Perineal Operation Research Articles

Laparoscopy-assisted posterior low anterior resection of rectal cancer.

BackgroundLaparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection (LAR) of colorectal cancer, using a posterior surgical approach, is a difficult and controversial procedure to perform. We report successful operations on 13 patients with clear surgical margins and no serious complications.MethodsThirteen patients [10 males and three females, age range: 48 to 69 years (median: 61 years)] with low adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative colonoscopic biopsy (four stage T1; nine stage T2) were resected. The distance from inferior edge of tumor to dentate line was 2 ~ 5 cm (average: 3.4 cm). Intraperitoneal laparoscopy was performed to isolate rectosigmoid and mesocolon moving toward distal end of the tumor. Perineal operation was performed in the prone clasp-knife position.ResultsThe circumferential resection margin (CRM) was negative in all cases. No serious postoperative complications occurred. There were four cases of perineal wound infection, two cases with superficial perineal wound dehiscence, and two cases with persistent postoperative sacral pain. All 13 patients passed the Wexner continence test and had satisfactory anal function during a mean 18-month postoperative follow-up period.ConclusionLaparoscopic posterior LAR of colorectal cancer is a safe and reliable treatment for patients with low colorectal cancer, increasing the chance of anal functional recovery.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-ONC-14005145. Registered 19 August 2014.

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision with transpelvic levator dissection: a report of 36 cases

To investigate the safety, feasibility, perioperational information and post-operational pathology of the modified abdominal operation of extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE), meaning transpelvic levator dissection under direct visualization. From January 2010 to March 2013, 36 patients with rectal tumors(≤5 cm distance to anal verge) underwent extralevator abdominoperineal excision with transpelvic levator dissection by laparoscopic or open surgery, without position change during the perineal operation. The preliminary result of this modified technique was summarized. The levator ani muscles of all the patients were successfully dissected with transpelvic levator dissection and the extent of levator dissection was determined individually according to its involvement. No position was changed during the perineal operation. No conversion to open approach in laparoscopic surgery group was observed, and only 1 case of rectum perforation occurred in open surgery group. The mean operation time was (220.9±36.8) min, and mean intraoperative blood loss was(121.6±99.7) ml. All the specimens had levator ani muscles attached to the mesorectum and positive rate of circumferential resection margin was 5.6%(2/36). Transpelvic levator dissection simplifies the procedure of ELAPE and achieves individualized dissection of levator. This technique is effective without position change during perineal operation, with shorter operation time and acceptable oncologic outcomes.

Outcome of patients after single-stage repair of perineal fistula without colostomy according to the Krickenbeck classification

PurposeThe aim of the study is to assess the characteristics and outcome of anorectal malformation (ARM) patients who underwent single-stage repair of perineal fistula without colostomy according to the Krickenbeck classification. MethodsFrom 2002 to 2013, twenty-eight males and four females with perineal fistula who underwent single-stage repair without colostomy in our institute were included in this study. Patients with perineal fistula who underwent staged repair were excluded. Demographics, associated anomalies, and operative complications were recorded. The type of surgical procedures and functional outcome were assessed using the Krickenbeck classification. ResultsSix patients had associated anomalies, including two patients with renal, two with cardiac, one with vertebral, and one with limb abnormalities. Thirteen patients underwent perineal operation, and fourteen patients underwent anterior sagittal approach in the neonatal period. One patient underwent anterior sagittal approach, and four patients underwent PSARP beyond the neonatal period. One patient had an intra-operative urethral injury and one a vaginal injury. Complications were not associated with the type of surgical procedure (p=0.345). All perineal wounds healed without infection. By using the Krickenbeck assessment score, all sixteen children older than five years of age had voluntary control. One patient had grade 1 soiling, and no patient had constipation. ConclusionsSingle-stage operation without colostomy was safe with good outcomes in patients with perineal fistula. The use of Krickenbeck classification allows standardization in assessment on the surgical approach and on functional outcome in ARM patients.

Complex pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects revisited

Objective. This study aimed to establish some guidelines for the definition, diagnosis and treatment of complex pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects (PFUDD). Material and methods. A total of 40 patients with complex PFUDD was enrolled in this study. Urethral defects were associated with a paraurethral bladder base fistula (PBBF) (six patients), urethrorectal fistula (eight), urethrocutaneous fistula (nine), urinoma cavity (eight) or bladder neck incompetence (nine). In four patients the urethra had been wrongly reconstructed into a bladder base fistula (three) or urinoma cavity (one), elsewhere. Repair was performed by a perineal anastomotic urethroplasty in 15 patients and by a perineoabdominal transpubic procedure in 25. Results. Repair was successful in nine out of 15 (60%) patients who received a perineal repair and in 23 out of 25 (92%) who underwent a perineoabdominal transpubic procedure. Of the eight patients with unsuccessful outcomes five were successfully recorrected by transpubic urethroplasty. Conclusions. A PFUDD may be considered as complex if it is associated with a PBBF, urethrorectal or urethrocutaneous fistula, urinoma cavity, or bladder neck incompetence. Complete excision of a PBBF usually requires a perineoretropubic approach. The initial trauma-related urethrorectal fistula usually opens into the prostatic urethra and its repair requires an abdominal approach, whereas an iatrogenic rectal fistula usually opens into the proximal bulbar urethra and can be resolved by a relatively simple perineal operation. Excision of a urinoma cavity or urethrocutaneous fistula can usually be accomplished from the perineum, while repair of a bladder neck incompetence requires an abdominal approach.

Laparoscopic Extralevator Abdominoperineal Resection for Rectal Carcinoma with Transabdominal Levator Transection

The extralevator abdominoperineal resection (ELAPR) is a new surgical technique for patients with low advanced rectal cancer. This technique requires an extra excision of the levator muscles to avoid the surgical waist caused by the conventional abdominoperineal resection, with the patient's position changed to a prone jackknife position and using a myocutaneous flap to repair the pelvic defect. To simplify this operation, we applied a laparoscopic technique to perform controlled transabdominal transection of the levator muscles under direct visualization without a position change and pelvic floor reconstruction using human acellular dermal matrix (HADM). In our department from 2010-2011, six patients with rectal adenocarcinoma within 3 cm of the anal verge underwent laparoscopic ELAPR with transabdominal levator transection, with no position change during the perineal operation. In three patients, pelvic reconstruction was performed with HADM. All procedures were successfully performed without any intraoperative complications, laparoscopy-associated morbidity, or conversion to the open approach. The mean operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 186.7 min and 101.7 ml. All specimens had a cylindrical shape with levator muscles attached to the mesorectum and negative circumferential margins. No complications were seen with the use of HADM. Laparoscopic transabdominal transection of the levator muscles without position change and with pelvic floor reconstruction using human acellular dermal matrix mesh is feasible. With the transection of the levator muscles under laparoscopic surveillance, the procedure of the extralevator abdominoperineal resection, which is aggressively invasive and operatively complicated, is simplified and has an advantage of minimal invasiveness.

Rectal Prolapse in the Elderly: Trends in Surgical Management and Outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

Full thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP) is managed with an abdominal or perineal operation. Traditionally, the approach has been determined by patient age and comorbidities. Our aim was to determine operative trends and outcomes for repair of FTRP in elderly patients using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. We queried the ACS NSQIP database from 2006 to 2009 for patients with FTRP who were 70 years of age or older. Patients were grouped according to type of surgical repair: laparoscopic (LR), open (OR), or perineal (PR) technique. We reviewed demographics, operative trends of surgical technique, and short-term outcomes for each group. A total of 816 patients were analyzed; 596 (73%) PR, 130 (16%) OR, and 90 (11%) LR patients. Patients who received OR and LR had lower mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores than PR patients (2.6, 2.5, and 2.7, respectively, p < 0.001). The percentage of LR and OR procedures decreased as age increased by decade; the inverse was seen for PR (p < 0.001). The distribution of operative techniques has not changed from year to year. Length of stay was significantly shorter for LR (3.77 days) and PR (3.44 days) patients vs OR patients (6.23 days) (p = 0.01). Complication rates were 2.22%, 8.72%, and 12.31% for LR, PR, and OR, respectively (p = 0.021). Open surgery was the only factor associated with an increased complication rate, with an odds ratio of 6.29 (95% CI 1.38 to 28.6, p < 0.02). Despite the appeal of perineal proctectomy in the elderly and debilitated patient, the approach to FTRP is slowly evolving in the era of laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic repair of FTRP in the elderly is associated with improved short-term outcomes when compared with OR and PR.

Laparoscopic cylindrical abdominoperineal resection with transabdominal approach for lower rectal cancer

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic cylindrical abdominoperineal resection. Six patients with rectal adenocarcinoma within 3 cm above the anal verge underwent laparoscopic cylindrical abdominoperineal resection. Transabdominal levator transaction was performed laparoscopically, with no position change during the perineal operation. Pelvic reconstruction was achieved using human acellular dermal matrix mesh in 3 patients. All the procedures were successfully performed without any intraoperative complications, laparoscopy-associated complications, or conversion to the open approach. The mean operation time was 186.7 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 101.7 ml. All the specimens had a cylindrical shape with levator muscles attached to the mesorectum and circumferential margins were all negative. No adverse incidence followed the pelvic reconstruction using human acellular dermal matrix mesh. Laparoscopic transabdominal transection of the levator muscles without position change and pelvic floor reconstruction with human acellular dermal matrix mesh is feasible. This procedure simplifies cylindrical abdominoperineal resection which is aggressively invasive and technically complicated. The oncologic outcomes are acceptable and complications are less.

Effect of Early Realignment on Length and Delayed Repair of Postpelvic Fracture Urethral Injury

To determine the effect of early realignment of posterior urethral injury on the length and delayed repair of ensuing urethral defect. We reviewed the medical records of 120 patients with a pelvic fracture urethral defect who were referred for delayed repair from elsewhere from 1995 to 2009. The review was focused on 5 variables: initial management of urethral injury, length of urethral defect, type of delayed repair, continence, and erectile function. Of the patients, 26 were excluded from the study and 94 were categorized as having been initially treated by realignment (42 patients, group 1) or suprapubic cystostomy (52 patients, group 2). Urethral defects ≤ 2 cm in length were found in 28 patients (67%) in group 1 versus 22 (42%) in group 2. Defects >2 cm were found in 14 patients (33%) in group 1 versus 30 (58%) in group 2. The repair was accomplished by a simple perineal operation in 32 (76%) and 30 (58%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. An elaborated perineal or perineo-abdominal procedure was required in 10 (24%) and 22 (42%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (all P < .05). Incontinence occurred in 1 patient in group 1. Impotence developed in 10 (28%) of 36 realigned adults and in 2 (5%) of 38 adults with suprapubic cystostomy. Early realignment of posterior urethral injury decreases the length of the ensuing urethral defect and facilitates its delayed repair. Incontinence and impotence appear to result from the injury itself and not the treatment.

Rectocele and anal sphincter defect - surgical anatomy and combined repair.

This study reports on the surgical anatomy and technique of perineal repair in a selected group of parous women with faecal incontinence and/or difficulty in evacuation. Anal sphincter muscle damage is usually attributed to childbirth, although most of these women present for the first time years later. Consecutive patients with the above symptoms were examined clinically and then investigated with a perineal ultrasound scan. During the perineal operation for repair, further investigation by transillumination and measurements with calipers were done in 50 patients. All patients received routine postoperative care, and were followed up for at least 6 months. From 1995 to 2009 a total of 117 patients, all female, underwent perineal repair by a single surgeon. The age range was 24 - 82 years. In the last 50 consecutive patients, transillumination was positive prior to repair in all, and negative after. The average thickness of the rectocele wall was 2.4 mm prior to repair and 4.8 mm after. In all patients a rectocele was found in conjunction with the anal sphincter defect. The results of combined repair were satisfactory in 109 of 117 patients (93%). A rectocele consists of rectal mucosa, and represents a pulsion diverticulum of the lower anterior rectum. The mucosa herniates through a defect in the midline in the lower anterior rectal muscle wall. This defect then extends into the internal and external anal sphincters. It is a consistent finding in women with faecal incontinence due to anal sphincter disruption. If the anterior rectal muscle wall is repaired first, anal sphincter repair is facilitated.

Currarino Syndroma, initially misdiagnosed and treated like megacolon congenitum

AbstractCurrarino syndrome was first described as a triad by Guido Currarino, an American radiologist in 1981. It is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease known by the triad of anorectal stenosis, anterior sacral defect, and a presacral mass that is most often an anterior sacral meningocele.We represent a 3 year boy with refractory constipation from birth, which had been wrongly diagnosed and treated as Hirschsprung’s disease since early childhood. The patient underwent urgent colostomy because of water intoxication due to bowel irrigation, and following investigations (CT, MRI) revealed anorectal anomaly and presacral mass compatible with Curarrino’s syndrome.Definitive operation was done with perineal approach, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, with interval colostomy closure 2 months after perineal operation. An uncomplicated postoperative recovery ensued. The patient’s bowel habits successfully returned to normal soon after the operation. A multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic protocol is presented. Main points are rectal examination, sacrum x-Ray, molecular genetic diagnosis, radiologic evaluation of every member of Currarino syndrome families, CT scan, magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation of patient spine and pelvis and suction rectal biopsies. If the mass is a meningocele, colostomy and neurosurgical exploration should precede anoplasty due to the risk of meningitis.

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy for full-thickness anorectal prolapse in children: an effective outpatient procedure

Background/PurposeOur approach to full-thickness anorectal prolapse has transitioned to laparoscopic suture rectopexy (LSRP). The purpose of this study was to describe the indications, technique, and postoperative outcomes for LSRP. MethodsRectopexy was performed using 3 or 4 laparoscopic ports. Redundant rectum was retracted from the pelvis, and the posterior rectal wall was secured to the sacral promontory using 3 permanent sutures. ResultsNineteen children (7 girls) underwent LSRP from March 2003 to January 2008. Mean age was 6.2 ± 3.6 years. Three patients had prior perineal operations: 2 sacrococcygeal teratoma resections and 1 pull-through for Hirschsprung disease. One patient had cystic fibrosis, and another had Prader-Willi syndrome. The remaining children had either chronic constipation or idiopathic prolapse. All patients were treated preoperatively with laxatives. Two patients received antegrade continent enemas. Length of stay was 1 ± 0.8 days, with only the first 5 patients admitted to the hospital. The patient with Prader-Willi syndrome had a full-thickness recurrence (5%) owing to obsessive-compulsive behavior. Partial mucosal prolapse occurred in 2 patients. There were no other complications. ConclusionsLaparoscopic suture rectopexy is an effective minimally invasive method to treat full-thickness rectal prolapse in children from various etiologies. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal morbidity and low recurrence rate (5%).

Comparison of Perineal Operations with Abdominal Operations for Full‐Thickness Rectal Prolapse

We can divide surgery for rectal prolapse into two broad categories: abdominal and perineal. However, few studies compare the long-term outcomes and quality of life among operations for full-thickness rectal prolapse. The purpose of this study was to compare abdominal (AO) versus perineal (PO) procedures for the treatment of full-thickness rectal prolapse regarding recurrence rate, incontinence, constipation, and quality of life. Records of 177 operations from 1995 to 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. A telephone survey was attempted for all. Seventy-five (42%) responded to the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS), KESS Constipation Score (KESS-CS), and SF-36 Quality of Life Score. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed. For the 122 AO and 55 PO, there were no deaths. Mean follow-up was similar (PO 3.1 vs. AO 3.9 years; P = 0.306). As expected the PO patients were older (mean 69 vs. 55 years) and had higher ASA scores. Those undergoing PO had less procedural blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, and dietary restriction. The PO group also scored worse on the physical component of SF-36 (PO 33 vs. AO 39.6; P = 0.034). However, the rate of recurrent prolapse was significantly higher for the PO (PO 26.5% vs. AO 5.2%; P < 0.001). Complications, CCIS, KESS-CS, and SF-36 mental component were similar in both groups. In full-thickness rectal prolapse, elderly, sick patients are selected for a perineal operation. The morbidity, functional outcomes, and quality of life are acceptable. However, the high recurrence rates make the perineal operation a second-best choice for younger, healthy patients.

Predictors of Surgical Approach to Repair Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defects

We identified preoperative factors predictive of the appropriate surgical approach to anastomotic repair of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects. We reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of 121 patients who had undergone anastomotic repair of a pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect. The review was focused on 10 preoperative clinicoradiological variables that may influence or predict the surgical repair. The patients were categorized as having undergone a simple perineal operation (78 patients, group 1), or an elaborated perineal or a combined perineo-abdominal procedure (43 patients, group 2). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify preoperative parameters predictive of the type of anastomotic repair. In addition, ROC analysis was used to assess prediction results of the multivariate analysis. On univariate analysis 5 parameters were significant predictors of the type of repair, while on multivariate analysis only 3 parameters remained strong and independent predictors including the gapometry/urethrometry index, urethral gap length and prostatic displacement. The gapometry/urethrometry index was a proxy for all other parameters. At a cutoff index of 0.35 the appropriate surgical repair was predicted with 91% specificity and a 95% positive predictive value. When ROC analysis was performed the AUC was 0.979. The type of anastomotic repair of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect can be predicted by 3 preoperative factors, namely the gapometry/urethrometry index, urethral gap length and prostatic displacement. The gapometry/urethrometry index has the highest predictive accuracy and is a proxy for all other factors. An index less than 0.35 indicates a simple perineal operation and an index greater than 0.35 indicates an elaborated perineal or a transpubic procedure.

Tailored surgery for internal and external rectal prolapse: functional results of 268 patients operated upon by a single surgeon over a 21‐year period*

Many procedures are used to treat internal (IRP) and external rectal prolapse (ERP). We report the outcome of surgery tailored in accordance with an evolving Unit algorithm over a 21-year period. Two hundred and sixty-eight patients (151 IRP and 117 ERP) are reported. Perineal procedures (Delorme's mucosectomy, Altemeier's perineal rectosigmoidectomy) were used in frail elderly patients with ERP with abdominal sacrorectopexy or the Frykman-Goldberg procedure in fit patients. In IRP, prolapsectomy was most common with anterior hemi-Delorme's procedures for rectocele and levatorplasty for coincident faecal incontinence. Clinical and functional outcome was assessed over a median of 61 months (range 4-184 months). Postoperative mortality was 0.4%. For ERP, a perineal procedure was carried out in 75 (61.4%) cases with a 7.2% complication rate, postoperative incontinence in 20 (26.7%), constipation in four (5.3%) and recurrence in 12 (16%). For 42 abdominal procedures, the complication rate was 5% with incontinence in 7.1%, constipation in eight (19%) and recurrence in five (11.9%). A perineal operation was used in 89.4% of patients with IRP with incontinence in 10.6%, persistent constipation in 48 (52.7%) and recurrence in 25 (27.5%). The overall incontinence rate was 11% following abdominal and 24% following perineal procedures (P < 0.05). Recurrence of ERP was significantly higher following a perineal operation (P < 0.05). Tailored surgery for ERP achieves satisfactory results in terms of recurrence and functional outcome. For patients with IRP, perineal procedures are associated with a high incidence of recurrence and residual evacuatory difficulty.

“Perineal Canal”: A Rare Anorectal Malformation of Variable Complexity

Perineal canal (PC) is a fistulous tract that communicates the anus with the vulvar vestibule. Our aim is to show the variable spectrum of complexity of this caudal malformation. Patient 1 had a single urogenital orifice and a normal anus. After sigmoidostomy, a uterovaginal duplication was discovered upon opening the canal that was repaired at puberty. Patient 2 had a single urogenital orifice, a huge dilatation of a single vagina and an apparently normal anus. During perineal operation without diversion, the true anus was found which opened into the PC. Patient 3 had a single urogenital orifice, a uterovaginal duplication and an apparently patent anus. After colonic diversion, the PC was taken down revealing a normal urethral opening, the absence of an anus and a high rectovaginal fistula at the intervaginal wall. A posterior sagittal approach allowed extensive mobilization of the fistula and the rectum, fashioning of a single vagina and positioning of the rectum within the striated muscle complex. The cosmetic results were satisfactory. Patients 1 and 2 have normal continence and a near-normal perineal anatomy. Patient 3 is too young to assess continence. 1) Perineal canal is a malformation that may involve the genitourinary system as well as the rectum and perineum. This developmental disturbance of the caudal end is profound as judged by the vaginal duplication and the nearly cloacal pattern of some cases. 2) Repair may be as challenging as that of a regular cloaca requiring an individualized approach.

Gapometry and Anterior Urethrometry in the Repair of Posterior Urethral Defects

We determined the influence of bulbar urethral length on the anastomotic repair approach to bulboprostatic urethral distraction defects. We reviewed the medical records and radiographic studies of 120 patients 6 to 52 years old who had undergone anastomotic repair of bulboprostatic urethral gaps. Repair was accomplished by a simple perineal operation in 84 patients (group 1) and an elaborated perineal or a transpubic procedure in 36 (group 2). The length of the urethral gap and bulbar urethra was measured on preoperative urethrogram. Also, the length of the urethral gap as a fraction of bulbar urethral length (index of elastic lengthening) was calculated. Mean length of the urethral gap was 1.5 cm in group 1 vs 4.2 cm in group 2 (p <0.001). Mean bulbar urethral length was 7.3 cm in group 1 vs 6.6 cm in group 2 (p >0.05). The mean index of elastic lengthening was 0.21 (range 0.06 to 0.34) in group 1 vs 0.64 (range 0.38 to 0.88) in group 2 (p <0.001). The difference in the mean length of the urethral gap between children and adults in the 2 groups was not statistically significant (2.4 vs 2.5 cm, p >0.05), while the difference in the mean length of the bulbar urethra was highly significant (5.6 vs 7.7 cm, p <0.001). Bulboprostatic urethral gaps shorter than a third of bulbar urethral length are usually corrected by a simple perineal operation. For longer gaps an elaborated perineal or transpubic procedure is usually done. Also, the latter 2 procedures are more commonly performed in children than in adults because of the shorter bulbar urethra.

Anatomical study of perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy

One of the major disadvantages of radical perineal prostatectomy used to be that lymphadenectomy could not be conducted through the same incision. We anatomically evaluate perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy using cadavers. Three male specimens that had been subjected to pathological dissection were examined for perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy and the inside views were shown. Operation time, the number of lymph nodes and the inside views of cadavers were evaluated. We can carry out obturator lymphadenectomy as well as partial internal iliac and external iliac lymphadenectomy between the obturator nerve and external iliac vein under direct vision or laparoscopy in about 20 min. The median number of lymph nodes removed from the three cadavers was eight. It may be easier after prostatectomy because there is then enough space. This method resolves one of the major disadvantages of perineal prostatectomy and makes possible a wide variety of perineal operations.

Abdominoperineal Excision With Partial Anterior En Bloc Resection in Multimodal Management of Low Rectal Cancer: A Strategy to Reduce Local Recurrence

Total mesorectal excision is the gold standard in the performance of an abdominoperineal resection but little has changed in the way the perineal operation is performed. A frequent problem is anterior dissection. The aim of this study was to present the results of abdominoperineal resection using selected partial anterior en bloc resection to reduce recurrence. The data were population-based and prospectively registered. Two experienced surgeons performed the operations. In selected cases, depending on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings, parts of the vagina or prostate close to the tumor were resected. All specimens were examined according to Quirke. Sixty-three patients underwent abdominoperineal resection with total mesorectal excision; 56 received preoperative radiotherapy. The tumors involved the anterior bowel wall in 40 cases and in 23 (58 percent) of them, en bloc resections were performed. The distance from the tumor to the conventional resection margin (without en bloc resection) was 0 mm in ten cases. The median follow-up period was 37 months. So far, one (1.7 percent) local recurrence has been detected in 58 (92 percent) curative and indeterminate cases. The cancer-specific five-year survival in these cases was 87 percent (Kaplan-Meier). A multimodal management regimen in patients with low rectal cancer, including preoperative radiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection with a high frequency of partial en bloc resection of the vagina or prostate, resulted in excellent local control and survival. In some male patients, excenteration with urinary stoma can be avoided.

Colostomy in anorectal malformations: a procedure with serious but preventable complications

Purpose Colostomy for patients with anorectal malformations decompresses an obstructed colon, avoids fecal contamination of the urinary tract, and protects a future perineal operation. The procedure is associated with several significant complications. Materials and Methods The medical records of 1700 cases of anorectal malformations were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 230 patients underwent reconstruction without a colostomy. Of the remaining 1470 patients, 1420 had their colostomy performed at another institution (group A) and 50 did at our institution (group B) using a specific technique with separated stomas in the descending colon. Results There were 616 complications identified in 464 patients of group A and in 4 patients in group B, an incidence of 33% vs 8% ( P < .01). Complications in group A were classified into several groups. The first group was mislocation (282 cases), including 116 with stomas too close to each other, 97 with stomas located too distally in the rectosigmoid (which interfered with the pull-through), 30 with inverted stomas, 21 with stomas too far apart from each other, and 18 with right upper sigmoidostomies. The second largest group was prolapse (119 cases), which occurred mainly in mobile portions of the colon. The third group was composed of general surgical complications after colostomy closure (82 cases), such as intestinal obstruction (47 cases), wound infection (13 cases), incisional hernia (11 cases), anastomotic dehiscence (7 cases), sepsis (3 cases), and bleeding (1 case). Two of the septic patients died. Another group included 62 patients who received a Hartmann's procedure, which we considered to be contraindicated in anorectal malformations. A total of 42 patients suffered from stenosis of the stoma; 29, from retraction. Conclusions Most colostomy complications are preventable using separated stomas in the descending colon. Mislocated stomas lead to problems with appliance application, interference with the pull-through, megasigmoid, distal fecal impaction, and urinary tract infections. Loop colostomies lead to urinary tract infections, distal fecal impaction, and prolapse. Prolapse is a potentially dangerous complication that mostly occurs when the stoma is placed in a mobile portion of the colon. Recognizing this makes the complication preventable by trying to create colostomies in fixed portions of the colon or by fixing the bowel to the abdominal wall when necessary. The trend to avoid colostomies is justified; however, colostomy is the best way to prevent complications in anorectal surgery and, when indicated, should be done with a meticulous technique following strict rules to avoid complications.

Perineal excision of the rectum for prolapse in the elderly

A perineal operation is described for the treatment of rectal prolapse. The surgery improves functional outcome by correcting the anatomical anomalies associated with the condition. In 17 elderly women, there was one perioperative death and one recurrence. At a median follow-up of 24 months, 13 patients were able to control solid stool and three were profoundly incontinent. The operation may be an alternative to the more invasive abdominal procedures for the treatment of the majority of patients with prolapse.