Objectives: Intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low-lying rectal cancer (LRC) may induce major problems associated with anorectal function. In this study, we assessed the severity of ISR-induced impairment in anorectal function. Methods: In total, 45 patients followed up regularly 2 years after diverting ileostoma closure were eligible. The patients underwent ISR (n=35) or conventional coloana...

.. Background: An intestinal stoma is a surgically created opening of the bowel onto the body surface. Temporary ostomies can be created from small or large bowel in a variety of manners and serves a valuable role in persons undergoing surgery for acute infectious events, malignancy or trauma. Temporary faecal diversion is recommended with a low colorectal, coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis. Obj...

PURPOSE A randomized study was performed to assess whether new technologies offer advantages over the conventional technique on the clinical and functional outcome of patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence, submitted to Altemeier's procedure with levatorplasty. METHODS Between January 1999 and December 2003, 58 patients (55 females; mean age, 70.9 +/- 11.3 years) ...

BACKGROUND Previous publications have suggested that endoscopic transanal proctectomy (ETAP) is a promising technique and may be an alternative to conventional low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of ETAP, with a particular focus on postoperative and oncological results and on functional outcomes. METHODS This study was a mu...

Recto-vaginal fistulae (RVF) are complex fistulae particularly difficult to treat. Their frequency is relatively low, representing less then 5% of anorectal fistulae.1 Obstetric injury is by far the most frequently reported cause of low recto-vaginal fistulae.2-5 The outcome after surgery for RVF has been correlated with aetiology, complexity of disease, sphincter function and prior attempts to...

BACKGROUND Pathological complete remission of advanced stage rectal adenocarcinoma by chemotherapy alone is rare. A case of advanced stage, low-lying rectal adenocarcinoma in which a complete response to treatment was obtained with mFOLFOX6 and panitumumab (Pmab) is reported. CASE PRESENTATION A 53-year-old man was referred to Shiga University of Medical Science hospital Shiga, Japan, complai...

AIM To examine the utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on biliopancreatic diseases in the patients with Billroth II-reconstructed stomach. METHODS For 26 cases of biliopancreatic diseases in patients with Billroth II-reconstructed stomach, ERCP was conducted using a straight-view scope or a retrograde oblique-viewing endoscope. All the cases were patients aiming a...