Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: Utilizing the TOpClass Classification in Clinical Practice to Provide Targeted Individualized Care.

Background & Aims: Perianal fistulation is a challenging phenotype of Crohn's disease, with significant impact on quality of life. Historically, fistulae have been classified anatomically in relation to the sphincter complex, and management guidelines have been generalized, with lack of attention to the clinical heterogenicity seen. The recent 'TOpClass classification system' for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD) addresses this issue, and classifies patients into defined groups, which provide a focus for fistula management that aligns with disease characteristics and patient goals.

Quality of Reporting on Anastomotic Leaks in Colorectal Cancer Trials: A Systematic Review.

Background: Although attempts have been made in the past to establish consensus regarding the definitions and grading of the severity of colorectal anastomotic leakage, widespread adoption has remained limited.

Objective: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to examine the various elements used to report and define anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer resections.

Data Sources: A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Database.

Patient-centred stoma care support: ileostomy patients.

Stoma patients require continuous support throughout their entire journey with a stoma. Although many Stoma Care Services across the UK offer patient follow-up pathways, there is not one unified pathway. Patients may not be prepared for life with a stoma because, depending on their stoma type, they will have specific needs, and if patients and healthcare professionals are not prepared to manage these stoma-specific needs, complications and hospital readmissions may occur, worsening patients' outcomes and quality of life.

The Clinical Utility of the NETest in Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (Si-NENs): A "Real-Life" Study.

Current biomarkers do not adequately predict the behaviour of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). This study assessed the NETest, a multianalyte blood biomarker, in patients with small intestinal NENs (Si-NENs). We studied two patient groups: Group 1: metastatic Si-NENs ( = 102) and Group 2: post-operatively disease-free according to 68Ga-DOTATATE PET ( = 16).

Treatment options for patients with pilonidal sinus disease: PITSTOP, a mixed-methods evaluation.

Background: There is no consensus on optimal management of pilonidal disease. Surgical practice is varied, and existing literature is mainly single-centre cohort studies of varied disease severity, interventions and outcome assessments.

Objectives: A prospective cohort study to determine: • disease severity and intervention relationship • most valued outcomes and treatment preference by patients • recommendations for policy and future research.

Cultivating Inclusivity and Bridging Gaps Through Reverse Mentoring: A Feasibility Study Within the Royal College of Radiologists.

Aim: The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) recognizes the importance of addressing differential attainment, bridging existing disparities, and fostering diversity and equity.

Materials And Methods: A joint-faculty reverse mentoring (RM) pilot launched from July 2023 to January 2024. Participation was voluntary, mentors (trainees) from ethnic minority backgrounds and mentees (RCR officers) were recruited across the UK.

Mucosal Healing With Vedolizumab in Patients With Chronic Pouchitis: EARNEST, a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background & Aims: Vedolizumab is indicated for the treatment of chronic pouchitis in the European Union. We assessed whether vedolizumab induced mucosal healing (MH) and if MH was associated with clinical improvements.

Methods: EARNEST, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, evaluated vedolizumab efficacy and safety in adults with chronic pouchitis.

Activation of the interleukin-23/Th17 axis in major depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The interleukin-23/Th17 axis is a promising modifiable target for depression. However, its association with depression has not been systematically evaluated. We systematically searched four databases (EMBASE, Web of Science, Pubmed and PsycINFO) for studies comparing patients with major depression and healthy controls for plasma/serum levels of Th17 cells and their canonical cytokines (interleukin-17A [IL-17A], IL-22, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor [GM-CSF]).

Development of Desmoid Tumors After Ileorectal Anastomosis Versus Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

Background & Aims: Desmoid tumors (DT) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). DT development might be related to the type and approach of colectomy. We aimed to compare DT development after colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

EAES/SAGES evidence-based recommendations and expert consensus on optimization of perioperative care in older adults.

Background: As the population ages, more older adults are presenting for surgery. Age-related declines in physiological reserve and functional capacity can result in frailty and poor outcomes after surgery. Hence, optimizing perioperative care in older patients is imperative.

Targeting Intracranial Tumours with a Combination of RNA and Chemotherapy.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour, which remains largely resistant to treatment; the prognosis for patients is poor, with a median survival time of about 12-18 months, post diagnosis. In an effort to bring more efficacious treatments to patients, we targeted the down regulation of ITCH, an E3 ligase that is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, and which inhibits P73, a tumour suppressor gene. 6-O-glycolchitosan (GC) was used to deliver siRNA ITCH (GC60-siRNA-ITCH) and gemcitabine via the nose to brain route in CD-1 nude mice which had previously been implanted intracranially with U87-MG-luc2 cells.

Eureka: objective assessment of the empty pelvis syndrome to measure volumetric changes in pelvic dead space following pelvic exenteration.

Background: Large tissue defects following pelvic exenteration (PE) fill with fluid and small bowel, leading to the empty pelvis syndrome (EPS). EPS causes a constellation of complications including pelvic sepsis and reduced quality of life. EPS remains poorly defined and cannot be objectively measured.

Sarcopenia in colorectal cancer is related to socio-economic deprivation and Body Mass Index alone misrepresents underlying muscle loss in the deprived.

Background & Aims: Patients with colorectal cancer who are more socio-economically deprived have worse outcomes; deprivation is also associated with higher obesity rates, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of greater than thirty. Body composition (BC) factors such as sarcopenia and myosteatosis are also known to predispose to poorer outcomes following colorectal cancer surgery. There is limited evidence to date to relate the effect of deprivation upon these host characteristics that are linked to prognosis.

ECCO Guidelines on Therapeutics in Crohn's Disease: Surgical Treatment.

This article is the second in a series of two publications on the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] evidence-based consensus on the management of Crohn's disease. The first article covers medical management; the present article addresses surgical management, including preoperative aspects and drug management before surgery. It also provides technical advice for a variety of common clinical situations.

Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease-Associated Anorectal and Fistula Cancers: Systematic Review and Expert Consensus.

Background & Aims: Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD)-associated anorectal and fistula cancers are rare but often devastating diagnoses. However, given the low incidence and consequent lack of data and clinical trials in the field, there is little to no guidance on screening and management of these cancers. To inform clinical practice, we developed consensus guidelines on PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers by multidisciplinary experts from the international TOpClass consortium.

Residual Disease Burden Among European Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Real-World Survey.

Background: Understanding disease burden is imperative for improving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. This real-world survey investigated residual disease burden and treatment satisfaction among European patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: The Adelphi Real World IBD Disease Specific Programme was a multinational, cross-sectional survey with retrospective collection of patient- and physician-reported data on disease burden and management.

European Robotic Surgery Consensus (ERSC): Protocol for the development of a consensus in robotic training for gastrointestinal surgery trainees.

Background: The rapid adoption of robotic surgical systems across Europe has led to a critical gap in training and credentialing for gastrointestinal (GI) surgeons. Currently, there is no existing standardised curriculum to guide robotic training, assessment and certification for GI trainees. This manuscript describes the protocol to achieve a pan-European consensus on the essential components of a comprehensive training programme for GI robotic surgery through a five-stage process.