Vascular graft infection is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Diagnosis is difficult, as there is no single diagnostic criterion that has a 100% accuracy. A combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and several imaging techniques is mandatory. Beside a wide range of indications in the oncological field, positron emission tomography with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) has a well-known role in the diagnosis of bone and soft-tissue infections. Some authors have recently reported on the potential use of FDG-PET in the diagnosis of vascular graft infections. The aim of this study is to review personal experience. Five consecutive patients with a suspected prosthetic infection (1 aortobifemoral bypass, 3 femoropopliteal bypasses, and 1 femorofemoral bypass) underwent FDG-PET. All prostheses showed a moderate or intense FDG tracer uptake. All 3 patients with an intense FDG uptake proved to have a prosthetic infection (based on microbiologic examination). These preliminary results suggest that FDG-PET might be an interesting tool to confirm vascular graft infection.

Introduction : Hemorrhoidal disease is a common problem that arises when hemorrhoidal structures become engorged and/or prolapse through the anal canal. Both conservative and invasive treatment options are diverse and guidance to their implementation is lacking. Methods : A Delphi consensus process was used to review current literature and draft relevant statements. These were reconciliated until sufficient agreement was reached. The grade of evidence was determined. These guidelines were based on the published literature up to June 2020. Results : Hemorrhoids are normal structures within the anorectal region. When they become engorged or slide down the anal canal, symptoms can arise. Every treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids should be tailored to patient profile and expectations. For low-grade hemorrhoids, conservative treatment should consist of fiber supplements and can include a short course of venotropics. Instrumental treatment can be added case by case : infrared coagulation or rubber band ligation when prolapse is more prominent. For prolapsing hemorrhoids, surgery can be indicated for refractory cases. Conventional hemorrhoidectomy is the most efficacious intervention for all grades of hemorrhoids and is the only choice for non-reducible prolapsing hemorrhoids. Conclusions : The current guidelines for the management of hemorrhoidal disease include recommendations for the clinical evaluation of hemorrhoidal disorders, and their conservative, instrumental and surgical management.

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Background : Chronic functional constipation is a highly prevalent disorder in which, when conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms, surgical interventions are sometimes indicated. In recent years, neuromodulation for the treatment of functional constipation has gained interest but its role and effectiveness are still unclear. The purpose of this review is to provide a systematic overview on the current literature on the different modalities of neurostimulation and their effect on chronic functional constipation in adults as reported in the literature. Methods : A search in the literature for articles concerning the effect of different types of neuromodulation on constipation was performed in PubMed using extensive search terms for the different modalities of neuromodulation. Studies and trials were checked for eligibility. For all types of neuromodulation together, 27 articles were included. Results : 17 studies were included on SNM (sacral nerve modulation). Although multiple studies show positive results on the effect of SNM in constipation, double-blind crossover RCT’s (randomised controlled trials) showed no significant effect. 3 studies were included for tSNS (transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation), 2 for PTNS (percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation) and 2 for TTNS (transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation). Studies and trials on these modalities of neuromodulation reported ambiguous results on statistical significance of the effect. For transcutaneous IFC (interferential current therapy) 2 studies were included, which both reported a statistically significant effect on all outcomes. Conclusion : The beneficial effect of neuromodulation in chronic functional constipation remains questionable. However, neuro-modulation might be worth considering in patients refractory to treatment before turning to more invasive measures. Future research should shed more light on the effects of neuromodulation in constipation.

Aim Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most important complication of colorectal surgery, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Protective ostomy, the current standard of care for protecting a colorectal anastomosis, has important drawbacks that require the creation of an alternative strategy. Over the past 30 years, several intraluminal bypass devices, designed to shield the anastomosis from the faecal stream, have been developed. The aim of this literature review was to create an updated overview of the devices available and their effectiveness in preventing AL, and to investigate whether they could serve as an alternative to protective ostomy in the future. Method A systematic review of the literature on intraluminal bypass devices used for preventing colorectal AL was performed. The MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and articles were marked as relevant if an intraluminal bypass device was studied in an animal or human population. Results The database search yielded 24 relevant articles related to 10 intraluminal bypass devices protecting a colorectal anastomosis. These articles included experimental animal studies, preclinical (pilot) studies, as well as retrospective and prospective clinical studies. Each device was assessed with regard to surgical technique, effectiveness and device-related complications. Conclusion Intraluminal bypass devices show promise in preventing AL and its clinical consequences. However, there is insufficient high-level evidence to draw firm conclusions. There is a need for randomized controlled trials that directly compare these devices with the protective ostomy.