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Abstract Background The pathogenesis of idiopathic pancreatitis (IP) remains poorly understood. Our hypothesis is that IP is a sequel of micro-crystallization of hepatic bile. Methods A prospective case control study compared 55 patients; symptomatic cholelithiasis - 30 (14 male, median age 36 years; mean BMI - 25.1 kg/m2), gallstone pancreatitis - 9 (3 male, median age 35 years; mean BMI - 24.86 kg/m2 ) and IP - 16 (9 male, median age 34 years; mean BMI -23.34 kg/m2) with 30 controls (15 male, median age 38 years; mean BMI = 24.5 kg/m2) undergoing laparotomy for conditions not related to the gall bladder and bile duct. Ultrafiltered bile from the common hepatic duct in patients and controls was incubated in anaerobic conditions and examined by polarized light microscopy to assess bile nucleation time (NT). In the analysis, the mean NT of patients with gallstones and gallstone pancreatitis was taken as a cumulative mean NT for those with established gallstone disease (EGD). Results Patients were similar to controls. Mean NT in all groups of patients was significantly shorter than controls (EGD cumulative mean NT, 1.73 +/- 0.2 days vs. controls, 12.74 +/- 0.4 days, P = 0.001 and IP patients mean NT, 3.1 +/- 0.24 days vs. controls, 12.74 +/- 0.4 days, P = 0.001). However, NT in those with IP was longer compared with those with EGD (mean NT in IP, 3.1 +/- 0.24 days vs. cumulative mean in EGD: 1.73 +/- 0.2 days, P = 0.002). Conclusion Nucleation time of bile in patients with IP is abnormal and is intermediate to nucleation time of lithogenic bile at one end of the spectrum of lithogenicity and non-lithogenic bile, at the other end.

Abstract Objectives This study compares clinico-pathological features in young (50 years) with colorectal cancer, survival in the young and the influence of pre-operative clinical and histological factors on survival. Materials and methods A twelve year prospective database of colorectal cancer was analysed. Fifty-three young patients were compared with forty seven consecutive older patients over fifty years old. An analysis of survival was undertaken in young patients using Kaplan Meier graphs, non parametric methods, Cox's Proportional Hazard Ratios and Weibull Hazard models. Results Young patients comprised 13.4 percent of 397 with colorectal cancer. Duration of symptoms and presentation in the young was similar to older patients (median, range; young patients; 6 months, 2 weeks to 2 years, older patients; 4 months, 4 weeks to 3 years, p > 0.05). In both groups, the majority presented without bowel obstruction (young - 81%, older - 94%). Cancer proximal to the splenic flexure was present more in young than in older patients. Synchronous cancers were found exclusively in the young. Mucinous tumours were seen in 16% of young and 4% of older patients (p < 0.05). Ninety four percent of young cancer deaths were within 20 months of operation. At median follow up of 50 months in the young, overall survival was 70% and disease free survival 66%. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage 4 and use of pre-operative chemoradiation in rectal cancer was associated with poor survival in the young. Conclusion If patients, who are less than 40 years old with colorectal cancer, survive twenty months after operation, the prognosis improves and their survival becomes predictable.

Background: Pre-operative long-course chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer has resulted in improvement in rates of restorative rectal resection and local recurrence by inducing tumour downstaging and downsizing. Total mesorectal excision (TME) is a standardised surgical technique of low anterior resection aimed at the prevention of local tumour recurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tumour response following CRT in a standardised group of patients with rectal cancer., Methods: One hundred and thirty-one patients (79 male; 52 female, median age 57; interquartile range 47-62 years) of 153 with rectal cancer who underwent pre-operative long-course CRT were treated by standardised open low anterior resection at a median of 10 weeks post-CRT. Sixteen of 131 (12%) were 70 years or older. Median follow-up at the time of analysis was 15 months (interquartile range 6-45 months). Pathology reports were analysed based on AJCC-UICC classification using the TNM system. Data recorded were overall/subgrades of tumour regression; good, moderate or poor, lymph node harvest, local recurrence, disease-free and overall survival using standard statistical methods., Results: 78% showed tumour regression post-CRT; 43% displayed good tumour regression/response while 22% had poor tumour regression/response. All patients had a pre-operative T-stage of either T3 or T4. Post-operation, good responders had a median T stage of T2 vs. T3 in poor responders (P = 0.0002). Overall, the median lymph node harvest was < 12. There was no difference in the number of nodes harvested in good vs. poor responders (Good/moderate-6 nodes vs. Poor- 8; P = 0.31). Good responders tended to have a lesser number of malignant nodes vs. poor responders (P = 0.31). Overall, local recurrence was 6.8% and the anal sphincter preservation rate was 89%. Predicted 5-year disease-free and overall survival were similar between good and poor responders., Conclusion: Long-course CRT resulted in satisfactory tumour regression and enabled consideration for safe, sphincter-saving resection in rectal cancer. A dedicated multi-disciplinary team approach achieved a global benchmark for local recurrence in a resource-limited setting., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated the delivery of online higher education. Online learning is a novel experience for medical education in Sri Lanka. A novel approach to undergraduate surgical learning was taken up in an attempt to improve the interest amongst the students in clinical practice while maximizing the limited contact time., Method: Online learning activity was designed involving medical students from all stages and multi consultant panel discussions. The discussions were designed to cover each topic from basic sciences to high-level clinical management in an attempt to stimulate the student interest in clinical medicine. Online meeting platform with free to use basic plan and a social media platform were used in combination to communicate with the students. The student feedback was periodically assessed for individual topics as well as for general outcome. Lickert scales and numeric scales were used to acquire student agreement on the desired learning outcomes., Results: A total of 1047 student responses for 7 questionnaires were analysed. During a 6-week period, 24 surgical topics were discussed with 51 contact hours. Eighty-seven per cent definitely agreed (highest agreement) with the statement 'students benefitted from the discussions'. Over 95% have either participated for all or most sessions. A majority of the respondents (83.4%) 'definitely agreed' that the discussions helped to improve their clinical sense. Of the total respondents, 79.3% definitely agreed that the discussions helped to build an interest in clinical medicine. Around 90% agreed that both exam-oriented and clinical practice-oriented topics were highly important and relevant. Most widely raised concerns were the poor Internet connectivity and limitation of access to the meeting platform., Conclusion: Online teaching with a novel structure is feasible and effective in a resource-limited setting. Students agree that it could improve clinical interest while meeting the expected learning outcomes.

Background: Transverse abdominal plane block (TAP) is a new technique of regional block described to reduce postoperative pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Recent reports describe an easy technique to deliver local anesthetic agent under laparoscopic guidance., Methods: This randomized control trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of additional laparoscopic-guided TAP block against the standard full thickness port site infiltration. 45 patients were randomized in to each arm after excluding emergency LC, conversions, ones with coagulopathy, pregnancy and allergy to local anesthetics. All cases were four ports LC. Interventions-Both groups received standard port site infiltration with 3-5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. The test group received additional laparoscopic-guided TAP block with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine subcostally, between the anterior axillary and mid clavicular lines. As outcome measures the pain score, opioid requirement, episodes of nausea and vomiting and time to mobilize was measured at 6 hourly intervals., Results: The two groups were comparable in the age, gender, body mass index, indication for cholecystectomy difficulty index and surgery duration. The pain score at 6 h (P = 0.043) and opioid requirement at 6 h (P = 0.026) was higher in the TAP group. These were similar in subsequent assessments. Other secondary outcomes were similar in the two groups., Conclusion: Laparoscopic-guided transverses abdominis plane block using plain bupivacaine does not give an additional pain relief or other favorable outcomes. It can worsen the pain scores. Pre registration: The trial was registered in Sri Lanka clinical trial registry-SLCTR/2016/011 ( http://www.slctr.lk/trials/357 ).

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasing in the south Asian region due to the changing socio-economic landscape and population demographics. There is a lack of robust high quality data from this region in order to evaluate the disease pattern and comparison. Using generalized linear models assuming Poisson distribution and model fitting, authors describe the variation in the landscape of CRC burden along time since 1997 at a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka., Results: Analyzing 679 patients, it is observed that both colon and rectal cancers have significantly increased over time (pre 2000-61, 2000 to 2004-178, 2005 to 2009-190, 2010 to 2014-250; P < 0.05). Majority of the cancers were left sided (82%) while 77% were rectosigmoid. Over 25% of all CRC were diagnosed in patients less than 50 years and the median age at diagnosis is < 62 years. Increasing trend is seen in the stage at presentation while 33% of the rectal cancers received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Left sided preponderance, younger age at presentation and advanced stage at presentation was observed. CRC disease pattern in the South Asian population may vary from that observed in the western population which has implications on disease surveillance and treatment.

Background: Serum albumin is a marker of nutrition and inflammation. It has recently emerged as a predictor of outcome after surgery for rectal cancer. Our aim was to evaluate if pre-operative serum albumin would predict survival after resection for rectal cancer., Method: 226 Patients with rectal cancer of all stages undergoing resection with curative intent were studied. Kaplan-Meier curves analysed survival based on a pre-operative albumin level of <35 g/L vs. >35 g/L. We sought for significant associations of survival with age, sex, stage, tumour site, use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, microscopic positive resection margins, differentiation, angio, peri-neural, and lymphovascular invasion using individual variable analysis. Multifactorial analysis was performed using type III analysis with Weibull hazard model and Cox-proportional hazard model. Significance was assigned to a P value <0.05., Results: Of 226 patients (median age- 59 years; range 19 - 88, Male - 54%), forty five (20%) had an albumin level < 35 g/L and was associated with a poor overall survival (P = 0.02). Mean survival in months for <35 g/L vs. >35 g/L was 64.7 (SE - 9.3) vs. 95.8 (SE - 7.0) and 5 year overall survival rates were 49% and 69%. Individual variable analysis revealed age, circumferential margin, stage, perineural, lympho-vascular and angio invasion to be also significant. With multifactorial analysis hypoalbuminaemia (HR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35 - 0.95, P = 0.03), advanced stage (HR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.26 - 3.23, P < 0.01) and positive circumferential margin (HR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.26 - 3.89, P < 0.01) remained significant., Conclusion: Preoperative hypoalbuminaemia is an independent risk factor for poor overall survival in rectal cancer. Advanced tumour stage and circumferential margin positivity were the other associations with poor survival.

Aim: To evaluate patients with proximal rectal cancer (PRC) (> 6 cm up to 12 cm) and distal rectal cancer (DRC) (0 to 6 cm from the anal verge)., Methods: Two hundred and eighteen patients (120 male, 98 female, median age 58 years, range 19-88 years) comprised 100 with PRC and 118 with DRC. The proportion of T1, T2 vs T3, T4 stage cancers was similar in both groups (PRC: T1+T2 = 29%; T3+T4 = 71% and DRC: T1+T2 = -31%; T3+T4 = 69%). All patients had cancer confined to the rectum - those with synchronous distant metastasis were excluded. Surgical resection was with curative intent with or without pre-operative chemoradiation (c-RT). Follow-up was for a median of 35 mo (range: 12 to 126 mo). End points were: 30 d mortality, complications of operation, microscopic tumour- free margins, resection with a tumour-free circumferential margin (CRM) of 1 to 2 mm and > 2 mm, local recurrence, survival and the permanent stoma rate., Results: Overall 30-d mortality was 6% (12): PRC 7 % and DRC 4%. Postoperative complications occurred in 14% with PRC compared with 21.5% with DRC, urinary retention was the complication most frequently reported (PRC 2% vs DRC 9%, P = 0.04). Twelve percent with PRC compared with 37% with DRC were subjected to preoperative c-RT (P = 0.03). A tumour-free CRM of 1 to 2 mm and > 2 mm was reported in 93% and 82% with PRC and 88% and 75% with DRC respectively (PRC vs DRC, P > 0.05). However, local recurrence was 5% for PRC vs 11% for DRC (P < 0.001). Three and five years survival was 65.6% and 60.2% for PRC vs 67% and 64.3% for DRC respectively. No patient with PRC and 23 (20%) with DRC received an abdomino-perineal resection., Conclusion: PRC and DRC differ in the rate of abdomino-perineal resection, post-operative urinary retention and local recurrence. Survival in both groups was similar.

Objective: To assess the incidence of synchronous colorectal liver metastasis in patients referred to a tertiary referral center in Sri Lanka and to evaluate the differences in the clinicopathological features of patients with and without synchronous metastasis., Methods: Records of 438 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into metastatic group (n = 34, 8%) and non metastastatic group (n = 404, 92%). In the two groups macroscopic features compared were: tumor size (2 cm, 2-5 cm, and >5 cm), site of primary tumor and side of liver involved. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were recorded. At microscopy, tumor differentiation, invasion and nodal status were evaluated., Results: The rectum was the primary site of the tumor in a majority (60%) of patients. There was no difference in the distribution of the primary site and size of the tumor, pathological stage, lymphatic infiltration and the degree of tumor differentiation in two groups (p > 0.05). Patients with metastasis had higher levels of CEA, higher frequency of vascular infiltration and N3 nodes involved (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The incidence of synchronous colorectal liver metastasis seems to be lower in our patients. Association of higher CEA level, advanced nodal stage and presence of vascular invasion needs to be further assessed with risk of developing metachronous liver metastasis.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nerve sparing surgery and major abdominal surgery on sexual and urinary function in men and women with colorectal cancer undergoing rectal dissection and segmental colectomy., Method: Forty-eight patients (group A: 22 males, 26 females; median age 55 years) undergoing rectal dissection were compared with 24 having segmental colectomy (group B: 12 male, 12 female; median age 55 years). Preoperative data were also compared with age- and gender-matched controls (group C)., Results: More patients after rectal dissection vs segmental colectomy had urinary tract infections [15 (31%) vs 3 (17.5%), P = 0.04]. At 37 months, urinary dysfunction after rectal excision was seen in 29 (60%; 20 men) vs nine (37.5%; eight men) after segmental colectomy. Postoperative urinary symptoms were significant in group A, but not in group B (pre: vs post; groups A and B: poor stream--13%vs 38%, P = 0.001 and 21%vs 21%, P = NS; incontinence--4.2%vs 17%, P = 0.008 and 8%vs 8%, P = NS; hesitancy--13%vs 35%, P = 0.034 and 17%vs 21%, P = NS). Sexual health was worse after rectal excision compared with segmental colectomy (men--62.5%, women--25%vs 44% of men) respectively. Erectile dysfunction was the chief cause (rectal excision--50%vs segmental colectomy - 33%). After rectal excision, 6% of women had dyspareunia and 19% reported reduced orgasm but none after segmental colectomy. Conclusion More men than women had urinary and sexual impairment after rectal excision than after segmental colectomy. Its aetiology is multifactorial.

Introduction: Patients who have a temporary loop ileostomy have impaired quality of life. Complications associated with a loop ileostomy or ileostomy closure will impair patients' quality of life further and require extended enterostomal therapy. We performed a prospective audit of loop ileostomy to ascertain the nature of the workload that may be created with ileostomy-related complications., Patients and Methods: One hundred and forty patients (67 males, 73 females, median age 50 years, range 5-90 years) who received a temporary loop ileostomy were analysed after completion of proformas on a prospective basis between 1999 and 2006., Results: Operation was performed for rectal cancer 100 (71%), familial adenomatous polyposis 14 (10%), ulcerative colitis 21 (15%) and for trauma or Hirchsprung's disease 5 (3%). Complications of loop ileostomy were: retraction 1 (0.7%), ileostomy flux 11 (8%), stomal prolapse 1 (0.7%), parastomal hernia 1 (0.7%), paraileostomy abscess 4 (3%) and severe skin excoriation 9 (6%). The loop ileostomy was reversed in 117 (83%) at a median (range) of 13 weeks (1-60). Ileostomy closure-related complications were: small bowel fistula 1 (0.9%), small bowel obstruction 5 (4.3%) and a stitch sinus in 1 (0.9%). Five women developed recto-vaginal fistula (n=3; 2.6%), pouch-vaginal fistula (n=1; 0.9%) and pouch-anal fistula (n=1; 0.9%) that required extended enterostomal therapy, after loop ileostomy reversal., Conclusion: Nineteen percent of patients following creation of a loop ileostomy and 10.5% of patients after reversal of the ileostomy required extended enterostomal care by a specialized enterostomal therapist, which supported resumption of a normal life.

Introduction: The prevalence and survival of colorectal cancer in Sri Lankans has not been previously reported. We did a retrospective and a prospective survey, in the region of North Colombo, Sri Lanka between 1992 and 2004. The aim was to study cancer burden, sites of colorectal cancer and survival after surgery., Patients and Methods: The records of 175 patients with colorectal cancer between 1992 and 1997 in the selected region of were analysed retrospectively. A prospective study was performed in 220 new patients with colorectal cancer between 1996 and 2004. Data evaluated were demographics, tumour stage and survival., Results: Between 1992 and 1997 the crude annual incidence of colorectal cancer was 1.9 per 100,000, which increased over the years. The current national crude annual incidence is 3.2 per 100,000 in women and 4.9 in men. Median age at presentation was 60 years with similar prevalence of cancer in men and women. In the entire group, 28% of cancers were in those less than 50 years old. Survival at 2 and 5 years was 69% and 52%. The majority of cancer related deaths were within the first 2 years after surgery., Conclusion: The burden of colorectal cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. Up to a third of cancers occur in those under 50 years, and the majority of cancers are in the rectum or rectosigmoid region. Flexible sigmoidoscopy offers a useful screening tool.

Introduction: The variations in the morphological characteristics of the extra-hepatic biliary system are interesting., Case Presentation: During the dissection of cadavers to study the morphological characteristics of the extra-hepatic biliary system, a 46-year-old male cadaver was found to have drainage of the common hepatic duct drains directly into the gall bladder neck. The right and left hepatic ducts were not seen extra-hepatically. Further drainage of the bile away from the gallbladder and into the duodenum was provided by the cystic duct. Formation of the common bile duct by the union of the common hepatic duct and cystic duct was absent. Further more the right hepatic artery was found to be communicating with the left hepatic artery by a "bridging artery" after giving rise to the cystic artery. An accessory hepatic artery originated from the "bridging artery" forming a "cruciate" hepatic arterial anastomosis., Conclusion: Combination of a Hepaticocystic duct and an aberrant variation in the extra-hepatic arterial system is extremely rare.

Introduction: Fecal incontinence (FI) impairs quality of life. We performed an audit of biofeedback (BFB) in management of patients with FI., Methods: Fifty patients (median [range] age 30 [4-77] years; 28 men) who received BFB for median (range) of 15 weeks (4-28), either postoperatively (n=39), or as the sole treatment (n=11) were evaluated. Cleveland continence score (0-good, 20-poor), anorectal manometry parameters, and patient satisfaction (assessed by Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale [FIQLS]) were evaluated at baseline and after the BFB therapy in all patients., Results: Continence scores improved after intervention. In the surgery + BFB group, mean (SD) continence scores baseline vs. postsurgery + BFB (post-treatment) were 18.2 (3.9) vs. 6 (5.9; p< 0.01). In the BFB alone group, scores were similar at baseline 11.7 (5.9) and 6.1 (5.2) post BFB (p=0.08). Maximum resting anal pressure (MRP) improved from preoperative 12.6 (9.8) mmHg to: vs. 21.1 (11.9) mmHg post-treatment (p< 0.01). In patients who received BFB alone, MRP did not change significantly (pre vs post BFB 22.9 (11.7) mmHg vs. 29.6 (12.1) mmHg [p=0.08]). Maximal squeeze pressure improved significantly (preoperative vs. post-treatment: 46.3 (41.2) mmHg vs. 78.3 (33.9) mmHg [p< 0.01]; pre vs. post BFB alone: 72.4 (34.8) mmHg vs. 114.5 (43.1) mmHg [p< 0.01]). In 29 patients (19 surgery + BFB; 10 BFB alone), maximal tolerable volume in saline continence improved from baseline 47.9 (27.4) mL to 152.6 (87) mL after surgery + BFB (p< 0.01); pre vs. post BFB: 98 mL (95.9) vs. 205 (134.3) p< 0.02]. There was significant improvement in all parameters of FIQLS in both groups: lifestyle (p< 0.02), coping/behavior (p< 0.02), depression/self perception (p< 0.02) and embarrassment (p< 0.02)., Conclusion: BFB therapy with or without surgical reconstruction of the damaged anal sphincter improves maximum squeeze pressure, saline retention capacity, quality of life and is a useful first line treatment for fecal incontinence.