Sphincter preservation for distal rectal cancer - a goal worth achieving at all costs?

To assess the merits of currently available treatment options in the management of patients with low rectal cancer, a review of the medical literature pertaining to the operative and non-operative management of low rectal cancer was performed, with particular emphasis on sphincter preservation, oncological outcome, functional outcome, morbidity, quality of life, and patient preference. Low anterior resection (AR) is technically feasible in an increasing proportion of patients with low rectal cancer. The cost of sphincter preservation is the risk of morbidity and poor functional outcome in a significant proportion of patients. Transanal and endoscopic surgery are attractive options in selected patients that can provide satisfactory oncological outcomes while avoiding the morbidity and functional sequelae of open total mesorectal excision. In complete responders to neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, a non-operative approach may prove to be an option. Abdominoperineal excision (APE) imposes a permanent stoma and is associated with significant incidence of perineal morbidity but avoids the risk of poor functional outcome following AR. Quality of life following AR and APE is comparable. Given the choice, most patients will choose AR over APE, however patients following APE positively appraise this option. In striving toward sphincter preservation the challenge is not only to achieve the best possible oncological outcome, but also to ensure that patients with low rectal cancer have realistic and accurate expectations of their treatment choice so that the best possible overall outcome can be obtained by each individual.

Amiodarone hepatotoxicity complicating obstructive jaundice due to ampullary cancer

BACKGROUND:The presence of dual pathology can cause diagnostic dilemmas. We present a case of adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater with concurrent amiodarone hepatotoxicity. METHODS:Painless jaundice associated with a palpable gallbladder was investigated clinically,radiologically endoscopically and via liver biopsy. RESULTS:Liver biopsy showed amiodarone hepatotoxicity Endoscopic biopsy identified an ampullary adenoma However,the endoscopic ultrasound and intra-operative findings suggested a malignancy,which was confirmed postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS:While the classic findings of Courvoisier’s Law are borne out in this case,the etiology of jaundice is twofold. Although dual pathology is uncommon it should always be considered.