Pilonidal sinus of the anal canal: a rare entity - case report

Pilonidal sinus is the term first used by Hodges in 1880 to describe a granulomatous lesion containing hairs. It has been previously described as hair extracted from an ulcer andreferredtoasJeep's disease, in world war days. Pilonidal sinus is the condition in which a sinus or fistula is situated at a short distance from the anus and generally contains hairs. It is commonly observed in the sacrococcygeal region and a few other sites, such as the axilla, umbilicus, face, etc. Its presence elsewhere is uncommon. Predisposing factors are traumatized, hairy skin, which leads entry of the hair inside the wound, thus forming a sinus. A 31-year-old patient presented with discharging endoanal sinus tract, which, on exploration, turned out to be an endoanal pilonidal sinus containing hair tufts, a rare case. The patient complained of recurrent pus discharge and anal pain for 45 days, reporting history of travelling around 70 km daily in a two-wheeler vehicle. On first physical evaluation, a small endoanal bulge was found. It was located at 1 o'clock in lithotomy position (anterior), with purulent discharge and anterior anal fissure. For confirmation, an endoanal ultrasonography (USG) was performed, which showed a sinus tract containing internal echoes and gas bubbles with a small amount of pus. The sinus was explored, and a wide excision was made and left open for secondary healing. Pilonidal sinus of the anal canal is a rare entity, and it can be found in hairy patients who are used to going on long, daily rides on two wheeled vehicles. (AU)

Comparison of the efficacy between transperineal ultrasound and endoanal ultrasound in diagnosing obstetrics anal sphincter injury / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To study the agreements between transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) and endoanal ultrasound in assessing obstetrics anal sphincter injury (OASI), and to analyse the diagnostic efficacy of OASI in predicting AI relationship between OASI and anal incontinence (AI).Methods:A total of 217 women were prospectively recruited from the clinic in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2021 to May 2022. Symptoms of AI were determined using the St Mark′s Incontinence Score (SMIS). TPUS and EAUS were performed by the same operator with the same machine on every participant for detecting OASI: OASI grades 3a, 3b, 3c, and 4 were performed according to the extent of the injuries in the anal sphincter complex. The angle of the defect in the external anal sphincter (EAS) was measured. A "significant EAS defect" was diagnosed as a defect affecting at least 2/3 of the length of the EAS with a defect angle of ≥30° in each slice.Ultrasound findings were compared between the two methods. The diagnostic efficacy of "ultrasound OASI" in predicting AI was analysed by logistic regression.Results:Of 217 women, twenty-eight (12.9%) suffered from AI with SMIS ranging from 5~20(11.9±4.5). On TPUS, 79 (36.4%) cases were suspected of OASI, that was 50 OASI 3a, 13 OASI 3b, and 16 OASI 3c/4. On EAUS, 78 (35.9%) cases were suspected of OASI that was 23 OASI 3a, 22 OASI 3b, 15 OASI 3c, and 18 OASI 4. Twenty-four "significant EAS defects" were diagnosed by TPUS and twenty-eight by EAUS, TPUS had excellent agreement with EAUS (weighted Kappa=0.91, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that "ultrasound OASI" was associated with AI symptoms. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.92, 0.87, 0.89, 0.92 for TPUS OASI 3b+ , EAUS OASI 3b+ , TPUS "Significant EAS defect" , and EAUS "Significant EAS defect" for predicting AI, respectively. Conclusions:TPUS has good agreement with EAUS in detecting OASI. OASI 3b+ and "significant EAS defect" on TPUS and EAUS had good performance in predicting AI symptoms.

Determinar la precisión diagnóstica de la ecografía tridimensional en casos de fístula perianal en comparación con los hallazgos intraoperatorios durante el procedimiento quirúrgico / Assessment of accuracy of three dimensional endo-anal ultrasound in diagnosis of perianal fistula in comparison to operative findings

Aim : To determine the diagnostic accuracy of three dimensional ultrasound in cases of perianal fistula compared to intra-operative findings during surgical procedure. Background: Perianal fistulae can be either low type (simple) or high type (complex) and surgical treatment options differ accordingly. Preoperative three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) is a promising diagnostic technique that can effectively assist in choosing the most suitable treatment option for patients with anal fistula by providing the surgeon with accurate outlining of the fistula. Methods: The study is a cross sectional comparative study conducted at Al-Sadr Medical City during the period from September 2018 through September 2019, and included cases with fistula in ano, which were subjected to 3-D ultrasound, then followed up during surgery to obtain the intra-operative findings of the fistula. Results: The study included (78) patients whom their age ranged from (18-65) years. Majority of cases were males (79.49%). For assessing the concordance between 3D-EAUS and the intraoperative findings the Kappa coefficient for the internal opening was 0.9825 (P-value < 0.001), for the external opening was 0.9853 (P-value < 0.00), For the course of primary tract, Kappa = 0.9754 (P-value < 0.001) and for the course of the extension tract was 0.9761 with a P-value of < 0.001. Conclusions: Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound is an effective and dependable tool for delineation the course of a perianal fistula.

Relación entre score de incontinencia fecal y hallazgos ecográficos en pacientes con antecedente de trauma obstétrico / Relationship between faecal incontinence score and ultrasound findings in patients with a history of obstetric trauma

Introducción: La incontinencia anal es una compleja y devastadora patología que altera la calidad de vida de los pacientes, cuya etiología más común es la lesión esfintérica postparto vaginal. A la hora de clasificar la incontinencia, el score descripto por Jorge y Wexner es el más utilizado en nuestro medio. La ecografía endoanal ha sido definida como el gold standard para evaluar los defectos del esfínter anal. Objetivo: Determinar la correlación entre los hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos en pacientes con incontinencia fecal de causa obstétrica. Material y Métodos: Población: pacientes que consultaron en el Centro Privado de Cirugía y Coloproctología entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2017 por incontinencia fecal con antecedentes de trauma obstétrico y a las que se les realizó una ecografía endoanal 360° y score de Jorge y Wexner. Resultados: Se evaluaron 24 pacientes. La media de edad fue de 56 años. El número de partos en promedio fue 2,3 y el Score de Wexner en promedio fue 9.7 (±5.2). La ecografía endoanal confirmó alteración esfintérica por afinamiento o interrupción en el 100% de los pacientes. Se observó una tendencia a una asociación negativa entre el Score de Wexner y la ecografía endoanal (r=-0.328, p=0.067). Las pacientes con menor grado de lesión esfinteriana por ecografía tenían mayor severidad en el Score de Wexner que las pacientes con mayor grado de lesión. Las pacientes con evidencia ecográfica de lesiones leves refirieron un mayor Score de Wexner que aquellas con lesiones severas. Conclusión: En este trabajo no existió correlación entre los hallazgos ecográficos y el score de incontinencia. Si bien la ecografía esfintérica es el gold standard para evaluar daño muscular, la terapéutica no debe ser determinada solamente por la ecografía. Tipo de estudio: Retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo.

Introduction: Anal incontinence is a complex and devastating pathology that alters the patient's quality of life, whose most common etiology is vaginal postpartum sphincter injury. To classify incontinence, the score described by Jorge and Wexner is the most used in our environment. Endoanal ultrasound has been defined as the gold standard for evaluating anal sphincter defects. Objective: To determine the correlation between clinical and ultrasound findings in patients with fecal incontinence due to obstetric cause. Material and Methods: Population: patients who consulted at the Private Center of Surgery and Coloproctology between January 2015 and December 2017 due to fecal incontinence with a history of obstetric trauma and who underwent a 360º endoanal ultrasound and a Jorge and Wexner score. Results: Twenty-four patients were evaluated. The average age was 56 years. The number of births on average was 2.3 and the Wexner Score on average was 9.7 (± 5.2). Endoanal ultrasound confirmed sphincter alteration by refining or interruption in 100% of patients. A tendency to a negative association was observed between the Wexner Score and the endoanal ultrasound (r = -0.328, p = 0.067). Patients with a lower degree of sphincter injury by ultrasound had greater severity in the Wexner Score than patients with a higher degree of injury. Patients with ultrasound evidence of mild lesions reported a higher Wexner Score than those with severe lesions. Conclusion: In this work, there was no correlation between the sonographic findings and the incontinence score. Although sphincter ultrasonography is the gold standard for assessing muscle damage, therapy should not be determined only by ultrasound. Type of study: Retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive.

Morphological characteristic of anal canal in patients with dyssynergic defecation and its correlation with anorectal manometry / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) for dyssynergic defecation (DD).@*Methods@#A case-control study was performed to retrospectively collectclinical data of 46 DD patients, including 16 males and 30 females with median age of 51 (20 to 70) years, at Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine from February 2012 to April 2015.All the patients met the diagnostic criteria of functional constipation of Rome III. The paradoxical contraction of puborectalis (PR) muscle was found by both rectal examination and anorectal manometry. In the same period,45 healthy volunteers, including 22 males and 23 females with median age of 48 (21 to 72) years, without pelvic operation history, and with normal defecation in recent 6 months, were enrolled as the control group. No significant differences were observed in age and gender between two groups (both P>0.05). Cleveland constipation score of DD group was higher than that of control group [15(8-24) vs. 5(1-9), t=15.720, P<0.001]. 3D-EAUS examination was performed in all the subjects. Thickness and length of internal anal sphincter (IAS) (anterior side and posterior side), thickness of PR muscle, length of external anal sphincter (EAS) plus PR muscle, and puborectalis angle were measured and compared by using student t test between two groups. Correlation between these ultrasound parameters and anorectal manometry was examined by Pearson correlation analysis.@*Results@#Both male and female in the DD group had the greater thickness of IAS, as compared to those in the control group [male: (1.7±0.5) mm vs.(1.5±0.2) mm, t=2.516, P=0.016; female: (1.9±0.4) mm vs.(1.6±0.5) mm, t=2.034,P=0.047]. No significant differences between the two groups were observed with respect to the posterior length of IAS, length of EAS plus PR muscle, and thickness of PR muscle (all P>0.05). Compared to the control group, male in the DD group had smaller puborectalis angle during straining [(87.0±3.6)° vs. (90.5±1.8)°,t=3.502,P=0.002];female in the DD group had smaller puborectalis angle both in resting and straining [resting:(86.5±3.8)° vs. (90.1±2.1)°,t=4.047, P<0.001;straining: (84.1±4.5)° vs. (90.2±2.3)°, t=5.938, P<0.001]. Correlation analysis showed that anterior length of IAS was positively correlated with anal resting pressure (r=0.321, P=0.030); the length of EAS plus PR muscle was positively correlated with anal squeeze pressure (r=0.415, P=0.004). There were no correlations between the thickness and the posterior length of IAS and the anal resting pressure, or between the thickness of PR muscle and the anal squeeze pressure (all P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#The 3D-EAUS can accurately assess the morphological features of anal canal in DD patients. There is a certain positive correlation between 3D-EAUS and anorectal manometry.

Establishing the normal ranges of female and male anal canal and rectal wall vascularity with color Doppler anorectal ultrasonography / Estabelecendo padrões normais da vascularização do canal anal e da parede retal em indivíduos do sexo masculino e feminino com ultrassom anorretal com Doppler colorido

ABSTRACT Study objectives: To evaluate blood supply in the anal canal, rectal wall and mesorectal fat of men and women, using color Doppler endorectal sonography to establish normal ranges for vascular parameters. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary-care hospital recruited asymptomatic volunteers (≤50 years). Vascularity percentage and index were calculated for defined regions. Results: Vascularity percentage and index were significantly higher in the puborectalis, mid-level external and upper internal anal sphincter compared to the low anal canal; these parameters were higher in men than in women at upper and middle levels of the inner anal canal structures. At mid-level, vascularity was greater in the external compared to the internal anal sphincter in both sexes; however, at the upper level it was greater in the puborectalis compared to the internal anal sphincter in women. Vascularity was greater in the rectal wall compared to the mesorectal fat, with no difference between middle and lower levels. Conclusions: Blood supply is highest at upper levels of the anal canal; however, inner structures are better irrigated in men. Moreover, the rectal wall is better irrigated than the mesorectal fat. Establishing normal ranges may permit future comparisons of the studied structures in disease states as well as the hormonal and age related changes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar vascularização do canal anal, parede retal e gordura mesorretal em homens e mulheres, usando ultrassonografia endorretal com Doppler colorido para estabelecer parâmetros vasculares de normalidade. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo transversal incluindo voluntários assintomáticos com até 50 anos. Medidos os valores da porcentagem e do índice de vascularização foram calculados para regiões escolhidas. Resultados: Valores da porcentagem e do índice foram significativamente maiores no puborretal, esfíncter externo (canal anal médio) e o esfíncter interno (canal anal superior) comparado ao canal anal inferior; esses parâmetros foram maiores em homens que em mulheres no canal anal médio e alto. No médio, a vascularização foi maior no esfíncter externo comparado ao interno em ambos os sexos; contudo, no canal anal superior, foi maior no puborretal comparado ao esfíncter anal interno em mulheres. A vascularização foi maior na parede retal comparada à gordura mesorretal, sem diferenças entre os níveis. Conclusões: O suprimento sanguíneo é maior nos níveis altos do canal anal. As estruturas internas são mais irrigadas nos homens. A parede retal é mais irrigada que a gordura mesorretal. Os parâmetros vasculares estabelecidos permitirá futuras comparações das estruturas estudadas nos casos de doenças, assim como, alterações que ocorrem com a idade e mudanças hormonais.

Use of endoanal ultrasound as complimentary evaluation for detection of anal sphincter injury after vaginal birth / Uso da ultrassonografia endoanal como avaliação complementar para a detecção de lesão do esfíncter anal após parto vaginal

Abstract Purpose Anal sphincter injury after delivery is the main factor in the pathogenesis of fecal incontinence. Clinical obvious and specific injury to anal canal sphincter is seen in 3% of vaginal deliveries. There are many women who do not have a clear and specific laceration but they are damaged by sphincter muscles of anal canal. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the frequency of occult anal sphincter injury after vaginal delivery by Endo-anal sonography. Methods Fifty women with first pregnancy were assessed at 27-33 weeks of pregnancy, and at 6 weeks and 6 months after vaginal delivery by questionnaire, examination and Endo-anal sonography. Women age, duration of delivery, the effect of epidural anesthesia, episiotomy and birth weight were studied and Endo-anal sonography results were recorded. Anal manometry was performed for all mothers before delivery and 5 ones with sphincter injury at 6 months and 3 years after delivery. Results Five (10%) patients, with mean age 29.4 ± 6.5 years, mean neonatal weight of 3874 ± 287, and mean duration of delivery 11.6 ± 1.51 h, had signs of sphincter injury in Endo-anal sonography. The injury was persisted at six months after delivery. Also, significant differences were seen between anal manometry before delivery and 6 months and 3 years after delivery (p = 0.006 for mean squeezing pressure) in the five mothers. Conclusion Endo-anal sonography might be a good screening tool for early detection of postpartum anal sphincter damages. However, further prospective cost benefit studies should be performed to propose it as a standard of care.

Resumo Finalidade A lesão de esfíncter anal após o parto é o fator principal na patogênese da incontinência fecal. Observa-se uma lesão clínica óbvia e específica ao esfíncter no canal anal em 3% dos partos vaginais. Em muitas mulheres não se percebe uma laceração nítida e específica, mas houve lesão nos músculos esfinctéricos do canal anal. A finalidade desse estudo é investigar a frequência de lesão oculta de esfíncter no canal anal em seguida ao parto vaginal por meio da ultrassonografia endoanal. Métodos Cinquenta mulheres primíparas foram avaliadas no período de 27-33 semanas de gestação e também a 6 semanas e 6 meses após o parto vaginal por meio de questionário, exame e ultrassonografia endoanal. Foram anotados a idade das pacientes, a duração do parto, o efeito da anestesia epidural, episiotomias e peso do bebê ao nascer; também foram registrados os resultados da ultrassonografia endoanal. Antes do parto, todas as gestantes foram submetidas a um exame de manometria; e 5 mães com lesão esfinctérica também passaram por esse procedimento a 6 meses e 3 anos após o parto. Resultados Cinco (10%) pacientes, com média de idade = 29,4 ± 6,5 anos, peso médio do bebê ao nascer = 3874 ± 287 gramas e duração média do parto = 11,6 ± 1,51 horas, apresentavam sinais de lesão esfinctérica ao exame por ultrassonografia endoanal. Seis meses após o parto, as lesões persistiam. Também foram observadas diferenças significativas entre a manometria anal antes do parto e a 6 meses e 3 anos após o parto (p = 0,006 para média de pressão de contração) nas cinco mães. Conclusão A ultrassonografia endoanal pode ser um bom instrumento de triagem para a detecção precoce de lesões do esfíncter anal no pós-parto. Contudo, é importante que sejam realizados novos estudos prospectivos e de custo-benefício, para que essa técnica possa ser proposta como padrão terapêutico.

Endoanal pilonidal sinus: case report and literature review / Cisto pilonidal endoanal: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT: Pilonidal sinus is a term first used by Hodges in 1880 to describe granulomatous lesions containing hairs in its interior. The presence of endoanal pilonidal sinus is rare and only nine cases have been reported in medical literature. This article describes a male, 42 years, initially submitted to fistulotomy with seton placement that four years later evolved with complaints of anal purulent discharge associated with painful anal groin. During the first evaluation a small endoanal tumor was found. It was located in posterolateral anus position and contained hair in its interior, without purulent discharge at that moment. Underwent surgery that confirmed the presence of endoanal pilonidal sinus. The sinus was opened and left to heal by secondary intention. The patient had good outcome with no signs of recurrence. (AU)

RESUMO: O termo cisto pilonidal foi descrito pela primeira vez por Hodges em 1880 para descrever lesões granulomatosas contendo pêlos em seu interior. A presença de cisto pilonidal endoanal é rara e existem apenas nove casos relatados na literatura médica. Descreve-se um caso masculino, 42 anos, em acompanhamento há 5 anos no serviço. Submetido inicialmente à fistulostomia em dois tempos com sedenho, evoluindo 4 anos depois com queixas de secreção purulenta intermitente por via anal associada a presença de tumoração dolorosa. No exame físico constatou-se presença de orifício contendo pêlos em seu interior, sem secreção purulenta no momento do exame. Foi encaminhado para tratamento cirúrgico que confirmou diagnóstico de cisto pilonidal endoanal. No procedimento foi realizada abertura do cisto que foi deixado para cicatrizar por segunda intenção. O paciente apresentou boa evolução, sem sinais de recidiva local. (AU)

Relación entre el grado de incontinencia fecal y el daño del esfínter anal externo / Relationship between faecal incontinence severity and external anal sphincter disruption

Introduction: Faecal incontinence (FI) represents an important psychological and social condition for an individual. There are several causes for FI, therefore its study and management is complex. Among different aetiologies, anatomical disruption of the external anal sphincter (EAS) as a consequence of anorrectal surgery or obstetric injury can be studied by endoanal ultrasound (EAUS). This study focus on anatomical assessment of sphincter muscle injury of EAS and its relationship with clinical presentation con FI. Objective: Compare anatomical and disruption of EAS features studied by 3D-EAUS between patients with FI, according to its severity. Methods: 3D-EAUS images were obtained from selected patients studied for FI between January 2008 and July 2010 at Clínica las Condes. Wexner Score (SW) was used to evaluate severity of FI, dividing patients into two categories: Mild FI (SW < 9) and Severe FI (SW ≥ 9). A single observer evaluated different morphological variables: width, length, percentage and angle of EAS disruption. Parametrical and non-parametrical analysis was used as appropriate. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From 31 female patients studied, mean SW was 11.7 +/- 0.8 points, range from 5 to 20 points. When dividing into two groups, 9 patients had mild FI and 22 had severe FI. Studied variables in EAUS 3D cubes: width, length, percentage and angle of EAS disruption, did not reach statistical significance between groups. Conclusion: No relationship was found between external anal sphincter anatomic injury variables studied and severity of faecal incontinence.

Introducción: La incontinencia fecal (IF) se refleja en una condición psicológica y social importante para el individuo. Las causas de IF son múltiples, siendo su estudio y manejo complejo. La disrupción anatómica del esfínter anal externo (EAE), secundaria, entre otras, a cirugía anorrectal o lesión obstétrica, es posible de ser estudiada por endosonografía anal (EAUS). El presente artículo se centra en el daño anatómico del EAE y su relación con la presentación clínica de la IF. Objetivo: Comparar las características anatómicas y daño del EAE objetivadas mediante endosonografía en 3 dimensiones (EAUS3D), entre los pacientes con IF según su severidad. Material y Método: Se obtuvo las EAUS3D realizadas en Clínica Las Condes por estudio de IF entre enero de 2008 y julio de 2010. Se utilizó el score de Wexner (SW) para separar la población en dos grupos, IF leve (SW < 9) e IF grave (SW ≥ 9). Un único observador evaluó las diferentes variables: grosor, longitud, porcentaje de defecto y ángulo de lesión del EAE. Se utilizó estadística paramétrica o no-paramétrica según corresponda. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: De un total de 31 pacientes femeninas estudiadas, el SW promedio fue de 11,7 +/- 0,8 con rango entre 5 y 20 puntos. Al separar según grupos, 9 pacientes tenían IF leve y 22 IF grave. De las variables estudiadas por EAUS3D: el promedio, grosor, longitud, porcentaje de defecto y el ángulo de lesión del EAE no lograron diferencia estadística entre los grupos. Conclusión: No existe una relación directa entre las variables estudiadas de daño anatómico del EAE y el grado de IF.

Utilidad de la ecografía endo anal mediante el uso de videoecoendoscopio con transductor rotatorio de 360 / Usefulness of endo-anal ultrasound through the use of videoechoendoscope with 360 rotary transducer

Introducción: La aparición de la ecografía endoanal 360º significó un cambio importante en la Coloproctología de los últimos 20 años.1 Ha ganado popularidad por ser mínimamente invasivo, indoloro y costo/efectivo si se compara con otros estudios por imágenes. Además, es habitualmente realizada por un Coloproctólogo y puede formar parte del examen en la consulta. Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia de nuestro grupo en el diagnóstico de diferentes patologías anorrectales mediante la utilización del método. Población y métodos: Entre noviembre de 2010 y abril de 2014 realizamos 978 ecografías endoanales de 360º. Las variables analizadas fueron: estudios realizados según diagnósticos de sospecha; variación en la cantidad de estudios solicitados y realizados durante el periodo establecido; especialidad del médico que solicita el estudio. Resultados: En cuanto al diagnóstico sospechado por el médico derivante, de los 978 estudios, 422 (43,1%) correspondieron a fístulas perianales, 311 (31,79%) ecografías fueron realizadas por diagnóstico de incontinencia anal, 93 (9,5%) como evaluación esfinteriana preoperatoria, 48 (4,9%) por proctalgia crónica, 7 (0,71%) fístulas ano-recto-vaginales, y 20 (2,04%) por otras sospechas diagnósticas (disinergias del piso pelviano, control postoperatorio, etc.). En cuanto a la variación de la cantidad de estudios en el tiempo, se realizaron 8 procedimientos en 2010, 146 durante 2011, 254 en 2012, 402 ecografías en 2013 y 168 durante los primeros meses de 2014. En cuanto a la especialidad acreditada por los médicos que prescribieron el estudio, el 84,1% (823) correspondía a cirujanos colorrectales, el 6,64% (65) a cirujanos generales, el 3,6% (36) a gastroenterólogos, el 2,4% (24) a ginecólogos y el 2,04% (20) a otros. Fueron excluidas del presente trabajo las ecografías realizadas para estadificar o reestadificar los tumores del recto inferior y el ano (22 estudios)...

Background: The appeareance of the 360º endoanal ultrasonography as a diagnostic method an improvement for coloproctology in the last 20 years.(1) It has been gaining popularity in virtue of being minimally invasive, painless and cost/effective, especially when compared to other methods. Furthermore, it is mainly realized by coloproctologists, making it almost part of the physical exam at the consult. Objective: To communicate our experience at the diagnostic of different anorectal pathologies. Population and methods: Between November 2010 and April 2014, we performed 978 studies with the 360º endoanal ultrasound. All of the studies were done with the same equipment and by the same operator. We analyzed the followings variables: Studies performed according to different initials diagnostics; variation in the number of studies requested and performed during the 4 years period; specialty of the primary physician who requested the study. Results: From 978 studies performed, 422 (43,1%) correspond to fistula in ano, 311 (31,79%) to anal incontinence, 93 (9,5%) were done for preoperative evaluation of the anal sphincter, 48 (4,9%) for chronic anal pain, 7 (0,71%) for recto vaginal fistula, and 20 (2,04%) for other presumed diagnostics (pelvic floor dyssynergia, post operatory control). As regards to the variation of the number of studies requested during this 4 years period we found that during 2010 we performed 8 procedures, 146 during 2011, 254 in 2012, 402 in 2013 and 168 during the firsts months of 2014. In relation to the specialty of the primary physician who requested the study, 84,1% (823) were solicited by coloproctologists, 6,64% (65) by general surgeons, 3,6% (36) by gastroenterologists, 2,4% (24) by gynecologists, and 2,04% (20) by other specialists. Studies performed for rectal and anal tumors staging (22 studies...

Neoadyuvancia cnn imatinib en el manejo de gist gigante del tabique rectovaginal / Neo-adjuvant treatment with imatinib for a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Introducción: Los tumores estromales gastrointestinales (GIST) del recto son muy raros. En la última década se ha planteado la neoadyuvancia con imatinib en los casos de tumores localmente avanzados o inicialmente irresecables. Caso clínico: Se presenta una paciente portadora de un GIST maligno del tabique rectovaginal inicialmente considerado irresecable que fue sometido a neoadyuvancia con Imatinib como terapia de inducción durante 3 meses, logrando una respuesta clínica notable que permitió realizar una resección local exitosa por vía endoanal. La presencia de factores pronósticos deletéreos (tamaño tumoral mayor de 5 cm y 13 mitosis por 50 campos de aumento mayor) determinó la mantención del tratamiento con Imatinib por 15 meses luego de la cirugía con el fin de reducir el riesgo de recidiva local. Luego de 20 meses de seguimiento la paciente está libre de enfermedad, con continencia fecal plena, ha recuperado la actividad sexual, aunque persisten algunos efectos residuales de la droga que están en franca disminución. Conclusión: La neoadyuvancia con imatinib se considera actualmente la terapia estándar en el manejo de los GIST localmente avanzados y/o irresecables.

Background: Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare. Neo-adjuvant therapy with imatinib is recommended for locally advanced or non-resectable tumors. Case report: We report a 63 years old woman with a malignant GIST located in the recto-vaginal septum which was initially considered non-resectable. The patient was treated with imatinib as induction therapy for three months. After this lapse the tumor was successfully excised using an endo-anal approach. Due to a tumor size over 5 cm and the presence of 13 mitoses per 50 high power fields, two bad prognostic factors, treatment with imatinib was maintained for 15 months after surgery. After 20 months of follow up, the patient is free of disease with complete fecal continence and with an adequate sexual life. Secondary effects of imatinib are gradually subsiding.

Influence of sphincter defect on biofeedback outcomes in patients with fecal incontinence / Influência do defeito esfincteriano na resposta ao biofeedback em pacientes com incontinência fecal

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of sphincter defect (SD) on biofeedback (BF) response in patients with fecal incontinence. METHODS: two hundred and forty-two patients with fecal incontinence undergoing BF as exclusive treatment were identified from a BF database. Patients were evaluated with fecal incontinence score (Cleveland Clinic Florida - Fecal Incontinence Score, CCF-FI) and anorectal physiology tests. The pre- and immediate post-treatment outcomes were obtained from the chart, and the long-term outcomes by CCF-FI score that was sent by mail. RESULTS: 242 patients underwent BF for fecal incontinence. 143 (59.1%) underwent ultrasonography, 43 (30.1%) of whom had sphincter defect detected on US. The immediate outcomes were not affected by the presence of absence of SD. The second CCF-FI questionnaire was mailed after a mean of 6.1 years after treatment. 31 (57.4%) exhibited improvement, 4 (7.4%) remained unchanged, and 19 (35.2%) had worsening function, which was significantly inferior in patients with SD (p = 0.021). Electromyography demonstrated increased electrical activity in the contraction phase after BF in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: the majority of patients experience improvement in fecal incontinence after BF. However, patients with SD detected on US prior to treatment seem to have worse function at long term. (AU)

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a influência do defeito esfincteriano (DE) na resposta ao biofeedback (BF) em pacientes com incontinência fecal. MÉTODOS: 242 pacientes com incontinência fecal, submetidos exclusivamente ao BF como forma de tratamento, foram selecionados. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao escore de incontinência fecal (Cleveland Clinic Flórida-Escore de Incontinência Fecal, CCF-IF) e testes de investigação da fisiologia anorretal. O pré e pós-tratamento imediato foram obtidos do prontuário e para avaliação a longo prazo foi enviado o CCF-IF pelo correio. RESULTADOS: 242 pacientes realizaram BF. 143 (59,1%) realizaram ultrassom e em 43 (30,1%) foi evidenciado DE. Os resultados imediatamente após o BF não foram afetados pela presença ou ausência de DE. O segundo questionário foi enviado pelo correio com tempo médio de 6,1 anos após término do BF. 31 (57,4%) melhoraram, 4 (7,4%) permaneceram inalterados e 19 (35,2%) pioraram, mas nos pacientes com DE a melhora foi significativamente inferior (p = 0,021). A eletromiografia demonstrou melhora na atividade elétrica na fase de contração em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: houve melhora clínica na maioria dos pacientes com incontinência fecal após o BF. Entretanto, pacientes com DE detectados ao US antes do tratamento, apresentaram piores resultados a longo prazo. (AU)

"Ley de Goodsall", ¿Mito o Realidad? / Law on Goodsall. Myth or reality?

Introducción: a fines del siglo XIX, en su libro “Rectum and Annus Diseases” David Goodsall afirmaba: “Las fístulas pueden ser descriptas como anteriores o posteriores en relación a una línea coronal trazada a través del ano. Las anteriores tendrán un trayecto radiado hacia el canal anal, las posteriores describen un trayecto curvo hacia la línea media posterior”.(1-3) Cien años después, el perfeccionamiento de técnicas de diagnóstico por imágenes nos permite poner a prueba el postulado de Goodsall a más de un siglo de emitido, para establecer si su afirmación puede contribuir o no, a la determinación de trayectos fistulosos y por ende, mejorar las tasas de éxito en la terapéutica quirúrgica. Objetivo: analizar resultados de ecografías endoanales 360º en fístulas perianales, estableciendo si sus trayectos cumplen o no, el postulado enunciado por Goodsall. Diseño: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, observacional. Materiales y métodos: análisis retrospectivo de 285 ecografías de fístulas perianales realizadas desde 2004 al 2012. Se analizaron edad, sexo, clasificación de Parks,(4-5) orificios internos, externos, trayectos principales y accesorios, cavidad intermedia y complejidad. Se consideraron fístulas simples los tractos interesfintéricos y transesfinterianos bajos; como complejas las recidivas, los tractos transesfinterianos altos, supraesfinterianos y extraesfinterianos. Criterios de inclusión: fístulas de origen criptoglandular. Criterios de exclusión: fístulas subcutáneas, inflamatorias, malignas, específicas y/o por trauma. Resultados: se excluyeron 17 estudios. La serie se basó en 268 ecografías; 193 (72,01%) transesfinterianas, 70 (26,12%) interesfinterianas, 4 (1,49%) supraesfinterianas y 1 (0,37%) extraesfinteriana. 234 (87,76%) se correspondieron con la regla, siendo un 81,62% de los mismos fístulas simples y 18,37% complejas. De los 34 (12,68%) que no lo hicieron, un 58,82% fueron fístulas simples y 41,17%, complejas... (TRUNCADO).

Background: late in the nineteenth century, in “Rectum and Annus Diseases” David Goodsall stated that “Fistulas can be described as anterior or posterior related to a line drawn in the coronal plane across the anus, the so called transverse anal line. Anterior fistulas will have a direct tract into the canal anal. Posterior fistulas will have a curved tract with their internal opening lying in the posterior midline of the anal canal (1)”. Development of new imaging techniques allows us to verify whether Goodsall´s statement is true. Hundreds of years passed until we are able to check if his rule can really contribute to fistulae tracts determination, therefore improving chances of success in surgical approaches or not. Objective: analyzing endoanal ultrasonography (US) results performed in anal fistulae and determine if they follow Goodsall´s statement. Design: descriptive, observational, retrospective study. Material and methods: a retrospective study of 285 endoanal US performed from 2004 to 2012. Age, gender, Parks´s classification, internal and external orifice, main and secondary tracts, mid cavity, and complexity were analyzed. Interesphincteric and low transesphincteric tracts were considered single fistulas whereas high transsphincteric, suprasphincteric, extrasphincteric and recurrent tracts were considered to be complex fistulas. Inclusion criteria: fistulas arising in infected anal crypts. Exclusion criteria: subcutaneous, malignant, specifics, traumatic or inflammatory tracts. Results: 17 studies were excluded. Research was based in 268 studies. 193 (72,01%) transsphincteric, 70 (26,12%) interessphincteric, 4 (1,49%) suprasphincteric and 1 (0,37%) extrasphincteric fistulas. 234 (87,76%) studies followed the postulate, 81,62% of them were single fistulas and 18,37%, complex tracts. However, there were 34 (12,68%) studies that did not satisfy expectancy, 58,82% of them were single fistulas while 41,17% were complex... (TRUNCADO).

Ecografía endoanal 360º en la evaluación diagnóstica de las fístulas perianales. Correlación entre el informe ecográfico y el hallazgo quirúrgico. Nuestra experiencia / Endoanal 360º ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of perianal fistulas. Correlation between ultraasound and surgical finding report. Our experience

Antecedentes: desde que en 1989 Law y Bartram publicaran su primer trabajo sobre las fístulas perianales y su identificación por ultrasonido con un transductor rotatorio, la ecografía endoanal de 360º se ha revelado como una herramienta esencial en el estudio de la patología del canal anal y del recto, habiendo contribuido enormemente tanto en el diagnóstico como en la orientación terapéutica. Objetivo: comunicar nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico de fístulas perianales con ecografía endoanal de 360º, y su correlación con el hallazgo quirúrgico. Pacientes y Métodos: entre Noviembre de 2010 y Octubre de 2012 se realizaron 168 estudios con diagnóstico de fístula perianal. Las variables analizadas fueron: 1) localización del trayecto por cuadrante; 2) localización según clasificación de Parks; 3) detección del orificio interno; 4) detección de patología asociada. Resultados: Localización por cuadrantes, se informó en todos de los casos. Localización según clasificación de Parks: 138 interesfintéricas (82,1%), 16 transesfintéricas (9,5%), 1 supraesfintérica (0,5%) y 1 extraesfintérica (0,5%). Se localizó el orificio interno fistuloso en 140 pacientes (83,33%). En cuanto a la correlación con la cirugía: en 103 casos (95,37%) informó la localización del orificio interno fistuloso. 1) 100% de concordancia en localización por cuadrantes, 2) localización según Parks acuerdo en 73 pacientes (67,6%),3) localización del orificio interno: correlación en 91 pacientes (88,34%). Conclusiones: la ecografía endoanal con transductor rotatorio de 360º es un método eficaz, accesible, barato, inocuo y casi sin contraindicaciones. Presenta alta tasa de detección del orificio interno fistuloso y podría ser muy útil en el planeamiento quirúrgico de una patología benigna difícil de tratar como la fístula perianal.

Background: since 1989 when Dr. Law and Bartman published their first article about fistula-in-ano and the diagnosis with a rotator ultrasound probe, the 360° endoanal ultrasonography has become an essential tool in the study of the rectum and the anal canal pathology, having contributed enormously in both the diagnosis and the therapeutic decisions. Purpose: to communicate our experience in diagnosis of fistula-in-ano with 360° endoanal US and its correlation with intraoperative findings. Patients and Methods: we analyzed 168 cases of perianal fistula diagnosed between November 2010 and October 2012. The analyzed variables in the first part of the study were: 1) quadrant localization of the fistula track/s; 2) localization according to Parks classification; 3) localization of the internal opening. The intraoperative results analized: 1) quadrant localization; 2) localization according to Parks classification; 3) localization of the internal opening. Results: 1) quadrant localization: achieved in all patients studied (100%). 2) Parks classification 138 inter-sphinteric (82,1%), 16 transphinteric (9,5%), 1 suprasphinteric (0,5%) and 1 extrasphinteric (0,5%). 3) we diagnosed the internal opening in 140 cases (83,33%). Correlation between US and surgery: 108 (64,28%) patiens have underwent surgical treatment. From them, we diagnosed in 103 cases (95.37%) the internal opening. 1) quadrant localization: 100% concordance between US and surgery, 2) Parks classification concordance achieved in 73 patients (76,6%), 3) localization of the internal opening correlation in 91 cases (88,34%). Conclusions: the 360° endoanal US with rotatory probe is an effective, accessible, low-cost, harmless, and rarely contraindicated method. It has a high rate of success identifying the internal opening and could become very usefull for planning the surgical strategy of a benign pathology difficult to treat as the fistula-in-ano.

Utilidad de los dispositivos de sutura mecánica circular para técnicas endoanales / Circular staplers devices in endoanal techniques

INTRODUCCION: entre las técnicas descriptas para corregir defectos del piso pelviano, el uso de suturas mecánicas circulares se plantea como una opción con fundamentos anatómicos y funcionales, con bajos índices de complicaciones. OBJETIVO: analizar las indicaciones y técnicas utilizando suturas mecánicas circulares por vía Endoanal, su factibilidad y resultados inmediatos. DISEÑO: estudio prospectivo, consecutivo, no randomizado. MATERIAL Y METODO: entre Junio de 2007 y Diciembre de 2010 se utilizaron los dispositivos PPH 03 y PPH 01 en 62 pacientes. Se analizan: indicaciones, técnica, tiempo operatorio, morbilidad, internación y resultados funcionales inmediatos. RESULTADOS: con el procedimiento PPH fueron intervenidos 40 pacientes. Con la técnica STARR fueron operadas 22 mujeres. Para el procedimiento PPH el tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 30 minutos y la morbilidad 15%. Para STARR el tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 40 minutos y la morbilidad 4,5%. Con la técnica PPH se obtuvo 100% de corrección de prolapso. Con STARR se observó disminución del ODS Score en todos los casos. Internación promedio: 1 día. CONCLUSIONES: el uso de los dispositivos de sutura mecánica circular por vía endoanal es factible y seguro. Utilizados por coloproctólogos con experiencia ofrecen una alternativa válida en los pacientes que cumplan los requisitos para indicarlos.

BACKGROUND: several techniques have been described for the treatment of pelvic floor diseases. The circular stapler devices are advocated as a safety and effectiveness option, with anatomical and physiological basis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility, effectiveness and reliability of the circular staplers devices for endoanal techniques. DESIGN: non-randomized, prospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: since June 2007 up to December 2010 we have applied the PPH 03 and PPH 01 devices to 60 patients. We analyzed indications, surgical techniques mean operative time, complications, mean length of stay and immediate functional results. RESULTS: we have applied the PPH procedure to 40 patients and the STARR procedure to 22 female patients. To PPH procedure the mean duration of the operation was 30 minutes and we registered a rate of complications to 15%. To STARR procedure the mean operative time was 40 minutes and the morbidity was 4,5%. Mean length of stay was 1 day. CONCLUSIONS: the circular stapler devices trough endoanal techniques are feasible, safe and effective with low morbidity. Colorectal surgeons might implement them in the use of them in order to optimize results. Further investigation is required to optimize patient selection and reduce potential complications.

Comparative Study of Anatomic and Physiologic Measurement of the Anal Sphincter in Adult Women

PURPOSE: This study has carried out to clarify the relationship between changes in the anal sphincter muscle thickness and pressure. Also, this study shows the effect of vaginal delivery and benign anal disease on the function and structure of the anal sphincter. METHODS: Women (n=42; mean age: 33.2 +/- 9.6 years old) without defecation problems or history of anal surgery, who came to Ewha Womans University Hospital between July 1999 and October 1999, were chosen. We measured the resting and the squeezing pressure with anal manometry and the thickness of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) by endoanal sonography. RESULTS: The mean squeezing and resting pressures were 98.3 +/- 38.2 and 53.9 +/-17.4 cmH2O, and the mean EAS and IAS thicknesses were 4.9+/-0.9 and 1.9+/-0.3 mm, respectively. The thickness of the EAS and squeezing pressure did not correlate. Neither did the IAS thickness and the resting pressure. In cases with a history of vaginal delivery (n=15), the squeezing and the resting pressures were 94.0+/-43.0 and 57.1+/-22.2 cmH2O, and the thicknesses of the EAS and the IAS, 4.6+/-0.9 and 2.0+/-0.4 mm, respectively. The number of deliveries had no correlation with the thickness or the pressure of the anal sphincter. In patients with benign anal lesions (n=11), the squeezing and the resting pressure was 113.0+/-42.9 and 57.0+/-14.0 cmH2O, and the thicknesses of the EAS and the IAS were 5.0+/-1.3 and 2.1+/-0.4 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the function and the structure of the anal sphincter are independent. In adult women, the thickness of the anal sphincter, the history of vaginal delivery, and the existence of benign anal lesions had no effect on anal sphincter function.

Functional Investigation with Use of Anorectal Physiology in the Patients with Fecal Incontinence

BACKGROUND: A large amount of attention in anorectal physiologic studies has been devoted to the diagnosis of fecal incontinence. The current study was designed firstly to assess the physiologic characteristics of fecal incontinence and secondly to analyze how the physiologic findings correlate with each other. METHODS: The physiologic findings of 47 patients (24 men and 23 women) were analyzed, retrospectively. Studies included anal manometry (n=38), anal electromyography/pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) (n=30), and endoanal ultrasound (n=37). The degrees of continence were estimated by using continence grading scores (CGS) that ranged from 0 to 20 points based on the type and the frequency of incontinence. Control data were obtained from volunteers (n=23). RESULTS: The patients were categorized as having neurogenic (group I, n=25) or myogenic (group II, n=17) incontinence. Despite intensive investigations, unknown etiology was noted in 5 patients (10.4%). The CGS was not different between groups I and II. Pudendal neuropathy was found in 96% of group I and 37.5% of group II patients. Group I showed a higher value of PNTML than that of group II (2.96 1.0 msec vs. 2.07 0.48 msec, p=0.003). The CGS was proportional to the value of the PNTML in group I (r=0.476, p=0.01). However, no correlation was found between the mean PNTML and the CGS in group II. In the manometric parameters, there were no statistical differences between the values of the mean resting pressure (RP), the maximum RP, and the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) between groups I and II. The MVC was inversely proportional to the CGS in group I (r= 0.616, p=0.02) and in group II (r= 0.664, p=0.02). No correlation was found between the PNTML and the manometric parameters. When we consider the presence of a defect or a scar as an abnormal anal ultrasound finding, such findings were more frequent in group II than in group I (group I, 20% vs. group II, 88%, p<0.001, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: The value of the PNTML had relevance to the degree of symptoms in the patients with neurogenic incontinence. Specifically, the squeeze profiles of the manometric parameters were inversely related to the grade of incontinence. No correlation between the PNTML and the manometric parameters could be independently specified based on the etiology. Complementary examination by using the PNTML and anal ultrasound provided the only useful information to discriminate the etiology of incontinence.