The Clinical Efficacy of Infrared Photocoagulation Versus Closed Hemorrhoidectomy in Treatment of Hemorrhoid

Introduction: Infrared photocoagulation (IRC) was introduced as a mainstay procedure for treatment of hemorrhoids. The present study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of IRC compared to closed hemorrhoidectomy.Methods: Forty patients suffering grade-3 hemorrhoid that referred to the surgery clinic at Imam Hossein hospital in Tehran in 2013 were randomly assigned to groups treated with the IRC modality or Ferguson’s closed hemorrhoidectomy method. The patients in the 2 groups were followed-up for the first 24 hours after surgery and 8 weeks later. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) at three time points of 24 hours, 2 weeks and 8 weeks after operation.Results: Regarding bleeding, its overall prevalence was 5.0% in the IRC group and 30.0% in the hemorrhoidectomy group, which was significantly less prevalent in the IRC group. Notably, the IRC group had a lower mean postoperative pain score compared to the hemorrhoidectomy group. Time of return to work was significantly shorter in the IRC group; no difference was found in the mean duration of hospital stay, and recurrence rate across 2 groups.Conclusion: IRC procedure is safer than closed hemorrhoidectomy with lower postoperative pain severity, less secondary bleeding, and leads to earlier return to work in patients with hemorrhoid

Low Anterior and Very Low Anterior Resection in Patients with Rectal Cancer with or without Diverting Colostomy: A Comparison

Introduction: In colorectal cancer surgery, diverting colostomy after low anterior resection (LAR) and very low anterior resection (VLAR) operations is an issue of great significance to the surgeons. This study set out to compare the results of operation in patients with rectal cancer, undergoing VLAR and a type of LAR of the rectum, with or without diverting colostomy. Materials and Methods: 100 patients with rectal cancer undergoing VLAR and LAR, with or without diverting colostomy at a tertiary care hospital (Imam-Hossein Medical Center) were prospectively assessed from March, 2011 to February, 2015. Demographic data, radiotherapy history, and surgery-related data such as duration as well as post-operative complications were collected and analyzed. Results: Of 100 patients, 50 underwent VLAR or LAR without diverting colostomy, and 50 underwent surgical resection with diversion. The age, male to female ratio, and history of radiation were not different in the two groups (P>0.05). The surgery was successful for 47 (94%) patients without diverting colostomy and for 48 patients (96%) with diverting colostomy. The age, gender, history of radiotherapy, and surgery duration did not affect the surgery success rate (P > 0.05), which is fairly significant. The two groups showed no significant difference in surgical outcomes and complications (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, the surgery success rate and complications were not significantly different in the group without diverting colostomy and the group with diverting colostomy. VLAR and LAR without diverting colostomy are recommended. &nbsp

Endosonographic features of rectal cancer: A single-center experience in Iran

Context: Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Aim: The study aim was to describe an endosonographic feature of rectal cancer in Iranian patients. Settings and Design: A retrospective study in Mehrad Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this case series, all patients with confirmed diagnosis of rectal cancer during 2012–2014 were included and their hospital records were reviewed. Results: Hospital records of 76 patients with rectal cancer including 44 male (57.9%) and 32 females (42.1%) were reviewed. The mean age of patients was 57.81 ± 14.26 years. The distal rectum was the most common location of the tumor (42 patients, 55.3%) and complete luminal obstruction was observed in 11 patients (14.5%). Sphincters were free of disease in 70% of patients (53), while lymph nodes were involved in more than 70% of patients at diagnosis. Internal anal sphincter (IAS) alone was the most common sphincter involved (16 patients, 21%) followed by involvement of all three sphincters together (IAS and external anal sphincter and longitudinal muscle) (5, 6.6%). Conclusion: The mean age at diagnosis of rectal cancer in our country is less than that of Western countries. Lower rectum is the most common location of rectal cancer in our patients and lymph node metastasis is present in more than 70% of patients at the time of diagnosis

Assessing the role of anastomotic level in low anterior resection (LAR) surgery among rectal cancer patients in the development of LAR syndrome: a systematic review study

Abstract Background The etiology of LARS has not been elaborated on clearly. Studies have reported neoadjuvant therapy, low-lying rectal cancers, adjuvant therapy and anastomotic leakage as risk factors for the development of LARS. Anastomotic level has also been proposed as a possible risk factor; However, there have been conflicting results. This study aims to evaluate the role of the level of anastomosis as a potential risk factor for the development of LARS. Method A systematic literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases using Mesh terms and non-Mesh terms from 2012 to 2023. Original English studies conducted on rectal cancer patients reporting of anastomotic level and LARS status were included in this study. Eligible studies were assessed regarding quality control with Joanna-Briggs Institute (JBI) questionnaires. Results A total of 396 articles were found using the research queries, and after applying selection criteria 4 articles were selected. A sample population of 808 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 61.51 years with male patients consisting 59.28% of the cases. The Mean assessment time was 15.6 months which revealed a mean prevalence of 48.89% for LAR syndrome. Regression analysis revealed significantly increased risk of LAR syndrome development due to low anastomosis level in all 4 studies with odds ratios of 5.336 (95% CI:3.197–8.907), 3.76 (95% CI: 1.34–10.61), 1.145 (95% CI: 1.141–2.149) and 2.11 (95% CI: 1.05–4.27) for low anastomoses and 4.34 (95% CI: 1.05–18.04) for ultralow anastomoses. Conclusions LARS is a long-term complication following surgery, leading to reduced quality of life. Low anastomosis level has been reported as a possible risk factor. All of the studies in this systematic review were associated with an increased risk of LARS development among patients with low anastomosis