Anal Resting Pressures Research Articles

Anal canal and sphincter function in children with Hirschsprung disease after definitive surgery

IntroductionAnorectal manometry may be useful to objectively evaluate anorectal function following definitive pullthrough for Hirschsprung Disease (HD) but there is little published data. Our study aims to investigate anorectal manometry findings and their association with bowel function. MethodologyThis was a prospective observational study. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit all HD patients who had definitive pullthrough from January 2019 to December2020 in our institution. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) was used to record anal resting pressure (ARP), length of high-pressure zone (HPZ), and presence/absence of recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). The Paediatric Incontinence/Constipation Scoring System (PICSS) was scored for all participants. PICSS is a validated questionnaire with scores mapped to an age-specific normogram to denote constipation, incontinence, and their combinations. Non-parametric and chi-square tests at significance p<0.05 were conducted to examine the relationship between PICSS categories and manometry findings. Ethical approval was obtained. ResultsThere were 32 participants (30 boys). Median age at participation was 26.5 months (range: 13.8–156). Twenty-four (75%) had transanal pullthrough, 8(25%) underwent Duhamel procedure. PICSS scored 10(31.3%) as normal, 8(25%) as constipation, 10(31.3%) as incontinent, and 4(12.5%) as mixed. RAIR was present in 12 patients (37.5%). HPZ, maximum ARP, mean ARP were comparable across all PICSS groups without statistically significant differences. Presence of RAIR was not significantly associated with any PICSS groups (p = 0.13). ConclusionBowel function does not appear to be significantly associated with HRAM findings after definitive pullthrough for HD, but our study is limited by small sample size. RAIR was present in 37.5% patients after pullthrough. Level of EvidenceLevel II

Evaluation of Anorectal Function in Perianal Crohn's Disease: A Pilot Study.

Background: Perianal Crohn’s disease is a disabling condition, with little known about anorectal function in healed/inactive perianal Crohn’s disease; Aim: To evaluate anorectal function in a cohort of patients with treated/healed perianal Crohn’s disease; Methods: Prospective cohort study, including high-resolution anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, and 3D-endoanal ultrasound in all patients; Results: Of the 16 patients studied (mean age ± SD, 42 ± 13 years), 12 (75%) were men. A laceration of the internal anal sphincter and/or anal scarring was seen in nine (56%) patients; there was no laceration of the external anal sphincter. Five (56%) of these nine patients had never experienced faecal incontinence. All had normal anal resting and squeeze pressures. Manometry suggested dyssynergia in 11 (69%) patients, with only one (6%) fulfilling the criteria for obstructed defecation. Hyposensitivity for at least one sensory parameter was seen in 11 (69%) patients and hypersensitivity in five (31%) patients; Conclusions: This study detected sphincter abnormalities in more than half of patients, many of whom were asymptomatic. Alterations in rectal sensation were frequently seen, more commonly with rectal hyposensitivity. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03819257).

High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry-A Prospective Cohort Study in Healthy Infants.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD) are common during early childhood. In severe defecation disorders, anorectal manometry (AM) is done to exclude aganglionosis. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) can probably improve diagnostics but normative data in infants are scarce. This study aims to provide HRAM data in healthy infants overall and in subgroups of infants with FGD, defined as functional constipation (FC), infant colic (IC), and infant dyschezia (ID) (ROME 3 criteria). This prospective observational cohort study enrolled healthy term infants, having HRAM at 2 and 6 months, using a water-perfused pediatric anorectal silicone catheter. Data were provided for presence of anorectal waves and recto anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), volume needed to elicit RAIR and anal resting pressure (ARP). Questionnaires at 2 and 6 months identified subjects with FC, IC, and ID. A total of 187 HRAM investigations were done in 107 infants, without any complications. Normal RAIR was found in all, at least on one occasion. Mean ARP increased between 2- and 6-month investigations in infants without FGD. No other differences in HRAM data could be seen between infants with or without an FGD. At 2 months FC, IC, and ID were seen (2%, 4%, and 17%), whereas at 6 months only FC and ID were seen (7% and 1%). We can provide data on HRAM in infants at 2 and 6 months of age. When performing repeated HRAM in healthy infants, RAIR was found in all subjects. HRAM is safe, easy tolerable, and can be recommended in infants with or without FGD.

Effect of Kangfuxin Solution Fumigation Bath on Postoperative Patients with Hemorrhoid PPH and Influence on the Postoperative Complications.

Surgery is now the main clinical treatment for hemorrhoids, and the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) is the commonly used procedure. The key to evaluating the efficacy of surgery includes the quality of postoperative wound healing and the occurrence of complications, so it is especially important to enhance the postoperative rehabilitation of hemorrhoids. This study investigates the method of postoperative treatment with Kangfuxin solution fumigation bath to explore the role of this method in the efficacy of patients after hemorrhoid PHH surgery and its effect on postoperative complications. It will accumulate some relevant information to improve the efficacy of hemorrhoid surgery and postoperative complications and open new ideas for further postoperative rehabilitation of other diseases in the anal area. A total of 106 patients with hemorrhoids were included in this study, all of whom were treated with PHH surgery. After surgery, they were randomly divided into a control group treated with warm water sitz bath and an observation group treated with Kangfuxin solution fumigation bath, with 53 cases in each group. We observed all patients' postoperative pain, bleeding, and perianal edema on a daily basis after surgery; we recorded the time of wound healing and hospital stay. The maximum anal squeeze pressure (MASP), anal defecation diastole pressure (ADDP), anal resting pressure (ARP), and the length of the high-pressure zone (HPZ) were used as observation indicators to evaluate the anal function of the patients before and after treatment. The results of the evaluation of the efficacy of patients after the treatment period showed that the total effective rate of treatment in the observation group (92.45%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (77.36%). The postoperative recovery showed that the wound healing time, hospitalization time, pain, bleeding, and edema scores at 3 and 5 days after surgery were lower in the observation group than in the control group; MASP and ARP increased in both groups after treatment compared to before treatment, with more increase in the observation group. The results suggest that patients with hemorrhoids after PPH should pay attention to postoperative care and rehabilitation. It also reveals that the application of Kangfuxin solution fumigation treatment has a significant effect, which can effectively reduce the patient's wound healing and hospital stay, while improving the patient's anal function and reducing postoperative complications, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Study of postoperative anorectal dynamics in ultra-low rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic intersphincteric resection

To study postoperative anorectal dynamic change in ultra-low rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic intersphincteric resection. Clinical and follow-up data of 26 ultra-low rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic intersphincteric resection in our department from January 2007 to January 2013 were retrospectively analyzed (observation group). Thirty rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection by the same surgical team in the same period from the Medical Record Room were randomly extracted as control group. The observation indexes included preoperative and postoperative anal resting pressure(ARP), anal maximum squeeze pressure (AMSP), rectal maximum tolerable volume (RMTV), rectal anal inhibition reflex (RAIR) and Wexner anal function scores (0 means normal). There were no significant differences in clinical baseline data between the two groups(all P>0.05), except the distance from lower edge of tumor to dentate line [(2.9±0.4) cm in observation group vs. (5.0±0.5) cm in control group, P=0.000]. There were no differences in preoperative anorectal manometry and Wexner anal function score between two groups (all P>0.05). The average follow-up time in observation group and control group was 14.5 months and 14.0 months respectively. Three months after operation, significant differences between observation group and control group (all P=0.000) were as follows: defecation frequency [(6.0±1.5) times/day vs. (2.5±1.0) times/day], Wexner anal function score(5.0±0.9 vs. 2.9±1.2), ARP [(32.0±6.7) mmHg vs. (45.0±8.2) mmHg], AMSP [(90.1±6.9) mmHg vs. (110.0±7.5) mmHg], RMTV [(61.0±7.2) ml vs. (91.1±7.5) ml] and positive rate of RAIR [11.5%(3/26) vs. 66.7%(20/30)]. One year after surgery, there were no significant differences in defecation frequency, Wexner anal function scores, ARP, AMSP and RMTV between the two groups (all P>0.05), however the difference in positive rate of RAIR was still significant[38.5%(10/26) vs. 93.3%(28/30), P=0.000]. Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for ultra- low rectal cancer can achieve satisfactory anorectal dynamic effect.

High-resolution anorectal manometry in newborns: normative values and diagnostic utility in Hirschsprung disease.

Conventional methods of screening for Hirschsprung disease (HD) in newborns (barium enema, BE; anorectal manometry, ARM; rectal suction biopsy, RSB) have limitations and/or are invasive. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) is a minimally invasive technique that has potential to overcome most of these limitations, but normative data and performance characteristics have not been reported in newborns. The aims of our study were to assess anorectal sphincter metrics including resting pressure (RP), anal canal length (ACL), and rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in healthy and asymptomatic newborns, and to explore the role of HR-ARM in the diagnosis of HD using these normal parameters. All procedures were performed using solid state HR-ARM equipment (Medical Measurement Systems, Enchede, The Netherland) by a single operator. In the first phase, 180 asymptomatic newborns (term newborns 95, preterm newborns 85) were studied, and anal RP, ACL, and RAIR were measured. In the second phase, 16 newborns with clinical manifestations of HD were studied (9 of whom had histopathologic confirmation), and parameters compared to asymptomatic newborns. Normative RP values were higher in term newborns compared with preterm newborns (p < 0.05), and correlated with age. Progressive maturation of the anal sphincter was evident with chronologic age, both in preterm and term newborns. RAIR was present in all normal subjects. Using absent RAIR as indicative of HD, HR-ARM had a sensitivity 89% and specificity of 83% compared to RSB; these performance characteristics were better than BE (sensitivity 78%, specificity 17%), with significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (80% vs 53%, respectively, p = 0.009). Anorectal sphincter pressure progressively matures with incremental increase in RP during the first months of life. HR-ARM is an effective and safe method that complements the diagnosis of HD in newborns.

Evaluation of anal function and quality of life after transanal endoscopic microsurgery

To evaluate the impact of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) on postoperative anal function and quality of life in patients with benign rectal tumor and early rectal cancer. Clinical data of 50 patients with rectal adenoma and early rectal cancer undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery in our hospital from October 2008 to June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Anorectal manometry, endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS), the fecal incontinence severity index (FISI), and the physical and mental health status scores (SF-36) were used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative anorectal function and quality of life. Anorectal manometry indicated anal resting pressure (ARP), maximum squeeze pressure (MSP), rectal volume at sensory threshold(RVST), maximum tolerable volume(MTV) decreased significantly at the first month after surgery (P<0.05). MSP returned to preoperative level at the 3rd month (P>0.05). ARP and MTV returned to normal values at the 6th month (P>0.05). RVST returned to normal values at the 9th month (P>0.05). Recto-anal inhibitory reflex(RAIR) was absent in 1 (2%) patient preoperatively and in 30(60%), 18(36%), 7(14%), 2(4%) at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th months after surgery respectively. ERUS showed similar width and thickness of internal sphincter at 1st and 6th month after surgery compared with preoperative measures (P>0.05). Six months after surgery, the mean FISI score decreased(preoperative vs postoperative:8.5 vs 5.8, P<0.05), suggesting an improvement in fecal continence. However, the overall quality of life did not danger significantly after surgery(P>0.05). TEM has little impact on anorectal anatomic structure. Anal function may be compromised in the short-term, however the vast majority of patients recover completely after 6-9 months. TEM is a safe, effective and minimally invasive surgery.

Anorectal malformations with good prognosis: Variables affecting the functional outcome

Backgroud/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of patients operated for anorectal malformations (ARMs) with good prognosis. MethodsThirty patients underwent clinical evaluation by Rintala score and anorectal manometry recording anal resting pressure (ARP), rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), and rectal volume (RV). The results were analysed with regard to sex, type of ARM, surgical timing of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), neurospinal cord dysraphism (ND), neonatal colostomy, and institution where they underwent surgery. Results6/30 (20%) presented ND despite normal sacrum. 17/30 (57%) patients had a normal Rintala score. ND and neonatal colostomy were significantly associated with a pathologic score (p=0.0029 and p=0.0016). Patients with ND had significantly lower ARP compared to patients with normal spine (23.5±7.2mmHg vs 32±7.9mmHg, p=0.023). ARP was significantly lower in patients with neonatal colostomy compared to patients with primary repair (25.22±10.24mmHg vs 32.57±6.68mmHg, p=0.026). RAIR was present in only 2/6 (33%) patients with ND, while in 21/24 (87.5%) without ND (p=0.015) and in 4/9 (44%) patients with neonatal colostomy, while in 19/21 (90.5%) patients submitted to primary repair (p=0.014). ConclusionsNeurospinal cord dysraphism may be present despite normal sacral ratio. From a clinical point of view, patients with good prognosis ARMs are not completely comparable to healthy children. Neurospinal cord dysraphism and neonatal colostomy seem to worsen the clinical and manometric (ARP and RAIR) outcomes of these patients.

Evidence for oesophageal and anorectal involvement in very early systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS): report from a single VEDOSS/EUSTAR centre

The oesophagus is the first gastrointestinal (GI) tract involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc), followed by the anorectum. Evaluation of oesophageal and anorectal involvement and their correlations in patients with very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS). 59 patients with VEDOSS, evaluated with oesophageal and anorectal manometry and investigated with lung function tests and chest HRCT. Demographic data, oesophageal and anorectal symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon, autoantibodies, videocapillaroscopy patterns, puffy fingers and digital ulcers were recorded for all patients. In 4 patients oesophageal manometry and in 17 patients anorectal manometry was not performed because of scarce tolerance. Oesophageal peristalsis was absent in 14 patients; its pressure and speed were significantly lower in 41 patients (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). The maximum pressure and mean pressure (Pmax and Pm) of lower oesophageal sphincter were significantly lower (p=0.012 and p=0.024, respectively). Patients with a diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide<80% presented a hypotonic lower oesophageal sphincter (p=0.008) and an abnormal peristalsis (p<0.001); patients with a diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide>80% showed only an abnormal peristalsis (<0.001). The anal resting pressure (ARP) at 4.3 cm and 2 cm from anal edge and the anal canal Pm were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p=0.010, respectively). The maximum voluntary contraction was significantly abnormal in its Pmax and Pm (p=0.017 and p=0.005) and in its duration (p=0.001). In patients with a positive HRCT, the ARP and the canal Pmax and Pm were significantly lower; patients with negative HRCT presented only an abnormal ARP. In patients with VEDOSS, oesophageal and anorectal disorders are frequently detected, showing that very early SSc is characterised by GI involvement.

Characterization of Anorectal Functions and Overall Colonic Transit in Female and Male Patients with Dyssynergic Defecation

Purpose: In non-elderly healthy people, there are no significant differences between genders in anal sphincter resting pressure1 or colonic transit2. There is a paucity of information regarding males with dyssynergic defecation (DD). Gender differences have not previously been evaluated in patients with DD. Our purpose was to compare anal sphincter pressures, balloon expulsion weights, and overall colonic transit by gender in DD. Methods: Medical records of 407 patients with constipation in whom a diagnosis of DD was made, based on evaluation by a single gastroenterologist (MC) at a tertiary medical center, were reviewed. Data from a previously published cohort of 390 patients (1994 to 2011) was updated to include patients up to June 2012. DD was characterized by anorectal manometry (ARM), balloon expulsion test, and overall colonic transit using validated scintigraphy. Primary endpoints were maximum anal resting pressure (ARP), maximum anal squeeze pressure (ASP), added weight (BW) to allow balloon expulsion (data censored if patient unable to expel balloon despite addition of >470 g) and overall colonic transit (geometric center, GC) at 24h (GC24). Effects of gender on study endpoints were assessed by Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Our lab previously reported normal GC24 values in 209 controls3: median=2.3 (IQR 1.8, 2.9): males (n=72): 2.6 (2.1, 3.1); females (n=136): 2.1 (1.7, 2.6). Results: The DD patient cohort consisted of 66 males (M) and 341 females (F). Median (IQR) values of age and BMI were: 45.5y (30.0, 58.0) and 23.6 kg/m2 (21.5, 26.3) for M; 37.0y (26.0, 49.0) and 21.4 kg/m2 (19.1, 24.5) for F. Significant differences by gender were observed in ARP, ASP and GC24. GC24 was significantly slower in both genders compared to same gender controls. Data in table are median (IQR) values with corresponding n=size/group in DD patients. Conclusion: Patients with DD have slower overall colonic transit compared to gender matched controls. In DD patients, males have significantly higher resting and squeeze anal sphincter pressures, and females have slower overall colonic transit at 24 hours. These data suggest that interpretation of tests in patients with suspected DD should be based on data from same gender controls.Table: [1748]

Determinant of Anal Resting Pressure Gradient in Association With Continence Function

Background/AimsGradient of resting pressure across the anal canal, which is known to have a role in continence mechanism, has 2 components of determination; pressure and length factor of the anal canal. This study evaluates which factor between them plays more significant role for the determination of the gradient in association with continence function.MethodsAnal manometric measurements of 69 patients with fecal incontinence and 60 controls were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to resting pressure gradient, typical manometric parameters such as maximum resting pressure, basal resting pressure, length of the anal canal, length of high pressure zone and relative position of highest pressure, which were measured with rapid pull-through technique were all contrasted.ResultsDemographics of the 2 groups were similar. Maximum resting pressures of patients with incontinence and controls were 59.1 ± 28.3, 74.6 ± 24.0 mmHg (P = 0.001), respectively. Basal resting pressures were 5.7 ± 6.4 and 7.3 ± 3.9 mmHg (P = 0.097), lengths of the anal canal were 35.8 ± 9.1 and 38.1 ± 8.3 mm (P = 0.133), lengths of high pressure zone were 21.2 ± 6.7 and 23.3 ± 6.5 mm (P = 0.091), relative positions of highest pressure were 69.2 ± 10.6 and 70.1% ± 14.9% (P = 0.717) and resting pressure gradients were 2.28 ± 1.08 and 2.74 ± 1.14 mmHg/mm (P = 0.019), respectively. Difference was significant in maximum resting pressure and resting pressure gradient, but not in length factors such as full length of the anal canal, length of high pressure zone and relative position of highest pressure.ConclusionsProximal location of high pressure zone in incontinent patients is not definite and resting pressure gradient of the anal canal depends more on pressure factor than length factor in association with continence function.

T1351 The Effect of Electronic Cleansing Toilet System (Bidet) on Anal Resting Pressure in Normal Healthy Volunteers

T1351 The Effect of Electronic Cleansing Toilet System (Bidet) on Anal Resting Pressure in Normal Healthy Volunteers

Anorectal Functional Results After Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery in Benign and Early Malignant Tumors

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been suggested as a minimally invasive procedure of low morbidity for rectal villous adenomas and early anorectal adenocarcinomas. It has been used clinically in many areas outside of China for more than 20 years, but it began in mainland China only about 2 years ago. Some articles have reported excellent results with regard to morbidity and relapse rate with TEM, but there are no studies addressing its functional results in China until now. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of TEM on the manometric results. Thirty-seven patients (16 females, 21 males) underwent TEM and were followed for more than 6 months. Anorectal manometry and an incontinence questionnaire were administered 1 week preoperatively, 2 weeks postoperatively, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Of the 37 patients, 24 had villous adenomas and 13 had adenocarcinomas (11 uT1 and 2 uT2). Anorectal manometric values showed the mean anal resting pressure (ARP) decrease from 45 +/- 6 mmHg to 29 +/- 4 mmHg (p < 0.05) and the maximum tolerable volume (MTV) decrease from 175 +/- 21 ml to 90 +/- 15 ml (p < 0.05) at the third month after TEM. Maximal squeeze pressure (MSP) decreased from 181 +/- 20 mmHg to 92 +/- 14 mmHg (p < 0.05) at second week after operation and returned to normal value by the third postoperative month. The ARP and MTV were 45 +/- 5 mmHg and 177 +/- 21 ml, respectively, at 6 months after TEM, near the normal value (p > 0.05). Rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was absent preoperatively in two patients; it was also absent in 10 patients 3 months postoperatively and in three patients 6 months postoperatively. Endosonography demonstrated internal anal sphincter (IAS) rupture in five patients, and full integrity of the external anal sphincter (EAS) in all patients. Of the five patients with IAS rupture, four had temporary incontinence to flatus normalized up to three postoperative months. Most patients had more times of stools per day and relative higher Wexner scores in a short period after TEM. All these patients were followed for 6-20 months with no incidence of relapse. Anorectal function was preserved well after TEM, although some anorectal manometric parameters changed over time. Thus TEM is safe, in terms of anorectal function, for the cure of benign and early malignant tumors of the rectum.

Anal Resting Pressures at Manometry Correlate with the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and with Presence of Sphincter Defects on Ultrasound

We describe the relationship between anorectal manometry, fecal incontinence severity, and findings at endoanal ultrasound. A total of 351 women completed the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, underwent anorectal manometry, and endoanal ultrasound. Severity index and manometry pressures in 203 women with intact sphincters on ultrasound were compared with pressures in 148 women with sphincter defects. Relationships between resting and squeeze pressures, severity index, and size of sphincter defects were evaluated. Mean severity index in patients with and without sphincter defect was 35.7 vs. 36.7 (not significant). Worsening index correlated with worsening mean and maximum resting pressure (P < 0.0001). Differences were observed in mean and maximum resting pressure between the patients with and without sphincter defects (26.6 vs. 37.2, P < 0.0001; 39.4 vs. 51.7, P < 0.001). Resting pressures correlated with the sizes of defect (P < 0.0001). Patients with and without sphincter defects had similar severity scores, but patients with defects had a significant decrease in resting pressures. Patients with larger sphincter defects had lower severity scores and resting pressures. Until a manometry cutoff can be set to discriminate between absence and presence of defects, both manometry and ultrasound should be offered to patients with history of anal trauma.

Valoración de las alteraciones de la función anorrectal en el postoperatorio inmediato y tardío tras la microcirugía transanal endoscópica

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a new technique for local excision of benign and incipient malignant rectal lesions. This technique offers technological advantages over other procedures and is associated with lower morbidity and mortality. TEM involves prolonged dilatation of the anal sphincter with a large-diameter (4 cm) operating rectoscope. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of TEM on anorectal function. All patients undergoing TEM were included. Continence was scored by a numeric scale and anorectal manometry before surgery and 3 weeks and 4 months after surgery. Variations in anal resting pressure, maximal anal resting pressure and the anal continence questionnaire were evaluated. Sixty-eight patients underwent TEM between June 2004 and August 2006. Mean anal resting pressure (ARP) and maximal anal resting pressure (MARP) were significantly reduced at 3 weeks after surgery (ARP/MARP before surgery: 38.89/126.28; 3 weeks after surgery: 26.61/104.75). No significant change was found in the mean continence score. No association was found between variation in pressures and operating time. TEM produced statistically significant alterations in anorectal physiology studies which returned to normal at 4 months. The technique did not affect continence scores in the immediate or late postoperative period and consequently can be considered a safe procedure that does not produce significant alterations in anorectal function.

A prospective study about functional and anatomic consequences of transanal endoscopic microsurgery

transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was developed in 1983 by Büess as a minimally invasive technique to manage rectal villous adenomas and early rectal adenocarcinomas. Many studies have been published worldwide about its excellent results in morbidity and recidive rate, but there are few studies addressing functional results. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of this technique in the anal anatomy and compare with the manometric results. we devised a prospective study of 40 patients. 39% female, 61% male. All of them filled an incontinence questionnaire (Pescatori scale) and endoanal ultrasonography and manometry was carried out preoperatively, third month postoperative and at sixth month only if incontinence appeared. 32 patients (80%) had villous adenomas and 8 patients (20%) had adenocarcinomas (uT1). Three patients complained of flatus incontinence at 3rd postoperative month that disappeared with normal continence at 6th month. Anorectal manometric values: mean anal resting pressure (ARP) decreased at 3rd month (from 87.2 mmHg to 70.1 mmHg), as it was for maximal squeeze pressure (MSP) from 152.5 mmHg preoperatively to 142.2 mmHg at 3rd month. Ultrasonography demonstrated internal anal sphincter (IAS) rupture in 3 patients, with a full integrity of the external anal sphincter in all patients. during TEM, a significant anal dilatation occurs, because of rectoscopy (40 mm wide), what can produce a rupture of IAS, with the consequent decreasing in ARP, and a dilatation without rupture of external sphincter what produces a decreasing of MSP. The fall of anal pressures had minima clinical repercussion when sphincter is intact, but when IAS is broken a temporal incontinence develops.

側方皮下内こう門括約筋切開術施行前後の最大こう門静止圧の経時的変化について

裂肛に対して術前の最大肛門静止圧(以下MARP)の違いで,側方皮下内肛門括約筋切開術(以下LSIS)がどのようにMARPの低下に影響を与えるか検討した.対象:対象は,H10年9月～H15年3月までにLSISを施行した154例(男性50例,女性104例,平均年齢41.8歳).方法:術前,局所麻酔後,LSIS施行直後,治癒時にMARPを測定.術前のMARPでA群(100mmHg未満),B群(100～150mmHg未満),C群(150～200mmHg未満),D群(200mmHg以上)の4群に分類.局所麻酔後,LSIS施行直後,治癒時の低下度について比較検討した.結果:局所麻酔後の低下度はA群で有意に小さく,LSIS施行直後の低下度は各群間に有意差は認めなかった.治癒時の低下度は,術前のMARPが高いほど有意に大きかった.まとめ:術前のMARPが高いほど治癒時の圧が有意に低下し,またMARPの術前,術中の経時的変化をみることが,LSISを施行する際に重要であると考える.

The treatment of high and intermediate anorectal malformations: One stage or three procedures?

Background/Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the safety, feasibility, and the long-term outcome of complete 1-stage repair of high and intermediate anorectal malformation using posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in a neonate. Methods One hundred thirteen patients with high-type and intermediate-type anorectal malformations (ARM) underwent follow-up. Of 113 cases, 48 cases entailed a divided colostomy, definitive operation, and colostomy closure (group I); the other 65 patients underwent 1-stage PSARP (group II). Anorectal function was measured by the modified Wingspread scoring, including “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” and “poor.” In barium enema studies, anorectal angulation was judged as “clear,” “unclear,” and “not present,” and leakage of barium was observed in the meantime. For anorectal manometric studies, anal resting pressure (ARP), anal squeezing pressure (ASP), and positive anorectal reflex (PAR) were measured. Results In group I, the rate of excellent and good scores was 58.3% (28 of 48). In the barium enema examination, 85.4% (41 of 48) was clear and 14.6%(7 of 48) unclear or not present. The rate of barium leakage was 10.4% (5 of 48). In group II, the rate of excellent and good was 53.8% (35 of 65). Anorectal angulations were clear in 83.1% of patients (54 of 65). Barium leakage happened in 7.69% of patients (5 of 65). Early operative complications occurred in 56.3% (27 of 48) of patients in group I and 29.2% (19 of 65) in group II. The incidence of colostomy complications in group I was 39.6% (19 of 48). Soiling and constipation were the major complications after the PSARP operation. The respective rates of constipation in the 2 groups were 47.9% (23 of 48) and 44.6% (29 of 65), and the respective rates of soiling were 47.9% (23 of 48) and 50.8% (33 of 65). There was no significant difference in the mean ARP between the 2 groups. Conclusions The 1-stage PSARP procedure in the neonate not only achieves the same long-term outcome as the conventional PSARP procedure but also involves fewer short-term complications. Complete 1-stage repair using the PSARP to treat high-type and intermediate-type anorectal malformations is safe and feasible.

結さつ切除術術前と治癒時における最大こう門静止圧の差についての検討

結紮切除術(以下LE)の治癒時の最大肛門静止圧について検討した.対象:平成10年8月～平成14年2月までにLE施行した581例.(0.5%GTN軟膏使用群455例,不使用群126例)方法:術前と治癒時の最大肛門静止圧を測定.(1)術後疼痛の程度(2)静止圧の差についてLE施行個数で比較.結果:(1)術後疼痛は1箇所LE施行例で軽度であった.(2)0.5%GTN軟膏使用例では,1箇所LE施行例で治癒時の最大肛門静止圧が有意に低下し,不使用例では有意差を認めなかった.0.5%GTN使用例では2,3個所施行群で治癒時の内圧が術前より有意に高かった.0.5%,GTN軟膏使用例で1個所LE施行群で有意にA群が多かった.結論:臨床症状上の治癒時に最大肛門静止圧が高いのは,術後疼痛の影響などで,内肛門括約筋の緊張が高いためである.術後は0.5%GTN軟膏などで疼痛を十分に取り除き,内肛門括約筋の緊張を緩和することが必要であると考える.

Damaging effects of anal stretching on the external anal sphincter.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of anal stretching on anal pressures and damage to the external anal sphincter. This study was performed on 37 guinea pigs. Animals were divided into three groups: control group, quick stretching group, and continuous overstretching group. Anal stretching was conducted by an 8-F Foley catheter balloon. It was found that if the muscle was stretched from 100 to 300 percent of its original length, anal resting pressure (ARP) kept relatively steady, but anal contracting pressure (ACP) gradually increased; from 300 to 370 percent, a sharp ARP increase was developed, but ACP gradually decreased to zero; beyond 370 percent, ARP remained unchanged (plateau phase). By histologic examination, it was revealed that when the muscle was stretched at the ARP plateau phase, an ischemic zone of necrosis and an edematous zone of necrosis could be clearly identified in the muscle. This study shows that length of the external anal sphincter definitively influences muscle strengths, and severe anal stretching will result in muscle damage. These results imply that the sphincteric muscle complex in high or intermediate anorectal anomalies may be injured during present conventional surgical approaches.