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PubMed2000

[Coloproctological diseases of the pelvic floor].

PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to describe the most frequent and important coloproctologic pelvic floor disorders. Relevant diagnostic procedures of the pelvic floor will be presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A host of diagnoses and symptoms such as the descending perineum syndrome, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, uterine and vaginal descensus, anal and rectal prolapse, outlet obstruction, anismus, inertia recti and intussusception are included under the heading "pelvic floor disorders". Although symptoms are often varied, problems concerning urinary and/or faecal continence commonly lead to primary consultation of a physician. RESULTS: Quite often, apparently divergent symptoms such as constipation and incontinence are simultaneously mentioned. A clear gender disposition is observed with female patients inflicted nine-fold in comparison to male patients. The primary consultant may belong to a variety of specialities such as urology, proctology, gynaecology or dermatology, depending upon the predominant symptom. A feeling of trust is essential for the treatment of a disorder involving highly intimate regions of the body. DISCUSSION: An exact medical history and standardized proctologic evaluation consisting of inspection, palpation, rectoscopy and proctoscopy may be augmented by investigations such as anorectal manometry or endosonography. Conventional defecography has been replaced more and more by dynamic MRI of the pelvic floor in specialized institutions, enabling additional gynaecologic and urologic investigations avoiding ionizing radiation.

Colonic Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Pelvic floor dysfunction management practice patterns: a survey of members of the International Urogynecological Association.

The authors report results of a survey of the practice patterns of International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) members in the management of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. A questionnaire regarding current urogynecological clinical practice was developed by the Research and Development Committee of IUGA and mailed to all members of IUGA. Age, specialty, and geographic location factors were used for response comparisons. One hundred and fifty-two surveys (30%) were returned, 35% from North America, 51% from Europe/Australia/New Zealand, and 14% from elsewhere. The average age of respondents was 47.2 years (SD = 9.5), 89% were gynecologists and 11% were urologists. Overall, the procedures of choice for stress incontinence (SUI) were tension-free vaginal tape (TVT; 48.8%) and Burch colposuspension (44%). There were significant geographic variations noted. For SUI with low-pressure urethra/intrinsic sphincteric deficiency, TVT was used by 44.6% and suburethral sling by 32.3%. Various materials are used for suburethral slings, including autologous fascia (46.5%), Marlex mesh (27.8%) and cadaveric fascia lata (11.6%). Bulking agent injection therapy is used for ISD by 75% of respondents. Traditional reconstructive procedures are performed by the majority of respondents, including sacrospinous fixation (78%), abdominal sacrocolpopexy (77%), paravaginal repair (65%) and vaginal enterocele repair (93%); 6.5% use defecography in evaluating rectoceles and 44% use the POP-Q. Seventy-two per cent use urodynamic evaluation routinely in prolapse cases with no manifest SUI. Most IUGA members perform commonly accepted procedures for surgical therapy of urinary incontinence and genital prolapse. IUGA members do not frequently use anorectal physiology and fluoroscopic investigations to evaluate rectoceles prior to repair.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Abdominal rectopexy for complete rectal prolapse: preliminary results of a new technique.

PURPOSE: Although the technique for the surgical repair of rectal prolapse has advanced over the years, no ideal procedure has been found. We aim to test a new surgical procedure for abdominal rectopexy that uses the greater omentum to support the rectum below the rectopexy, to reconstruct the anorectal angle and dispense with the need for synthetic mesh, thus reducing the risk of infection. METHODS: A series of ten patients, all young and medically fit, underwent repair surgery for rectal prolapse with the new rectopexy technique. Some patients had concomitant sigmoidectomy. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included a clinical examination, anal manometry and defecography. RESULTS: Follow-up lasted a mean of 56.4 months. None of the patients had recurrent rectal prolapse or infection. Postoperative assessment at 24 months disclosed significant improvements in all the bowel and sphincter variables assessed. The 8 patients who had severe incontinence preoperatively had notably improved and 4 were fully continent, 3 moderately incontinent, and only 1 patient had persistently high levels of incontinence. In only 1 patient who initially had severe incontinence, continence completely regressed and severe constipation developed. Maximal basal pressure values increased significantly after surgery (p=0.0025), although they increased slightly less evidently in patients in whom marked incontinence persisted at postoperative follow-up. Maximal voluntary contraction pressure also increased significantly after surgery (p=0.0054), although the values changed less than those for basal pressure. During rest, squeeze and straining, and in all the patients who regained continence, even those who recovered it only partly, surgery substantially reduced the anorectal angle. The reduction during rest was statistically significant (p=0.0062). CONCLUSIONS: The rectopexy technique we tested in patients with rectal prolapse avoids the need for synthetic mesh, and provides good results in terms of bowel and sphincter function, without infection or recurrence.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2001

Rectoanal inhibition and rectocele: physiology versus categorization.

Some authors divide rectoceles into those with chronic evacuatory difficulty and normal genital position (type 1) and those with associated pelvic organ prolapse (type 2). This study assessed whether there are physiological differences between these two clinical rectocele types. Female patients were assessed by conventional anorectal manometry, vector manometry, parametric assessment of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), and defecography. Subjects included 33 volunteer controls without anorectal disease, 14 patients with type I rectocele, and 26 patients with type II rectocele. Significant differences were noted for resting pressure measurements (maximal resting anal pressure and vector volume) between rectocele types and between type I patients and controls. Significant differences were noted for squeeze parameters (maximal squeeze pressure and vector volume) only between rectocele types. There were minimal differences in parameters of the RAIR, with a reduced slope of inhibition in the proximal sphincter for both rectocele groups and a reduced maximal inhibitory pressure in the intermediate and distal sphincter of type 1 rectocele patients. There were no differences in transient excitation of the pressure wave during the RAIR reflex to account for pressure variations with no measured differences in rectocele depth (type 1, 2.87 +/- 0.7 cm; type 2, 2.84 +/- 1.4 cm) There are few physiological differences between the different clinical categories of rectocele patients based on the presence or absence of associated genital prolapse.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Dynamic graciloplasty resulting fecal continence without electrical stimulation: report of a case.

A 32 year-old man received dynamic graciloplasty for fecal incontinence due to a pelvic fracture. The perception of stool was obtained soon after the colostomy closure. Defecography and a manometric study showed that the patient could contract the transposed gracilis muscle independently. While the resting anal canal pressure remained low (52 cmH(2)O), he maintained excellent continence without stimulation. When stimulated, the anal canal pressure rose to 112 cmH(2)O. Electrical stimulation is therefore not always necessary for a good function after dynamic graciloplasty.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Evaluating patients with anorectal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence is a devastating disability, and although this condition is widely accepted as a problem in the elderly, it is now becoming apparent that much younger age groups are also frequently affected. Thorough assessment of anorectal incontinence is very important to choosing the most appropriate treatment. Careful history-taking and physical examination can identify the cause of most cases of incontinence and are essential in every patient. Several incontinence scoring systems have been proposed to provide an objective measure of a subject's degree of fecal incontinence, but only one acknowledges the important contribution of the severity of symptoms to quality of life. The investigations used to evaluate anorectal physiology include anorectal manometry, anal endosonography, nerve stimulation techniques, electromyography, defecography, endoluminal magnetic resonance imaging, the saline continence test, and the balloon-retaining test. Although all of these tests are important, the most useful for patients with incontinence are anal manometry, anal endosonography, and the pudendal nerve terminal motor latency test, because they can identify anatomic or physiologic abnormalities for which there may be effective treatments.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2004

Severe intra-abdominal bleeding following stapled mucosectomy due to enterocele: report of a case.

Stapled rectal mucosectomy (SRM) became a widely accepted surgical procedure for haemorrhoids. One of the rare complications is severe bleeding. We report the case of a patient who underwent SRM for thirddegree haemorrhoids. In addition, he suffered symptoms of outlet obstruction, although defecography showed no serious disease. One day after SRM, the patient complained of abdominal pain and peritonitis. Computed tomography revealed blood in the abdomen. The patient underwent laparotomy, which revealed a deep enterocele that reached down to the level of the sphincteric muscle. The ventral part of the stapled ring was placed intraperitoneally, and a longitudinal defect of the rectal serosa was observed. The serosa defect was sutured and a diverting sigmoid stoma was carried out. The patient left the hospital 10 days later. We emphasize vigilance for undetected enteroceles in mucosal prolapse syndrome combined with defecation problems.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2005

Transanal repair of rectocele and full rectal mucosectomy with one circular stapler: a novel surgical technique.

We present a new surgical stapling technique for treatment of rectocele when associated with internal mucosal prolapse or haemorrhoids using only one circular mechanical stapler. Eight female patients, mean age 53 years (range, 42-70), complaining of obstructed defecation with vaginal digitation because of rectocele associated with internal mucosal prolapse underwent transanal repair of rectocele and rectal mucosectomy using one circular stapler between April and July 2004. A running horizontal mattress suture was placed through the base of the rectocele including mucosa, submucosa and the muscle layer of the whole anterior anorectal junction wall. The prolapsed mucosa and the muscular layer were then excised with an electrical scapel. A continuous pursestring rectal mucosa suture was placed 0.5 cm before the previous anterior mucosa and muscle layers resected wound, including the anorectal junction wall which was kept separate from the posterior vaginal wall by a Babcock forceps. Posteriorly, the pursestring suture included only mucosal and submucosal layers. The stapled suture was positioned between normal anterior rectal wall and the anal canal, 0.5 cm above the pectinate line. The stapler was then closed, fired and withdrawn. One patient complained of a perianal hematoma on the seventh postoperative day, requiring surgical excision. Postoperative defecography showed correction of the rectocele and outlet obstruction disappeared in all patients. This novel combined manual-stapled technique for rectocele and rectal internal mucosal prolapse seems to be a safe procedure and the preliminary results are encouraging. Further investigations have to be performed to assess long-term outcome in a larger number of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Outcome of colectomy for slow-transit constipation in relation to presence of small-bowel dysmotility.

PURPOSE: A significant proportion of patients with slow-transit constipation have abnormal small-bowel motility. It is unclear whether abnormal small-bowel motility indicates worse results after surgery for slow-transit constipation. We studied the results of colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in patients with normal and abnormal antroduodenal manometry findings. METHODS: Seventeen, consecutive patients who had been referred for intractable constipation and who were found to suffer from slow-transit constipation underwent subtotal colectomy. All patients underwent a set of diagnostic investigations, including whole gut transit time, anorectal manometry, antroduodenal manometry, electromyography of the anal sphincter, balloon expulsion test, and defecography. Patients were followed up after five years. RESULTS: Patients' median age at the time of the operation was 46 (range, 23-70) years, and the median duration of constipation was 31 (range, 11-65) years. One patient died 21 days after the operation. Three patients developed intestinal pseudo-obstruction after the operation, and two of these died during the follow-up period. Fourteen patients were available for follow-up after a median of five (range, 4-7) years. Bowel frequency was significantly increased from a median of 0 (range, 0-2) times per week to a median of 30 (range, 10-102) times per week after surgery (P<0.001). The incidence of abdominal pain decreased from 94 to 43 percent. Seven of 13 patients (54 percent) continued to have bloating. At long-term follow-up, 12 of 14 patients (86 percent) reported that they had an overall improvement after surgery, despite continuing pain and bloating in a significant proportion of them. The outcome of surgery was good or excellent in seven of seven patients with normal findings on antroduodenal manometry, but only five of nine patients with abnormal manometry findings attained a good result after surgery. We found a trend (P=0.09) toward better long-term results after surgery for slow-transit constipation in patients with a normal antroduodenal manometry before the operation.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Anal sphincter morphology in patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the morphologic change of the anal canal in patients with rectal prolapse. METHODS: The endoanal ultrasound scans of 18 patients with rectal prolapse were compared with those of 23 asymptomatic controls. The thickness and area of the internal anal sphincter and submucosa were measured at three levels. RESULTS: Qualitatively, patients with rectal prolapse showed a characteristic elliptical morphology in the anal canal with anterior/posterior submucosal distortion accounting for most of the change. Quantitatively, internal anal sphincter (IAS) and submucosa (SM) thicknesses and area were greater in all quadrants of the anal canal (especially upper) in patients with rectal prolapse compared with controls. There was statistical evidence (in a regression model) of a relationship between increases in all measured variables and the finding of rectal prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: The cause of sphincter distortion in rectal prolapse is unknown but may be a response to increased mechanical stress placed on the sphincter from the prolapse or an abnormal response by the sphincter complex to the prolapse. Patients found to have this feature on endoanal ultrasound should undergo clinical examination and defecography to look for rectal wall abnormalities.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Functional constipation with impaired rectal sensation improved by electrical stimulation therapy: report of a case.

Patients with intractable constipation often complain of social, physical, and psychologic stress. Recently, biofeedback therapy has been widely used for the management of intractable constipation, particularly in cases of constipation associated with pelvic floor dyssynergia. However, some constipated patients often complain of absent or diminished sense of wanting to defecate. It is unclear whether impaired rectal sensation is a cause or outcome of constipation and what specific treatment is available for these patients. We treated a 25-year-old female patient who complained of intractable constipation for ten years. Colon transit time study and defecography showed nonspecific findings. Her anorectal manometric findings were within normal ranges with the exception of impaired rectal sensation. Rectal sensory threshold volumes for desire and urge to defecate and maximal tolerated volume were greatly increased. She was treated by electric stimulation therapy for the purpose of improving impaired rectal sensory function. After 14 sessions of electric stimulation therapy, her constipated symptoms improved dramatically. Furthermore, the desire and urge threshold volumes were remarkably decreased. We report this case of constipation with impaired rectal sensation possibly treated by electric stimulation therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Rectoanal intussusception: presentation of the disorder and late results of resection rectopexy.

BACKGROUND: Rectoanal intussusception may cause symptoms of obstructed defecation, and functional results of prosthesis rectopexy are usually not satisfactory. The aim of this study was to assess several parameters of the disorder and to evaluate the outcome of resection rectopexy. METHODS: During a 10-year period, 27 female patients with symptomatic large rectoanal intussusception had resection rectopexy (23 laparoscopy; 4 laparotomy). Conservative treatment, including biofeedback treatment in 22 patients, had failed in all cases. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included clinical assessment, anorectal manometry, evacuation defecography, and colon transit studies. Follow-up ranged between one and five years. RESULTS: Length of intussusception was 2 to 4.9 cm and was significantly related to pelvic floor descent (P = 0.003) and inversely related to resting anal pressures (P < 0.001). Eleven patients had undergone a previous hysterectomy, 9 had enterocele-sigmoidocele, 7 had incontinence of varying severity, and 8 had a solitary rectal ulcer. Colon transit was abnormal in all but five cases. Immediate functional results were bad in two-thirds of the cases; tenesmus, urge to defecate, and frequent stools were the main complaints. By the time these symptoms had subsided, and one year after surgery, all but two patients were satisfied with the outcome. Intussusception was reduced in all cases, anal sphincter tone recovered (P = 0.002), perineal descent decreased (P < 0.001), and colonic transit was accelerated (P < 0.001). Patients available at five-year follow-up had no or only minor defecatory problems. CONCLUSION: Resection rectopexy improves symptoms of obstructed defecation attributed to large rectoanal intussusception.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Anal continence after rectocele repair.

INTRODUCTION: Rectocele may be associated with both chronic constipation and anal incontinence. Several different surgical procedures have been advocated for rectocele repair. The aim of the present study was to evaluate anorectal function and clinical outcome in a consecutive series of patients who underwent selected endorectal or transperineal surgery for rectocele for whom operative treatment was determined by clinical and proctographic features. Attention was paid to the cohort of rectocele patients presenting with incontinence as a leading symptom. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with symptomatic rectocele underwent surgical treatment at our institution. Fifty-eight of the patients were female (mean age 56; range, 21-70 years). Incontinence was graded according to a previously reported scoring system that accounts for the type and frequency of incontinence episodes. Preoperative anorectal manometry was performed using an open perfused polyethylene probe. Rectal sensation was recorded by balloon distention. Endoanal ultrasonography was performed with a 7.5-MHz probe. Preoperative defecography was performed at rest and on maximal squeeze and straining. Patients with obstructed defecation as their principal symptom, with associated mucosal rectal prolapse, underwent an endorectal procedure. For patients with associated anal incontinence (Grade B2 or greater), and without a rectal mucosal prolapse, a transperineal approach was performed with either an anterior external overlapping sphincteroplasty or levatorplasty. The median follow-up was 48 (range, 9-122) months. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients (30 percent). Of 43 patients with incontinence, 34 (79 percent) were available for postoperative evaluation. None were fully continent. However, in 25 patients (73.5 percent), continence improved after surgery; half had only mucus soiling or loss of gas. Incontinence scores decreased (i.e., improved) from 4.8 +/- 0.9 to 3.9 +/- 0.9 (P = 0.002). A significant improvement was found both after transanal and perineal procedures. Only ten initially continent patients were available for postoperative assessment. All patients stated that they had clinical improvement in constipation. Their preoperative mean anal resting pressure was 62.5 +/- 3.9 (standard error of the mean) mmHg, with a postoperative mean of 75.5 +/- 7 mmHg. The preoperative mean squeeze pressure was 83.1 +/- 8.5 mmHg, with a mean postoperative squeeze pressure of 88.5 +/- 7.9 mmHg (P = not significant). The maximal tolerable volumes were all within normal limits, confirming the proctographic evidence that there were no cases of megarectum in our patient series. The pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was abnormal in all but two patients with incontinence (mean pudendal nerve terminal motor latency = 3.1; range, 1.2-4 milliseconds). Rectoceles recurred in six patients (10 percent): five after a Block procedure and one after a Sarles-type operation. The postoperative endosonographic appearance varied according to the nature of the procedure performed. CONCLUSION: There are few data concerning patients with rectocele who have associated anal incontinence, however, surgical decision analysis resulted in improvement in both constipation and incontinence in the majority of our patients with rectocele. Nevertheless, because none of the patients gained full continence postoperatively, pelvic floor rehabilitation might be also needed to achieve better sphincter function in patients with incontinence.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Dynamic transperineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders: pilot study.

PURPOSE: Defecating proctography and more recently, magnetic resonance imaging have both been used for diagnosis in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of dynamic transperineal ultrasound in a range of specific disorders affecting evacuation. METHODS: A protocol of sagittal and transverse transperineal imaging was established defining the infralevator viscera and soft tissues and the margins of the puborectalis muscle. Dynamic measurements were possible for the extent of puborectalis shortening, the anorectal angle, and the movement during straining of the anorectal junction. Calculations were made of the depth of demonstrated rectoceles, the posterior urethrovesical angle, and the movement of the urethrovesical junction. Diagnoses were confirmed by proctography (where appropriate) and clinical examination. RESULTS: Transverse images of the anal sphincter were comparable with those obtained using endoanal ultrasonography. Sagittal images permitted the measurement of puborectalis contraction and the anorectal angle comparable with those obtained during defecography. Cystoceles were able to be diagnosed during closure of the posterior urethrovesical angle and abnormal urethrovesical junction descent during straining. Rectoceles, peritoneoceles, enteroceles, and rectoanal intussusception were readily identified using dynamic transperineal ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Dynamic transperineal ultrasound is a simple, noninvasive way to assess dynamically the interaction of the pelvic viscera and their relationship to the pelvic floor musculature in patients with evacuatory disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Combined perineal and endorectal repair of rectocele by circular stapler: a novel surgical technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present a new technique for treatment of disabling rectocele when associated with internal mucosal prolapse or hemorrhoids using a 33-mm circular stapler. METHODS: Eight female patients complaining of obstructed defecation because of distention rectocele associated with internal mucosal prolapse or hemorrhoids and perineal descent entered the study. The rectovaginal septum was opened by diathermy up to the end of the rectal wall weakness. The perineal wound and the anus were held open by a self-retractor. Using a transparent anoscope (PPH 01 system), 2 mucosal pursestrings were prepared 5 and 8 to 9 cm distant from the dentate line. Posteriorly, only the submucosa was included in the pursestring; anteriorly, it included the rectal wall, which was kept separate from the vaginal wall. A transanal 33-mm circular stapler was then used to close the rectocele and treat the mucosal prolapse. Before closing the perineum a levatorplasty was fashioned. RESULTS: One patient had a vaginal tear during dissection of the septum, which healed spontaneously in one month. No other complications were recorded. Postoperative defecography showed correction of the rectocele and the posterior rectal prolapse in all patients. In two of them, a small lateral diverticulum could be seen, although this was asymptomatic. After a median follow-up of 12 months, all had significantly improved defecation (chronic constipation score dropped from 14.3 to 5, P < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Combined perineal and endorectal stapler repair of rectocele may be a useful new surgical tool for correcting distention rectocele associated with mucosal prolapse or hemorrhoids and perineal descent in selected patients. A longer follow-up on a larger number of patients is needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Total anorectal reconstruction with the artificial bowel sphincter: report of eight cases. A quality-of-life assessment.

PURPOSE: The artificial bowel sphincter has been proposed to treat patients with fecal incontinence. The good results achieved with this procedure encouraged us to use this device for reconversion of patients who previously underwent an abdominoperineal resection. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2001, we selected eight patients for the total anorectal reconstruction, five for a synchronous reconstruction, and three cases for a delayed procedure. One patient was male and seven were female. The mean age was 52.6 years. All the patients underwent a postoperative manometry and defecography. Continence and quality of life scores were also evaluated in the follow-up. RESULTS: The follow-up length ranged from 6 to 28 months. Manometry assessed a basal pressure with the ABS cuff inflated between 58 and 62.2 mmHg. All but one patient achieved a good grade of continence with a Wexner score range between 3 and 9. A certain degree of impaired evacuation occurred in three patients, but with adequate training this improved and did not affect patient's satisfaction. The administered questionnaires demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life scores for stoma patients and an elevated quality of life in patients synchronously treated with artificial bowel sphincter implant. CONCLUSION: The artificial bowel sphincter is a good option for reconstruction of patients previously treated with an abdominoperineal resection. The procedure is feasible and safe, without serious postoperative complications. The quality of life is improved when the procedure is performed in stabilized stoma patients and is acceptable for motivated patients synchronously implanted. As compared with electrostimulated graciloplasty, the artificial bowel sphincter technique seems to be easier to perform and more acceptable for the patients, although the cost of the device is still high.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Clinical and physiologic outcomes after transvaginal rectocele repair.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and physiologic outcomes after transvaginal rectocele repair. METHODS: Between June 2000 and January 2003, 30 females (mean age, 62 (range, 45-78) years) with a symptomatic large rectocele (>3 cm) underwent transvaginal rectocele repair (anterior levatorplasty). Six months after surgery, a physiologic evaluation was performed by using defecography (depth of rectocele) and anorectal manometry (maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, rectal threshold, and maximum tolerable volume). Using a questionnaire, a clinical evaluation was performed one year after surgery to analyze symptoms, including difficult evacuation, digital support, sexual discomfort, as well as patient satisfaction. Follow-up of all patients was conducted during a median duration of 38 (range, 23-54) months. RESULTS: There were no operative complications, such as hematoma, wound infection, or rectovaginal fistula. Difficult evacuation improved in 27 of 30 patients (90 percent) and completely disappeared in 9 patients. Postoperatively, digital support was no longer necessary during evacuation in 15 of 21 patients (71 percent). Overall patient satisfaction reached 25 of 30 (83 percent). Although mild sexual discomfort was observed in nine patients, it disappeared gradually and only one patient complained of persistent symptoms. No patient reported symptomatic recurrences at the end of the follow-up. The radiologic mean depth of the rectocele was significantly reduced: preoperative, 3.9 cm; postoperative, 0.5 cm. None of the physiologic parameters significantly changed after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal rectocele repair can provide excellent long-term symptomatic relief and a high rate of patient satisfaction without any alteration in anorectal physiologic function.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The utility of pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies in idiopathic incontinence.

PURPOSE: Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing has been used to test for pudendal neuropathy, but its value remains controversial. We sought to clarify the relationship of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency to sphincter pressure and level of continence in a cohort of patients with intact anal sphincters and normal pelvic floor anatomy. METHODS: We reviewed 1,404 consecutive patients who were evaluated at our pelvic floor laboratory for fecal incontinence. From this group, 83 patients had intact anal sphincters on ultrasound and did not have internal or external rectal prolapse during defecography. These patients were evaluated by pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing, a standardized questionnaire, and anorectal manometry, which measured resting and squeeze anal pressures. Incontinence scores were calculated by using the American Medical Systems Fecal Incontinence Score. Values were compared by using the Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test; and significance was assigned at the P < 0.05 level. RESULTS: 1) Using a 2.2-ms threshold, 28 percent of patients had prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency unilaterally and 12 percent bilaterally. 2) At a 2.4-ms threshold, 18 percent of patients had prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency unilaterally and 8 percent bilaterally. 3) Bilaterally prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was significantly associated with decreased maximum mean resting pressure and increased Fecal Incontinence Score, but not decreased maximum mean squeeze pressure, at both 2.2-ms and 2.4-ms thresholds. 4) Unilaterally prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was not associated with maximum mean resting pressure, maximum mean squeeze pressure, or fecal incontinence score at either threshold. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of incontinent patients with intact sphincters have normal pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. Bilaterally but not unilaterally prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency is associated with poorer function and physiology in the incontinent patient with an intact sphincter.

Aged↗