Anatomical and histological investigation of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To document the anatomical structure of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus between the levator ani slings bilaterally. Methods: Three male hemipelvises were examined at the Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University. (1) The anatomical assessment was performed in three ways; namely, by abdominal followed by perineal dissection, by examining serial cross-sections, and by examining median sagittal sections. (2) The series was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to enable identification of nerves, vessels, and smooth and striated muscles. Results: (1) It was found that the rectourethralis muscle is closest to the deep transverse perineal muscle where the longitudinal muscle of the rectum extends into the posteroinferior area of the membranous urethra. The communicating branches of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) were identified at the posterior edge of the rectourethralis muscle on both sides. The rectum was found to be fixed to the membranous urethra through the rectourethral muscle, contributing to the anorectal angle of the anterior rectal wall. (2) Serial cross-sections from the anal to the oral side were examined. At the level of the external anal sphincter, the longitudinal muscle of the rectum was found to extend caudally and divide into two muscle bundles on the oral side of the external anal sphincter. One of these muscle bundles angled dorsally and caudally, forming the conjoined longitudinal muscle, which was found to insert into the intersphincteric space (between the internal and external anal sphincters). The other muscle bundle angled ventrally and caudally, filling the gap between the external anal sphincter and the bulbocavernosus muscle, forming the perineal body. At the level of the superficial transverse perineal muscle, this small muscle bundle headed laterally and intertwined with the longitudinal muscle in the region of the perineal body. At the level of the rectourethralis and deep transverse perineal muscle, the external urethral sphincter was found to occupy an almost completely circular space along the membranous part of the urethra. The dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter was found to be thin at the point of attachment of the rectourethralis muscle, the ventral part of the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. We identified a venous plexus from the NVB located close to the oral and ventral side of the deep transverse perineal muscle. Many vascular branches from the NVB were found to be penetrating the longitudinal muscle and the ventral part of rectourethralis muscle at the level of the apex of the prostate. The rectourethral muscle was wrapped ventrally around the membranous urethra and apex of the prostate. The boundary between the longitudinal muscle and prostate gradually became more distinct, being located at the anterior end of the transabdominal dissection plane. (3) Histological examination showed that the dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter (striated muscle) is thin adjacent to the striated muscle fibers from the deep transverse perineal muscle and the NVB dorsally and close by. The rectourethral muscle was found to fill the space created by the internal anal sphincter, deep transverse perineal muscle, and both levator ani muscles. Many tortuous vessels and tiny nerve fibers from the NVB were identified penetrating the muscle fibers of the deep transverse perineal and rectourethral muscles. The structure of the superficial transverse perineal muscle was typical of striated muscle. These findings were reconstructed three-dimensionally. Conclusions: In intersphincteric resection or abdominoperineal resection for very low rectal cancer, the anterior dissection plane behind Denonvilliers' fascia disappears at the level of the apex of the prostate. The prostate and both NVBs should be used as landmarks during transanal dissection of the non-surgical plane. The rectourethralis muscle should be divided near the rectum side unless tumor involvement is suspected. The superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, as well as their supplied vessels and nerve fibers from the NVB. In addition, the cutting direction should be adjusted according to the anorectal angle to minimize urethral injury.

Normal Values and Associated Factors in Highresolution Anorectal Manometry in Healthy Vietnamese Adults / Valores normais e fatores associados na manometria anorretal de alta resolução em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis

Abstract Introduction The present study aims to identify normal high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) values and related factors in healthy Vietnamese adults. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the Viet Duc hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, during April and May 2019. Healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the study. Anorectal measurement values from the digestive tract, including pressure, were recorded. Results A total of 76 healthy volunteers were recruited. The mean functional anal canal length was 4.2 ± 0.5 cm, while the mean anal high-pressure zone length was 3.4 ± 0.5 cm. Themean defecation index was 1.4 ± 0.8, with values ranging from 0.3 to 5.0. The mean threshold volume to elicit the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was 18.1 mL. The mean rectal sensation values were 32.4mL, 81.6mL, and 159 mL for first sensation, desire to defecate, and urge to defecate, respectively. Dyssynergic patterns occurred in ~ 50% of the study participants and included mainly types I (27.6%) and III (14.6%). There were significant differences between male and female patients in terms of maximum anal squeeze pressure, maximum anal cough pressure, maximum anal strain pressure, maximum rectal cough pressure, and maximum rectal strain pressure (all p<0.01). Conclusions The present study establishes normal HRAM values in healthy Vietnamese adults, particularly regarding normal values of anorectal pressure and rectal sensation. Further studies that include larger sample sizes should be conducted to further confirm the constants and their relationships.

Resumo Introdução O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar valores normais de manometria anorretal de alta resolução e fatores relacionados em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis. Métodos O presente estudo transversal foi conduzido no hospital Viet Duc, Hanói, Vietnã, durante abril e maio de 2019. Voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados para participar do estudo. Valores de medição anorretal, incluindo pressão do trato digestivo, foram registrados. Resultados Um total de 76 voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados. O comprimento funcional médio do canal anal foi de 4,2 ± 0,5 cm, enquanto o comprimento médio da zona anal de alta pressão foi de 3,4 ± 0,5 cm. O índice médio de defecação foi de 1,4 ± 0,8, com valores variando de 0,3 a 5,0. O volume limite médio para eliciar o reflexo inibitório retoanal (RAIR, sigla em inglês) foi de 18,1 mL. Os valores médios da sensação retal foram 32,4mL, 81,6mL e 159 mL para a primeira sensação, o desejo de defecar e a urgência de defecar, respectivamente. Os padrões dissinérgicos ocorreram em aproximadamente 50% dos participantes do estudo e incluíram principalmente os tipos I (27,6%) e III (14,6%). Houve diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres na pressão de compressão anal máxima, pressão de tosse anal máxima, pressão de distensão anal máxima, pressão de tosse retal máxima e pressão de distensão retal máxima (todos p<0,01). Conclusões O presente estudo estabelece valores normais de HRAM em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis, particularmente no que diz respeito aos valores normais de pressão anorretal e sensação retal. Mais estudos que incluam tamanhos de amostra maiores devemser realizados a fim de confirmar melhor as constantes e suas relações.

Fisura anal: anatomía, patogenia y tratamiento / Anal fissure - anatomy, pathogenesis and treatment

RESUMEN La fisura anal es una patología proctológica frecuente caracterizada por un desgarro oval en el anoder mo que, si bien es pequeño, puede producir mucho dolor y angustia en el paciente. La etiología exacta aún se discute, pero está relacionada con una hipertonía del esfínter anal en la mayoría de los casos. El tratamiento inicial es médico, con fármacos que disminuyen el tono del esfínter anal. Las fisuras cróni cas generalmente requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. La esfinterotomía interna lateral tiene un elevado porcentaje de éxito y se considera el tratamiento de referencia. En este artículo haremos una revisión de la anatomía, fisiopatología y opciones terapéuticas actuales de las fisuras anales.

ABSTRACT Anal fissure is a common anorectal condition. While it often presents as a small oval tear in the anoderm, it can cause significant pain and anguish to the patient. The exact etiology is still debatable but increased anal tone is associated with most fissures. The initial management is medical with agents intended to reduce the anal tone. More chronic fissures usually require surgical intervention. Lateral internal sphincterotomy has a high success rates and is considered the gold standard of interventions. In this article we review the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology and contemporary treatment options for anal fissures.

Retalho VY de avanço após recidiva de neoplasia perianal: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / V-Y flap of advancement after the recurrence of perineal cancer: case report and literature review

Introdução: O câncer anal é uma doença rara, cuja incidência está aumentando. Os retalhos são opções complexas de fechamento quando abrangem grandes áreas. A região perineal pode ser acometida por extensas lesões, requerendo utilização de retalhos. Relato de Caso: Paciente feminina, 56 anos, diagnosticada com adenocarcinoma anal, foi submetida à cirurgia de amputação abdominoperineal do reto associada à radioterapia pós-operatória há 2 anos. Apresentou recidiva cutânea da lesão neoplásica, com indicação de ampliação de margem cirúrgica para controle da recidiva. Após ampla ressecção com margem de segurança o defeito cutâneo, optou-se por duplo retalho em V-Y com 15 cm de comprimento cada e espessura total do tecido celular subcutâneo (TCS) de região glútea para preenchimento do espaço morto deixado pela ressecção e avanço sobre o defeito. Implementou-se antibioticoprofilaxia endovenosa e profilaxia para trombose venosa profunda. Paciente evoluiu bem do procedimento sem intercorrências. Discussão: Retalho é um tecido que é mobilizado conforme sua anatomia vascular. Retalhos baseados no plexo subdérmico incluem os bipediculados, de avanço (V-Y), retalhos de rotação e transposição. Reconstruções de períneo são indicadas devido a tumores, traumas, infecções, queimaduras ou úlceras de pressão. A região anal é dividida em canal anal e margem anal. Dentre os tipos histológicos de neoplasia na região do canal anal, podem ser citados: carcinoma de células escamosas (histologia mais comum), adenocarcinoma, melanoma, carcinoma de pequenas células e sarcomas. O risco de recidiva locorregional, após tratamento, pode atingir cerca de 30% dos casos e é o padrão de recidiva mais frequente.

Introduction: Anal cancer is a rare disease, with an increasing incidence. Flaps are complex options for closing large areas. The perineal region may be affected by extensive lesions that require the use of flaps for repair. Case Report: A 56-year-old female patient with anal adenocarcinoma underwent abdominoperineal amputation surgery of the rectum with postoperative radiotherapy for 2 years. She had cutaneous recurrence of the neoplastic lesion with indication of surgical margin expansion to control the local recurrence. After extensive resection with safety margins of the skin defect, we selected double V-Y flap of length 15 cm each and a total thickness of the gluteal subcutaneous tissue (ST) to fill up the dead space caused by resection and advancement of the defect. Intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis were administered. The patient progressed well from the procedure, with no problems. Discussion: A flap is a tissue that is mobilized based on vascular anatomy. Flaps based on the subdermal plexus include bipedicle, advancement (V-Y), rotation, and transposition flaps. Perineum reconstructions are often indicated for tumors, trauma, infections, burns, or pressure sores. The anal region is divided into the anal canal and the anal margin. Among the histological types of anal cancer, the most prevalent are squamous cell carcinoma (most common histology), adenocarcinoma, melanoma, small cell carcinoma, and sarcomas. The risk of regional recurrence after treatment can reach approximately 30% of cases and is the most frequent recurrence pattern.

Fístulas perianales: caracterización con resonancia magnética / Perianal fistulas: magnetic resonance classification

Las fístulas perianales constituyen una problemática frecuente en la consulta médica actual, con un gran impacto en la morbilidad. Su tratamiento no está exento de complicaciones, como la recurrencia local y la incontinencia fecal. La resonancia magnética (RM) cumple un rol fundamental en la planificación preoperatoria de estos casos, ya que la notable resolución espacial de los equipos de última generación permite generar un mapa de la anatomía de la pelvis menor, señalando el número y la relación de los trayectos con el esfínter anal. El objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los distintos tipos de fístulas en base a sus características por RM, haciendo énfasis en la anatomía de la región y la técnica de estudio de esta entidad.

Perianal fistulas are a prevalent problem in current medical practice, with a high impact on morbidity. The treatment is not exempt from complications, such as local recurrence and faecal incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performs an essential role insurgical planning of these patients, since the high spatial resolution of the latest equipment provides more precise information of the pelvis anatomy, indicating the number and relationship of the fistulous tracks with the anal sphincter. The aim of this work is to identify the different types of fistulas based on MRI classification, with particular emphasis on the local anatomy and study techniques.

Estudo descritivo dos exames de manometria anorretal realizados no laboratório de motilidade digestiva da Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brasil / A descriptive study of anorectal manometry tests performed in the laboratory of digestive motility of Santa Casa de Misericórdia in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Introdução: A manometria anorretal é, atualmente, o padrão ouro, como método de diagnóstico laboratorial dos distúrbios evacuatórios. O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever uma experiência brasileira, da realização da manometria anorretal, valorizando-a como meio diagnóstico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, com revisão dos laudos dos exames, no Laboratório de Motilidade Digestiva da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Foram incluídos os pacientes consecutivos, acima de 12 anos de idade, submetidos à manometria anorretal, entre março de 2003 e outubro de 2015. Resultados: No período, foram realizados 1319 exames, em pacientes com média de idade de 53,4±19,4 anos, sendo 70,7% do sexo feminino. A incontinência anal, com 62,4% dos exames, foi a principal indicação da manometria anorretal, a segunda foi constipação com 29,4% e por outros motivos em 8,2% dos pacientes. No período entre 2011 e 2015, houve um aumento significativo dos exames realizados por incontinência anal, em relação ao de 2003 até 2010. Conclusões: As duas principais indicações da manometria anorretal, no presente estudo e na literatura, são constipação e incontinência anal. O aumento significativo dos exames por incontinência anal, após 2011, sugere uma maior consciência dos médicos e pacientes em relação às possibilidades de diagnóstico e tratamento das disfunções evacuatórias. Este é o primeiro estudo brasileiro, que discute as indicações da manometria anorretal e as características dos pacientes encaminhados para o exame. Os autores sugerem a valorização da manometria anorretal como ferramenta de diagnóstico nas disfunções evacuatórias AU)

Introduction: Anorectal manometry is currently the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of bowel disorders. The aim of the present study is to describe a Brazilian experience in performing anorectal manometry, valuing it as a diagnostic tool. Methods: A retrospective study, with review of test reports, in the Digestive Motility Laboratory of Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brazil. We included consecutive patients, over 12 years of age, undergoing anorectal manometry from March 2003 to October 2015. Results: 1319 tests were performed in the studied period in patients with mean age of 53.4 ± 19.4, 70.7% of whom females. Anal incontinence, accounting for 62.4% of the tests, was the main indication for anorectal manometry, the second was constipation with 29.4%, and other reasons in 8.2% of the patients. In the 2011-2015 period there was a significant increase in the number of tests due to anal incontinence as compared to the 2003-2010 period. Conclusions: The two main indications for anorectal manometry in this study and in the literature are constipation and anal incontinence. The significant increase in the number of tests performed due to anal incontinence after 2011 suggests clinicians' and patients' greater awareness of the possibilities for diagnosis and treatment of bowel dysfunction. This is the first Brazilian study discussing the indications of anorectal manometry and the characteristics of the patients referred to the test. The authors suggest the use of anorectal manometry as a diagnostic tool in evacuation dysfunctions (AU)

Changes in the proportions of types I and III collagen in hemorrhoids: the sliding anal lining theory / Mudanças nos percentuais do colágeno dos tipos I e III em hemorroidas: teoria do revestimento anal deslizante

Abstract Objective This study aims to determine changes in the proportions of types I and III collagen in hemorrhoids and to verify the sliding anal canal lining theory. Patients and method The study is focused on a sample of 17 patients, 9 females and 8 males (age range: 30-70 years), with grade III and grade IV hemorrhoids. Tissue from 4 fetuses (age: 16 weeks of gestation) was used as control sample. All the participants gave their informed consent. Samples were gathered in 2014. All patients underwent open hemorrhoidectomy by using the technique described by Milligan and Morgan, published in Lancet journal in 1937. The hemorrhoid samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for the histologic study to confirm the hemorrhoidal tissue diagnosis. The picrosirius red staining protocol was used after the histologic analysis. The method used for image processing is described in the text. Images were imported to the Image Tool for Windows software. The same process was used on the embryonic tissue. Data resulting from the analysis of images were processed using STATISTICA, a software for statistical analysis. Results When compared, it was found that the two tissues presented very different values, with hemorrhoids containing the highest type III collagen values. Conclusion Our results seem to imply that hemorrhoids have a larger proportion of type III collagen than fetal tissue. They also suggest a possible age-related deterioration of the tissue.

Resumo Objetivo Esse estudo tem por objetivo determinar mudanças nos percentuais do colágeno dos tipos I e III em hemorroidas e verificar a teoria do revestimento de canal anal deslizante. Pacientes e método O estudo está focado em uma amostra de 17 pacientes (9 mulheres e 8 homes; faixa etária: 30-70 anos), com hemorroidas de graus III e IV. Utilizamos tecido de quatro fetos (idade: 16 semanas de gestação) como amostra de controle. Todos os participantes deram consentimento informado. As amostras foram reunidas em 2014. Todos os pacientes passaram por uma hemorroidectomia aberta; para tanto, foi empregada a técnica descrita por Milligan e Morgan, publicada no periódico Lancet em 1937. As amostras de hemorroida foram coradas com hematoxilina-eosina com vistas ao estudo histológico para confirmação do diagnóstico de tecido hemorroidal. Após a análise histológica, o material foi corado com o protocolo de picrosirius red. O método empregado para o processamento das imagens está descrito no texto. As imagens foram importadas pelo software Image Tool for Windows. O mesmo processo foi empregado no tecido embrionário. Os dados resultantes da análise das imagens fora processados com o programa STATISTICA, um software para análise estatística. Resultados Por comparação, constatamos que os dois tecidos apresentavam valores muito diferentes, e as hemorroidas continham os mais altos valores de colágeno do tipo III. Conclusão Nossos resultados parecem implicar que hemorroidas possuem um percentual mais elevado de colágeno do tipo III versus tecido fetal. Os resultados também sugerem uma possível deterioração do tecido, relacionada à idade.

Imaging of Anal Fistulas: Comparison of Computed Tomographic Fistulography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The primary importance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating anal fistulas lies in its ability to demonstrate hidden areas of sepsis and secondary extensions in patients with fistula in ano. MR imaging is relatively expensive, so there are many healthcare systems worldwide where access to MR imaging remains restricted. Until recently, computed tomography (CT) has played a limited role in imaging fistula in ano, largely owing to its poor resolution of soft tissue. In this article, the different imaging features of the CT and MRI are compared to demonstrate the relative accuracy of CT fistulography for the preoperative assessment of fistula in ano. CT fistulography and MR imaging have their own advantages for preoperative evaluation of perianal fistula, and can be applied to complement one another when necessary.

Female Longitudinal Anal Muscles or Conjoint Longitudinal Coats Extend into the Subcutaneous Tissue along the Vaginal Vestibule: A Histological Study Using Human Fetuses

PURPOSE: It is still unclear whether the longitudinal anal muscles or conjoint longitudinal coats (CLCs) are attached to the vagina, although such an attachment, if present, would appear to make an important contribution to the integrated supportive system of the female pelvic floor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin, we examined semiserial frontal sections of 1) eleven female late-stage fetuses at 28-37 weeks of gestation, 2) two female middle-stage fetus (2 specimens at 13 weeks), and, 3) six male fetuses at 12 and 37 weeks as a comparison of the morphology. RESULTS: In late-stage female fetuses, the CLCs consistently (11/11) extended into the subcutaneous tissue along the vaginal vestibule on the anterior side of the external anal sphincter. Lateral to the CLCs, the external anal sphincter also extended anteriorly toward the vaginal side walls. The anterior part of the CLCs originated from the perimysium of the levator ani muscle without any contribution of the rectal longitudinal muscle layer. However, in 2 female middle-stage fetuses, smooth muscles along the vestibulum extended superiorly toward the levetor ani sling. In male fetuses, the CLCs were separated from another subcutaneous smooth muscle along the scrotal raphe (posterior parts of the dartos layer) by fatty tissue. CONCLUSION: In terms of topographical anatomy, the female anterior CLCs are likely to correspond to the lateral extension of the perineal body (a bulky subcutaneous smooth muscle mass present in adult women), supporting the vaginal vestibule by transmission of force from the levator ani.

Avances en el diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento del cáncer de ano / Advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of anal cancer

El cáncer de ano es una neoplasia poco frecuente en la población general, pero, en poblaciones de riesgo, su incidencia sobrepasa al cáncer de cérvix en la era pre-Papanicolaou. El virus del HPV está directamente relacionado con su desarrollo, sumado a factores predisponentes, como infección por HIV, costumbres sexuales, hábito de fumar, inmunosupresión e infección genital por el primer virus. La detección precoz sólo está indicada a determinados grupos, con las muestras de citología anal y anoscopía de alta resolución como principales herramientas para diagnosticar y tratar las lesiones preneoplásicas. Un correcto diagnóstico histológico e imagenológico es indispensable para un tratamiento óptimo cuando estas lesiones progresan a cáncer, con nuevas técnicas radio-quimioterápicas, reservando cirugías de rescate con reconstrucciones perineales en caso de recaídas locales, que se diagnostican con un seguimiento adecuado.

Anal cancer is an unusual neoplasia in the general population, but, in at-risk populations, its incidence surpasses the cervical cancer in the pre-Papanicolaou test era. The HPV virus is directly related to its development, in addition to other predisposing factors such as infection caused by HIV, sexual behavior, smoking habit, immunosuppression and genital infection caused by the first virus. The early detection is only indicated to certain groups, with the anal cytology samples and the high resolution anoscopy being the main tools to diagnose and treat preneoplastic lesions. When these lesions develop into cancer, a proper histological and imaging diagnosis is essential to carry out an ideal treatment with new radiation therapy techniques, reserving salvage surgeries with perineal reconstructions for the cases of local reIapse, which are diagnosed with an appropriate monitoring.

Anococcygeal Raphe Revisited: A Histological Study Using Mid-Term Human Fetuses and Elderly Cadavers

PURPOSE: We recently demonstrated the morphology of the anococcygeal ligament. As the anococcygeal ligament and raphe are often confused, the concept of the anococcygeal raphe needs to be re-examined from the perspective of fetal development, as well as in terms of adult morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the horizontal sections of 15 fetuses as well as adult histology. From cadavers, we obtained an almost cubic tissue mass containing the dorsal wall of the anorectum, the coccyx and the covering skin. Most sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson-trichrome solution. RESULTS: The adult ligament contained both smooth and striated muscle fibers. A similar band-like structure was seen in fetuses, containing: 1) smooth muscle fibers originating from the longitudinal muscle coat of the anal canal and 2) striated muscle fibers from the external anal sphincter (EAS). However, in fetuses, the levator ani muscle did not attach to either the band or the coccyx. Along and around the anococcygeal ligament, we did not find any aponeurotic tissue with transversely oriented fibers connecting bilateral levator ani slings. Instead, in adults, a fibrous tissue mass was located at a gap between bilateral levator ani slings; this site corresponded to the dorsal side of the ligament and the EAS in the immediately deep side of the natal skin cleft. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that a classically described raphe corresponds to the specific subcutaneous tissue on the superficial or dorsal side of the anococcygeal ligament.

Clinical, manometric and profilometric evaluation after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease: comparison between the modified Duhamel and the transanal rectosigmoidectomy techniques / Avaliação clínica, manométrica e profilométrica após correção cirúrgica para doença de Hirschsprung: comparação entre as técnicas de Duhamel modificado e a retossigmoidectomia transanal modificada

PURPOSE: To evaluate fecal continence, anorectal manometry (AM) and profilometry (P), in patients operated for congenital megacolon, using either the modified Duhamel technique (MDT) or the modified transanal rectosigmoidectomy (MTR) technique. METHODS: 42 patients were evaluated clinically and via AM and P, for postoperative control. The resting, coughing, voluntary contraction, maintained voluntary contraction and perianal stimulation pressures were investigated. The rectosphincteric reflex was tested and the simple and enhanced pressure curves were evaluated. The three-dimensional profilometric outline was produced. Student's t, chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: AM showed mean resting pressures of 53.44 mmHg for MDT and 60.67 mmHg for MTR, and mean voluntary contraction pressures of 94.50 mmHg for MDT and 95.47 mmHg for MTR. There was no statistical difference between the groups. The shapes of the simple and enhanced pressure curves did not present any statistical difference, independent of the surgical technique used. CONCLUSION: The two surgical techniques were equivalent. MDT caused greater incidence of postoperative constipation that MTR did. AM and P were shown to be excellent tests for postoperative follow-up among these patients.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a continência fecal, a manometria anorretal (MAR) e a profilometria (PFM), em pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico do megacolo congênito pelas técnicas de Duhamel modificado (DM) ou de retossigmoidectomia transanal modificada (RTM). MÉTODOS: 42 pacientes foram clinicamente avaliados e submetidos à MAR e PFM para controle pós-operatório. Foram pesquisadas as pressões no repouso (PR), à tosse (T), à contração voluntária (CV), à contração voluntária mantida (CVM) e à estimulação perianal (EPA). O reflexo reto-esficteriano (RRE) foi testado e as curvas pressóricas simples e potencializada foram avaliadas. Foi elaborado traçado tridimensional de PFM. Utilizamos os testes t de Student, Qui-Quadrado e exato de Fisher para análise estatística (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A MAR mostrou médias de PR=53,44 mmHg para DM e 60,67 mmHg para RTM; CV média = 94,50 mmHg para o grupo DM e 95,47 mmHg para o grupo RTM. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos. A forma das CPS e CPP não apresentou diferença estatística, independentemente da técnica cirúrgica utilizada CONCLUSÃO: As duas técnicas operatórias foram manometricamente equivalentes. DM determinou maior incidência de constipação pós-operatória que RTM. A MAR e a PFM revelaram-se excelentes exames para acompanhamento destes pacientes após a cirurgia.

Normal anal position index in Thai newborns.

BACKGROUND: The quantitative measurement of the normal anal position by anal position index (API) has been reported from various institutes. The existing API data appear to vary among the ethnic differences. To date, the normal anal position in Thai children has never been reported. OBJECTIVE: Aim of the present study was to establish the normal values of the API in Thai newborns. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 403 normal newborn born at Srinakharinwirot University Hospital between November 2003 and September 2004 was performed Demographic data and anal position index are reported separately for each gender split. Correlations between API and other anthropometric parameters were tested. RESULTS: There was significant difference of API between males (0.51 +/- 0.07; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.52) and females (0.38 +/- 0.08; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.39). API was not different between preterm and term newborn in each gender split. API had no significant correlation with gestational age (r=0.018, p-value = 0.71), birth weight (r=0.014, p-value = 0.79), birth length (r=0.02, p-value = 0.69) and head circumference (r=0.047, p-value = CONCLUSION: Analposition indexes in Thai newborn infants are 0.51 and 0.38 in male and female, respectively API had no correlation with gestational age and other anthropometric parameters such as birth weight, length, and head circumference.

Rincones olvidados de la gastroenterología III: la compleja interacción entre la musculatura recto-anal y la circulación / Forgotten corners of the gastrointestinal tract III: the complex interaction between anorectal muscles an blood supply

Our medical education does not emphatize the study of the lower GI tract physiology. This results in a biased view of the importance of knowing both the syndromes and the pathologies arising from local derangements. When diseases of the lower GI tract do occur, our approach is too local, with excessive emphasis in topical therapy, while neglecting the causal factors. Therefore, we cannot educate our patients into correcting their habits and lifestyle, usually the responsible factors for the pathology. Because of little prevention and inadequate treatments, these problems derive into chronic conditions that may finally result in surgical therapies. In this review we aim to analize the importance of the vascular structures of the lower GI tract and of the irrigation of the rectal and anal muscles, describing the complex interaction that exists between vessels and muscles both in the physiology of continence and in ano-rectal pathology, detailing which derangements are causal and which are consequences, with the intention of leading us into a different approach based on physiology.

Nuestra formación no profundiza en la fisiología del tubo digestivo bajo. Ello nos lleva a una visión sesgada de la importancia de conocer los síndromes y las patología derivadas de los problemas en esa zona. Cuando se genera patología orificial o del recto distal, nuestro enfoque suele ser, erróneamente, muy localista, con mucho énfasis en terapias tópicas, olvidando de abordar los factores causales. Con ello no podemos educar bien a los pacientes en corregir los hábitos y costumbres, responsables, casi siempre, de la patología. La consecuencia es que hacemos poco por prevenir y hacemos terapias inadecuadas, desembocando los cuadros en patología crónicas que finalmente pueden terminar en resolución quirúrgica. En la presente revisión se analiza la importancia de las alteraciones de las estructuras vasculares y de la irrigación de la musculatura recto-anal, describiendo la interacción que existe entre vasos y músculos, tanto en la fisiología de la continencia como en la patololgía ano-rectal, examinando cuales alteraciones son causa y cuales son consequencia. La intención es cambiar nuestro enfoque hacia un abordaje basado en la fisiopatología.

Mecanismos de continência e teoria integral da incontinência urinária feminina / Continence mechanisms and the integral theory of female urinary incontinence

É um tradicional conceito em Medicina que toda disfunção está relacionada a defeitos anatômicos. Isto levou à elaboração de várias teorias, nas quais as alterações morfológicas seriam fatores causais para a incontinência urinária. Talvez a teoria que mais se firmou ao longo do tempo foi a de Enhorning que, em 1967, elaborou a Teoria de equalização da pressão intra-abdominal, segundo a qual a condição básica para a continência urinária é a topografia intra-abdominal do colo vesical. Esta teoria foi aceita durante muito tempo como explicação satisfatória para a gênese da incontinência urinária, muito embora, algumas constatações colocassem dúvidas sobre seus princípios. As contradições da teoria proposta por Enhorning motivaram Petros e Ulmsten, 1990, a elaborarem nova explicação para a gênese da IUE. Nesse âmbito, propuseram a chamada Teoria integral da incontinência urinária feminina. Segundo esta teoria, os sintomas decorrentes da IUE e da hiperatividade vesical seriam secundários, por diferentes razões, à frouxidão da vagina e de seus ligamentos de suporte, resultado da alteração do tecido conectivo.

El espacio interesfintérico del ano / Interesphincteric space of the anus

Algunos aspectos anatómicos y fisiológicos del espacio interesfintérico son motivo de controversias y otros no están todavía totalmente aclarados, por lo que es útil continuar con su estudio. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar los elementos del espacio y su participación en diversas situaciones patológicas