IntroductionGallstone sigmoid ileus is a rare although serious complication of cholelithiasis resulting in large bowel obstruction. The condition accounts for 4% of all gallstone ileus patients. There are no recognized management guidelines currently. Management strategies range from minimally invasive endoscopy and lithotripsy to substantial surgery. We aim to identify trends when managing patients with gallstone sigmoid ileus to help improve outcomes.MethodsLiterature searches of EMBASE, Medline and by hand were conducted. All English language papers published from 2000 to 2017(Oct) were included. The terms 'gallstone', 'sigmoid', 'colon', 'ileus', 'coleus' and 'large bowel obstruction' were used.Results38 papers included, male:female ratio was 8:30. Average age was 81.11 (SD ± 7.59). Average length of preceding symptoms was 5.31days (+/-SD3.16). 20/38 (59%) had diverticulosis. 89% of patients had significant comorbidities documented. 34/38 patients underwent computerized tomography. 31 stones were located within sigmoid colon, 4 at rectosigmoid junction and 2 within descending colon. Average impacted gallstone size was 4.14 cm (2.3–7 cm range). 23/38 (61%) patients' initial management was conservative or with endoscopy ± lithotripsy. Conservative management successfully treated 26% of patients. 28/38 (74%) patients ultimately underwent surgical intervention. 5/38 patients died post-operatively. Patients treated non-operatively had shorter hospital stays (4:12.3days) although not significant (p-value = 0.0056).ConclusionsThere is no management consensus from the literature. Current evidence highlights endoscopy and lithotripsy as practical firstline strategies. However, surgical intervention should not be delayed if non-operative measures fail or in emergency. Given the complexity of such patients, less invasive timesaving surgery appears practical, avoiding bowel resection and associated complications.

MRI virtopsy may offer a viable alternative to traditional autopsy. By using MRI virtopsy, a potential cost reduction of at least 33% is feasible, and therefore ought to be considered in eligible patients.

Endoscopic examination of UC patients without PSC identifies dysplastic or cancerous lesions in 5-7% of cases. WLE and random biopsies may pick-up a similar number of lesions to targeted biopsies, however the number of biopsies may need to be greater to achieve this equivalence. CE has a slightly higher pick-up rate. Further comparative studies are required to strengthen the body of evidence.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic produced unprecedented challenges, at a global level, in the provision of cancer care. With the ongoing need in the delivery of life-saving cancer treatment, the surgical management of patients with colorectal cancer required prompt significant transformation. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the outcome of a bespoke regional Cancer Hub model in the delivery of elective and essential colorectal cancer surgery, at the height of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. 168 patients underwent colorectal cancer surgery from April 1st to June 30th of 2020. Approximately 75% of patients operated upon underwent colonic resection, of which 47% were left-sided, 34% right-sided and 12% beyond total mesorectal excision surgeries. Around 79% of all resectional surgeries were performed via laparotomy, and the remainder 21%, robotically or laparoscopically. Thirty-day complication rate, for Clavien–Dindo IIIA and above, was 4.2%, and 30-day mortality rate was 0.6%. Re-admission rate, within 30 days post-discharge, was 1.8%, however, no patient developed COVID-19 specific complications post-operatively and up to 28 days post-discharge. The established Cancer Hub offered elective surgical care for patients with colorectal cancer in a centralised, timely and efficient manner, with acceptable post-operative outcomes and no increased risk of contracting COVID-19 during their inpatient stay. We offer a practical model of care that can be used when elective surgery “hubs” for streamlined delivery of elective care needs to be established in an expeditious fashion, either due to the COVID-19 pandemic or any other future pandemics.

AIMTo investigate the role of music in reducing anxiety and discomfort during flexible sigmoidoscopy.METHODSA systematic review of all comparative studies up to November 2016, without language restriction that were identified from MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1960-2016), and EMBASE (1991-2016). Further searches were performed using the bibliographies of articles and abstracts from major conferences such as the ESCP, NCRI, ASGBI and ASCRS. MeSH and text word terms used included “sigmoidoscopy”, “music” and “endoscopy” and “anxiety”. All comparative studies reporting on the effect of music on anxiety or pain during flexible sigmoidoscopy, in adults, were included. Outcome data was extracted by 2 authors independently using outcome measures defined a priori. Quality assessment was performed.RESULTSA total of 4 articles published between 1994 and 2010, fulfilled the selection criteria. Data were extracted and analysed using OpenMetaAnalyst. Patients who listened to music during their flexible sigmoidoscopy had less anxiety compared to control groups [Random effects; SMD: 0.851 (0.467, 1.235), S.E = 0.196, P < 0.001]. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity (Q = 0.085, df = 1, P = 0.77, I2 = 0). Patients who listened to music during their flexible sigmoidoscopy had less pain compared to those who did not, but this difference did not reach statistical significance [Random effects; SMD: 0.345 (-0.014, 0.705), S.E = 0.183, P = 0.06]. Patients who listened to music during their flexible sigmoidoscopy felt it was a useful intervention, compared to those who did not (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant heterogeneity (P = 0.528, I2 = 0).CONCLUSIONMusic appeared to benefit patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopies in relation to anxiety and was deemed a helpful intervention. Pain may also be reduced however further investigation is required to ascertain this.