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Biomedical subjects

Eric G Weiss

Publications and source records attributed to Eric G Weiss.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum in ulcerative colitis: case report and review of the literature.

The majority of colorectal carcinomas diagnosed are adenocarcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the rectum are rare tumors, and were reported as rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease. Surgery is the most effective therapy; and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy should also be considered. We report two cases of ulcerative colitis-associated SCC of the rectum. The lesions were treated with chemoradiotherapy with complete response.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Should ileoanal pouch surgery be staged for patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis on immunosuppressives?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Much debate has revolved around whether patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) receiving immunosuppression should be weaned off immunosuppressives before undergoing ileal pouch surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the affect of immunosuppressive drugs on postoperative complications after ileoanal pouch surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of patients with MUC who underwent ileal pouch surgery while taking immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), methotrexate, and cyclosporin A was performed. Postoperative complications in the study group were compared to three matched groups: patients with MUC who had ileoanal pouch surgery while taking systemic steroids, patients with MUC not receiving any immunosuppressive drugs, and patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with MUC who underwent ileoanal pouch surgery while taking immunosuppressive drugs were identified from a prospectively entered database of patients who had this surgery between 1988 and 2005. All but two patients underwent temporary fecal diversion. Fifteen patients were taking 6-MP or azathioprine; six were on cyclosporine A, and one both on azathioprine and cyclosporine A. Fifteen patients were also taking steroids at the time of ileoanal pouch surgery. Early (within 30 days of surgery) and late complications occurred in 36 and 50% of the study group patients, respectively, but did not significantly differ from a matched group of patients with MUC who did not take immunosuppressive drugs. Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis had a significantly lower long-term complication rate. CONCLUSION: This retrospective case-matched study suggests that the use of immunosuppressive drugs and cyclosporine A may not be associated with an increased rate of complications after ileoanal pouch surgery.

Adult↗

Surgical management of pouch-vaginal fistula after restorative proctocolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pouch-vaginal fistula (PVF) is a devastating complication after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical management of PVF. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, all patients treated for PVF between 1988 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Success of treatment was defined as the complete absence of symptoms or no radiologic evidence of fistula. RESULTS: The study included 23 female patients; indications for IPAA were mucosal ulcerative colitis in 20 (87%), indeterminate colitis in 1 (4.3%), and familial adenomatous polyposis in 2 (8.7%) patients. Seven patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis were postoperatively diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Mean time interval from initial IPAA to development of symptomatic fistula was 17.2 months. Mean number of surgical treatments was 2.2. Overall, success was achieved in 17 (73.9%) patients at a mean followup of 52.3 months. Fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease occurred relatively late after IPAA (p = 0.015) and required a median of three (p = 0.001) surgical procedures, compared with patients without Crohn's disease. Pelvic sepsis after original IPAA occurred in eight (35.8%) patients, four (50%) of whom ultimately required pouch excision. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal diversion and local procedures are effective in the majority of patients with PVF after IPAA. Patients with Crohn's disease tend to have a delayed onset of fistula occurrence and require more extensive surgical management. Pelvic sepsis can be a predictive factor of poor outcomes.

Adolescent↗

Is the quality of life better in patients with colostomy than patients with fecal incontience?

BACKGROUND: A colostomy offers definitive treatment for individuals with fecal incontinence (FI). Patients and physicians remain apprehensive regarding this option because the quality of life (QOL) with a colostomy is presumably worse than living with FI. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the QOL of colostomy patients to patients with FI. METHODS: A cross-sectional postal survey of patients with FI or an end colostomy was undertaken. QOL measures used included the Short Form 36 General Quality of Life Assessment (SF-36) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQOL). RESULTS: The colostomy group included 39 patients and the FI group included 71 patients. The average FI score for FI group was 12 +/- 4.9 (0 = complete continence, 20 = severe incontinence). In the colostomy group the average colostomy function score was 12.9 +/- 3.8 (7 = good function, 35 = poor function). Analysis of the SF-36 revealed higher social function score in the colostomy group compared to the FI group. Analysis of the FIQOL revealed higher scores in the coping, embarrassment, lifestyle scales, and depression scales in the colostomy group compared to the FI group. CONCLUSION: A colostomy is a viable option for patients who suffer from FI and offers a definitive cure with improved QOL.

Adult↗

Lengthening of small bowel mesentery: stepladder incision technique.

The surgical option of choice in most patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis is restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis. The tension-free anastomosis is one of the most critical steps but may be technically difficult or impossible in some patients because of shortened small bowel mesentery. Various techniques have been described to increase the length of small bowel mesentery. These techniques usually involve selective division of mesenteric blood vessels and meticulous dissection. We describe a new technique of stepladder transverse, transmesenteric incisions in the avascular windows of small bowel mesentery. This provides additional small bowel length without compromising blood supply to the pouch and a simple and safe method of increasing the length of small bowel mesentery. To date, no complications have been reported using this technique.

Colonic Diseases↗

Use of the ON-Q pain management system is associated with decreased postoperative analgesic requirement: double blind randomized placebo pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Narcotics are routinely used to decrease postoperative pain after laparotomy. But they are associated with unwarranted side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of local perfusion of bupivacaine in decreasing narcotic consumption after midline laparotomy. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective, randomized, double blind study involving patients who underwent a midline laparotomy with subsequent wound closure. Patients were randomized to receive a 72-hour continuous wound perfusion through the ON-Q pain management system (I Flow Corporation) of the local anesthetic bupivacaine (0.5%, study group) or 0.9% NaCl (control group). In addition, all patients received standardized intraoperative analgesia and postoperative morphine patient-controlled analgesia. Total postoperative analgesic requirement, pain control, recovery of bowel function, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy patients were recruited: 35 in the study group (mean age, 55.7 years) and 35 in the control group (mean age, 58.8 years). There was no difference in overall postoperative pain scores. Patients in the study group reported earlier ambulation as compared with the control group. Mean (+/-SD) daily narcotic requirements were significantly less in the study group versus the control group (33.7+/-32 mg versus 60.1+/-62 mg, respectively; p=0.03). Patients in the study group made 50% fewer attempts to receive patient-controlled analgesia (p=0.011). But there was no significant difference in length of hospitalization or time to first bowel movement. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary pilot study revealed that the ON-Q pain management system after midline laparotomy, as part of a multimodal approach, is an effective approach to postoperative pain control.

Adolescent↗

Horseshoe abscesses and fistulas: how are we doing?

BACKGROUND: Various surgical treatments exist for horseshoe abscesses and fistulae, including posterior midline sphincterotomy, catheter drainage, cutting and draining setons, and advancement flaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of patients treated for these complex anorectal problems. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients with a diagnosis of horseshoe abscess, horseshoe fistula, postanal space abscess, or postanal space fistula from 1990 to 2001. Long-term follow-up was accomplished by telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were identified, of whom 17 (54.8%) had a diagnosis of Crohn disease. The diagnosis at presentation included unilateral (ischiorectal) abscess (32.3%), bilateral horseshoe abscess (51.6%), bilateral horseshoe fistula (9.7%), and postanal space abscess (6.4%). Endoanal ultrasonography was used during the preoperative evaluation in 11 patients (35.5%). After referral to our institution, patients underwent a median of four operations (range, 1 to 9). At a mean follow-up of 49.3 months, 60.7% of patients had either healed perineal disease or were asymptomatic with controlled disease. Patients who had a posterior midline sphincterotomy were more likely to be asymptomatic (P=.047). Patients who had a diagnosis of Crohn disease required more operations than those without Crohn disease (3 vs 1.86, P=.02). Only patients who had a diagnosis of Crohn disease had a stoma at their last follow-up (4 of 17, 23.5% vs 0 of 11, 0%; P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with horseshoe abscess or fistulae often require multiple operations for treatment but can expect reasonable rates of long-term success in controlling or curing their disease. Those who undergo posterior midline sphincterotomy seem to benefit with higher rates of improved symptoms. Patients with a diagnosis of Crohn disease may fare less well. The role of endoanal ultrasonography in directing therapy remains to be defined.

Abscess↗

Colorectal cancer screening: do we practice what we preach?

OBJECTIVE: Compliance rates for colorectal cancer screening have been reported as low, and ignorance is the most common factor sighted to explain this. The aim of this study was to determine screening compliance among colorectal surgeons assumed to be educated of the risks of colorectal cancer. METHODS: A postal survey was distributed to the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. RESULTS: A total of 1195 members were surveyed. All respondents indicated that they advocate screening. Colonoscopy every 10 years and annual fecal occult blood testing were the most common strategies advocated to individuals with baseline risk. Colonoscopy every 5 years and annual fecal occult blood testing were the most common strategies advocated to patients with a first-degree relative with polyps or cancer. Most of these colorectal surgeons initiated their screening before 50 years of age. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer screening compliance is high among members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. These rates may be the result of awareness of the risks of colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy↗

Correlating the Fecal Incontinence Quality-of-Life Score and the SF-36 to a proposed Ostomy Function Index in patients with a stoma.

Quality of life is affected by the creation of a stoma. To assess the validity of the Ostomy Function Index in patients with a stoma, a prospective survey was conducted from July 2000 to September 2001 among patients participating in local United Ostomy Association chapters (N = 99; 55 with a colostomy and 44 with an ileostomy). The Short Form 36 general health survey, Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, and the proposed Cleveland Clinic Florida Ostomy Function Index were used to assess general health and stoma function in patients with an ostomy. The average proposed function index score (7 = excellent function, 35 = poor function) was 11.97 (range 7 to 22). The proposed function Index correlated with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale and the physical and mental component scales of the SF-36 (P < 0.05). The correlation between the proposed function index and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was stronger in colostomy than in ileostomy patients. With the exception of the SF-36 role-emotional domain in ileostomy patients, the function index correlated with all SF-36 scales (P <0.05) in both patient groups. The results of this study suggest that ostomy function is variable and correlates with quality of life and that the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale offers a limited assessment of quality of life in colostomy patients. The Cleveland Clinic Florida Ostomy Function Index offers an objective assessment of ostomy function that reflects on quality of life. Additional studies to refine measurement of quality of life in stoma patients are warranted.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions by a novel, glycerol/sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose-based bioresorbable membrane: a prospective, randomized, evaluator-blinded multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative abdominal adhesions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Development of a bioresorbable membrane containing up to 23 percent glycerol and chemically modified sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose offers ease of handling and has been shown to provide significant postoperative adhesion prevention in animals. This study was designed to assess the safety of glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose and to evaluate its efficacy in reducing the incidence, extent, and severity of postoperative adhesion development in surgical patients. METHODS: Twelve centers enrolled 120 patients with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis who were scheduled for a restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy. Before surgical closure, patients were randomized to no anti-adhesion treatment (control) or treatment with glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose membrane under the midline incision. At ileostomy closure, laparoscopy was used to evaluate the incidence, extent, and severity of adhesion formation to the midline incision. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using the intent-to-treat population. Treatment with glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose resulted in 19 of 58 patients (33 percent) with no adhesions compared with 6 of 60 adhesion-free patients (10 percent) in the no treatment control group (P = 0.002). The mean extent of postoperative adhesions to the midline incision was significantly lower among patients treated with glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose compared with patients in the control group (P < 0.001). The severity of postoperative adhesions to the midline incision was significantly less with glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose than with control (P < 0.001). Adverse events were similar between treatment and no treatment control groups with the exception of abscess and incisional wound complications were more frequently observed with glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose. CONCLUSIONS: Glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose was shown to effectively reduce adhesions to the midline incision and adhesions between the omentum and small bowel after abdominal surgery. Safety profiles for the treatment and no treatment control groups were similar with the exception of more infection complications associated with glycerol hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose use. Animal models did not predict these complications.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

The efficacy of a nerve stimulator (Cavermap) to enhance autonomic nerve identification and confirm nerve preservation during total mesorectal excision.

PURPOSE: Sexual dysfunction after total mesorectal excision may be caused by injury to the autonomic nerves. During surgery, nerve identification is not always achieved, and, to date, there has been no method to objectively confirm nerve preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a nerve-stimulating device (CaverMap) to assist in the intraoperative identification of the autonomic nerves during total mesorectal excision, and objectively confirm nerve preservation after proctectomy is completed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sexually active consecutive male patients undergoing total mesorectal excision were prospectively enrolled in this study. During pelvic dissection, the surgeon attempted to localize the hypogastric and cavernous nerves. CaverMap was used to confirm these findings and to facilitate the identification in cases of uncertainty. At the completion of proctectomy, the nerves were restimulated to ensure preservation. Factors that could affect the surgeon's ability to localize the nerves and CaverMap to confirm this were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine male patients with a median age of 58 years were enrolled in this study. An attempt to visualize the hypogastric nerves during dissection was made in 26 patients; the surgeon was able to identify the nerves in 19 (73 percent) patients. CaverMap successfully identified the nerves in six of the seven remaining patients, and failed to identify them in only one case. An attempt to localize the cavernous nerves during dissection was made in 13 patients, of which localization was successful in 8 (61.5 percent) patients. CaverMap improved the identification rate in four of the remaining five patients. After proctectomy, CaverMap successfully confirmed the preservation of both hypogastric and cavernous nerves in 27 of 29 (93 percent) patients. A history of previous surgery statistically correlated with failure to identify the hypogastric nerves by the surgeon (P = 0.005). There were no adverse events related to use of the device. CONCLUSION: CaverMap may be a useful tool to facilitate identification of the pelvic autonomic nerves during total mesorectal excision and to objectively confirm nerve preservation.

Autonomic Pathways↗

Formalin instillation for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

Although formalin instillation has been proven to be an effective treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis, different techniques with varying success rates have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess our experience with formalin instillation for the treatment of radiation proctitis. After Institutional Review Board approval, all patients who presented with radiation proctitis and were treated with 4% formalin instillation were identified from a prospective database. Techniques of instillation were as follows: a formalin-soaked sponge stick was applied via a proctoscope (SS) and placed at each quadrant with a mean contact of 2.5 minutes (range, 0.5-3 minutes), or the formalin solution was introduced through a proctoscope in aliquots for a total of 350 to 400 mL irrigation (IR), with a mean contact time of 30 seconds in each aliquot. The patients were divided into two groups according to the method of formalin instillation and their outcomes were compared. Between March 1995 and September 2003, 21 patients who underwent formalin treatment were identified: 17 patients were in the SS and 4 patients were in the IR group. The mean age was 74.8+/-6.4 years and 70.5+/-6.8 years and the male/female ratio was 16:1 and 3:1 in the SS and IR groups, respectively. Indications for radiation therapy were prostate cancer in 19 patients: 16 (95.1%) SS patients and 3 (75%) IR patients. Four (23.5%) patients in the SS group were receiving anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications before the procedure. The mean duration of bleeding before formalin instillation was 11.7 months (range, 2-48 months) in the SS and 10.5 months (range, 7-12 months) in the IR group. Sixteen (94.1%) patients in the SS and 4 (100%) in the IR group had previous treatments for radiation proctitis, including hydrocortisone enema, 5-aminosalicylate mesalamine, and endoscopic coagulation. Eight (47.1%) patients in the SS and 2 (50%) in the IR group received a preprocedural blood transfusion, and 1 patient in the SS group required a blood transfusion after the formalin instillation. This patient subsequently underwent restorative proctosigmoidectomy because of persistent bleeding. The mean length of the procedure was 27.1+/-10.8 minutes in the SS group and 22.5+/-6.5 minutes in the IR group. The bleeding was successfully stopped on the first attempt in 14 patients (82.4%) in the SS group and 3 (75%) in the IR group. The instillation was repeated in 1 patient (5.9%) in the SS group and in 1 (25%) in the IR group. Four patients (23.5%) in the SS group experienced rectal pain after the procedure. One patient (5.9%) developed a new onset of fecal incontinence, while another (5.9%) had anococcygeal pain accompanied by worsening of fecal incontinence. One patient (25%) in the IR group developed acute colitis consistent with formalin instillation, which was managed by intravenous antibiotics. The patients were followed for a mean of 10 months (range, 1 to 38 months). Formalin instillation is effective in controlling refractory hemorrhage secondary to radiation proctitis.

Administration, Rectal↗

Biofeedback therapy after perineal rectosigmoidectomy or J pouch procedure.

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome and to identify possible predictors of success for biofeedback therapy after perineal rectosigmoidectomy (PRS) or coloanal or ileoanal J pouch. A retrospective chart review of all patients with electromyography-based biofeedback therapy due to fecal incontinence after PRS or a J pouch procedure was undertaken. Follow-up was obtained by telephone survey. Fourteen patients (4 men and 10 women) were included in this study. In the 9 patients after PRS, the frequency of daily bowel movements was 3.6+/-2.8 preoperatively, 4.1+/-3.2 prebiofeedback, and 2.2+/-1.3 postbiofeedback (P<.05). The frequency of daily incontinent episodes was reduced from 2.4+/-2.2 preoperatively and 2.0+/-1.9 prebiofeedback to 0.26+/-0.3 postbiofeedback (P<.05). The incontinence scores decreased from 17+/-3.1 preoperatively to 16+/-2.1 prebiofeedback and to 8.2+/-5 postbiofeedback (P<.001). At a follow-up of 15.8+/-7.1 months, 5 patients after the J pouch had decreased daily bowel frequency from 6.6+/-4.2 prebiofeedback to 3.3+/-2 postbiofeedback and 3.1+/-2 at follow-up (P<.05). The frequency of daily incontinent episodes was reduced from 1.9+/-1.3 prebiofeedback to 0.9+/-0.7 postbiofeedback to 0.7+/-0.8 at follow-up (P<.05). The incontinence scores decreased from 13.4+/-2.7 prebiofeedback to 8.8+/-5.1 postbiofeedback to 6.8+/-5.5 at follow-up (P<0.05). In both groups, the postbiofeedback incontinence score correlated with the prebiofeedback incontinence score. Furthermore, there was no correlation between outcome and age, interval between surgery and biofeedback therapy, frequency of biofeedback sessions, or manometry results in either group. Biofeedback therapy is an effective option for patients with fecal incontinence after perineal rectosigmoidectomy or colonic or ileal J pouch.

Adult↗

Small bowel transit does not correlate with outcome of surgery in patients with colonic inertia.

Colonic inertia is a motility disorder that may involve dysfunction of the entire intestinal tract. The aim of this study was to assess whether small bowel transit time is associated with the outcome of total abdominal colectomy in patients with colonic inertia. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent total abdominal colectomy for colonic inertia was performed to identify those individuals who had a preoperative small bowel transit study. The outcome of surgery was correlated with the results of the small bowel transit study. Fifty-two female patients underwent total abdominal colectomy for colonic inertia between 1988 and 2000, of whom 17 (33%) had a preoperative small bowel transit study. The small bowel transit time was normal in 11 patients (65%), and the time was abnormally prolonged in 6 (35%). At a mean follow-up of 37 months, there was no significant difference in the outcome of surgery between the two groups. A good result was achieved in 36% of the normal small bowel transit time group compared with 33% in the abnormal group; the result was fair in 63% and 33%, and poor in 0% and 33%, respectively (P=NS). The small bowel transit study does not reliably predict the outcome of total abdominal colectomy in patients with colonic inertia.

Adult↗

Clinical presentation and surgical outcome in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a poorly understood clinical condition, and the schema of treatment has not yet been defined. This study reviewed the clinical spectra and outcome of various surgical treatments in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. The medical records of all patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome between 1992 and 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients in the study population with symptoms and histopathologic findings suggestive of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome were placed in the primary solitary rectal ulcer syndrome group, and patients who underwent surgery for other diseases in whom histopathology confirmed concomitant solitary rectal ulcer syndrome were in the incidental group. Clinical features and outcomes of surgical treatment were documented. Improvement was considered as resolution of presenting symptoms, and non-improvement was considered if presenting symptoms persisted or worsened. The study cohort comprised 49 patients: 20 in the primary group and 29 in the incidental group. Ulcerative morphology was seen predominantly in the primary group (70%); erythematous (45%) and polypoid lesions (34%) were predominant in the incidental group (P = .0025). Clinical improvement after surgery was seen in 74% of patients with primary and 79% with incidental solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (P = NS). Manifestations such as tenesmus and digitation correlated with poorer outcome after surgery in both groups. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a clinical condition associated with functional anorectal evacuatory disorders. The results of this study show the positive role of surgical treatment for underlying functional disorders in the improvement of incidental solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

Adolescent↗

Pouch perineal rectosigmoidectomy: a case report.

Many surgical methods have been described for the treatment of full-thickness rectal prolapse. Rarely, unusually large lengths of colon must be excised, thus resulting in a significant loss of the absorptive function of the remaining colon. We present an unusual case in which an extraordinary length of the colon was excised and a perineal reservoir was created in the form of a colonic J-pouch to improve continence.

Aged↗

Synchronous diverticular perforation: report of a case.

Synchronous colonic events are rare. Diverticulitis is the most common and lethal cause of colonic perforation. The first case in the literature of a synchronous diverticular perforation is presented. The patient was admitted with peritonitis. An exploratory laparotomy showed cecal and sigmoid perforations. Resection and primary anastomosis with a protective loop ileostomy was performed. Microscopic evaluation confirmed the presence of cecal and sigmoid perforated diverticuli. Diverticular disease is present in up to two-thirds of patients 80 years of age and older. Right-sided free colonic perforation is rare. Resection and primary anastomosis is feasible in the treatment of perforated diverticular disease. In this report, we emphasize the importance of a thorough abdominal exploration at the time of surgery.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗