Results of an audit of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool (2022)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Nicola Tonks Natasha Rolls, Kimberly Bain, Paul Russell-Roberts and Mark Bain

Citation:
British Journal of Nursing, December 2022, Vol 31, No 22, S4-S12 (Stoma Care Supplement)

Abstract:
Background: Leakage is the number one concern for people with an ostomy. The 2019 Ostomy Life Study, a global study of more than 5000 ostomates, showed that 92% of people living with a stoma worry about leakage. Getting the right stoma appliance for each patient is key to increasing patient quality of life. Aim: The study was designed to assess the use of the PeristomalBody Profile Assessment Tool in helping choose the most appropriate stoma products for a given patient, decreasing incidents of leakage and peristomal skin complications. Methods: A multi-centre (33 sites, 147 patients) low-interventional clinical investigation was conducted in which the use of the Peristomal BodyProfile Assessment Tool was evaluated as a tool to reduce incidents of leakage, increase peristomal skin health and increase patient quality of life. A focus group of randomised participating clinicians (n=16) was held to explore the audit results. Results: The assessment tool most often took between 2 and 5 minutes to complete. It supported clinicians in selecting the right appliance for each patient, avoiding leakages and preventing associated peristomal skin complications. The assessment tool helped improve the accuracy and quality of documentation in the patients’ medical/nursing notes, increasing the quality and continuity of care. Participants reported that using the assessment tool helped reduce care costs by reducing the need for product changes, supporting product usage and return patient visits. Conclusion: Use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool helped clinicians choose the most appropriate stoma appliance the first time, resulting in patients having healthier peristomal skin, fewer leakages, more confidence in their stoma appliance and a higher quality of life.

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Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for pelvic floor dysfunction is a safe procedure: a single centre experience (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Chang J.; *Rajalingam V.; *Ebanks A.; *Lacy-Colson J.; *Farquharson A.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 65), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Purpose: Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (LVMR) is an established treatment option in the management of internal and external rectal prolapse. However, there is some concern regarding the safety and long-term outcomes of the use of mesh in the pelvis. The Pelvic Floor Society (TPFS) has suggested a move towards delivering this surgery in accredited units in the UK. We present our experience and outcomes for LVMR where a standardised technique is performed. Method(s): All patients who underwent LVMR between 2012 and 2020 at a single centre were included. Clinical indications for surgery, preoperative proctogram, endoanal ultrasound, anorectal physiology, pre and postoperative symptom severity scoring (Longo and Wexner) and outcome data were collected and analysed. Result(s): 146 patients underwent LVMR during the study period. Indications included; faecal incontinence (FI) (5), obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) (74), mixed ODS/FI (34), and external rectal prolapse (32). One patient required re-operation for vaginal erosion of mesh suture (4 years post-LVMR). No other mesh complications were identified. 100 patients had resolution of symptoms, 46 had symptomatic improvement but required ongoing therapies (rectal irrigation, laxatives or biofeedback therapy). Ten patients underwent subsequent sutured transanal mucosal repair or haemorrhoidectomy for ongoing symptoms of ODS. Two patients developed recurrence of external prolapse which required operation: Delorme's (1), repeat LVMR (1). Conclusion(s): LVMR is a safe and effective procedure for pelvic floor dysfunction and the treatment of internal and external rectal prolapse in selected patients. Undertaking a standardised procedure in high volume units ensures optimal patient outcomes.

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Comparative analysis of gene mutations present in rectal mucus sampled using the OricolTM and DNA retrieved from the Paired Formalin-Fixed Tumour Blocks. Early Data from the OricolTM EGI-02 Study (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Lacy-Colson J.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 15), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Background: The Colorectal 2-week wait (2WW) pathway is overwhelmed. qFiT has been added to the pathway, however cancer detection rate remains low ~5%. Using a novel rectal mucus sampling device (OricolTM) we hypothesized that shed genetic material could be retrieved from rectal mucus using OricolTM, potentially forming an accurate triage tool for colonoscopy or other investigation (Oricol EGI-02 Study). Method(s): The OricolTM device was used in symptomatic patients recruited from 4 NHS Trusts. DNA from FFPE-histology blocks was compared to the pre-operative OricolTM rectal mucus specimen. Using targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) incorporating error suppression technology, including unique molecular indexes (UMI's) and dual indexes (UDI's) for removal of PCR/sequencing errors/index hopping events, we assessed the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in 50 known CRC genes across both samples. Current recruitment to the Oricol-EGI- 02 Study is 586/600. 35 paired samples and 35 Oricol samples from normal 2WW colonoscopies were evaluated. Result(s): There were no statistical differences between tumour associated SNP burden in the FFPE-blocks and the rectal mucus sample from CRC patients. Tumour associated SNP burden in the paired cancer samples was significantly higher compared to the normal group (p < 0.001). Identical SNPs were identified in both tumour and paired Oricol samples. Conclusion(s): This result confirms the hypothesis that shedding of DNA from colorectal cancers (caecum to rectum) can be detected in rectal mucus using OricolTM. Sampling rectal mucus could be used to accurately detect CRC in unprepared patients, dramatically reducing the number of normal colonoscopies which currently overwhelm the 2WW pathway.

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Reduction in rates of reversal of temporary stoma after anterior resection, another building crisis post COVID-19? (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Chang J.; *Rajalingam V.; *Dowdeswell M.; *Ball W.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 77), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Purpose: Diverting loop-ostomies are sometimes formed in patients undergoing resection for rectal cancer with primary anastomosis. Timing to reversal is commonly reported between 3-6 months of original surgery, with longstanding issues of delays secondary to low-surgical prioritisation. Our retrospective study over a 5-year period aims to understand the effect on timing to reversal of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): All patients undergoing resection for rectal cancer were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics data between 01.01.2018 and 01.07.2021. Data was then cross-referenced with patients undergoing reversal surgery. Demographics, time to surgery, length of stay and post-operative morbidity data were collected. <br/>Result(s): There were 262 anterior resections performed. 192 patients had resection with primary anastomosis (PA): 85 had formation of loop ileostomy, 23 formation of loop colostomy. Results before March 2020: 65 resections with PA and ileostomy. 34 (52.3%) reversed with median time to reversal of 266 days, (range 98-1015). 16 resections with PA and colostomy. 7 reversed (44%), median time to reversal 476 days (range 104-768). Results after March 2020: 20 resections with PA and loop-ileostomy. 3 have been reversed (15%), with median time to reversal of 211 days, (range 103-449). 7 resections with PA and colostomy, none reversed. Showing reduction in overall stoma-reversal in the post pandemic period (p = 0.000297). Conclusion(s): We will experience ongoing conflicts with prioritisation of caseloads as the ongoing effects of COVID continue. This is the time for novel solutions to a building crisis, such as ring-fenced lists or same-day surgery with ambulatory follow-up.

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Resection and primary anastomosis in perforated diverticulitis: Selecting the right operation for the right patients (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Rajalingam V.; *Chang J.; *Dowdeswell M.; *McCloud J.; *Cheetham M.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 77), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Purpose: For decades there has been very little change in practice in the surgical management of perforated diverticulitis. Reluctance to risk anastomotic leak persists despite increasing recognition that primary anastomosis (PA) should be considered in selected patients as an alternative to Hartmanns Procedure (HP). We retrospectively studied our outcomes for patients undergoing resectional surgery for diverticulitis. Method(s): All patients undergoing emergency resectional surgery for perforated diverticulitis between March 2015 and Jan 2021 were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data. Demographics were collected and the patient groups were case matched for age and Charleson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Computed Tomography (CT) appearance and intraoperative contamination data. Result(s): 105 patients were included. 15 patients had PA (without diversion) and 90 HP. In the PA cohort were 10 males, median age 52 (range 27-76). There were no anastomotic leaks. 30-day morbidities were superficial wound dehiscence (1) and early incisional hernia (1). Median post-operative stay was 9 days (range 5-25). HP control group (age below 76, CCI 10 and below, Hinchey 1-3). 58 patients, 26 males, median age 60.5 (range 30-76). Median post-operative stay was 10.5 days (range 5-227). 2 patients required re-operation. 5 patients developed wound infections. At the time of the study 18 patients have undergone reversal, 6 are on waiting-list. There was a single 30-day mortality (post-discharge). Conclusion(s): PA in selected patients is not only safe, but has lower morbidity than HP. We should be challenging the status quo and offering our patients appropriate surgery on an individualised basis.

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Rectal mucus protein collection using the OricolTM sampling device: Comparison of calprotectin levels in stool and rectal mucus in patients with suspected or confirmed inflammatory bowel disease (Oricol-EGI- 01 Study) (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Jones, G.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. Conference: Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Meeting. Edinburgh United Kingdom. 24(Supplement 2) (pp 58), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Background: Faecal calprotectin testing is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after cancer exclusion. Many patients do not produce faecal samples as requested and therefore a direct collection technique may have a role in IBD diagnosis or monitoring. We compared the performance of faecal and rectal mucus calprotectin collected with the OriColTM sampling device Methods: Sixty-six patients with confirmed or suspected IBD were recruited in the Oricol-EGI- 01 Study. OriColTM and matched stool samples were collected and processed following standard operating procedures. Calprotectin concentrations were measured using IDK Calprotectin and fCAL assays Results: Calprotectin was detectable in the OriColTM samples with good discrimination across the calprotectin assays and discernible correlation to corresponding faecal calprotectin concentrations Using thresholds determined for rectal mucus calprotectin (calculated by linear regression), the percentage agreement between calprotectin concentrations in stool and rectal mucus for patients with faecal calprotectin >=50 mug/g was between 68% and 91% with a percentage agreement at <50 mug/g between 40% and 71% with IDK Calprotectin and fCAL assays respectively. Good agreement was observed for IBD patients with the results being above the threshold for both faecal and rectal mucus calprotectin with 93% and 86% for IDK Calprotectin and fCAL assays respectively Conclusion(s): The OriColTM Calprotectin Kit was successfully used to collect rectal mucus and measure calprotectin concentrations with positive correlation to corresponding faecal calprotectin and is potentially a new and acceptable modality in IBD patients.

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An internal pilot study of a novel rectal mucocellular sampling device to allow next-generation sequencing for colorectal disease (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Humphrey H.N.; Diodato A.; Isner J.-C.; Walker E.; *Lacy-Colson J.; Nedjai B.; Daniels I.R.; McDermott F.D.; Walker E.T.; Battersby N.J.; Sisodia H.; Rottenburg H.; Cunningham C.; Bird S.; Jones G.A.R.; Wise D.; Spencer S.J.;

Citation:
Techniques in Coloproctology. 27(3):227-235, 2023 Mar.

Abstract:
Background: The ORI-EGI-02 study was designed to test the hypothesis that rectal mucus collected using a novel rectal sampling device (OriColTM), contains sufficient human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the required quality for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), for colorectal disease genetic signature discovery. Method(s): Using National Institute for Health and Care Research methodology, an internal pilot study was performed in January 2020-May 2021, at four sites in the United Kingdom, to assess the process of recruitment, consent, specimen acquisition and viability for analysis. Following an OriColTM test, the sample was stabilized with a buffer solution to preserve the material, which was posted to the laboratory. Samples were processed using QIAamp DNA Blood Midi kit to extract DNA and Quant-iTTM PicoGreen dsDNA Reagent to quantify the retrieved DNA. DNA integrity was measured by Agilent TapeStation system. 25 ng of human amplifiable DNA was prepared for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), which was performed on an Illumina NextSeq550 sequencer using the 300-cycle high output kit v2.5.
Result(s): This study assessed the first 300 patients enrolled to the ORI-EGI-02 Study (n = 800). 290/300 (96.67%) were eligible to undergo OriColTM sampling procedure and 285/290 (98.27%) had a successful OriColTM sample taken. After transportation, extraction and quantification of DNA, 96.20% (279/290) of the samples had NGS successfully performed for bioinformatic analysis. Conclusion(s): Our internal pilot study demonstrated that the OriColTM sampling device can capture rectal mucus from unprepared bowel in subjects who could undergo a digital rectal examination. The technique could be applied irrespective of age, frailty, or co-morbidity. Completion of the study to 800 patients and analysis of NGS data for colorectal cancer mutations will now proceed.

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Intussusception of the Appendix in a Young Adult with Cystic Fibrosis: An Important Differential Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain in Cystic Fibrosis Patients? (2022)

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Venkatasami M.; *Cobby E.

Citation:
British Journal of Surgery. Conference: ASiT Surgical Conference 2022. Aberdeen United Kingdom. 109(Supplement 6) (pp vi57), 2022. Date of Publication: September 2022.

Abstract:
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is commonly associated with gastrointestinal manifestations from infancy to adulthood. Intussusception in the paediatric CF population is widely reported, whereas in the adult, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) is common affecting 20%, of which, intussusception is rare and appendiceal intussusception is rarer, affecting 1%. Case-Description: A 20-year-old male with CF presented with 3 days of right iliac fossa pain and diarrhoea. On admission, he was hypotensive and afebrile. Clinical examination revealed tenderness of the right flank with a palpable mass in the right iliac fossa. Serum investigations showed mildly raised inflammatory markers. Contrast CT of the abdomen-pelvis confirmed intussusception of the appendix into the ascending colon. Histological analysis of the appendix further demonstrated intussusception, with intraluminal mucinous material. Fascinatingly, no transmural inflammation was present. The patient underwent a laparotomy-open appendicectomy. Interestingly, intraoperative findings showed the intussusception resolved, no longer requiring surgical reduction. Patient postoperative recovery was complicated by pneumonia for which he was transferred for specialist CF respiratory care and thereafter, discharged. Discussion(s): Literature review highlighted a paucity of data, with 10 reported cases of appendiceal intussusception in adult CF patients. Interestingly, we report the intussusception had reduced by the time of operation. This is in-keeping with previous case reports of transient intussusception which spontaneously resolved. Conclusion(s): From this rare case presentation, we have learnt it is imperative to carry a high index of suspicion for gastrointestinal manifestations in CF patients where acute appendicitis is seen less often and differential diagnoses like DIOS and intussusception should be considered.

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Response to Tofacitinib in British Asians with ulcerative colitis: a real-world tertiary centre experience (2022)

Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):Forsyth K.; *Bhandal H.; Macfarlane M.; Gray C.; Hannah G.; Parkes G.

Citation:Gut. Conference: Annual Meeting of the British Society of Gastroenterology, BSG 2022. Birmingham United Kingdom. 71(Supplement 1) (pp A47), 2022. Date of Publication: June 2022

Abstract:Introduction We have previously shown UK South Asians (SA) with IBD are prescribed TNF antagonists earlier in disease course in comparison with white British (WB) patients, but are more likely to stop due to treatment failure (Gadhok 2020). However, it is currently unknown whether there is a similar variation in response to Tofacitinib, a non-selective JAK inhibitor. We aim to determine whether persistence to tofacitinib varies with ethnicity and evaluate real world efficacy in an inner-city tertiary referral centre. Methods Patients prescribed Tofacitinib since 2019 were identified from electronic prescribing records. The following data was collected: ethnicity (as per UK standard coding), disease history including Montreal classification of disease extent, prior advanced therapies, persistence on therapy, indication for cessation, side effects, and endoscopic and biochemical markers of disease activity. Results 30 adults with UC were prescribed tofacitinib, with a median duration of follow up of 833 days (n=31). 11 patients were female, and ethnicity was as follows: SA:11: Black:1:WB:12:Other/unstated:7. The median failure free survival was 447 days, with no significant variation associated with number of prior advanced therapies (1 prior biologic, 303.5 days (n=12) vs >1 prior biologic, 715 days (n=19) p=0.28). Comparison between characteristics and response to treatment of South Asian and White British patients, presented in table 1: There was no difference between median failure free survival of SA and WB patients (304 days vs 447 days, p=0.28). There was a trend towards lower primary non-response in SA patients, with fewer stopping treatment by 12 weeks, although this was not statistically significant (9.09% vs 33.33% p=0.17). No difference in disease duration at first prescription of tofacitinib between SA and WB patients was found (78.75 months vs 86.80 months p=0.78). 2 patients stopped treatment due to side effects, with 1 patient (SA) stopping due to MACE. Conclusion In contrast to our previous work on TNF antagonists, British SA patients prescribed tofacitinib for UC had failure free survival comparable with WB patients, with a trend towards fewer primary non responders. Although limited by sample size, these findings are reassuring given that SA patients are underrepresented in trials of novel therapies in IBD and warrants a larger study.

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Treatment with bile acid sequestrants improves quality-of-life in specific patients with bile acid diarrhoea (2022)

Type of publication:Conference abstract

Author(s):Kumar A.; Galbraith N.; Al-Hassi H.; Jain M.; *Butterworth J.; Steed H.; McLaughlin J.; Brookes M.

Citation:Gut. Conference: Annual Meeting of the British Society of Gastroenterology, BSG 2022. Birmingham United Kingdom. 71(Supplement 1) (pp A156), 2022. Date of Publication: June 2022

Abstract:Background Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea and up to 30% of patients can be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. Type 1 BAD is secondary to ileal resection or inflammation; type 2 is idiopathic; and type 3 is secondary to other intestinal conditions such as cholecystectomy. BAD can be severely debilitating and negatively affect patients' quality of life (QoL). We carried out a multicentre prospective study exploring QoL outcomes in patients with BAD before and after treatment with colesevelam. Methods Patients with or without BAD (defined by a 23- seleno-25-homotaurocholic acid (SeHCAT) retention < 19%) were recruited into four groups: 1) SeHCAT normal control group (CG), 2) idiopathic (BAD), BAD secondary to 3) postcholecystectomy (PC) and 4) post-terminal ileal resection for Crohn's disease (CD). Patients in groups 2-4 were treated with colesevelam and dosing was titrated to symptomatic response. Patients were reviewed at 4- and 8-weekly intervals and QoL evaluated by EQ-5D-3L, SF-36, IBDQ-32 (where relevant). Clinical response was defined as patients who had improved bowel frequency by >50% or <3 bowel movements per day. Results 47 patients (BAD=24, PC=12, CD=11) completed QoL questionnaires before and after treatment and 30 CG patients completed a baseline questionnaire. The CD cohort had improved IBDQ-32 mean scores after treatment (134.6 vs 158.4, p=0.007). The BAD and CD cohort showed improved mean scores with treatment in all components of the SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L, whilst the PC cohort showed a general decline in mean scores after treatment. The CG cohort generally had higher baseline scores than the other three groups. 55% of patients clinically responded to treatment (41.7% BAD, 58.3% PC, 81.8% CD). Correlations between those deemed as responders with improvements on the IBDQ-32, SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L dimensions were not statistically significant. Conclusion Our results demonstrate improved QoL in the BAD and CD cohort with treatment. Further larger studies are recommended specifically investigating the PC cohort and whether patients may improve with newer treatments such as FXR agonists.

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