Systematic review on ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapse and intussusception.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of ventral rectopexy (VR) surgery for treatment of rectal prolapse (RP) and rectal intussusception (RI) in adults. Method MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and other relevant databases were searched to identify studies. Randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized studies with more than 10 patients receiving ventral mesh rectopexy surgery were considered for the review. RESULTS: Twelve nonrandomized case series studies with 728 patients in total are included in the review. Seven studies used the Orr-Loygue procedure (VR with posterior rectal mobilization to the pelvic floor) and five studies used VR without posterior rectal mobilization. Overall weighted mean percentage decrease in faecal incontinence (FI) rate was 45%. The weighted mean percentage decrease in constipation rate was 24%. Weighted mean recurrence rate was 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS: There are limitations in published literature on VR. The available data indicate that VR has low recurrence and improves FI in patients suffering from these conditions. There is a greater reduction in postoperative constipation if VR is used without posterior rectal mobilization.

The effect of 7 to 8 months of vitamin/mineral supplementation on the vitamin and mineral status of athletes.

Blood indicators of eight vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, A, B12, folate) and six minerals (Cu, Mg, Zn, Ca, P, Al) were measured in 86 athletes before and after a 7- to 8-month period of training. During this period half consumed a multivitamin/mineral supplement and a matched group took a placebo. Following the supplementation period, blood biochemical indicators of B1, B6, B12, and folate status all increased but there were no significant effects of supplementation on B2, C, E, and A, or on the blood levels of any of the minerals. The supplementation had no effect on red or white cell counts or on hemoglobin levels. Irrespective of the supplementation, some blood measures varied according to sex, females evidencing significantly higher values than males for vitamins C, E, copper, magnesium, and aluminium, with B2 being higher in males. It is concluded that 7 to 8 months of multivitamin/mineral supplementation increased the blood nutritional status of some vitamins but did not affect any blood mineral levels, and that some blood nutritional indicators may vary according to sex.

The effect of 7 to 8 months of vitamin/mineral supplementation on athletic performance.

The effect of vitamin and mineral supplementation was studied over 7 to 8 months of training and competition in 82 athletes from four sports: basketball, gymnastics, rowing, and swimming. Matched subgroups were formed and a double-blind design used, with subgroups being given either the supplementation or a placebo. All athletes were monitored to ensure that the recommended daily intakes (RDI) of vitamins and minerals were provided by diet alone. Sport-specific and some common tests of strength as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness were performed. Coaches' assessment of improvement was also obtained. The only significant effect of supplementation was observed in the female basketball players, in which the supplementation was associated with increased body weight, skinfold sum, and jumping ability. A significant increase in skinfold sum was also demonstrated over the whole group as a result of supplementation. In general, however, this study provided little evidence of any effect of supplementation to athletic performance for athletes consuming the dietary RDIs.