Treatment outcomes in locally advanced colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced colorectal cancers form a distinct subgroup where contiguous organs could be involved without distant metastases and so may be amenable to curative surgical resection. It was our objective to report our experience in treating six such patients with operable locally advanced colorectal carcinomas. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of 47 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancers at M S Ramaiah Medical Teaching Hospital between the years 1996 - 2001. Six patients were identified with T4 lesions, adjacent organ involvement and with no nodal involvement. The treatments and outcomes for these patients were then reviewed. RESULTS: Two of three patients with rectal malignancies who underwent pelvic exenteration succumbed to disease recurrence within the first 18 months. One of the three patients with colonic cancers died of non malignant causes. The other two are disease free till date. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive multivisceral resections for locally advanced colonic cancers might be appropriate. Rectal cancers when locally advanced may be considered for pelvic exenteration, but a more guarded prognosis may apply.     

Vaginal and pelvic reconstruction with distally based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps

This report introduces a new method of vaginal reconstruction using a single rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap based distally. Applications of this flap in reconstruction of major abdominal wall and pelvic defects, such as hemipelvectomies, are also described. The flap is designed to carry a paddle of upper abdominal skin on a distally based muscle and vascular pedicle. Advantages of this flap design are (1) the technique is straightforward and rapid, (2) flap viability is reliable, (3) the epigastric skin-fascial donor defect preserves the anterior rectus fascia distal to the linea semicircularis, which prevents hernia, (4) a large arc of rotation is provided, and (5) the epigastric donor site does not interfere with colostomy and urinary conduit stomas in the pelvic exenteration patient. We have done 11 vaginal reconstructions and 9 major pelvic defect reconstructions with this flap during the last 3 1/2 years. In these 20 patients, the only complications were two partial flap losses. No major flap losses or ventral hernias occurred.     

Retrospective review of pelvic malignancies undergoing total pelvic exenteration

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies, total pelvic exenteration (TPE) may be necessary for curative treatment. Despite improvements in mortality rates since TPE was first described, morbidity rates remain high due to the extensive resection and the aggressiveness of these tumors. We have studied the outcomes of TPE surgery performed at our institution. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with various pelvic pathologies underwent TPE between 2004 and 2010. Patients were divided into two groups based on pathology: colorectal (n =36) versus noncolorectal (n =17) malignancies. Demographics, operative reports, pathology reports, periprocedural events, and outcomes were analyzed. Comparison of the two groups was performed using student'st-test and Fisher's exact test. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log rank test. RESULTS: The colorectal and non-colorectal groups were similar in demographics, operative times, length of stay, estimated blood loss, and rates of preoperative and intraoperative radiation use. Chemotherapy use was increased in the colorectal group compared with the noncolorectal group (55.6% vs. 23.5%, P =0.04). Complication rates were similar: 86% in the colorectal group and 76% in the non-colorectal group. In the colorectal group, 27.8% of patients developed perineal abscesses, whereas no patients developed these complications in the non-colorectal group (P =0.02). No survival difference was seen in primary versus recurrent colorectal tumors; however, within the colorectal group there was a survival advantage when comparing R0 resection to R1 and R2 resection combined. Median survival rates were 27.3 months for R0 resection and 10.7 months for R1 and R2 resection combined. The median survival was 21.4 months for the colorectal group and 6.9 months for the noncolorectal group (P =0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing TPE for colorectal tumors have improved survival when compared with patients undergoing exenteration for pelvic malignancies of other origins. Within the colorectal group, the extent of resection demonstrated a significant survival benefit of an R0 resection compared with R1 and R2 resections. Despite TPE carrying a high morbidity rate, mortality rates have improved and careful patient selection can optimize outcomes.     

Culdoscopy

Cul-de-sac puncture for introduction of a culdoscope is easily made with the patient in the knee-chest position. With the use of the instrument, the pelvic organs can be viewed clearly. Culdoscopic examination of 45 patients was carried out. In all cases in which laparotomy was done after the examination, the culdoscopic observations and diagnosis were confirmed. In no case in which tubal pregnancy was present, was the diagnosis missed in culdoscopic examination. Patients were only slightly uncomfortable after the examination. There was no evidence of pelvic peritonitis in any patient, and no pregnant patient aborted as a result of the procedure.     

CULDOSCOPY

Cul-de-sac puncture for introduction of a culdoscope is easily made with the patient in the knee-chest position. With the use of the instrument, the pelvic organs can be viewed clearly. Culdoscopic examination of 45 patients was carried out. In all cases in which laparotomy was done after the examination, the culdoscopic observations and diagnosis were confirmed. In no case in which tubal pregnancy was present, was the diagnosis missed in culdoscopic examination. Patients were only slightly uncomfortable after the examination. There was no evidence of pelvic peritonitis in any patient, and no pregnant patient aborted as a result of the procedure.     

Abdominoplasty combined with other major surgical procedures: safe or sorry?

The clinical records of 563 patients undergoing either abdominoplasty alone or in combination with other major surgical procedures were reviewed in order to determine the relative safety of combined procedures. One-hundred-seventeen patients had abdominoplasty alone; 230 had abdominoplasty with either an intraabdominal or major pelvic procedure with or without an additional major aesthetic procedure; 216 had abdominoplasty with one or more major aesthetic procedures (without intraabdominal or pelvic procedures). The rates of occurrence of major complications, including death, pulmonary embolus, and infection, among the three groups were examined. Also examined were morbidity factors such as length of hospital stay and the need for blood transfusion. In this study, the only risk factor identified in predicting major morbidity, specifically the occurrence of pulmonary embolus, was obesity, not the complexity of the surgical procedure.     

A new technique of vaginal reconstruction using neurovascular pudendal-thigh flaps: a preliminary report

The blood supply to the skin of the perineum, medial groin, and upper thigh was studied in fresh female cadavers. The pudendal-thigh flap was designed as a result to reconstruct the vagina. The flaps are raised bilaterally in the groin crease just lateral to the labia majora and then are transposed toward the midline and sutured together to form a skin-lined cul-de-sac which opens at the introitus. The technique has been used successfully in three patients to reconstruct the vagina. The first patient, an adult, was reconstructed after total pelvic exenteration for malignancy, while two children had reconstructions for congenital vaginal anomalies. This technique is superior to currently available methods because it is simple and reliable. No stents or dilators are needed. It is safe technique without complications in our hands. The reconstructed vagina has a natural angle for intercourse and is sensate. The donor scars in the groin are well hidden.     

MANAGEMENT OF CANCER OF THE NASAL CAVITY AND PARANASAL SINUSES

Cancer involving the antrum can be cured in a greater percentage of cases if the lesions are detected earlier, specifically diagnosed histologically, and radically managed at the time of the initial treatment. The procedure of choice is, first, surgical removal (with a scalpel) of as much of the tumor as is possible without risk of operative death, then limited but specific cancerocidal radiation as indicated by operative findings or regular postoperative observation. The period of convalescence will be less distressing and shorter with this procedure than with others; and, in those cases in which cure is not effected, palliation will be more satisfactory. The cured patients are cosmetically acceptable without functional disability except for unilateral loss of vision in cases in which exenteration of the orbit is necessary.     

A Retrospective Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Modified Abdominal High Uterosacral Colpopexy in the Treatment of Uterine Prolapse

To evaluate the clinical value of a novel method for high uterosacral colpopexy in the treatment of uterine prolapse. Thirty-one cases with severe pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed by pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system received a novel high sacral colpopexy method. Clinical parameters associated perioperative period and 12?months after surgery and complications were analyzed. A questionnaire survey on pelvic floor distress inventory and pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence and sexual function was implemented. Between January 2007 and June 2008, 31 patients successfully received a Modified Abdominal High Uterosacral Colpopexy. The mean operation time was 50?±?15?min, and the average blood loss was 100?±?20?mls. 28 Patients returned for a 1-year follow-up, and the average follow-up period was 14?±?6?months. According to POP-Q system evaluation, the rate of operational success reached 100?%. There were no significant intraoperative and postoperative complications. A total of 31 responses on pelvic floor distress inventory short form questionnaire and 24 responses on pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire showed that there was statistical significant difference before and after the procedure. This novel, high uterosacral colpopexy method is a safe and effective method for the treatment of uterine prolapse.     

髋部肌锻炼联合盆底电刺激生物反馈对盆底功能障碍性疾病患者盆底功能及应激反应的影响

摘要 目的：探讨髋部肌锻炼联合盆底电刺激生物反馈对盆底功能障碍性疾病（PFD）患者盆底功能及应激反应的影响。方法：选取2021年1月-2022年12月在我院接受治疗的120例PFD患者作为研究对象,按随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,每组各60例。对照组患者进行髋部肌锻炼,观察组患者在对照组的基础上联合盆底电刺激生物反馈治疗,观察分析两组患者盆底功能以及应激反应的变化。结果：两组治疗后观察组临床总有效率显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）;两组患者治疗后PFDI-20、PISQ-12及PFIQ-7评分显著优于治疗前,且观察组上述指标明显优于对照组（P＜0.05）;治疗后两组患者前盆底肌电位、动态肌张力、静态肌张力及收缩力较治疗前显著改善,且观察组相较于对照组上述指标显著提升（P＜0.05）;治疗后两组患者去甲肾上腺素（NE）、前列腺素（PGE₂）、皮质醇（COR）水平明显提高,且观察组明显优于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论：髋部肌锻炼联合盆底电刺激生物反馈使肌肉功能得到锻炼,提高了盆底肌张力水平,促进盆底功能的恢复和应激反应的提高,明显提高患者的生活质量。     

Long-term results of hemipelvic allograft: Report of four cases

Reconstruction after the excision of pelvic tumors involving the pelvic ring implies difficult problems. Restoration of the function is difficult and an allograft can be one of the possible solutions. Pelvic allograft is recommended by many authors to reconstruct the pelvic ring following extensive resections of bone tumors. Between 1988 and 1989, we performed hemipelvic resection and allograft reconstruction in 4 patients with pelvic sarcomas. The mean age was 42.3 years (range 38–48), consists of 3 male and 1 female. One case developed an infection and one case showed recurrence, both responding to surgical treatment. Outcome in those cases in which surgery was curative to the primary tumor was satisfactory at 10 years follow-up, with a mean total Enneking score of 25.3 (range 24–27) and a good functional result in Merlé D'Aubigne functional score. Despite the limited number of cases presented, our results added to the reported results in the literature led us to consider that allografts are valuable in pelvic reconstructions after en-bloc resections for bone tumors. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

盆底肌肉康复训练联合盆底重建术对女性盆底功能障碍性疾病患者炎症反应及应激反应的影响

目的:观察盆底肌肉康复训练联合盆底重建术治疗女性盆底功能障碍性疾病(PFD)的疗效及对炎症反应及应激反应的影响。方法:选择2019年1月~2021年1月期间我院收治的PFD患者200例,按乱数表法分为对照组(100例)和研究组(100例)。对照组患者接受盆底重建术治疗,研究组患者接受盆底肌肉康复训练联合盆底重建术治疗。观察两组治疗后的疗效及术后并发症发生情况,对比两组相关量表评分、炎症反应及应激反应指标。结果:研究组治疗后盆底功能影响问卷简表(PFIQ-7)、盆底不适调查表简表(PFDI-20)评分低于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组治疗后盆底Ⅰ类肌纤维肌电压、盆底Ⅱ类肌纤维肌电压高于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组治疗后白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)低于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组治疗后皮质醇(COR)、去甲肾上腺素(NE)、前列腺素E2(PGE2)低于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组术后并发症发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:盆底肌肉康复训练联合盆底重建术治疗PFD,可促进盆底功能恢复,减轻机体炎症反应及应激反应,降低术后并发症发生率。     

A 10-year retrospective review of 758 DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction

This study examined 758 deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast reconstruction, with respect to risk factors and associated complications. Risk factors that demonstrated significant association with any breast or abdominal complication included smoking (p = 0.0000), postreconstruction radiotherapy (p = 0.0000), and hypertension (p = 0.0370). Ninety-eight flaps (12.9 percent) developed fat necrosis. Associated risk factors were smoking (p = 0.0226) and postreconstruction radiotherapy (p = 0.0000). Interestingly, as the number of perforators increased, so did the incidence of fat necrosis. There were only 19 cases (2.5 percent) of partial flap loss and four cases (0.5 percent) of total flap loss. Patients with 45 flaps (5.9 percent) were returned to the operating room before the second-stage procedure. Patients with 29 flaps (3.8 percent) were returned to the operating room because of venous congestion. Venous congestion and any complication were observed to be statistically unrelated to the number of venous anastomoses. Overall, postoperative abdominal hernia or bulge occurred after only five reconstructions (0.7 percent). Complication rates in this large series were comparable to those in retrospective reviews of pedicle and free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps. Previous studies of the free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap described breast complication rates ranging from 8 to 13 percent and abdominal complication rates ranging from 0 to 82 percent. It was noted that, with experience in microsurgical techniques and perforator selection, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap offers distinct advantages to patients, in terms of decreased donor-site morbidity and shorter recovery periods. Mastery of this flap provides reconstructive surgeons with more extensive options for the treatment of postmastectomy patients.     

Managing gynaecological emergencies with laparoscopy.

A consecutive series of 49 women (50 procedures), whose conditions were haemodynamically stable, presenting with acute lower abdominal pain, pelvic tenderness, and either a urine concentration of greater than 50 U/l beta human chorionic gonadotrophin or a pelvic mass shown by ultrasonography were treated with operative laparoscopy under video monitoring (videopelviscopy) as an alternative to laparotomy. Ectopic pregnancy, ovarian and non-ovarian cysts, pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, and fibroids were found, for which salpingotomy, salpingectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, cystectomy, adhesiolysis, thermocoagulation, and myomectomy were carried out by laparoscopy. In one patient pelviscopy was repeated because of persistent tubal pregnancy after the fimbria was expressed. Laparotomies were carried out on three patients because treatment was not possible by laparoscopy and on a further patient two days after adhesiolysis had been attempted. These were the only serious complications. For the 46 cases (45 patients) in which operative laparoscopy was successful the mean stay in hospital was 1.9 days after operation, and this group of patients returned to normal activities and to work after an average of 2.3 and 2.6 weeks respectively. Most gynaecological emergencies that are managed by laparotomy can be treated by laparoscopy and benefit both patients and the health service.     

Correlations from gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after methotrexate chemotherapy for hemorrhagic placenta increta

OBJECTIVE: To describe pre- and post-methotrexate (MTX) therapy images from pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadopentetate dimeglumine contrast following chemotherapy for post-partum hemorrhage secondary to placenta increta. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A 28-year-old Caucasian female presented 4 weeks post-partum complaining of intermittent vaginal bleeding. She underwent dilatation and curettage immediately after vaginal delivery for suspected retained placental tissue but 28 d after delivery, the serum beta-hCG persisted at 156 IU/mL. Office transvaginal sonogram (4 mHz B-mode) was performed, followed by pelvic MRI using a 1.5 Tesla instrument after administration of gadolinium-based contrast agent. MTX was administered intramuscularly, and MRI was repeated four weeks later. RESULTS: While transvaginal sonogram suggested retained products of conception confined to the endometrial compartment, an irregular 53 x 34 x 28 mm heterogeneous intrauterine mass was noted on MRI to extend into the anterior myometrium, consistent with placenta increta. Vaginal bleeding diminished following MTX treatment, with complete discontinuation of bleeding achieved by ~20 d post-injection. MRI using identical technique one month later showed complete resolution of the uterine lesion. Serum beta-hCG was <5 IU/mL. CONCLUSION: Reduction or elimination of risks associated with surgical management of placenta increta is important to preserve uterine function and reproductive potential. For selected hemodynamically stable patients, placenta increta may be treated non-operatively with MTX as described here. A satisfactory response to MTX can be ascertained by serum hCG measurements with pre- and post-treatment pelvic MRI with gadopentetate dimeglumine enhancement, which offers advantages over standard transvaginal sonography.     

Decentralisation of neurones in the pelvic ganglion of the guinea-pig: Reinnervation by adrenergic nerves

An electron-microscopic study has been made of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres and synapses in the pelvic ganglion of the guinea-pig at intervals of up to 60 days following section of the hypogastric and pelvic nerves. Transection of the hypogastric nerves led to degeneration of 80-90% of the cholinergic nerve profiles and synapses in the ganglion. The small number of adrenergic nerves and synapses did not change, but 30-60 days after section, this number increased 8-10 times. Transection of the pelvic nerves led to degeneration of about 15% of the cholinergic nerve terminals, but no change in adrenergic terminals. After transection of both hypogastric and pelvic nerves, only about 1% of cholinergic nerves survived, but after 30-60 days, the number of adrenergic nerves increased 8-10 times. It is concluded that following cholinergic nerve degeneration in the ganglion, adrenergic nerves, probably originating as collateral sprouts from postganglionic neurones and granule-containing cells, can replace them to some extent.     

Use of the temporalis muscule flap in blanking out orbits.

We report the use of the temporalis muscle as a transposition flap to obliterate the orbit in 5 patients. In 4 of the cases we split the muscle coronally and passed the anterior part through a window in the lateral orbital wall. In two of these patients, skin grafts were put on both sides of the temporalis muscle-fascia flap, to restore nasal lining and to cover the facial surface simultaneously. In the remaining patients, the muscle was split sagittally to provide a large surface for coverage. The temporalis muscle flap is a versatile one for filling orbits after exenteration.     

The green fluorescent protein as an efficient selection marker for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation in Hevea brasiliensis (Müll. Arg)

An efficient genetic transformation procedure using a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been developed in Hevea brasiliensis clone PB260. Transformation experiments have been performed using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens binary vector harbouring both uidA and S65T-GFP reporter genes in order to compare selection methods using glucuronidase assay (GUS activity) and paromomycin resistance, GFP activity and paromomycin resistance, or GFP activity only. At transient level, the number of spots showing GUS or GFP activities was similar for 4 and 5 days after coculture. After selection, stable transformation events were observed and led to the establishment of transgenic callus lines. A higher number of lines were generated with GFP selection compared to the GUS one. GFP selection is less time-consuming in terms of callus subculturing, and offers the possibility of producing antibiotic resistance marker-free transgenic plants.     

妇科肿瘤患者术后盆腔感染情况调查、 病原菌分布及其危险因素分析

目的调查妇科肿瘤患者术后盆腔感染的情况以及病原菌分布,并探讨术后发生盆腔感染的危险因素。方法回顾性分析自2013年1月到2017年1月在东南大学附属中大医院接受妇科肿瘤手术治疗的384例患者的临床资料。统计妇科肿瘤术后盆腔感染的发生率及病原菌的分布情况。将发生盆腔感染的患者分为感染组,未发生盆腔感染的患者分为未感染组,对比两组的临床资料,并通过多因素Logistic回归分析,归纳妇科肿瘤患者术后发生盆腔感染的危险因素。结果术后发生盆腔感染41例,感染率为10.68%,培养出病原菌54株,其中革兰阳性菌14株,占25.93%,革兰阴性菌35株,占64.81%,真菌5株,占9.26%。感染组患者年龄60岁的比例、手术持续时间2h的比例、合并慢性基础疾病的比例、开放手术的比例、术前化疗的比例、术后留置引流管的比例和术后卧床时间7d的比例均显著高于未感染组(均P0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,年龄大、手术持续时间长、合并慢性基础疾病、开放手术、术前化疗、术后留置引流管、术后卧床时间长均是妇科肿瘤患者术后盆腔感染的危险因素(均P0.05)。结论妇科肿瘤患者术后较容易并发盆腔感染,病原菌主要为革兰阴性菌。多种因素可增加术后盆腔感染的风险,临床应加强防控措施,降低妇科肿瘤患者术后盆腔感染的发生率。     

生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练对产后盆底功能障碍性疾病患者盆底功能电生理指标和生活质量的影响

目的:观察生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练对产后盆底功能障碍性疾病(PFD)患者盆底功能电生理指标和生活质量的影响。方法:研究对象为2018年3月~2020年12月我院收治的80例产后PFD患者。采用双色球随机分组法将患者分为对照组(n=40)和研究组(n=40)。对照组给予Kegel训练,研究组给予生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练,两组均治疗8周。对比两组治疗8周后的疗效和尿失禁、盆底器官脱垂程度的改善情况。对比两组治疗前、治疗8周后的盆底功能电生理指标、日常生活质量和性生活质量。结果:治疗8周后,研究组的临床总有效率较对照组高(P<0.05)。治疗8周后,研究组I类肌纤维疲劳度、Ⅱ类肌纤维疲劳度、快肌最大肌电值及阴道动态压力均优于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组治疗8周后尿失禁、盆底器官脱垂程度的改善情况优于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗8周后,研究组盆底功能影响问卷简表(PIFQ-7)评分、盆腔器官脱垂-尿失禁性功能问卷(PISQ-12)评分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:产后PFD患者采用生物反馈电刺激联合Kegel训练治疗疗效明确,可促进尿失禁、盆底器官脱垂程度情况及盆底功能改善,提高患者日常生活质量和性生活质量。