Perianal Angioleiomyoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Angioleiomyomas are rare benign tumors, which take origin from smooth muscle fibers of the tunica media of veins. Even though angioleiomyomas can appear anywhere in the body, these masses are rarely occurred in the gastrointestinal system. This is the first reported case of perianal angioleiomyomas, where the tumor in close relation with the anal canal was investigated with endoanal ultrasonography. Local excision of such lesion is generally curative.

Use of endoanal ultrasound in detecting obstetric anal sphincter injury immediately after birth.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) complicates around 5% of deliveries in primiparas. The study objective was to assess the utility of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) in the diagnosis of OASI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was designed to mirror screening settings with an unselected cohort of nulliparous women. All enrolled patients underwent clinical examination of the perineum by the caregiver, and 3D-EAUS was conducted. Post-processing of ultrasonography volume data was performed by an experienced colorectal surgeon who was blinded to all other data. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 3D-EAUS in the diagnosis of OASI was evaluated. The trial is registered at ISCRTN: 18006769. RESULTS: A total of 680 scans were performed, of which 18.5% were judged as "non-assessable", resulting in 554 assessable recordings. Sphincter defects were observed in 12.8% of all assessable recordings on 3D-EAUS (n = 71). With clinical examination set as the reference standard, ultrasound sensitivity in the diagnosis of OASI was 30.4%, whereas its specificity was 87.9%. The negative predictive value was 96.7% and the positive predictive value was only 9.9%. Comments were left on 175 examinations, of which 74% referred to the management of the examination. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D-EAUS in a maternity ward is demanding because staff generally have little experience in endoanal ultrasound, which contributes to difficulties in obtaining good image quality. When 3D-EAUS is performed to mirror screening settings, it adds no convincing diagnostic power to clinical examination in the diagnosis of OASI.

An evaluation of the long-term effectiveness of Gatekeeper™ intersphincteric implants for passive faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of Gatekeeper™ prostheses presents an option for the treatment of passive faecal incontinence (FI). Whilst preliminary results are encouraging, long-term data regarding its sustained benefit are limited. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the long-term clinical function and quality of life of patients with passive faecal incontinence who were treated with Gatekeeper™ prostheses. METHODS: This was a single centre, single surgeon retrospective study of prospectively collected clinical data in patients with FI treated between June 2012 and May 2019. Patients with passive FI with symptoms refractory to conservative treatment and endoanal ultrasonography showing intact or disrupted internal anal sphincter were included. Formal clinical and quality of life assessments were carried out using the St. Mark's Incontinence Score (SMIS) and Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQoL) questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and then annually. Endoanal ultrasonography was performed both before and after surgery. RESULTS: Forty patients (14 males, 26 females) with a median age of 62.5 (range 33-80) years were treated with the Gatekeeper™ implant. The majority of patients (87.5%) received six implants. There were no peri or post-operative complications. Prosthesis migration was observed in 12.5% patients. The median follow-up duration was 5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 3.25-6.00 years). A sustained improvement in median SMIS and FIQoL scores from baseline to follow-up was noted. Significant differences were observed between the median baseline SMIS score and last follow-up score of 16.00 (IQR 15.00-16.75) to 7.00 (IQR 5.00-8.00) respectively (p < 0.001), a 56.25% decrease. The overall median FIQoL score showed a significant improvement from 7.95 (IQR 7.13-9.48) to 13.15 (IQR 12.00-13.98) (p < 0.001) a 65.40% increase. CONCLUSIONS: Gatekeeper™ implantation is a safe approach to treating passive FI and is minimally invasive, reproducible and has minimal complications. Long-term sustained clinical improvement is achievable beyond 5 years. Careful patient selection is paramount, as is consistency of technique and follow-up protocol.

ECCO-ESGAR Topical Review on Optimizing Reporting for Cross-Sectional Imaging in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis and follow up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] requires cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as intestinal ultrasound [IUS], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT]. The quality and homogeneity of medical reporting are crucial to ensure effective communication between specialists and to improve patient care. The current topical review addresses optimized reporting requirements for cross-sectional imaging in IBD. METHODS: An expert consensus panel consisting of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons convened by the ECCO in collaboration with ESGAR performed a systematic literature review covering the reporting aspects of MRI, CT, IUS, endoanal ultrasonography and transperineal ultrasonography in IBD. Practice position statements were developed utilizing a Delphi methodology incorporating two consecutive rounds. Current practice positions were set when ≥80% of the participants agreed on a recommendation. RESULTS: Twenty-five practice positions were developed, establishing standard terminology for optimal reporting in cross-sectional imaging. Assessment of inflammation, complications and imaging of perianal CD are outlined. The minimum requirements of a standardized report, including a list of essential reporting items, have been defined. CONCLUSIONS: This topical review offers practice recommendations to optimize and homogenize reporting in cross-sectional imaging in IBD.

Establishing a novel method for assessing elasticity of internal anal sphincter using ultrasonic real-time tissue elastography.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating anorectal function using real-time tissue elastography (RTE) has not been reported. A previous study reported that in the internal anal sphincter (IAS) of surgical specimens of patients with rectal cancer who underwent abdominoperineal resection, there was an increased fibrosis trend in those who underwent pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) compared with non-CRT. We speculated that CRT might have induced sclerosis of the IAS because of fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to establish a method of quantitating the degree of IAS hardness using RTE on endoanal ultrasonography. METHODS: RTE was performed with freehand manual compression under a defined pressure at the middle anal canal. Using the most compressive point in the strain graph, we traced the region of interest in the IAS. The strain histogram showed a frequency distribution of colours according to the degree of strain (numeric scan ranging from 0 to 255; smaller number indicated harder tissue). We defined the mean of the strain histogram as 'elasticity'. Ten patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent pre-operative CRT were prospectively enrolled. We statistically evaluated the correlation between IAS elasticity and maximum resting pressure (MRP) values both at pre- and post-CRT. MRP was examined concurrently with the examination of IAS elasticity. RESULTS: Representativity of elasticity measurements was demonstrated. It revealed a trend: IAS elasticity had a moderate inverse correlation with MRP (r = 0.41, P = 0.07), regardless of whether measurements were made before or after CRT. CONCLUSION: We established a completely novel method for the assessment of elasticity of the IAS, using RTE on endoanal ultrasonography.

Magnetic resonance imaging template to standardize reporting of anal fistulas.

Anal fistula (AF) is a common referral to colorectal surgeons. Management remains challenging and sometimes controversial. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly performed in initial workup for AF. However, reports often lack key information for guiding treatment strategies. It has been shown that with structured radiology reports, there is less missing information. We present a structured MRI template report including 8 key descriptors of anal fistulas, whose effectiveness and acceptability are being assessed in a cross-sectional study (NCT04541238).

Is the extent of obstetric anal sphincter injury correlated with the severity of fecal incontinence in the long term?

BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injury is the most frequent cause of fecal incontinence (FI) in young women. However, the relationship between the extent of anal sphincter defects and the severity of long-term FI (at least 1 year after delivery) has been poorly studied. The aim of the present study was to determine if, in the long term, the extent of anal sphincter defects graded at anal endosonography was linked with the severity of FI. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on women with a history of vaginal delivery, who presented with FI and had three-dimensional anorectal high-resolution manometry and endoanal ultrasound in our center from January 2015 to 2016. The detailed clinical history of each patient was obtained from the institutional database. The severity of FI was assessed with the Jorge and Wexner continence scale. RESULTS: There were 250 women with a mean age of 60 ± 14 years. Seventy-six (30.4%) had an isolated defect of the internal anal sphincter, 21 (8.4%) had an isolated defect of the external anal sphincter, and 150 (60%) had both internal and external sphincter defects. The extent of IAS and EAS defects was proportionally correlated with the decrease in mean resting anal pressure (p < 0.01) and the decrease in mean squeeze pressure (p = 0.013) measured by 3DHRAM. No significant correlation was found between the extent and location of the defect (IAS, EAS or both) on endoanal ultrasound and the severity of FI. Menopause was the only independent factor significantly associated with the severity of FI. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, no significant correlation was observed between the extent of the anal sphincter defect and the severity of FI. Menopause was the only identified and independent risk factor for FI. These data confirm that, in the long-term, FI is often multifactorial.

Anal Canal Duplication Associated with Presacral Cyst in an Adult.

Anal canal duplication (ACD) is a rare congenital malformation, usually detected early in life. We report a case of a 67-year-old female with symptomatic ACD associated with a presacral cyst. Physical examination revealed an accessory opening located in the midline, posterior to the true anus. Imaging examinations, including fistulography, endoanal ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed a blind-ending fistulous tract without connecting with the rectum and a presacral cyst posterior to the rectum. Complete surgical excision of the tract with cyst was performed through a posterior sagittal approach. Histologic examination revealed squamous epithelium lining and smooth muscle bundles, thereby confirming ACD. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was doing well; no recurrence was observed 4 years after surgery. ACD can present for the first time in infants, children, and adults. Imaging examinations are useful for the diagnosis and preoperative assessment of ACD. Therefore, ACD should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even in adults, when a posterior perineal orifice is encountered, particularly in female patients. Once ACD is suspected, intense imaging inspection is recommended to visualize the ACD and associated anomalies, and surgical removal is warranted to prevent inflammatory complications or malignant changes.

Utility of Endoanal Ultrasonography in Assessment of Primary and Recurrent Anal Fistulas and for Detection of Associated Anal Sphincter Defects.

BACKGROUND: Tridimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) has been used for the assessment of various anorectal lesions. Previous studies have reported good accuracy of 3D-EAUS in preoperative assessment of fistula-in-ano (FIA). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of 3D-EAUS in preoperative evaluation of primary and recurrent FIA and its role in detection of associated anal sphincter (AS) defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data of patients with FIA who were investigated with 3D-EAUS were reviewed. The findings of EAUS were compared with the intraoperative findings, the reference standard, to find the degree of agreement regarding the position of the internal opening (IO) and primary tract (PT), and presence of secondary tracts using kappa (k) coefficient test. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare the accuracy and sensitivity of EAUS for primary and recurrent FIA. RESULTS: Of the patients, 131 were included to the study. EAUS had an overall accuracy of 87, 88.5, and 89.5% in detection of IO, PT, and AS defects, respectively. There was very good concordance between the findings of EAUS and intraoperative findings for the investigated parameters (kappa = 0.748, 0.83, 0.935), respectively. Accuracy and sensitivity of EAUS in recurrent FIA were insignificantly lower than primary cases. EAUS detected occult AS defects in 5.3% of the patients studied. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic utility of 3D-EAUS was comparable in primary and recurrent FIA. 3D-EAUS was able to detect symptomatic and occult AS defects with higher accuracy than clinical examination.

Evaluation of postoperative anal functions using endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal manometry in children with congenital anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative anorectal anatomy and function in children with congenital anorectal malformations (ARM) using endoanal ultrasonography (EUS) and anorectal manometry. METHODS: This study included 47 children who had undergone posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) or transperineal anorectoplasty for the repair of an ARM. Children were grouped according to symptoms of defecation disorder, including normal defecation, fecal soiling, fecal incontinence, and constipation. Ten children with no history of anal or rectal diseases served as healthy controls. A well-established scoring system was used for the evaluation of anal function and defecation disorder. RESULTS: EUS showed significant differences in the thickness of the interior sphincter between the ARM patients and the healthy controls (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the thickness of the interior sphincters between the PSARP group and transperineal anorectoplasty group (P>0.05). Anorectal manometry showed that the balloon volumes were significantly different between the surgical group and the control group (P<0.01), and between the low defect group and the intermediate-high defect group (P=0.022). Balloon volume was significantly correlated with anal function scores (r=-0.30, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EUS and anorectal manometry can provide objective assessment of postoperative anorectal anatomy and function in children with ARM.

Endoanal ultrasonography in fecal incontinence: Current and future perspectives.

Fecal incontinence has a profound impact in a patient's life, impairing quality of life and carrying a substantial economic burden due to health costs. It is an underdiagnosed condition because many affected patients are reluctant to report it and also clinicians are usually not alert to it. Patient evaluation with a detailed clinical history and examination is very important to indicate the type of injury that is present. Endoanal ultrasonography is currently the gold standard for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence and is a simple, well-tolerated and non-expensive technique. Most studies revealed 100% sensitivity in identifying sphincter defect. It is better than endoanal magnetic resonance imaging for internal anal sphincter defects, equivalent for the diagnosis of external anal sphincter defects, but with a lower capacity for assessment of atrophy of this sphincter. The most common cause of fecal incontinence is anal sphincter injury related to obstetric trauma. Only a small percentage of women are diagnosed with sphincter tears immediately after vaginal delivery, but endoanal ultrasonography shows that one third of these women have occult sphincter defects. Furthermore, in patients submitted to primary repair of these tears, ultrasound revealed a high frequency of persistent sphincter defects after surgery. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography is currently largely used and accepted for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence, improving diagnostic accuracy and our knowledge of physiologic and pathological sphincters alterations. Conversely, there is currently no evidence to support the use of elastography in fecal incontinence evaluation.

Three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry: does it allow automated analysis of sphincter defects?

AIM: Anorectal manometry is the most common test used to explore anorectal disorders. The recent three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D-HRAM) technique appears to be able to provide new topographic information. Our objective was to develop an automated analysis of 3D-HRAM images to diagnose anal sphincter defects and compare the results with those of endoanal ultrasonography (EUS), which is considered to be the gold standard. METHOD: All patients being tested in our department for faecal incontinence or dyschezia by 3D-HRAM and EUS were eligible for the study. 3D-HRAM was used to record resting and squeeze pressure, reflecting internal and external anal sphincter function, respectively. A software platform was designed to automatically analyse the 3D-HRAM images and calculate a diagnostic score for any anal sphincter defect compared with EUS. RESULTS: A total of 206 (91% female) patients of mean age of 54 years were included in the study. A sphincter defect was diagnosed by EUS in 130 (63%). The diagnostic scores from the 3D-HRAM automated analysis for an internal anal sphincter defect showed a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 65%. For an external anal sphincter defect, the sensitivity was 43% and the specificity 87%. CONCLUSION: Our study developed a method based on 3D-HRAM to automatically diagnose sphincter defects, allowing a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the test recordings. Compared with EUS, the 3D-HRAM image analysis procedure revealed poor sensitivity and specificity.

Diagnosis and treatment of faecal incontinence: Consensus statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery and the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists.

Faecal incontinence is a common and disturbing condition, which leads to impaired quality of life and huge social and economic costs. Although recent studies have identified novel diagnostic modalities and therapeutic options, the best diagnostic and therapeutic approach is not yet completely known and shared among experts in this field. The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery and the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists selected a pool of experts to constitute a joint committee on the basis of their experience in treating pelvic floor disorders. The aim was to develop a position paper on the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of faecal incontinence, to provide practical recommendations for a cost-effective diagnostic work-up and a tailored treatment strategy. The recommendations were defined and graded on the basis of levels of evidence in accordance with the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and were based on currently published scientific evidence. Each statement was drafted through constant communication and evaluation conducted both online and during face-to-face working meetings. A brief recommendation at the end of each paragraph allows clinicians to find concise responses to each diagnostic and therapeutic issue.

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

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

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

Diagnostic testing for fecal incontinence.

Many tests are available to assist in the diagnosis and management of fecal incontinence. Imaging studies such as endoanal ultrasonography and defecography provide an anatomic and functional picture of the anal canal which can be useful, especially in the setting of planned sphincter repair. Physiologic tests including anal manometry and anal acoustic reflexometry provide objective data regarding functional values of the anal canal. The value of this information is of some debate; however, as we learn more about these methods, they may prove useful in the future. Finally, nerve studies, such as pudendal motor nerve terminal latency, evaluate the function of the innervation of the anal canal. This has been shown to have significant prognostic value and can help guide clinical decision making. Significant advances have also happened in the field, with the relatively recent advent of magnetic resonance defecography and high-resolution anal manometry, which provide even greater objective anatomic and physiologic information about the anal canal and its function.

Long-term function and morphology of the anal sphincters and the pelvic floor after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injury.

AIM: More than 50% of women experience deteriorating continence over time following primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries. The objectives of this study were to assess the function and morphology of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor in women with long-term faecal incontinence after sphincter repair (primary end-point) and to evaluate their correlation with severity of incontinence (secondary end-point). METHOD: The participants in this prospective study were recruited from a cohort of all women who sustained third or fourth degree obstetric sphincter injury reconstruction (cases) from January 1976 to November 1991. The women who delivered immediately before and after each case, without sustaining obstetric damage, were included as controls. Cases and controls were stratified into three categories: (i) continent; (ii) minor incontinence; and (iii) severe incontinence. The function and morphology of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor were evaluated by MRI, three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal physiology tests. RESULTS: Fifty-nine women (29 cases/30 controls; mean age 51/53 years; mean follow-up 23.7/24.1 years, respectively) were assessed. Morphologically, cases had a significantly shorter anterior external anal sphincter length compared with controls when evaluated by three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (8.6 vs 10.2 mm; P = 0.03). Functionally, cases with severe incontinence had a significantly shorter anterior sphincter length compared with cases with minor incontinence (7.7 vs 10.4 mm; P = 0.04). No correlation could be found between anal pressures and severity of incontinence in the case group. CONCLUSIONS: Cases had a significantly shorter anterior external anal sphincter length. Functionally, anterior sphincter length correlated with increased severity of incontinence.

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

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

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

Comparison of three-dimensional high-resolution manometry and endoanal ultrasound in the diagnosis of anal sphincter defects.

AIM: Three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D HRAM) is a new technique that can simultaneously provide physiological and topographical data. Our aim was to assess whether it can identify anal sphincter defects by comparing it with endoanal ultrasonography (EUS) considered as the gold standard. METHOD: An anal defect on 3D HRAM was defined as a continuous circumferential area over which the pressure was < 10 mmHg during the measurement of anal resting and voluntary contraction pressure. Inter-observer agreement was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (93 females) with a mean age of 53.5 ± 15.3 years were included. The positive diagnosis of an anal sphincter defect using 3D HRAM and EUS was in agreement (59.3%) (κ = 0.419) of the time for the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and (55.9%) (κ = 0.461) for the external anal sphincter (EAS). The inter-observer agreement for a diagnosis of an anal sphincter defect was (100%) (κ = 0.937) for the IAS and (95%) (κ = 0.751) for the EAS. The intra-class correlation coefficient for the extent of the defect was 0.853 for the IAS and 0.651 for the EAS. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results demonstrate some level of agreement in the diagnosis of anal sphincter defects between 3D HRAM and EUS but insufficient for 3D HRAM to be adequately reliable using the criteria chosen. The excellent inter-observer agreement, however, demonstrates that 3D HRAM is reproducible and provides a new dimension for the evaluation of sphincter function.