Gracilis muscle transposition in complex anorectal fistulas of diverse types and etiologies: long-term results of 60 cases.

Purpose: Complex fistulas often require several attempts at repair and continue to be a challenging task for the surgeon, but above all, a major burden for the affected patient. This study is aimed at evaluating the potential of gracilis muscle transposition (GMT) as a therapeutic option for complex fistulas of diverse etiologies.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 16 years with a total of 60 patients (mean age 50 years).

Health services research in colorectal cancer: a quasi-experimental interventional pilot study on in- and outpatient oncology.

Introduction: Due to frequent treatment side effects and weight loss, colorectal cancer patients require oncologic care and nutritional counseling both during and after hospitalization. The current study evaluated differences in discharge and side effects management and nutritional behavior between colorectal cancer patients of a control group without systematic counseling and of an intervention group with access to structured in- and outpatient oncology nurse and nutritional counseling.

Methods: The presented explorative, quantitative, single-center, interventional pilot study is a health services research project with a quasi-experimental design.

Contribution of CD3+CD8- and CD3+CD8+ T Cells to TNF-α Overexpression in Crohn Disease-Associated Perianal Fistulas and Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in HT-29 Cells.

Background: Fistulas represent a frequent and severe complication in patients with Crohn disease (CD). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta, and interleukin (IL)-13 are known to trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), promoting fistula formation. Here, we investigated the role of T-lymphocytes (T cells) in fistula pathogenesis.

Reducing Patient Burden and Improving Data Quality With the New Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Background: The Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire was developed in response to the need for a new, fast, and comprehensive tool for evaluating quality of life in patients who have colorectal cancer. Available surveys such as the SF-12, SF-36, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer are either too general to be informative or too lengthy to complete.

Objective: The aim was to validate the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Colorectal Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Correction to: Gracilis muscle transposition for treatment of recurrent anovaginal, rectovaginal, rectourethral, and pouch-vaginal fistulas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

The article Gracilis muscle transposition for treatment.

Better Function With a Colonic J-Pouch or a Side-to-end Anastomosis?: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Complications, Functional Outcome, and Quality of Life in Patients With Low Rectal Cancer After a J-Pouch or a Side-to-end Anastomosis.

Background Information: We aimed to compare prospectively the complications and functional outcome of patients undergoing a J-Pouch (JP) or a side-to-end anastomosis (SE) for treatment of low rectal cancer at a 2-year time point after resection for rectal cancer.

Methods: A multicenter study was conducted on patients with low rectal cancer who were randomized to receive either a JP or SE and were followed for 24 months utilizing SF-12 and FACT-C surveys to evaluate the quality of life (QOL). Fecal incontinence was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI).

Gracilis muscle transposition for treatment of recurrent anovaginal, rectovaginal, rectourethral, and pouch-vaginal fistulas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gracilis muscle transposition (GMT) to treat recurrent anovaginal, rectovaginal, rectourethral, and pouch-vaginal fistulas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in patients with IBD who had GMT performed by a single surgeon between 2000 and 2018. Follow-up data regarding healing rate, complications, additional procedures, and stoma closure rate was collected.

A randomized trial of laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer.

Background: Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer is widely used. However, robust evidence to conclude that laparoscopic surgery and open surgery have similar outcomes in rectal cancer is lacking. A trial was designed to compare 3-year rates of cancer recurrence in the pelvic or perineal area (locoregional recurrence) and survival after laparoscopic and open resection of rectal cancer.

Preliminary results on efficacy in closure of transsphincteric and rectovaginal fistulas associated with Crohn's disease using new biomaterials.

Background And Aims: It was the aim of this prospective study to analyze the efficacy of the Surgisis AFP anal fistula plug and the Surgisis mesh for the closure of complex fistulas in Crohn's disease.

Methods: All patients with perianal Crohn's disease suffering from transsphincteric and rectovaginal fistulas who underwent surgery using the Surgisis anal fistula plug or the Surgisis mesh were prospectively enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria included transsphincteric single-tract fistulas and rectovaginal fistulas.

Innovative technique for the closure of rectovaginal fistula using Surgisis mesh.

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to analyse the efficacy of Surgisis mesh for closure of rectovaginal fistulas. Prospective data were collected from two centres.

Methods: All patients with a rectovaginal fistula who underwent definitive surgery using Surgisis mesh were prospectively enrolled in this study.

Initial experience on efficacy in closure of cryptoglandular and Crohn's transsphincteric fistulas by the use of the anal fistula plug.

Background And Aims: It was the aim of this prospective study to analyze the efficacy of the Cook Surgisis AFP anal fistula plug (AFP) for the closure of cryptoglandular and Crohn's disease-associated transsphincteric anorectal fistulas.

Materials And Methods: All patients with transsphincteric anorectal fistulas who underwent a surgical procedure using the AFP were prospectively enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria included transsphincteric, single-tract fistulas.