Dainius Pavalkis

Initial results of a randomized controlled trial comparing clinical and pathological downstaging of rectal cancer after preoperative short-course radiotherapy or long-term chemoradiotherapy, both with delayed surgery.

Aim  The aim of this study was to compare the downstaging achieved after long‐course chemoradiotherapy (chRT) and short‐term radiotherapy (sRT) followed by delayed surgery.

Microvessel density as new prognostic marker after radiotherapy in rectal cancer

BackgroundThe extent of angiogenesis is an important prognostic factor for colorectal carcinoma, however, there are few studies concerning changes in angiogenesis with radiotherapy (RTX). Our aim was to investigate changes in tumor angiogenesis influenced by radiotherapy to assess the prognostic value of angiogenesis the microvessel density (MVD) in overall survival after radiotherapy.MethodsTumor specimens were taken from 101 patients resected for rectal cancer. The patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment they received before surgery (not treated, a short course, or long course of RTX). Tumor specimens were paraffin-embedded and immunohistochemistry was performed with primary antibody against CD-34 to count MVD.ResultsMVD was significantly lower in the group of patients treated with a long course of RTX (p <0.025). The mean MVD for the long RTX group was 134.8; for the short RTX group – 192.5; and for those not treated with RTX – 193.0. There were no significant statistical correlations between MVD and age, sex, grade of tumor differentiation (G) and tumor size (T) in those untreated with RTX. In long RTX group we found a significant prognostic rate for MVD when the density cut off was near 130 with 92.3% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. When the MVD was lower than a cut off of 130, the survival period significantly increased (p = 0.001), the mortality rate is significantly higher if the MVD is higher than 130 (microvessel/mm2) (1953.047; p = 0.002), if the histological grade is moderate/poor (127.407; p = 0.013), if the tumor is T3/T4 (111.618; p = 0.014), and if the patient is male (17.92; p = 0.034) adjusted by other variable in model.ConclusionOur results show that a long course of radiotherapy significantly decreased angiogenesis in rectal cancer tissue. MVD was found to be a favourable marker for tumor behaviour during RTX and a predictor of overall survival after long course of RTX. Further investigations are now needed to determine the changes in angiogenesis during a shorter course of RTX.

The impact of age on post-operative outcomes of colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment

Backgroundthe purpose of study was to evaluate the impact of age on outcomes in colorectal cancer surgery.Methodspatients on hospital database treated for colorectal cancer during the period 1995 – 2002 were divided into two groups: Group 1 – patients of 75 years or older (n = 154), and Group 2 – those younger than 75 years (n = 532).ResultsIn Group 1, for colon cancers, proximal tumors were significantly more common (23% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.05), complicated cases were more frequent (46 % vs. 33%, p = 0.002), bowel obstruction more common at presentation (40% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.001), and more frequent emergency surgery required (24% vs. 14%, p = 0.003). Postoperative overall morbidity was higher in the elderly group, but with no differences in surgical complications rate. Overall 5 year survival was 39% vs. 55% (p = 0.0006) and cancer related 5 year survival was 44% vs. 62% (p = 0.0006). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that age was not an independent risk factor for postoperative mortality.ConclusionPreoperative complications and co-morbidities, more advanced disease, and higher postoperative nonsurgical complication rates adversely affect postoperative outcomes after surgery for colorectal cancer in the elderly.

Lack of association between miR-27a, miR-146a, miR-196a-2, miR-492 and miR-608 gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with high mortality rates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an established role in the development of different cancers. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA related genes were linked with various gastrointestinal malignancies. However, the data on association between miRNA SNPs and CRC development are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between miRNA-related gene polymorphisms (miR-27a, miR-146a, miR-196a-2, miR-492 and miR-608) and the presence of CRC in European population. Gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 621 subjects (controls: n = 428; CRC: n = 193). MiR-27a T>C (rs895819), miR-146a G>C (rs2910164), miR-196a-2 C>T (rs11614913), miR-492 G>C (rs2289030) and miR-608 C>G (rs4919510) SNPs were genotyped by RT-PCR. Overall, all genotypes and alleles of miRNA SNPs were distributed equally between control and CRC groups. We observed a tendency for miR-146a C allele to be associated with lower risk of CRC when compared to G allele, however, the difference did not reach the adjusted P-value (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.95, P = 0.025). In conclusion, gene polymorphisms of miR-27a, miR-146a, miR-196a-2, miR-492, miR-492a and miR-608 were not associated with the presence of CRC in European subjects.

Morphologic pattern of myenteric neural plexus in colonic diverticular disease. A whole-mount study employing histochemical staining for acetylcholinesterase

BACKGROUND Diverticular disease (DD) of the colon is a frequent clinical problem because 30-50% of the population over the age of 60 years in western communities are affected by DD. Although certain clinical, physiological and biochemical studies have shown that the origin of DD may be neurogenic, the mechanism of DD pathogenesis is still not clear. METHODS The aim of the present study has been to assess the morphologic pattern of the myenteric nerve plexus (MNP) in diverticulous sigmoid colon (DSC) comparing the structural organization in DSC (n=10) to relatively normal sigmoid colon (rNSC) that had been resected from patients for rectal tumors (n=10). The histochemical method for acetylcholinesterase was utilized to visualize the MNP on pressure bloated, non-sectioned gut preparations. RESULTS The study revealed that the MNP of DSC was degenerated, as its interganglionic nerves were periodically interrupted and thinner than in rNSC. The number of myenteric ganglia in same-sized areas (125 mm(2)) as well as the average area of myenteric plexus was significantly higher in controls compared with the DD patients, (respectively, ganglion number: 163 +/- 12 and 149 +/- 12, p<0.02; MN-plexal area: 8.1 +/- 0.3 mm(2) and 7.2 +/- 0.2 mm(2), p<0.001). CONCLUSION The occurrence of DD in sigmoid colon is associated with morphologic alterations in MNP (i.e. the number of ganglia and plexus rarefaction, ganglion size and plexal area involution), which presumably demonstrate the failure of MNP in DD patients.

Low-dose spinal hyperbaric bupivacaine for adult anorectal surgery: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled study ☆

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To produce selective spinal anesthesia for adult anorectal surgery. STUDY DESIGN Double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Operating room and postoperative recovery area. PATIENTS 152 adult, consecutive ASA physical status I, II, and III patients. INTERVENTIONS After patients underwent dural puncture in the sitting position at L3-L4 or L4-L5, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine was injected over two minutes: Group S7.5 received 1.5 mL, Group S5 received 1.0 mL, and Group S4 0.8 mL. After sitting for 10 minutes, patients were positioned for surgery. MEASUREMENTS Rate of success, level and duration of sensory and motor block, time to voiding and ambulation, complications, and quality of anesthesia according to the patient and medical staff, were recorded. RESULTS Spinal block had a 98% rate of success. Mean level of sensory block was 10.4 +/- 1.7, 7.4 +/- 2.2, and 7.0 +/- 1.8 dermatomes in Groups S7.5, S5, and S4 (P < 0.01 S7.5 vs S5, and S7.5 vs S4). Mean duration of sensory block was 310.5 +/- 42.6, 255.9 +/- 43.7, and 228.8 +/- 34.8 min in Groups S7.5, S5, and S4 (P < 0.01 S7.5 vs S5, S7.5 vs S4, and S5 vs S4). Motor block was Bromage score 2-3 in 70.5% of Group S7.5 patients versus Bromage score 0-1 in 97.3% of Group S5 and 92.1% of Group S4 patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION A dose of 4 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine produces a similar level of sensory and motor block as a 5 mg dose but with shorter duration and faster recovery.

Preoperative chemoradiation vs radiation alone for stage II and III resectable rectal cancer: a meta‐analysis

Aim  The aim of this systematic literature review and meta‐analysis was to compare preoperative radiotherapy (RT) with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (ChRT) in patients with stage II and III resectable rectal cancer.

Facial skin metastasis of colorectal cancer: a case report.

IntroductionLiver and lungs are common locations of distant metastases of colorectal cancer. Skin metastases of colorectal cancer are very rare, and facial lesions are extremely uncommon.Case presentationAn anterior resection of the rectum was performed for rectal cancer T3N0M0G3. A small ulcer on the upper lip developed 3.5 years after primary operation. Metastasis of adenocarcinoma was confirmed histologically, and local excision was performed. At the same time, a solitary metastasis in the right lung was diagnosed, and the right lower lobectomy was performed. No other metastasis or local recurrences were observed during the next 7 months.ConclusionSkin metastases in the face from colorectal cancer are very rare and may indicate tumour relapse several years after primary resection. These patients have a worse prognosis.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in an anorectal fistula.

UNLABELLED Mucinous adenocarcinoma in association with chronic anal fistula is a rare case in clinical practice. The aim of this article was to report a rare case of anal gland mucinous adenocarcinoma in a patient who was treated in the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old male was treated for anorectal fistula in the surgical department. Four operations were performed for perineal abscess during the period of 15 years. During the period of 15 years, the patient complained of purulent secretion from the perineal abscess. After the last operation, anorectal fistula developed. Multiple biopsies and scrapings of the fistulous track were taken for histological examination. Histological examination revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma, G2. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoanal ultrasound, computed tomography scan, and colonoscopy. The computed tomography scan did not show pathology in the abdomen, but showed soft tissue induration at the site of anorectal fistula. Colonoscopy investigation did not show any pathology in the rectum and bowels. Endoanal ultrasound findings showed soft tissue induration at the site of anorectal fistula, no tumor in the rectum wall. The patient underwent abdominoperineal resection. Histological examination after abdominoperineal resection revealed anal duct mucinous adenocarcinoma pT2 N0 L0 V0 R0, G2. Metastases to the mesenteric lymph nodes were not detected. On the eighth day after abdominoperineal resection, the patient was discharged from the hospital for follow-up. SUMMARY Mucinous adenocarcinoma in anorectal fistula is a rare condition. If surgical treatment for perineal abscess or anorectal fistula is not successful for a long time, mucinous adenocarcinoma should be suspected.

Endoskopinis ūminės storosios žarnos obstrukcijos gydymas

Kestutis Adamonis, Dainius Pavalkis, Žilvinas Saladžinskas, Algimantas Tamelis KMU Gastroenterologijos klinika, KMU Chirurgijos klinika Siuolaikis virskinimo trakto piktybinės obstrukcijos gydymas vis labiau tampa minimaliai invazinis. Ligoniai, sergantys storosios žarnos vėžiu, komplikuotu obstrukcija, į gydymo įstaigas patenka skubos tvarka, neretai sunkios būklės, ir nėra idealūs kandidatai chirurginei operacijai. Siuolaikinėje medicinos literatūroje gausėja mokslinių straipsnių apie sėkmingą ir saugų endoskopiniu būdu įkisamų savaime issipleciancių metalinių stentų naudojimą proktologijoje. Nors stentai ir yra brangūs, taciau proktologinis stentavimas yra rentabili procedūra, leidžianti ligoniams, sergantiems storosios žarnos vėžiu, komplikuotu ūminė storosios žarnos obstrukcija, isvengti neatidėliotinos operacijos, o esant nerezektabiliam vėžiui, – kolostomos. Straipsnyje aprasomas KMU Chirurgijos klinikoje atliktas pirmasis Lietuvoje sėkmingas endoskopinis ūminės žarnų obstrukcijos gydymas stentuojant žarnyną. Prasminiai žodžiai: žarnyno obstrukcija, kolorektinis vėžys, endoskopija, stentavimas. Acute colonic obstruction: endoscopical management Kestutis Adamonis, Dainius Pavalkis, Žilvinas Saladžinskas, Algimantas Tamelis Management of malignant gastrointestinal obstruction presents a significant challenge. Most patients are in a profoundly decompensated state due to underlying malignancy and are not ideal candidates for invasive surgical procedures. In recent years, self-expandable metal stents have emerged as an effective and safe, less invasive alternative for the treatment of malignant intestinal obstruction. Although stents are expensive, the procedure appears to be cost-effective, since emergency surgery can be avoided in patients with acute bowel obstruction, and in those with advanced disease no resection of the colon is necessary. Here we report a retrospective analysis of a first self-expandable metal stent placed for colorectal obstruction at Kaunas Medical University Hospital, as well as review the literature published on self-expandable metal stent placement. Our first data confirm self-expandable metal stent efficacy in palliation of malignant intestinal obstruction. Keywords: intestinal obstruction, colorectal cancer, endoscopy, endoluminal stenting.