A new defecographic parameter for assessing rectal emptying / Um novo parâmetro defecográfico para avaliar o esvaziamento retal

ABSTRACT Purpose: To validate a new defecographic parameter to assess rectal empyting correlating the percentage of weight reduction of barium paste and the variation in the percentage of area reduction of rectum compared before and after defecation during cinedefecography. Method: Thirty-two consecutive female patients with dyschezia who had clinical indication for cinedefecography were selected. Their median age was 58 years old (18-78 years, mean = 55 years). During cinedefecography, we calculated the cross-sectional sagittal area of the rectum before and after defecation and, thus, the percentage of area reduction of the rectum. The percentage of weight reduction of barium paste was calculated after weighing the contrast injected into the rectum and the amount of contrast evacuated, in grams, using a scale. Finally, both percentages were compared and checked for a correlation between them. Pearson's correlation (r) and Student's t test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A correlation between evacuated barium paste and cross-sectional sagittal area of the rectum at the end of defecation was demonstrated (r = 0.668 and p < 0.0001). Conclusion: It is possible to estimate how much barium paste is evacuated based on the variations in cross-sectional sagittal area of the rectum before and after defecation, in cinedefecography.

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar um novo parâmetro defecográfico para avaliar o esvaziamento retal correlacionando o percentual de redução de peso da pasta baritada e a variação da porcentagem da redução da área do reto antes e depois da evacuação durante o exame de cinedefecografia. Métodos: Foram selecionadas 32 pacientes consecutivas do sexo feminino, portadoras de disquezia, com indicação clínica de investigação por cinedefecografia. A mediana de idade da amostra foi 58 anos (18-78 anos, média de 55 anos). Durante o exame de cinedefecografia, calcularam-se as áreas retais pela secção sagital antes e após a defecação e, assim, o percentual de redução da área retal. O percentual de redução do peso do contraste baritado foi calculado após medidas de peso do contraste injetado no reto e da quantidade de contraste evacuado, em gramas, utilizando uma balança. Por fim, os percentuais foram comparados e verificou-se se havia correlação entre eles. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados correlação de Pearson (r)eT este t de Student. Resultados: Foi observada correlação entre o contraste baritado evacuado e a área retal pela secção sagital ao final da evacuação (r = 0.668; p < 0.0001). Conclusões: É possível estimar o percentual de contraste baritado evacuado através da análise da variação da área retal pela secção sagital antes e após a evacuação, utilizando a cinedefecografia.

High Prevalence of Slow Transit Constipation in Patients With Gastroparesis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Current evidence suggests the presence of motility or functional abnormalities in one area of the gastrointestinal tract increases the likelihood of abnormalities in others. However, the relationship of gastroparesis to chronic constipation (slow transit constipation and dyssynergic defecation) has been incompletely evaluated. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with chronic dyspeptic symptoms and constipation who underwent both a solid gastric emptying scintigraphy and a high-resolution anorectal manometry at our institution since January 2012. When available, X-ray defecography and radiopaque marker colonic transit studies were also reviewed. Based on the gastric emptying results, patients were classified as gastroparesis or dyspepsia with normal gastric emptying (control group). Differences in anorectal and colonic findings were then compared between groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with gastroparesis had higher prevalence of slow transit constipation by radiopaque marker study compared to those with normal emptying (64.7% vs 28.1%, P = 0.013). Additionally, patients with gastroparesis had higher rates of rectocele (88.9% vs 60.0%, P = 0.008) and intussusception (44.4% vs 12.0%, P = 0.001) compared to patients with normal emptying. There was no difference in the rate of dyssynergic defecation between those with gastroparesis vs normal emptying (41.1% vs 42.1%, P = 0.880), and no differences in anorectal manometry findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with gastroparesis had a higher rate of slow transit constipation, but equal rates of dyssynergic defecation compared to patients with normal gastric emptying. These findings argue for investigation of possible delayed colonic transit in patients with gastroparesis and vice versa.

Update on the Pathophysiology and Management of Anorectal Disorders

Anorectal disorders are common and present with overlapping symptoms. They include several disorders with both structural and functional dysfunction(s). Because symptoms alone are poor predictors of the underlying pathophysiology, a diagnosis should only be made after evaluating symptoms and physiologic and structural abnormalities. A detailed history, a thorough physical and digital rectal examination and a systematic evaluation with high resolution and/or high definition three-dimensional (3D) anorectal manometry, 3D anal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance defecography and neurophysiology tests are essential to correctly identify these conditions. These physiological and imaging tests play a key role in facilitating a precise diagnosis and in providing a better understanding of the pathophysiology and functional anatomy. In turn, this leads to better and more comprehensive management using medical, behavioral and surgical approaches. For example, patients presenting with difficult defecation may demonstrate dyssynergic defecation and will benefit from biofeedback therapy before considering surgical treatment of coexisting anomalies such as rectoceles or intussusception. Similarly, patients with significant rectal prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction or patients with complex enteroceles and pelvic organ prolapse may benefit from combined behavioral and surgical approaches, including an open, laparoscopic, transabdominal or transanal, and/or robotic-assisted surgery. Here, we provide an update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of selected common anorectal disorders.

Application of Rectal Prolapse Constipation Balloon in Single Auxiliary Defecation / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the application value of rectal prolapse constipation balloon in single auxiliary defecation.@*METHODS@#Forty-one patients with moderate or severe rectocele were treated with a rectocele constipation balloon through the vagina. The defecography and VAS scores were compared before and after implantation.@*RESULTS@#There was a significant difference between the anorectal angle, rectocele, and VAS scores before and after intervention in defecography (<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#A single assisted defecation of the rectocelicular constipation balloon is feasible.

Laparoscopic Rectovaginal Septal Repair without Mesh for Anterior Rectocele

A rectocele with a weakened rectovaginal septum can be repaired with various surgical techniques. We performed laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall repair and rectovaginal septal reinforcement without mesh using a modified transperineal approach. A 63-year-old woman with outlet dysfunction constipation complained of lower pelvic pressure and sense of heaviness for 30 years. Initial defecography showed an anterior rectocele with a 45-mm anterior bulge and perineal descent. Laparoscopic procedures included peritoneal and rectovaginal septal dissection directed toward the perineal body, rectovaginal septal suturing, and peritoneal closure. The patient started a soft diet the following day and was discharged on the 5th postoperative day without any complications. The patient had no dyschezia or dyspareunia, and no problem with bowel function; 3-month follow-up defecography showed a decrease in bulging to 18 mm. Laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall and rectovaginal septal repair is safe and feasible for treatment of a rectocele, and enables early recovery.

Clinical efficacy of partial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of internal anal sphincter in the treatment of puborectalis syndrome with high anal pressure / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the efficacy of partial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of internal anal sphincter(IAS) in the treatment of puborectalis syndrome with high anal pressure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-five cases of puborectalis syndrome with high anal resting pressure in the preoperative examination received the operation of partial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of IAS in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 2013 and May 2015. The position of puborectalis was confirmed by touching with the exposure under the transfixion device, and a transverse incision was made by electrotome between 3 and 5 o'clock direction of puborectalis, then partial puborectalis was lifted by vessel clamp at 5 o'clock direction, and about 0.5 cm of muscular tissue was resected. Between 8 to 10 o'clock direction of anal tube, about 1 cm length of transverse incision was made by electrotome, then partial IAS was lifted by vessel clamp and cut off. Preoperative and postoperative 3-month anorectal manometry and defecography were carried out. Wexner constipation score and Cleveland Clinic incontinence score were implemented before surgery and 3, 6, 12 months after operation. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR-ORB-16007695).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 25 cases, 18 were male and 7 were female, the average age was 55 years old and the average course of disease was 9 years. Compared with pre-operation, the postoperative 3-month anal resting pressure and maximal squeeze pressure were significantly decreased [(53.56±9.05) mmHg vs. (92.44±7.06) mmHg, (142.80±20.35) mmHg vs. (210.88±20.56) mmHg, respectively, both P=0.000]; anorectal angulation at resting state and forced defecation state increased significantly [(102.32±4.96)degree vs. (95.88±4.01)degree, (117.88±5.95)degree vs. (89.52±3.25)degree, respectively, both P=0.000]. Wexner constipation score of postoperative 3-month, 6-month, 12-month (8.28±3.91, 7.40±3.64 and 8.04±4.74) was significantly lower than the preoperative score (16.00±3.69, all P<0.05), while the score was not significantly different among 3 time points after operation (P>0.05). Cleveland Clinic incontinence score was 0 at postoperative 6 and 12 months, and revealed 20 cases were effective among all the surgical patients(80%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Partial resection of puborectalis combined with mutilation of internal anal sphincter can effectively reduce anal pressure and improve symptoms of outlet obstruction, which is an effective method in the treatment of puborectalis syndrome with high anal pressure.</p>

Modified stapled transanal rectal resection combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (POPFBFT) in treating obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty female ODS patients underwent modified STARR (resection and suture was performed in rectocele with one staple) combined with POPFBFT in Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin university from October 2013 to March 2015. Before the modified STARR, patients received a course of POPFBFT (20 min/time, 2 times/d, 10 times as a course), and another 2 courses were carried out in clinic after discharge. Efficacy evaluation included general conditions of patients, morbidity of postoperative complication, overall subjective satisfaction (excellent: without any symptoms; good: 1 to 2 times of laxatives per month and without the need of any other auxiliary defecation; fairly good: more than 3 times of laxatives per month ; poor: with no improvement; excellent, good, fairly good are defined as effective), Longo ODS score (range 0 to 40 points, the higher the score, the more severe the symptoms), gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI)(range 0 to 144 points, the lower the score, the more severe the symptoms), anorectal manometry and defecography examination. The follow-up lasted 12 months after operation (ended at April 2016).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Average age of 30 patients was 57(46 to 72) years and Longo ODS score of every patient was ≥9 before operation. The modified STARR was completed successfully in all the 30 patients with average operation time of 25 (18 to 34) min and average hospital stay of 6(4 to 9) d. Postoperative complications included pain(20%, 6/30), urinary retention (16.7%, 5/30), anorectal heaviness (6.7%, 2/30), and fecal urgency(26.7%, 8/30). Anaorectal heaviness and fecal urgency disappeared within 3 months. No severe complications, such as postoperative bleeding, infection, rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic dehiscence and anal incontinence were observed. The effective rate of overall subjective satisfaction was 93.3%(28/30) during the follow-up of 12 months. There was no significant difference in Longo ODS score between pre- POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre- POPFBFT: 32.95±3.22, pre-operation: 32.85±3.62, t=1.472, P=0.163). Compared with pre-POPFBFT, Longo ODS score at 1 week after operation decreased (t=4.306, P=0.000), moreover, score at 1 month after operation was lower than that at 1 week (13.05±7.49 vs. 15.00±7.17, t=7.322, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation (F=2.111, P=0.107). Likewise, there was no significant difference in GIQLI score between pre-POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre-POPFBFT: 79.39±17.14, pre-operation: 76.65±17.56, t=1.735, P=0.096). Compared with the pre-POPFBFT, GIQLI score at 1 week after operation increased (t=4.714, P=0.000), moreover, GIQLI score at 1 month after operation was higher than that at 1 week (102.26±19.24 vs 91.31±21.35, t=5.628, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation(F=1.211, P=0.313). In comparison with pre- POPFBFT, parameters of defecography examination at 12 months after operation showed obvious improvement: the rectocele decreased from (34.1±0.4) mm to (3.1±0.3) mm (t=6.847, P=0.000), anorectal angle during defecation increased from (123.8±6.7)degree to (134.7±8.5)degree, enlargement of anorectal angle during defecation increased from (29.1±3.5)degree to (37.1±5.3)degree, while no significant differences in descend of perineum, anorectal angles at rest as well as parameters of anorectal manometry were found (all P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Modified STARR combined with POPFBFT is safe and effective for ODS patients.</p>

Defecographic Findings in Patients with Severe Idiopathic Chronic Constipation / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed using Rome III criteria. Defecography is a radiographic method used to identify anatomic abnormalities of anorectum. The present study aimed to evaluate the defecographic findings in patients with severe idiopathic chronic constipation. METHODS: One hundred patients, who complained of severe idiopathic chronic constipation with abnormal balloon expulsion test, underwent defecography after injection of barium. An analysis of radiographs was performed by an expert radiologist for the diagnosis of descending perineum syndrome, rectocele, enterocele, rectal ulcer, rectal prolapse, fecal residue of post defecation, and etc. Then, they were compared between the two sexes. RESULTS: Normal defecography was only observed in two participants. Descending perineum syndrome was the most common abnormality (73.3%). The results showed that rectocele (80.8%) and descending perineum syndrome (69.2%) were most frequent in women. In males, descending perineum syndrome and rectal prolapse were more prevalent (87% and 43.5%, respectively). Compared with men, rectocele and rectal ulcer were more frequently observed in women (p<0.001, and p=0.04, respectively), while men were more affected by descending perineum syndrome (p=0.04). In total, women had a greater incidence of abnormal defecographic findings compared with men (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Defecography can be performed to detect anatomic abnormalities in patients with severe idiopathic chronic constipation and abnormal balloon expulsion test. This technique can assist physicians in making the most suitable decision for surgical procedure.

Self-control study of dynamic multiple pelvic angiography and pelvic four-contrast defecography in the diagnosis of functional defecation disorder / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate and compare the value of dynamic multiple pelvic angiography and pelvic four-contrast defecography in the diagnosis of functional defecation disorder.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From September 2014 to July 2015, a prospective controlled trial was carried out in Chengdu Anorectal Hospital. A total of 32 patients met the inclusion criteria of functional defecation disorder simultaneously underwent pelvic four-contrast defecography and dynamic multiple pelvic angiography. The diagnostic results of these two methods were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The absolute values of anorectal angle and level of perineum, peritoneum and bladder from rest to defecation were (29.6±13.6)°, (26.2±14.2) mm, (55.5±25.6) mm and (28.9±16.5) mm in dynamic multiple pelvic angiography, and (24.6±5.8)° (18.7±10.6) mm, (34.5±18.4) mm and (19.2±11.8) mm in pelvic four-contrast defecography respectively, whose differences were statistically significant (P = 0.026, 0.022, 0.000, 0.011 respectively). The diagnostic rate of pelvic peritoneal hernia was 93.8%(30/32) and 68.8%(22/32) in dynamic multiple pelvic angiography and pelvic four-contrast defecography respectively with significant difference(P=0.011).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dynamic multiple pelvic angiography has significant advantage in the diagnosis of pelvic peritoneal hernia, and can provide a more objective basis for the diagnosis of functional defecation disorder.</p>

Efficacy observation of partial stapled transanal rectal resection combined with Bresler procedure in the treatment of rectocele and internal rectal intussusception / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of partial stapled transanal rectal resection (part-STARR) combined with Bresler procedure in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) associated with rectocele and internal rectal intussusception(IRI), and compare with STARR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A randomized controlled study from January 2013 to December 2014 was undertaken. Sixty female patients with ODS caused by rectocele and IRI were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into trial group (29 cases) receiving part-STARR combined with Bresler procedure, and control group (31 cases) undergoing STARR only. For patients in trial group, two thirds of posterior rectal wall were stapled with STARR methods and one third of anterior with Bresler procedure, while for those in control group, only STARR was performed. Intra-operational status, postoperative complications, Wexner constipation score and patient satisfaction 3 months and 6 months after operation, and rectocele defecography 6 months after operation were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average operation time of trial group was longer than that of control group [(31.2±5.4) minutes vs. (28.7±4.0) minutes, t=2.127, P=0.038]. There were no significant differences in intra-operative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay and complications(pain, postoperative bleeding, rectovaginal fistula, feeling of tenesmus and swelling) between the two methods(all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the Wexner score of constipation between the two groups before operation and 3 months after operation (6.72±1.19 vs. 7.32±1.25, t=-1.896, P=0.063), while the Wexner score of trial group was significantly lower 6 months after operation (6.90±1.42 vs. 7.74±1.26, t=-2.463, P=0.018). Patient satisfaction between two groups was not significantly different 3 months after operation(χ(2)=5.743, P=0.125), while trial group had better satisfaction 6 months after operation[93.1%(27/29) vs. 67.7%(21/31), χ(2)=8.247, P=0.041]. There was no difference in depth of rectocele on defecography between the two groups before operation, while rectocele was significantly improved 6 months after operation [(0.7±0.2) cm vs. (0.9±0.2) cm, t=2.527, P=0.014].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Partial STARR combined with Bresler procedure in the treatment of ODS associated with rectocele and IRI has better efficacy than STARR only.</p>

Therapeutic effect and long-term follow-up of the Jinling procedure for refractory constipation: a series of 1 100 cases / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the safety, effectiveness and long-term results of Jinling procedure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1 100 patients with refractory constipation were admitted to the Institute of General Surgery between February 2000 and December 2013 and received Jinling procedure. There were 217 male and 883 female patients with an average age of (45±15) years and an average duration of (275±159) months. The Jinling procedure modifies the classic procedure of subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis by adding a new side-to-side cecorectal anastomosis. The general clinical data, postoperative complications, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), Wexner constipation score, satisfaction rate, body composition, nutritional status, homeostasis, anal manometry and defecography during follow-up were collected. Statistical analysis was performed by t-test analysis, χ(2) test or Fisher's exact probability.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The postoperative follow-up rate were 96.73%, 94.36%, 93.00% and 92.55% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The satisfaction rate were 62.50%, 72.45%, 93.16% and 94.70% respectively during 1, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. The postoperative 1 month, GIQLI was lower than that of preoperative (P=0.038), but significantly better at postoperative 3 month than the preoperative (P=0.022), and gradually improve after then. Wexner score was significantly lower at postoperative 1 month than the preoperative (P=0.018), and with the gradually reduce. Compared to the preoperative baseline, all body composition and serum protein parameters decreased significantly at the one-month follow-up and then increased gradually over the remaining follow-up period. Weight and prealbumin were significantly higher than the preoperative at postoperative 12 month. Jinling procedure had no effect on electrolytes. All patients were detected in defecography before surgery, but these abnormal indicators were improved after surgery. Anal function, coordinated movement anorectal function, anorectal reflex and rectal sensation were injured at early postoperative, but as time goes on, these indicators gradually returned to preoperative levels, some indicators better than the preoperative level. Postoperative surgical site infection, anastomotic bleeding , anastomotic leakage, urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, recurrent constipation, bowel obstruction, anastomotic stricture and mortality rates were 4.36%, 5.45%, 6.00%, 6.91%, 0.64%, 0.45%, 8.82%, 4.00% and 0.27% respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Jinling procedure is a safe and effective surgical procedure for refractory constipation. It can improve defecation function and quality of life significantly, and has a high follow-up satisfaction rate.</p>

Efficacy and safety of the Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes of Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical and follow-up data of 125 patients with adult Hirschsprung disease undergoing Jinling procedure at the Department of General Surgery between January 2000 and January 2013 were summarized. All the patients were diagnosed by CT, barium enema, anorectal pressure detection and pathology examination. Abdominal symptoms, gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI, the lower score, the worse quality of life), Wexner constipation score (higher score indicated worse symptom), defecography (evaluation included rectocele, mucosal prolapse, intramucosal intussusception, perineal prolapse) and other operative complications were compared before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 125 patients, 69 were male and 56 were female with median age of (41.2±15.5) (18 to 75) years. The follow-up rates were 94.4%(118/125), 92.0%(115/125), 89.6%(112/125) and 88.0%(110/125) at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Incidences of abdominal distension and abdominal pain were 100% and 82.4%(103/125) before operation, and were 7.3%(8/110) and 20.9%(23/110) at 12 months after surgery. Wexner score was significantly lower at postoperative months 1(8.7±2.9), 3 (7.2±2.8), 6(6.7±2.2) and 12(6.3±1.7) than that before operation (21.4±7.2) (P<0.01). GIQLI score was 51.6±11.9 before operation, though it decreased at 1 month (47.3±5.5)(P<0.05) after surgery, but increased significantly at postoperative months 3, 6, 12(68.9±8.0, 96.5±8.2, 103.2±8.6)(P<0.01). Abnormal rate of defecography was 70.4%(81/115), 48.2%(54/112) and 27.3%(30/110) at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, which was significantly lower than 91.2%(114/125) before operation (P<0.01). Morbidity of postoperative complication was 29.6%(37/125), including 5 cases of surgical site infection (4.0%), 2 of anastomotic bleeding (1.6%), 8 of anastomotic leakage (6.4%, one died of severe abdominal infection), 4 of urinary retention (3.2%), 3 of recurrent constipation (2.4%, without megacolon relapse), 11 of bowel obstruction (8.8%), 2 of anastomotic stricture(1.6%) and 2 of refractory staphylococcus aureus enteritis (1.6%, diagnosed by stool smear and culture, and both died finally).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Jinling procedure is a safe and effective surgical procedure for adult Hirschsprung's disease.</p>

Preliminary exploration on accurately preoperative evaluation of colonic lesions in slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the application value of colonic transit test (CTT) combined with anorectal manometry (ARM), barium enema (BE) and defecography (DFG) in accurately evaluating colonic lesions of slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 47 above patients admitted between October 2007 and February 2015 in the People's Hospital of Hunan Province were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were examined with≥2 times of CTT combined with ARM and BE, and 42 cases received additional DFG at the same time, to evaluate colonic lesions before operation. Operative biopsy pathology was used as the standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of positioning in the ascending colon and caecum, transverse colon and descending colon were calculated, and the consistency was represented by Kappa test(Kappa value≥0.75 indicates good consistency, meanwhile higher Kappa value indicates better consistency). The Heikkinen score was used to evaluate defecation function at postoperative 6 months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age of 47 patients was from 18 to 56 years old. Compared with intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology, the diagnostic coincidence rate was 89.4% by CTT combined with BE and DFG positioning, which suggested pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=12), transverse colon (n=26) and descending colon (n=9), while intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology suggested pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=11), transverse colon (n=23) and descending colon (n=13). The sensitivity was 88.3%, specificity 93.5%, PPV 92.1%, NPV 94.9% and Kappa value was 0.827(P<0.001). Procedures performed included segmental colectomy (n=8), subtotal colectomy (n=29), total colectomy (n=10). There was no serious complication during and after operation. Defecatory function was excellent in 24 cases (60.0%), good in 10 (25.0%), and moderate in 6 (15.0%) evaluated by Heikkinen score at postoperative 6 months. A total of 40 patients were followed up from 1 to 7 years (median 3 years) and there was no long-term diarrhea and recurrence of constipation or giant colon after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Preoperative detection of CTT combined with ARM, BE and DFG in patients with slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon can make a more precise assessment of the extent of colonic lesions in advance, which has a good clinical predictive value.</p>

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioral problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. A detailed history, prospective stool diaries, and a careful digital rectal examination will not only identify the nature of bowel dysfunction, but also raise the index of suspicion for this evacuation disorder. Anorectal physiology tests and balloon expulsion test are essential for a diagnosis. Newer techniques such as high-resolution manometry and magnetic resonance defecography can provide mechanistic insights. Recently, randomized controlled trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is more effective than laxatives and other modalities, both in the short term and long term, without side effects. Also, symptom improvements correlated with changes in underlying pathophysiology. Biofeedback therapy has been recommended as the first-line of treatment for dyssynergic defecation. Here, we provide an overview of the burden of illness and pathophysiology of dyssynergic defecation, and how to diagnose and treat this condition with biofeedback therapy.

Clinical utility of balloon expulsion test for functional defecation disorders

PURPOSE: I investigated the diagnostic accuracy of balloon expulsion test (BET) with various techniques to find out the most appropriate method, and tried to confirm its clinical utility in diagnosing functional defecation disorders (FDD) in constipated patients. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients constituted the study population. FDD was defined when patients had at least two positive findings in defecography, manometry, and electromyography. BET was done 4 times in each patient with 2 different positions and 2 different volumes. The positions were seated position (SP) and left lateral decubitus position (LDP). The volumes were fixed volume (FV) of 60 mL and individualized volume with which patient felt a constant desire to defecate (CDV). The results of BETs with 4 different settings (LDP-FV, LDP-CDV, SP-FV, and SP-CDV) were statistically compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 87 patients, 23 patients (26.4%) had at least two positive findings in 3 tests and thus were diagnosed to have FDD. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, area under curve was highest in BET with SP-FV. With a cutoff value of 30 seconds, the specificity of BET with SP-FV was 86.0%, sensitivity was 73.9%, negative predictive value was 89.8%, positive predictive value was 65.4%, and accuracy rate was 82.8% for diagnosing FDD. CONCLUSION: SP-FV is the most appropriate method for BET. In this setting, BET has a diagnostic accuracy sufficient to identify constipated patients who do not have FDD. Patients with negative results in BET with SP-FV may not need other onerous tests to exclude FDD.

Anismus, Physiology, Radiology: Is It Time for Some Pragmatism? A Comparative Study of Radiological and Anorectal Physiology Findings in Patients With Anismus

PURPOSE: Anismus is a functional disorder featuring obstructive symptoms and paradoxical contractions of the pelvic floor. This study aims to establish diagnosis agreement between physiology and radiology, associate anismus with morphological outlet obstruction, and explore the role of sphincteric pressure and rectal volumes in the radiological diagnosis of anismus. METHODS: Consecutive patients were evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging proctography/fluoroscopic defecography and anorectal physiology. Morphological radiological features were associated with physiology tests. A categorical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and agreement was assessed via the kappa coefficient. A Mann-Whitney test was used to assess rectal volumes and sphincterial pressure distributions between groups of patients. A P-value of 0.05). The sphincterial straining pressure was 71 mmHg in the anismus group versus 12 mmHg. Radiology was likely to identify anismus when the straining pressure exceeded 50% of the resting pressure (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Radiological techniques detect pelvic morphological abnormalities, but lead to overdiagnoses of anismus. No proctographic pathological feature predicts anismus reliably. A stronger pelvic floor paradoxical contraction is associated with a greater likelihood of detection by proctography.

Evaluación de la disinergia del piso pelviano mediante manometría anorrectal y ecografía dinámica (ecodefecografía): estudio comparativo de la utilidad de ambos métodos / Evaluation of pelvic floor dyssinergy using anorectal manometry and dynamic ultrasound (echodefecography): a comparative study of the usefulness of both methods

Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de concordancia entre la manometría anorrectal y la ecografía dinámica del piso pelviano (ecodefecografía) mediante la medición del índice kappa, en la detección de la contracción paradojal del haz puborrectal en pacientes que presentan dificultad evacuatoria (DE) ocasionada por pujo disinergico. Material y Método: Se efectuaron manometría anorrectal y ecodefecografía, en 89 pacientes (9 hombres y 80 mujeres) en un centro ambulatorio de coloproctología, a pacientes que presentaban síntomas de obstrucción defecatoria en el período comprendido entre mayo 2011 y mayo 2014. Se reportó la presencia de contracción paradojal del haz puborrectal durante el pujo en las manometrías. En la ecodefecografía se analizó el movimiento del músculo puborrectal, comparando el ángulo anorrectal. durante el reposo y pujo. En caso de constatarse una disminución del mismo durante el esfuerzo evacuatorio se interpreto como contracción paradojal del haz puborrectal. Resultados:. Se obtuvo un índice kappa de 0.87 (IC 95% 0,73-0,97), dando un muy buen grado de acuerdo entre los resultados de ambos estudios, con resultados estadísticamente significativos (p=0,05). Conclusión: La ecodefecografía es una herramienta útil que puede confirmar casos de disinergia demostrada por manometría, pero si bien ambos métodos presentan muy buen grado de acuerdo entre sí, ningún estudio puede reemplazar al otro ya que ambos métodos tienen sus resultados falsos positivos.

Objective: To assess the degree of agreement between anorectal manometry and dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound (echodefecography) by calculating kappa index in patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation. Material and Methods: Anorectal manometry and echodefecography were performed in patients with obstructed defecation symtpoms between May 2011 and May 2014. When the anorectal manometry was performed, the pressures during attempted defecation were recorded. Dyssinergic pattern was defined if a rise in pressures was noted. When the echodefecography was performed, the angle between the internal edges of the puborectalis with a vertical line according to the anal canal axis was calcultated at rest and during straining. Results: Anorectal manometry and echodefecography was performed in 89 patients with defecatory disturbances symptoms. Male:female 9male, the mean age of patients was 57 years old (range 25-78). The assessment of the degree of agreement or concordance between dynamic ultrasound and anorectal manometry yielded a kappa index of 0.87 (very good agreement) with statistically significant results (p=0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonography may be used to assess patients with obstructed defecation, as it is able to detect the same anorrectal dysfuntions found by another pelvic floor studies. It is a minimally invasive, well tolerated method, and avoids exposure to radiation. Although both methods shows very good agreement with each other, they cannot replace them since both methods have false positive results.

Intususcepción recto rectal. Prevalencia en pacientes asintomáticos. / Rectum-rectal intussusception. Prevalence in asymptomatic patients

Introducción: La intususcepción rectal es un hallazgo frecuente en la defecografía tanto en individuos sintomáticos como en asintomáticos. Existe muy poca información con respecto al diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta anormalidad. También existe discrepancia entre las anormalidades anatómicas que pueden acompañar a esta patología, así como el grado de desarrollo de la intususcepción en pacientes asintomáticos. Objetivos: Describir la magnitud de la intususcepción en pacientes asintomáticos y comparar estos con los pacientes sin intususcepción. Métodos: Medimos, con un instrumento graduado en centímetros y milímetros, la pared rectal que sobresale en forma circunferencial hacia distal del borde de un anoscopio circular. Pacientes: Un grupo de 50 pacientes operados de prolapso anal/hemorroidal y 50 pacientes operados por otras patologías anales (fisura, condilomas, estenosis anal). El 49% eran mujeres. El promedio de edad fue de 49.7 años (±4.5 años). Ningún paciente tenía síntomas de obstrucción defecatoria. Resultados: En los pacientes del grupo con prolapso anal/hemorroides encontramos una intususcepción promedio de 1.59 cm comparada con 0.23 cm en los pacientes del grupo operado por otra patología. Estos resultados son estadísticamente significativos (p=0.003). Del grupo estudiado, 33 pacientes presentaban intususcepción- mayor a 1 cm, comparados con los sujetos controles (p=0.001). También fue significativa la diferencia entre aquellos que no tenían intususcepción y aquellos que sí la tenían aunque sea menores a 1 cm (p=0.004). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en cuanto a síntomas de obstrucción defecatoria o alguno que no tuviese relación con la patología por la cual iban a ser intervenidos quirúrgicamente (p=0.286). La longitud de la intususcepción fue de 0.5 a 2.5 cm y estuvo relacionada directamente a la patología subyacente por la cual se operaban los pacientes (fistulas, fisuras, condilomas, vs hemorroides, prolapso mucoso parcial y prolapso mucoso completo) (p = 0.003) e inversamente a los síntomas que presentaban (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: La intususcepción recto-rectal está presente, en diverso grado, en los pacientes con prolapso anal/hemorroidal, por lo que recomendaríamos realizar a todos estos pacientes una defecografía para evaluar el verdadero significado de esta patología. Se necesitan estudios a largo plazo para determinar la evolución real de esta entidad.

Abstract: Introduction: Rectal intussusception is frequently found in defecography both in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. There is scarce information about the diagnosis and treatment of this abnormality. There is also discrepancy on the anatomic abnormalities that this pathology may carry as well as the degree of development of intussusception in asymptomatic patients. Objectives:To describe the extent of intussusception in asymptomatic patients, and to compare them with patients without intussusception. Methods: Using an instrument marked in centimeters and millimeters, we measured the rectal wall that protrudes circumferentially towards the distal end of a circular anoscope edge. Patients: A group of 50 patients who had undergone anal / hemorrhoidal prolapse surgery and 50 patients who had undergone other anal surgeries related to pathologies such as anal fissures, condylomata, and stenosis. 49% of the patients were women. The average age was 48.7 years (±4.5 years).No patient presented symptoms of defecatoryobstruction. Results: Among the patients in the group with ana prolapse/hemorrhoids, an average intussusception of 1.59 cm was observed. Among the patients in the group who had undergone surgery for other pathologies, the average was 0.23 cm.These results are statistically significant (p=0.003). 33 patients in the group studied showed an intussusception larger than 1 cm, compared to control subjects (p=0.001).The difference among those without intussusception and those with it, even though it was less than 1 cm (p=0.004), was also significant.There were no significant differences among the groups with regard to the symptoms of defecatory obstruction or symptoms unrelated to the pathology that would cause their surgery (p=0.286). Intussusception length was 0.5 to 2.5 cm. It was directly related to the underlying pathology that required surgery in the patient, i.e. fistulae, fissures, condylomata vs. hemorrhoids, partial mucous prolapse and complete mucous prolapse (p=0.003) and inversely related to the symptoms shown (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Rectum-rectal intussusception is observed, in different degrees, in patients with anal/hemorrhoidal prolapse. Thus, we would recommend to perform a defecography to all these patients in order to assess the true meaning of this pathology. Long term studies will be necessary to determine the real evolution of this condition.

Comparison of efficacy and safety between two kinds of injection therapy in the treatment of I-II degree rectal prolapse / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the safety and efficacy of Shaobei injection in the management of I(-II( degree rectal prolapse.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 80 patients eligible for the inclusion criteria were divided into 2 groups: 40 patients in the treatment group (treated with Shaobei injection) and 40 cases in the control group (treated with Xiaozhiling) respectively. The short-term efficacy was identified by the length of rectal prolapse and the depth of rectocele demonstrated by the defecography while the long-term efficacy was evaluated by the length of rectal prolapse. In addition, the safety was assessed by the occurrence of postoperative complications.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The variation of the lengths of rectal prolapse and the depth of rectocele demonstrated by the defecography at the sixth month follow up in the two groups did not reach significant difference (P>0.05). After 2 year follow up, 37 patients (92.5%) in the treatment group and 35 cases(87.5%) in the control group was cured. Therefore, there was no significant difference in the long term efficacy between the two groups (P>0.05). The adverse events in the therapy group(10%) was less than that in the control group (45%)(P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Shaobei injection in the management of I(-II( degree rectal prolapse has a similar efficacy of short-term and long-term higher safety compared to Xiaozhiling injection.</p>

Fecal Evacuation Disorder Among Patients With Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome: A Case-control Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Data on frequency of fecal evacuation disorder (FED) among patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS), hitherto an enigmatic condition, are scanty. Moreover, most such studies had limitations due to small sample size and lack of inclusion of healthy controls (HC). METHODS: Forty patients with SRUS underwent symptom assessments, sigmoidoscopy, anorectal manometry, defecography, balloon expulsion test (BET); endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) of anal sphincter complex was performed in a subgroup. Physiological tests (anorectal manometry and BET) were also performed in 19 HC. RESULTS: Patients with SRUS (26/40 male, age 37 [18-80] years) more often had FED than HC (10/19 male, age 43 [25-72] years) as shown by weight needed to expel the balloon (300 [0-700] g vs. 100 [0-400] g; P = 0.006), a trend towards abnormal BET (need of > 200 g weight for expulsion) (21/40 [53%] vs. 5/19 [26%], P = 0.058) and impaired anal relaxation (14/40 [35%] vs 2/19 [10.5%]; P = 0.048). Using Rome III criteria, most patients with SRUS reported having chronic constipation (36/40 [90%]) in spite of having normal (Bristol stool type IV, 21/40 [53%]) and diarrheal (types V, VI, VII, 6/40 [20%]) stool forms (Asian classification). SRUS patients more often (17/40 [43%]) had functional defecation disorder (Rome III criteria). Patients with SRUS with abnormal BET had thicker internal anal sphincter than those without (3.9 [3.4-7.0] mm vs 2.8 [2.0-4.0] mm; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: FED was commoner among patients with SRUS as evidenced by abnormal BET and sphincter relaxation. Those with abnormal BET had thicker internal sphincter on EUS than those without.