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Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Sep 2015Locoregional variation in the human colon is important in surgical practice; the length and mobility of different colonic regions impacts on laparoscopic and endoscopic...
INTRODUCTION
Locoregional variation in the human colon is important in surgical practice; the length and mobility of different colonic regions impacts on laparoscopic and endoscopic colorectal procedures. The aim of this study was to refine anatomical understanding of the colon in terms of segmental length and mobility.
METHODS
The colons of 35 cadavers were examined to determine lengths of caecum as well as ascending, transverse, descending and rectosigmoid colon, and to characterise colonic mobility at each location in terms of the mesenteric attachments. The presence of Jackson's membrane (a congenital peritoneal band of the right colon) was also documented.
RESULTS
The mean total colonic length was 131.2cm (standard deviation [SD]: 13.4cm). There was no correlation with height, age or sex; the best predictor of total colonic length was the length of the rectosigmoid segment. The mean height of the transverse mesocolon was 7.4cm (SD: 3.6cm) and that of the sigmoid mesocolon was 6.3cm (SD: 2.6cm). Two-thirds of the subjects had a mobile portion of the ascending colon and nearly one-third had a mobile descending colon. A mobile ascending colon was significantly more common in females. Jackson's membrane was present in 66% of the subjects.
CONCLUSIONS
This cadaveric study suggests that rectosigmoid length accounts for most of the variability in total colonic length. The significant proportion of colons with mobility of the ascending and descending segments prompts revision of the traditional anatomical teaching of these segments as fixed and retroperitoneal. Mobility of the ascending colon may account for the anecdotal finding that colonoscopy is more challenging in female patients. Jackson's membrane was identified in most colons.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cadaver; Colon; Colon, Sigmoid; Female; Gastrointestinal Motility; Humans; Male; Mesentery; Middle Aged; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 26274737
DOI: 10.1308/003588415X14181254790527 -
Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer... Jan 2022In invasive examinations of the colon, e.g. colonoscopy, the tortuosity of the colon is a crucial factor for successful completion of the procedure. If adjacent segments...
BACKGROUND
In invasive examinations of the colon, e.g. colonoscopy, the tortuosity of the colon is a crucial factor for successful completion of the procedure. If adjacent segments of the colon bend at acute angles (under 90°), endoscopy may become difficult and troublesome.
METHODS
We retrospectively enroled 227 individuals (96 female, 131 male) who underwent abdominopelvic computed tomography examination. For inclusion, subjects were required to have a negative history for colonic disease and abdominopelvic surgery. We measured the angle between the descending colon and the proximal part of the sigmoid (in degrees). In addition, the position of the descending-sigmoid flexure was assessed in relation to the left anterior superior iliac spine, the median plane, and anterior aspect of the 5th lumbar vertebra (in mm). The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the local ethics committee.
RESULTS
We visualised the descending-sigmoid flexure in all 227 subjects. In one third of cases, the flexure formed an angle smaller than/or 90°. In females, this landmark (mean ± standard deviation) was located 30.2 ± 8.4 mm from the left anterior superior iliac spine, 88.6 ± 14.2 mm from the median plane, and 115.4 ± 21.4 mm from the anterior aspect of the 5th lumbar vertebra. In males, the dimensions were: 32.1 ± 12.8 mm, 97.6 ± 15.8 mm, and 123.9 ± 22.9 mm, respectively. This landmark distance remained constant from the left anterior superior iliac spine regardless of subject age, height and weight. The other measured distances were related to age, height, weight or BMI.
CONCLUSIONS
The descending-sigmoid flexure is an important landmark in large intestine morphology situated approximately width of two fingers (3 cm) from the left anterior superior iliac spine and one hand width (9-10 cm) from the median plane. In approximately one third of the subjects, the flexure formed an angle of less than/or 90°, which can cause a problem during colonoscopy.
Topics: Colon; Colon, Sigmoid; Colonoscopy; Female; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34530081
DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151821 -
BMC Microbiology Nov 2021Accumulating evidence supports the pivotal role of intestinal flora in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Serotonin synthesis by enterochromaffin (EC) cells is influenced...
BACKGROUND
Accumulating evidence supports the pivotal role of intestinal flora in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Serotonin synthesis by enterochromaffin (EC) cells is influenced by the gut microbiota and has been reported to have an interaction with IBS. The comparison between the microbiota of the caecal and colonic mucosa in IBS has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiota, EC cells in caecum and descending colon, and diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) symptoms.
RESULTS
A total of 22 IBS-D patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in our study. Hamilton anxiety (HAM-A) and Hamilton depression (HAM-D) grades increased significantly in IBS-D patients. In addition, the frequency of defecation in IBS-D patients was higher than that in HCs. Among the preponderant bacterial genera, the relative abundance of the Ruminococcus_torques_ group increased in IBS-D patients in caecum samples while Raoultella and Fusobacterium were less abundant. In the descending colon, the abundance of the Ruminococcus_torques_group and Dorea increased in IBS-D patients and Fusobacterium decreased. No difference was observed between the descending colon and caecum in regards to the mucosal-associated microbiota. The number of EC cells in the caecum of IBS-D patients was higher than in HCs and the expression of TPH1 was higher in IBS-D patients both in the caecum and in the descending colon both at the mRNA and protein level. Correlation analysis showed that the Ruminococcus_torques_group was positively associated with HAM-A, HAM-D, EC cell number, IBS-SSS, degree of abdominal pain, frequency of abdominal pain and frequency of defecation. The abundance of Dorea was positively associated with EC cell number, IBS-SSS, HAM-A, HAM-D and frequency of abdominal pain.
CONCLUSIONS
EC cell numbers increased in IBS-D patients and the expression of TPH1 was higher than in HCs. The Ruminococcus torques group and Dorea furthermore seem like promising targets for future research into the treatment of IBS-D patients.
Topics: Adult; Bacteria; Case-Control Studies; Cecum; Colon; Diarrhea; Enterochromaffin Cells; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Male; Middle Aged; Serotonin
PubMed: 34773967
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02380-2 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2022In patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD), persistent obstructive symptoms may develop after surgery. The causes of mechanical obstruction may be a retraction of the...
BACKGROUND
In patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD), persistent obstructive symptoms may develop after surgery. The causes of mechanical obstruction may be a retraction of the pulled-through bowel due to insufficient mobilization of the mesentery or impaired blood supply in the area of the coloanal anastomosis in the case of excessive ligation of the supplying vessels. Leakage and stenosis are formidable complications and require repeated surgical intervention.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to describe our experience and short-term results of the developed method: mobilization of the descending colon for its pull-through during the surgical treatment of the children with HD, which allows ensuring good mobility to the descending colon and maintaining blood supply at the same time.
METHODS
The medical records of 20 patients with rectosigmoid HD, who underwent parietal mobilization of the descending colon with preservation of the marginal artery, sigmoid arteries, and ligation of the left colon artery, were reviewed. This method is aimed at increasing the mobility of the brought-down bowel and maintaining the blood supply to the distal part of the brought-down bowel not only from the superior mesenteric artery but also from the lower one.The SPSS Statistics 26.0 package was used for statistical analysis. To describe the analyzed data with a normal distribution, the mean values and the error of the mean were used. To determine the differences, Student's -test was used, and the differences were considered significant at a significance level of < 0.05.
RESULTS
In all patients, the postoperative period was uneventful, without complications. The patients were discharged for outpatient treatment on average on the seventh day after the surgery. In all cases, there were no signs of anastomotic leakage or stricture on follow-up after 6-12 months.
CONCLUSION
The method of mobilization of the colon in the rectosigmoid form of HD, parietal mobilization of the descending part of the colon preserving the marginal artery, sigmoid arteries, and ligating the left colon artery, can reduce the risk of complications by eliminating the tension of the descending colon.
PubMed: 35865043
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.921789 -
Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced... Sep 2021Standardized protocols for laparoscopic surgery of splenic flexure cancer (SFC) have not been established yet. We described a standardized laparoscopic procedure for...
Standardized protocols for laparoscopic surgery of splenic flexure cancer (SFC) have not been established yet. We described a standardized laparoscopic procedure for SFCs and examined its safety and feasibility. Laparoscopic colectomy for SFC was performed as follows. The sigmoid colon was mobilized to the descending mesocolon through the medial approach. After confirming the base of the inferior mesenteric artery, the left colic artery was dissected and resected at the base. Further dissection was carried out between the mesentery of the colon and the renal fascia until it exceeded the upper pole of the left kidney and the splenic flexure. The next dissection reached the white line at the lateral side and the sigmoid-descending colon junction. After making an incision at the greater omentum and gastrocolic ligament from the center of the transverse colon to the splenic flexure, the transverse mesocolon base was dissected from the inside splenic flexure for complete mobilization. This was performed by approaching from four directions toward the splenic flexure. Intestinal resection and anastomosis are performed. This procedure was performed in 70 patients with splenic flexure colon cancer (mean age 70 years). The mean operative time was 190 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 2.0 mL. No notable perioperative or postoperative complications were noted. Safe mobilization of the splenic flexure can be achieved by approaching from four directions, and standardization of left colectomy can facilitate complete mesenteric excision.
Topics: Aged; Colectomy; Colon, Transverse; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Laparoscopy; Mesocolon
PubMed: 33226876
DOI: 10.1089/lap.2020.0709 -
Emergency Radiology Feb 2022To evaluate the role of specific distributions of free air in predicting the location of gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the role of specific distributions of free air in predicting the location of gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred and fifteen patients with surgically proven GI tract perforation between January 2015 and June 2019 were included in the study. The site of perforation was based on surgical findings in all cases. Two radiologists retrospectively interpreted the computed tomography (CT) images of these patients for extraluminal free air distribution. Perforation sites were demonstrated intraoperatively in all cases and were categorized as follows: stomach and duodenum, jejunum and ileum, proximal colon (cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon), distal colon (descending colon and sigmoid colon), rectum, and appendix.
RESULTS
There were 79 male and 36 female patients with a mean age of 56.4 years. Periportal, perihepatic, and perigastric free air were statistically significant in predicting gastroduodenal perforation. Mesenteric free air was significant in predicting both small bowel and distal colon perforations. Pelvic free air was statistically significant in distal colon perforations. Periappendiceal free air was found to be a strong predictor of acute perforated appendicitis.
CONCLUSION
Specific free air distributions may help to predict the site of gastrointestinal perforation, which would change the treatment plan.
Topics: Abdominal Injuries; Duodenum; Female; Humans; Intestinal Perforation; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34633581
DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01990-7 -
Automatic anatomical classification of colonoscopic images using deep convolutional neural networks.Gastroenterology Report Jun 2021A colonoscopy can detect colorectal diseases, including cancers, polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases. A computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system using deep...
BACKGROUND
A colonoscopy can detect colorectal diseases, including cancers, polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases. A computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system using deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that can recognize anatomical locations during a colonoscopy could efficiently assist practitioners. We aimed to construct a CAD system using a CNN to distinguish colorectal images from parts of the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.
METHOD
We constructed a CNN by training of 9,995 colonoscopy images and tested its performance by 5,121 independent colonoscopy images that were categorized according to seven anatomical locations: the terminal ileum, the cecum, ascending colon to transverse colon, descending colon to sigmoid colon, the rectum, the anus, and indistinguishable parts. We examined images taken during total colonoscopy performed between January 2017 and November 2017 at a single center. We evaluated the concordance between the diagnosis by endoscopists and those by the CNN. The main outcomes of the study were the sensitivity and specificity of the CNN for the anatomical categorization of colonoscopy images.
RESULTS
The constructed CNN recognized anatomical locations of colonoscopy images with the following areas under the curves: 0.979 for the terminal ileum; 0.940 for the cecum; 0.875 for ascending colon to transverse colon; 0.846 for descending colon to sigmoid colon; 0.835 for the rectum; and 0.992 for the anus. During the test process, the CNN system correctly recognized 66.6% of images.
CONCLUSION
We constructed the new CNN system with clinically relevant performance for recognizing anatomical locations of colonoscopy images, which is the first step in constructing a CAD system that will support us during colonoscopy and provide an assurance of the quality of the colonoscopy procedure.
PubMed: 34316372
DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goaa078 -
Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery Apr 2022Persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) represents a failure of fusion of the descending mesentery, leading to anatomical abnormalities. This study aimed to examine the...
INTRODUCTION
Persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) represents a failure of fusion of the descending mesentery, leading to anatomical abnormalities. This study aimed to examine the effects of anatomical features of PDM on laparoscopic surgical outcomes.
METHODS
Patient backgrounds, surgical outcomes, anatomical characteristics, and operative findings were retrospectively compared between 186 patients classified into PDM and non-PDM groups who underwent primary resection for left-sided colon and rectal cancer at our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020.
RESULTS
PDM was diagnosed in nine patients (4.8%). The operative time (337 ± 165 vs 239 ± 107 min, p = 0.010) was significantly different between PDM and non-PDM groups, but bleeding loss was not different (108 ± 97 ml vs 53 ± 142 ml, p = 0.259). In PDM patients, in addition to abnormal fixation of the sigmoid-descending colon junction, adhesion of the mesentery of the colon and small intestine in 100%, and adhesion between the mesocolon in 33% patients was confirmed intraoperatively. Ileus was more common in the PDM group (two cases, 22%) and in the non-PDM group (10 cases, 5.6%), but there was no significant difference in overall postoperative complications between the two groups (p = 0.215). The duration of postoperative hospital stay (28 ± 20 vs 16 ± 11 days, p = 0.002) was significant between the two groups. The left colonic artery (LCA) could not be preserved in six patients in the PDM group, one of whom had anastomotic leakage and two of whom required additional resections due to intraoperative intestinal blood flow failure.
CONCLUSION
PDM prolonged operative times and duration of postoperative stay in laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon and rectal cancer. Division of the LCA in PDM patients should be considered an intraoperative risk factor for injury to the marginal artery.
Topics: Colectomy; Colon; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Laparoscopy; Mesocolon; Rectal Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34927384
DOI: 10.1111/ases.13004 -
BMC Surgery May 2022Laparoscopic surgery for cancer located in the transverse colon or splenic flexure is difficult because of vascular variability in this region and adjacent vital organs...
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic surgery for cancer located in the transverse colon or splenic flexure is difficult because of vascular variability in this region and adjacent vital organs such as the pancreas, spleen, and duodenum.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study involved 51 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer at Tokushima University Hospital from July 2015 to December 2020. Variations of the middle colic artery (MCA), left colic artery (LCA), middle colic vein (MCV), and first jejunal vein (FJV) and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with each vascular variation were evaluated.
RESULTS
Variations of the MCA, LCA, MCV, and FJV were classified into four, three, five, and three patterns, respectively. The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer in patients with MCA variations and those with FJV variations were evaluated, and no significant difference was found in the operation time, blood loss, postoperative complication rate, time from surgery to start of dietary intake, or time from surgery to discharge among the different variations. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer in patients with LCA variations.
CONCLUSION
Preoperative assessment of vascular variations may contribute to the stability of short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon, splenic flexure, and descending colon cancer.
Topics: Colectomy; Colon, Descending; Colon, Transverse; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Laparoscopy; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35538458
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-022-01603-1 -
Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research 2023Abstract.
UNLABELLED
Abstract.
BACKGROUND
Colonic diverticulum is one of the rare findings in dogs characterized by an out-pouching of mucosal and submucosal layers through the defect in muscularis layer of the colon.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A five years old intact female Labrador was presented with an anamnesis of dyschezia and tenesmus.
FINDINGS/TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Rectal examination was normal, and the survey radiograph showed an almost crescent shaped abnormal dilatation (10.52 cm × 6.21 cm) with gas and increased radiopaque material, dorsal to the urinary bladder and ventral to the descending colon suggesting fecal stasis. Ultrasonographic examination revealed gas-filled out-pouching with hyperechoic colon wall and acoustic shadowing. Exploratory celiotomy confirmed the diagnosis of colonic diverticulum, and diverticulectomy was performed. All four layers of the colonic wall were detected histopathologically in the biopsy sample and excluded neoplasia. The dog recovered uneventfully with no post-operative complications.
CONCLUSION
This surgery produced an excellent resolution of clinical signs. To our knowledge, this is one of the few cases of colonic diverticulum reported in dogs.
PubMed: 37790114
DOI: 10.22099/IJVR.2023.46410.6663