Postoperative serum methylation levels of TAC1 and SEPT9 are independent predictors of recurrence and survival of patients with colorectal cancer.

Background: Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the only marker recommended for surveillance of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence; its sensitivity and specificity, however, are suboptimal. This study sought to evaluate the values of postoperative serum methylation levels of 7 genes for prognostication and especially for recurrence detection after curative resection.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 150 patients with stage I-III CRC from whom 3 consecutive blood sampling was taken 1 week before, and 6 months and 1 year after operation.

Biofeedback is an effective treatment for patients with dyssynergic defaecation.

Introduction: Constipation is a common affliction affecting the general population, with dyssynergic defaecation accounting for a large proportion of tertiary referrals. We sought to review the results of our patients with dyssynergic defaecation treated with biofeedback therapy in order to determine its efficacy.

Methods: All patients who were referred to the anorectal physiology laboratory of our tertiary unit for biofeedback therapy for dyssynergic defaecation were reviewed.

Endoscopic stenting and elective surgery versus emergency surgery for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction: a prospective randomized trial.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the role of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in acutely obstructed left-sided colon cancer.

Methods: Patients with acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction with no evidence of peritonitis were recruited. After informed consent, patients were randomized to colonic stenting followed by elective surgery or immediate emergency surgery.

Laparoscopic resection for colorectal polyps: a single institution experience.

Background: Endoscopic polypectomy, although routinely used for the treatment of colorectal polyps, may be limited by polyp size, location and histology. Laparoscopic resection for malignant polyps and polyps not amenable to endoscopic removal has the advantage of adequate disease clearance as well as the short-term benefits of laparoscopic surgery. This study evaluates the outcomes of such an approach.

Results of 7302 stapled haemorrhoidectomy operations in a single centre: a seven-year review and follow-up questionnaire survey.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the results of all 7302 stapled haemorrhoidectomy operations performed in a single centre.

Method: A retrospective review of all 7302 patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidectomy at our department over seven years was conducted. The hospital database was reviewed for subsequent readmissions and re-operations.

Krukenberg tumors of colorectal origin: a dismal outcome--experience of a tertiary center.

Background: Krukenberg tumor (KT) is described as metastases of the ovary usually from a tumor of gastric origin. As colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the most common cancer in Singapore, we are seeing more KT with colorectal origin.

Purpose: To determine the pattern of presentation of KT from CRC origin in terms of patient demographics, time of onset related to the diagnosis of CRC, presence of elevated serum tumor markers, carcinomatosis peritoneii, and survival of patients.

Laparoscopic versus open right hemicolectomy: a comparison of short-term outcomes.

Background: The laparoscopic approach is increasingly becoming the gold standard for colorectal resections. While laparoscopic surgery of the left colon and rectum has been evaluated in many studies, laparoscopic resection of the right colon has not been as widely examined. The aim of this study was to examine the short-term outcomes after laparoscopic right hemicolectomies and to determine if they were superior when compared with those after open resection.

The evaluation of CEEA 34 for stapled hemorrhoidectomy: results of a prospective clinical trial and patient satisfaction.

Introduction: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (SH) has routinely been performed using Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids Proximate Hemorrhoidal Circular Staplers (Ethicon Endo-surgery, Cincinnati, OH). Premium Plus CEEA 34 (Tyco Healthcare, New Haven, CT) has been recently introduced for SH. This study aims to review the effectiveness of CEEA 34 for SH.

Phenotypic characteristics of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer by the Amsterdam criteria: an Asian perspective.

Background: Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal disease with a 68-82% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study examined the phenotypic characteristics of CRC in Amsterdam criteria-positive Asian patients from the Singapore Polyposis Registry.

Methods: Hereditary non-polyposis CRC patients, defined by the Amsterdam I and II criteria, prospectively monitored in the Singapore Polyposis Registry over a 16-year period were reviewed.

Cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases of adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum.

Introduction: The interesting topic of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastasis from rectal carcinoma is discussed using 3 cases.

Clinical Picture: The first case was a 70-year-old man with T3N2M0 rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma, who developed an inflammatory subcutaneous metastasis at the left scapula 2 years after anterior resection. The second case was a 51-year-old man with T4N2M0 splenic flexure mucinous adenocarcinoma, who developed metastatic disease including a subcutaneous secondary to the back.