BackgroundAberrant crypt foci (ACF) are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC). The available literature data reveal that age, dietary factors and lifestyle can affect the development of several dozen percentages of malignant tumours, including CRC. In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the incidence and growth dynamics of ACF and to determine whether the type of diet affected the development and number of AFC.MethodsColonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue was performed in 131 patients. On the day of examination, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding epidemiological data. According to their numbers, colorectal ACF were divided into three groups. The findings were analysed statistically. The Student’s t test and the U test were applied in order to determine the significance of differences of means and frequency of events in both groups. Statistica 7.1 and Excel 2010 were used.ResultsThe single ACF occur in the youngest individuals (ACF < 5). Since the age of 38 years, the number of ACF gradually increases to show a decreasing tendency since the age of 60 years. The number of 5 < ACF < 10 occurs slightly later, since the age of 50 years, and dynamically increases reaching the maximum at the age of 62 years, subsequently the increase is proportional. ACF > 10 occur at a more advanced age (55 years) and their number gradually increases with age. The maximum number is observed at the age of 77 years.In individuals not using high-fibre diets and with high intake of red meat, the probability of higher numbers of ACF increases. The probability of higher numbers of ACF (5 < ACF10) was observed in patients with colon diverticula. In patients with higher BMI, the number of ACF is higher.ConclusionAge significantly affects the number of colorectal ACF. The types of foods consumed can considerably increase the risk of colorectal ACF, which is particularly visible in individuals who do not regularly use high-fibre diets, those obese and with colon diverticula.

Background: The importance of ACF is not fully explained, however, their number may be a good predictor of synchronous and metachronic adenoma or other polyps whose removal reduces the risk of CRC. Due to the epidemiological and genetic association of ACF with pre-cancer lesions, they may be a potential CRC biomarker. The aim of our study was to show that the number and type of rectal ACF may be a good predictive factor for the presence of polyps located proximally from the splenic flexure and that the type and number of ACF can correlate with the number and specific types of polyps in the large intestine. Methods: The study included 131 patients who underwent colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue. The number of rectal ACF was determined and bioptats were sampled for histopathological examination to assess the type of ACF. Endoscopic ACF assessment criteria given by L. Roncucci were used. The obtained material was subjected to statistical analysis using probability distribution, U-test, t-student test, and chi 2 as well as the Statistica 7.1 software package. Results: The study population was divided into three subgroups according to the number of ACF observed, i.e. ACF < 5, 5-10 and > 10. ACF < 5 were found in 35 patients (29.41%), 5-10 ACF in 70 (58.82%) and ACF > 10 in 14 individuals (11.76%). The study revealed the presence of normal ACF (p = 0.49), hyperplastic ACF (p = 0.34), dysplastic ACF (p = 0.11), and mixed ACF (p = 0.06). A single type of ACF was most commonly observed (n = 88, p = 0.74). In the researched group a larger number of ACF is concurrent with adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. The number of ACF clearly correlates with the dysplasia advancement in the adenoma and the number of polyps found. Conclusions: Rectal ACF are a useful marker for the presence of cancerous lesions in the proximal and distal sections of the large intestine.

IntroductionGeneral approval of laparoscopy as well as persistent urge to minimize operative trauma with still existing difficulties in putting natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) into practice have contributed to the introduction of laparoscopic operations through one incision in the umbilicus named single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS).AimThe main aim of this study was to assess the benefits to patients of applying SILS cholecystectomy as a method of gallbladder removal based on the comparison with classic four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Material and methodsBetween 18.03.2009 and 09.12.2009, 100 patients were included in the study and they underwent elective gallbladder removal by applying the laparoscopic technique. All patients were divided into two equal groups: qualified for SILS cholecystectomy (group I) and qualified for classic four-trocar laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group II), whose ASA physical status was I and II. BMI was limited to 35 kg/m2. Outcome measures included operative time, intensity of postoperative pain and consumption of painkillers, hospital stay, need for conversion, complications, and cosmetic effects.ResultsMean operating time in group I was 66 min and in group II 47.2 min. Intensity of pain evaluated by using the visual analogue scale (VAS) 6 h after the operation in group I was 3.49 and in group II 4.53, whereas 24 h after the operation in group I it was 1.18 and in group II 1.55. The painkiller requirement in group I was smaller than in group II. Mean hospital stay after the operation in group I was 1.33 days and in group II 1.96 days. There were 4 conversions in group I and one conversion in group II. Among the complications in group I there were noted 2 cases of right pneumothorax, 1 case of choleperitonitis and 4 complications connected with wound healing. There was one injury of the duodenum and one wound infection in group II.ConclusionsSingle-incision laparoscopic surgery cholecystectomy can be an alternative to classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially with reference to young people with body mass index less than 35 kg/m2, without serious systemic diseases, operated on electively due to benign gallbladder diseases.

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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death worldwide. According to the theory by Vogelstein, colorectal carcinogenesis involves a series of successive changes in the normal colonic mucosa, starting with excessive proliferation and focal disorders of intestinal crypts, followed by adenoma and its subsequent malignant transformation. The first identifiable changes in CRC carcinogenesis are aberrant crypt foci (ACF). ACF are invisible during routine colonoscopy yet are well identifiable in chromoendoscopy using methylene blue or indigo carmine. High-resolution colonoscopes are used for assessment of ACF. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of standard-resolution colonoscopy for identification of rectal ACF. The following parameters were evaluated: duration of chromoendoscopy of a given rectal segment, type of ACF, sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy combined with histopathological evaluation. The mean duration of colonoscopy and chromoendoscopy was 26.8 min. In the study population, typical ACF were found in 73 patients (p = 0.489), hyperplastic ACF in 49 (p = 0.328), and dysplastic ACF in 16 patients (p = 0.107). Mixed ACF were observed in 11 individuals (p = 0.073). The sensitivity of the method was found to be 0.96 whereas its specificity 0.99.Identification of rectal ACF using standard-resolution colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue is characterised by high sensitivity and specificity.