Colon & Rectum 3 Flashcards

1
Q

The rectum is what type of organ?

A

retroperitoneal

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2
Q

Due to its retroperitoneal location, pelvic location and distance from the small bowel, the rectum can be treated with this modality:

A
radiation therapy 
(high doses of radiation to other parts of the colon can damage the small bowel and cause radiation enteritis)
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3
Q

Radiation has many benefits for rectal cancer, is preop or post-op radiation better?

A

pre-op better

(short-term pre-op radiation (25 gY over 5 days) has shown to decrease local recurrence and improved disease free survival for all stages of rectal cancer)

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4
Q

What about role of chemo in setting of rectal cancer?

A

beneficial in adjuvant setting of rectal cancer

studies show neoadjuvant radiation + 5-FU/leucovorin/oxaliplatin show reduction in tumor size and tumor eradication in 25% of cases

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5
Q

Most common surgical approach to rectal cancer in US?

A

rectal cancers stage II or >, get pre-op radiation + 5-FU bases chemotherapy (radiation done over 5-6 days)

surgery; LAR vs APR done in 6-10 weeks post-radiation

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6
Q

Most common symptom of rectal cancer?

A

hematochezia

often confused for hemorrhoids and rectal Ca diagnosis is delayed until mass is advanced

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7
Q

Precise location of a rectal tumor best determined by a ?

A

rigid proctosigmoidoscope

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8
Q

When do we perform a local excision of a rectal cancer?

A

appropriate for small cancers in distal rectum that has not penetrated into the muscularis

this can be done via a transanal approach

complete removal of LN difficult though, can’t stage tumor well

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9
Q

What types of rectal cancers do we perform local excisions on?

A

mobile tumors < 4 cm in diameter
involves < 40% of rectal wall circumference
located within 6 cm of anal verge
these tumors should be T1/T2 with no LN or mets

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10
Q

What’s transanal endoscopic microsurgery?

A

approach for local excision of favorable rectal tumors (T1 dx)

used a 4 cm proctoscopy device which provides access to proximal and mid rectum

long instruments then inserted thru ports in proctoscope to remove local tumor

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11
Q

What is fulguration?

A

tumor eradicated by use of electrocautery
full thickness eschar created at tumor site
both tumor and rectal wall are destroyed

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12
Q

Fulguration can only be used for rectal tumors below the?

A

peritoneal reflection

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13
Q

Disadvantages of fulguration?

A

no specimens can be obtained
post-op bleeding

reserved for pts with high operative risk and limited life expectancy

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14
Q

Miles procedure, AKA?

A

APR

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15
Q

This is complete excision of the rectum and anus by simultaneous dissection thru the abdomen and perineum with suture closure of the perineum and permanent colostomy:

A

APR

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16
Q

When do we perform an APR?

A

tumor involves anal sphincters

tumor too close to sphincters to obtain adequate margins

in pts w/poor pre-op sphincter control

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17
Q

Describe the steps of an APR:

A

rectum + sigmoid are mobilized via abdominal approach

the pelvic dissection is done via abdominal approach, this mobilizes the mesorectum

pelvic dissection carried down to levator ani muscles

the perineal dissection removes the anus, sphincters, and distal rectum

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18
Q

What is an LAR?

A

resection of rectosigmoid below the peritoneal reflection via an abdominal approach with a colo-rectal anastomosis

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19
Q

In a LAR why do we always resect the sigmoid colon as well?

A

risk of diverticulosis

risk of compromised blood supply to a sigmoid-anal anastomosis if IMA is taken

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20
Q

What is LAR with a total mesorectal excision?

A

for cancers involving lower half of rectum, the mesorectum which contains lymphatics are excised in continuity with the rectum

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21
Q

After an LAR, how is intestinal continuity achieved?

A

anastomoses between descending colon + rectum

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22
Q

In pts who have had chemo or are on steroids, and have an LAR with a colo-rectal anastomosis, how do we protect the anastomosis?

A

can do a diverting proximal colostomy/ileostomy

ostomy can be closed in 10 weeks once integrity of anastomosis verified by scope

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23
Q

What is LAR syndrome (AKA clustering)?

A

in pts with LAR, and a colo-anal anastomosis, lose normal rectal capacity

pts have small frequent BMs

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24
Q

How do we treat LAR syndrome (clustering)?

A

can form a J pouch from the descending colon and then anastomose to anus

improve bowel habits

if the anastomoses is created 9 cm above the anal verge, J pouch has little benefit

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25
Q

With LAR and colo-anal anastomoses, why do we avoid using the sigmoid as the proximal component of the colo-anal anastomosis?

A

blood supply of sigmoid from IMA is tenuous

presence of diverticular dx in sigmoid is thought to be a risk factor for anastomotic leak

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26
Q

In obese pts and in pts with narrow pelvis, it’s not feasible to fashion a J pouch for the colo-anal anastomosis after a LAR, what can we do?

A

can create a colonic reservoir with a coloplasty 4-6 cm above the divided end of the colon

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27
Q

What is primary vs secondary prevention in cancer screening?

A

primary–>identifying environmental factors responsible for cancer and modifying these factors to reduce risk (diet, environmental hazards)

secondary–> finding a precursor lesion or cancer at a stage where mets and death can be prevented

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28
Q

Cancer screening for colo-rectal cancer is what type of screening prevention?

A

secondary prevention–> finding a precursor lesion or cancer where its not mets and death can be prevented

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29
Q

Screening options for avg risk pts for colo-rectal cancer?

A

FOBT + flex sig Q 5 yrs

flex sig not good for pts with high risk of cancer or strong family hx, tends to miss lesions

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30
Q

This is gold standard for screening for colo-rectal dx:

A

colonoscopy

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31
Q

What’s a stoma?

A

an artificial opening of the intestinal or urinary tract to the abdominal wall

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32
Q

This is an anastomosis fashioned between the colon and the skin of abdominal wall;

A

colostomy (temporary vs permanent)

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33
Q

Loop colostomy vs end colostomy:

A

loop colostomy usually fashioned out of t-colo–> divert fecal stream

end colostomy–>usually end of sigmoid or descending colon fused with skin of abdominal wall

34
Q

When would we do a loop ileostomy?

A

usually done to protect a distal anastomosis like a colo-anal anastomosis or an IPAA

35
Q

When is an end ileostomy required?

A

when colon and rectum removed and anal sphincter can’t be preserved

36
Q

Most common indication for an end ileostomy?

A

Crohn’s dx with severe involvement of anorectum

37
Q

It’s generally preferred to fashion a distal colostomy from what segment of colon?

A

descending colon

sigmoid arterial blood supply w/IMA is tenuous and riddled with diverticular dx

38
Q

Descending colostomies pass what type of material?

A

pass more formed feces

easier to care for

39
Q

The more proximal the colostomy fashioned, the higher the chances that the discharge is:

A

liquid
foul smelling
noxious

40
Q

These colostomies are difficult to maintain because of copious amounts of liquid foul smelling effluent which are difficult to maintain with an appliance;

A

colostomies from right side of colon

41
Q

Motility characteristics of colon make it so that the more proximal the colostomy fashioned, the higher the chance of:

A

colostomy prolapse

42
Q

Talk to me about tranverse colostomies;

A

t-loop colostomy will divert fecal stream for at least 6 weeks completely

over time the posterior wall of colostomy will retract and no longer completely divert the fecal stream

incidence of prolapse increases over time

43
Q

In a 24 hr period, how much succus entericus does the ileum deliver to the cecum?

A

2L

44
Q

What do we have to worry about with ileostomies and the skin?

A

ileal chyme is liquid and contains digestive enzymes (normally inactivated in the colon)

if the effluent comes in contact with the skin, can be damaging

ileostomy thus fashioned to protrude over the skin as a spigot

45
Q

What are some technical aspects of ostomy creations?

A

preferred location–> anterior abd wall with area of no creases

visible–> needs to be visible to the pt, not underneath pannus

bring the stoma thru the rectus, via a 2 cm hole that does not compromise stoma blood supply but also does not cause a para-stomal hernia

46
Q

Most common indication for a descending end colostomy?

A

APR for rectal cancer

47
Q

Most commonly performed loop colostomy?

A

t-loop colostomy

disadvantage; liquid effluent, evental prolapse, only temporary complete diversion

48
Q

What is procidenita?

A

rectal prolapse

full thickness rectal intussusception starting 3 inches above dentate line and extending above anal verge

49
Q

Which pts present with rectal prolapse?

A

women > 50 (peak age 70s)

50
Q

When doing an APR, what anatomical landmark helps guide dissection to separate rectum from the levator ani muscles?

A

coccyx

51
Q

In pts with colo-rectal carcinoids, what is the greatest prognostic factor?

A

size of tumor

carcinoids > 2 cm have more mets potential

52
Q

What pre-op albumin level is a risk factor for anastomotic leak in a colorectal surgery pt?

A

pre-op serum albumin less than 3.5 g/dL is a risk factor for leak

53
Q

Risk factors assc. w/anastomotic leaks?

A
technical
poor nutritional status
high tension anastomosis 
vascular compromise
septic environment 
location (highest leak rates in distal rectum)
54
Q

Hinchey classification

A

I–> pericolic/mesenteric abscess

II–> walled off pelvic abscess

III–> purulent peritonitis

IV–> feculent peritonitis

55
Q

For a suspected colorectal Ca, what is the pre-op we do?

A

CBC, BMP, CEA
completion colonoscopy
bx of lesion
CT a/p/c with IV + oral contrast

56
Q

Colon cancer tends to mets to what two places most offten?

A

1st–> liver

2nd–> lung

57
Q

When to perform an APR vs LAR?

A

based on tumor location

tumors in superior or mid rectum–> LAR

tumors in lower 1/3 of rectum, 2 cm from anal verge–> APR w/permanent colostomy

tumors on dentate line–> APR w/colostomy

58
Q

Transanal excision of a colorectal tumor is only acceptable at what stage?

A

T1 N0 M0 (stage 1)

59
Q

FAP is associated with malignancies in other areas of the body, commonly where?

A

duodenum (as a result upper endoscopy recommended in FAP pts at 20-25 y/o or when colonic polyps first appear)

brain cancer also seen in FAP, but rarer

60
Q

Pts with FAP who undergo a total abdominal colectomy, with ileo-rectal anastomosis should have what type of screening?

A

yearly endoscopic surveillance of their rectum

61
Q

What’s the Nigro protocol for?

A

tx of choice for squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal

5-FU
mitomycin-C
external radiation tx

62
Q

What is the most common complication after stricturoplasty?

A

bleeding

63
Q

Contraindications for stricturoplasty?

A

malignancy in the diseased segment

active fisutlizing disease, acute inflammation, phlegmon

64
Q

What is the most common genetic defect seen in colon cancer?

A

APC on chrom 5

65
Q

1st mutation seen in the adenoma to carcinoma sequence?

A

APC mutation

66
Q

Usual presenting symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?

A
flushing
wheezing
non bloody watery diarrhea
abd pain
right sided heart failure
67
Q

Test to diagnose carcinoid tumors in symptomatic pts?

A

24-hr urine 5-HIAA measurements

68
Q

First line tx for SBP?

A

usually caused by a single gram negative bacteria

tx: 3rd gen cephalosporin, FQs

69
Q

Most common cause of SBP?

A

gram negative enteric bacteria

70
Q

This opioid antagonist has been used post-op to help resume bowel function faster in pts with partial large or small bowel resections with anastomosis;

A

alvimopam

71
Q

What is alvimopam used for?

A

FDA approved for helping resume bowel function in pts with partial or small bowel resections

72
Q

What do we see on endoscopy of someone with severe chronic ulcerative colitis?

A

sloughing

deep ulcers with exposed muscularis

73
Q

What is a Krukenberg tumor?

A

metastatic adenocarcinoma to the ovary

stomach is most common primary site 70%

74
Q

What % of pts with acute appendicitis will have an associated neoplasm?

A

1%

75
Q

Where do we place stomas?

A

stoma should be visible to the pt

located within rectus muscle in a 4-5 cm healthy area of skin without creases

can be put within ostomy triangle

in obese pts; above umbilicus preferred so they can see it

76
Q

Pt undergoes a left hemi for stage II descending colon cancer, how do we follow him?

A

CEA + clinical exam every 3-4 months

CT c/a/p every 6-12 months

colonoscopy at 12 months

77
Q

What part of large colon has greatest risk of rupture from large bowel obstruction?

A

cecum, has largest diameter

78
Q

Tx for a low rectovaginal fistula?

A

rectal advancement flap

79
Q

Operative indications for c.diff colitis include what?

A

toxic megacolon
cecal diameter > 12 cm, colonic diameter > 6 cm
suspected bowel perforation
peritonitis

80
Q

For pts with UC, who have total proctocolectomy, which extra-colonic symptoms improve and don’t?

A

PSC + ankylosing spondylitis do not improve

50% of pyoderma gangrenosum improve

ocular sxs, arthritis, and anemia improve

81
Q

AFter an episode of colonic ischemia, why can we see colonic strictures after?

A

if ischemia involved more than just mucosal and submucosal layers