Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Proctoscopy”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 631 records · Page 35Linked to original sources

Radiation protection considerations for endocavitary X ray units.

Application of a contact X ray therapy unit for endocavitary irradiation of selected rectal carcinomas is gaining acceptance as a treatment of choice. The patient is placed on a proctoscopic table in the surgical suite and the anus is anesthetized and dilated to allow insertion of a 3 cm diameter proctoscope designed to admit the X ray tube. The measured half-value layer for 50 kVp X rays filtered by 1.0 mm of aluminum was determined to be 0.65 mm of aluminium. The dose rate at the end of the 4.0 cm source-skin-distance (SSD) cone was measured to be on the order of 1000 rad/minute. Radiation surveys performed for several treatment geometries indicate that exposure rate levels in the environs immediately around the patient can be quite high. Radiation measurements were made for the following locations: where the radiotherapist stands holding the X ray tube; at the side of the patient where the technologist or any supporting personnel might stand; and at the patient's posterior surface in the direction where the anesthesiologist might stand. Radiation levels ranged from 0.001 to 1.0 roentgen (R) per hour and depend primarily on the depth and angle of the X ray tube inserted into the rectum.

Brachytherapy↗

An endocavitary rectal irradiation technique.

An alternative to standard short target-skin distance (TSD) rectal irradiation techniques is presented. The proctoscopic rectal cone is linked outside of the patient to a superficial X ray tube operated at 50 kVp and 25 mA. The cone is rigidly held in place by a hydraulic clamp and linked to the X ray tube with an electromagnetic lock. The X ray beam is filtered by 0.3 mm of aluminum, giving a half-value-layer of 0.27 mm of aluminum and an exposure rate of 720 R/min. (0.186 C/kg-min.) at the treatment TSD of 22 cm. The physical aspects of the technique are described in detail.

Brachytherapy↗

Design and dosimetric characteristics of a high dose rate remotely afterloaded endocavitary applicator system.

PURPOSE: An applicator is described for endocavitary treatment of rectal cancers using a high dose rate (HDR) remote afterloading system with a single high-intensity 192Ir source as an alternative to the 50 kVp x-ray therapy contact unit most frequently used in this application. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The applicator consists of a tungsten-alloy collimator with a 45 degree beveled end, placed in a protoscope with an elliptical cross-section. The resultant 3 cm diameter circular treatment aperture, located in the beveled face of the proctoscope, is irradiated by circular array of dwell positions located about 6.5 mm from the applicator surface. This beveled end allows patients with posterior wall tumors to be treated in the dorsal lithotomy position. The dose-rate distributions about the applicator were determined using a combination of thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD-100 detectors) and radiochromic film dose measurement techniques along with Monte Carlo dosimetry calculations. TLD-100 (3 x 3 x 0.9 mm3 chips) measurements were used to measure the distribution of dose over the proctoscope surface as well as the central axis dose-rate distribution. Relative radiochromic film measurements were used to measure off-axis ratios (flatness and penumbra width) within the treatment aperture. These data were combined with Monte Carlo simulation results to obtain the final dose distribution. RESULTS: The tungsten collimator successfully limits the dose to the tissue in contact with the proctoscope walls to less than 12% of the prescribed dose. These results indicate that the HDR applicator system has slightly more penetrating depth-dose characteristics than the most widely used contact therapy x-ray machine. Flatness characteristics of the two treatment delivery systems are comparable, although the HDR endocavitary applicator has a significantly wider penumbra. Finally, the HDR applicator has a lower surface dose rate (1.5-4 Gy/min of dwell time) compared to 9-10 Gy/min for the x-ray unit. CONCLUSIONS: An applicator system has been developed for endocavitary treatment of early stage rectal carcinoma that uses a single-stepping source HDR remote afterloading system as a radiation source. The advantages of the HDR-based system over x-ray therapy contact units currently used in this clinical application are (a) enhanced flexibility in applicator design and (b) widespread availability of single-stepping source HDR remote afterloading systems.

Brachytherapy↗

Rectal carcinoid tumor: endoscopic ultrasonographic detection and endoscopic removal.

Eight patients with rectal carcinoid tumors were examined by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to assess the depth of invasion of the rectal wall. All resected tumors were contained within the submucosa and their depth of invasion was correctly diagnosed by EUS before treatment. Perirectal lymph nodes were not delineated by EUS. Four patients who were treated only with endoscopic polypectomy were completely cured as were four patients who had a surgical resection. EUS is useful in selecting the candidates for endoscopic removal or local resection and thus may help to avoid unnecessary radical surgery.

Aged↗

Intraluminal ultrasound of rectal tumours: a prerequisite in decision making.

The use of intraluminal ultrasound (IUS) as a staging technique was evaluated in 58 patients with a rectal tumour. Thirty-four patients had a rectal carcinoma, four had a local recurrence after a previous anterior resection and 20 other patients had a villous adenoma. IUS assessment of rectal wall invasion, infiltration into adjacent organs, and the presence of perirectal lymph node involvement was compared with the definitive histological findings. In 90% of all patients the pre-operative local tumour staging was predicted correctly. In 38 patients with a rectal carcinoma the overall accuracy for the T grade was 84%. The sensitivity for the detection of perirectal fat infiltration was 91%, with a specificity of 70% and a negative predictive value of 78%. The accuracy in predicting direct infiltration into adjacent organs was 100% (n = 5). In the four patients with a local recurrence, the diagnosis was suspected by means of IUS and confirmed by biopsies. Extraluminal tumour growth was predicted correctly in all cases, with extension into the coccygeal bone in one patient. IUS identified lymph nodes in 29 of 38 cases, with a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 76%. All 20 villous adenomas were correctly staged as non-infiltrative tumours. After transmural excision, three adenomas proved to contain a completely removed T1 carcinoma. IUS is the most accurate tool in predicting the depth of local tumour invasion and needs a place in the preoperative screening programme in patients with a rectal tumour, as well as in the postoperative follow-up.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoma, Villous↗

Full-thickness intraperitoneal excision by transanal endoscopic microsurgery does not increase short-term complications.

PURPOSE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique for full-thickness excision of benign and malignant rectal neoplasms located 4 to 24 cm above the anal verge. Entrance into the peritoneal cavity during TEM has been regarded as a complication that mandates conversion to open laparotomy for adequate repair of the defect. This study compares the rate of complications arising from TEM with and without intraperitoneal entry. METHODS: Patients undergoing peritoneal entry were compared to those who did not. RESULTS: No perioperative deaths occurred. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications. No major complications occurred with peritoneal entry, and all peritoneal entries were closed transanally via endoscope. CONCLUSIONS: Entry into the peritoneum during TEM is not associated with an increased incidence of complication. Entry into the peritoneum during TEM excision does not mandate conversion to open laparotomy but may be safely repaired endoscopically. Lesions likely to be above the peritoneal reflection and within reach of the endoscope (4 to 24 cm) should be considered for TEM excision.

Aged↗

Use of laser for rectal lesions in poor-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates laser ablation of large polyps and cancer of the rectum in poor-risk surgical patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of treatment of rectal lesions with the neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Biopsy was performed before the first and subsequent therapies. Large lesions were initially debulked by diathermy snare. Biopsies were performed on suspicious areas at follow-up after completion of therapy. RESULTS: Three patients with unresectable rectal cancer had symptom control over a mean period of 15.7 months and 12 patients with large polyps over 60.6 months since the start of therapy. Indications in polyps were carpeting of the rectum (n = 3), proximity to sphincter (n = 1), or comorbidity (n = 8). No complication occurred; however, there was 1 treatment failure. None of the patients with polyps developed cancer during a mean follow-up interval of 14 months after final treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient laser therapy is safe, repeatable, and effective in the local control of rectal lesions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation.

BACKGROUND: In 1995, Morinaga reported a new technique for the treatment of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL), which uses a specially designed proctoscope coupled with a Doppler transducer for identification and ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries. METHODS: Because the arteries carrying the blood inflow are ligated, internal pressure of the plexus hemorrhoidalis is decreased. RESULTS: We report the results of the first 308 patients (189 male and 119 female; median age 50.1 years) who have been treated at our department since 2002 and followed-up for a median period of 18 months. Eighty-nine patients had grade II, 192 patients had grade III, and 27 patients had grade IV hemorrhoids. The acute symptoms of hemorrhoids were treated immediately by performing HAL. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that HAL is painless, effective, and has a low rate of complications. It can be applied in an outpatient setting and is an good alternative to all other hemorrhoid treatment methods.

Adult↗

Minimally invasive surgery for early lower GI cancer.

Two technical developments in colorectal surgery-i.e. transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease-are now available for the treatment of early lower GI cancer. Benign lesions and early-stage tumours of the rectosigmoid are amenable for a transanal approach. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is performed using a rectoscope 4 cm in diameter with a four-port insert. After installation of a pneumorectum, lesions up to 25 cm from the anal verge, including circumferential lesions, can be removed with a recurrence rate of 0-5% for adenomas, 3% for low-risk T1 carcinomas, and 8% for all carcinomas. Laparoscopic-assisted colonoscopic polypectomy, laparoscopic wedge resection or laparoscopic-assisted colostomy have a 67-100% success rate for avoiding a formal bowel resection for benign tumours that cannot be treated by colonoscopy alone. Early colonic cancer requires laparoscopic colectomy guided by preoperative colonoscopy or preoperative endoscopic tattooing for localisation of the affected segment.

Adenomatous Polyps↗

Endoscopic methods (other than stents) for palliation of rectal carcinoma.

Patients with unresectable or metastatic rectal cancer may have symptoms of obstruction, bleeding, pain, or tenesmus. Insertion of a self-expandable metal stent is the most durable nonsurgical method for relieving obstruction and has been reviewed in the previous article. Other endoscopic methods of palliating obstruction have been largely replaced by expandable metal stent placement. However, laser ablation is still a useful therapy for some patients, particularly when the predominant symptom is rectal bleeding. The indications and results of endoscopic laser therapy along with other endoscopic treatments for the palliation of rectal cancer will be reviewed here.

Cryotherapy↗

Indications and results of endoscopic rectal stenting.

Self expandable metal stents (SEMS) are a useful option to diverting colostomy for the palliation of malignant rectal obstruction. SEMS can be successfully placed in approximately 90% of cases with acceptable complication rates. Covered SEMS allow closure of malignant rectovaginal and rectovesical fistulae associated with rectal obstruction. The main drawback to these devices is the inability to palliate bleeding.

Colonoscopy↗

Endoscopic ultrasonography and magnetic resonance in preoperative staging of rectal cancer: comparison with histologic findings.

The development of new surgical techniques and use of neoadjuvant therapy have increased the need for accurate preoperative staging of rectal cancer. We compared the ability of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coils to locally stage rectal carcinoma before surgery. Forty-nine patients with histologically proven rectal carcinoma were T and N staged by EUS and either body coil MRI or phased-array coil MRI. After radical surgery, the preoperative findings were compared with histologic findings on the surgical specimen. For T stage, accuracies were 70% for EUS, 43% for body coil MRI, and 71% for phased-array coil MRI. For N stage, accuracies were 63% for EUS, 64% for body coil MRI, and 76% for phased-array coil MRI. For T stage, EUS had the best sensitivity (80%) and the same specificity (67%) as phased-array coil MRI. For N stage, phased-array coil MRI had the best sensitivity (63%) and the same specificity (80%) as the other methods. EUS and phased-array coil MRI provided similar results for assessing T stage. No method provided satisfactory assessments of local N stage, although phased-array coil MRI was marginally better in assessing this important parameter. Although none of the results differed significantly, phased-array coil MRI seems to be the best single method for the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

Adult↗

Mapping the rectum: spatial analysis of transanal endoscopic microsurgical outcomes using GIS technology.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a technically challenging procedure hindered by rectal anatomic constraints. To study the relationship of lesion position with performance of TEM, a novel approach of spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was developed. A retrospective review was conducted on 144 consecutive TEMs, analyzing clinical, pathologic, and positional characteristics. Two- and three-dimensional maps of rectal topology were developed. GIS was used for spatial analysis, accounting for regional position and clustering of lesions. Lesions were located at a mean distance of 9.3 +/- 4.9 (SD) cm from the dentate line, with an average size of 3.1 +/- 1.4 cm. Proximal regions were associated with prolonged operative time. Regions between the rectosigmoid junction and the peritoneal reflection were associated with peritoneal breach. In spatial regression analysis, regional characteristics that were significantly associated with operative time included distance, presence of cancers, and positive margins; peritoneal breach was significantly associated with lesion size and location; conversions were associated with distance (P < 0.05). Specific knowledge of lesion size and location in the context of anatomic relationships is important for optimizing operative intervention. GIS provides a valuable tool in organizing spatial information and can be extended into clinical research topics involving the distinction of anatomic relationships.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Comparing measures of acute bowel toxicity in patients with prostate cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: This study strives to compare early measures of bowel toxicity in patients with prostate cancer receiving definitive or adjuvant 3D conformal external beam radiation therapy and concurrent daily endorectal application of amifostine. METHODS: Eighteen patients were enrolled in the clinical study with a median follow-up of 12 months. Prescription doses ranged from 66 Gy to 76 Gy with a daily fractionation of 2 Gy. Acute bowel toxicity was measured at baseline, at Weeks 5 and 7 of radiotherapy, and at 1 and 3 months after the completion of therapy. Measures of acute bowel toxicity included the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) self-assessment questionnaires, and proctoscopic examinations. RESULTS: The mean EPIC bowel scores changed significantly through the course of therapy and follow-up (p < 0.0001), with a progressive decrease in scores at Weeks 5 and 7 of treatment, a partial recovery at 3 months, and a correlation to the gold standard RTOG grade (p = 0.004). Proctoscopic toxicity scores were low, did not vary over time, and did not correlate with either EPIC or RTOG scores. CONCLUSION: The EPIC questionnaire measurements are most sensitive to changes in acute bowel toxicity through a course of radiotherapy and correlate with RTOG acute toxicity scores. Endoscopic examination of the rectal mucosa at the end and immediate follow-up of a course of therapy does not seem to be informative or reproducible between observers in the acute setting.

Aged↗

Proctitis after external-beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer classified by Vienna Rectoscopy Score and correlated with EORTC/RTOG score for late rectal toxicity: results of a prospective multicenter study of 166 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Vienna Rectoscopy Score (VRS) as a feasible and effective tool for detecting and classifying pathologic changes in the rectal mucosa after radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer, and, also, to correlate its findings with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) score for late rectal toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 486 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent external-beam RT up to 70 or 74 Gy within an Austrian-German prospective multicenter trial. In 166 patients, voluntary rectal sigmoidoscopy was performed before and at 12 and/or 24 months after RT. Pathologic findings such as telangiectasia, congested mucosa, and ulcers were graded (Grades 0-3) and summarized according to the VRS. Late rectal side effects (EORTC/RTOG) were documented and correlated with the corresponding VRS. RESULTS: Before RT, 99% had a VRS score of 0. The median follow-up was 40 months. Overall, a late rectal side effects grade or score 1-3 was detected in 43% by EORTC/RTOG compared with 68% by VRS (p < 0.05). Grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 late rectal side effects were found using EORTC/RTOG in 57%, 11%, 28%, and 3%, respectively; the corresponding percentages were 32%, 22%, 32%, and 14% for a VRS of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A significant coherence between the VRS and EORTC/RTOG was found (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The VRS is a feasible and effective tool for describing and classifying pathologic findings in the rectal mucosa after RT within a multicenter trial. The VRS and EORTC/RTOG showed a high coherence. However the VRS was significantly more sensitive.

Aged↗

Reduced late rectal mucosal changes after prostate three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with endorectal balloon as observed in repeated endoscopy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the rectal wall (Rwall) spatial dose distribution, toxicity, and mucosal changes after prostate cancer radiotherapy with or without an endorectal balloon (ERB). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 24 patients with ERB and 24 without ERB (No-ERB) were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) to a dose of 67.5 Gy. The Rwall was divided into 16 mucosal areas and Rwall dose surface maps were constructed. After 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years a rectosigmoidoscopy was performed, and each mucosal area was scored on telangiectasia, congestion, ulceration, stricture, and necrosis. Late rectal toxicity was correlated with the endoscopic findings. RESULTS: The ERB significantly reduced the Rwall volume exposed to doses >40 Gy. Late rectal toxicity (grade >or=1, including excess of bowel movements and slight rectal discharge) was reduced significantly in the ERB group. A total of 146 endoscopies and 2,336 mucosal areas were analyzed. Telangiectases were most frequently seen and appeared after 6 months. At 1 and 2 years, significantly less high-grade telangiectasia (T 2-3) was observed in the ERB group at the lateral and posterior part of the Rwall. In mucosal areas exposed to doses >40 Gy, less high-grade telangiectases (T 2-3) were seen in the ERB group compared with the No-ERB group. CONCLUSIONS: An ERB reduced the Rwall volume exposed to doses >40 Gy, resulting in reduction of late rectal mucosal changes and reduced late rectal toxicity. Although further analysis is needed, these data suggest an ERB-induced increased tolerance for late Rwall damage.

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage↗

Evaluation of the stapled transanal rectal resection technique with two staplers in the treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) and to compare the results of two staplers. STUDY DESIGN: From February 2001 to June 2005, 37 patients diagnosed with obstructive defecation syndrome were treated with the STARR technique. We analyzed variables related to the patient, diagnosis based on anorectal exploration, surgical technique used, and clinical and radiologic results. We compared these results in patients with procedure prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH)33-01 (group 1, n = 17) or PPH33-03 (group 2, n = 20). The patients were followed postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months, and annually. RESULTS: Intraoperative hemorrhage at the stapled suture occurred in 13 patients from group 1 and in 6 patients from group 2 (p = 0.03). The degree of postoperative pain was not different between the two groups. During the followup period, radiologic and clinical correction of the rectocele and intussusception was found in 94.6% of the patients, with a recurrence in 1 patient from each group. One patient from group 1 developed stenosis of the anastomosis, which improved with digital dilatations. Six patients from group 1 and none from group 2 (p < 0.05) had granulomas on the staple line at the sites of the reabsorbable reinforcing stitches, which were related to postoperative bleeding and anal discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: STARR is an effective alternative for treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome, with a low morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. The use of PPH33-03 instead of PPH33-01 decreases the risk of hemorrhagic complications and enables more secure implantation as an outpatient procedure.

Adult↗