AimsLow anterior resection (LAR) has higher risk of anastomotic leak with its attendant morbidity -mortality. De-functioning loop ileostomy (DLI), claimed to mitigate the consequences of anastomotic leak, has been questioned in recent years. This study aims to evaluate the impact of ileostomy on LAR.MethodsA retrospective analysis of stoma database. 136 patients with stoma (March 2011–July 2015) were assessed. Data was analysed in respect to LAR anastomotic leak rate, impact on morbidity-mortality, short and long-term stoma complications, rate of ileostomy reversal and reasons for non-reversal.Results45 patients had loop ileostomy for LAR. Male (28) to female (17) ratio was 1.65:1 with median age of 69 (IQR: 56-75.5). Only 3 anastomotic leaks (3/45, 6.5%) occurred, all treated conservatively with no mortality. 29 had reversal, average reversal time is 10 months (3–24) and 5 awaiting. Reasons for non-reversal included patients' choice (7), death from cardiac cause (1), chemotherapy (1), unfit for surgery (1) and failed reversal (1). Acute complications included high output & reversible AKI (1), bleeding (3) and minor complications (6) as skin excoriation, separation and appliance issues. Parastomal hernia was repaired during reversal (12/15).ConclusionsDe-functioning ileostomy for LAR is a safe procedure with low morbidity. Most stomas are reversible. Series highlights a late reversal contrary to the nationally recommended guidelines. Most interestingly, the study demonstrated de-functioning mitigated clinical consequences of anastomotic leak to an extent that reoperation was avoidable, in keeping with recent meta-analysis indicating a significantly low anastomotic leakage rates and reoperation. Larger study is invaluable to substantiate findings.

AimsTransanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation and mucopexy has evolved in recent years as a popular minimally invasive non-excisional surgery for symptomatic prolapsing haemorrhoids. The long-term outcome of this procedure however, remains to be established. We aim to analyse the long-term outcome of THD-mucopexy in the management of prolapsing haemorrhoids based on the evidence of a prospective data from a single institution.MethodsA prospective data was collected on 100 consecutive cases of grade 3 and 4 symptomatic haemorrhoids between the period 03/2010 and 06/2015 who underwent the procedure as a day case under general anaesthetic. Overall median follow up was for two years with average age of 54.4 ranges from 34 to 79 and gender ratio of 61% Male and 39% Female. Pre-and postoperative symptoms were assessed with a view to evaluate the nature of complications and long-term recurrence rate.ResultsPreopPost op (6 weeks)Post op (6 months)P valueBleeding74 (74%)99P<0.0001Prolapse31 (31%)67P<0.0001Perianal pain15 (15%)32P = 0.006Discharge5 (5%)10P = 0.21Itching2 (2%)00P = 0.47Anal fissure (Healed)4 (4%)04P = 0.71Postoperative complicationsBleeding 7 (7%)Pain 5 (5%)Urgency 1 (1%)Fistula 1 (1%)Discharge 2 (2%)Infection 3 (3%)Recurrence rate– 13 (13%)ConclusionTHD mucopexy is a safe and effective minimally invasive modality for prolapsing symptomatic haemorrhoids with acceptable complication rates and a recurrence rate of 13% majority of which could be dealt with a repeat procedure. Long terms follow up and randomised (THD VS Haemorrhoidectomy) multicentre trials are warranted to compare its efficacy with that of conventional excisional surgery.

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Perineal hernias following pelvic surgery are rare. Traumatic small bowel perforation in a patient with a perineal hernia is yet to be described. This case report describes a 69-year-old female who following an abdominoperineal resection for cancer developed a perineal hernia and unfortunately sustained perineal trauma. She presented with peritonitis and findings on laparotomy were that of two points of perforation to terminal ileal loop adherent to perineal defect. Resection and a side-to-side anastomosis performed. Repair of the hernia using mesh was considered but not performed due to risk of mesh infection. Perineal hernias have become more common since the advent of laparoscopic pelvic surgery. Although various methods have been described to repair these hernias, there is lack of robust evidence supporting one repair technique over others.