An overview of the key principles and guidelines in the management of pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures are complex injuries with a range of different presentations depending on the mechanism of trauma. Due to the morbidity and mortality of pelvic fractures, patients require thorough investigation and timely management with multidisciplinary input. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques can be used to treat pelvic fractures, as well as any associated visceral injuries. Following repair, it is important to remain vigilant for postoperative complications such as infection, sexual and urinary dysfunction, chronic pain and adverse psychological health. This article summarises the relevant UK guidance and literature and presents them in a format that follows the patient’s journey. In doing so, it highlights the key perioperative factors that need to be considered in cases of pelvic fracture.

Endoscopic Surgery in Rectal Cancer- A Review

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Total mesorectal excision (TME) remains the gold standard treatment for any stage of rectal cancer, especially in more advanced disease, as it effectively treats the mesorectal lymph nodes and reduces recurrence [1]. Minimally invasive abdominal approach has been established to be oncologically safe, feasible and associated with all the advantages of minimal access surgery, however, it has not had a measurable impact on the incidence of postoperative complications, sexual and urinary dysfunction, or quality of life. TME performed either via open, laparoscopic or robotic approach is accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality [2]. In addition, widespread adoption of laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery has been limited by the technical complexity and steep learning curve. In an effort to harness the advantages of a minimally invasive approach to benefit patients with colorectal pathology, trans anal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been explored, with promising preliminary results, particularly when used for rectal cancer and other benign lesions. NOTES in Rectal lesions can be carried out using Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) and Transanal Minimal Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), which can be together termed as Transanal endoscopic surgery. JMS 2018;21(1):3-10

Survey on consenting practice and discussion of post-operative erectile dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is a recognized complication of rectal cancer surgery, due to the close proximity of the pelvic autonomic nerves to the normal plane of dissection. The consenting process should therefore always include the risk of sexual and urinary dysfunction arising after such surgery. This survey was undertaken to assess the consenting practice, and to evaluate the frequency of use of phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) following rectal cancer surgery. Methods: All listed Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) members were invited to participate in the electronic survey, which comprised six questions. By 8 weeks, 119 responses had been received. Results: There were 112 respondents (94.1%) who routinely discussed the risk of ED during the process of gaining consent for rectal cancer surgery. There were 104 respondents (87.3%) who documented ED on their consent form. There were 24 respondents (20.2%) who indicated that there was no stated percentage risk for ED; and there were 69 (58.0%) and 26 (21.9%) respondents who quoted there was a 0–25% and 26–50% risk of ED during the consent process, respectively. None were quoting > 50% risk of ED. There were 68 respondents (57.1%) who routinely enquired about ED during follow-up. There were 30 respondents (25.2%) who stated that they had experience in prescribing PDE5 inhibitors for their patients who suffer from ED: We had 25 of them who felt that patients benefited from using PDE5 inhibitors. Conclusions: The majority of colorectal surgeons routinely discuss and document the risk of ED when consenting for rectal surgery; however, most surgeons have no experience in prescribing PDE5 inhibitors. This is an area that requires further study and education.