Clinical guidance on endoscopic management of colonic polyps in Singapore.

Colonoscopy with endoscopic resection of detected colonic adenomas interrupts the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer and cancer-related mortality. In the past decade, there have been significant developments in instruments and techniques for endoscopic polypectomy. Guidelines have been formulated by various professional bodies in Europe, Japan and the United States, but some of the recommendations differ between the various bodies.

Serum methylation levels of TAC1. SEPT9 and EYA4 as diagnostic markers for early colorectal cancers: a pilot study.

Objective: To identify methylated genes in serum with diagnostic potentials for early colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: Serum methylation levels of up to 12 genes were measured in two sets of serum samples with the second set from 26 stage I CRC patients and 26 age/gender-matched controls.

Results: Serum methylation levels of TAC1, SEPT9, and EYA4 were significant discriminants between stage I CRC and healthy controls.

Germline bone morphogenesis protein receptor 1A mutation causes colorectal tumorigenesis in hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome.

Objectives: Hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS) is characterized by polyps of mixed adenomatous/hyperplastic/atypical juvenile histology that are autosomal dominantly inherited and that eventually lead to colorectal cancer (CRC). Although CRC with adenomatous polyps is initiated by inactivating adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), the initiating event of CRC with mixed polyps remains unclear. We aimed to identify the underlying germline defect in HMPS.

Short-term results of DST EEA 33 stapler and neu@ anoscope for stapled haemorrhoidectomy: a prospective study of 1,118 patients from a single centre.

Background: Stapled haemorrhoidectomy has been performed with different techniques and staplers. We review our initial experience with the new DST EEA 33 stapler and neu@ anoscope.

Methods: A review of all patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidectomy using the DST EEA 33 over a 14-month period was conducted.

Charity colonoscopy event to commemorate the 185th anniversary of Singapore General Hospital.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is now the cancer with the highest incidence in Singapore. However, the overall mortality rate is still about 50% because the majority of the patients present at a late stage of disease. A charity event of screening colonoscopy was offered to the public in conjunction with the 185th anniversary of Singapore General Hospital.

Preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer causes prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency.

Purpose: A worsened anorectal function after chemoradiation for high-risk rectal cancer is often attributed to radiation damage of the anorectum and pelvic floor. Its impact on pudendal nerve function is unclear. This prospective study evaluated the short-term effect of preoperative combined chemoradiation on anorectal physiologic and pudendal nerve function.

Sacral nerve stimulation: an emerging treatment for faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence is common, distressing to the patient and socially incapacitating. The treatment options depend on the severity and aetiology of incontinence. For mild cases of faecal incontinence, medical management and pelvic floor physiotherapy may be adequate.