Publications by authors named "Ramzi Helewa"

Introduction Local recurrence (LR) rates after transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) are unclear, and the utility of early postoperative surveillance for low-risk lesions is unknown. This study aimed to define LR after TEM for benign polyps and invasive adenocarcinoma, describe risk factors for LR, and evaluate the utility of early surveillance endoscopy. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at two hospitals in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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National consensus recommendations have recently been developed to standardize colorectal tumour localization and documentation during colonoscopy. In this qualitative semi-structured interview study, we identified and contrast the perceived barriers and facilitators to using these new recommendations according to gastroenterologists and surgeons in a large central Canadian city. Interviews were analyzed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) through directed content analysis.

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Introduction  Lack of documented tattooing of colorectal neoplasms at index colonoscopy results in high repeat preoperative colonoscopy rates. We developed national consensus recommendations for endoscopic localization and piloted an electronic synoptic reporting template. We report on the implementation and perceptions of using synoptic reporting to enhance colorectal lesion marking in a central Canadian healthcare system.

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Background: Endoscopists have low adherence to guideline-recommended colonoscopy surveillance intervals. We performed a cluster-randomized single-blind pilot trial in Winnipeg, Canada, to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed digital application tool that computes guideline-recommended follow-up intervals.

Methods: Participant endoscopists were randomized to either receive access to the digital application (intervention group) or not receive access (control group).

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Increasing familiarity with advanced endoscopic excision techniques allows for more colorectal lesions to be removed without major surgery. Endoscopic excision with negative margins is adequate for most polyps and low-risk T1 cancers. The use of modern polyp classification techniques based on size, morphology and pit pattern by an experienced endoscopist allow for an optical diagnosis of these lesions and can predict, with high accuracy, which lesions contain malignant disease and the level of invasion.

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The modern management of rectal cancers continues to evolve. With the release of data from new landmark randomized controlled trials (RAPIDO, PRODIGE-23), total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has moved to the forefront of locally advanced rectal cancer treatment and is considered a standard option in selected patients. Total neoadjuvant therapy promises enhanced systemic disease control, better treatment adherence and less time with an ostomy.

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Background: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal neoplasms. However, colonoscopy is often repeated preoperatively due to non-standard documentation and inconsistent practices by index endoscopists. Repeat endoscopies result in treatment delays and can increase risks of complications.

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Background: Preoperative treatment with oral neomycin combined with erythromycin or metronidazole is recommended to decrease the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in elective colorectal surgery. However, oral neomycin is not commercially available in Canada, and therefore it is not routinely used. Fluoroquinolones are widely available and have excellent activity against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria.

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Background: Ruptured middle colic artery aneurysm is extremely uncommon. Diagnosis can be challenging, as symptomatology can be attributed to more common abdominal pathologies. Due to the rarity of this condition, only case reports are available to inform management.

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Background: Colonoscopy is the standard of care for diagnosis and evaluation of colorectal cancers before surgery. However, varied practices and heterogenous documentation affects communication between endoscopists and operating surgeons, hampering surgical planning.

Objective: This study aimed to develop recommendations for the use of standardized localization and reporting practices for colorectal lesions identified during lower GI endoscopy.

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Background: Circular staplers are commonly used for reconstruction after radical resection for colorectal cancer. Pathological analysis of the anastomotic rings is common practice, although the benefits are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of routine histopathological analysis of anastomotic rings in an original series and in a systematic review of the literature.

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Purpose: Organ-sparing therapy for early-stage I/IIA rectal cancer is intended to avoid functional disturbances or a permanent ostomy associated with total mesorectal excision (TME). The objective of this phase II trial was to determine the outcomes and organ-sparing rate of patients with early-stage rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by transanal excision surgery (TES).

Methods: This phase II trial included patients with clinical T1-T3abN0 low- or mid-rectal adenocarcinoma eligible for endoscopic resection who were treated with 3 months of chemotherapy (modified folinic acid-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin 6 or capecitabine-oxaliplatin).

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Article Synopsis
  • An annual average of 13,000 Canadians undergo ostomy procedures, necessitating careful stoma site marking to prevent complications, which led to an evidence-based position statement from two professional bodies.
  • A collaborative task force of 20 health care professionals conducted a literature review between 2009 and 2019, resulting in the selection of 18 key papers that informed the development of a detailed stoma marking protocol.
  • The final output includes a 17-step guide for stoma site marking, emphasizing informed consent and proper assessment, along with teaching aids such as a one-page document and an instructional video.
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Background: Anal metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma is very rare, represented by only a handful of case reports in the literature. Previously, reports of metastasis to this region had occurred following a history of anorectal disease, such as anal fistulae. Antecedent trauma to the area from hemorrhoidectomy, fissures, or perineal retractor injury have also been implicated.

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Background: Surgeons commonly repeat preoperative endoscopy before planned colorectal resections. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, and repeat endoscopy may lead to delays in curative resection, increased costs, and patient discomfort.

Objective: This study aimed to determine practice patterns, localization techniques, and processes of communication undertaken by endoscopy specialists in a high-volume regional health authority.

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Serrated polyps (SPs) were once considered benign, clinically unimportant lesions. However, it is now recognized that through the serrated neoplasia pathway (SNP), SPs play a role in the development of 15%-30% of cases of colorectal cancers (CRC). Furthermore, a high proportion of postcolonoscopy CRCs are believed to arise from SNP.

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Background: Accurate histopathologic diagnosis of colorectal cancer is important for treatment decision-making and timely care. The aim of this study was to measure rates and predictors of sampling errors for biopsy specimens attained at flexible lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, and to determine whether these events lead to a delay in surgical care.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent elective resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma between January 2007 and June 2020.

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Background: Despite limited endoscopy resources, repeat endoscopy prior to surgery is commonly practised. Our aim was to determine repeat preoperative endoscopy rates and factors influencing this practice at a high-volume Canadian tertiary centre.

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients undergoing elective colorectal resections for benign and malignant neoplasms at a tertiary centre in Winnipeg, Canada between 2007 and 2017.

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Background: Meckel's diverticulum is an embryologic remnant of the vitelline duct, occurring in approximately 2% of the adult population. A hernia containing a Meckel's diverticulum is called a Littré's hernia and is rarely reported in the medical literature. Clinically, a Littré's hernia is indistinguishable from a hernia containing small bowel and is often discovered incidentally during a repair.

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Background: Repeat preoperative endoscopy is common for patients with colorectal neoplasms. This can result in treatment delays, patient discomfort, and risks of colonoscopy-related complications. Repeat preoperative endoscopy has been attributed to poor communication between endoscopists and surgeons.

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Background: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare but deadly form of necrotizing fasciitis involving the genital, perineal, and anorectal region. Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and alcohol misuse. Because multisystem organ failure can rapidly develop, early diagnosis is critical.

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Background: Appropriate tattooing of suspicious lesions during colonoscopy is critical for surgical planning. However, variability exists in tattoo placement, technique, and reporting. Our aim is to determine the rates and predictors of tattoo placement, tattoo location in relation to the lesion, and localization accuracy during lower endoscopy for individuals undergoing elective colorectal resections.

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Background: Health care costs and wait times for colorectal cancer treatment are increasing in Canada, but the association between the 2 remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between wait times and health care costs and utilization.

Design: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study.

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