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Stapled mucosectomy for rectocele repair: a preliminary report.

There is no optimum surgical method of repair for rectoceles; however, recent interest in the use of the circular hemorrhoidal stapler gun to treat rectoceles has stirred interest. We describe our early results using the circular hemorrhoidal stapler gun for repair of rectoceles. Seven patients (median age, 45 (range, 31-62) years; all females) have been treated. All seven patients presented with incomplete or difficult defecation, four patients required digital vaginal manipulation, and all patients had tried a variety of aperients to aid defecation. The procedure involved two purse-strings and one firing of the circular hemorrhoidal stapler gun. No perioperative complications were encountered. At a median of six (range, 1-10) months follow-up, all patients were able to defecate without difficulty or manipulation. None of the patients required any medication to aid bowel evacuation after surgery. These promising early results support the use of stapled mucosectomy for the repair of rectoceles.

Adult↗

Long-term results of the anterior Délorme's operation in the management of symptomatic rectocele.

PURPOSE: Although the results of surgery for symptomatic rectocele seem satisfactory initially, there is a trend toward deterioration with time. This study was designed to assess the long-term outcome of Anterior Délorme's operation for rectocele. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to all females who had Anterior Délorme's operation performed in Auckland between 1990 and 2000. The questionnaires included obstructed defecation symptoms and a validated fecal incontinence severity index questionnaire and fecal incontinence quality of life questionnaire. Preoperative and postoperative obstructed defecation symptoms and incontinence score were compared. RESULTS: A total of 150 females (mean age, 56 (range, 30-83) years) who had an Anterior Délorme's operation for a rectocele were identified. One hundred seven patients (71.5 percent; mean age, 56 years) completed the questionnaire. Median follow-up was four (range, 2-11) years. The number of patients with obstructed defecation reduced from 87 preoperatively to 23 postoperatively using Rome II criteria (P < 0.0001). Postoperatively there was a reduction in the number of patients with each of the symptoms of obstructed defecation from 83 to 27 for straining, 87 to 33 for incomplete emptying, 64 to 14 for feeling of blockage, 41 to 10 for digitation (P < 0.0001 for all). The median incontinence score reduced from 20 of 61 preoperatively to 12 of 61 postoperatively (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with symptomatic rectocele, Anterior Délorme's operation provides long-term benefit for patients with obstructed defecation and leads to a significant improvement of incontinence scores.

Adult↗

Anorectal physiology in solitary ulcer syndrome: a case-matched series.

PURPOSE: Solitary ulcer syndrome is a rare condition characterized by inflammation and chronic ulcer of the rectal wall in patients suffering from outlet constipation. Despite similar surgical options (rectopexy, anterior resection), solitary ulcer syndrome may differ from overt rectal prolapse with regard to symptoms and pathogenesis. The present work analyzed differences between these conditions in a case-control physiology study. METHODS: From 1997 to 2002, 931 consecutive subjects were investigated in a single physiology unit for anorectal functional disorders. Standardized questionnaires, anorectal physiology, and evacuation proctography were included in a prospective database. Diagnosis of solitary ulcer syndrome was based on both symptoms and anatomic features in 25 subjects with no overt rectal prolapse (21 females and 4 males; mean age, 37.2 +/- 15.7 years) and no past history of anorectal surgery. They were compared with age-matched and gender-matched subjects: 25 with outlet constipation (also matched on degree of internal procidentia), 25 with overt rectal prolapse without any mucosal change, and 14 with overt rectal prolapse and mucosal changes. RESULTS: Subjects with solitary ulcer syndrome reported symptomatic levels (digitations, pain, incontinence) similar to those of patients with outlet constipation, but they had significantly more constipation and less incontinence than patients with overt rectal prolapse. Compared with each of the three control groups (dyschezia, rectal prolapse without mucosal change, and rectal prolapse with mucosal change), subjects with solitary ulcer syndrome more frequently had an increasing anal pressure at strain (15 vs. 5, 3, and 1, respectively ; P < 0.01) and a paradoxical puborectalis contraction (15 vs. 9, 1, and 1, respectively; P < 0.05). With respect to evacuating proctography, complete rectal emptying was achieved less frequently in this group (5 vs. 12, 23, and 10, respectively; P < 0.05). Compared with patients with overt rectal prolapse, mean resting and squeezing anal pressures were significantly higher in both groups of subjects with solitary ulcer syndrome and with outlet constipation. Prevalence and levels of anatomic disorders (perineal descent, rectocele) did not differ among the four groups except for rectal prolapse grade and prevalence of enterocele (higher in overt rectal prolapse group). Interestingly, and despite matched controls for degree of intussusception, individuals with solitary ulcer syndrome had circular internal procidentia more often compared with those suffering from outlet constipation without mucosal lesions (15 vs. 8, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This case-controlled study quantifies functional anal disorders in patients suffering from solitary ulcer syndrome. Despite no proven etiologic factor, sphincter-obstructed defecation and circular internal procidentia both may play an important part in the pathogenesis and an exclusive surgical approach may not be appropriate in this context.

Adult↗

Diagnostic testing in patients with chronic constipation.

During the past few years, significant developments have taken place in the understanding and diagnosis of defecation disorders. Several innovative manometric, neurophysiologic, and radiologic techniques have been discovered, which have improved the accuracy of identifying the neuromuscular and pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic constipation. Such approaches have led to improved management of these patients. In this review, we summarize and highlight recent advances in the utility of diagnostic testing of chronic constipation.

Chronic Disease↗

Coccygeal movement: assessment with dynamic MRI.

PURPOSE: Chronic coccygodynia is a difficult problem diagnostically and therapeutically. Moreover, there is no deep knowledge especially in the field of imaging of chronic coccygodynia. In this study several possible measurements are proposed, which all are able to demonstrate coccygeal movement during defecation, in order to assess coccygeal mobility using dynamic MRI during maximum contraction and during straining-evacuation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dynamic MRI study of the pelvic floor was performed in 112 patients. Five methods of measurement were assessed. Coccygeal movements were determined through the evaluation of three angles pair and two different distances measured during the phase of maximum contraction and during the phase of straining-evacuation. Results were compared according to age, sex, parity and experience of minor trauma. No patient included in the study had coccygodynia. Measurements taken by two radiologist were compared to determine interobserver agreement. RESULTS: The maximum measurement values of the two distances are homogeneous, between 9 and 9.4mm. The maximum measurement values of the three angles showed a difference that is between 21 degrees and 38 degrees . Two of three angles showed a major measurement values in the funtional texts. In only one patient the coccyx was not mobile. CONCLUSION: Our dynamic MRI study indicates that the coccyx is mobile during defecation and that it is possible to demonstrate coccygeal excursions by assessing the difference between its positions at maximum contraction and during straining-evacuation. The measurement methods used in this study for evaluating coccygeal movements resulted in variably sized observed differences, but all yielded statistically significant results in demonstrating coccygeal excursion. Among the five measurement methods, two resulted in the largest differences. Our data indicate no correlation between coccygeal movements and age, sex, parity, minor trauma and coccygodynia.

Adult↗

Dynamic imaging of posterior compartment pelvic floor dysfunction by evacuation proctography: techniques, indications, results and limitations.

The clinical management of patients with anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction is often difficult. Evacuation proctography has evolved from a method to evaluate the anorectum for functional disorders to its current status as a practical method for evaluating anorectal dysfunction and pelvic floor prolapse. It has a high observer accuracy and yield of positive diagnosis. Clinicians find it of major benefit and has altered management from surgical to medical and vice versa in a significant number of cases.

Anal Canal↗

Long-term outcomes of individualized biofeedback training based on the underlying dysfunction for patients with imperforate anus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to design an individualized biofeedback program based on the underlying dysfunctions and to assess the short-term and long-term clinical and quality-of-life outcomes for patients with imperforate anus. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were treated using an individualized biofeedback program according to their different dysfunctions after having completed the assessment of the anorectal function. Many special biofeedback training methods that consist of strengthening the perianal muscles biofeedback, sensory discrimination biofeedback, synchronizing external sphincter contraction biofeedback, and improving defecation dynamic biofeedback were selected to make up the individualized biofeedback training program. The clinical scores and quality-of-life scores were assessed in the short-term and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The clinical scores and quality-of-life scores of patients before training, after biofeedback training, at short-term follow-up, and at long-term follow-up were 3.2 +/- 1.1 and 8.7 +/- 1.1, 5.2 +/- 0.6 and 11.0 +/- 0.8, 5.1 +/- 0.6 and 10.8 +/- 0.9, and 4.6 +/- 0.7 and 10.1 +/- 0.7, respectively. After biofeedback training, the strength of the perianal muscles were increased significantly, the abnormal rectal threshold sensation and defecation dynamic reverted to normal in all patients, and 82% patients who have no external anal sphincter reflex acquired the new reflex. In the short-term follow-up, 12 (57%) patients maintained the clinical outcome, and only 9 (43%) patients have regressions slightly. At long-term follow-up, 7 (33%) patients maintained the clinical outcome very well, and 14 (67%) patients had regressed. Although the clinical and quality-of-life scores have decreased slightly at follow-up, they were still significantly increased compared with those before biofeedback training. CONCLUSIONS: The individualized biofeedback is more suitable for improvement of the clinical outcome and the quality of life, and maintained a good clinical outcome and quality of life on the short-term and long-term follow-ups.

Adolescent↗

Clinical applications and techniques of cinedefecography.

BACKGROUND: Cinedefecography is of value in routine examination of functional disorders of the pelvic floor. Interest in this technique has rapidly expanded owing to the increased availability of colorectal physiologic testing and better understanding of the multifactorial pathophysiology involving evacuation disorders. METHODS: A summary of the available techniques, methodology, and indications for cinedefecography was undertaken. In addition, information was provided on interpretation of these images particularly in the context of anatomic abnormalities and clinical applications. RESULTS: Cinedefecography can be rapidly and easily performed using standard radiographic equipment. Effective radiation dose is significantly lower than for other intestinal contrast studies. The technique has been found most useful for measurements of perineal descent, puborectalis length, and ascertaining the function of the puborectalis muscle and pelvic floor. Common diagnoses that can be made by this test include nonrelaxing puborectalis syndrome, perineal descent, rectocele, enterocele, sigmoidocele, and rectoanal intussusception. CONCLUSION: Cinedefecography provides a wide range of information to assist the surgeon with the evaluation and management of patients with evacuatory and other associated pelvic floor disorders.

Cineradiography↗

Imaging fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence is the inability to defer release of gas or stool from the anus and rectum by mechanisms of voluntary control. It is an important medical disorder affecting the quality of life of up to 20% of the population above 65 years. The most common contributing factors include previous vaginal deliveries, pelvic or perineal trauma, previous anorectal surgery, and rectal prolapse. Many physicians lack experience and knowledge related to pelvic floor incontinence disorders, but advancing technology has improved this knowledge. Increased experience with endoanal ultrasound and endoanal magnetic resonance imaging have given us a better understanding not only of the anatomy of the anal canal but also of the underlying morphological defects in fecal incontinence. Current imaging methods are emphasized and recent literature is reviewed.

Aged↗

Imaging studies of the pelvic floor.

A variety of imaging modalities complement the history and physical examination in the investigation of pelvic floor dysfunction in women. Current fluoroscopic techniques, including defocography, can reveal underlying pelvic floor defects by reproducing normal daily activities that cause symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging provides fine musculoskeletal detail of this region in anatomic plane not well seen via computerized tomography. Ultrasound is used primarily in assessment of the anal sphincter muscles. Cystourethroscopy provides direct visualization of the lower urinary tract. This article describes the clinical applications and technique of each modality.

Defecography↗

[Electrophysiologic studies in the descending perineum in women].

Seventy five female patients (mean age: 55 +/- 13 years) were included into the study. Electromyography of the perineum with study of the intramuscular activity of the external anal sphincter was done and measures of the sacral reflex latency were obtained by stimulation of the cavernous nerve of the clitoris, recording in the external anal sphincter muscle. Neurogenic syndromes of pudendal nerve either isolated or associated with muscular disorders have been shown to be correlated with descending perineum. In our study, we investigated whether a history of obstetrical or surgical interventions is related to the occurrence of this syndrome. We did not find any significant relationship.

Adult↗

[Fecal incontinence: evaluation, treatment concept and new therapeutic approaches].

Faecal incontinence is more frequent than generally assumed. The pathophysiological ground for faecal incontinence are injuries as well as infraclinic post childbirth injuries. However, faecal incontinence is frequently ideopathic by women probably due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Interdisciplinary diagnosis include endoluminal-sonography, sphincter-manometry and in selected cases MR video-defaecography. Results of surgical sphincter repair combined with anterior anal repair may be excellent in up to 70% of the cases, however long-term results may become disappointing. Dynamic gracilis plastic is today a recognized therapy as sphincter replacement. However, provided that the sphincter-muscles remain intact, permanent sacral nerve-stimulation is a very promising emerging therapy. The initial results are very encouraging with recovery from faecal incontinence in up to 70-80% of the treated cases.

Anal Canal↗

Infliximab in refractory pouchitis complicated by fistulae following ileo-anal pouch for ulcerative colitis.

AIM: To determine the efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of chronic refractory pouchitis complicated by fistulae following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. METHODS: This open study included seven patients (four females, three males) with chronic refractory pouchitis complicated by fistulae. Pouchitis was diagnosed by clinical, endoscopic and histological criteria. The sites of the fistulae were as follows: pouch-bladder in one, vaginal in three, perianal in two, and both vaginal and perianal in one. Extra-intestinal manifestations (erythema nodosum, arthralgia) were present in four patients. Crohn's disease was carefully excluded in all patients after re-evaluation of the history, re-examination of the original proctocolectomy specimen and examination of the proximal small bowel. All patients had been treated with antibiotics and three with steroids. Patients received infliximab, 5 mg/kg, at 0, 2 and 6 weeks. Azathioprine (2.5 mg/kg) was also started for all patients as bridge therapy. Clinical response was classified as complete, partial or no response. Fistulae closure was classified as complete (cessation of fistulae drainage and total closure of all fistulae), partial (a reduction in the number, size, drainage or discomfort associated with fistulae) or no closure. The pouchitis disease activity index and quality of life were also used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Clinically, all patients improved. At the 10-week follow-up, six of the seven patients had a complete clinical response, and five had complete fistulae closure. At the 10-week follow-up, the median pouchitis disease activity index decreased from 12 (baseline) (range, 10-15) to 5 (range, 3-8); the median quality of life decreased from 37 points (range, 33-40) to 14 (range, 9-18). Erythema nodosum and arthralgia showed complete remission soon after the first infusion of infliximab. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results indicate that infliximab may be recommended for the treatment of refractory pouchitis complicated by fistulae following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

Adult↗

Does the need to self-digitate or the presence of a large or nonemptying rectocoele on proctography influence the outcome of transanal rectocoele repair?

INTRODUCTION: Transanal repair of anterior rectocoele is a well described technique with variable success rate. In our department we offer repair to patients who fit the following criteria; the need to self digitate (transvaginal or perineal); a large rectocoele; a nonemptying rectocoele. Using these selection criteria previous authors have shown excellent results. The aim of our study was to review our results using this selective approach and also to determine whether the need to self digitate, the presence of a large rectocoele and the degree of emptying could predict which patients would achieve a successful result. METHODS: Fifty-five patients underwent repair over a three-year period. The main presenting symptom was noted for each patient and also whether self-digitation was required in order to achieve successful evacuation. Dynamic evacuation proctography was performed on all patients. Size of rectocoele, percentage of paste expelled and other proctographic abnormalities were noted for each patient. Follow up was at 6 weeks and 6 months at which point patients were asked whether their symptoms had resolved, improved, remained the same or had worsened. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 48 of the patients (median age 52 years, IQR 43-63). The presenting complaint was constipation in 22 patients, obstructive defaecation in 15, incomplete evacuation in 5, postdefaecation soiling in 4 and dyspareunia in 2. Thirty-eight patients noted the need to self-digitate, 10 did not. Proctography revealed a large rectocoele (> 4 cm) in 22 patients and a medium or small rectocoele (< 4 cm) in 26 patients. There was a rectocoele alone in 34 patients, in combination with perineal descent in 11 and with intussusception in 3. Median percentage of paste expelled was 70% (range 20-95). At 6 weeks postoperatively, 43 patients had complete resolution of their symptoms whilst 5 reported only some or no improvement. At 6 months, 37 patients sustained complete resolution of their symptoms and 11 did not. Pre-operative factors were compared for these two groups of patients. There was no difference in age (P > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test) between the two groups There was also no difference in size of rectocoele, degree of emptying, the presence of another proctographic abnormality and the need to self-digitate between the two groups (P > 0.05, Fisher's exact test). DISCUSSION: No factors were seen to distinguish between the successful and unsuccessful groups of patients following rectocoele repair, however, an overall success rate of 75% was achieved using our selection criteria. This figure is in keeping with reported success rates in the literature.

Adult↗

Predictive value of the balloon expulsion test for excluding the diagnosis of pelvic floor dyssynergia in constipation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to establish a simple method to exclude the possibility of pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) in constipated patients and thus avoid unnecessary expensive physiologic studies. METHODS: Patients with suspicion of functional constipation (FC) were studied prospectively between 1994 and 2002, excluding those with severe systemic, psychological, or symptomatic anorectal/colonic disorders or taking medications that might modify symptoms or results of studies. Diagnosis of PFD was established retrospectively by manometric plus defecographic findings according to Rome II criteria. Two groups of patients were identified: FC without PFD (FC group) and PFD group. A 30-day symptom diary and balloon expulsion test results were evaluated in all patients. Clinical differences and results of the expulsion test were statistically compared between groups. RESULTS: Of 359 patients evaluated, 130 were included (FC group, 106; PFD group, 24). According to data from the diary, only anal pain was more frequent in the PFD group compared with the FC group (anal pain in >25% of defecations, 70.8% vs. 40.6%; P < 0.05, chi(2) test). The expulsion test was pathologic in 21 of 24 patients with PFD and 12 of 106 without PFD. The specificity and negative predictive value of the test for excluding PFD were 89% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The balloon expulsion test is a simple and useful screening procedure to identify constipated patients who do not have PFD. Symptoms are not enough to differentiate between subtypes of constipation.

Adult↗

Abnormal predefecatory colonic motor patterns define constipation in obstructed defecation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The pathophysiology of constipation in the syndrome of obstructed defecation is unknown. Using 24-hour pancolonic manometric recordings of the unprepared colon to record basal pressures and spontaneous defecation episodes, we tested the hypothesis that the frequency, timing, or spatial distribution of propagating colonic pressure waves is abnormal in patients with obstructed defecation. METHODS: In 11 patients with obstructed defecation and 16 healthy controls, pressures were recorded using a nasocolonic catheter that was positioned such that 16 recording sites spanned the unprepared colon at 7.5-cm intervals. RESULTS: The overall frequency of propagating sequences (PS) in the colon did not differ between patients and controls. When compared with controls, patients had a significant increase in the frequency of retrograde and antegrade PS (P < 0.05) in the left colon and a significant reduction in the amplitude of propagating pressure waves throughout the entire colon (P < 0.03). Defecation occurred in 6 of 11 patients and 9 of 16 controls. In the 15 minutes before defecation, controls showed a highly significant increase in frequency (P = 0.001) and amplitude (P = 0.01) of PS. In contrast, patients did not demonstrate this or the typical spatiotemporal organization of PS normally observed before expulsion of stool. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with obstructed defecation lack the normal predefecatory augmentation in frequency and amplitude of propagating pressure waves and lack the normal stereotypic spatiotemporal patterning of colonic pressure waves that would normally culminate in effective expulsion of stool.

Adult↗