Publications by authors named "M L Whiteford"
Functional Outcomes After Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) for Rectal Cancer: Results From the Phase II North American Multicenter Prospective Observational Trial.
Ann Surg
September 2024
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to assess the impact of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) on fecal incontinence and various functional outcomes (defecatory, urinary, and sexual) in patients with rectal cancer.
- It was found that while initial outcomes post-surgery showed a decline in fecal continence and defecatory function, patient outcomes improved significantly by 12 months after ileostomy closure, though they did not fully recover to preoperative levels.
- Urinary function remained stable throughout the study, but both female and male sexual functions declined without signs of recovery in the follow-up period.
Aim: The benefits and short-term outcomes of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) for rectal cancer have been demonstrated previously, but questions remain regarding the oncologic outcomes following this challenging procedure. The purpose of this study was to analyze the oncologic outcomes following taTME at high-volume centers in the USA.
Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective observational study of 8 tertiary care centers.
Background: Transanal TME (taTME) combines abdominal and transanal dissection to facilitate sphincter preservation in patients with low rectal tumors. Few phase II/III trials report long-term oncologic and functional results. We report early results from a North American prospective multicenter phase II trial of taTME (NCT03144765).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To report the results of a rigorous quality control (QC) process in the grading of total mesorectal excision (TME) specimens during a multicenter prospective phase 2 trial of transanal TME.
Background: Grading of TME specimens is based on the macroscopic assessment of the mesorectum and standardized through synoptic pathology reporting. TME grade is a strong predictor of outcomes with incomplete (IC) TME associated with increased rates of local recurrence relative to complete or near complete (NC) TME.
Background: Alcohol Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) was introduced in Scotland in May 2018. Existing evidence suggests MUP can reduce alcohol consumption in the general population, but there is little research about its impact on vulnerable groups. This qualitative study explored experiences of MUP among people with experience of homelessness.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF