The incidence of metachronous colorectal cancer has most often been reported as a crude rate: second cancers/index cancers. The reported incidence varies between 0.5 percent and 3.6 percent. However, these calculations do not take into account factors such as length of survival and length of follow-up. The cumulative incidence more accurately reflects the risk for developing a metachronous cancer and was determined in a retrospective analysis of 5,476 patients who were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer between 1965 and 1985. The cumulative probability was calculated by determining the number of patients developing a metachronous colon cancer vs. the number remaining at risk at that point in time. The calculated annual incidence for metachronous tumors was 0.35 percent per year. The cumulative incidence at 18 years was 6.3 percent. Analysis also demonstrated that metachronous cancers were diagnosed at earlier stages than were index cancers (P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with metachronous cancer before and after 1980. There was a difference in the incidence of metachronous cancers between these two groups (P = 0.04).

A study was performed to define the normal range of values for anorectal manometry. Normal volunteers were divided according to gender and parity. There were 20 males, 21 nulliparous females, and 18 multiparous females among the 59 subjects. Anorectal manometry using a radial eight-port catheter was performed during resting and squeezing maneuvers of the anal sphincter. Computerized data analysis and three-dimensional imaging were used to calculate sphincter length at rest and squeeze, mean maximum resting and squeeze pressures, and vector symmetry index. The sphincter length at rest and with squeezing in males was significantly greater compared with the two female groups (P < 0.007). Mean maximum squeeze pressures were also significantly elevated in the male group compared with the female groups (P = 0). Mean maximum resting pressures were significantly higher in nulliparous women than in multiparous women (P = 0.04). However, no difference in resting pressures was found between males and nulliparous females. A comparison of the symmetry of the anal canal revealed no differences among the three groups. Ranges for normal anorectal manometry are definable. Normal ranges are distinct for subgroups of patients, particularly with regard to gender and parity. Patients must be compared with their normal subgroups to correctly identify manometric abnormalities.

A retrospective review of 29 patients who had an anoplasty using the sliding House advancement flap was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technique. Long-term symptom relief and late complications were determined by telephone interview. Indications for anoplasty were: stenosis (21 cases), ectropion (four), Bowen's disease (two), keyhole deformity (two) and perineal fistula (one). A single House flap was performed in most patients, but eight required multiple flaps. Lateral internal sphincterotomy was performed concomitantly in 16 of 21 patients with anal stenosis. Postoperative complications included donor-site separation (14), urinary retention (eight) and sepsis (four). At a median follow-up of 28 months, 26 of 29 patients had improved and 24 were completely satisfied. House flap anoplasty can be used to correct many anoderm deficiencies with a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.

Long strictures of the anal canal, extending from the dentate line to the perianal skin, have challenged surgeons for many years. Numerous techniques have been devised to treat anal strictures. A technique to relieve an anal stenosis that involves the entire circumference and the length of the anal canal from the dentate line onto the perianal skin is described. It has two principal advantages: 1) it provides a broad skin flap for the entire length of the involved anal canal; and 2) it provides primary closure of the donor site. In addition, it avoids extensive mobilization of tissue, the flap maintains good blood supply with minimal tension, and there is no small tip prone to necrosis.

A retrospective review of 29 patients who had an anoplasty using the sliding House advancement flap was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technique. Long-term symptom relief and late complications were determined by telephone interview. Indications for anoplasty were: stenosis (21 cases), ectropion (four), Bowen's disease (two), keyhole deformity (two) and perineal fistula (one). A single House flap was performed in most patients, but eight required multiple flaps. Lateral internal sphincterotomy was performed concomitantly in 16 of 21 patients with anal stenosis. Postoperative complications included donor-site separation (14), urinary retention (eight) and sepsis (four). At a median follow-up of 28 months, 26 of 29 patients had improved and 24 were completely satisfied. House flap anoplasty can be used to correct many anoderm deficiencies with a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.