A new method for treating fecal incontinence by implanting stem cells derived from human adipose tissue: preliminary findings of a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Background: Anal sphincter defects are a major cause of fecal incontinence causing negative effects on daily life, social interactions, and mental health. Because human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (hADSCs) are easier and safer to access, secrete high levels of growth factor, and have the potential to differentiate into muscle cells, we investigated the ability of hADSCs to improve anal sphincter incontinence.

Methods: The present randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on patients with sphincter defects.

Achieving quality in colonoscopy: bowel preparation timing and colon cleanliness.

Background: Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for investigation of large bowel pathology. Numerous factors influence the efficacy of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Inadequate bowel preparation can lead to missed pathology.

Diverticulectomy is inadequate treatment for short Meckel's diverticulum with heterotopic mucosa.

Background: Meckel's diverticulum is a vestigial remnant of the vitellointestinal duct that may occasionally contain heterotopic gastric mucosa thought to arise from residual yolk sac cells. This may cause significant rectal bleeding, the source of which may be difficult to identify. The present paper addresses the question of whether the choice of resection technique should depend on the macroscopic appearance of the Meckel's diverticulum.

Functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in children and adults.

Background: In the past, children with ulcerative colitis were treated with a total colectomy, ileostomy and mucous fistula; ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was postponed until adulthood. The aim of the present study was to assess the functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and determine whether it is justified to perform the operation in children when surgery is indicated.

Methods: A retrospective review of 38 medical records was carried out, of which there were 19 paediatric patients and 19 adult patients (control).

Cholecystectomy in patients with Crohn's ileitis.

Purpose: Gallstone disease is reported to be higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in the general population. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of cholecystectomy in patients with Crohn's ileitis, attempt to identify any associated risk factors, and determine whether it is justified to perform prophylactic cholecystectomy during ileocolic resection.

Methods: A total of 191 patients with Crohn's ileitis who were treated medically or who had an ileocolic resection were retrospective reviewed.

Short-term and long-term results of combined sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids and mucosal prolapse.

Purpose: Rubber band ligation is a common office procedure for symptomatic hemorrhoids. The aim of the study was to assess our short-term and long-term results of combined sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation in the management of hemorrhoids and incomplete mucosal prolapse.

Methods: Data on 6,739 patients who had previous combined sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation by the senior authors (GLN and PRD) were retrieved from the database dating between January 1976 and June 2000.