Massive Retroperitoneal and Subcutaneous Emphysema after Transanal Excision of Rectal Cancer

Transanal excision (TAE) is considered a safe, alternative approach for patients with early stage of rectal cancer. Complications associated with TAE are rare, such as bleeding, perforation, incontinence, and rectal stricture. Subcutaneous emphysema is early complication of laparoscopic surgery, common during upper gastrointestinal and gynecological surgery. We report a case of retroperitoneal and subcutaneous emphysema emerging after TAE of rectal tumor. The patient presented with changed bowel habits. Colonoscopy with pathology reports, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging showed an adenocarcinoma in the rectum at a 5 cm from the anus and did not reveal signs of invasive growth, pathologic lymph nodes, or systemic metastases. After surgery patient complained about abdominal pain and severe subcutaneous emphysema. Computed tomography showed retroperitoneal emphysema with no signs of rectal wall defect. He received antibiotics and was kept hospitalized with a solid diet and the retroperitoneal air disappeared on the thoracic X-ray. Patients who remain clinically stable or steadily improving without signs if peritonitis can be managed conservatively. Only in case of ineffectiveness of conservative therapy, undergo surgery.

MINIMAL INVASIVE MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC CROHN’S ANORECTAL STRICTURE, LESS IS MORE

Background Anorectal stricture (ARS) is an uncommon but potentially disabling manifestation of perianal Crohn disease (CD) in pediatric patients. Various treatment options are available but there is little data regarding their efficacy, particularly in the pediatric population. We present three case reports of patients with symptomatic ARS treated with serial dilation and biologic therapy. Methods An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed using electronic health records. Three patients with ileocolonic CD and perianal involvement with symptomatic ARS were identified. All patients were treated with serial rectal dilations under general anesthesia using Hegar dilators. Results All patients are currently asymptomatic at follow-ups ranging from 1 to 3.5 years since the last dilation. Patient demographics and details of ARS management are presented in Table 1. All patients tolerated the procedures well and did not experience complications such as perforation, sepsis, or fecal incontinence. Rectal biopsy in each patient showed active inflammation, suggesting type 1 stricture according to the Hughes-Cardiff Classification (vs. type 2 fibrotic stricture). Patient 1 experienced 6 recurrences, each managed with an average of 2 dilations until disease control was established with ustekinumab (USK) and eventually vedolizumab (VDZ). She underwent ileocecal resection three years after the final dilation. Patient 2 underwent ileocecal resection immediately following the first series of dilations. He later experienced one stricture recurrence at 2 years, which was managed with one dilation and increased USK dosing frequency. Patient 3 received steroid suppositories prior to dilation and has been self-dilating at home. He has had no recurrences requiring operative dilation. Self-dilation was not feasible in patients 1 and 2. Conclusion Inflammatory anorectal stricture associated with perianal Crohn disease in pediatric patients can be managed successfully with dilation until disease control with biologic therapy. Recurrences of stricture can also be managed with dilation and modification of biologic therapy. If tolerated, self-dilation may reduce recurrence. Background Anorectal stricture (ARS) is an uncommon but potentially disabling manifestation of perianal Crohn disease (CD) in pediatric patients. Various treatment options are available but there is little data regarding their efficacy, particularly in the pediatric population. We present three case reports of patients with symptomatic ARS treated with serial dilation and biologic therapy. Crohn’s rectal stricture pre and post dilation

Kayexalate-induced colitis and rectal stricture

A 57-year-old man underwent emergency laparoscopic loop colostomy for acute recto-sigmoid obstruction. He was hospitalised 2 months previously, at another facility for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperkalaemia. He had no gastrointestinal symptoms prior to the hospitalisation. Both surgical exploration and intraoperative sigmoidoscopy showed ulcerations of sigmoid colon and proximal rectum with a pinhole stricture in mid-rectum. After ruling out all aetiologies, and due to persistence of the colonic ulcerations on a follow-up colonoscopy, a diagnosis of Crohn’s colitis was made, and the patient was started on infliximab and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). Six months later, on rereview of all the biopsies, it was noted that a key element of presence of crystals suggestive of Kayexalate on the initial colorectal biopsies was missed. It was later found out that the patient had received rectal Kayexalate for treatment of DKA at the other facility. Hence, infliximab and 6-MP were both discontinued. All the colonoscopies, following the discontinuation of the medications, showed complete resolution of colitis but persistence of the mid-rectum stricture. This was treated with a fully covered metal stent for 12 weeks with only partial improvement of the stricture. He was hence referred for ultra-low anterior resection of rectum and take down of colostomy.

Balloon dilation of a congenital rectal stricture in a 16-week-old kitten

A 16-week-old Persian kitten was referred for investigation of constipation and failure to grow. The owner reported that the kitten had always strained to defecate. Abdominal radiographs confirmed megacolon and CT pneumocolography confirmed the presence of a caudal rectal stricture. During a single procedure and under fluoroscopic guidance, the stricture was effaced by sequentially dilating 10-mm and 15-mm balloons. Shortly after discharge, the owner reported complete resolution of clinical signs and oral laxatives were stopped. Repeat radiographs 1 month post dilation showed resolution of the diffuse megacolon and the cat appeared well and had gained weight. This is the first report of a congenital rectal stricture in a kitten and one of the few reports documenting balloon dilation for the treatment of stenotic anorectal lesions (congenital or acquired) in cats.