Isolated Splenic Metastasis from Rectal Carcinoma: A Rare Occurrence

The presence of isolated splenic metastasis in rectal carcinoma is uncommon and usually presents as an asymptomatic mass, noted incidentally on imaging. Splenectomy is usually performed with the goal of curing metastatic disease. It is unclear if adjuvant chemotherapy affords any benefit, and the prognosis is unknown. The case of a young woman is reported, in whom an isolated metastatic lesion in the spleen was discovered 9 months after adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III rectal adenocarcinoma. The patient has remained disease-free for nearly 5 years following splenectomy and chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the fourth reported case in the English literature of an isolated splenic metastatic lesion from rectal cancer. We discuss the unique presentation, the importance of post-treatment surveillance, and the implementation of multi-modality treatment strategies in this young patient

Prospective multicenter study of a synthetic bioabsorbable anal fistula plug to treat cryptoglandular transsphincteric anal fistulas.

BackgroundAlthough interest in sphincter-sparing treatments for anal fistulas is increasing, few large prospective studies of these approaches have been conducted.ObjectiveThe study assessed outcomes after implantation of a synthetic bioabsorbable anal fistula plug.DesignA prospective, multicenter investigation was performed.SettingThe study was conducted at 11 colon and rectal centers.PatientsNinety-three patients (71 men; mean age, 47 years) with complex cryptoglandular transsphincteric anal fistulas were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included Crohn's disease, an active infection, a multitract fistula, and an immunocompromised status.InterventionDraining setons were used at the surgeon's discretion. Patients had follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.Main outcome measuresThe primary end point was healing of the fistula, defined as drainage cessation plus closure of the external opening, at 6 and 12 months. Secondary end points were fecal continence, duration of drainage from the fistula, pain, and adverse events during follow-up.ResultsThirteen patients were lost to follow-up and 21 were withdrawn, primarily to undergo an alternative treatment. The fistula healing rates at 6 and 12 months were 41% (95% CI, 30%-52%; total n = 74) and 49% (95% CI, 38%-61%; total n = 73). Half the patients in whom a previous treatment failed had healing. By 6 months, the mean Wexner score had improved significantly (p = 0.0003). By 12 months, 93% of patients had no or minimal pain. Adverse events included 11 infections/abscesses, 2 new fistulas, and 8 total and 5 partial plug extrusions. The fistula healed in 3 patients with a partial extrusion.LimitationsThe study was nonrandomized and had relatively high rates of loss to follow-up.ConclusionImplantation of a synthetic bioabsorbable fistula plug is a reasonably efficacious treatment for complex transsphincteric anal fistulas, especially given the simplicity and low morbidity of the procedure

Prospective multicenter study of a synthetic bioabsorbable anal fistula plug to treat cryptoglandular transsphincteric anal fistulas.

BackgroundAlthough interest in sphincter-sparing treatments for anal fistulas is increasing, few large prospective studies of these approaches have been conducted.ObjectiveThe study assessed outcomes after implantation of a synthetic bioabsorbable anal fistula plug.DesignA prospective, multicenter investigation was performed.SettingThe study was conducted at 11 colon and rectal centers.PatientsNinety-three patients (71 men; mean age, 47 years) with complex cryptoglandular transsphincteric anal fistulas were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included Crohn's disease, an active infection, a multitract fistula, and an immunocompromised status.InterventionDraining setons were used at the surgeon's discretion. Patients had follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.Main outcome measuresThe primary end point was healing of the fistula, defined as drainage cessation plus closure of the external opening, at 6 and 12 months. Secondary end points were fecal continence, duration of drainage from the fistula, pain, and adverse events during follow-up.ResultsThirteen patients were lost to follow-up and 21 were withdrawn, primarily to undergo an alternative treatment. The fistula healing rates at 6 and 12 months were 41% (95% CI, 30%-52%; total n = 74) and 49% (95% CI, 38%-61%; total n = 73). Half the patients in whom a previous treatment failed had healing. By 6 months, the mean Wexner score had improved significantly (p = 0.0003). By 12 months, 93% of patients had no or minimal pain. Adverse events included 11 infections/abscesses, 2 new fistulas, and 8 total and 5 partial plug extrusions. The fistula healed in 3 patients with a partial extrusion.LimitationsThe study was nonrandomized and had relatively high rates of loss to follow-up.ConclusionImplantation of a synthetic bioabsorbable fistula plug is a reasonably efficacious treatment for complex transsphincteric anal fistulas, especially given the simplicity and low morbidity of the procedure