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Biomedical subjects

S D Wexner

Publications and source records attributed to S D Wexner.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Comparison of three perineal procedures for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical procedure for the management of rectal prolapse is still under debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcome of three perineal procedures in patients with rectal prolapse. METHODS: Between April 1989 and April 1995, all consecutive patients who had Delorme's procedure, perineal rectosigmoidectomy, or perineal rectosigmoidectomy with levatoroplasty for full-thickness rectal prolapse were clinically and physiologically assessed before and after surgery. A standard incontinence scoring system, based on the frequency and type of incontinence (0 = full continence, 20 = complete incontinence), was used to compare the results of each procedure. Additionally, morbidity and mortality and clinical and functional outcome were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The study group of 61 patients who had perineal procedures for rectal prolapse included 55 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 75 years (range, 48 years to 101 years); 16 patients died of comorbid conditions between 3 months and 42 months after surgery. There were statistically significant differences among the groups relative to short-term recurrence rates, postoperative incontinence scores, mean resection length, coloanal anastomotic stricture, and leak. However, preoperative and postoperative anal manometry did not reveal statistically significant changes within or between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal rectosigmodectomy with levatoroplasty has the best short-term outcome for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

Aged↗

Results of perineal procedures for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

The optimal surgical procedure for the management of rectal prolapse is still under debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcome of perineal procedures in patients with rectal prolapse. Between April 1989 and April 1995, all consecutive patients at the Cleveland Clinic Florida who underwent Delorme's procedure or perineal rectosigmoidectomy with or without levatoroplasty for full-thickness rectal prolapse were evaluated. Clinical and physiological assessments were performed before and after surgery. A standard continence scoring system, based on the frequency and type of incontinence (0 = full continence, 20 = complete incontinence) was used to assess the results of each procedure. Additionally, morbidity and mortality, and clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated. Sixty-one patients underwent perineal procedures for rectal prolapse; 16 patients died from comorbid conditions after undergoing postoperative physiologic assessment. These 55 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 75 (range, 48-101) years were studied. Patients were followed up for 27.2 (6-72) months, and mean prolapse duration was 4.2 (0.2-30) years. Although mean preoperative incontinence score was 15.9 (8-20), it was 6.3 (range, 0-12) in postoperative course. Mean resection length of rectosigmoid was 23.3 (3-71) cm, and in these patients, two (3.3%) coloanal anastomotic leaks and four (6.5%) anastomotic strictures were observed. There was one postoperative death. There were statistically significant differences among the groups relative to short-term recurrence rates, postoperative incontinence scores, mean resection length, coloanal anastomotic stricture, and leak (P< 0.001). However, pre- and postoperative anal manometry did not reveal statistically significant changes (P > 0.05) in each group or among the groups. Perineal procedures were found to be safe and effective in eradicating rectal prolapse and improving fecal incontinence in the elderly.

Aged↗

Should ileoanal pouch surgery be denied to patients with low resting pressures?

Our aim was to evaluate any impact of preoperative resting pressure upon postoperative physiological results in patients undergoing ileal pouch anal anastomosis. Ninety patients who had undergone manometric study before and 1 year after surgery were divided into two groups determined by a preoperative mean resting pressure of > 50 mm Hg or < or = 50 mm Hg. There were significant differences between these two groups concerning preoperative maximum resting pressure (P < 0.001) and length of the high-pressure zone (P < 0.005). However, such a trend was not seen postoperatively. There were no differences between these two groups relative to postoperative mean or maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, length of high-pressure zone, sensory threshold, or capacity. The mean resting pressure decreased after pouch surgery in 82 per cent of patients with a preoperative mean resting pressure of > 50 mm Hg. Conversely, 83 per cent of patients with a preoperative mean resting pressure of < or = 50 mm Hg experienced an increase in mean resting pressure after pouch surgery. Only 4 of 23 patients with a preoperative mean resting pressure of < or = 50 mm Hg had decreased postoperative mean resting pressure. This latter finding has not been previously described. However, the mean resting pressure of those four patients more than fully recovered within 2 to 3 years after surgery. Although preoperative manometry may be useful to analyze data and to counsel patients, it should not be used to deny patients surgery. Moreover, this study has revealed that patients with lower resting pressures do not suffer a deleterious decrease in resting pressure but actually have improved postoperative mean resting pressure.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Outcome and predictors of success of biofeedback for constipation.

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to determine outcome and to identify predictors of success for biofeedback for constipation. METHODS: Patients who had at least one biofeedback session were evaluated whether or not they completed a treatment course. Parameters assessed included use of cathartics, number of spontaneous bowel movements per week, presence of rectal pain, number of biofeedback sessions and results of anorectal physiology. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients (59 male, 135 female) of median age 71 (range 11-96) years, including 30 with concomitant rectal pain, were treated. The median number of spontaneous bowel movements per week before treatment was 0. Some 35 per cent of patients had complete success (three or more spontaneous bowel movements per week with discontinuation of cathartics), 13 per cent had partial success (fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week with continued use of cathartics) and 51 per cent had no improvement. Neither patient age, sex nor duration of symptoms significantly affected outcome. Only 18 per cent of patients who had between two and four sessions had complete success, compared with 44 per cent of those who had five or more (P < 0.001). A total of 63 per cent of patients who completed the treatment protocol experienced complete success, compared with 25 per cent of those who self-discharged (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This large study indicates that the success rate of biofeedback for patients with constipation is less than previously reported. However, the success rate improves significantly after five or more sessions and is significantly related to the patient's willingness to complete treatment.

Adolescent↗

Anatomy and physiology of the rectum and anus.

Anorectal physiology is complex and involves the interaction of multiple mechanisms. Advances in physiological testing have led to a great deal of research, which has increased our knowledge of normal and disordered physiology, and modified our therapeutic approach. As a consequence, many concepts in anatomy have been revised. We have reviewed aspects of the anatomy and physiology of the rectum and anus together with the applications of the new concepts.

Anal Canal↗

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery and cancer.

Review article of the actual level of knowledge about laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic-assisted procedures. At present time laparoscopy for the cure of colorectal neoplasia should only be performed within prospective randomized trials. In the meantime it is perfectly appropriate to perform laparoscopy for palliation of metastatic disease. Patients with benign colorectal neoplasms can achieve better outcome if treated by laparoscopy rather than laparotomy. Other areas in which laparoscopy may be useful include enterolysis and possibly, treatment of rectal prolapse. Laparoscopy can be appropriately applied for the treatment of terminal ileal Crohn's disease, sigmoid diverticulitis, reversal of Hartmann's pouches and the construction of stomas.

Aged↗

Physiological and clinical outcome of anterior sphincteroplasty.

A total of 55 women underwent sphincteroplasty for the treatment of faecal incontinence related to anterior defects. Patients were followed prospectively for a mean of 29 months to evaluate the outcome overall and according to age. All patients were evaluated clinically by means of a questionnaire and graded using an incontinence scoring system ranging from 0 (perfect continence) to 20 (complete incontinence). Some 52 patients (95 per cent) had had a previous vaginal delivery and 30 (55 per cent) had a history of previous anal sphincter repair. Physiological and functional parameters in patients with a successful outcome (n = 39) were compared with those in patients with a poor outcome (n = 16). The results were also compared in patients under (n = 39) and over (n = 16) 60 years of age. Overall, patients with a successful outcome had a significant change in mean and maximal resting and squeeze pressures. These changes correlated well with the increase in the high-pressure zone (HPZ) length from 1.0-2.2 cm (P = 0.0002) and with functional outcome (change in incontinence score from 15.3 to 5.8; P < 0.0001). In patients over 60 years of age, a significant change in mean squeeze pressure (P = 0.03) and HPZ length (P = 0.01) was noted and correlated with functional outcome (change in incontinence score from 14.3 to 6.4; P < 0.0001). A successful outcome after anterior sphincteroplasty is related to improvement in sphincter function even in an older population. These results demonstrate that age itself does not seem to be a predictor of poor outcome. Patients should not be denied a repair exclusively on grounds of age.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery: analysis of 140 cases.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to prospectively assess the results of our first 140 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal operations. METHODS: The parameters studied included the type and length of procedure, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion to open surgery, and length of ileus and hospitalization. RESULTS: 140 laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures were performed between May 1991 and January 1995. The mean patient age was 48 (range 12-88) years; there were 78 males and 62 females. Indications for surgery included inflammatory bowel disease in 47, colorectal carcinoma in 19, diverticular disease in 17, polyps in 16, familial polyposis in 7, colonic inertia in 7, fecal incontinence in 11, sigmoidocele in 3, irradiation proctitis in 3, rectal prolapse in 2, intestinal lymphoma in 2, and miscellaneous conditions in 6. The procedures included 38 total abdominal colectomies (TAC) (ileoanal reservoir 28, ileorectal anastomosis 8 and end ileostomy 2); 70 segmental resections of the colon, small bowel, and rectum; 18 diverting stoma creations; 10 reversal of Hartmann's procedures; and 4 other procedures. In 15 cases, the laparoscopic procedure was converted to a laparotomy (11%); 31 patients (22%) sustained 37 complications, which included: enterotomies(7), hemorrhage(10), intraabdominal abscess(4), prolonged ileus(6), wound infection(4), intestinal obstruction(2), anastomotic leak(1), aspiration(1), cardiac arrhythmia(1), and upper intestinal bleeding(1); there was no mortality. The overall complication rate in TAC cases was significantly higher (42%) when compared to that of all other procedures (segmental resection 17%, others 9%), P < 0.05. The mean length of operating time was 4 (range 2.5-6.5) h for TAC, 2.6 (range 1.5-5.5) h for segmental colonic resections, and 1.7 (range 0.7-4) for all other procedures. The length of ileus was 3.5 (range 2-7) days after TAC, 3 (range 2-7) after the segmental resections and 2 (range 1-4) after the other procedures. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.8 (2-40) days (8.4, 6.5, and 6.3 days for the TAC, segmental resections, and other procedures, respectively). CONCLUSION: The feasibility of laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been well established. TAC is associated with a higher complication rate compared to other laparoscopic colorectal procedures.

Adolescent↗

Intraoperative laparoscopic complications. Are we getting better?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess various intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Specifically, the impact of surgical experience and procedure type on complications was analyzed. METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery were analyzed by age, sex, surgical indications, procedure performed, procedure length, intraoperative and postoperative complications, incidence and causes for conversion, duration of postoperative ileus, and length of hospital stay. Patients were classified for type of procedure and chronologically into four consecutive groups. Procedures were also categorized into four different groups: GI, total abdominal colectomies; GII, segmental resections; GIII, diverting procedures; GIV, others (abdominoperineal resection, Hartmann's creation or closure, anterior resection, and rectopexy). RESULTS: Between August 1991 and October 1995, 167 patients of a mean age of 49.6 (15-88) years underwent laparoscopic colorectal procedures. All procedures were electively performed. Common indications for surgery included inflammatory disease in 70 (42 percent), neoplasia in 56 (33 percent), functional bowel disorders in 30 (18 percent), and other forms of colorectal disorders in 11 (7 percent) patients. The most significant variable affecting intraoperative laparoscopic complication rate was surgical experience measured as the time interval during which surgery was performed (P = 0.02). Total complication rate decreased from 29 percent during the first period to 11 percent by the second period (P < 0.04) and 7 percent during the third period (P < 0.005). Thus, the learning curve appeared to have required more than 50 cases to achieve. Moreover, even after performance of 94 (1991-1993) procedures in GI and GIV, these procedures were associated with higher complication rates than were those procedures in GII and GIII (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Surgical experience and case selection are the most critical variables by which the surgeon can decrease the intraoperative laparoscopic complication rate.

Adolescent↗

Defecography and proctography. Results of 744 patients.

PURPOSE: Radiographic imaging of dynamic changes within the pelvic cavity and rectum during evacuation has been recognized as a valuable method of assessment. This study was designed to assess the incidence and clinical significance of defecographic findings in patients with possible evacuation disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All defecographic studies were reviewed by a single colorectal surgeon familiar with patients' histories and physical findings. RESULTS: Between July 1988 and July 1995, 744 patients (566 females and 178 males) with a mean age of 63.5 (range, 12-95) years had defecographic and proctographic examination. Four hundred forty-six (60 percent) patients were diagnosed who complained of constipation, 123 (16.5 percent) of fecal incontinence, 42 (5.6 percent) of rectal prolapse, 82 (11 percent) of rectal pain, and 51 (6.9 percent) had a combination of more than one of these diagnoses. Although 93 (12.5 percent) of these evaluations were considered normal, 61 (8 percent) revealed rectal prolapse, 191 (25.7 percent) rectocele, 82 (11 percent) sigmoidocele, and 94 (12.6 percent) intussusception; in 223 (30 percent) patients, a combination of these findings was noted. Patients with paradoxical puborectalis contraction had an extremely high frequency of constipation compared with other symptoms (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Defecography can reveal abnormalities in the majority of patients with evacuatory disorders. There was a high incidence of rectocele, sigmoidocele, and intussusception. Care must be taken not to treat patients strictly based on radiographic findings.

Aged↗

Surgery for constipation: a review.

PURPOSE: Constipation is related to intestinal motility disorders (colonic inertia (CI)), pelvic floor disturbances (pelvic outlet obstruction), or a combination of both problems. This review summarizes the physiologic and pathophysiologic changes in patients with intractable constipation and gives an overview of surgical treatment options. RESULTS: Although subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the best surgery for CI, there are still approximately 10 percent of patients who will complain of pain and constipation. A completion proctectomy and an ileoanal pouch procedure may be a viable option in a highly select group of patients. In patients with megabowel, reported results are mixed. Subtotal colectomy, partial colectomy for megacolon, and the Duhamel procedure for megarectum have all been reported with variable results. In patients with an isolated distended sigmoid colon, sigmoid colectomy has achieved good results. Anorectal myectomy has not been proven to be successful in the long term. However, in patients with adult short segment Hirschsprung's disease, myectomy can be successful. Patients with pelvic outlet obstruction can be successfully treated with biofeedback. In a small group of patients with a rectocele or a third degree sigmoidocele, surgical intervention yields a high success rate. Division or resection of the puborectalis muscle is not recommended. In patients with a mixed pattern of CI and pelvic outlet obstruction, surgical intervention alone is often not successful. These patients achieve better results by conservative treatment of pelvic outlet obstruction, followed by a colectomy. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for patients with intractable constipation is rarely necessary. However, thorough preoperative physiologic testing is mandatory for a successful outcome.

Adult↗

Patterns of anismus and the relation to biofeedback therapy.

PURPOSE: A study was undertaken to assess physiologic characteristics and clinical significance of anismus. Specifically, we sought to assess patterns of anismus and the relation of these findings to the success of therapy. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were found to have anismus based on history and diagnostic criteria including anismus by defecography and at least one of three additional tests: anorectal manometry, electromyography, or colonic transit time study. Interpretation of defecography was based on the consensus of at least three of four observers. Anal canal hypertonia (n = 32) was defined when mean and maximum resting pressures were at least 1 standard deviation higher than those in 63 controls. There were two distinct defecographic patterns of anismus: Type A (n = 26), a flattened anorectal angle without definitive puborectalis indentation but a closed anal canal; Type B (n = 42), a clear puborectalis indentation, narrow anorectal angle, and closed anal canal. Outcomes of 57 patients who had electromyographybased biofeedback therapy were reported as either improved or unimproved at a mean follow-up of 23.7 (range, 6-62) months. These two types of anismus were compared with biofeedback outcome to assess clinical relevance. RESULTS: Patients with Type A anismus showed greater perineal descent at rest (mean, 5.1 vs. 3.5 cm; P < 0.01), greater dynamic descent between rest and evacuation (mean, 2.7 vs. 1.4 cm; P < 0.01), greater difference of anorectal angle between rest and evacuation (mean, 14.6 vs. -3.1 degrees; P < 0.001), higher mean resting pressure (mean, 77.1 vs. 62.8 mmHg; P < 0.05), lower mean squeeze pressure (58.8 vs. 80.7 mmHg; P < 0.05), and a higher incidence of anal canal hypertonia (69.2 vs. 33.3 percent; P < 0.01) than did patients with Type B anismus. Only 25 percent of patients who had Type A anismus with anal canal hypertonia were improved by biofeedback therapy. Conversely, 86 percent of patients with Type B anismus without anal canal hypertonia were successfully treated with biofeedback (P < 0.001; Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: These two distinct physiologic patterns of anismus correlate with the success of biofeedback treatment. Therefore, knowledge of these patterns may help direct therapy.

Adolescent↗

Stimulated gracilis neosphincter operation. Initial experience, pitfalls, and complications.

PURPOSE: The stimulated gracilis neosphincter is accepted as a viable option in select patients with fecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to review the initial problems and complications. METHODS: A prospective analysis of all patients who underwent this procedure was undertaken. Stage I consisted of the distal vascular delay of the muscle and creation of a temporary stoma. Stage II was the transposition of the muscle and implantation of the stimulator and electrodes. Low frequency electrical stimulation was applied to the muscle for 12 weeks, after which Stage III (stoma closure) was undertaken. RESULTS: From March 1993 to December 1995, 17 patients (9 females and 8 males) with a mean age of 42.2 (range, 19-72) years underwent the procedure. One patient died from pancreatitis and another from small-bowel adenocarcinoma, three and six months after the procedure, respectively. Two patients (one with Crohn's disease) required permanent stomas. One additional patient required a permanent stoma because of lead fibrosis. Other complications noted during ascent of the learning curve included seroma of the thigh incision, excoriation of the skin above the stimulator, fecal impaction, anal fissure, parastomal hernia, rotation of the stimulator, premature battery discharge, fracture of the lead, perineal skin irritation, perineal sepsis, rupture of the tendon, tendon erosion, muscle fatigue during programming sessions, and electrode displacement from the nerve or fibrosis around the nerve. However, ultimately after rectification of these problems, 13 of the 15 eligible patients had stoma reversal. Manometric results showed an average basal pressure of 43 mmHg and an average maximum squeeze pressure that increased from 36 mmHg before surgery to 145 mmHg by stimulation (P < 0.01). Based on objective functional questionnaires, 9 of 15 (60 percent) evaluable patients reported improvement in continence, social interactions, and quality of life. Three of these nine patients require daily use of enemas. CONCLUSION: Although the stimulated gracilis operation is a feasible procedure for selected patients with severe incontinence, the learning curve is steep. Although the ultimate outcome in a selected group of patients can be very gratifying, major technical modifications are required before use beyond a research protocol setting. Furthermore, patients must have the psychological strength, emotional commitment, and financial resources that may be necessary for multiple revisional surgeries or ultimate device failure.

Adult↗

A constipation scoring system to simplify evaluation and management of constipated patients.

PURPOSE: Constipation is a common complaint; however, clinical presentation varies with each individual. The aim of this study was to assess a standard scoring system for evaluation of constipated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with idiopathic constipation who were referred for anorectal physiologic testing were assessed. A subjective constipation score was calculated based on a detailed questionnaire that included over 100 constipation-related symptoms. Based on the questionnaire, scores ranged from 0 to 30, with 0 indicating normal and 30 indicating severe constipation. The constipation score was then compared with the objective findings of the physiology tests, which include colonic transit time (CTT), anal manometry (AM), cinedefecography (CD), and electromyography (EMG). Colonic inertia was defined as diffuse marker delay on CTT without evidence of paradoxical contraction on AM, CD, or EMG. Pelvic outlet obstruction was defined as paradoxical puborectalis contraction, rectal prolapse or rectoanal intussusception, rectocele, or sigmoidocele. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients (185 females and 47 males) of a mean age of 64.9 (range, 14-92) years were evaluated. All patients had a score of more than 15; on evaluation of the significance of different symptoms in the constipation score with the Pearson's linear correlation test, 8 of 18 factors were identified as significant (P < 0.05). These factors included frequency of bowel movements, painful evacuation, incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, length of time per attempt, assistance for evacuation, unsuccessful attempts for evacuation per 24 hours, and duration of constipation. All 232 patients had objective obstruction attributable to one or more of the following causes: paradoxical puborectalis contraction (81), significant rectocele or sigmoidocele (48), rectoanal intussusception (64), and rectal prolapse (9). CONCLUSION: The proposed constipation scoring system correlated well with objective physiologic findings in constipated patients to allow uniformity in assessment of the severity of constipation.

Adolescent↗