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Biomedical subjects

D C Bartolo

Publications and source records attributed to D C Bartolo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Changes in anal canal sensation after childbirth.

Obstetic trauma predisposes to faecal incontinence. Anal canal sensation is impaired in incontinent patients. To assess the effect of childbirth on anal canal sensation anal mucosal electrosensitivity was measured in 122 primiparous patients in the immediate postnatal period and in 74 at 6 months postpartum. There were 35 normal vaginal deliveries, 36 forceps deliveries, 20 ventouse extractions, ten vaginal breech deliveries and 21 caesarean sections. Sensation was impaired in the lower, mid and upper anal canal immediately after delivery in those patients who had a normal vaginal delivery or a forceps delivery when compared with controls or with those delivered by caesarean section. Women who had ventouse deliveries had impaired sensation immediately after delivery in the mid anal canal compared with controls and those undergoing caesarean section. By 6 months there were no differences between any group. Patients who sustained a division of the external anal sphincter at delivery had impaired sensation which persisted in the upper anal canal at 6 months.

Anal Canal↗

Anismus in patients with normal and slow transit constipation.

This study examined differences in anorectal function, with particular reference to anismus, which might explain why some patients with intractable constipation have slow and others have normal whole gut transit times. Twenty-four patients were studied; 13 with slow transit (all female, median age 32 years, range 16-52 years) and 11 with normal transit (eight women, three men, median age 37 years, range 21-60 years). Videoproctography with synchronous sphincteric electromyography and anorectal manometry was performed. There were no differences between the two groups, suggesting that slow transit constipation is not secondary to any abnormality in anorectal function and may therefore be a primary disorder of colonic motility. There was no correlation between electromyographic evidence of anismus (pelvic floor contraction on defaecation) and the ability of the patient to evacute the rectum or symptoms of obstructed defaecation. Electromyography findings alone can be misleading and should be related to proctographic evidence of incomplete rectal evacuation before functional anismus can be said to be present.

Adolescent↗

Surgical management of intestinal radiation injury.

The management of 14 cases of radiation injury to the intestinal tract over a 4-year period is evaluated. The longest latent interval between radiation treatment and symptoms was 30 years. Eight patients were treated surgically; six were treated conservatively by laser therapy or application of formalin to the affected mucosa. The indications for surgery were rectovaginal fistula (four), rectal stricture (one), radiation proctitis (eight), and small bowel obstruction (one). Seven patients underwent large bowel resection. These consisted of four anastomoses with coloanal J-reservoirs, two low anterior resections, and one coloanal anastomosis without reservoir. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity occurred in one of the eight surgical cases. Radical resection of the radiation-damaged rectum has been shown to be a safe and reliable treatment for rectovaginal fistulas, rectal strictures, and proctitis unresponsive to medical measures. Coloanal J-reservoir is the procedure of choice to avoid urgency and frequency symptoms associated with coloanal sleeve anastomosis. Laser therapy for hemorrhagic proctitis can achieve an important place in the management of this problem without recourse to surgery.

Adult↗

Anorectal physiology testing. A survey of availability and use.

Survey forms were sent to all members of the Coloproctology Section of the Royal Society of Medicine and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons to obtain their opinions of the availability, actual use, and perceived helpfulness of different methods for the evaluation of the physiology of the colon and rectum. Responses revealed a similarity in age and practice patterns in both groups. Of the 19 methods surveyed, greater than 90 percent of respondents in both groups rely on three traditional methods of patient evaluation: patient history, digital examination, and sigmoidoscopy. Four other methods have gained acceptance by the majority of respondents in both groups: colon transit studies, defecography, perfused-catheter manometry, and rectal compliance. The three methods ranked lowest in availability, actual use, and helpfulness by both groups were single-fiber electromyography, use of a perineometer, and evoked potential studies. Our study provides a baseline for future surveys on the investigative efforts of physicians studying the physiology of the colon, rectum, and anus.

Anal Canal↗

Rectopexy is an ineffective treatment for obstructed defecation.

The symptoms of obstructed defecation have been attributed to rectal intussusception, and thus rectopexy has been advocated in the surgical management. In this study, patients with obstructed defecation underwent manometry and proctography before and after rectopexy. Seventeen patients (16 females and one male, mean age 51.6 years) were studied. Eleven underwent anterior and posterior fixation of the rectum and six had posterior fixation only. Preoperatively five patients demonstrated rectoanal intussusceptions. Fifteen had significant pelvic descent. No significant change in maximum resting pressure, maximum voluntary contraction, pelvic descent, or anorectal angle was seen postoperatively. In the initial follow-up, many patients had significant amelioration of symptoms. However, on longer follow-up (mean 30.8 months) only two had long-term improvement. The remainder had a poor clinical result in spite of complete resolution of rectal intussusception. Many reported a worsening of symptoms as reflected by an increase in tenesmus and stool frequency. In the two cases with a satisfactory result, both could empty the rectum completely and demonstrated rectoanal intussusception on preoperative evacuation proctography. In those with poor results, four had complete emptying and three had rectoanal intussusception. In conclusion rectopexy is an ineffective treatment for obstructive defecation in most patients.

Adult↗

Comparison of anterior sphincteroplasty and postanal repair in the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence.

Both postanal repair and anterior sphincteroplasty with levatorplasty have been advocated in the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence. To assess the functional results of these procedures, physiologic and radiologic measurements were carried out prospectively in 33 patients with idiopathic incontinence undergoing operative treatment, and 12 age- and sex-matched controls. Sixteen patients had anterior sphincteroplasty and levatorplasty and 17 had postanal repair. A satisfactory postoperative outcome was defined as perfect continence or incontinence of flatus only. Ten patients in the anterior sphincteroplasty group had satisfactory results (64 percent) and 10 in the postanal repair group (59 percent). Preoperatively, both groups had decreased resting and squeeze pressures, impaired and mucosal electrosensitivity, and marked pelvic descent vs. controls. Postoperatively, significant improvement in sphincter pressures and mucosal electrosensitivity was seen in both groups. No significant change in anorectal angle was demonstrated in the postanal repair group, whereas it was made significantly more obtuse in the anterior sphincteroplasty group. It is likely that the improved continence resulting from either of these two procedures is secondary to better anal sphincter muscle function and improved and sensation. It would appear that the anorectal angle is not crucial in maintaining continence.

Adult↗

Gastroenterological options in faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence may be due to a trauma, a rectal prolapse, or a neurological disorder. Obstetric trauma: If the sphincter has been severed, direct repair is indicated. In the case of neurological damage, plication of the levators can provide significant improvement; while the post-anal repair has become popular, anterior sphincter plication and levatorplasty, provide equivalent results. Rectal prolapse: Full thickness rectal prolapse is frequently associated with incontinence. Two categories of operations have been described: local operative procedures (Delorme's plicature, perineal resection) provide poor results in term of restoration of continence and should be reserved to unfit and elderly patients; abdominal operations combine an extensive rectal mobilisation and they differ by the type of fixation. The Ripstein operation (fixation to the promontory by an encircling sling of non absorbable mesh) has long been popular in the United States, but is followed by severe constipation. In the simple suture rectopexy, the rectum is fixed to the pelvic floor and the presacral fascia by non absorbable procedures. In the Ivalon sponge rectoprexy, a polyvinyl alcohol mesh in secured between the sacrum and the rectum, and provides a dense fibrous reaction. In the antero-posterior Marlex rectopexy, a sheet of Marlex mesh is fixed posteriorly to the rectum, and a sling is interposed anteriorly in order to support the anterior wall. In the resection rectopexy, a sigmoid resection in added to the rectal fixation in order to suppress the redundant sigmoid which is responsible for the constipation frequently following rectopexy. Results of abdominal rectopexy are satisfactory in terms of recurrence and restoration of continence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Control of presacral bleeding in rectal surgery.

A technique for controlling life-threatening presacral bleeding is described. This consists of a sterilised metallic drawing pin pushed through the synthetic coagulant Surgicel (Johnson and Johnson) directly into the bleeding point in the sacrum. Two patients are described in which this technique was used with a successful outcome.

Adult↗

The physiological evaluation of operative repair for incontinence and prolapse.

Women with incontinence were divided into 30 with anorectal incontinence and 63 with complete rectal prolapse. The former group comprised 14 with a sphincter disruption and the remainder with intact sphincters. After anterior sphincter repair 70% were restored to acceptable continence. Success was associated with a rise in resting and voluntary contraction pressures and improved anal sensation. Patients with prolapse underwent either anterior and posterior rectopexy, or resection rectopexy. Continence was improved in both groups. Postoperatively, 90% following resection rectopexy and 80% following anterior and posterior rectopexy were restored to acceptable continence. Postoperative defaecatory straining and incomplete evacuation were reduced, with no significant differences between the two procedures. Restoration of continence was not associated with any change in sphincter pressures. However, rectal sensory threshold and anal sensation were both improved.

Adult↗

Ambulatory anorectal physiology in patients following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis: comparison with normal controls.

The purpose of this study was to determine the manometric activity of ileoanal W pouch reservoirs following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and to compare the results with normal controls. Thirty-one studies were carried out; there were 15 controls (median age 52 years (range 29-80 years), 10 men, 5 women) and 16 pouch patients (median age 40 years (range 28-52 years), 13 men, 3 women). Mid-anal sphincter pressure and 'rectal' pressure were measured with a microtransducer catheter. The signals were digitalized and recorded in a portable electronic memory for later computer display and analysis. The system allowed the study of patients with minimal constraints while fully ambulant. The frequency of sampling (rectal pressure greater than or equal to sphincter pressure), sensation of flatus present and flatus being passed were 7(1-41), 3(1-7) and 1(0-3.5) per hour in the normal controls and 0(0-3), 0(0-1) and 0(0-1) respectively per hour in the pouch patients (P less than 0.001). Compared with the highly dynamic nature of the anorectum in normal subjects the patients with a pouch had very little activity. The sensation of pouch filling and the desire to defaecate were noted on 12 occasions and in six were associated with a rise in pouch pressure greater than 20 mmHg. One patient had nocturnal soiling and this was the only patient in whom frequent pouch contractions were noted. The results suggest that ileoanal pouch motility is usually quiescent and that incontinence in this group may be related to increased pouch activity.

Adult↗

Improvement of anal sensation with preservation of the anal transition zone after ileoanal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

One of the most important considerations in restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis is postoperative continence. Preservation of the anal transition zone has been associated with improved results after this procedure in the pediatric age group. This study was carried out to determine the effect of preservation of the amal transition zone in adult patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy, comparing a group of patients with the anal transition zone preserved with a group of patients with the anal transition zone removed. Physiologic testing demonstrated improved sensation in those patients with a preserved anal transition zone. Functional results were not significantly improved, although there was a trend toward improved continence and discrimination in those with the anal transition zone preserved. Although the results are early and are not conclusive from the clinical standpoint, they are certainly encouraging and may justify continued use of this technique.

Adult↗

Hypoxia and hypotension during endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Sixty-three patients undergoing oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) (n = 24) or proctosigmoidocolonoscopy (PSC) (n = 39) had continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), pulse and mean blood pressure (BP). The degree of patient distress, duration, dose of sedative and details of the endoscope and operator were recorded. Marked hypotensive (greater than 40% fall in BP) and hypoxic (greater than 8% fall in SaO2) changes occurred in 13% and 17% of the overall group, respectively. There were no significant differences in fall in BP, SaO2 or pulse between the OGD and PSC groups. The dose of sedative was significantly related to the fall in SaO2 (P less than 0.001) but not to the fall in BP. The falls in both SaO2 and BP were related to the duration of the procedure (P less than 0.001, P = 0.03, respectively). There were no correlations between the degree of hypoxia or hypotension and the patient's age or previous medical history. Hypotension and hypoxia occur in both colonoscopy and OGD and are neither predictable nor usually recognizable clinically. Pulse oximetric and BP monitoring throughout gastrointestinal endoscopy are recommended for maximal safety.

Adult↗

Closure of loop ileostomy after restorative proctocolectomy.

The outcome of loop ileostomy closure was evaluated in 40 patients who had previously undergone restorative proctocolectomy. A standard operative technique was used which incorporated a circumstomal incision, non-resectional reconstruction and primary skin closure. Thirty-six patients (90%) enjoyed an uncomplicated recovery. One patient (3%) developed a superficial wound infection. Enterocutaneous fistula was not encountered. Small bowel obstruction occurred in three patients (8%) two of whom required a further laparotomy, but subsequently made an uncomplicated recovery. No incisional hernias were identified at follow-up. We conclude that loop ileostomy closure can be achieved with a low morbidity which should not preclude the use of this stoma in restorative proctocolectomy.

Adolescent↗

Air-filled microballoon manometry for use in anorectal physiology.

Manometry is fundamental to anorectal physiology but the water-filled manometric systems commonly used have several disadvantages. To investigate the 'new' air-filled microballoon system, we compared it with a standard water-filled equivalent by measuring sphincter length, maximum resting pressure (MRP) and maximum voluntary contraction pressure (MVC) in 44 patients using the station pull-through technique. A good correlation was found for all three parameters (Spearman correlation coefficient rs: sphincter length = 0.86, MRP = 0.86 and MVC = 0.94, P less than 0.001). Repeat studies in 15 patients showed excellent reproducibility (rs: sphincter length = 0.97, MRP = 0.96 and MVC = 0.97, P less than 0.001). Air-filled microballoon manometry gives results similar to a water-filled microballoon system and has many advantages.

Adult↗

Anorectal physiology measurement: report of a working party.

A 2-day meeting was held in Bristol on 5 and 6 July 1988 immediately before the Tripartite meeting of the Surgical Research Society in order to discuss methods and identify areas of agreement with regard to measurement of indices of anorectal physiology. The following report highlights our findings.

Anal Canal↗