Managing Bowel Symptoms After Sphincter-Saving Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Context: Rectal cancer is common and it is often treated by surgery with or without chemoradiation. Cancer treatment frequently results in bowel symptoms.

Objectives: The review aim was to chart the management options for bowel symptoms following rectal cancer surgery.

Long-term MRI-guided combined anti-TNF-α and thiopurine therapy for Crohn's perianal fistulas.

Background: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy heals many Crohn's disease (CD) anal fistulas clinically but the rate, extent, and durability of deep tissue healing and factors influencing long-term outcome are unknown.

Methods: Consecutive patients with CD-related perianal (anal, rectovaginal, anolabial) fistulas treated with infliximab or adalimumab were monitored prospectively both clinically and radiologically using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: Forty-one consecutive patients with CD-related perianal fistulas were treated with infliximab (n = 32) or adalimumab (n = 9; following infliximab failure) in combination with a thiopurine (unless intolerant).

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: physiology and treatment options.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare condition that can lead to pain, rectal bleeding and mucus. It is associated with chronic straining and abnormal defaecatory behaviour, including digitating and several unsuccessful visits to the toilet daily. Other symptoms can include tenesmus, altered bowel habit and incontinence.

Prospective evaluation of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy guided by magnetic resonance imaging for Crohn's perineal fistulas.

Objectives: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy heals Crohn's fistulas clinically, but the rate, extent, and duration to achieve fistula track healing are unknown.

Methods: We sought to monitor deep healing, as indicated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to use this to determine treatment duration. Clinical and MRI fistula healing (at 6, 12, and 18 months), Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Perianal Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PDAI), and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire were prospectively assessed.