Symptoms Of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome Research Articles

Analysis of factors that indicated surgery in 400 patients submitted to a complete diagnostic workup for obstructed defecation syndrome and rectal prolapse using a supervised machine learning algorithm.

Patient selection is extremely important in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and rectal prolapse (RP) surgery. This study assessed factors that guided the indications for ODS and RP surgery and their specific role in our decision-making process using a machine learning approach. This is a retrospective analysis of a long-term prospective observational study on female patients reporting symptoms of ODS who underwent a complete diagnostic workup from January 2010 to December 2021 at an academic tertiary referral center. Clinical, defecographic, and other functional tests data were assessed. A supervised machine learning algorithm using a classification tree model was performed and tested. A total of 400 patients were included. The factors associated with a significantly higher probability of undergoing surgery were follows: as symptoms, perineal splinting, anal or vaginal self-digitations, sensation of external RP, episodes of fecal incontinence and soiling; as physical examination features, evidence of internal and external RP, rectocele, enterocele, or anterior/middle pelvic organs prolapse; as defecographic findings, intra-anal and external RP, rectocele, incomplete rectocele emptying, enterocele, cystocele, and colpo-hysterocele. Surgery was less indicated in patients with dyssynergia, severe anxiety and depression. All these factors were included in a supervised machine learning algorithm. The model showed high accuracy on the test dataset (79%, p < 0.001). Symptoms assessment and physical examination proved to be fundamental, but other functional tests should also be considered. By adopting a machine learning model in further ODS and RP centers, indications for surgery could be more easily and reliably identified and shared.

Surgical Treatment for Rectocele by Posterior Colporrhaphy Compared to Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection.

Rectocele is defined as a defect in the rectovaginal septum, causing symptoms like obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), vaginal bulging, etc. Once the rectocele is larger than 3 cm and/or symptomatic, surgery should be considered. The surgical approach can be either transvaginal, transanal or transperineal. Two of the most common procedures in treating rectocele are posterior colporrhaphy (PC) and stapled trans anal rectal resection (STARR). The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of both procedures. This is a retrospective cohort study. Included were patients of the age of 18-85 years that underwent either STARR (n = 49 patients) or PC (n = 24 patients) procedures after a full clinical (defecography and physical exam before and after the surgery) and physiologic (a detailed questionnaire before and after the surgery) surveys. Symptoms of ODS before and after surgery were evaluated by questioners. Preoperatively, the patients in the STARR group had significantly higher rates of ODS: straining (90.9% vs. 65.2%), incomplete evacuation (100% vs. 69.6%), hard stool (57.8% vs. 43.5%), sense of obstruction (76.1% vs. 56.5%), and use of digitation (64.4% vs. 47.8%), or laxatives (70% vs. 47.8%), p &lt; 0.001. Anatomically, the mean rectocele size was smaller for the STARR group, compared to the PC group (3.8 ± 1.4 vs. 5.3 ± 2.2 cm, respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Postoperatively, in the STARR group, higher rates of patients complained about straining (36.4% vs. 21.7%, p &lt; 0.001) and use of digitation (64.4% vs. 26.1%, p &lt; 0.001), whereas lower rates of patients complained about incomplete evacuation (41.2% vs. 56.5%, p = 0.05) and sense of obstruction (17.6%, vs. 34.8%, p = 0.03), compared to the PC group. Among patients who underwent the STARR procedure, a decrease in rates of all symptoms was noted (straining 54.5%, incomplete evacuation 58.8%, hard stool 29.2%, sense of obstruction 58.5%, use of digitation 0.1%, and use of laxatives 31.5%). Both procedures are effective in reducing rectocele size (STARR- 1.9 ± 1 cm, PC- 3.1 ± 1). Both STARR and PC are effective in treating rectocele. It seems that the STARR procedure is superior to the PC procedure in treating symptoms of ODS.

Higher Symptom Score, Larger Residual Rectocele, and Lower Rectal Compliance Predict Failure of Improvement after Surgical Treatment of Rectocele

Abstract Background Rectocele is a frequent finding in women and is usually asymptomatic. However, it is sometimes associated with symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). While most patients with ODS due to rectocele respond well to conservative treatment, some may require surgical treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of failure of symptom improvement after rectocele repair. Methods The study included adult women with rectocele who underwent surgical treatment by transperineal repair (TPR) or transvaginal repair (TVR). The preoperative and postoperative assessment was done using the Wexner constipation score, anorectal manometry, and defecography. Results A total of 93 female patients with a mean age of 43.7 years were included. Among them, 65.6% of patients underwent TPR and 34.4% underwent TVR; 22 (23.7%) patients reported failure of significant improvement in ODS symptoms after surgery. The independent predictors of failure of improvement were higher preoperative Wexner score (odds ratio, OR: 1.4, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.09–1.84, p = 0.009), larger residual rectocele after repair (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.43–6.08, p = 0.003), and lower postoperative maximum tolerable volume (OR: 0.949, 95% CI: 0.907–0.992, p = 0.02). The predictive cutoff point for the preoperative Wexner score was 15. Conclusions Patients with a preoperative Wexner score higher than 15 and larger residual rectocele after surgery may experience little improvement in symptoms after rectocele repair. Although TPR was associated with a poorer relief of symptoms than did TVR; it was not an independent predictor of failure.

Reappraising the Role of Enterocele in the Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: Is Radiological Impaired Rectal Emptying Significant in Enterocele?

Objectives: The role of enterocele in the obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) has remained to be controversial, as patients with enterocele frequently exhibit multiple risk factors, including aging, parity, concomitant different abnormalities, previous histories of pelvic surgery, and incomplete emptying of the rectum. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the association between enterocele and ODS using multivariate analysis. Methods: Between June 2013 and June 2021, 336 women underwent defecography as they had symptoms of ODS. Of those, 293 women (87%) who had anatomical abnormalities were included in this study. Results: Enterocele was detected in 104 (36%) patients. More women with enterocele had histories of hysterectomy compared to those without enterocele (29% vs. 10%, P < 0.0001). The frequency of radiological incomplete emptying was found to be significantly lower in women with enterocele (36%) than in those without enterocele (50%), whereas the mean (95% confidence interval) ODS scores in women with enterocele were significantly higher than those without enterocele [12.1 (11.0-13.3) versus 10.8 (10.5-11.5), P = 0.023]. As per the results of our multivariate analysis, it was determined that the presence of enterocele was associated with higher ODS scores (P = 0.028). However, the small differences in the mean score (1.3) would be clinically negligible. The specific radiological type of enterocele which compressed the rectal ampulla at the beginning of defecation was not associated with the increased ODS scores. Conclusions: The presence of enterocele may not be a primary cause of ODS. Other anatomical abnormalities combined with enterocele, or the hernia itself, may have a role in causing ODS.

Update on obstructed defecation syndrome

The most common cause leading to primary constipation is obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). Anatomical disorders in the pelvic floor region (rectocele, enterocoele, rectal intussusception, and rectal prolapse) result in ODS. However, it always occurs in combination with a functional defect of defecation. This review offers an in-depth look at ODS diagnosis and treatment. Conservative or surgical treatment options are available. Conservative treatment includes several approaches to defecation practice and regimen and dietary measures combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation and psychological support. However, some patients require surgical intervention as ODS symptoms might persist despite conservative treatment. Surgical approaches include transvaginal, transabdominal, and transanal procedures. The most widely used are the transanal procedures, which are associated with good short-term results and low complication rates. Nevertheless, the long-term complications are still unknown and being discussed. The underlying cause of ODS is a combination of functional and anatomical abnormalities; therefore, treatment should be focused on pelvic organ systems for several reasons. Accordingly, only a multidisciplinary approach and (multimodal) combination of different approaches can be used to avoid inferior results in this challenging area.

Tips for Performing a Combined Robotic Assisted Sacrocolpopexy and Ventral Rectopexy

Study Objective In this video we highlight our technical tips for performing a combined robotic sacrocolpopexy and ventral rectopexy for concomitant posterior, middle and anterior compartment prolapse. Design Video submission. Setting Collaboration between FPMRS and Colorectal Surgery specialists in a community teaching hospital. Patients or Participants 55 year-old G1P1 overweight female s/p laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy for endometriosis presenting with severe obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and incomplete bladder emptying. On exam she had a grade 2 rectocele, a grade 1 vault prolapse, and a grade 2 cystocele. She scored 22 points on a KESS constipation questionnaire. A 3D transvaginal/transrectal and translabial ultrasound showed a grade 3 rectocele, enterocele causing rectal intussusception and a cystocele that descended below the pubic bone. Interventions For the robotic surgery the patient was positioned in dorsal lithotomy and maximum Trendelenburg. She underwent a combined robotic assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with polypropylene mesh and ventral rectopexy with cross linked porcine dermis mesh. Measurements and Main Results Preoperative and 3 months postoperative 3D transvaginal/ transrectal and translabial ultrasounds, KESS constipation questionnaire, PFDI-20, and PFIQ-7. Three months after her surgery her ODS symptoms have resolved, her KESS score dropped from 22 to 12 points, and on repeat ultrasound she had no residual pelvic prolapse, no obstruction on straining and no cystocele. Conclusion For patients with vaginal vault prolapse, cystocele, and rectocele a combined sacrocolpopexy and ventral rectopexy can be an effective surgical intervention.

Assessment of anal sphincter distensibility following the STARR procedure: a pilot study

Aim: The STARR (Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection) procedure consists of a surgical correction of symptomatic rectocele refractory to medical treatment, involving anal dilatation. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of the STARR procedure on anal distensibility using EndoFLIP® device.Methods: All female patients with a minimal rectocele of 3 cm and with symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) refractory to medical treatment were included prospectively. Patients with previous anal incontinence were not included. Wexner, ODS and Kess scores were recorded. Endoanal ultrasounds and EndoFLIP® measurements were performed pre-surgery and 3 months following the STARR procedure. The distensibility index (DI) at 40 mL of inflation at rest was the primary study endpoint.Results: Seven patients (median age: 52.5, range: 44–62) were included between 2014 and 2017. The DI after surgery was the same as the pre-surgery DI. No patient developed symptoms of faecal incontinence or urge to defecate in the three months following the STARR procedure. All patients reported an improvement in their ODS and Kess scores three months after the STARR procedure. No anal sphincter defects were detected by endoanal ultrasound.Conclusion: Anal dilatation did not appear to alter anal distensibility in patients with a normal anal function before the STARR procedure.

Post-operative clinical, manometric, and defecographic findings in patients undergoing unsuccessful STARR operation for obstructed defecation

To evaluate the reason for failure of STARR (stapled transanal rectal resection) operation for obstructed defecation. A retrospective study (June 2012-December 2017) was performed using a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent STARR operation for ODS (obstructed defecation syndrome), complaining of persisting or de novo occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Postoperative St Mark's and ODS scores were evaluated. A VAS was used to score pelvic pain. Patients' satisfaction was estimated administering the CPGAS (clinical patient grading assessment scale) questionnaire. Objective evaluation was performed by dynamic proctography and anorectal manometry. Ninety patients (83.3% females) operated for ODS using STARR technique were evaluated. Median ODS score was 19 while 20 patients (22%) reported de novo fecal urgency and 4 patients a worsening of their preoperative fecal incontinence. Dynamic proctography performed in 54/90 patients showed a significant (> 3.0cm) rectocele in 19 patients, recto-rectal intussusception in 10 patients incomplete emptying in 24 patients. When compared with internal normal standards, anorectal manometry showed decreased rectal compliance and maximum tolerable volume in patients with urgency. Nine patients reported a persistent postoperative pelvic pain (median VAS score 6). Failure of STARR to treat ODS, documented by persisting ODS symptoms, fecal urgency, or chronic pelvic pain, is often justified by the persistence or de novo onset of alteration of the anorectal anatomy at defecation. This occurs in about half of the patients, but in 40% of the cases who complained of incomplete emptying or incontinence, anatomical abnormalities were not recognized.

Intérêt de la toxine botulinique A dans le traitement des troubles pelvi-périnéaux de la personne âgée

The present article is the final report of a multi-disciplinary meeting supported by the GRAPPPA (group for research applied to pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly). The objective was to conduct a comprehensive review on the role of botulinum toxin A (BonTA) in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly. The present article, written as a comprehensive review of the literature, combines data issued from the scientific literature with expert's opinions. Review of the literature was performed using the online bibliographic database MedLine (National Library of Medicine). Regarding intra-detrusor BonTA injections, only articles focusing on elderly patients (>65 yo) were included. Regarding other localizations, given the limited number of data, all articles reporting outcomes of BonTA were included, regardless of studies population age. In case of missing or insufficient data, expert's opinions were formulated. Although, available data are lacking in this specific population, it appears that BonTA could be used in the non-fraily elderly patients to treat overactive bladder or even neurogenic detrusor overactivity, with a success rate comparable to younger population at 3 months (88.9% vs. 91.2%), 6 months (49.4% vs. 52.1%) and 12 months (23.1% vs. 22.3%), as well as a significant decrease in number of voids per day (11.4 vs. 5.29 P<0.001) and in the number of pads per day (4.0 vs. 1.3, P<0.01). Furthermore, BonTA is likely to be offered in the future as a treatment of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome symptoms. Concerning bladder outlet obstruction/voiding dysfunction symptoms, intra-urethral sphincter BonTA should not be recommended. BonTA injections are of interest in the management of various pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly, and its various applications should be better evaluated in this specific population in order to further determine its safety and efficacy.

Role of MR Defecography in the Assessment of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

AbstractBackground: Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is characterized by the urge to defecate but an impaired ability to expel the fecal bolus. Symptoms include unsuccessful fecal evacuation attempts, excessive straining, pain, bleeding after defecation, and a sense of incomplete fecal evacuation. ODS has been linked to anatomic abnormalities of rectocele, rec-toanal or recto-rectal intussusception, paradoxical puborectalis contraction, pelvic organ prolapse, descending perineum syndrome, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, sigmoidocele, and enterocele. A functional abnormality such as pelvic floor dyssynergia, decreased rectal compliance and decreased rectal sensation has also been shown to contribute to symptoms of ODS.Objective: To assess the role of MR defecography in finding functional abnormalities in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome.Patients and Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) with clinical symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome for a period longer than 6 months. Patients were assessed statically using T2 weighted images and dynamically by MR defecography using fast imaging via steady-state acquisition sequences. All patients had symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome as unsuccessful fecal evacuation attempts, excessive straining, pain during defecation, a sense of incomplete fecal evacuation and digital rectal evacuation.Results: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 40.2 with 20 (66.7%) females and 10 (33.3%) males. MR defecog-raphy revealed rectocele in 19 (63.3%) of all patients and cystocele in 17 (56.7%) patients. Four patients (13.3%) had rectal intussusception. Spastic pelvic floor syndrome was found in 2 patients (6.75%). Multicompartmental dysfunction was observed in 18 (60%) of the female patients.Conclusion: MR defecography was proven to be highly valuable in assessing patients with obstructed defecation syndrome, particularly females as it depicts multicompart-mental dysfunction in females with a seemingly single com-partment symptom ultimately changing the treatment approach.

The clinical value of magnetic resonance defecography in males with obstructed defecation syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between symptoms of obstructed defecation and findings on magnetic resonance (MR) defecography in males with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). Thirty-six males with ODS who underwent MR defecography at our institution between March 2013 and February 2016 were asked in a telephone interview about their symptoms and subsequent treatment, either medical or surgical. Patients were divided into 2 groups, one with anismus (Group 1) and one with prolapse without anismus (Group 2). The interaction between ODS type and symptoms with MR findings was assessed by multivariate analysis for categorical data using a hierarchical log-linear model. MR imaging findings included lateral and/or posterior rectocele, rectal prolapse, intussusception, ballooning of levator hiatus with impingement of pelvic organs and dyskinetic puborectalis muscle. There were 21 males with ODS due to anismus (Group 1) and 15 with ODS due to rectal prolapse/intussusception (Group 2). Mean age of the entire group was 53.6±4.1years (range 18-77years). Patients in Group 1 were slightly older than those in Group 2 (age peak, sixth decade in 47.6 vs 20.0%, p<0.05). Symptoms most frequently associated with Group 1 patients included small volume and hard feces (85.0%, p<0.01), excessive strain at stool (81.0%, p<0.05), tenesmus and fecaloma formation (57.1 and 42.9%, p<0.05); symptoms most frequently associated with Group 2 patients included mucous discharge, rectal bleeding and pain (86.7%, p<0.05), prolonged toilet time (73.3%, p<0.05), fragmented evacuation with or without digitation (66.7%, p<0.005). Voiding outflow obstruction was more frequent in Group 1 (19.0 vs 13.3%; p<0.05), while non-bacterial prostatitis and sexual dysfunction prevailed in Group 2 (26.7 and 46.7%, p<0.05). At MR defecography, two major categories of findings were detected: a dyskinetic pattern (Type 1), seen in all Group 1 patients, which was characterized by non-relaxing puborectalis muscle, sand-glass configuration of the anorectum, poor emptying rate, limited pelvic floor descent and final residue≥2/3; and a prolapsing pattern (Type 2), seen in all Group 2 patients, which was characterized by rectal prolapse/intussusception, ballooning of the levator hiatus with impingement of the rectal floor and prostatic base, excessive pelvic floor descent and residue≤1/2. Posterolateral outpouching defined as perineal hernia was present in 28.6% of patients in Group 1 and were absent in Group 2. The average levator plate angle on straining differed significantly in the two patterns (21.3°±4.1 in Group 1 vs 65.6°±8.1 in Group 2; p<0.05). Responses to the phone interview were obtained from 31 patients (18 of Group 1 and 13 of Group 2, response rate, 86.1%). Patients of Group 1 were always treated without surgery (i.e., biofeedback, dietary regimen, laxatives and/or enemas) which resulted in symptomatic improvement in 12/18 cases (66.6%). Of the patients in Group 2, 2/13 (15.3) underwent surgical repair, consisting of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) which resulted in symptom recurrence after 6months and laparoscopic ventral rectopexy which resulted in symptom improvement. The other 11 patients of Group 2 were treated without surgery with symptoms improvement in 3 (27.3%). The appearance of various abnormalities at MR defecography in men with ODS shows 2 distinct patterns which may have potential relevance for treatment planning, whether conservative or surgical.

Rectocele repair with stapled transvaginal rectal resection.

Constipation is a clinical symptom in patients suffering from slow transit and/or obstructed defecation. Proper treatment requires the identification of all associated disorders and the quantification of symptoms. Rectocele can cause the symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of a novel technique of transvaginal stapled rectal resection (TVSRR) using a straight staple line, to treat rectocele. The study included 84 females [median age 51years (range 29-73years)], with obstructed defecation, grades II-III rectocele, and multiple abnormalities on defecography. The magnitude and degree of ODS were quantified by the Altomare ODS scoring system. Continence status was evaluated using the Pescatori scoring system. The rectal and vaginal manometric study, the index of patient satisfaction using a visual analog score (VAS), and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire results were recorded. All patients underwent TVSRR. There were no intraoperative complications. Early postoperative complications were defecatory urgency in seven patients (8.3%), dyspareunia in two (2.4%), and rectovaginal fistula in one (1.2%). Five patients (6%) had recurrence of ODS symptoms. There was no significant change in continence pre- and postoperatively. The ODS score and VAS revealed significant improvement within the first postoperative year in 94% of patients. The PAC-QOL questionnaire mean total scores indicated an improvement in both the patient satisfaction and the QOL during the 12-month follow-up. The self-reported definitive outcome was excellent in 46 patients (54.7%), good in 29 (34.5%), fairly good in 20 (23.8%), and poor in five (6.0%). Vaginal repair carries no risk of fecal incontinence. Large anterior rectocele is considered the main indication for this technique. Using the linear stapler is a cost-effective, simple, and easy technique.

In patients with rectoceles and obstructed defecation syndrome, surgery should be the option of last resort

The indications for operation in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) with rectocele are not well defined. A total of 90 female patients with ODS and rectocele were prospectively evaluated and treated with fiber supplements and biofeedback training. Univariate and multivariate regression was used to determine factors predictive of failing medical management. Obstructive symptoms were the most prevalent presenting complaint (82.2%). Ultimately, 71.1% of patients responded to medical management and biofeedback. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the presence of internal intussusception was associated with a lower chance of undergoing surgery to address ODS symptoms [odds ratio 0.18; P = .05], whereas inability to expel balloon, contrast retention on defecography, and splinting were not (P ≥ .15). Rectoceles with concomitant intussusception in patients with ODS appear to portend a favorable response to biofeedback and medical management. We argue that all patients considered for surgery for rectoceles because of ODS should first undergo appropriate bowel retraining.

MR-defecography in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS): technique, diagnostic criteria and grading

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a magnetic resonance (MR)-based classification system of obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) to guide physicians in patient management. The medical records and imaging series of 105 consecutive patients (90 female, 15 male, aged 21-78 years, mean age 46.1 ± 5.1 years) referred to our center between April 2011 and January 2012 for symptoms of ODS were retrospectively examined. After history taking and a complete clinical examination, patients underwent MR imaging according to a standard protocol using a 0.35 T permanent field, horizontally oriented open-configuration magnet. Static and dynamic MR-defecography was performed using recognized parameters and well-established diagnostic criteria. Sixty-seven out of 105 (64 %) patients found the prone position more comfortable for the evacuation of rectal contrast while 10/105 (9.5 %) were unable to empty their rectum despite repeated attempts. Increased hiatus size, anterior rectocele and focal or extensive defects of the levator ani muscle were the most frequent abnormalities (67.6, 60.0 and 51.4 %, respectively). An MR-based classification was developed based on the combinations of abnormalities found: Grade 1 = functional abnormality, including paradoxical contraction of the puborectalis muscle, without anatomical defect affecting the musculo-fascial structures; Grade 2 = functional defect associated with a minor anatomical defect such as rectocele ≤ 2 cm in size and/or first-degree intussusception; Grade 3 = severe defects confined to the posterior anatomical compartment, including >2 cm rectocele, second- or higher-degree intussusception, full-thickness external rectal prolapse, poor mesorectal posterior fixation, rectal descent >5 cm, levator ani muscle rupture, ballooning of the levator hiatus and focal detachment of the endopelvic fascia; Grade 4 = combined defects of two or three pelvic floor compartments, including cystocele, hysterocele, enlarged urogenital hiatus, fascial tears enterocele or peritoneocele; Grade 5 = changes after failed surgical repair abscess/sinus tracts, rectal pockets, anastomotic strictures, small uncompliant rectum, kinking and/or lateral shift of supra-anastomotic portion and pudendal nerve entrapment. According to our classification, Grades 1 and 2 may be amenable to conservative therapy; Grade 3 may require surgical intervention by a coloproctologist; Grade 4 would need a combined urogynecological and coloproctological approach; and Grade 5 may require an even more complex multidisciplinary approach. Validation studies are needed to assess whether this MR-based classification system leads to a better management of patients with ODS.

Midterm outcome of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome: A single-institution experience in China

To assess midterm results of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and predictive factors for outcome. From May 2007 to May 2009, 75 female patients underwent STARR and were included in the present study. Preoperative and postoperative workup consisted of standardized interview and physical examination including proctoscopy, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, and defecography. Clinical and functional results were assessed by standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation constipation scoring system (CSS), Longo's ODS score, and symptom severity score (SSS), incontinence Wexner incontinence score (WS), quality of life Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL), and patient satisfaction visual analog scale (VAS). Data were collected prospectively at baseline, 12 and 30 mo. The median follow-up was 30 mo (range, 30-46 mo). Late postoperative complications occurred in 11 (14.7%) patients. Three of these patients required procedure-related reintervention (one diverticulectomy and two excision of staple granuloma). Although the recurrence rate was 10.7%, constipation scores (CSS, ODS score and SSS) significantly improved after STARR (P < 0.0001). Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in the PAC-QOL and VAS (P < 0.0001), and the satisfaction index was excellent in 25 (33.3%) patients, good in 23 (30.7%), fairly good in 14 (18.7%), and poor in 13 (17.3%). Nevertheless, the WS increased after STARR (P = 0.0169). Incontinence was present or deteriorated in 8 (10.7%) patients; 6 (8%) of whom were new onsets. Univariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of fecal incontinence (preoperative, postoperative or new-onset incontinence; P = 0.028, 0.000, and 0.007, respectively) was associated with the success of the operation. STARR is an acceptable procedure for the surgical correction of ODS. However, its impact on symptomatic recurrence and postoperative incontinence may be problematic.

Role of enterocele in the obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS): a new radiological point of view

The aim of this study was to understand the role of enterocele in the pathogenesis of the obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) a new defecographic classification based on function. A total of 597 patients (551 women, 46 men) who underwent cinedefecography between November 2001 and November 2005 were studied. A total of 567 (95%) underwent cinedefecography as they had symptoms of ODS. Enterocele was classified into three types. Enterocele was found in 127 (23%) female and one (2.2%) male patients. Thirty-eight (6.9%) patients had type A, 38(6.9%) type B, and 27(4.9%) type C enterocele. A total of 24 patients (4.35%) had sigmoidocele. In patients with type C enterocele, the finding of a radiological pattern of ODS was higher (26/27) than that in the other groups (A + B + Sigmoidocele) (23/100) (P < 0.001). An obstructed evacuation pattern was found in 49 (38.5%) patients with enterocele and in 148 (34.9%) patients in the control group. Type C enterocele is often associated with a radiological pattern of ODS and usually presents as an isolated condition. Type B is less frequently associated with ODS and is more frequently accompanied by other pathological conditions.

Assessing the safety, effectiveness, and quality of life after the STARR procedure for obstructed defecation: results of the German STARR registry

Internal rectal prolapse and rectocele are frequent clinical findings in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). However, there is still no evidence whether stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) provides a safe and effective surgical option. Therefore, the German STARR registry was initiated to assess safety, effectiveness, and quality of life. The German STARR registry was designed as an interventional, prospective, multicenter audit. Primary outcomes include safety (morbidity and adverse events), effectiveness (ODS, symptom severity, and incontinence scores), and quality of life (PAC-QoL and EQ-5D) documented at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Statistical evaluation was performed by an independent research organization of clinical epidemiology. Complete data of 379 patients (78% females, mean age 57.8 years) were entered into the registry database. Mean operative time was 40 min, mean hospitalization was 5.5 days. A total of 103 complications and adverse events were reported in 80 patients (21.1%) including staple line complications (minor bleeding, infection, or partial dehiscence; 7.1%), major bleeding (2.9%), and postsurgical stenosis (2.1%). Comparisons of ODS and symptom severity scores (SSS) demonstrated a significant reduction in ODS score between baseline (mean 11.14) and 6 months (mean 6.43), which was maintained at 12 months (mean 6.45), and SSS at preoperative and at 6- and 12-month follow-up (13.02 vs. 7.34 vs. 6.59; paired t test, p < 0.001). Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in quality of life as judged by symptom-specific PAC-QoL and generic ED-5Q (utility and visual analog scale) scores and was not associated with an impairment of incontinence score following STARR (p > 0.05). However, 11 patients (2.9%) showed de novo incontinence, and new-onset symptoms of fecal urgency were observed in 25.3% of patients. These data indicate that STARR is a safe and effective procedure. However, conclusions are limited due to the selection and reporting bias of a registry. The problem of fecal urgency needs cautious reassessment.

Application of stapled transanal rectum resection in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of stapled transanal rectum resection (STARR) in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). Fifty-six patients with ODS who had rectocele and/or intussusception were treated with STARR from January 2007 to August 2008. The incidence of preoperative and postoperative symptoms of ODS was compared. Symptomatic relief was also observed by using scoring system. The average operation time was 28 min, and in the first 3 days after operation the average VAS pain score was 3.2 points. Two patients experienced mild anal incontinence when followed-up to 6 months; 2 patients suffered mild anal pain during defecation due to slight anastomotic inflammation 2 and 4 months after the operation, respectively. No other complications was found. The mean follow-up period was 8 months after surgery, and the rate of symptoms of ODS reduced significantly compared with that before surgery, in particular the incidence of the difficult and obstructive defecation feelings decreased for more than 50 percent (P<0.05). Compared with that before the operation, the sense of no emptying stool decreased for 65 percent and all the other symptoms reduced for more than 72 percent (all P<0.05). The stapled transanal rectum resection is simple, less invasive, less painful and with fewer complications and more satisfactory recent effect in treating obstructed defecation syndrome.

The Impact of Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection on Anorectal Function in Patients with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

A careful preoperative selection of patients was performed in order to identify those eligible for stapled transanal rectal resection to correct obstructed defecation syndrome. The aim was to assess the consequences of surgery on anorectal function and patient outcomes. From January 2004 to June 2007, 33 female patients (median age, 56.3 years; range, 27-77 years) eligible for stapled transanal rectal resection completed standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation (constipation scoring system), quality of life (Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire), and patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale). A complete clinical reassessment including anorectal manometry and defecography was performed after one year. At a median follow-up of 18 months, significant improvement in constipation scoring system, quality of life, and visual analog scale (P < 0.0001) was observed. Postoperative defecography confirmed the correction of internal rectal prolapse (P < 0.01) and rectocele (P < 0.0001) with an increase in rectal sensitivity (P < 0.0001). Significant correlations were observed between rectocele correction and rectal sensitivity, as evidenced by a decrease in rectal sensory threshold volumes (P = 0.017; Phi = 0.7), increased rectal sensitivity, and patient's satisfaction index (P = 0.011; Phi = 0.64). Stapled transanal rectal resection allowed for the correction of rectocele and intussusceptions. These corrections increased rectal sensitivity, diminished symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome, and improved the quality of life of patients.