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Biomedical subjects

I Kanellos

Publications and source records attributed to I Kanellos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Effect of 5-fluorouracil plus interferon on the integrity of colonic anastomoses covering with fibrin glue.

BACKGROUND: It has been well established that the immediate postoperative intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) after curative colon resection for colon cancer destroys disseminated cancer cells and inhibits micrometastases but also inhibits anastomotic healing. On the other hand, the application of fibrin glue constitutes a physical barrier around the anastomosis and may prevent anastomotic leakage. The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the effect of 5-FU plus interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a on the integrity of colonic anastomoses covered with fibrin glue when injected intraperitoneally immediately after colon resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rats were randomized to one of four groups. After resection of a 1-cm segment of the transverse colon, an end-to-end sutured anastomosis was performed. Rats of the control and the fibrin glue groups were injected with 6 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution intraperitoneally. Rats in the 5-FU + IFN and the 5-FU + IFN + fibrin glue groups received 5-FU plus IFN intraperitoneally. The colonic anastomoses of the rats in the fibrin glue and in the 5-FU + IFN + fibrin glue groups were covered with fibrin glue. All rats were sacrificed on the 8th postoperative day, and the anastomoses were examined macroscopically. The bursting pressure measurements were recorded, and the anastomoses were graded histologically. RESULTS: Only the 5-FU + IFN group had anastomoses rupture, and the rupture rate (33%) in this group was significantly greater than in the other groups, where there were no ruptures (P = 0.015). The adhesion formations score was, on average, significantly higher in rats of the 5-FU + IFN group compared with the control group (P = 0.006) and the 5-FU + IFN + fibrin glue group (P = 0.010). Bursting pressures were significantly lower in the control group when compared to the fibrin glue and 5-FU + IFN + fibrin glue group (P < 0.001). Rats in the 5-FU + IFN + fibrin glue group developed significantly more marked neoangiogenesis than rats in the other groups. Inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and fibroblast activity did not differ significantly among the four groups (P = 0.856, P = 0.192 and P = 0.243, respectively). CONCLUSION: The immediate postoperative intraperitoneal administration of 5-FU plus IFN impairs colonic healing. However, when the colonic anastomoses were covered with fibrin glue, the injection of 5-FU plus IFN had no adverse effects on the integrity of the anastomoses.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

The healing of colon anastomosis covered with fibrin glue after early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: After colon resection for colonic cancer, the administration of antineoplastic agents may prolong survival by killing residual cancer calls and preventing metastasis, but may also slow anastomotic healing. This study was designed to determine the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LEV), injected intraperitoneally, on the healing of colonic anastomoses with or without fibrin glue (FG) covering. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomized to one of four groups. After resection of a transverse colon segment, an end-to-end sutured anastomosis was performed. Rats in the 5-FU+LEV and the 5- FU+LEV+FG groups received 5-FU+LEV intraperitoneally. The colonic anastomoses of the rats in the FG group and in the 5-FU+LEV+FG group were covered with fibrin glue. All rats were killed on postoperative day 8. Bursting pressure measurements were recorded and the anastomoses were examined macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS: The leakage rate of the anastomoses was significantly different among groups. Specifically, the leakage rate was significantly higher in the 5-FU+LEV group (40%) than in the FG and in the 5-FU+LEV+FG groups where there were no leakages (p=0.017). The mean adhesion formation score was significantly higher in rats of the 5-FU+LEV group, compared to the control (p=0.023), the FG (p=0.006) and the 5-FU+LEV+FG (p=0.006) groups. Bursting pressures were significantly lower in the 5-FU+LEV group than in the other groups (p<0.001). Also, bursting pressures were significantly lower in the control group compared to the FG and 5-FU+LEV+FG groups (p<0.001). Rats in the 5-FU+LEV+FG group had significantly greater neoangiogenesis and fibroblast activity than those in the 5-FU+LEV group (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: The early intraperitoneal postoperative administration of 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin impaired colonic wound healing. However, the application of fibrin glue prevented the deleterious effect of chemotherapy.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Long-term results after stapled haemorrhoidopexy for third-degree haemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) is associated with low postoperative pain but, when performed for advanced piles, carries high recurrence rates. The aim of our study was to assess our long-term results after SH for third-degree haemorrhoids. METHODS: A total of 126 consecutive patients (67 men and 59 women) with third-degree haemorrhoids underwent SH in our unit between 1998 and 2002. Of these, 120 (95.2%) were followed up in the outpatient department after a median interval of 61.5 months (range, 38-84 months). RESULTS: During the postoperative period, 7 patients (5.8%) experienced pain for 5-12 days, which was treated with oral analgesia. Seven patients (5.8%) experienced gas incontinence and one of them also reported soiling; the incontinence subsided within 2-8 weeks. Recurrence of the haemorrhoidal disease occurred in 8 patients (6.6%). CONCLUSIONS: SH is a safe, low-pain and, in the long-term, effective technique for the treatment of third-degree haemorrhoids.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The effect of insulin-like growth factor I on healing of colonic anastomoses in cortisone-treated rats.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate whether intraperitoneally injected insulin-like growth factor I is able to protect colonic healing from the adverse effects of hydrocortisone therapy. METHODS: Eighty female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (20 rats each). After resection of a segment of transverse colon, an end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Hydrocortisone (5 mg/kg body weight) was injected intramuscularly in rats of cortisone (Group B) and insulin-like growth factor I + cortisone (Group D) groups once daily for seven days before and after the operation. Insulin-like growth factor I (2 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally injected in rats of the insulin-like growth factor I (Group C) and the insulin-like growth factor I + Cortisone (Group D) groups immediately after operation and on the second, fourth, and sixth postoperative days. Rats were killed on the seventh postoperative day. Anastomoses were graded macroscopically and histologically, and bursting pressures and anastomotic hydroxyproline levels were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed by using Fisher's exact test for the comparison of proportions and ANOVA for the comparison of means among groups with subsequent post-hoc analysis using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Leakage rate was significantly higher in the cortisone (Group B) group. Bursting pressures were significantly lower in the cortisone group, whereas they were significantly higher in the insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor I + cortisone groups (Group C and D). Histology revealed a significant decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration, neoangiogenesis, and fibroblast activity in the cortisone group compared with the control group, whereas these parameters were significantly higher in the insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor I + cortisone groups. Hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in the insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor I + cortisone groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocortisone inhibits the healing of colonic anastomoses. However, insulin-like growth factor I given intraperitoneally mediates the deleterious effects of cortisone and protects colonic healing in rats.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Prognostic significance of CEA levels and positive cytology in peritoneal washings in patients with colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this prospective study were to determine carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and incidence of cytology in peritoneal washings of patients with colorectal cancer, correlate the results with various histopathological factors and determine their significance as prognostic factors of the disease. METHODS: From 1992 to 1999, 98 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon or intraperitoneal rectum underwent curative surgery and enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Overall, 25 (26.3%) of 95 patients were found to have positive cytology. The proportion of patients with positive cytology was higher in the recurrence group (36.4%) than in the groups of 5-year survival and hepatic metastases (24.6% and 26.3%, respectively), but this difference was not significant. The 5-year survival group had the lowest peritoneal CEA levels compared with the other groups, but this difference was not significant. Peritoneal cytology and CEA level alone were not sensitive, specific or accurate enough indicators in predicting survival, hepatic metastases or local recurrence. The analysis of patients with positive cytology and high peritoneal CEA level revealed that their combination can predict local recurrence with accuracy of 85%. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of free malignant cells, as detected by cytology and CEA level, in the peritoneal cavity of patients with resectable colorectal cancer had no detectable impact on survival, hepatic metastases or local recurrence rate. However, local recurrence can be predicted with accuracy of 85% in patients who have positive cytology and high peritoneal CEA level at the same time.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Healing of colon anastomoses covered with fibrin glue after immediate postoperative intraperitoneal administration of 5-fluorouracil.

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate whether covering the colonic anastomoses with fibrin glue can protect the colonic healing from the adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), when it is injected intraperitoneally immediately after colon resection. METHODS: Sixty-four rats were randomized to one of four groups. After resection of a 1-cm segment of the transverse colon, an end-to-end sutured anastomosis was performed. Rats of the control group and the fibrin glue group were injected with 6 ml of solution 0.9 percent NaCl intraperitoneally. Rats in the 5-FU and the 5-FU + fibrin glue groups received 5-FU intraperitoneally. The colonic anastomoses of the rats in the fibrin glue group and in the 5-FU + fibrin glue group were covered with fibrin glue. All rats were killed on the 8th postoperative day and the anastomoses were examined macroscopically. The bursting pressure measurements were recorded and the anastomoses were graded histologically. RESULTS: The leakage rate of the anastomoses was significantly higher in the rats of the 5-FU group than in those of the fibrin glue group and those of the 5-FU + fibrin glue group (37.5 percent vs. 0 percent, P = 0.020). The adhesion formation score was significantly higher in rats of the 5-FU group than in the other groups. Bursting pressures were also significantly lower in the 5-FUgroup than in the other groups ( P < 0.001). Rats in the 5-FU + fibrin glue group developed significantly more marked neoagiogenesis than rats in the other groups. Rats in the 5-FU + fibrin glue group also presented significantly more fibroblast activity than those in the 5-FU group. ( P = 0.004) CONCLUSIONS: The immediate postoperative, intraperitoneal administration of 5-FU inhibited wound healing. However, when the colonic anastomoses were covered with fibrin glue, the injection of 5-FU had no adverse effects on the healing of the anastomoses.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2004

Pneumomediastinum after dilatation of anal stricture following stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Stapling procedure is a new technique for the surgical management of prolapsing haemorrhoids. Some articles have reported severe adverse effects of this operation. We describe a case of an excessive staple-line stenosis followed stapled haemorrhoidopexy. Proctoscopic dilatation resulted in complications of retropneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and perianal abscess. Drainage of the abscess was performed, allowing quick recovery. After discharge from the hospital, the patient continued to perform periodic dilatation. Simple proctoscopic dilatation was conducted in an outpatient setting.

Abscess↗
PubMed2004

The failed intraperitoneal colon anastomosis after colon resection.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to present the incidence of anastomotic leakage after colon resection and intraperitoneal anastomosis for colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the last ten years, 205 patients underwent colonic resection with intraperitoneal anastomosis for colon cancer. The surgical management of colorectal cancer consisted of 66 right hemicolectomies, 3 transverse colectomies, 17 left hemicolectomies, 98 sigmoid colectomies and 21 high anterior resections of the rectum. Diagnosis of leakage was made by clinical features, blood vessel examinations and abdominal CT-scans. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage occurred in 5 out of 205 patients (2.4%). One of these patients underwent emergency surgery and the other 4 elective surgery; 3 by manual, 2 by mechanical suture. Three patients with anastomotic leakage were reoperated on days 4, 5 and 7, and 2 patients were treated conservatively. Two of the patients (20%) with anastomotic leakage died due to sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the rate of anastomotic leakage in patients with intraperitoneal anastomosis after colon resection for colorectal cancer is low, it remains a significant complication and a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Anaemia as a symptom of right colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to determine the proportion of iron deficiency anaemia in patients with right colon cancer at diagnosis and to remind of the need of investigation of the large bowel in patients presenting with anaemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1988 to 2003, 86 patients with right colon cancer underwent operative management. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (87.2%) with right colon cancer had anaemia at diagnosis. The mean Ht value was 33.00% (ranging from 16 to 47%). CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency anaemia is a common symptom of right colon cancer. During the evaluation of patients with iron deficiency anaemia, examination of the right colon is needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Synchronous polyps in patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to underscore the incidence of synchronous polyps in patients with colorectal cancer and to emphasise the importance of their perioperative detection and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and seven patients underwent a potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer during the last ten years. A total of 129 synchronous polyps were detected in 72 of the patients (23.5%). Complete preoperative colonoscopy was performed in 62 of the patients. Forty-three polyps (33.4%) in 37 patients were removed preoperatively, while 69 polyps (53.4%) in 25 patients were included in the surgical specimen. In 10 patients the colon was evaluated postoperatively and 17 polyps (13.1%) were removed via endoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 81 polyps were detected in different surgical segments than the index cancer. Furthermore, 15 polyps were detected in the right colon of 55 patients with left colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous polyps in patients with colorectal cancer are a frequent event. Thus, all patients should undergo a perioperative colonoscopy and endoscopic polypectomy, if feasible. The planned surgical procedure may alter as a consequence of the colonoscopic findings in some of the patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Anastomotic leakage following anterior resection for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to present the incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer and to demonstrate the therapeutic approach for the treatment of this complication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the last ten years, 93 patients underwent anterior resection of the rectum for rectal cancer. Low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed in 72, and high anterior resection in 21 patients. The definition of the anastomotic leakage was based on clinical features, peripheral blood investigations and abdominal CT scan. RESULTS: Clinically apparent anastomotic leakage developed in 9 patients (9.7%). Four patients were managed conservatively and five operatively. Postoperative mortality among the patients with anastomotic leakage was not recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of the rectum for rectal cancer is relatively low. It remains however the most serious complication following rectal resection for cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Is TNM classification related to early postoperative morbidity and mortality after colorectal cancer resections?

BACKGROUND: To examine the role of TNM staging system as a predictive factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality, after colorectal cancer resections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the last ten years, 368 patients with colorectal cancer were referred to our institution. All patients, who underwent primary treatment elsewhere or defunctioning colostomy only, or who did not undergo surgical therapy were excluded from the analysis. The early postoperative outcomes registration of the remaining 351 patients (197 men, median age 66.2 years) was retrospectively linked to TNM stage. RESULTS: TNM stage had a poor prognostic value for the early postoperative morbidity rate. In addition, according to the statistical analysis, the proportion of early postoperative mortality proved to be higher in patients with TNM stage III or IV colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: TNM classification could be considered as a reliable predictor of early postoperative mortality, but has no role in the prediction of early postoperative morbidity after colorectal resections.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Abdominal wall metastasis following treatment of rectal cancer.

We present a 60-year-old man with a metastatic subcutaneous lump in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, from rectal cancer, which was treated three years earlier with low anterior resection of the rectum. Excision of the abdominal wall metastasis was accomplished with negative histological margins, but six months later a new abdominal wall mass was detected. The patient underwent surgery again, in which the abdominal wall metastasis was resected en bloc with adherent portion of small bowel, along with inguinal lymph node dissection. The patient's condition deteriorated 10 months after the initial diagnosis, presenting again with abdominal wall cancer and dying from disseminated peritoneal disease.

Abdominal Wall↗
PubMed2004

Radio-frequency ablation of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to present the preliminary results of an ongoing radio-frequency (RF) ablation study in patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2003, two patients affected with metachronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer were treated with RF ablation. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (58 and 74 years). Tumours were unifocal right-lobe lesions in one patient and bifocal in the second patient. Under general anaesthesia, a Radionics 200-W RF generator was used to ablate lesions with H2O-cooled electrodes via laparotomy. Patients' follow-up ranged from two to five months including evaluation of salient clinical, radiological and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: The patients experienced moderate-to-severe pain in the right abdomen lasting for 2-3 days and mild fever for 3-6 days after treatment. During the follow-up period no local recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation emerges to be a promising method for the treatment of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Locally recurrent rectal cancer after curative resection.

BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence of local recurrence, after curative resection for rectal cancer, with the application of total mesorectal excision (TME). PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the last ten years, 120 patients underwent curative resection for rectal cancer. As a rule, except for the cases that underwent high anterior resection, TME was applied. In terms of local relapse, routine TME, preoperative radiotherapy, tumour's stage, differentiation grade and number of positive nodes were taken into account. RESULTS: Eight patients (6.7%) presented with local relapse. At 5 years, 91.9% of patients were free of local recurrence and the actuarial disease-free survival was 81%. A significant association between routine TME, tumour's stage, differentiation grade, lymph node invasion and local recurrence was observed. Conversely, preoperative radiotherapy appeared to play no protective role. CONCLUSIONS: The curative resection of rectal cancer, with the application of TME, has led to a very low incidence of local relapse during the last few years.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Age-associated prognosis following curative resection for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the age-associated prognosis in patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1999, a total of 136 patients underwent curative surgical procedures for colorectal cancer. The study population was divided into three groups according to the age of the patients. Group A: patients younger than 45 years, group B: patients between 45 and 75 years and group C: patients older than 75 years. Tumour location, Dukes' staging, tumour differentiation and five-year survival were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant association between age and tumour staging or tumour differentiation (p=0.990, p=0.753 and p=0.308, respectively). The overall survival at 5 years was 85.7% for the young patients, 77.5% for the middle-aged patients and 62.5% for the elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: This aged-grouped study indicates that prognosis is comparable between younger and middle-aged patients whereas in elderly patients it is worsening but not statistically significantly.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Five-year survival after curative resection for adenocarcinoma of the colon.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 5-year survival of patients with colon adenocarcinoma that underwent elective or emergency curative surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1998, 80 patients underwent a potentially curative colonic resection based on mobilisation along anatomic planes. Among the patients, 26 underwent right colectomy, 3 transverse colectomy, 13 left colectomy and 38 sigmoidectomy. All patients classified as TNM stage III underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyse survival. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival was 69.5%. Patient's sex and age, mucinous characteristics of the tumour and tumour location did not significantly affect survival. Patients with higher Duke's classification and TNM stage had significantly worse 5-year survival (p=0.025 and p=0.007, respectively). Although patients with good tumour differentiation had the highest 5-year survival, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.211). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of colon adenocarcinoma with curative resection by the end of the 20th century is accompanied with acceptable rates of overall 5-year survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗