Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for the treatment of anal fistula: a prospective observational study

Background: The ligation of intersphincteric fistula fract (LIFT) technique avoids postoperative anal continence disturbances and preserves quality of life. Methods: A total of 70 patients with anal fistula (AF) were treated in the Day Surgery Unit. The LIFT technique was the primary treatment in 63 patients. The other had previously undergone placement of a loose seton (two-step approach). The mean follow-up was 66.8 months. Statistical analysis was performed using contingency tables, the chi-square test, and the Student T-test. Results: The use of LIFT was successful in 40 patients (57.1%). However, 6 patients (8.6%) presented persistence of postoperative intersphincteric fistula, being successfully treated by fistulotomy. There were no differences in this technique's success rate between high and low AF (p = 0.45). The success rate of one-step LIFT, however, was significantly higher (p = 0.03). No disturbances of continence were observed. Conclusions: The LIFT technique has a role in the treatment of AF, is suitable for ambulatory surgery, and has a low complications rate. A two-step approach is not always needed. (AU)

Consensus of Chinese experts on the diagnosis and treatment of anal fistula (2020) / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Anal fistula is one of the most common diseases in colorectal and anal surgery. Most of them are formed after the abscess of perianal space reptures. Due to the complexity and diversity of pathological changes, the clinical efficacy of some patients is not optimistic, and there may even be serious surgical complications, including delayed healing of anal fistula or varying degrees of fecal incontinence, which significantly affect the quality of life of patients and even lead to disability. The Working Committee of Clinical Guidelines of Anorectal Physicians Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized some domestic experts to discuss and prepare this expert consensus. It is suggested that comprehensive evaluation of anal fistula, including detailed medical history, physical examination and necessary auxiliary examination should be conducted before treatment. Auxiliary examinations include fistulography, ultrasound, CT or MRI. The purpose of the auxiliary examination is to accurately determine the position of the internal orifice of the anal fistula, the direction of the fistula and its relationship with the anal sphincter. Adenogenic anal fistula needs surgical treatment after diagnosis. The operation methods can be divided into two types: operations breaching sphincter and operations preserving sphincter function. The former includes anal fistulectomy, anal fistulotomy and seton placement; the latter includes ligation of intersphincteric fistula (LIFT), rectal mucosal muscle flap advancement repair, anal fistula laser closure, video-assisted anal fistula treatment, etc. It is suggested to select or combine the application according to the specific condition of patients. Bioabsorbable materials include anal fistula plug and fibrin glue. Due to the characteristics of retaining sphincter function and reusability, it is recommended to be used selectively by qualified and experienced doctors. Proper wound management after anal fistula surgery can reduce the pain of patients, promote healing and reduce the recurrence of anal fistula. Because there is a certain risk of recurrence and fecal incontinence after anal fistula surgery, for some patients with complex condition, repeated operations or impaired anal function, we must be careful when choosing reoperation, and weigh the benefits of patients and the risk of fecal incontinence.

Effect of Kegel Exercise to Prevent Urinary and Fecal Incontinence in Antenatal and Postnatal Women: Systematic Review

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the literature to determine whether intensive pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy and after delivery could prevent urinary and fecal incontinence. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of low-risk obstetric populations who had done Kegel exercise during pregnancy and after delivery met the inclusion criteria. Articles published between 1966 and 2012 from periodicals indexed in Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, KoreaMed, NDSL and other databases were selected, using the following keywords: 'Kegel, pelvic floor exercise'. The Cochrane's Risk of Bias was applied to assess the internal validity of the RCT. Fourteen selected studies were analyzed by meta-analysis using RevMan 5.1. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs with high methodological quality, involving 6,454 women were included. They indicated that Kegel exercise significantly reduced the development of urinary and fecal incontinence from pregnancy to postpartum. Also, there was low clinical heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that for antenatal and postnatal women, Kegel exercise can prevent urinary and fecal incontinence. Therefore, a priority task is to develop standardized Kegel exercise programs for Korean pregnant and postpartum women and make efficient use of these programs.

Ligadura interesfinterica del tracto fistular (LIFT): experiencia inicial / Ligation Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT): initial experience

Antecedentes: El tratamiento quirúrgico para las fistulas perianales ha sido tradicionalmente la fistulotomia o fistulectomia con o sin colocación de sedal, sin embargo, desde hace algunos años el LIFT resulta una alternativa terapéutica valida sobre todo porque no produce agresión alguna sobre el complejo esfínteriano ni invalida un ulterior procedimiento en caso de recidivas. Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia inicial con LlFT para fístulas transesfínterianas. Pacientes y Métodos: Entre Octubre de 2010 y Junio de 2011 se realizaron 20 procedimientos LIFT en 20 pacientes (17 hombres y 3 mujeres); edades entre 18 y 70 años (43,4 media). Se realizo Ecografía endoanal de 360º preoperatoria en 12 pacientes (60%) y Resonancia Nuclear Magnética de alta resolución de Pelvis en 3 (15%). Todos los procedimientos se llevaron a cabo en pacientes con fístulas transesfintericas. Aquellos que no cumplían este requisito fueron tratados mediante otros procedimientos terapéuticos. Las variables evaluadas fueron: 1) Complicaciones intraoperatorias; 2) Morbilidad inmediata; 3) Estadía posoperatoria; 4) Tasa de recidiva durante el seguimiento; 5) tasa de incontinencia postquirúrgica. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 18.8 semanas (36-2). Resultados: Con respecto a complicaciones intraoperatorias hubo un sangrado que motivo la conversión a otro procedimiento (5%). Dos pacientes presentaron infección a nivel de la incisión interesfinterica (10%). Otro presento absceso en cabo esfinterico distal (5%). La retención aguda de orina no se tomo como complicación por lo que no se describe en este apartado. Ningún paciente presentaba antecedentes clínicos de jerarquía, excepto uno (el primero de la serie) que padecía diabetes insulino dependiente. Con respecto a antecedentes quirúrgicos, 5 pacientes (25%) habían sido íntervenidos previamente de patología fístular, que había recidivado. Los procedimientos realizados eran variables, pero en ningún caso LlFT... (TRUNCADO)

Background: The surgical treatment for perianal fistulas has traditionally been the fistulotomy, fistulectomy with or without seton colocation. However, since a few years the LlFT procedure is a valid therapeutic option mainly because it neither produces aggression on the sphincter complex non invalidates later procedure in case of recidivation. Objective: To communicate the initial experiences with LIFT procedure for transphincteric fistulas. Patients and Methods: Between October 2010 and June 2011 there have been twenty LlFT procedures with twenty patients (17 males and 3 females) which ages varied from 18 to 70 years (a media of 43,4). It was done a 360º endoanal ultrasound before surgery in 12 patients (60%) and Pelvis MRI in 3 (15%). All the procedures were done on patients with transphincteric fistulas. Those who didn't reach this requirement were treated trough other therapeutic procedures. The variables evaluated were: 1) Intraoperative complications; 2) Inmediate morbidity; 3) Postoperative staying; 4) Rates of recidivation during the follow-up; 5) Rates of postoperative incontinence. The median of follow­-up was of 18.8 weeks (36-2). Results: According to intraoperative complications there was a bleeding which led to another procedure (5%). Two patients had an infection in the intersphincteric incision (10%) and other presented an abscess in the distal sphincter cape (5%). The acute urinary retention it was not considered as a complication. For that reason it is not described in this report. None of the patients had clinic precedents, except one of them who were DBT insulin dependent. Regarding to surgical precedents, 5 patients (25%) had been previously operated of fistula-in-ano which had recidivated. The previous procedure which had been done were variable but in none case LIFT. Other previous surgical precedents were not documented. None of the patients had preoperative incontinence (it was used the wexner/Jorge incontinence scale)... (TRUNCADO)

Ligadura interesfintérica del trayecto fistuloso (LIFT): nuevo abordaje para el tratamiento de las fístulas anales complejas / LIFT: Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract: new approach in surgical treatment of complex anal fistula

Introducción: el tratamiento de la fístula perianal compleja es un desafío para el especialista. No existe una técnica de elección, dado sus incidencias variables de recidiva o incontinencia anal. Objetivo: presentar una técnica recientemente publicada para el tratamiento de las fístulas perianales complejas, cuya aplicación iniciamos en nuestra institución (LIFT-ligadura interesfintérica del trayecto fistuloso). Diseño: nota técnica. Lugar de Aplicación: Sector Coloproctología. Institución Privada Universitaria. Método: según la descripción original el procedimiento consiste en la ligadura y sección del trayecto fistuloso luego de ser identificado en el espacio interesfintérico sin dividir el esfínter anal. Conclusiones: las potenciales ventajas de este procedimiento incluyen: preservación de la anatomía del complejo esfinteriano evitando la sección del esfínter anal, mejores resultados funcionales (hasta la fecha sin impacto en la incontinencia según la literatura), es simple técnicamente, de bajo costo y se puede realizar nuevamente en caso de recidiva sin mayores inconvenientes. Tiene resultados similares y aún mejores que las técnicas conocidas. Es importante establecer el impacto en la continencia anal y la recidiva a largo plazo.

Background: treatment of fistula-in-ano is one of the most challenging experiences for the colorectal surgeon in benign anal surgery. There is none standard technique because of recurrence and incontinence index. Objective: To introduce a novel technique recently published to treat complex anal fistula: LIFT (ligation of the intersphineteric fistula tract). We initiated our experience in this procedure at our institution. Setting: Colorectal Unit, Sanatorio Modelo, Tucumán. Design: Technical note. Methods: according original paper, the surgeon ligates and divides fistula tract after its identification with a probe. Caution must be taking to avoid damage to anal sphincter when intersphincteric groove is accessed. Conclusion: potential advantages of this procedure are: sphincter saving technique, similar results and recurrence rates with other techniques, it is easy to do and to learn, low cost, better functional outcome and yet without incontinence reports. Comparative and long follow-up trials are needed to establish real advantages in surgical treatment of anal fistula.

Resección interesfintérica: opción terapéutica para el cáncer rectal ultrabajo / Intersphincteric resection: therapeutic option for ultralow rectal cancer

Antecedentes: El tratamiento para los carcinomas rectales ubicados a ≤ 5 cm. del margen anal ha sido tradicionalmente la amputación abdominoperineal. Sin embargo, la resección rectal con exéresis parcial o total del esfínter interno y anastomosis coloanal resulta una opción válida para tumores diferenciados, sin compromiso del esfinter externo y/o elevador, ni trastornos preoperatorios de la continencia. Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia inicial con la resección interesfintérica con anastomosis coloanal para el cáncer rectal ultrabajo (CRUB). Pacientes y método: Entre enero de 2006 y junio de 2008, luego de neoadyuvancia, se operaron 4 pacientes (3 mujeres; edad media 57.5 ± 8.1 (49-68) años) con CRUB, efectuándose resección anterior ultrabaja con disección interesfintérica, resección parcial del esfínter interno y anastomosis coloanal manual (1 directa y 3 con reservorio colónico en J), e ileostomía lateral. Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas registrando distancia del tumor al margen anal (DMA), diferenciación tumoral, escore de incontinencia de la Cleveland Clinic (EI), estadificación pre-neoadyuvancia (por ecografía endorrectal en tres pacientes y resonancia magnética nuclear de alta resolución en uno), complicaciones intraoperatorias, morbilidad inmediata, estadia postoperatoria e histopatología. Se evaluaron los resultados funcionales y los oncológicos tempranos, con una mediana de seguimiento de 13 (13-40) meses. Resultados: La DMA promedio fue de 3.2 ± 0.5 (3-4) cm. Todos eran adenocarcinomas semidiferenciados. Todos tuvieron EI preoperatorio de 20. Hubo tres tumores T3N1 y uno T2N0 que llegaba hasta la línea pectínea, involucrando el esfínter interno. No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias...

Background: Rectal carcinomas, located at ≤ 5 cm of the anal margin has been traditionally, abdominoperineal resection. However, rectal resection with partial of total exeresis of the internal sphincter and coloanal anastomosis is a good option for differentiated tumors, without external sphincter and/or elevator muscle involvement, or preoperative continence disturbances. Objective: Report on our initial experience on intersphineteric resection with coloanal anastomosis for ultralow rectal cancer (ULRC). Patients and methods: Between January 2006 and June 2008, after neoadyuvant therapy, 4 patients (3 females; mean age 57.5 ± 8.1 (49-68) years) with ULRC, underwent ultralow anterior resection with intersphincteric dissection, partial internal sphincter resection and manual coloanal anastomosis (1 straight, 3 with colonic J-pouch reservoir), and lateral ileostomy. Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed, recording tumor distance to the anal margin (AMD), tumoral differentiation, Cleveland Clinic incontinence (IS), pre-neoadyuvant estadification (endorectal ultrasound in three patients, and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in one patient), intraoperative complications, 30-day morbidity, postoperative stay, and histopathology. Functional and early oncologic results were evaluated. Median follow-up 13 (12-40) months. Results: Mean AMD 3.2 ± 0.5 (3-4) cm. All tumors were semidifferentiated adenocarcinomas. All patients have preoperative IS of 20. There were three T3N1 tumors, and one T2N0 which reached the dentate line, compromising the internal sphincter. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were: There were one wound abscess, two urinary tract infections, and three digitally dilated anastomotic stenosis, Mean postoperative stay 6.5 (6-7) days...

Management of obstetric anal sphincter injuries at the University Hospital of the West Indies / Tratamiento de las lesiones obstétricas del esfínter anal en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies

Up to 6% of women sustain severe perineal lacerations that involve the anal sphincters during vaginal delivery. When they occur, obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) may be accompanied by significant morbidity. Therefore, it is important to detect these injuries promptly and for experienced staff to perform sound repair. This report retrospectively assesses a series of seven women with OASI who were managed at a tertiary level hospital in Jamaica over a period of 28 months. Unfavourable details of management that may have adversely affected outcomes were sought from the various cases treated. The incidence of OASI was low (0.2%). There were five third degree and two fourth degree lacerations. After these injuries were repaired, three patients (43%) experienced morbidity such as chronic pelvic pain (43%), anal incontinence (29%), dyspareunia (23%) and recto-vaginal fistulae (14%). In order to improve the outcomes at this institution, several aspects of current care can be improved. Operative repair of these injuries should be delayed until senior staff is available to supervise OASI repair. Both methods of sphincter repair are reasonable options but the use of rapidly absorbable sutures is not appropriate. Finally, prophylaxis against wound infections can be achieved by administering a single dose of intravenous second or third generation cephalosporin at the time of induction of anaesthesia.

Hasta el 6% de las mujeres sufren desgarramientos perineales severos que involucran los esfínteres anales durante el parto vaginal. Cuando ocurren, las lesiones obstétricas del esfínter anal (OASI) pueden estar acompañadas por morbilidad significativa. Por consiguiente, es importante descubrir estas lesiones rápidamente, para que el personal experimentado lleve a cabo una buena reparación quirúrgica. Este informe evalúa retrospectivamente una serie de siete mujeres con OASI, tratadas en un hospital de nivel terciario en Jamaica, durante un periodo de 28 meses. Se buscaron detalles desfavorables del tratamiento que puedan haber afectado adversamente la evolución clínica de los varios casos tratados. La incidencia de las OASI fue baja (0.2%). Hubo cinco desgarramientos de tercer grado y dos laceraciones de cuarto grado. Después de que estas lesiones fueron reparadas, tres pacientes (43%) experimentaron morbilidad, tal como dolor pélvico crónico (43%), incontinencia anal (29%), dispareunia (23%) y fístulas recto-vaginales (14%). A fin de mejorar los resultados clínicos en esta institución, pueden mejorarse varios aspectos del cuidado actual. La reparación operativa de estas lesiones debe retardarse hasta que esté disponible un personal de experiencia para supervisar la reparación de la OASI. Ambos métodos de reparación del esfínter constituyen opciones razonables, pero el uso de suturas rápidamente absorbibles no es apropiado. Finalmente, puede lograrse la profiláxis contra las infecciones de las heridas, administrando una sola dosis de cefalosporina intravenosa de segunda o tercera generación en el momento de inducción de la anestesia.

Abordaje sagital posterior, una forma de manejo en descensos urogenitales / Later sagittal approach: a technical option for urogenital descent

El abordaje sagital posterior ha sido ampliamente descrito en patología Ano-Rectal; en la última década se ha extendido su utilidad en patologías urológicas complejas. En el presente trabajo se muestra la experiencia de este abordaje en pacientes con Seno urogenital (SUG). Materiales y método: Se realizó en 9 pacientes, 5 por SUG exclusivo (debido a hiperplasia suprarrenal virilizante) y 4 portadoras de cloaca. Resultados: La edad promedio de la cirugía fue de 6 años con un rango de 1 a 16 años. El largo promedio del SUG fue de 4 centímetros (2 a 6 cm.). En una paciente sólo se realizó descenso del canal común dejándolo como uretra pues no permitió el descenso vaginal, esta paciente es portadora de doble vagina y ha evolucionado con hidrocolpos a repetición por lo que ha debido ser drenado en 2 ocasiones. De las 9 pacientes en 2 no se puede evaluar continencia urinaria (1 con vesicostomía y la otra aún no adquiere continencia por edad); de las 7 restantes 2 mantienen un régimen de Cateterismo intermitente limpio, 1 paciente evolucionó con incontinencia de orina de esfuerzo que no ha sido tratado aun pues se está esperando mayor tiempo de postoperatorio (3 meses actualmente), las 4 restantes (todas portadoras de SUG) tienen continencia urinaria normal. 7 pacientes tienen continencia fecal, 2 pacientes no pueden ser evaluadas por estar aún colostomizadas. En cuanto a estenosis vaginal no se ha reoperado a ninguna paciente, requiriendo dilataciones bajo anestesia en 3 de ellas. El seguimiento promedio es de 2 años (3 meses a 5 años). Conclusión: Preferimos el abordaje sagital posterior en SUG de más de 2 cm. por que da un excelente campo quirúrgico, conserva la continencia fecal, disminuye la incidencia de estenosis vaginal y mejora los resultados estéticos. Evita además el uso de colgajos perineales y preservala continencia urinaria cuando no está asociado a cloaca.

The posterior sagittal approach has been broadly described in anorectal pathology. We report our experience with this technique for the management of patients with urogenital sinus (UGS). Materials and methods: It was carried out in 9 patients, 5 for exclusive UGS (due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia) and 4 with cloaca. Results: Mean age was 6 years (range 1 to 16 years). Mean UGS was 4cm (range 2 to 6 cm). In one patient common channel descent was performed leaving it as a urethra since vaginal descent was not feasible, this patient had a double vagina and evolved with hidrocolpos requiring drainage in 2 occasions. Of the 9 patients, 2 could not be evaluated for incontinence (1 pediatric and 1with vesicostomy). Of the remaining 7, 2 are under clean intermittent catheterization, 1 evolved stress urinary incontinence, 4 (all with of UGS) are continent. Seven patients have fecal continence, 2 patients cannot be evaluated because of colostomys. Three patients required dilation for vaginal stricture. Mean follow-up is 2 years (range 3 months to 5 years). Conclusion: We prefer the posterior sagittal approach in UGS of more than 2 cm because it provides an excellent surgical field, it conserves the fecal continence, it diminishes the incidence of vaginal strictures and it improves cosmetics. It also avoids the use of perineal flaps while preserving continence when it is not associated to cloaca.

Estudo de válvulas artificiais no cólon esquerdo após amputação abdominoperineal parcial do reto mais colostomia perineal, em cães / Study of artificial valves on left colon after rectal partial abdominoperineal resection with perineal colostomy, in dogs

RACIONAL: Ao longo do tempo, estudou-se a escolha da colostomia perineal como a forma de se evitar a colostomia abdominal após cirurgia de amputação abdominoperineal. A colostomia perineal associada a um mecanismo frenador das fezes vem sendo estudada há vários anos com resultados satisfatórios. OBJETIVO: Investigação, em cães, da valvuloplastia cólica aplicada à amputação abdominoperineal do reto mais colostomia perineal e a discussão dos resultados obtidos na avaliação clínica e histopatológica. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: O modelo experimental desta pesquisa foi desenvolvido no cólon de cães. Foram operados 65 animais, dos quais 10 constituíram o grupo-piloto, 15 o grupo-controle e os 40 demais foram separados em três grupos. O grupo 1 para observação de 10 dias; o grupo 2 em pós-operatório de 20 dias; e o grupo 3 de 30 dias. Os cães foram submetidos a amputação abdominoperineal parcial do reto com colostomia perineal associada à seromiotomia circunferencial, extramucosa em cólon esquerdo (exceto nos dos grupos-controle). RESULTADOS: Através de acompanhamento e estudo post-mortem, foi possível verificar fezes sólidas a montante das válvulas, evidenciando-se o eficiente mecanismo frenador das mesmas. A análise histológica das válvulas mostrou neoproliferação conjuntiva com fibrose em toda a área seccionada da serosa e das camadas musculares, separando-as. Evidenciou-se um anel fibroso com diminuição do lúmen intestinal, em resposta à cicatrização da serosa e muscular invertidas pela sutura, levando à formação da "válvula artificial". O processo inflamatório fibrosante reparativo ocorreu em todas as válvulas, associado a reações do tipo corpo estranho e à estenose parcial do lúmen intestinal. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a seromiotomia circunferencial produz um anel fibroso que facilita a estase fecal em colo esquerdo.

BACKGROUND: Throughout time, perineal colostomy in abdominoperineal resection, as a way to avoid abdominal colostomy, was studied. Perineal colostomy associated with a slowing down mechanism for stool transit has been studied for many years with satisfactory results. AIM: The investigation of a colic valvoplasty in dogs which have undergone an abdominoperineal resection plus perineal colostomy, and the discussion of the results achieved in clinic and histopathologic analysis are the objective of this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experimental model of this research studied the colon of dogs. Sixty five animals were operated and divided in five groups: 10 animals in the pilot group, 15 animals in control group and 40 animals in 3 other groups of observation with 10, 20 and 30 days of postoperative care. The dogs underwent a rectal partial abdominoperineal resection with perineal colostomy associated to a circumferential extramucosal seromiotomy of the left colon (except in the control group). RESULTS: Through postoperative and post-mortem observation it was possible to verify solid stool before the valves showing the efficiency of the mechanism in slowing it down. The histological analysis of the valves showed connective growth with fibrosis in the whole incised serous and muscular layers, separating them. A fibrous ring diminished the colon lumen in response to the artificial valve created by the scar that appeared in the inverted suture of the serous and muscular layers. The inflammatory fibrous repair process occurred in all valves, associated to foreign body type reactions and to partial stricture of the colon lumen. CONCLUSION: The circumferential seromiotomy produces a fibrous ring that provides stool retention on the descending colon.

Anatomia, fisiologia e importância clínica do corpo perineal / Anatomy, physiology and clinical importance of the perineal body

O corpo perineal feminino é uma estrutura de interconecção para componentes musculares, fasciais e fibrosos, medindo cerca de 2 cm de diâmetro, situado em posição mediana, entre o ânus e a vagina. É também o ponto de conexão dos mecanismos de continência fecal e urinária. A função do corpo perineal é dar suporte da região anorretal à pelve e da vagina à fáscia pélvica, prevenir a expansão do hiato urogenital, funcionar como barreira entre vagina e reto e preservar a continência urinária e fecal. É importante na obstetrícia, pois pode ser lesado durante o parto vaginal e geralmente é mal reparado, devido ao desconhecimento de sua anatômia; é o local onde o cirurgião realiza a episiotomia com risco de lesão ao nervo pudendo durante o parto. A revisão sistemática deste assunto evidenciou que a massagem protege do trauma e que a episiotomia não deve ser usada como rotina. Para assegurar um atendimento obstétrico e ginecológico de qualidade é necessário ter um conhecimento adequado da anatomia pélvica, das indicações corretas da episiotomia e da importância clínica do corpo perineal.

O esfíncter anal artificial no tratamento da incontinência grave: descriçäo de técnica e resultados preliminares / The artificial anal sphincter in serious incontinence treatment: technique description and preliminary results

Devido à necessidade de um mecanismo ou dispositivo eficaz no tratamento da incontinência anal grave, e estimulado pelos resultados satisfatórios obtidos no tratamento da incontinência urinária, com o esfíncter artificial, o interesse pelo método tem sido recentemente reavivado. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a experiência, pioneira na América Latina, com a técnica, descrever o método e os resultados preliminares em três pacientes. O EAA é constituído de três principais mecanismos: cinta oclusiva ou "cuff", reservatório e bomba de controle. O "cuff" é implantado ao redor do canal anal e quando inflado, oclui o canal anal através de aplicaçäo circunferencial de pressäo. O reservatório ou baläo regulador de pressäo é implantado no espaço pré-vesical, sendo responsável pelo controle da pressäo exercida pelo "cuff". A bomba de controle é implantada na bolsa escrotal ou no grande lábio e contém um resistor e válvula que regula a transferência de fluído do reservatório para o "cuff". A operaçäo para a implantaçäo foi realizada com o paciente em posiçäo de litotomia, sob anestesia geral e com antibioticoterapia profilática. Os cuidados pós-operatórios incluíram dieta líquida sem resíduos e antibioticoterapia sistêmica por 5 dias. Os cuidados locais com a ferida operatória incluíram limpeza mecânica frequente e antibiótico tópico. Os pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade de 16, 20, e 23 anos, e apresentavam como etiologia da incontinência, ânus imperfurado, tendo sido submetidos na infância ao abaixamento do reto precedido por colostomia. Todos apresentavam incontinência total a fezes sólidas aos mínimos esforços. A ausência do esfíncter anorretal foi caracterizada pelo exame físico e manométrico. Dois pacientes apresentavam ectrópio mucoso, tendo sido submetidos à ligadura elástica da mucosa prolapsada 3 semanas antes da operaçäo. Os valores médios de pressäo de repouso (mmHg), pressäo de contraçäo do esfíncter externo do ânus (mmHg) e comprimento do canal anal funcional (cm) foram 8, 15 e 1,7 respectivamente. A prótese foi ativada na oitava semana pós-operatória, näo se observando complicaçöes técnicas ou infecciosas. O aprendizado do manejo da prótese foi considerado fácil pelos três pacientes. Todos apresentam-se continentes a fezes sólidas, 1 apresenta incontinência a fezes líquidas e 2 incontinentes à gases. O EAA representa método simples, seguro e representa uma perspectiva aos portadores de incontinência anal grave

Neo-esfincteroplastia interna anal: estudo experimental em cães / Neo-internal anal sphincteroplasty: an experimental study in dogs

Este estudo experimental descreve a possibilidade de reposicionar um segmento das camadas musculares interna e externa da parede retal, a fim de se obter um grau de incontinência compatível com uma vida de relacionamento normal. Relata as dificuldades de se proporcionar continência anal para os pacientes com anomalias ano-retais altas e aqueles com importantes lesões na região reto-perineal, em consequência de acidentes graves. Foram utilizados vinte cães divididos em três grupos. No primeiro grupo (oito cães) foi feita a retirada cirúrgica do esfíncter interno (E.I) do ânus e constatada a perda de continência em todos os animais deste grupo examinados pela reto-manometria. No segundo grupo (quatro cães), a esfíncterotomia longitudinal feita de modo clássico e através de via de acesso peri-retal mostrou resultados semelhantes aos da literatura. No terceiro grupo (oito cães), após esfíncterectomia realizada como no primeiro, dissecamos as camadas musculares circular e longitudinal fazendo dobre sobre si mesmas, ficando assim a extremidade do reto envolvida por uma dupla parede muscular. A evolução clínica mostrou comprometimento da continência em relação aos cães normais, mas foi satisfatória, com demonstrada pela manometria. A estenose que se desenvolveu, após dilatada, não interferiu sensivelmente no mecanismo da continência. O exame histológico mostrou hipertrofia das estruturas musculares utilizadas como neo-esfíncter, neo-formação vascular e ausência de áreas de necrose.