 3.81. 75% of patients (15 cases) were successfully treated, and 17 patients (85%) underwent successful ostomy closure. Treatment failed in 5 patients (25%), including three men and two women. This study shows that handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain is a cost-effective method of anastomotic leakage management with efficacy similar to that of Endo-SPONGE^®.

Hand-sewn direct repair versus resection and hand-sewn anastomosis techniques for the reversal of diverting loop ileostomy after lower anterior rectal resection surgery: A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Several techniques have been proposed for the closure of loop ileostomy. This is the first study comparing bowel function and outcomes of two different hand-sewn surgical techniques used for the closure of diverting protective loop ileostomy.

METHOD

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 40 patients with a history of rectal cancer, low anterior resection, and diverting loop ileostomy who were candidates for ileostomy reversal were included and randomly assigned into two groups, hand-sewn direct repair of the ileal defect (group A) and resection and hand-sewn anastomosis of the ileum (group B).

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 56.42 and 52.10 years in groups A and B, respectively. Regarding early postoperative period, group A developed earlier first gas passage (1.68 vs. 2.25 days, p = 0.041) and stool passage (2.10 vs. 2.80 days, p = 0.032). Group A also revealed shorter operating time (83.68 vs. 89.50 min, p = 0.040) and hospital stay (4.73 vs. 6.80 days, p = 0.001). None of the participants in both groups developed signs of bowel obstruction during the early and late postoperative follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct hand-sewn repair for the closure of diverting loop ileostomy is a safe technique with better postoperative bowel function, oral diet tolerance, and less hospital stay compared to resection and hand-sewn anastomosis of the ileum.

Safety and efficacy of injection of human placenta mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes for treatment of complex perianal fistula in non-Crohn's cases: Clinical trial phase I

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A perianal fistula is an abnormal tract that connects anal canal to skin. Current medical and surgical interventions have a high failure rate particularly in complex and refractory cases. MSC-derived exosomes have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects without the conventional complications; hence, in this study, we evaluated the safety of their application for complex perianal fistula.

METHODS

Placenta-derived MSCs were cultured, and exosomes were isolated using ultracentrifugation. Exosome injections were administered in the operating room to 11 patients with complex perianal fistula (presence of fistulas for at least 1 year alongside medical and surgical treatment). The patients were followed for 6 months, and the patients were evaluated using physical examination, face-to-face interviews, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Among 11 patients only one did not show any improvement upon physical examination. Five patients showed complete tract resolve. While the discharge was stopped in eight patients, two patients showed only reduction. None of the patients showed any acute or latent allergic reaction or injection related complications.

CONCLUSION

Administration of exosomes isolated from MSCs demonstrates safety and a satisfactory therapeutic effect in treatment complex perianal fistulae; therefore, it can be a candidate for future studies and might play a significant role in treatment.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Persian (Farsi) version of the QoLAF (quality of life in patients with anal fistula) questionnaire

INTRODUCTION

The effective treatment of anal fistulas almost always requires surgical intervention, which could be accompanied by post-operative complications, and affect the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Persian version of the Quality of Life in patients with Anal Fistula questionnaire and evaluate its validity and reliability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with a mean age of 44 years ranging from 21 to 72 years entered the study. Forty-seven participants were men, and thirteen were women. After performing a scientific translation of the questionnaire based on Beaton's guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation and after extensive reviews by experts and specialists, the final version of the questionnaire was obtained. Then, 60 questionnaires (100%) were filled out by the participants (n = 60) and retrieved during a 7 to 21-day period. Data were collected and analyzed. Finally, according to the obtained data, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were calculated.

RESULTS

Cross-cultural adaptation of the translated questionnaire was verified by the expert committee. The results showed perfect internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.842), and external consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.800; P<0.001). Spearman correlation coefficient between test and retest was reported to be 0.980 (P-value <0.01), confirming the temporal stability of the translated questionnaire. The interrater reliability based on Cohen's kappa coefficient also demonstrated a perfect degree of agreement between two peer variables (Kappa = 0.889; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Persian translation of the Quality of Life in patients with the Anal Fistula questionnaire was proven to be valid and reliable for the evaluation of the QoL of patients with anal fistula.

Biomedical properties and hemostatic efficacy of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based hydrogel in experimental rat liver injury model

PURPOSE

Bleeding is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the trauma and surgery field, using effective hemostatic agents can help us reduce bleeding especially in parenchymal hemorrhage. Nowadays polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is known as a safe candidate for wound dressing and maybe a hemostatic agent. PVA-based hydrogel is a popular biocompatible material in the biomedical field especially when it has high water absorption. In this study, we investigated the PVA hydrogel's mechanical and biological properties as well as its hemostatic potential in parenchymal bleeding.

METHODS

PVA hydrogel had made by the freeze-thawing approach, we used PVA hydrogel in comparison to standard treatment to investigate hemostatic potency. Also, we performed MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) tests to survey PVA cellular toxicity. After an acute liver injury, two groups of 12 rats were treated with PVA hydrogel or standard treatment with sterile gauze. The results including the time and volume of bleeding, and the time and survival rate of the rats were measured and compared.

RESULTS

We saw that PVA hydrogel was safe with no cellular toxicity in the MTT assay. Regarding efficacy, PVA hydrogel increased rats' survival after bleeding from 75% to 91.7%, and decreased bleeding time (p: 0.015), and bleeding volume (p: 0.03) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Polyvinyl alcohol is safe. It has good biological properties with no cellular toxicity and has a significant hemostatic effect and can be regarded in control of parenchymal hemorrhage.

Prognostic Factors of Disease Recurrence and Overall Survival Following Curative Resection of Colon Cancer: A 10-year Cohort from a Referral Center

Background: The growing incidence of colorectal cancer around the world highlights the significance of tumor recurrence and patient survival as 2 key elements of patient therapy. We aimed to study the factors linked with disease recurrence and survival in colon cancer. Methods: Patients with colon cancer who underwent tumor excision as their primary treatment were enrolled in this prospective cohort and monitored for 10 years. Various demographic and clinicopathologic factors of these patients were studied in association with the 2 primary outcomes of this study, including tumor recurrence and patient survival. Statistical tests and survival analysis were utilized to explore the study aims. Results: An overall number of 113 patients were included in this survey with a mean age of 54.7 (±SD, 14.1), and most of the patients were men (56.6%). The mean follow-up period was 28.3 (±25.5) months. Tumor recurrence occurred in 32 (28.3%) patients in the study period. The estimated mean survival of patients was 54.9 (95% CI, 45.3-64.4) months. N staging ( p = 0.036), T staging ( p = 0.009), and pathologic staging (P = .004) were the significant pathological factors to higher tumor recurrence and lower survival rates. Conclusion: Advanced tumor staging led to increased disease recurrence and lower survival of colon cancer patients in this survey. Further public health screening and education programs are needed to improve the early detection and prognosis of these patients in Iran.

Surgical management of retrorectal tumors: a single-center 12 years' experience

Purpose

Retrorectal tumors (RTs) are rare tumors that arise in the space between the mesorectum and the pelvic wall and often originate in embryonic tissues. The primary treatment for these tumors is complete excision surgery, and choosing the best surgical approach is very important.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively collected the data of 15 patients with RTs who underwent surgery in the surgical ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran for 12 years to share our experiences of patients' treatment and compare different surgical approaches.

Results

A total of 5 tumors were malignant, 10 were benign, and most of the tumors were congenital. Malignant tumors were seen in older patients. Three surgical procedures were performed on patients. Three patients underwent abdominal approach surgery, and 8 patients underwent posterior surgery. A combined surgical approach was performed on 4 patients. Two patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. The abdominal approach had the least long-term complication, and the combined approach had the most complications; laparoscopic surgery reduced the length of hospital stay and complications after surgery.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary team collaboration using magnetic resonance imaging details is necessary to determine a surgical treatment approach. It could reduce the need for a preoperative biopsy. However, every approach has its advantages and disadvantages. In the main, they have no superiority over each other, and individualized treatment is the key.

Surgical management of a solitary metastatic ovarian adenocarcinoma with colonic origin presenting as gigantic bilateral ovarian masses

Metastatic ovarian tumors with a gastrointestinal origin have always been a challenge in surgery; in many cases, the primary tumor is diagnosed after the metastasis. This case was presented with bilateral abdominal masses, which were adenocarcinomas originating from gastrointestinal tract. Following colonoscopy and finding a mass, total colectomy was performed.

The key clinical message, in this case, is that large, bilateral masses in the absence of ascites are suggestive for an extragonadal origin for which one of the primary sources is GI, so endoscopy and colonoscopy should be carried out for these patients (for gastric and colonic cancers). Resecting the primary tumor with metastasis is controversial, and not currently enough data are available. Our assumption is that we have to rule out the secondary sites of metastasis and peritoneal seeding, for which palliative chemotherapy and ostomy diversion for obstructive cases is the only option. In cases with no secondary site of metastasis surgery is considered an option, but the risk of metachronous metastasis is high, and the prognosis is poor.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for treatment of refractory perianal fistula in IBD patients: clinical trial phase I

Background

Exosome administration is a novel medical approach that promises excellent immunomodulatory properties without the conventional side effects of current antitumor necrosis factor drugs and stem cells. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes to treat refractory fistulas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

MSCs were derived from the umbilical cords and their exosomes were isolated. Five patients with refractory perianal Crohn’s disease fistulas with a median age of 35 years (range 31–47 years) were enrolled in the study. Exosome injections were administered in the operating room to patients with refractory fistula (fistulas that are irresponsive to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α administration within 6 months). Six months later, a physical examination, face-to-face interviews, and magnetic resonance imaging were employed to evaluate the therapy responses of patients.

Results

The outcomes within 6 months after initiation of therapy showed that four patients had responded to therapy. Three patients who received exosome injections exhibited complete healing, while one reported no improvement and active discharge from the fistula site. In addition, five patients (100%) reported neither systemic nor local adverse effects.

Conclusions

Injection of exosomes extracted from MSCs demonstrates safety and a satisfactory therapeutic effect, as evidenced in this and other studies, and may play a significant role in the future treatment of gastrointestinal fistulas.

Advanced Regenerative Medicine Strategies for Treatment of Perianal Fistula in Crohn's Disease

Regenerative medicine is an emerging therapeutic method that aims to reconstruct tissues and organs. This advanced therapeutic approach has demonstrated great potential in addressing the limitations of medical and surgical procedures for treating perineal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease. Recent developments in stem cell technology have led to a massive good manufacturing practices (GMPs) production of various stem cells, including mesenchymal and embryonic cells, along with induction of pluripotent stem cells to repair damaged tissues in the fistula. The recent advances in separation and purification of exosomes, as biologic nanovesicles carrying anti-inflammatory and regenerative agents, have made them powerful tools to treat this inflammatory disease. Further, tremendous advances in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and scaffold fabrication methods enable tissue engineering methods to synthesize tissue-like structures to assist surgical techniques. This review focuses on advanced regenerative-based methods including stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, and tissue engineering used in the treatment of perianal fistula. Relevant in vitro and in vivo studies and the latest innovations in implementation of regenerative medicine for this disease are also separately reviewed. Additionally, current challenges regarding implementation of g stem cells, exosomes, and tissue engineering methods for bridging the gaps between laboratory findings and clinic application will be discussed.

Splenic flexure volvulus, a rare etiology of colonic obstruction: Case report

Introduction

Splenic flexure volvulus (SFV) occurs as a result of twisting or torsion of a redundant colon around its mesentery. The SFV can be divided into primary and secondary types.

Presentation of case

An 82-year-old woman with a previous history of Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with a primary complaimt of obstipation and progressive abdominal pain. Abdomen was grossly distended and tympanic with generalized tenderness. The rectum was empty on digital rectal examination. Complete blood count showed leuckocytosis and neutrophlia. Plain abdominal X-rays showed distented cecum and ascending colon without any air in the gut distal to the splenic flexure. Regarding her unstable condition even aftre fluid resuscitation, she was transferred to the operating room. SFV was found and the standard left hemicolectomy was performed and bowel continiuity was established with primary anastomis of remained colonic ends. Postoperative period was uneventfull.

Discussion

The splenic flexure is strictly attached to the adjacent organs so its volvulus is rare. Most cases of adult SFV have an underlying disease associated with chronic constipation. Diagnosis of volvulus is suspected based on the history, clinical exam, and imaging. The initial and urgent treatment of SFV, if there are no signs of ischemia or perforation, may be conservative with endoscopic detorsion. Gangrenous bowel should not be detorted and should be resected with primary anastomosis or a diverting stoma.

Conclusion

SFV should be considered as a possible diagnosis of chronic constipation which might be diagnosed with plain abdominal Xray in non emergent condition. Special attention should be given to the medication history of the patient as the anticholinergic agents propagate normal pristaltis.

•

Splenic flexure volvulus (SFV) is a rare condition of colonic obstruction

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An 82-year-old bedridden woman with a previous history of parkinson’s disease presented to the emergency department.

•

SFV was seen due to the absence of leno-colic and phreno-colic ligaments and the proximal descending colon was intraperitoneal.

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An interesting finding about psychological profile of patients with SFV is that nearly all of these patients have a history of taking antipsychotic medication.

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The medication history of drugs interfering with gastrointestinal motility can be a guide for timely diagnosis.

Introduction of a Handmade Vacuum-Assisted Sponge Drain for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage After Low Anterior Rectal Resection

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage, a known major postoperative complication, potentially leads to readmission, reoperation, and increased mortality rates in patients, such as rectal cancer patients following a low anterior resection (LAR). Currently, vacuum-assisted closure, as featured by B-Braun (B-Braun Medical B.V.), is already being used for the treatment of gastrointestinal leakages and fistulas. The main aim of this study was to introduce a novel method for creating a vacuum-assisted drain for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after LAR.

Methods

All 10 patients, who underwent LAR surgery from 2018 to 2019, were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage and had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. Therefore, patients were treated with a handmade vacuum-assisted drain and were revisited every 5 to 7 days for further evaluations and drain replacement until leakage resolution. Physical features of cavity, time of diagnose, and duration of treatment were analyzed correspondingly. The handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain was prepared for each patient in each session of follow-up.

Results

Eight out of 10 patients experienced complete closure of the defect. The mean delay time from the day of operation to the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was 61.0±80.4 days while the mean time for leakage closure was 117.6±68.3 days. Eventually, 7 cases underwent ileostomy reversal with no complications during a 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion

In this study, we evaluated the healing process of anastomotic leakage after the usage of a handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain in a case series method. In our trial, we provided an innovative cost-benefit method easily applicable in the operating room.

Management of colon and rectal cancers during COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical guideline (TUMS-CRC-CoV19 Guideline)

Background: In a resource-demanding COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines can free up health care resources needed for providing better care to those with COVID-19 and other patients. This study was performed to design a guideline to manage patients with colorectal cancers during the COVID-19pandemic.

Methods: To design this guideline, major topics and headings of colon and rectal cancers (CRC) were selected and included. Based on the extent of COVID-19 infection in the community and availability of hospital resources, the guideline has been designed for 2 major COVID-19 phases. Several multidisciplinary discussion sessions were held to review the comments of experts, finalize the data, and write the guideline.

Results: This guideline has been prepared in 2 main COVID-19 phases of the community/hospital. Phase A refers to the condition where a large number of COVID-19 patients are admitted to the hospital, but limited surgical ICU beds and facilities are still accessible. In phase B, many people are affected by COVID-19, and all hospital resources are allocated for COVID 19 patients. In phase A, 4 major groups are discussed, including malignant and suspicious colorectal polyps, colon cancers, rectal cancers, and recurrent cancers. The approach to emergent cases, including obstruction, bleeding, and perforation, will be presented in phase B.

Conclusion: This guideline is a comprehensive instruction on the approach to colorectal cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic that covers the major topics of colon and rectal cancers in detail.

Comparison of Coagulation Conditions in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis Due to Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Nonbiliary Causes of Cirrhosis Before Orthotopic Liver Transplant

OBJECTIVES

Orthotopic liver transplant can be accompanied by an obscure bleeding pattern in patients with severe hepatic malfunction. In the present study, coagulation conditions of patients with cirrhosis of the liver due to primary sclerosing cholangitis and nonbiliary causes of cirrhosis were compared using rotational thromboelastometry assays obtained before orthotopic liver transplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case control study analyzed patients who were candidates for orthotopic liver transplant from 2010 to 2016. Eighty patients with cirrhosis of the liver (40 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and 40 with nonbiliary causes of cirrhosis) were randomly selected and enrolled into the study. Patients received rotational thromboelastometry assays under anesthesia just before the start of the operation, and results were compared between the 2 patient groups.

RESULTS

Of 80 patients, 52 were men and 28 were women. In the assays, we found that maximum amplitudes in 10 and in 20 minutes and maximum clot firmness parameters were higher in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The alpha angle and clot formation time were different in the intrinsic and extrinsic assay panels. In the intrinsic assay, we found clotting time to be shorter (P < .05). The average of all parameters in all 3 assays (intrinsic, extrinsic, and fibrinogen contribution) was lower in patients with nonbiliary causes of cirrhosis than in those with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast with previous studies that found that patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are hypercoagulable, our study observed that they have normal coagulable results. Furthermore, we found that, although mean coagulation indexes in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis were within normal ranges, in patients with nonbiliary causes of cirrhosis, these indexes were generally lower.

Hiatal Hernia From Misdiagnosis to Diagnosis

Complications of hiatal hernia are potentially lethal, and surgical intervention is necessary. This matter is more important in cases that have ambiguous symptoms and are diagnosed with a delay. Such patients may experience life-threatening course and events. Accordingly, in this report, a 23-year-old male patient with unusual findings is presented. A 23-year-old male patient with acute dyspnea and fever was admitted in infectious disease ward with diagnosis of empyema according to chest radiography and CT-scan findings (Figures 1 and 2). On physical examinations the right lung sounds were normal, and the left lung sounds could not be heard. Then a gastrography was performed because of suspicion to hiatal hernia based on physical examination findings showing the presence of stomach in the thorax (Figure 3). In the surgery, the stomach and the transverse colon were released and reputed in the abdomen (Figure 4). The diaphragm was primarily repaired due to small defect, and the patient was discharged after 4-5 days with good general conditions. This case had a learning note that in the case of acute dyspnea with a positive history of stab wound to the chest, hiatal hernia should be considered as an important diagnosis and in these cases performing a gastrography would help physicians to make true and certain diagnosis and therapeutic decision.