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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

The "uninhibited rectum": a cause of fecal incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The uninhibited (unstable) rectum has been defined as a cause offecal incontinence (FI) in patients with supraconal lesions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the uninhibited rectum may be a cause of FI in patients with normal anal pressure and sphincteric mechanism who were considered to have idiopathic FI. METHODS: The study comprised 82 patients (mean age 38.2 +/- 11.2 years; 58 women and 24 men) with idiopathic FI and a control group of 20 healthy volunteers (mean age 36.3 +/- 10.6 years; 14 women and 6 men). Inclusion criteria for FI patients were normal electromyogram of the external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle, and normal anal sensation, pressure, and endosonography. Rectometry was performed using rectal balloon inflation with CO2 at a rate of 150 cc/min. Rectometrograms were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS: In 79 FI patients, the first rectal sensation was not felt. Urge was perceived at the time of balloon expulsion, which could not be prevented by voluntary sphincteric squeeze. In the remaining 3 patients, the first sensation was perceived but urge coincided with balloon expulsion. Rectometrography showed moderate and gross fluctuations in the tone limb that were not associated with significant changes in intra-abdominal pressure. This contrasted with normal subjects in whom the tone limb exhibited no fluctuations or minor fluctuations that roughly paralleled the intra-abdominal pressure fluctuations. The rectal distension volume at balloon expulsion was significantly lower in FI patients than in controls (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that FI can be explained by the fact that the first rectal sensation was that of urge, which was perceived synchronously with balloon expulsion. That is, the balloon had been expelled before the patient could voluntarily squeeze the sphincters to abort expulsion. We postulated that during inflation with small volumes, the rectum did not adapt as in controls, but responded with contractions, which appear to be reflected in the multiple fluctuations in the tone limb. FI in these patients appears to be a consequence of the unstable or uninhibited rectum.

Adolescent↗

Colonization of the rectum by Lactobacillus species and decreased risk of bacterial vaginosis.

Lactobacilli colonizing the rectum may be a reservoir for vaginal lactobacilli. In a cross-sectional study of 531 females, vaginal and rectal colonization by lactobacilli were assessed by culture methods. A subset of isolates was identified to the species level by use of whole-chromosomal DNA probes. Lactobacillus crispatus (16%), L. jensenii (10%), and L. gasseri (10%) were the prevalent lactobacilli colonizing the rectums of 290 females. Only 13 (9%) of 147 females colonized by L. crispatus or L. jensenii vaginally and/or rectally had bacterial vaginosis (BV), compared with 12 (44%) of 27 females colonized by other H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli (P < .001). Cocolonization of the vagina and rectum by H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli was associated with the lowest prevalence of BV (5%), whereas females colonized only vaginally, only rectally, or at neither site had a successively increased risk of BV (P < .001). Lactobacillus species in the rectum may contribute to the maintenance of vaginal microflora.

Adolescent↗

Histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization of foamy histiocytes (muciphages and xanthelasma) of the rectum.

Despite being relatively common in the rectum, foamy histiocytes have received scant attention as to the antecedent lesion that causes them to form or their histologic characterization on the types of muco-substances they accumulate. One-hundred consecutive tissue sections of the rectum from an equal number of patients were reviewed for the presence of foamy histiocytes, evaluated for their associated histologic features, and examined histochemically for five types of mucin. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies were performed. Forty (40%) of the rectal biopsy tissues contained foamy histiocytes. Patients presented with diarrhea, hematochezia, intestinal habit change, constipation, hemorrhoids, and abdominal pain. Endoscopically, 19 patients were thought to have rectal nodules or polyps. Histologically, 25 of the patients had regenerative changes in the adjacent mucosa and 14 had hyperplastic changes. In 36 patients (90%), the foamy histiocytes were located superficially in the lamina propria. Associated changes indicated that they are found in areas that are subject to an injury that is in a healing phase. These changes included mild fibrosis and chronic inflammation of lamina propria with mild architectural distortion. Thirty-five (88%) cases showed staining for D-PAS, Alcian blue stain pH 2.5, and the cocktail Alcian blue stain/PAS. Mucicarmine was positive in 25 (63%) cases. The Alcian blue stain pH 1.0 was positive in 19 (59%) of 32 cases. Ultrastructural studies showed electron-dense globules. Two cases were histologically identical to the other 38 but they did not stain for any mucin. Ultrastructural features disclosed clear vacuoles and thus represent a xanthelasma of the rectum. The foamy cells in all cases were confirmed to be histiocytes by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Although muciphages and xanthelasma of the rectum may mimic polyps endoscopically, they are not related to any specific symptom or clinical finding, despite the fact that they probably represent remnants of a previous injury. Muciphages contain neutral, weakly acidic or strongly acidic mucin. The main type of acidic mucin is sialomucin with a smaller component of sulfated mucin.

Adult↗

Sexual dysfunction following proctocolectomy for benign disease of the colon and rectum.

Standard surgical therapy for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis is total extirpation of the colon and rectum. Since ulcerative colitis is primarily a disease of young adults affecting many people at the inception or height of their sexually active years, postoperative sexual dysfunction is an extremely disconcerting complication. Between July 1973 and May 1981, 291 proctectomies for benign disease of the colon and rectum were performed by the authors. This included 135 men and 156 women. Resection of the rectum was performed using an intrasphincteric technique with dissection kept extremely close to the wall of the rectosigmoid, rectum, and anus. Proctectomy was performed in this manner to prevent significant disruption of the nerves carrying stimuli to the genital organs. Of the 135 males undergoing a proctectomy, four (3%) had a permanent deficit in sexual function. Two men, aged 32 and 30, could sustain an erection but had retrograde ejaculation. Two patients, age 19 and 44, have remained impotent for 1 1/2 and two years, respectively. One hundred fifty-two of the 156 females are sexually active and only two (1.3%) have complained of any physical sexual dysfunction. Each had temporary dyspareunia lasting between nine months and one year after operation.

Adult↗

Conservative alternatives in the management of early adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

The majority of patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum are treated with radical surgical procedures. Lesions located in the distal third of the rectum are usually treated by abdominoperineal resection, and those situated in the proximal portion of the rectum are treated by low-anterior resection. Relatively small, moderately or well differentiated lesions have a low risk of lymph node metastasis, and are therefore amenable to conservative (ie, rectum-sparing) procedures. Conservative management options consist of transrectal excision, transrectal excision and preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy, endocavitary contact radiotherapy, and interstitial therapy. Discussion of these options, the experience at the University of Florida with two of these options, and review of the literature follow.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Rectal necrosis following anterior resection of the rectum.

Acute ischaemic colitis is a well recognized complication following abdominal surgery. It may occur spontaneously in older patients and is probably due to diffuse or localized obliterative arterial disease. In contrast, acute ischaemic proctitis is a rare clinical problem. It is caused by an acute surgical or thromboembolic interruption of the major blood supply and or collateral circulation of the rectum. Minor ischaemia may result in superficial mucosal ulceration whereas a major ischaemic episode will result in rectal necrosis with perforation. Acute rectal necrosis has not been reported as a complication following anterior resection of the rectum. This paper details a patient who developed necrosis of the rectum and the anal canal following anterior resection of the rectum for cancer of the recto-sigmoid junction.

Acute Disease↗

Morbidity and mortality after single- and double-stapled colorectal anastomoses in patients with carcinoma of the rectum.

BACKGROUND: The optimal method of restoring intestinal continuity after rectal resection has been controversial. This study aims to compare the morbidity, mortality and survival of patients having either single-stapled (SS) or double-stapled (DS) colorectal anastomoses following resection of the rectum for cancer. METHODS: Peri-operative and long-term follow-up data were prospectively documented in all patients undergoing rectal resection for carcinoma with a stapled anastomosis at our institution over a 14-year period. Patients were stratified by anastomotic technique (SS or DS). Peri-operative mortality, complications potentially related to anastomotic technique and cancer-related outcome were compared. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-five patients had SS and 65 patients had DS anastomoses. The groups were well matched for age, sex, and tumour stage. Double-stapled anastomoses were used more frequently in the distal third of the rectum (P < 0.001). The distal margin of resection was not influenced by anastomotic technique. Major anastomotic leakage in 2.9% of SS cases was not significantly different from 6.1% of DS cases, and leakage was not influenced by anastomotic technique at any given level of the rectum. Two-year local recurrence rates were not significantly different between groups (SS 3.5%; DS 5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the double-stapling technique is as safe as the single-stapling technique for constructing an anastomosis after excision of the rectum for cancer, in terms of the risk of leakage, the development of an anastomotic stricture, or local recurrence.

Aged↗

Evidence that adrenaline is released from adrenergic neurones in the rectum of the fowl.

1 The rectum isolated from the fowl was perfused with Tyrode solution via the caudal mesenteric artery. Noradrenaline and adrenaline were biologically or fluorimetrically assayed in perfusates collected before and during stimulation of Remak's nerve or of the periarterial nerves.2 Perfusates collected during nerve stimulation relaxed the chick rectum and rat stomach strips which served as assay tissues. This effect was attributed to the action of noradrenaline or adrenaline released from adrenergic nerve endings which appeared in the perfusates.3 Perfusates obtained during stimulation (30 Hz for 60 s) of Remak's nerve contained both noradrenaline and adrenaline when measured fluorimetrically. The mean output per stimulus train was 0.8 +/- 0.2 ng/g wet wt. tissue for noradrenaline and 1.7 +/- 0.2 ng/g wet wt. tissue for adrenaline (n = 7). Perfusates obtained during stimulation (30 Hz for 60 s) of the periarterial nerves contained noradrenaline in a concentration of 1.6 +/- 0.3 ng/g wet wt. tissue per stimulus train, but almost no adrenaline (n = 7).4 Neither stimulation of Remak's nerve nor the periarterial nerves liberated catecholamines when the rectum was perfused with Tyrode solution containing low Ca(2+) (0.1 mM) and high Mg(2+) (10 mM).5 Infusion of high potassium solution (50 mM) increased markedly the output of noradrenaline and adrenaline.6 Adrenaline as well as noradrenaline may function as the adrenergic neurotransmitter in the rectum of the fowl.

Animals↗

Differences between features of adenoma in the rectum versus sigmoid colon.

OBJECTIVE: Although the prevalence of cancer in the rectosigmoid is high compared with that in the more proximal colon, the features of cancer developing from an adenoma have yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to examine the clinicopathological relationship between cancer and adenoma in the rectosigmoid. METHODS: A total of 340 adenomas located in the rectosigmoid in 255 patients were retrospectively examined regarding such clinicopathological factors as location and the grade of dysplasia. RESULTS: The prevalence of adenoma was 102 in the rectum and 238 in the sigmoid colon, respectively, whereas the prevalence of adenoma with high-grade dysplasia was 39 in the rectum and 48 in the sigmoid colon, respectively. This prevalence of adenoma with high-grade dysplasia was thus significantly higher in the rectum than in the sigmoid colon (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the possibility of different types of cancer development between adenoma of the rectum and sigmoid colon.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Analysis of the dose-surface histogram and dose-wall histogram for the rectum and bladder.

Dose distribution throughout a hollow organ is represented by either a dose-surface histogram (DSH) or a dose-wall histogram (DWH). A spherical shell model for the bladder and a cylindrical shell model for the rectum were introduced for quantifying the difference between the DWH and DSH. The difference was given by subtraction of the percent volume of the wall from the percent area of the surface for any specific dose level. Taking the dose-grid size and contour-delineation uncertainties into account, the DSH and DWH calculation errors were estimated by simplified formulas. The DSHs and DWHs for the rectum and bladder in patients undergoing four-field-prostate treatment and gynecological intracavitary brachytherapy were computed with a refined numerical algorithm. Results of the analytic models and the numerical calculations demonstrated that the difference between the DWH and DSH was small (about 5%) for a fully filled bladder or rectum but large (about 10%) for an empty rectum or a contracted bladder. The error of DSH was about 3%, which is smaller than that of DWH.

Humans↗

Species specific effect of acetylcholine on bivalve rectums.

The pharmacology of acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine on the rectums of Katelysia rhytiphora and K. scalarina was found to be similar, in general, to that of other bivalves. However, while acetylcholine causes a fast twitch in the rectum of K. rhytiphora, the activity and tone of the K. scalarina rectum are depressed except at high concentrations of the drug. The two species can be distinguished by these responses, and, therefore, these rectums are useful experimental objects for studying the physiology of molluscan visceral muscle.

Acetylcholine↗

Temperature measured at the axilla compared with rectum in children and young people: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between temperature measured at the axilla and rectum in children and young people. DESIGN: A systematic review of studies comparing temperature measured at the axilla (test site) with temperature measured at the rectum (reference site) using the same type of measuring device at both sites in each patient. Devices were mercury or electronic thermometers or indwelling thermocouple probes. STUDIES REVIEWED: 40 studies including 5528 children and young people from birth to 18 years. DATA EXTRACTION: Difference in temperature readings at the axilla and rectum. RESULTS: 20 studies (n=3201 (58%) participants) had sufficient data to be included in a meta-analysis. There was significant residual heterogeneity in both mean differences and sample standard deviations within the groups using different devices and within age groups. The pooled (random effects) mean temperature difference (rectal minus axillary temperature) for mercury thermometers was 0.25 degrees C (95% limits of agreement -0.15 degrees C to 0.65 degrees C) and for electronic thermometers was 0. 85 degrees C (-0.19 degrees C to 1.90 degrees C). The pooled (random effects) mean temperature difference (rectal minus axillary temperature) for neonates was 0.17 degrees C (-0.15 degrees C to 0. 50 degrees C) and for older children and young people was 0.92 degrees C (-0.15 degrees C to 1.98 degrees C). CONCLUSIONS: The difference between temperature readings at the axilla and rectum using either mercury or electronic thermometers showed wide variation across studies. This has implications for clinical situations where temperature needs to be measured with precision.

Adolescent↗

Fluid replacement via the rectum for treatment of hypovolaemic shock in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: The importance of early and effective fluid resuscitation in hypovolaemic shock treatment is indisputable. AIM: To examine the effects of fluid replacement via the rectum in an animal model of hypovolaemic shock as a possible life-saving method in situations where veins cannot be accessed quickly. METHODS: Rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: a control group of 7 animals and a second group of 10, the fluid replacement via the rectum (FRVR) group. The femoral artery of each subject was catheterised and 15 ml blood was withdrawn over 1 min at 5-min intervals. After reaching a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 30 mm Hg, additional blood was withdrawn until the MAP dropped to <25 mm Hg, at which time blood withdrawal ceased. At this point, control animals were given no treatment and were monitored for 30 min. The FRVR group, however, was given 0.9% sodium chloride solution (amount equal to three times the amount of blood withdrawn) via the rectum over a 15-min period. The MAPs of both groups were then measured, every 5 min after the start of resuscitation, for 30 min. RESULTS: In the FRVR group, the MAP began to rise significantly after 15 min of receiving fluid per rectum (p = 0.035) and continued to be significantly greater than the control group at 20, 25 and 30 min (p = 0.035, 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: FRVR is a viable alternative for fluid resuscitation in this animal model of hypovolaemic shock. This easy and non-invasive method of fluid replacement may be useful when standard intravenous access is unobtainable, and should be compared with other access routes using varying types and amounts of fluids in future animal studies.

Animals↗

Failure of the human rectum to absorb electrolytes and water.

Absorption of electrolytes and water from the human rectum was quantified by sequential sampling of physiological solutions instilled into the rectum and by the method of continuous intraluminal perfusion. The absorptive function of the rectum measured by the perfusion technique was also compared with that of the entire large intestine. The rectum did not absorb sodium, chloride, or water from isotonic solutions, even after 90 minutes of exposure. The remainder of the colon effectively absorbed sodium, chloride, and water at a rate of approximately 1% of the infused load per minute of contact between perfusates and mucosa.

Adult↗

Further evaluation of the afferent nervous pathways from the rectum.

To evaluate the visceral afferents from the rectum, we recorded cerebral evoked potentials (EPs) in 26 healthy subjects after electrical stimulation of the rectum, pudendal nerve, and posterior tibialis nerve. We found two distinctly different EPs after rectal stimulation, with differences in latencies and pattern. In 13 subjects (group 1), the EP after rectal stimulation had multiple prominent peaks with early onset latencies ranging from 22 to 29 ms (mean 26 ms). In 13 subjects (group 2), the EP after rectal stimulation had a trifid configuration due to a very prominent negative peak between 97 and 108 ms (mean 101 ms) and longer onset latencies ranging from 50 to 61 ms (mean 55 ms). Latencies after pudendal nerve and posterior tibialis nerve stimulation were similar in the two groups. On further study, we found that both types of afferent pathways are present in the distal colon, since both types of EPs were found in the same subjects either in the rectum or in the rectum and sigmoid. We speculate that the early onset EP is a visceral pathway using the same afferents as the pudendal nerve because the early onset EP after rectal stimulation appears similar in number of peaks and interpeak latencies to EPs recorded after pudendal nerve stimulation, and the late onset EP is a visceral pathway using afferents along the pelvic nerve. Early onset EPs were also recorded after sigmoid stimulation, suggesting that both kinds of EPs are visceral afferents.

Adult↗

Long-term results after 75 anastomoses in the upper extraperitoneal rectum with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring.

BACKGROUND: Anastomoses in the rectum have a higher risk for complications compared with other gastrointestinal regions. Stapling devices and sophisticated developments in surgical suture materials did not lead to a substantial decrease of local complications. The bioabsorbable anastomosis ring (BAR) is a new alternative technique for creating gastrointestinal anastomoses. Accordingly, the aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the postoperative course and long-term results of patients after anterior rectum resection using BAR. METHODS: From 1991 to 1996 75 BAR anastomoses were performed in the upper rectum at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg. Thirty-eight patients suffered from malignant, 37 from benign disease. Mean age was 61.4 years with no relevant differences in the gender. Mean follow-up was 31 months (4-63 months). The clinical course was evaluated, a questionnaire completed and/or a 3-monthly reevaluation with endoscopy conducted. Mortality, anastomostic bleeding, leakage and development of anastomotic stenosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients could be reexamined. There was no postoperative mortality and no anastomotic bleeding. Six patients (8%) developed an anastomotic leakage, of whom 3 (4%) required reoperation. None of the patients revealed a detectable stenosis in the anastomotic region during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The BAR procedure is a safe and suitable anastomotic technique after anterior rectum resection.

Absorbable Implants↗

Effect of pentagastrin on the motor activity of the dilated and nondilated sigmoid and rectum in Chagas' disease.

In order to evaluate the effect of pentagastrin on the motor activity of the sigmoid and rectum in patients with Chagas' disease, manometric studies were performed on 22 chagasic patients, 11 without and 11 with megacolon, and 11 control subjects. Pentagastrin had a stimulating effect on the sigmoid and rectum in control subjects as well as in chagasic patients without megacolon. In chagasic patients with megacolon, pentagastrin had no effect on sigmoid or rectum motility, probably as a result of the intrinsic denervation known to occur in this disease. The findings suggest that the motor effect of pentagastrin on the human sigmoid and rectum depends on the myenteric nervous pathways.

Adolescent↗

Distinct effects of rectum delineation methods in 3D-conformal vs. IMRT treatment planning of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The dose distribution to the rectum, delineated as solid organ, rectal wall and rectal surface, in 3D conformal (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment (IMRT) planning for localized prostate cancer was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective planning study 3-field, 4-field and IMRT treatment plans were analyzed for ten patients with localized prostate cancer. The dose to the rectum was evaluated based on dose-volume histograms of 1) the entire rectal volume (DVH) 2) manually delineated rectal wall (DWH) 3) rectal wall with 3 mm wall thickness (DWH(3)) 4) and the rectal surface (DSH). The influence of the rectal filling and of the seminal vesicles' anatomy on these dose parameters was investigated. A literature review of the dose-volume relationship for late rectal toxicity was conducted. RESULTS: In 3D-CRT (3-field and 4-field) the dose parameters differed most in the mid-dose region: the DWH showed significantly lower doses to the rectum (8.7% +/- 4.2%) compared to the DWH(3) and the DSH. In IMRT the differences between dose parameters were larger in comparison with 3D-CRT. Differences were statistically significant between DVH and all other dose parameters and between DWH and DSH. Mean doses were increased by 23.6% +/- 8.7% in the DSH compared to the DVH in the mid-dose region. Furthermore, both the rectal filling and the anatomy of the seminal vesicles influenced the relationship between the dose parameters: a significant correlation of the difference between DVH and DWH and the rectal volume was seen in IMRT treatment. DISCUSSION: The method of delineating the rectum significantly influenced the dose representation in the dose-volume histogram. This effect was pronounced in IMRT treatment planning compared to 3D-CRT. For integration of dose-volume parameters from the literature into clinical practice these results have to be considered.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗