Adrenalectomy for solitary adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer: A case report

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Small cell carcinoma in ulcerative colitis - new treatment option: a case report

Abstract Background The most common type of carcinoma associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) is adenocarcinoma. We present a case of primary rectal small cell carcinoma in a patient with a history of UC. Methods A 34-year-old male diagnosed with UC for 10 years was not consistent with the usual annual follow-up and presented with mucoid-bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass 2 cm distant from the anal verge. The patient underwent a total proctocolectomy with preservation of the anal sphincters, construction of an ileal reservoir, anastomosis of the reservoir to the anus (J configuration) and protective loop ileostomy. Results Histological examination showed undifferentiated small cell carcinoma. Conclusions This is the first case of small cell carcinoma in a background of UC reported to be treated surgically and the patient and has no reccurence 18 months postoperatively.</p

Synchronous colorectal adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in Meckel's diverticulum; an unusual association

Abstract Background Coexistence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor with synchronous or metachronous colorectal cancer represents a phenomenon with increasing number of relative reports in the last 5 years. Synchronous occurence of GISTs with other gastrointestinal tumors of different histogenesis presents a special interest. We herein report a case of GIST in Meckel's diverticulum synchronous with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Case presentation A 69 year old man, presented with abdominal distension and anal bleeding on defecation. Colonoscopy revealed colorectal cancer and a low anterior resection was performed, during which a tumor in Meckel's diverticulum was discovered. Histologic examination revealed GIST in Meckel's diverticulum and a rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma. Conclusion Whenever GIST is encountered, the surgeon should be alert to recognize a possible coexistent tumor with different histological origin. Correct diagnosis of synchronous tumors of different origin is the cornerstone of treatment.</p

Myofibroblasts and colonic anastomosis healing in Wistar rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The myofibroblasts play a central role in wound healing throughout the body. The process of wound healing in the colon was evaluated with emphasis on the role of myofibroblasts.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>One hundred male Wistar rats weighing 274 ± 9.1 g (mean age: 3.5 months) were used. A left colonic segment was transected and the colon was re-anastomosed. Animals were randomly divided into two groups. The first group experimental animals (n = 50) were sacrificed on postoperative day 3, while the second group rats (n = 50) were sacrificed on postoperative day 7. Healing of colonic anastomosis was studied in terms of anastomotic bursting pressure, as well as myofibroblastic reaction and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), adhesion formation, inflammatory reaction and neovascularization.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean anastomotic bursting pressure increased from 20.6 ± 3.5 mmHg on the 3^rdpostoperative day to 148.8 ± 9.6 Hg on the 7^thpostoperative day. Adhesion formation was increased on the 7^thday, as compared to the 3^rdday. In addition, the myofibroblastic reaction was more profound on the 7^thpostoperative day in comparison with the 3^rdpostoperative day. The staining intensity for α-SMA was progressive from the 3rd to the 7th postoperative day. On the 7^thday the α-SMA staining in the myofibroblats reached the level of muscular layer cells.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study emphasizes the pivotal role of myofibroblasts in the process of colonic anastomosis healing. The findings provide an explanation for the reduction in the incidence of wound dehiscence after the 7th postoperative day.</p