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Frontiers in Oncology 2023The number of overweight patients with gastric cancer (GC) is increasing, and no previous study has compared laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and robotic gastrectomy (RG)...
INTRODUCTION
The number of overweight patients with gastric cancer (GC) is increasing, and no previous study has compared laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and robotic gastrectomy (RG) in obese patients with GC. To investigate the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of RG and LG in obese GC patients, we performed a meta-analysis of propensity matched scores and retrospective studies to compare the perioperative parameters, oncologic findings, and short-term postoperative outcomes between the two groups.
METHODS
This study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register to identify eligible propensity matched scores and retrospective studies conducted and published before December 2022. Data on perioperative and oncological outcomes were included in the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, we identified 1 propensity score match study and 5 randomized control trials of RG and LG, enrolling a total of 718 patients (197 and 521 patients received RG and LG, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of complications, bleeding, or lymph node dissection. Of note, RG had a longer procedure time (P = 0.03), earlier oral intake (P = 0.0010), shorter hospital stay (P = 0.0002), and shorter time to defecation (P < 0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis concluded that patients in the RG group had shorter hospital stays, earlier postoperative feeding, and earlier postoperative ventilation; however, no differences were found in blood loss, number of lymph nodes removed, or overall complications. RG is an effective, safe, and promising treatment for obese patients with GC, compensating for the shortcomings of laparoscopy and allowing for less trauma and faster recovery.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022298967.
PubMed: 37274257
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1158804 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery May 2017Two main techniques are commonly used during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in order to perform the ileocolic anastomosis: intracorporeal (IA) and extracorporeal (EA).... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Two main techniques are commonly used during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in order to perform the ileocolic anastomosis: intracorporeal (IA) and extracorporeal (EA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the two techniques.
METHODS
A systematic review was carried out to identify studies comparing IA and EA. The primary endpoint was anastomotic leakage. The secondary endpoints were intra- and postoperative results. A meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies matched the selection criteria, enrolling 1717 patients (50.3 % IA, 49.7 % EA). The anastomotic leakage was similar in the IA and the EA groups (3.4 vs. 4.6 %, respectively) with a risk difference (RD) of -0.01 (95 % CI = -0.03 to 0.01; P = 0.120). IA group had lower overall complication rate (27.6 vs. 38.4 %; RD = -0.15; 95 % CI = 0.27 to -0.04; P = 0.009) and wound infection rate (4.9 vs. 8.9 %; RD = 0.52; -0.03; 95 % CI = -0.06 to -0.01; P = 0.030). Time to first oral intake (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1; 95 % CI = -1.59 to -0.41; P < 0.001), length of hospital stay (WMD = -1.13; 95 % CI = -1.90 to -0.35; P = 0.004) and minilaparotomy size (WMD = -26; 95 % CI = -38 to -13; P < 0.001) were shorter in IA patients. The incisional hernia rate was lower in the IA group (2.3 vs. 13.7 %) with an RD of -0.09 (95 % CI = -0.17 to -0.02; P = 0.020). There were no differences in operative time, blood loss, conversion, internal hernia, reoperation, mortality, time to first flatus and defecation, analgesic required, number of lymph nodes harvested and length of distal margin.
CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with IA is a safe alternative to EA. Additional well-structured, prospective randomised trials are needed to confirm all the advantages regarding postoperative results which were pointed out in our study.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Colectomy; Colon; Humans; Ileum; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 27595589
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-016-1509-x -
Medicine Sep 2018To evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on functional constipation in children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on functional constipation in children.
METHODS
We performed electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library without language restriction to identify relevant studies from the time of inception of these databases to March 2018. The relative risk or weighted mean difference was calculated to evaluate the treatment effect of probiotics using random-effects model.
RESULTS
We included 4 trials reporting data on 382 children with functional constipation. Overall, there were no significant differences in treatment success (P = .697), spontaneous bowel movements per week (P = .571), fecal soiling episodes per week (P = .642), straining at defecation (P = .408), use of lactulose (P = .238), use of laxatives (P = .190), fecal incontinence (P = .139), pain during defecation (P = .410), flatulence (P = .109), and adverse events (P = .979) between probiotics and placebo. Further, the use of probiotics was associated with lower frequency of glycerin enema use (weighted mean difference -2.40, P = .004) and abdominal pain (weighted mean difference -4.80, P < .001).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study suggested that the use of probiotics was associated with significant improvement in glycerin enema use and abdominal pain but did not affect the treatment success and other function indices.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Child; Constipation; Defecation; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Laxatives; Probiotics; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30278490
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012174 -
PLoS Medicine Mar 2014Preventive chemotherapy represents a powerful but short-term control strategy for soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Since humans are often re-infected rapidly, long-term... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Preventive chemotherapy represents a powerful but short-term control strategy for soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Since humans are often re-infected rapidly, long-term solutions require improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The purpose of this study was to quantitatively summarize the relationship between WASH access or practices and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the associations of improved WASH on infection with STH (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm [Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus], and Strongyloides stercoralis). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and LILACS were searched from inception to October 28, 2013 with no language restrictions. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they provided an estimate for the effect of WASH access or practices on STH infection. We assessed the quality of published studies with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A total of 94 studies met our eligibility criteria; five were randomized controlled trials, whilst most others were cross-sectional studies. We used random-effects meta-analyses and analyzed only adjusted estimates to help account for heterogeneity and potential confounding respectively. Use of treated water was associated with lower odds of STH infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% CI 0.36-0.60). Piped water access was associated with lower odds of A. lumbricoides (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.39-0.41) and T. trichiura infection (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.45-0.72), but not any STH infection (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.28-3.11). Access to sanitation was associated with decreased likelihood of infection with any STH (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.76), T. trichiura (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.50-0.74), and A. lumbricoides (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.88), but not with hookworm infection (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.61-1.06). Wearing shoes was associated with reduced odds of hookworm infection (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.18-0.47) and infection with any STH (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.83). Handwashing, both before eating (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.55) and after defecating (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.35-0.58), was associated with lower odds of A. lumbricoides infection. Soap use or availability was significantly associated with lower infection with any STH (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.98), as was handwashing after defecation (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.90). Observational evidence constituted the majority of included literature, which limits any attempt to make causal inferences. Due to underlying heterogeneity across observational studies, the meta-analysis results reflect an average of many potentially distinct effects, not an average of one specific exposure-outcome relationship.
CONCLUSIONS
WASH access and practices are generally associated with reduced odds of STH infection. Pooled estimates from all meta-analyses, except for two, indicated at least a 33% reduction in odds of infection associated with individual WASH practices or access. Although most WASH interventions for STH have focused on sanitation, access to water and hygiene also appear to significantly reduce odds of infection. Overall quality of evidence was low due to the preponderance of observational studies, though recent randomized controlled trials have further underscored the benefit of handwashing interventions. Limited use of the Joint Monitoring Program's standardized water and sanitation definitions in the literature restricted efforts to generalize across studies. While further research is warranted to determine the magnitude of benefit from WASH interventions for STH control, these results call for multi-sectoral, integrated intervention packages that are tailored to social-ecological contexts.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Hygiene; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Sanitation; Soil
PubMed: 24667810
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001620 -
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology May 2010Transanal irrigation for treatment of disordered defecation has been widely used among caregivers. Unique in its simplicity, reversible and minimally invasive, transanal... (Review)
Review
Transanal irrigation for treatment of disordered defecation has been widely used among caregivers. Unique in its simplicity, reversible and minimally invasive, transanal irrigation has begun to find its place in the treatment hierarchy. Scheduled transanal irrigation aims to ensure emptying of the left colon and rectum. This prevents faecal leakage between washouts, providing a state of pseudocontinence, and re-establishes control over the time and place of defecation. Furthermore, regular evacuation of the rectosigmoid prevents constipation. The studies presented in this review represent the continuum of increasing evidence and knowledge of transanal irrigation for disordered defecation: from proof in principle through better knowledge of the physiology, towards establishing the indications and ensuring the safety of the treatment. Evidence of the superiority of transanal irrigation in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction is provided, also from a health-economic perspective. Finally, a proposal is presented for an algorithm for the introduction of transanal irrigation for disordered defecation before irreversible surgery is considered.
Topics: Algorithms; Anal Canal; Constipation; Equipment Design; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Rectum; Therapeutic Irrigation
PubMed: 20199336
DOI: 10.3109/00365520903583855 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Sep 2017This manuscript forms the final of seven that address the surgical management of chronic constipation (CC) in adults. The content coalesces results from the five... (Review)
Review
AIM
This manuscript forms the final of seven that address the surgical management of chronic constipation (CC) in adults. The content coalesces results from the five systematic reviews that precede it and of the European Consensus process to derive graded practice recommendations (GPR).
METHODS
Summary of review data, development of GPR and future research recommendations as outlined in detail in the 'introduction and methods' paper.
RESULTS
The overall quality of data in the five reviews was poor with 113/156(72.4%) of included studies providing only level IV evidence and only four included level I RCTs. Coalescence of data from the five procedural classes revealed that few firm conclusions could be drawn regarding procedural choice or patient selection: no single procedure dominated in addressing dynamic structural abnormalities of the anorectum and pelvic floor with each having similar overall efficacy. Of one hundred 'prototype' GPRs developed by the clinical guideline group, 85/100 were deemed 'appropriate' based on the independent scoring of a panel of 18 European experts and use of RAND-UCLA consensus methodology. The remaining 15 were all deemed uncertain. Future research recommendations included some potential RCTs but also a strong emphasis on delivery of large multinational high-quality prospective cohort studies.
CONCLUSION
While the evidence base for surgery in CC is poor, the widespread European consensus for GPRs is encouraging. Professional bodies have the opportunity to build on this work by supporting the efforts of their membership to help convert the documented recommendations into clinical guidelines.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Chronic Disease; Consensus; Constipation; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Patient Selection; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 28960922
DOI: 10.1111/codi.13775 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Mar 2014Pelvic radiotherapy may lead to changes of anorectal function resulting in incontinence-related complaints. The aim of this study was to systematically review objective... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Pelvic radiotherapy may lead to changes of anorectal function resulting in incontinence-related complaints. The aim of this study was to systematically review objective findings of late anorectal physiology and mucosal appearance after irradiation for prostate cancer.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched. Original articles in which anal function, rectal function, or rectal mucosa were examined ≥3 months after EBRT for prostate cancer were included.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were included with low to moderate quality. Anal resting pressures significantly decreased in 6 of the 9 studies including 277 patients. Changes of squeeze pressure and rectoanal inhibitory reflex were less uniform. Rectal distensibility was significantly impaired after EBRT in 7 of 9 studies (277 patients). In 4 of 9 studies on anal and in 5 of 9 on rectal function, disturbances were associated with urgency, frequent bowel movements or fecal incontinence. Mucosal changes as assessed by the Vienna Rectoscopy Score revealed telangiectasias in 73 %, congestion in 33 %, and ulceration in 4 % of patients in 8 studies including 346 patients, but no strictures or necrosis. Three studies reported mucosal improvement during follow-up. Telangiectasias, particularly multiple, were associated with rectal bleeding. Not all bowel complaints (30 %) were related to radiotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Low to moderate quality evidence indicates that EBRT reduces anal resting pressure, decreases rectal distensibility, and frequently induces telangiectasias of rectal mucosa. Objective changes may be associated with fecal incontinence, urgency, frequent bowel movements, and rectal bleeding, but these symptoms are not always related to radiation damage.
Topics: Anal Canal; Defecation; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Pressure; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiotherapy; Rectum; Telangiectasis; Ulcer
PubMed: 24150230
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-013-1784-8 -
Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology &... 2022This systematic review aimed to summarize evidence to determine the effectiveness of kiwifruit or kiwifruit extracts in the treatment of constipation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review aimed to summarize evidence to determine the effectiveness of kiwifruit or kiwifruit extracts in the treatment of constipation.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2022 without any age or language limitations. Eligible studies enrolled participants with constipation who were randomized to receive kiwifruit or kiwifruit extracts vs. any nonkiwifruit control. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean difference (MD) with confidence intervals (CI) were determined for the following outcomes: frequency of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM), abdominal pain and straining, as well as stool type as determined by the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. Our review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021239397).
RESULTS
Seven RCTs, including 399 participants (82% female; mean age: 42 years (SD 14.6)), were included. Compared with placebo ( = 95), kiwifruit extracts might increase the weekly frequency of SBM (MD: 1.36; 95% CI: -0.44, 3.16) with low certainty of evidence; moreover, it had an uncertain effect on BSS (SMD: 1.54; 95% CI: -1.33, 4.41) with very low certainty of evidence. Additionally, compared with placebo ( = 119), kiwifruit or its extracts reduced abdominal pain (SMD: -1.44, 95% CI -2.83, -1.66) with moderate certainty of the evidence and improved frequency of straining (SMD: -0.29; 95% CI: -1.03, 0.47). Compared with psyllium, kiwifruit may increase the weekly frequency of SBM (MD: 1.01; 95% CI: -0.02, 2.04) with moderate certainty evidence, and may increase the value on the BSS (indicating softer stools) (MD: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.01, 1.25)with low certainty of evidence. Compared to placebo, kiwifruit-encapsulated extracts may result in an increase in minor adverse events (relative risk: 4.58; 95% CI: 0.79, 26.4).
CONCLUSIONS
Among individuals with constipation, there is an overall low certainty of evidence indicating that kiwifruit may increase SBM when compared to placebo or psyllium. Although overall results are promising, establishing the role of kiwifruit in constipation requires large, methodologically rigorous trials. : PROSPERO registration number CRD42021239397.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Constipation; Defecation; Female; Humans; Male; Plant Extracts; Psyllium; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36247043
DOI: 10.1155/2022/7596920 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2018Cryptosporidium infection causes gastrointestinal disease and has a worldwide distribution. The highest burden is in developing countries. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cryptosporidium infection causes gastrointestinal disease and has a worldwide distribution. The highest burden is in developing countries.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify Cryptosporidium risk factors in Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs).
METHODS
Medline Ovid and Scopus databases were searched with no restriction on year or language of publication. All references were screened independently in duplicate and were included if they presented data on at least 3 risk factors. Meta-analyses using random effects models were used to calculate overall estimates for each exposure.
RESULTS
The most frequently reported risk factors in the 15 included studies were overcrowding, household diarrhoea, poor quality drinking water, animal contact, open defecation/ lack of toilet and breastfeeding. The combined odds ratio for animal contact was 1.98 (95%CI: 1.11-3.54) based on 11 studies and for diarrhoea in the household 1.98 (95%CI: 1.13-3.49) based on 4 studies. Open defecation was associated with a pooled odds ratio of 1.82 (95%CI: 1.19-2.8) based on 5 studies. Poor drinking water quality was not associated with a significant Cryptosporidium risk, odds ratio 1.06 (95%CI: 0.77-1.47). Breastfeeding was protective with pooled odds ratio 0.4 (95%CI: 0.13-1.22), which was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the included studies, crowded living conditions, animal contact and open defecation are responsible for the majority of Cryptosporidium cases in LMICs. Future studies investigating Cryptosporidium risk factors should have a good study design and duration, include appropriate number of cases, select suitable controls, investigate multiple relevant risk factors, fully report data and perform multivariate analysis.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Developing Countries; Diarrhea; Humans; Hygiene; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Water Quality
PubMed: 29879110
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006553 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Jul 2018To systematically review the literature regarding the epidemiology of functional constipation and functional nonretentive fecal incontinence (FNRFI) in children.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the literature regarding the epidemiology of functional constipation and functional nonretentive fecal incontinence (FNRFI) in children. Secondary objectives were to assess the geographical, age, and sex distribution of functional constipation and FNRFI and to evaluate associated factors.
STUDY DESIGN
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched from 2006 until September 2017. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) prospective studies of population-based samples; (2) reporting on the prevalence of functional constipation or FNRFI according to the Rome III/IV criteria; (3) in children aged 0-18 years; and (4) published in full manuscript form. A quality assessment of included studies was conducted. Random effect meta-analyses with meta-regression analyses of study characteristics were performed.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven studies were included, of which 35 reported on the prevalence of functional constipation and 15 of FNRFI. The reported prevalence of functional constipation ranged from 0.5% to 32.2%, with a pooled prevalence of 9.5% (95% CI 7.5-12.1). The prevalence of FRNFI ranged from 0.0% to 1.8%, with a pooled prevalence of 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7). The prevalence of functional constipation was 8.6% in boys compared with 8.9% in girls (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.9-1.4). Geographical location, dietary habits, and exposure to stressful life events were reported to be associated with the prevalence of functional constipation. Data on FNRFI were scarce and no associated factors were identified.
CONCLUSION
Functional constipation is common in childhood and is associated with geographical location, lifestyle factors, and stressful life events. FNRFI is rare, and no associated factors were identified.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Distribution; Child; Child, Preschool; Constipation; Defecation; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Prevalence; Sex Distribution
PubMed: 29656863
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.02.029