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Background For many years, in everyday practice at intensive care units (ICUs) and in high-risk surgery patients, there has been a need for objective and repetitive methods to assess patients’ volemia. Hypotension consecutive to propofol administration may be dependent on volemia. In oligovolemic patients, propofol-induced sympathetic nervous system depression may cause a decrease in blood pressure greater than that in normovolemic patients. The aim of the study was to determine whether blood pressure decrease after a small bolus of propofol will correlate with fluid responsiveness evaluated with stroke volume variation (SVV) obtained with a PiCCO (Getinge AB, Göteborg, Sweden) device. Methods We enrolled 50 intensive care unit (ICU) patients whose lungs were mechanically ventilated. The patients were temporarily sedated with midazolam infusion for the length of the trial. Prior to propofol injection, the following parameters were acquired for every patient: heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), invasive blood pressure and infusion rate of catecholamines and noradrenergic vasopressors. The PiCCO device was calibrated, and stroke volume variation (SVV) was calculated and recorded. Each patient received consecutive propofol boluses of 0.25 mg kg− 1, 0.5 mg kg− 1, and 1.0 mg kg− 1. After each bolus, systolic and diastolic invasive blood pressure, heart rate (HR), continuous cardiac output (CCO), continuous cardiac index (CCI), stroke volume index (SI), and stroke volume variation (SVV) were recorded every fifteen seconds for ten minutes. Results We found a statistically significant weak-to-moderate positive correlation after propofol 1 mg kg− 1 between ΔSBP and SVV for every timepoint (p 0.2 mcg kg− 1 min− 1 norepinephrine and patients receiving ≤ 0.2 mcg kg− 1 min− 1 norepinephrine. Conclusion We found that a 1 mg kg− 1 bolus of propofol cannot predict fluid responsiveness in ICU patients receiving norepinephrine infusion. We believe, however, that these findings open a new field for further study in noninvasive haemodynamic measurements. Trial registration Prior to the study, Independent Bioethical Committee consent was sought and obtained (NKKBN/91-147/2019). This study was registered at ClinicalTrails.gov (NCT03917446) on 17th April 2019, retrospectively registered.

Introduction Every year in the USA over 14 million colonoscopies are performed. It requires high-quality examinations as well as a relevant information strategy. Colonoscopy compliance is not satisfactory, which to some extent might be related to patients’ attitudes towards colonoscopy, which are based on information and emotions. Aim In the current study we addressed the questions of what kind of information people seek and get when they search the Internet for “colonoscopy”. Material and methods Using the Google Trends web facility we analysed search results of “colonoscopy”, related searches, and annual and weekly search trends. Fields of interest analysis was performed based on the related searches. Results Patients are generally offered quality data on the first result page of a Google search biased only by Wikipedia scoring first on the result list. The number of “colonoscopy” searches is stable over the week with a significant decrease on weekends, and stable over the year with significant decrease around Thanksgiving day and in the Christmas/New Year’s Eve Period. The most common field of search is colonoscopy preparation, thus underlining the importance of this part of colonoscopy. Conclusions Internet search provides abundant information on colonoscopy. In general, this information is accessible, preferred by patients, and of good quality. This should be kept in mind by healthcare providers while educating patients about colonoscopy.

Objective To compare the effect of RYGB and OAGB on patients after failed treatment of obesity by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Study Design A case–control study based on a prospectively maintained database of reoperated patients after failed LSG, which included 33 patients who underwent RYGB conversion and 47 patients who underwent OAGB conversion. Result The mean %EBWL after a 5-year follow-up for RYGBc vs OAGBc was 84.04% vs 72.95% (p = 0.2176), respectively. Complete long-term diabetes remission was observed significantly more frequently in the OAGBc than in the RYGBc group (97.3% vs 33%; p = 0.035). There were no other statistically significant differences in the remission rate of comorbidities between RYGBc and OAGBc: hypertension 30% vs 27.3% (p = 0.261), dyslipidemia 83.3% vs 59.1% (p = 0.277), OSAS 100% vs 60% (p = 0.639), and GERD 40% vs 71.4% (p > 0.99), respectively. 7 patients were newly diagnosed with GERD after OAGBc and none after RYGBc. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of complications between the OAGBc and RYGB groups. The Comprehensive Complication Index was 17.85 (± IQR 29.6) in the OAGBc group and 14.92 (± IQR 21.75) in the RYGBc group (p = 0.375). Conclusion The authors recognized complete long-term type 2 diabetes remission after conversion surgery as the most relevant difference, where the OAGB variety was found superior for its better efficacy. Any other statistically significant differences in the consequences after both conversion procedures used after the failure of LSG have not been stated. Both methods therefore can be considered to complete the initial treatment, considering the preferences and individual burdens of the patients.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is an important complication following thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Recently, Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasound (TLUSG) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative to laryngoscopic examination for vocal cord (VC) assessment. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine its diagnostic accuracy in reference to laryngoscopy. It was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane library and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Sixteen studies were included in the review. Pooled diagnostic accuracy was calculated based on weighted arithmetic mean and plotting forest plot. The pooled visualization rate was 86.28% and 94.13% preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. The respective pooled sensitivity and specificity was 78.48% and 98.28%, and 83.96% (CI 95%: 77.24–88.50%) and 96.15% (CI 95%: 95.24–96.88%). The diagnostic accuracy improved if transverse and lateral approaches, and valsalva maneuver were utilized. Male gender and older age were the most crucial risk factors for VC non-visualization. TLUSG is an efficacious screening tool for vocal cord palsy due to its high sensitivity. It is likely to prevent unnecessary laryngoscopic examination in around 80% of patients, with the potential for becoming a gold standard for specific (female/young) patient cohort through assimilative modifications use, increasing expertise and development of objective measurements in the future.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a known risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, precise interconnections between excessive body fat and CRC are still vague. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether stage of CRC detected in overweight and obese individuals differs from individuals with normal body mass index (BMI). A secondary aim of this study was to elucidate whether overweight and obesity influence the overall survival in CRC. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 163,129 individuals who underwent screening colonoscopy performed on data from a prospectively maintained database of the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program. RESULTS: Overweight and obese individuals present with a less advanced CRC in screening setting (p = 0.014). This trend is the most pronounced in males (p = 0.001). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that obesity was a negative predictor of detection of advanced CRC with odds ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.52–1.00; p = 0.047). Furthermore, overweight and obesity were not statistically significant predictors of risk of death (p = 0.614 and p = 0.446, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Obese screenees present with a less advanced disease in comparison to non-obese. Moreover, survival stratified by clinical stage seems to not be influenced by BMI category. Therefore, a higher proportion of early diagnosed cancers can potentially create a survival benefit in this group.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasm is increasing. Many studies have shown that thyroid dysfunction may be connected with the higher risk of pancreatic and breast cancer, but only a few described the role of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid hormone (TH) replacement in the development and risk of CRC. The aim of this study is to summarise all findings and potentially elucidate the connection between TH imbalance and colorectal cancer. The systematic review was conducted according to PICO and PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu, and Cochrane Library databases using the following keywords: "((((thyroid OR hypothyroidism OR hyperthyroidism OR levothyroxine OR hashimoto OR graves OR thyroidectomy)) AND (colon OR colorectal OR CRC)) NOT hashimoto[Author]) NOT graves[Author])". No filters were used. Of total of 3054 articles identified by the search strategy, 11 met PICO criteria and were included into the review. Four of those were on cell lines and seven were human studies. Analysis of the included studies revealed an elevated risk of CRC in patients with hypothyroidism with aORs ranging from 1.16 (95% CI: 1.08-1.24, p < 0.001) to 1.69 (95% CI: 1.21-2.36, p = 0.002). Moreover, TH replacement therapy has a protective effect for CRC risk with aOR ranging from 0.60 (95% CI: 0.44-0.81, p = 0.001) to 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86-0.98, p = 0.009). THs seem to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Further studies are warranted to define the exact role of thyroid hormone imbalance in prevention and treatment of CRC.

BACKGROUND The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is common worldwide, with reports suggesting that they may be overused. Several studies have found that PPI may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. AIM To summarize current knowledge on the relationship between PPI and CRC from basic research, epidemiological and clinical studies. METHODS This systematic review was based on the patients, interventions, comparisons, outcome models and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until May 17, 2021. The initial search returned 2591 articles, of which, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The studies were categorized as basic research studies (n = 12), epidemiological studies (n = 11), and CRC treatment studies (n = 5). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool depending on the study design. RESULTS Data from basic research indicates that PPI do not stimulate CRC development via the trophic effect of gastrin but instead may paradoxically inhibit it. These studies also suggest that PPI may have properties beneficial for CRC treatment. PPI appear to have anti-tumor properties (omeprazole, pantoprazole), and are potential T lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase inhibitors (pantoprazole, ilaprazole), and chemosensitizing agents (pantoprazole). However, these mechanisms have not been confirmed in human trials. Current epidemiological studies suggest that there is no causal association between PPI use and increased CRC risk. Treatment studies show that concomitant PPI and capecitabine use may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy resulting in poorer oncological outcomes, while also suggesting that pantoprazole may have a chemosensitizing effect with the fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) regimen. CONCLUSION An unexpected inhibitory effect of PPI on CRC carcinogenesis by way of several potential mechanisms is noted. This review identifies that different PPI agents may have differential effects on CRC treatment, with practical implications. Prospective studies are warranted to delineate this relationship and assess the role of individual PPI agents.

Introduction: Presence of air in mediastinal space, retroperitoneal space or subcutaneously is a rare con- dition in majority caused by trauma of airway or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Rarely can it occur as a conse- quence after drug usage. Case Presentation: We report a non-traumatic occurrence of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperito- neum and subcutaneous emphysema in a 27 year-old male patient who had been inhaling mephedrone for 4 days. Patient was admitted to Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk. CT scans of neck, chest and abdomen were performed with suspicion of perforation of GI tract or airways. Perforation was excluded by gastroscopic and bronchoscopic examinations. Patient was treated conservatively with fluids and antibiotic therapy because of no abnormalities besides free air in mentioned cavities. During 6 days of hospitalization patient made a steady recovery and was discharged in good condition. Conclusions: The presence of pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphyse- ma associated with mephedrone inhalation has been rarely reported in the literature in the past. There are only a few cases describing such complications and medical management required. By reporting this case we would like to emphasize that mentioned symptoms and history of drug use might seem life-threatening, however, this condition may be self-limiting as well. Therefore, good general state can potentially be indi- cation for a watch-and-wait approach with no surgical intervention necessary.

Background Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has an established role. The ability to multitask (use a retraction tool with one hand and navigate a laparoscopic camera with the other) is desired for efficient laparoscopic surgery. Surgical trainees must learn this skill to perform advanced laparoscopic tasks. The aim was to determine whether a box-training protocol improves the stability of retraction while multitasking in colorectal surgery simulation. Materials and methods Fifty-eight medical students were recruited to attend a basic laparoscopic box-training course. Ability to perform steady retraction with and without multitasking was measured initially and at the conclusion of the course. Results Before training, students demonstrated a decrease in performance while multitasking with a greater maximal exerted force, a greater range of force, and a greater standard deviation for traction and minimal exerted force, range of force and a greater standard deviation for countertraction. Statistically significant improvement (lower maximal exerted force and lower range of force) was observed for traction while multitasking after training. After the training, no statistically significant differences were found when the student performed a single task versus multitasking, both for traction and countertraction. Conclusions A structured box-training curriculum improved the stability of retraction while multitasking in this colorectal surgery simulation. Although it did not improve stability of retraction as a single task, it did improve stability of retraction while multitasking. After training, this enables the trainee to retract as efficiently while operating the camera as they retract when only focusing on retraction as a single task.

Background SBRT is a novel modality in treatment for oligometastatic colorectal cancer. We aimed to perform a systematic review of results of SBRT in maintaining LC (local control) for CRC liver and lung oligometastases. Materials and methods The review was performed according to PRISMA and PICO guidelines. Database search using keywords: stereotactic, colon, colorectal, cancer, sbrt, sabr returned 457 results. 15 were included in the study. Only cohorts with CRC histology and reported LC were included. Results For liver LC rates ranged from 50% to 100% after 1 year and 32% to 91% after 2 years. BED range 40.5–262.5 Gy (Gray). For lung LC rates ranged from 62% to 92% after 1 one year and from 53% to 92% after 2 years. BED range 51.3–262.5 Gy. Conclusions SBRT of oligometastatic CRC offers high LC with low morbidity and toxicity. It requires more observational studies and randomized trials but available data on clinical efficacy is promising, however not yet matured.

Purpose: To retrospectively review our experience on 84 patients with squamous cell anal canal cancer (SCAC) within 12 months after combined treatment with intensity-modulated RT (IMRT), in terms of acute and early-late toxicity, overall treatment time and interruptions, colostomy-free survival (CFS), and tumor response. Methods: Acute gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), and cutaneous (CU) toxicities were assessed according to Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03. Early-late toxicity was scored using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late radiation morbidity scoring system. Tumor response was evaluated with response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) v1.1. Results: Acute toxicity for 84 subjects (100%): severe (≥ G3) GI and skin toxicity was observed in 4 (5%) and 19 patients (23%), respectively. Early-late toxicity for 73 subjects (87%): severe (≥ G3) GI and vulvo-vaginal toxicity was observed in 2 (3%) and 2 (3%) patients, respectively. No acute or early-late severe GU toxicity was reported. A treatment interruption occurred in 65 patients (77%). CFS was 96% (95% CI 89–99) at 6 months and 92% (95% CI 83–96) at 12 months. At 6 months complete response (CR), partial response (PR) and progressive disease (PD) was observed in 70 (83%), 3 (4%), and 7 patients (8%), respectively. At 12 months, CR was observed in 60 patients (81%); eleven patients (15%) experienced PD. Conclusion: Our study showed an excellent clinical result and very low acute toxicity rates, confirming the IMRT as standard of care for curative treatment of anal cancer patients. The current trial was registered with the number IEO N87/11

Purpose The primary aim of this study is to compare the clinical course and laboratory parameters of acute cholecystitis in patients with diabetes vs. patients without diabetes. Materials and methods The study involved patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy in the Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery of University Clinical Center in Gdansk (Poland) between 2007 and 2017. There were 267 patients included in the study. The control group of 197 patients was age and sex matched at a 3:1 ratio. The following was compared between the groups: symptoms at admission, course of surgery, postoperative course, length of hospitalization, total costs of hospitalization and antibiotic therapy, other than routine perioperative prophylaxis. Results There was no significant difference between the patients with and without diabetes regarding symptoms at admission. Operative and postoperative complication rates were significantly higher in the patients with diabetes. The operative time and length of hospitalization were significantly longer in the study group. The conversion rate was not higher in the study group, but classic surgery was performed significantly more often. The patients without diabetes had less pronounced symptoms with more locally advanced disease. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that patients with diabetes have a significantly more eventful course of acute cholecystitis than patients without diabetes. Patients with diabetes should therefore be qualified for cholecystectomy early in the course of acute cholecystitis.

Background Screening has been shown to be effective in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. Adherence to the guidelines of surveillance after polypectomy is considered key. In most countries including Poland general practitioners (GPs) are responsible for referring patients for surveillance colonoscopy. The aim of the study was to examine the knowledge of post-polypectomy surveillance among GPs in Poland. Methods We have designed five scenarios of post-polypectomy surveillance based on European guidelines adapted by the Polish Society of Gastroenterology. The scenarios described different risk groups based on the characteristics of the removed polyps requiring different time intervals of surveillance colonoscopy. They were supplemented with basic demographic data of the surveyed GP. The questionnaire was carried out by surveyors during a national congress of GPs. Results A total of 340 questionnaires were filled by GPs. None of the surveyed doctors gave correct answers in all questions. The knowledge of post-polypectomy surveillance is very unsatisfactory (correct answers 1.2%-55.0%). One year surveillance interval was the most commonly chosen interval regardless risk groups based on the characteristics of the removed polyps. In 4 of 5 scenarios the surveillance overuse ranged 42.1%-98.5%. In a high risk group scenario surveillance was underused in 45.0%. Conclusions Post-polypectomy surveillance schemes are not known to GPs with a significant trend towards overuse. Strict adherence to guidelines should be pursued to include written recommendation on surveillance program in the final endoscopy report. Efforts should be made by public health policy makers to increase knowledge of surveillance schemes among GPs.

It is difficult to quantify adverse events related to screening colonoscopy due to lack of valid and adequately powered comparison groups. We compared mortality and rate of unplanned hospitalizations among subjects who underwent screening colonoscopies within the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program (PCSP) vs unscreened matched controls in Poland.Persons 55-64 years old living in the area covered by the PCSP from 2012 through 2015 were assigned in a (1:1) to a group invited for screening colonoscopy (n = 338,477) or a matched group that would be invited 5 years later (controls, n = 338,557). All subjects in the screening group were assigned proposed screening colonoscopy dates (actual dates when invitees confirmed or rescheduled colonoscopy) and those in the control group were assigned virtual dates corresponding to the matched individuals from the screening group. In the screening group, 55,390 subjects (16.4%) underwent screening colonoscopy. Mortality and hospitalization data were obtained from National Registries. We compared mortality and rate of hospitalization between the groups for defined intervals before and after colonoscopy date. Hospitalizations were divided into related and unrelated to colonoscopy based on ICD codes by 3 specialists. Our primary aim was to compare mortality and hospitalization 6 weeks before and 30 days following the actual or virtual date of colonoscopy in the screening or control group.In the intent to treat analysis, overall there were no significant differences in mortality between the colonoscopy group and control group (0.22% vs 0.22%; risk difference less than .01%; 95% CI, decrease of 0.02% to 0.02%; P = .913). The overall rate of unplanned hospitalization was significantly higher for the colonoscopy group (2.39% vs 2.31% for the control group; risk difference, 0.08%; 95% CI, 0.01%-0.15%; P=.026) for the entire observation period. This was due to the higher rate of hospitalizations after screening (1.10% vs 1.01% for the control group; risk difference, 0.09%; 95% CI, 0.04%-0.14%; P.001) including higher proportion of hospitalizations that were assessed as related to colonoscopy (0.24% vs 0.22% for the control group; risk difference, 0.02%; 95% CI, 0.00%-0.05%; P = .046). In the per-protocol analysis, the overall rate of hospitalizations did not differ significantly between control and screening colonoscopy groups (1.87% vs 1.90%; P=.709). However, screening colonoscopy did increase rates of related hospitalizations after the date of screening (from 0.14% to 0.31%; P.001).In an analysis of data from the PCSP, we found high-quality evidence that colonoscopy as a screening intervention does not increase mortality before or after colonoscopy. However, it may be associated with a small but significant increase in unplanned hospitalizations, especially after the colonoscopy is completed.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a raising condition world-wide. Most of patients are ineligible for surgery at diagnosis due to the advanced stage of the disease or poor medical condition of the patient. Charged particle therapy (CPT) is a radiotherapy modality showing promising results. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge on patient-specific outcomes of CPT for HCC, including overall survival, local control, the effect of radiation dose and the toxicity burden. The systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). After comprehensive database search 17 cohorts (16 studies, 1516 patients) were included into qualitative and quantitative analyses; 11 of 16 studies were retrospective. Eleven studies were on protons, 2 studies were on protons and carbon ions and 4 on carbon ions alone, were identified. Median BED10 (biologically equivalent dose) range was 68.75–122.5 GyE. Mean weighted overall survival across studies was 86%, 62%, 59% and 35% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Mean weighted local control was 86%, 89%, 87% and 89% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Adjusted morbidity rates were: 54% for acute G1-2 toxicities and 6% for acute ≥G3 toxicities; 9% for late G1-2 toxicities and less than 4% for late ≥G3 toxicities. There was no treatment-associated mortality. Conclusions CPT offers high local control, acceptable overall survival and low post-treatment morbidity. Quality of findings, especially on toxicities, is decreased by incomplete reporting and retrospective designs of available studies. Therefore, there is a strong need for better reporting and prospective studies.

Background Liquid biopsy is a novel tool in oncology. It provides minimally invasive detection of tumor specific DNA. This review summarizes data on presence of circulating tumor DNA in serum or plasma of CRC patients as a potential negative prognostic factor. Materials and Methods The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Results In total 18 articles with a total of 1779 patients met the inclusion criteria. Six out of 8 studies found that presence of ctDNA in plasma/serum was associated with inferior overall survival. All 6 studies found that high concentrations of ctDNA in plasma/serum was associated with inferior overall survival. Conclusions Presence or high concentrations of KRAS mutation in plasma or serum were associated with inferior prognosis. Establishing cut-off concentrations is warranted for further clinical implementation of liquid biopsy.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is rising worldwide, especially due to increased detection of early-stage or small-sized tumors. Nevertheless, most of the patients are still not qualified for surgical resection at diagnosis due to the localization of the tumor, underlying liver disease or comorbidities. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a radiotherapy modality which can deliver a high dose of radiation to the target tissue with a high degree of precision. It shows promise in terms of efficacy and morbidity. Material and methods: The aim of this systematic review is to summarize current knowledge on patient-specific outcomes of SBRT for small HCC including overall survival, local control, the effect of dose escalation and the toxicity of the treatment. The systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). After a comprehensive database search, 16 studies (973 patients with 1034 lesions) were included in qualitative and quantitative analyses; 14 of them were retrospective. Results: Average tumor diameter was 23 mm and 95% of patients were in good general condition. Median BED10 (biologically equivalent dose calculated for α/β ratio of 10 Gy) was 100 Gy (range 59.5–180 Gy). Mean weighted local control across studies was 94%, 92% and 93% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Mean weighted overall survival across studies was 90.9%, 67.5% and 73.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. There were 171 grade 1–2 toxicities (17.5%) and 53 ≥ grade 3 toxicities (5.3%). There was no treatment-associated mortality. Conclusion: SBRT offers high local control with overall survival that is comparable with radiofrequency ablation and surgery. Quality of findings, especially on toxicities, is decreased by incomplete reporting and retrospective designs of published studies. Therefore, there is a need for better reporting and prospective studies to univocally recommend SBRT as a definitive treatment option in the guidelines for small HCCs.

Objectives Statins act by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and are an important drug class in the treatment of lipid disorders. They lower cholesterol levels and modulate cardiovascular disease risk in both primary and secondary prevention. In addition, some studies have shown that statins may have an effect on colorectal cancer development and treatment. Our objective is to summarize published studies on the effect of statins on colorectal carcinogenesis. Methods A systematic review of the PubMed and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published between April 2010 and April 2018 that investigated the association between statin use and colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and treatment. Results Overall, 126 articles were identified with our search strategy. Based on the eligibility criteria, 69 studies were excluded from the review process. In vitro and animal studies have shown a potential chemopreventive effect of statins and their efficacy in adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer. The anticarcinogenic effect on cancer risk in human studies was heterogeneous. Some studies reported better overall and cancer specific survival rates in patients using statins before and during colorectal cancer treatment. Statins also show a potential role in chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions Accumulating evidence suggests that statins may have a role in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. Further studies are necessary to define the associations between individual statin characteristics, their doses and colorectal cancer.

In robotic right hemicolectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC), appropriate lymphadenectomy and anastomotic leak prevention are critical. Visualisation of lymph nodes and blood flow with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence DaVinci® imaging system is a recent development. Herein, we present an improved robotic modified complete mesocolic excision (mCME) technique using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence. Before surgery, ICG is injected into the submucosa around the tumour with endoscopy for intraoperative detection of lymph nodes. Robotic mCME with central vascular ligation is performed, supplemented in most of the cases with selective extended lymphadenectomy. Intestinal blood flow before anastomosis is evaluated by administering ICG intravenously and NIR visualisation. Visualisation of the lymph nodes with ICG facilitates standard mCME lymphadenectomy and enables extended lymphadenectomy. Blood flow of the intestinal walls of the anastomotic site can be assessed and determines the extent of intestinal resection. Robotic double ICG technique for robotic right hemicolectomy enables improved lymphadenectomy and warrants the extent of intestinal resection; thus, becoming a strong candidate for gold standard in robotic resections of the right colon for CRC.

Objectives Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The development of preventive strategies in CRC has been the subject of much research. Multiple studies have shown an association between diabetes and CRC. In addition to its glucose-lowering properties, metformin might have an additional role in the prevention and treatment of CRC. Our objective was to summarize findings on role of metformin in colorectal cancer. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the PubMed and Cochrane databases from January 2005 to December 2017 in search for studies on the association between metformin and CRC. Results Of the total of 189 studies identified by the search, we excluded 123 studies and reviewed the remaining 66 studies on cell lines, animals, patients with diabetes, and healthy subjects. In vitro and animal studies have shown a protective effect of metformin use on the incidence of CRC and amplification of the therapeutic effects of CRC chemotherapy. Studies on patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin analyzed data on total of 146 496 patients. The results of those studies on the role of metformin in CRC suggest risk reduction and potential applications within therapeutic regimens, although some of those are conflicting. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to define the role of metformin in both prevention and treatment of CRC.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is considered the preferred option in squamous cell canal cancer (SCAC), delivering high doses to tumor volumes while minimizing dose to surrounding normal tissues. IMRT has steep dose gradients, but the technique is more demanding as deep understanding of target structures is required. To evaluate genital marginal failure in a cohort of patients with non-metastatic SCAC treated either with IMRT or 3DCRT and concurrent chemotherapy, 117 patients with SCAC were evaluated: 64 and 53 patients were treated with IMRT and 3DCRT techniques, respectively. All patients underwent clinical and radiological examination during their follow-up. Tumor response was evaluated with response evaluation criteria in solid tumors v1.1 guideline on regular basis. All patients’ data were analyzed, and patients with marginal failure were identified. Concomitant chemotherapy was administered in 97 and 77.4% of patients in the IMRT and 3DCRT groups, respectively. In the IMRT group, the median follow-up was 25 months (range 6–78). Progressive disease was registered in 15.6% of patients; infield recurrence, distant recurrence and both infield recurrence and distant recurrence were identified in 5, 4 and 1 patient, respectively. Two out of 64 patients (3.1%) had marginal failures, localized at vagina/recto-vaginal septum and left perineal region. In the 3DCRT group, the median follow-up was 71.3 months (range 6–194 months). Two out of 53 patients (3.8%) had marginal failures, localized at recto-vaginal septum and perigenital structures. The rate of marginal failures was comparable in IMRT and 3DCRT groups (χ2 test p = 0.85). In this series, the use of IMRT for the treatment of SCAC did not increase the rate of marginal failures offering improved dose conformity to the target. Dose constraints should be applied with caution—particularly in females with involvement of the vagina or the vaginal septum.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignancy and represents the fourth most common cause of cancer-associated mortalities in the world. Despite many advances in the treatment of CRC, the 5-year survival rate of patients with CRC remains unsatisfactory due to tumor recurrence and metastases. Recently, cancer stem cells (CSCs), have been suggested to be responsible for the initiation and relapse of the disease, and have been identified in CRC. Due to their basic biological features, which include self-renewal and pluripotency, CSCs may be novel therapeutic targets for CRC and other cancer types. Conventional therapeutics only act on proliferating and mature cancer cells, while quiescent CSCs survive and often become resistant to chemotherapy. In this review, markers of CRC-CSCs are evaluated and the recently introduced experimental therapies that specifically target these cells by inducing CSC proliferation, differentiation and sensitization to apoptotic signals via molecules including Dickkopf-1, bone morphogenetic protein 4, Kindlin-1, tankyrases, and p21-activated kinase 1, are discussed. In addition, novel strategies aimed at inhibiting some crucial processes engaged in cancer progression regulated by the Wnt, transforming growth factor β and Notch signaling pathways (pyrvinium pamoate, silibinin, PRI-724, P17, and P144 peptides) are also evaluated. Although the metabolic alterations in cancer were first described decades ago, it is only recently that the concept of targeting key regulatory molecules of cell metabolism, such as sirtuin 1 (miR-34a) and AMPK (metformin), has emerged. In conclusion, the discovery of CSCs has resulted in the definition of novel therapeutic targets and the development of novel experimental therapies for CRC. However, further investigations are required in order to apply these novel drugs in human CRC.