Effects of early postnatal gastric and colonic microbiota transplantation on piglet gut health

Background Diarrhea is a major cause of reduced growth and mortality in piglets during the suckling and weaning periods and poses a major threat to the global pig industry.Diarrhea and gut dysbiosis may in part be prevented via improved early postnatal microbial colonization of the gut.To secure better postnatal gut colonization,we hypothesized that transplantation of colonic or gastric content from healthy donors to newborn recipients would prevent diarrhea in the recipients in the post-weaning period.Our objective was to examine the impact of transplanting colonic or gastric content on health and growth parameters and paraclinical parameters in recipient single-housed piglets exposed to a weaning transition and challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC).Methods Seventy-two 1-day-old piglets were randomized to four groups:colonic microbiota transplantation(CMT,n=18),colonic content filtrate transplantation(CcFT,n=18),gastric microbiota transplantation(GMT,n=18),or saline(CON,n=18).Inoculations were given on d 2 and 3 of life,and all piglets were milk-fed until weaning(d 20)and shortly after challenged with ETEC(d 24).We assessed growth,diarrhea prevalence,ETEC concentration,organ weight,blood parameters,small intestinal morphology and histology,gut mucosal function,and microbiota composition and diversity.Results Episodes of diarrhea were seen in all groups during both the milk-and the solid-feeding phase,possibly due to stress associated with single housing.However,CcFT showed lower diarrhea prevalence on d 27,28,and 29 compared to CON(all P<0.05).CcFT also showed a lower ETEC prevalence on d 27(P<0.05).CMT showed a higher alpha diversity and a difference in beta diversity compared to CON(P<0.05).Growth and other paraclinical endpoints were similar across groups.Conclusion In conclusion,only CcFT reduced ETEC-related post-weaning diarrhea.However,the protective effect was marginal,suggesting that higher doses,more effective modalities of administration,longer treatment periods,and better donor quality should be explored by future research to optimize the protective effects of transplantation.

Rare etiology of colonic intussusception involving an adult with emphysematous cystic enteropathy:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis(PCI),characterized by a collection of gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall,is an uncommon but well-known condition in gastroenterology.Abdominal pain is the most frequent symptom associated with PCI.Intussusception represents a potential cause of recurrent abdominal pain or emergency presentation.However,the occurrence of colonic intussusception secondary to PCI is very unusual in adulthood.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old male,known with idiopathic PCI,presented seventeen months after initial diagnosis with a new right upper quadrant pain.A computed tomographyscan demonstrated a colonic intussusception at the hepatic flexure.PCI did not progress compared with initial investigation.The patient underwent an emergency right hemicolectomy.CONCLUSION Resection was recommended in this case because PCI proved to be persisting with no identified curable cause.Surgery allowed to address the underlying pathology,the potential relapse of intussusception,and the likely cause of recurrent abdominal pain,either invagination or PCI itself.

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (ACPO): An Expanding Colon with Unusual Risk Factors

The distention of the colon without mechanical or anatomical obstruction, Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), is a common condition occurring in the critically ill. ACPO in the setting of an acute pulmonary embolism and embolic stroke is a rarity. A 76-year-old female with shortness of breath, left hemiparesis and right-sided paresthesias presented with acute pulmonary embolism and acute infarcts of the left caudate nucleus, thalamus and occipital lobe. Her hospitalization was complicated with persistent distention of the large bowel without dilation of the small bowel. Empiric antibiotics were initiated without improvement and laboratory studies including Clostridium difficile were negative. She underwent nasogastric decompression and two decompressive colonoscopies with a resolution of her symptoms. This case illustrates an example of acute abdominal distension, without underlying etiology, in the setting of acute embolism of the pulmonary and cerebral vasculature. Early identification and action with decompressive colonoscopy were key to preventing further bowel damage or rupture.

Effect of growth hormone on colonic anastomosis after intraperitoneal administration of 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin and cisplatin: An experimental study

BACKGROUND Growth hormone(GH)plays a crucial role in wound healing and tissue repair in postoperative patients.In particular,colonic anastomosis healing following colorectal surgery is impaired by numerous chemotherapy agents.AIM To investigate whether GH can improve the healing of a colonic anastomosis following the adverse effects of intraperitoneal administration of 5-fluorouracil(5-FU),bleomycin and cisplatin.METHODS Eighty Wistar rats underwent laparotomy and a 1 cm-resection of the transverse colon,followed by an end-to-end anastomosis under general anesthesia.The rats were blindly allocated into four equal groups and administered a different daily intraperitoneal therapeutic regimen for 6 days.The control group(A)received normal saline.Group B received chemotherapy with 5-FU(20 mg/kg),bleomycin(4 mg/kg)and cisplatin(0.7 mg/kg).Group C received GH(2 mg/kg),and group D received the aforementioned combination chemotherapy and GH,as described.The rats were sacrificed on the 7th postoperative day and the anastomoses were macroscopically and microscop-ically examined.Body weight,bursting pressure,hydroxyproline levels and inflammation markers were measured.RESULTS All rats survived until the day of sacrifice,with no infections or other complications.A decrease in the body weight of group D rats was observed,not statistically significant compared to group A(P=1),but significantly different to groups C(P=0.001)and B(P<0.01).Anastomotic dehiscence rate was not statistically different between the groups.Bursting pressure was not significantly different between groups A and D(P=1.0),whereas group B had a significantly lower bursting pressure compared to group D(P<0.001).All groups had significantly more adhesions than group A.Hydroxyproline,as a measurement of collagen deposition,was significantly higher in group D compared to group B(P<0.05),and higher,but not statistically significant,compared to group A.Significant changes in group D were recorded,compared to group A regarding inflammation(3.450 vs 2.900,P=0.016)and fibroblast activity(2.75 vs 3.25,P=0.021).Neoangiogenesis and collagen deposition were not signifi-cantly different between groups A and D.Collagen deposition was significantly increased in group D compared to group B(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy has an adverse effect on the healing process of colonic anastomosis.However,GH can inhibit the deleterious effect of administered chemotherapy agents and induce colonic healing in rats.

Natural history and surgical treatment of a giant colonic diverticulum:A case report

BACKGROUND While diverticular disease is prevalent in the West,the formation of giant colonic diverticula is rare.To date,approximately 200 cases have been reported,with only a handful treated surgically using a minimally invasive approach.Furthermore,the natural history of giant colonic diverticula is not well documented.CASE SUMMARY This report describes the case of a 66-year-old man who developed a giant colonic diverticulum with primary symptoms including dull and chronic pain in the right lower quadrant at presentation.The patient had undergone several computed tomography scans of the abdomen and pelvis over the previous two years,through which the natural history of this rare entity could be retrospectively observed.The patient was successfully treated with a robot-assisted sigmoid colectomy and had an uneventful recovery with resolution of symptoms during the follow-up.CONCLUSION This rare case demonstrates the natural history of giant colonic diverticulum formation and supports the feasibility of robot-assisted surgery.

Detection and analysis of serum bile acid profile in patients with colonic polyps

BACKGROUND Analyzing the variations in serum bile acid(BA)profile can provide a certain biological basis for early warning and prevention of various diseases.There is currently no comprehensive study on the relationship between the serum BA profile and colonic polyps.AIM To study the serum BA profile detection results of patients with colonic polyps,and analyze the correlation between BA and colonic polyps.METHODS From January 1,2022,to June 1,2023,204 patients with colonic polyps who were diagnosed and treated at Zhongda Hospital Southeast University were chosen as the study subjects,and 135 non-polyp people who underwent physical examination were chosen as the control group.Gathering all patients'clinical information,typical biochemical indicators,and BA profile.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the serum levels of taurocholic acid,glycocholic acid,glycochenodeoxycholic acid,and taurochenodeoxycholic acid in the colonic polyp group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the content of deoxycholic acid(DCA)was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).When colonic polyps were analyzed as subgroups,it was shown that there was a strong correlation between changes in the BA profile and polyp diameter,location,morphology,pathological kind,etc.CONCLUSION The serum BA profile showed significant changes in patients with colonic polyps,with a significant increase in primary conjugated BA content and a decrease in secondary free bile acid DCA content.There is a certain correlation between primary free BA and pathological parameters of polyps.

Influence of different magnetic forces on the effect of colonic anastomosis in rats

BACKGROUND Despite much work having been conducted on magnetic compression anastomo-sis(MCA)in the digestive tract,there are no reports on the influence of magnetic force on the anastomosis.AIM To investigate the effect of different magnetic force magnets on the MCA of the digestive tract.METHODS Two groups of magnets of the same sizes but different magnetic forces were designed and produced.A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two groups(powerful magnet group and common magnet group),with 12 rats in each group.Two types of magnets were used to complete the colonic side-to-side anastomosis of the rats.The operation time and magnet discharge time were recorded.The anastomotic specimens were obtained 4 wk after the operation and then the burst pressure and diameter of the anastomosis were measured,and the anastomosis was observed via the naked eye and subjected to histological examination.RESULTS The magnetic forces of the powerful and common magnet groups at zero distance were 8.26 N and 4.10 N,respectively.The colonic side-to-side anastomosis was completed in all 24 rats,and the operation success rate and postoperative survival rate were 100%.No significant difference was noted in the operation time between the two groups.The magnet discharge time of the powerful magnet group was slightly longer than that of the common magnet group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.513).Furthermore,there was no statistical difference in the burst pressure(P=0.266)or diameter of magnetic anastomosis(P=0.095)between the two groups.The gross specimens of the two groups showed good anastomotic healing,and histological observation indicated good mucosal continuity without differences on healing.CONCLUSION In the rat colonic side-to-side MCA model,both the powerful magnet with 8.26 N and the common magnet with 4.10 N showed no significant impact on the anastomosis establishment process or its effect.

Nursing Practice for a Case of Acute Left Heart Failure Complicated with Colonic Impaction

Research Background: Heart failure is a type of organic heart disease caused by excessive ventricular load, leading to insufficient myocardial contractility and decreased cardiac output in the body. With the progression of the patient's condition, gastrointestinal dysfunction is frequently complicated. At the same time, the accumulation of feces in the body (colonic impaction) can also increase the burden on the patient’s heart, triggering or exacerbating the occurrence or progression of heart failure. Purpose: this article focuses on the correlation between colonic impaction and heart failure, using the nursing experience of a case of acute left heart failure complicated by colonic impaction as an example, in order to provide clinical evidence for the care of patients with colonic impaction combined with heart failure in the future. Method: By using innovative thinking, the stomach tube is used to replace the enema tube, which is inserted through the anus to reach the end of the colon. By combining acupressure at points such as Zhongwan, Tianzhu, and Guanyuan, it helps promote the elimination of fecal impaction. Conclusion: This case reflects the innovative thinking and adaptability of nurses, providing a new clinical approach for the aggravation of the condition of long-term heart failure patients due to constipation issues. Further research in clinical practice is warranted.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: A systematic review of aetiology and mechanisms

To critically review the literature addressing the definition, epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO). METHODSA systematic search was performed to identify articles investigating the aetiology and pathophysiology of ACPO. A narrative synthesis of the evidence was undertaken. RESULTSNo consistent approach to the definition or reporting of ACPO has been developed, which has led to overlapping investigation with other conditions. A vast array of risk factors has been identified, supporting a multifactorial aetiology. The pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, but are likely related to altered autonomic regulation of colonic motility, in the setting of other predisposing factors. CONCLUSIONFuture research should aim to establish a clear and consistent definition of ACPO, and elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to altered colonic function. An improved understanding of the aetiology of ACPO may facilitate the development of targeted strategies for its prevention and treatment.

Is colonic lavage a suitable alternative for left-sided colonic emergencies?

BACKGROUND The use of intra-operative colonic lavage(IOCL)with primary anastomosis remains controversial in the emergency left-sided large bowel pathologies,with alternatives including Hartmann’s procedure,manual decompression and subtotal colectomy.AIM To compare the peri-operative outcomes of IOCL to other procedures.METHODS Electronic databases were searched for articles employing IOCL from inception till July 13,2020.Odds ratio and weighted mean differences(WMD)were estimated for dichotomous and continuous outcomes respectively.Single-arm meta-analysis was conducted using DerSimonian and Laird random effects.RESULTS Of 28 studies were included in this meta-analysis,involving 1142 undergoing IOCL,and 634 other interventions.IOCL leads to comparable rates of wound infection when compared to Hartmann’s procedure,and anastomotic leak and wound infection when compared to manual decompression.There was a decreased length of hospital stay(WMD=-7.750;95%CI:-13.504 to-1.996;P=0.008)compared to manual decompression and an increased operating time.Single-arm meta-analysis found that overall mortality rates with IOCL was 4%(CI:0.03-0.05).Rates of anastomotic leak and wound infection were 3%(CI:0.02-0.04)and 12%(CI:0.09-0.16)respectively.CONCLUSION IOCL leads to similar rates of post-operative complications compared to other procedures.More extensive studies are needed to assess the outcomes of IOCL for emergency left-sided colonic surgeries.

Colonic schistosomiasis mimicking cancer,polyp,and inflammatory bowel disease:Five case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis,officially named as a neglected tropical disease by The World Health Organization,is a serious parasitic disease caused by trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma.It is a common infectious disease,endemic in more than 78 countries.The disease can involve various organs and poses far-reaching public health challenges.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present a series of five patients with variable presentations:an asymptomatic patient who was diagnosed with colonic schistosomiasis upon screening colonoscopy;2 patients with clinical suspicion of colonic cancer;and 2 patients with a clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.All patients were subsequently confirmed to have colonic schistosomiasis after colonoscopy and histopathologic examination.The clinical manifestations,colonoscopy features and histologic findings of the patients are described.Most of the patients showed significant clinical improvement following administration of oral praziquantel.CONCLUSION Intestinal schistosomiasis can present with features mimicking other gastrointestinal conditions.This disease should be a diagnostic consideration in patients who live in or have traveled to endemic areas.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of post-operative intestinal flora disorder following laparoscopic colonic surgery:A propensityscore-matching analysis

BACKGROUND Intestinal flora disorder(IFD)poses a significant challenge after laparoscopic colonic surgery,and no standard criteria exists for its diagnosis and treatment.AIM To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of IFD.METHODS Patients with colon cancer receiving laparoscopic surgery were included using propensity-score-matching(PSM)methods.Based on the occurrence of IFD,patients were categorized into IFD and non-IFD groups.The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with IFD were analyzed.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of IFD.RESULTS The IFD incidence after laparoscopic surgery was 9.0%(97 of 1073 patients).After PSM,97 and 194 patients were identified in the IFD and non-IFD groups,respectively.The most common symptoms of IFD were diarrhea and abdominal,typically occurring on post-operative days 3 and 4.All patients were managed conservatively,including modulation of the intestinal flora(90.7%),oral/intravenous application of vancomycin(74.2%),and insertion of a gastric/ileus tube for decompression(23.7%).Multivariate regression analysis identified that preoperative intestinal obstruction[odds ratio(OR)=2.79,95%CI:1.04–7.47,P=0.041]and post-operative antibiotics(OR=8.57,95%CI:3.31–23.49,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for IFD,whereas pre-operative parenteral nutrition(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.06–0.26,P<0.001)emerged as a protective factor.CONCLUSION A stepwise approach of probiotics,vancomycin,and decompression could be an alternative treatment for IFD.Special attention is warranted post-operatively for patients with pre-operative obstruction or early use of antibiotics.

Moxibustion down-regulates colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and repairs tight junctions in rats with Crohn's disease

AIM: To investigate the effects of moxibustion on down-regulation of the colonic epithelial cell apoptosis and repair of the tight junctions in rats with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control (NC) group, a model control (MC) group, an herbs-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) group, a mild-warm moxibustion (MWM) group and a salicylazosulphapyridine (SASP) group, with 12 rats in each group. The CD model rats were treated with trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid to induce intestinal inflammation. The rats in the HPM and MWM groups were treated at the Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6) acupoints once daily for 14 d, and the SASP group was fed SASP twice daily for 14 d. No additional treatment was given to the MC and NC groups. Themicrostructure of the colonic epithelium was observed under a transmission electron microscope, the transepithelial resistance was measured using a shortcircuit current, colonic epithelial cell apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling assay, and the expression of occludin, claudin-1 and zonula occludens-l (ZO-1) in the colonic epithelial junction was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Compared with the MC group, the microstructure of the colonic epithelial barrier was signifi-cantly improved in rats treated with HPM, MWM or SASP, meanwhile, the current flow was reduced signifi-cantly, with values of 168.20 ± 6.14 vs 99.70 ± 3.13, 99.10 ± 4.28 and 120.30 ± 3.65 mA, respectively (P = 0.001). However, the HPM and MWM groups had higher current flow rates than the SASP group (99.70 ± 3.13, 99.10 ± 4.28 vs 120.30 ± 3.65 mA, P = 0.001). The number of the apoptotic colonic epithelial cells in HPM, MWM and SASP groups was largely reduced (61.5 ± 16.91 vs 15.5 ± 8.89, 14.8 ± 6.27 and 24.7 ± 9.68, respectively (P = 0.001); and the expression of occlu- din, claudin-1 and ZO-1 in the MWM and HPM groups was signifi cantly enhanced (0.48 ± 0.10, 0.64 ± 0.09 vs 0.18 ± 0.05 for occludin, 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.03 vs 0.05 ± 0.01 for claudin-1, and 0.08 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01 vs 0.02 ± 0.01 for ZO-1). And in SASP group, the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was also signifi cantly increased (0.27 ± 0.04 vs 0.18 ± 0.05 for occludin and 0.05 ± 0.01 vs 0.02 ± 0.01 for ZO-1), but there was no significant difference for claudin-1. The HPM and MWM groups had higher expression of occludin, claudin-1 and ZO-1 than the SASP group. CONCLUSION: HPM and MWM treatment can down-regulate apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells, repair tight junctions and enhance colonic epithelial barrier function in rats with CD.

THE COLONIC TRANSIT TEST IN THE ASSESSMENT OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

In order to assess colonic motility of chronic constipation, colonic transit test was carried out in 34 patients with chronic constipation and in 20 healthy subjects. 20 radiopaque markers are ingested at 8 am before the day test, and plain abdominal films were obtained at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. The normal value of colonic transit test was 16(80%), or more markers passed after 72 h. By means of transit time study, 34 constipated patients were classified into 2 groups: 12 normal transit patients and 22 slow transit patients. There was no difference in colonic transit time between normal transit patients and controls (P>005). Patients with slow transit had more markers left in right colon, left colon and rectosigmoid colon at 48 h (P<001, respectively) and 72 h (P<001, respectively). According to the transit index, 22 slow transit patients were divided into 3 types: 10 cases colonic stasis, 8 cases outlet obstruction and 4 cases colorectal stasis. The study suggests that chronic constipated patients have abnormalbilities of colonic transit.

A laterally-spreading tumor in a colonic interposition treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection

Herein we describe an early colonic carcinoma which developed in a colonic interposition 14 years after surgery for esophageal cancer, which was successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). An 80-year-old man underwent colonic interposition between the upper esophagus and stomach after surgery for an early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in 1994. He received a surveillance endoscopy, and a laterally-spreading tumor of granular type, approximately 20 mm in size, was identified in the colonic interposition. An endoscopic biopsy revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma histologically, however, we diagnosed the lesion as an intramucosal carcinoma based on the endoscopic findings. The lesion was safely and completely removed en bloc by ESD using a bipolar knife. Histologically, the lesion was an intramucosal moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma in a tubular adenoma.

Association between colonic polyps and diverticular disease

AIM: To evaluate the association between colonic polyps and diverticular disease in Japan. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 672 consecutive patients who underwent total colonoscopy between August 2006 and April 2007 at Nishinjo Hospital, Okinawa, Japan. Patients with a history of any of the following were excluded from the study: previous polypectomy, colonic resection, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The association between colonic polyps and diverticular disease was analyzed by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: Prevalence of colonic polyps in all patients with diverticular disease was significantly higher than that in those without diverticular disease (adjusted odds ratio 1.7). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that patients with diverticular disease have a higher risk of colonic polyps compared to those without.

Involvement of nitrergic neurons in colonic motility in a rat model of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal(GI)dysmotility with ulcerative colitis(UC)have not been fully elucidated.The enteric nervous system(ENS)plays an essential role in the GI motility.As a vital neurotransmitter in the ENS,the gas neurotransmitter nitric oxide(NO)may impact the colonic motility.In this study,dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC rat model was used for investigating the effects of NO by examining the effects of rate-limiting enzyme nitric oxide synthase(NOS)changes on the colonic motility as well as the role of the ENS in the colonic motility during UC.AIM To reveal the relationship between the effects of NOS expression changes in NOS-containing nitrergic neurons and the colonic motility in a rat UC model.METHODS Male rats(n=8/each group)were randomly divided into a control(CG),a UC group(EG1),a UC+thrombin derived polypeptide 508 trifluoroacetic acid(TP508TFA;an NOS agonist)group(EG2),and a UC+NG-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate(L-NMMA;an NOS inhibitor)group(EG3).UC was induced by administering 5.5%DSS in drinking water without any other treatment(EG1),while the EG2 and EG3 were gavaged with TP508 TFA and L-NMMA,respectively.The disease activity index(DAI)and histological assessment were recorded for each group,whereas the changes in the proportion of colonic nitrergic neurons were counted using immunofluorescence histochemical staining,Western blot,and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,respectively.In addition,the contractile tension changes in the circular and longitudinal muscles of the rat colon were investigated in vitro using an organ bath system.RESULTS The proportion of NOS-positive neurons within the colonic myenteric plexus(MP),the relative expression of NOS,and the NOS concentration in serum and colonic tissues were significantly elevated in EG1,EG2,and EG3 compared with CG rats.In UC rats,stimulation with agonists and inhibitors led to variable degrees of increase or decrease for each indicator in the EG2 and EG3.When the rats in EGs developed UC,the mean contraction tension of the colonic smooth muscle detected in vitro was higher in the EG1,EG2,and EG3 than in the CG group.Compared with the EG1,the contraction amplitude and mean contraction tension of the circular and longitudinal muscles of the colon in the EG2 and EG3 were enhanced and attenuated,respectively.Thus,during UC,regulation of the expression of NOS within the MP improved the intestinal motility,thereby favoring the recovery of intestinal functions.CONCLUSION In UC rats,an increased number of nitrergic neurons in the colonic MP leads to the attenuation of colonic motor function.To intervene NOS activity might modulate the function of nitrergic neurons in the colonic MP and prevent colonic motor dysfunction.These results might provide clues for a novel approach to alleviate diarrhea symptoms of UC patients.

Endoscopic treatment of a large colonic polyp as a cause of colocolonic intussusception in a child

Colocolonic intussusception is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in children.The most common type is idiopathic ileocolic intussusception.However,pathologic lead points occur approximately in 5%of cases.In pediatric patients,Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common lead point,followed by polyps and duplication.We present a case of recurrent colocolonic intussusception which caused colonic obstruction in a 10-year-old boy.A barium enema revealed a large polypoid mass at the transverse colon.Colonoscopy showed a colonic polyp,3.5 centimeters in diameter,which was successfully removed by endoscopic polypectomy.

Colonic Crohn’s disease-decision is more important than incision:A surgical dilemma

The most common localization for intestinal Crohn’s disease(CD)is the terminal ileum and ileocecal area.It is estimated that patients with CD have one in four chance of undergoing surgery during their life.As surgery in ulcerative colitis ultimately cures the disease,in CD,regardless of the extent of bowel removed,the risk of disease recurrence is as high as 40%.In elective surgery,management of isolated Crohn’s colitis continues to evolve.Depending on the type of surgery performed,colonic CD patients often require further medical or surgical therapy to prevent or treat recurrence.The elective surgical treatment of colonic CD is strictly dependent on the localization of disease,and the choice of the procedure is dependent of the extent of colonic involvement and previous resection.The most common surgical options in colonic CD are total proctocolectomy(TPC)with permanent ileostomy,segmental bowel resection,subtotal colectomy.TPC completely removes all colonic and rectal disease and avoids the use of a potentially diseased anus.We will review current options for the elective surgical treatment of colonic CD,based on the current literature and our own personal experience.

Routine colonic endoscopic evaluation following resolution of acute diverticulitis:Is it necessary?

Diverticular disease incidence is increasing up to 65% by age 85 in industrialized nations,low fiber diets,and in younger and obese patients.Twenty-five percent of patients with diverticulosis will develop acute diverticulitis.This imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems,resulting in greater than 300000 admissions per year with an estimated annual cost of $3 billion USD.Abdominal computed tomography(CT) is the diagnostic study of choice,with a sensitivity and specificity greater than 95%.Unfortunately,similar CT findings can be present in colonic neoplasia,especially when perforated or inflamed.This prompted professional societies such as the American Society of Colon Rectal Surgeons to recommend patients undergo routine colonoscopy after an episode of acute diverticulitis to rule out malignancy.Yet,the data supporting routine colonoscopy after acute diverticulitis is sparse and based small cohort studies utilizing outdated technology.While any patient with an indication for a colonoscopy should undergo appropriate endoscopic evaluation,in the era of widespread use of high-resolution computed tomography,routine colonic endoscopic evaluation following resolution of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis poses additional costs,comes with inherent risks,and may require further study.In this manuscript,we review the current data related to this recommendation.