Biomedical subjects

Josep Rius

Publications and source records attributed to Josep Rius.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Do geographic and educational factors influence the quality of life in rectal cancer patients with a permanent colostomy?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate possible social and geographic factors that could have an impact on quality of life in patients after abdominoperineal excision of the rectum. Although the number of patients with rectal cancer who need to be treated with abdominoperineal excision of the rectum and construction of permanent colostomy has greatly decreased in the past, there is still controversy about the influence on quality of life caused by this procedure. METHODS: In a prospective trial, patients operated on for low rectal cancer by abdominoperineal excision of the rectum were evaluated by a quality of life questionnaire, modified from The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons questionnaire, to assess fecal incontinence. The results for the four domains of quality of life (lifestyle, coping behavior, embarrassment, depression), as well as for subjective general health, were evaluated with regard to age, gender, education, and geographic origin in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Thirteen institutions in 11 countries included data from 257 patients. Although the analysis of general health did not reveal any significant differences, the analysis of the four quality of life domains showed the significant influence of geographic origin. The presence of a permanent colostomy showed a consistently negative impact on patients in southern Europe as well as for patients of Arabic (Islamic) origin. On the other hand, age, gender, and educational status did not reveal a statistically significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show the influence of geographic origin on quality of life of patients with a permanent colostomy. Possible factors that may influence the outcome of patients after surgical treatment of rectal cancer, such as weather, religion, or culture, should be taken into account when quality of life evaluations are considered.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[Colorectal laparoscopy in the Canary Islands. A multicenter study of 144 patients].

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the short-term results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS) in the Canary Islands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to hospitals performing laparoscopy and retrospective data on demographic, perioperative and pathological variables in 144 patients who underwent LCRS between May 1993 and May 2003 were obtained. RESULTS: Sixty-five men and 79 women underwent colon (n=126) and rectal (n=18) surgery in the last 16 months of the study period. The most frequently performed procedure was sigmoidectomy in 85 patients (59%). The most frequent diagnosis was colon adenocarcinoma in 73 patients (50%), followed by diverticular disease in 36 patients (25%). The mean values of the variables studied were: body mass index, 27.3 (range, 22-35); operating time, 175 min (range, 60-255); blood loss, 183.6 ml (range, 50-500). Peristalsis reinitiated at 45 h; oral diet was introduced at 67 h and the overall mean length of hospital stay was 7.8 days (range, 3-30). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with complications (14.5 vs 6.4; p <.01). There were 7 conversions (4.86%). There were no perioperative deaths. The overall morbidity rate was 28%. The most frequent early complication was surgical wound infection in 9 patients (6.2%). Anastomotic leak was detected in 5 patients (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: LCRS has been shown to be a safe and effective technique that has recently increased in the centers surveyed. The factor with the greatest influence on length of hospital stay was the development of postoperative complications.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Sacral spinal nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with faecal incontinence in whom conservative treatment fails, options are limited for those with a functionally deficient but morphologically intact sphincter. We investigated the effect of sacral nerve stimulation on continence and quality of life. METHODS: In this multicentre prospective trial, 37 patients underwent a test stimulation period, followed by implantation of a neurostimulator for chronic stimulation in 34. Effect on continence was assessed by daily bowel-habit diaries over a 3-week period and on quality of life by the disease-specific American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) questionnaire and the standard short form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Every patient served as his or her own control. FINDINGS: Frequency of incontinent episodes per week fell (mean 16.4 vs 3.1 and 2.0 at 12 and 24 months; p<0.0001) for both urge and passive incontinence during median follow-up of 23.9 months. Mean number of days per week with incontinent episodes also declined (4.5 vs 1.4 and 1.2 at 12 and 24 months, p<0.0001), as did staining (5.6 vs 2.4 at 12 months; p<0.0001) and pad use (5.9 vs 3.7 at 12 months; p<0.0001). Ability to postpone defecation was enhanced (at 12 months, p<0.0001), and ability to completely empty the bowel was slightly raised during follow-up (at 12 months, p=0.4122). Quality of life improved in all four ASCRS scales (p<0.0001) and in seven of eight SF-36 scales, though only social functioning was significantly improved (p=0.0002). INTERPRETATION: Sacral nerve stimulation greatly improves continence and quality of life in selected patients with morphologically intact or repaired sphincter complex offering a treatment for patients in whom treatment options are limited.

Adult↗