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Biomedical subjects

A G Heriot

Publications and source records attributed to A G Heriot.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Comparison of colonic stenting and open surgery for malignant large bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Colonic stents potentially offer effective palliation for those with bowel obstruction attributable to incurable malignancy, and a "bridge to surgery" for those in whom emergency surgery would necessitate a stoma. The current study compared the outcomes of stents and open surgery in the management of malignant large bowel obstruction. METHODS: A literature search of the Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify comparative studies reporting outcomes on colonic stenting and surgery for large bowel obstruction. Random effects meta-analytical techniques were applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two groups. Sensitivity analysis of high quality studies, those reporting on more than 35 patients, those solely concerning colorectal cancer and studies performing intention to treat analysis was undertaken to evaluate the study heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion, with outcomes reported for 451 patients. Stent insertion was attempted for 244 patients (54.1%), and proved successful for 226 (92.6%). The length of hospital stay was shorter by 7.72 days in the stent group (p < 0.001), which also had lower mortality (p = 0.03) and fewer medical complications (p < 0.001). Stoma formation at any point during management was significantly lower than in the stent group (odds ratio, 0.02; p < 0.001), and "bridging to surgery" did not adversely influence survival. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic stenting offers effective palliation for malignant bowel obstruction, with short lengths of hospital stay and a low rate for stoma formation, but data on quality of life and economic evaluation are limited. There is no evidence of differences in long-term survival between those who have stents followed by subsequent resection and those undergoing emergency bowel resection.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

The correlation between colorectal cancer rates of proliferation and apoptosis and systemic cytokine levels; plus their influence upon survival.

Colorectal cancer development is associated with a shift in host immunity with suppression of the cell-mediated immune system (CMI) and a predominance of humoral immunity (HI). Tumour progression is also associated with increased rates of cell proliferation and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these factors correlate and have an influence upon prognosis. Long-term follow-up was performed on 40 patients with colorectal cancer who had levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-10 measured from stimulated blood cultures before surgery. Their archived tumour specimens were analysed to determine a Ki-67-derived proliferation index (PI) and a M30-derived apoptosis index (AI). Tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels negatively correlated to tumour proliferation (rho=-0.697, P=0.01). Interleukin-10 levels had a positive correlation with tumour proliferation (rho=0.452, P=0.05) and apoptosis (rho=0.587, P=0.01). Patient survival correlates to tumour pathological stage (P=0.0038) and vascular invasion (P=0.0014). An AI< or =0.6% and TNF-alpha levels > or =8148 pg ml(-1) correlate to improved survival (P=0.032, P=0.021). Tumour proliferation and apoptosis correlate to progressive suppression of the CMI-associated cytokine TNF-alpha and to and higher levels of IL-10. Survival is dependent upon the histological stage of the tumour, vascular invasion, rates of apoptosis and proliferation and systemic immunity which are all interconnected.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of laparoscopic and open ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease: a metaanalysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic surgery for patients with ileocecal Crohn's disease is a contentious issue. This metaanalysis aimed to compare open resection with laparoscopically assisted resection for ileocecal Crohn's disease. METHODS: A literature search of the Medline, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify comparative studies reporting outcomes for both laparoscopic and open ileocecal resection. Metaanalytical techniques were applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two groups. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to evaluate the heterogeneity of the study. RESULTS: Of 20 studies identified by literature review, 15 satisfied the criteria for inclusion in the study. These included outcomes for 783 patients, 338 (43.2%) of whom had undergone laparoscopic resection, with an overall conversion rate to open surgery of 6.8%. The operative time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group, by 29.6 min (p = 0.002), although the blood loss and complications in the two groups were similar. In terms of postoperative recovery, the laparoscopic patients had a significantly shorter time for recovery of their enteric function and a shorter hospital stay, by 2.7 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For selected patients with noncomplicated ileocecal Crohn's disease, laparoscopic resection offered substantial advantages in terms of more rapid resolution of postoperative ileus and shortened hospital stay. There was no increase in complications, as compared with open surgery. The contraindications to laparoscopic approaches for Crohn's disease remain undefined.

Crohn Disease↗
PubMed2006

Meta-analysis of colonic reservoirs versus straight coloanal anastomosis after anterior resection.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: The comparative benefits and drawbacks of straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA), colonic J-pouch and coloplasty anastomosis after anterior resection are uncertain. Studies published between 1986 and 2005 of colonic J-pouch versus transverse coloplasty or straight CAA were analysed. Endpoints included postoperative complications, and functional and physiological outcomes measured within 6 months, 1 year and 2 years or more after the procedure. A random-effect model was used to aggregate the study endpoints and assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies containing 2240 patients (1066 straight CAA, 1050 J-pouch and 124 coloplasty) were included. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the three groups. There was a significant reduction in the frequency of defaecation per day by 1.88, 1.35 and 0.74 motions at the three time intervals in the J-pouch group compared with the straight CAA group. Faecal urgency was less prevalent in patients with a J-pouch than those with a straight CAA (odds ratio 0.27 at 6 months or less and 0.21 at 1 year). There was no difference in functional outcome between J-pouch and coloplasty anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: The colonic J-pouch provided functional benefits over straight anastomosis with no increase in postoperative complications. Coloplasty appeared to have similar benefits but further studies are required for validation.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2006

Long-term results of abdominal salvage surgery following restorative proctocolectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated outcomes of patients who underwent abdominal salvage ileal pouch redo surgery and identified factors associated with pouch failure following restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: Data on patients who underwent abdominal salvage surgery in a tertiary referral centre between 1985 and 2003 were collected. Outcomes studied included failure of salvage and bowel function of patients with an intact intestine. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve patients underwent 117 pouch salvage procedures for ulcerative colitis (86), indeterminate colitis/ulcerative colitis (eight), indeterminate colitis/Crohn's disease (three), familial adenomatous polyposis (ten) and other conditions (five). The most common indications for pouch salvage were intra-abdominal sepsis (45 patients), anastomotic stricture (13) and retained rectal stump (35). Median follow-up was 46 (range 1-147) months. Twenty-four patients (21.4 per cent) experienced pouch failure, the incidence of which increased with time. The pouch failed in all patients with Crohn's disease. Successful salvage at 5 years was significantly associated with non-septic (85 per cent) rather than septic (61 per cent) indications (P = 0.016). Frequency of night-time defaecation and faecal urgency improved after salvage surgery (P = 0.036 and P = 0.016 respectively at 5-year follow-up; n = 32). CONCLUSION: Abdominal salvage surgery was associated with a failure rate of 21.4 per cent. A successful outcome was less likely when the procedure was carried out for septic compared with non-septic indications. The rate of pouch failure increased with length of follow-up.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Social deprivation and outcomes in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of social deprivation on postoperative mortality and length of stay in patients having surgery for colorectal cancer. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland database of patients presenting between April 2001 and March 2002. The effect of social deprivation, measured by the Townsend score, on 30-day postoperative mortality and length of stay was evaluated by two-level hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 7290 (86.8 percent) patients underwent surgery. Operative mortality was 6.7 percent and median length of stay 11 days. Deprivation indices were significantly higher in patients with Dukes' 'D' cancers, undergoing emergency surgery and with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades (P<0.005). Worsening deprivation was associated with higher operative mortality and longer stay (P=0.014). For each unit increase in deprivation, there was 2.9 (95 percent confidence interval 0.5 to 5.2) percent increase in 30-day mortality. On multifactorial analysis, social deprivation was an independent predictor of length of stay, but its effect on operative mortality was explained by differences in ASA grade, operative urgency and Dukes' classification. CONCLUSION: Social deprivation was an independent risk factor of postoperative length of stay and associated with higher postoperative mortality. These results have important implications for risk modelling of postoperative outcomes.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

A comparison of segmental vs subtotal/total colectomy for colonic Crohn's disease: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Using meta-analytical techniques the present study evaluated differences in short-term and long-term outcomes of adult patients with colonic Crohn's disease who underwent either colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or segmental colectomy (SC). METHODS: Comparative studies published between 1988 and 2002, of subtotal/total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis vs segmental colectomy, were used. The study end points included were surgical and overall recurrence, time to recurrence, postoperative morbidity and incidence of permanent stoma. Random and fixed-effect meta-analytical models were used to evaluate the study outcomes. Sensitivity analysis, funnel plot and meta-regressive techniques were carried out to explain the heterogeneity and selection bias between the studies. RESULTS: Six studies, consisting of a total of 488 patients (223 IRA and 265 SC) were included. Analysis of the data suggested that there was no significant difference between IRA and SC in recurrence of Crohn's disease. Time to recurrence was longer in the IRA group by 4.4 years (95% CI: 3.1-5.8), P < 0.001. There was no difference between the incidence of postoperative complications (OR = 1.4., 95% CI 0.16-12.74) or the need for a permanent stoma between the two groups (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 0.78-9.71). Patients with two or more colonic segments involved were associated with lower re-operation rate in the IRA group, a difference which did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.177). CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures were equally effective as treatment options for colonic Crohn's disease however, patients in the SC group exhibited recurrence earlier than those in the IRA group. The choice of operation is dependent on the extent of colonic disease, with a trend towards better outcomes with IRA for two or more colonic segments involved. Since no prospective randomised study has been undertaken, a clear view about which approach is more suitable for localised colonic Crohn's disease cannot be obtained.

Colectomy↗
PubMed2006

The use of intra-operative endo-anal ultrasound in perianal disease.

INTRODUCTION: Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for the structural imaging of anorectal pathology. This study prospectively assessed the impact of intra-operative EAUS on the surgical management of perianal disease. METHODS: EAUS was performed prior to and after examination under anaesthesia (EUA) in a consecutive series of patients with perianal disease. The impact of EAUS on the surgery performed was identified. RESULTS: Forty-three procedures have been performed in 38 patients (21 male, 17 female; mean age 42.7 years, range 6-76 years) over a three year period. Pathologies encountered were fistula-in-ano (42%), fissure-in-ano (26%), complicated perianal sepsis (16%) and carcinoma (5%). No specific abnormality was identified in 5 symptomatic patients (12%). Four patients with fissures had undergone previous sphincterotomy. In 22 cases (51.2%) the EAUS findings affected the surgical management (extent of muscle above a fistula 9 cases, extent of sphincterotomy 7 cases, site of sepsis identified 2 cases, exclusion of sepsis 2 cases, assessment of cancer resectability 1 case, biopsy of intersphincteric lesion 1 case). CONCLUSION: Intra-operative EAUS accurately identifies perianal disease and influences the surgical procedure performed. While not essential, it is a useful adjunct especially in recurrent perianal sepsis, undiagnosed anorectal pain and anal fissure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Laparoscopic vs open subtotal colectomy for benign and malignant disease.

AIM: The present meta-analysis aims to compare short-term and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic or open subtotal colectomy for benign and malignant disease. METHODS: A literature search of Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published between 1992 and 2005, comparing laparoscopic (LSC) and open (OSC) subtotal colectomy. A random effect meta-analytical technique was used and sensitivity analysis performed on studies published since the beginning of 2000, higher quality papers, those reporting on more than 40 patients, and those studies reporting on adult cases or acute colitis. RESULTS: A total of eight studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion. These included outcomes on 336 patients, 143 (42.6%) of whom had undergone laparoscopic resection, with an overall conversion rate to open surgery of 5% (range 0-11.8%). Operative time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group by 86.2 min (P < 0.001) and throughout subgroup analysis, although it was only in patients with acute colitis that this finding was without significant heterogeneity. Operative blood loss was less in the laparoscopic group by 57.5 millilitres in high quality and studies published since 2000, and 65.3 millilitres in those reporting on more than 40 patients. There was no significant difference in early or long-term complications between the groups. A statistically significant reduction in length of postoperative stay was observed in the laparoscopic groups by 2.9 days (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy was associated with longer operating times but a reduced length of stay compared to open surgery. Although short-term outcomes were equivalent in both groups, the suggested benefits in terms of reduced long-term obstructive complications were not supported by this meta-analysis.

Colectomy↗
PubMed2006

Long-term, health-related, quality of life comparison in patients undergoing single stage vs staged resection for complicated diverticular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term health-related quality of life, for single-staged and staged resections following reversal, for complicated diverticular disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1981 and 2003, 188 patients undergoing single stage (n = 158) or staged resection (n = 30) completed the SF-36 questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was compared between the two groups and the US normal population based on the eight domains of the SF-36. HRQL analysis was also performed at various time intervals. The effect of age and postoperative complications on HRQL was also determined. Functional and postoperative outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS: The single and staged resection groups differed in the presence of comorbidity, degree of peritoneal contamination and operative urgency. No difference in functional outcomes or HRQL was found, even after analysing time-interval subgroups. Social functioning and general health was substantially worse in both groups when compared to US norms. Ageing was found to significantly reduce physical functioning (P < 0.001) and physical and emotional role limitations (P < 0.001 for both). Post-operative complications significantly reduced scores when compared to patients without complications, for physical functioning (63.57 vs 78.7, respectively; P < 0.001), physical role limitation (80.65 vs 86.9, respectively; P < 0.001) and bodily pain (66.67 vs 74.81, respectively; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in long-term HRQL was found in patients undergoing single staged or staged resection for complicated diverticular disease. There was significant impact of ageing and postoperative complications on physical health. Prospective studies that include pre-operative data on HRQL are required to compare the two operative techniques, with emphasis on quality of life of patients left with a permanent stoma.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a necessary requirement?

INTRODUCTION: There has been a gradual introduction of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) into UK practice although the uptake remains variable. This study aimed to assess the availability, application and referral pattern of TEM amongst colorectal surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology. This considered their practice, the availability, application and referral pattern for TEM, and their views on application regarding a selection of rectal tumour scenarios. RESULTS: There were 142 replies representing 116 hospitals and 297 colorectal surgeons. The median catchment area was 280,000 (range 70,000-1,000,000). TEM was available in 18% of hospitals and 72% either performed or referred patents for TEM. Of 21 units performing TEM, 15 received referrals. From 305 TEM procedures performed over the previous year, 206 were referred cases. Eighty-five per cent of consultants considered TEM a necessary technique for optimum management of rectal lesions. Although 61% of consultants considered endoanal excision optimal for low benign rectal tumours, 58% said TEM was optimal for midrectal lesions and between 30% and 55% for high rectal lesions depending if the tumour position was anterior or posterior, respectively. One-third of consultants would perform TEM for a low T1 rectal carcinoma although half would proceed to anterior resection. DISCUSSION: TEM is considered to have a significant role in the optimal management of rectal lesions. The presence of the technique in a limited number of hospitals does appear to provide adequate resources although audit should continue to be centralized.

Colorectal Surgery↗
PubMed2006

Surgery for local recurrence of rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Despite improvement in management of primary rectal cancer, 2.6-32% of patients develop local recurrence. A proportion of these patients can be amenable to salvage surgery. The present article reviews the evidence for and against the surgical management for local recurrence of rectal cancer, the role of adjuvant and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and evaluates short and long-term outcomes. METHOD: A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane database for studies between 1980 and 2005 assessing surgical management of local recurrence of rectal cancer and the evidence was critically evaluated. RESULTS: Nearly 50% of rectal cancer recurrences are local and are therefore potentially amenable to curative resection. Preoperative imaging is important for appropriate selection of patients for surgery and preoperative adjuvant therapy is essential. Five-year survival following resection ranges from 18% to 58% with 5-year survival following complete resection of over 35% though morbidity ranges from 21% to 82%. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is beneficial and IORT may have a contributory role in treatment. Aggressive surgical treatment favourably affects quality of life and is cost effective. Surgery for local recurrence can result in significant long-term survival with acceptable morbidity and improved quality of life in appropriately selected patients. Assessment in a specialist centre familiar with these techniques is essential.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed2005

Risk factors associated with ileal pouch-related fistula following restorative proctocolectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Pouch-related fistula occurs in 5-10 per cent of patients after restorative proctocolectomy. The present study identified risk factors associated with the development of such fistulas. METHODS: Data on preoperative and postoperative risk factors were recorded from 1965 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy in a single tertiary centre between 1983 and 2001. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of pouch-perineal, pouch-abdominal wall and pouch-vaginal fistula during follow-up. RESULTS: Median patient follow-up was 4.1 (range 0-19) years. By 15 years' follow-up, pouch-vaginal fistulas had occurred in 44 women (5.2 per cent). The prevalence of ileal pouch-perineal and pouch-abdominal wall fistula was 3.6 per cent (70 patients) and 1.5 per cent (30 patients) respectively. Independent predictors of pouch-related fistula identified by multivariate analysis were diagnosis of indeterminate colitis or Crohn's disease (hazard ratio (HR) 1.28 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1.00 to 1.65) and 1.73 (95 per cent c.i. 1.07 to 3.48) respectively versus ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis), previous anal pathology (HR 3.43 (95 per cent c.i. 2.43 to 4.84) and 4.02 (95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 12.77) respectively for perineal abscess and fistula in ano versus no previous anal pathology), abnormal anal manometry (HR 4.29 (95 per cent c.i. 2.33 to 7.91)), patient sex (HR 0.74 (95 per cent c.i. 0.58 to 0.95) for men versus women) and pelvic sepsis (HR 3.79 (95 per cent c.i. 2.48 to 5.79)). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Crohn's disease and the clinical signs that favour the diagnosis of Crohn's disease may contribute to the development of pouch-related fistula.

Abdominal Wall↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of circumferential margin involvement between restorative and nonrestorative resections for rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To study circumferential margin involvement (CMI) in patients undergoing restorative, compared with nonrestorative, surgery for rectal cancer. DATA SOURCE: Descriptive multicentre study, using routinely collected clinical data from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) Bowel Cancer Audit database. The study encompassed 1403 newly diagnosed patients with rectal cancer undergoing either restorative (anterior resection (AR)), or nonrestorative (abdominoperineal excision of rectum (APER) or Hartmann's procedure), surgery. Operations were carried out in 39 hospitals during a variable period between April 1999 to March 2002. A logistic regression analysis was used to control for variables associated with circumferential margin involvement. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-six patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The average CMI was 12.5% (range 0-33.3% between hospitals). CMI for anterior resection was 7.5% (n = 629) compared with a CMI of 16.7% for APER (n = 306) and a CMI of 31.7% for Hartmann's procedure (n = 101); P < or = 0.001. CMI for patients undergoing curative surgery was 7.1% (423 anterior resections, CMI 3.8% (n = 16); 181 APER, CMI 13.3% (n = 24); 29 Hartmann's procedure, CMI 17.2%). On multivariate analysis, having controlled for Dukes' stage and operative intent, the CMI was significantly different between APER and AR (odds ratio 3.3, 95%CI 2.0-5.4), but less so between Hartmann's procedure and AR (odds ratio 2.2, 95%CI 1.1-4.2). CONCLUSIONS: APER is associated with a significantly higher CMI than anterior resection. Attention to surgical technique, with a wide perineal dissection and the use of pre-operative adjuvant therapy, may reduce CMI in patients undergoing APER.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Long-term outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy for Crohn's disease and indeterminate colitis.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for Crohn's disease (CD) and Indeterminate colitis (IC) and to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: A descriptive study of 52 patients with CD or IC from a total of 1652 patients undergoing primary or salvage RPC in a single tertiary referral centre between 1978 and 2003. Primary outcomes were ileal pouch failure (excision or indefinite diversion), adverse events and functional outcomes (bowel frequency, urgency and continence). RESULTS: Patients with IC or IC favouring ulcerative colitis (Group 1, n = 26) had a pouch failure rate of 11.5%vs 57.5% for patients with CD or IC favouring CD (Group 2, n = 26). Pouch salvage surgery was undertaken in 15 patients with a 13.3% failure rate. Patients in Group 2 were 2.6 times more likely (95% CI: 0.96-7. No significant differences were evident between CD and IC patients with regards to pelvic sepsis (19.2%vs 15.4%), anastomotic stricture (23.1%vs 21.7%), small bowel obstruction (26.9%vs 26.9%) or pouchitis (15.4%vs 11.5%). The 24-h bowel frequency (7.5 vs 8), faecal urgency, daytime or night time incontinence were similar between patients with CD or IC..17) to develop a pouch-related fistula than patients in Group 1. DISCUSSION: Crohn's disease and to a great extent indeterminate colitis favouring CD were both associated with high failure rates and postoperative pouch-related fistula rates. Despite these problems, functional outcomes for patients with CD or IC were similar. Patients with IC should remain candidates for RPC but careful pre-operative assessment is advised to exclude clinical signs favouring the diagnosis of CD. The complications associated with failure are extensive and the option of reconstructive surgery in patients with CD should be questioned.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Functional and physiological outcome following transanal repair of rectocele.

BACKGROUND: Rectoceles are traditionally repaired transvaginally and sexual dysfunction can be a significant complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and physiological outcome following transanal repair of rectoceles. METHODS: Forty-five patients of mean age 57.1 (range 34-78) years with a symptomatic anterior rectocele, selected by contrast retention greater than 15 per cent on isotope defaecography, underwent transanal repair of rectocele. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms were assessed by means of a questionnaire. A proportion of patients underwent anorectal physiology and isotope defaecography before and after surgery. RESULTS: Median(range) follow-up was 24 (2-50) months. One patient developed a wound infection after surgery. Thirty-five patients reported an excellent, good or fair result, with seven reporting a moderate and three a poor result. There was a reduction in incomplete evacuation (P < 0.001) confirmed by isotope defaecography (mean(s.d.) rectal emptying before surgery 57(14) per cent versus 76(9) per cent after surgery; P = 0.020), and a reduction in vaginal (P < 0.001) and perineal (P = 0.004) digitation. Symptomatic feeling of prolapse (vaginal bulging) was significantly improved (P < 0.001). There was no increase in incontinence (P = 0.688). Resting and squeeze anal canal pressures were unchanged after operation. Surgery did not result in sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Transanal repair of rectocele is a safe alternative to posterior colporrhaphy. It provides improvement in symptoms, reflected by anatomical improvement with minimal complications and no increase in dyspareunia.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Hepatic resection for colorectal metastases - a national perspective.

BACKGROUND: Many consultant surgeons are uncertain about peri-operative assessment and postoperative follow-up of patients for colorectal liver metastases, and indications for referral for hepatic resection. The aim of this study was to assess the views the consultant surgeons who manage these patients. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland and of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. The questionnaire assessed current practice for preoperative assessment and follow-up of patients with colorectal malignancy and timing of and criteria for hepatic resection of metastases. Number of referrals/resections were also assessed. RESULTS: The response rate was 47%. Half of the consultants held joint clinics with an oncologist and 89% assessed the liver for secondaries prior to colorectal resection. Ultrasound was used by 75%. Whilst 99% would consider referring a patient with a solitary liver metastasis for resection, only 62% would consider resection for more than 3 unilobar metastases. The majority (83%) thought resections should be performed within the 6 months following colorectal resection. During follow-up, 52% requested blood CEA levels and 72% liver ultrasound. Half would consider chemotherapy prior to liver resection and 76% performed at least one hepatic resection per year with a median number of 2 resections each year. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of patients are assessed for colorectal liver metastases preoperatively and during follow-up though there is spectrum of frequency of assessment and modality for imaging. Virtually all patients with solitary hepatic metastases are considered for liver resection. Patients with more than one metastasis are likely to be not considered for resection. Many surgeons are carrying out less than 3 resections each year.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗