Ultra-low anterior resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer: The end of the 1-cm rule?

The surgical management of rectal cancer has evolved as techniques have improved and the use of preoperative multimodality therapy has gained acceptance as the standard of care. One of the most dynamic areas regarding surgical resection of rectal cancer has been the issue of an oncologically safe distal resection margin. Despite recommendations for the minimum acceptable distal margin shrinking from 5 cm to 2 cm and now to 1 cm over the past several decades, this question remains a topic of intense debate. Such discussion centering on the impact distal margins of resection can critically affect the ability to preserve the anal sphincter complex during rectal resection for cancer. In the present era of the surgical treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers with neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the literature has supported the potential safety of a 1-cm margin for sphincter preservation without a significant risk for unresected microscopic distal intramural spread. More recently, data has emerged demonstrating no statistical difference in oncologic outcomes in terms of local recurrence or overall survival when comparing shorter distal margins to those greater than 1 cm. This review examines the data in support of the 1-cm rule and discusses its validity in light of more recent reports in the modern multidisciplinary treatment era.     

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.     

Overcoming placebo-related challenges in manual therapy trials: The ‘whats and hows’ and the ‘touch equality assumption’ proposals

Due to the significant increase in interest in placebos, biomedical scientists have incorporated placebo innovations into a modern methodological research scenario in order to increase the quality of clinical studies. Indeed, the randomised-controlled trial design has changed dramatically, and these changes have had an impact on manual therapy research as well. The present paper outlines the main difficulties that placebo-controlled trials pose for research in manual therapy, for example, designing ineffective sham protocols, the role of touch in triggering neurobiological responses, or the unique specificity of manual therapies. The paper then offers suggestions on how to overcome such challenges, for example by providing a definition of ‘specificity’ in the context of manual therapies, and specifically osteopathy, suggesting how to design adequate sham procedures, and by introducing the so-called ‘touch equality assumption'.     

Challenges of Surgery in Developing Countries: A Survey of Surgical and Anesthesia Capacity in Uganda’s Public Hospitals

Background  

There are large disparities in access to surgical services due to a multitude of factors, including insufficient health human resources, infrastructure, medicines, equipment, financing, logistics, and information reporting. This study aimed to assess these important factors in Uganda’s government hospitals as part of a larger study examining surgical and anesthesia capacity in low-income countries in Africa.     

The frequency of apneas in premature infants after inguinal hernia repair: do they need overnight monitoring in the intensive care unit?

Background

Postoperative apneas are reported in up to 49% of premature infants undergoing anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair. Our current practice is to monitor all of these babies in the intensive care unit (ICU) overnight after surgery. In addition to the considerable expense to the health care system, these cases are cancelled if no ICU bed is available.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all premature infants undergoing inguinal hernia repairs over the past 5 years was undertaken. All postoperative apneas were identified. Potential risk factors were evaluated.

Results

Five (4.7%) of 126 premature infants had apneas after inguinal hernia repair. All of these babies had a previous history of apneas. They also had lower weights both at birth (1.08 vs 1.73 kg) and at the time of surgery (3.37 vs 4.4 kg) as well as lower gestational ages (29 vs 32.3 weeks). They were much more likely to have a complicated past medical history. Markers for this included intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and requirement for mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen after birth. The use of sevoflurane was the only anesthetic factor which had significance.

Conclusion

Postoperative apnea in premature infants after inguinal hernia repair using current anesthetic techniques is much less common than previously reported. Infants with prior history of apneas are at highest risk. Other risk factors appear to include gestational age, birth weight, weight at time of surgery, and a complicated neonatal course. Selective use of postoperative ICU monitoring for high-risk patients could result in significant resource and cost savings to the health care system.