Defecation Problems Research Articles

Enterocele causing chronic constipation in a young male

Abstract A 14-year old boy with a life-long history of defecation problems was diagnosed to have an enterocele with dynamic defecography. This is a rare diagnosis in male adolescent patients. The patient was successfully treated laparoscopically.

Vaginal reconstruction with the modified rectosigmoid colon: surgical technique, long-term results and sexual outcomes

Although vaginal reconstructions with intestinal segments require particularly complex surgical procedures, this technique has become popular with respect to fairly good functional and esthetic outcomes. This study describes cases of vaginal reconstruction performed using a modified rectosigmoid colon held in an ischemic state in order to reduce secretion and denervated in order to prevent defecation problems. Vaginal reconstructions with rectosigmoid colon were performed on 43 patients. In this retrospective study, 34 patients had Müllerian agenesis, while nine had undergone male to female sex reassignment surgery in which adequate vaginal depth had not been achieved. A rectosigmoid colon with its vascular pedicle was used and left in an ischemic state. All nerve structures within the pedicle were excised intraoperatively. Follow-up period was between 12 and 60 months. Partial necrosis occurred in one patient which was reconstructed with local flap. Hematoma developed beneath the skin incision in two cases, but resolved with conservative treatment. A good esthetic outcome was achieved in all cases. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 15 patients. Fourteen out of 15 patients scored above 26.5 on this scale and were determined as having no sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ≥26.5). In conclusion, vaginal reconstruction with denervated rectosigmoid held in an ischemic state appears to be a reasonable option among several available reconstruction techniques.

The Sabar Shouchagar Project (toilets for everyone): making Nadia District the first open-defecation-free district in India

Subject area Public Sector Management. Study level/applicability MBA or postgraduate program courses in public policy and management. MBA or postgraduate program courses on social innovation, social entrepreneurship and public or collective entrepreneurship. Management development programs for public policy professionals, non-governmental organizations and social enterprises. Case overview Despite several country-wide campaigns to improve sanitation levels, India continues to be the country with the highest number of people, over 600 million, practicing open defecation. This case outlines the Sabar Shouchagar Project (Toilets for Everyone) undertaken by the District Administration of Nadia District in West Bengal that transformed the region into the first open-defecation-free district in India. The case begins with providing the context of the problem of open defecation, why it has been hard to eliminate and how undertaking a project to eliminate open-defecation-free practices has myriad institutional and economic challenges. The case then details the conceptualization and execution of the complex Sabar Shouchagar Project which involved a loose coalition of various state programs and civil society organizations. The case ends with questions on the continuity of this project beyond the tenure of the current District Magistrate and on the replicability of such an ambitious project in other parts of the country. The setting of this case, a government agency, is different than most cases and provides an opportunity for students to talk about a state agency and its interstices with civil society. This case explores how to create change through large government machinery and allows the student to explore aspects of social mobilization, social change and social innovation. If taught within a postgraduate or MBA program, the case would serve well to dispel stereotypes and biases about government bureaucracies (such as slow timelines, limited efficacy of projects and so on). Expected learning outcomes After discussion and analysis of the case, students will be able to: appreciate how administrators within a large government bureaucracy address an ambitious and complex public health issue in a developing world context. Understand the on-the-ground challenges that arise when a change agent pursues a worthwhile goal. There are difficulties such as getting resources beyond what a government office has access to, getting alignments between different key actors within the local community and forging coalitions. Understand initiatives for social transformation within a developing country context. Specifically, the case unpacks the cultural, political, economic contexts that determine how social innovations may be pursued. Understand capacity-building and change management. Evaluate efforts required to sustain social change efforts and the challenges and pathways with respect to replication of successful social change projects in other geographies. Appreciate the design of civic engagement practices in public policy implementation. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email www.support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject Code CSS: 10: Public Sector management.

Perioperative complications and short-term outcomes of abdominal sacrocolpopexy, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, and laparoscopic pectopexy for apical prolapse.

ABSTRACTObjective:To investigate differences in perioperative complications and short-term outcomes of patients who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy / sacrohysteropexy, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy / sacrohysteropexy, or laparoscopic pectopexy due to apical prolapse.Materials and Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed on 110 patients who underwent apical prolapse surgery between January 1, 2011, and July 31, 2017. Only symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault prolapse patients with stage 2-4, according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system, were included. Baseline and intraoperative variables of groups; perioperative complications, including hemorrhage, urinary, and wound complications, blood transfusion, ileus, and short-term outcomes were compared.Results:A total of 68 abdominal sacrocolpopexies (44 sacrocolpopexies and 24 sacrohysteropexies), 14 laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies (10 sacrocolpopexies and 4 sacrohysteropexies), and 28 laparoscopic pectopexies (16 pectopexies and 12 pectohysteropexies) were analyzed. Baseline characteristics and intraoperative variables were similar. However, the mean operating time was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic pectopexy group (74.9 min) when compared with that of the other groups (p < 0.01). During the six-month follow-up period, no prolapse recurrence and mesh erosion / exposure were observed in any group. De-novo stress urinary incontinence, urgency, and defecation problems, as well as perioperative complication rates, were not statistically significantly different between the groups.Conclusions:Although the complication rates and short-term outcomes were not significantly different between the groups, minimally invasive approaches were associated with reduced procedural-related morbidity. Laparoscopic pectopexy is a promising endoscopic prolapse surgery and can be an alternative technique to sacrocolpopexy.

THE COMPARISON BETWEEN PRESENTING SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER AND OTHER ABDOMINAL - PELVIC CANCERS

Introduction : Diagnostic delays of ovarian cancer, has been attributed to the lack of a reliable and cost-effective screening test and presumption that ovarian cancer is symptomatic in the early stages. To investigate presenting symptoms of ovarian cancer and compare with symptoms of other abdominal-pelvic cancers Methods : We reviewed the medical records of all women with abdominal-pelvic cancers between March, 2003 and March, 2005 in Shiraz medical centers to compare, presenting symptoms of ovarian cancer and other abdominal-pelvic cancers. Results : Of 168 women with a diagnosis of abdominal-pelvic cancers, ovarian cancer was diagnosed for 22 women. (Stage I: 0, Stage II: 2, Stage III: 10, Stage IV: 7 and 3 patients without staging.) The mean age of patients with ovarian cancer was 51/6.The sensation of abdominal mass was more common in women with ovarian cancer than other abdominalpelvic cancers (P=0.00l). Constipation was documented in the patients with colon cancer more than women with ovarian cancer (P=0.012), whereas urinary symptoms were more common in patients with ovarian cancer (P=0.004).Although the women with bladder cancer complained from urinary problems more than who had ovarian cancer (P=0.00l), but defecation problems and abdominal pain were more detected in patients with ovarian cancer (p=0.05). Conclusion : The most common cases of ovarian cancer present in the end stage that usually have poor prognosis. It can be associated to both patient and healthcare factors. This cancer is associated with many symptoms, but few symptoms are related to reproductive system. Sensation of abdominal mass, abdominal pain and urinary and defecation problems are the symptoms that can be associated with this cancer. Key words : Presenting Symptoms, Ovarian Cancer, and Abdominal-Pelvic Cancers.

Quality of Life in Rectal Cancer Patients After Chemoradiation: Watch-and-Wait Policy Versus Standard Resection - A Matched-Controlled Study.

Fifteen to twenty percent of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer have a clinical complete response after chemoradiation therapy. These patients can be offered nonoperative organ-preserving treatment, the so-called watch-and-wait policy. The main goal of this watch-and-wait policy is an anticipated improved quality of life and functional outcome in comparison with a total mesorectal excision, while maintaining a good oncological outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life of watch-and-wait patients with a matched-controlled group of patients who underwent chemoradiation and surgery (total mesorectal excision group). This was a matched controlled study. This study was conducted at multiple centers. The study population consisted of 2 groups: 41 patients after a watch-and-wait policy and 41 matched patients after chemoradiation and surgery. Patients were matched on sex, age, tumor stage, and tumor height. All patients were disease free at the moment of recruitment after a minimal follow-up of 2 years. Quality of life was measured by validated questionnaires covering general quality of life (Short Form 36, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30), disease-specific total mesorectal excision (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-CR38), defecation problems (Vaizey and low anterior resection syndrome scores), sexual problems (International Index of Erectile Function and Female Sexual Function Index), and urinary dysfunction (International Prostate Symptom Score). The watch-and-wait group showed better physical and cognitive function, better physical and emotional roles, and better global health status compared with the total mesorectal excision group. The watch-and-wait patients showed fewer problems with defecation and sexual and urinary tract function. This study only focused on watch-and-wait patients who achieved a sustained complete response for 2 years. In addition, this is a study with a limited number of patients and with quality-of-life measurements on nonpredefined and variable intervals after surgery. After a successful watch-and-wait approach, the quality of life was better than after chemoradiation and surgery on several domains. However, chemoradiation therapy on its own is not without long-term side effects, because one-third of the watch-and-wait patients experienced major low anterior resection syndrome symptoms, compared with 66.7% of the patients in the total mesorectal excision group. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A395.

Transitional health care for patients with Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations

BackgroundHirschsprung disease (HD) and anorectal malformations (ARM) are congenital disorders with potentially lifelong consequences. Although follow-up is performed in most pediatric patients, transfer to adult health care is often problematic. This study assesses transitional care with the help of questionnaires in consultation with adult patients.MethodsThis study was conducted in an outpatient clinic of a pediatric surgical center in the Netherlands. All patients born and treated for ARM or HD before 1992 were invited to visit our clinic. Patients completed questionnaires concerning disease-specific functioning and quality of life at an initial visit to in response to which individual treatment plans were modified. Patients were reviewed 1 year later.ResultsTwenty-seven patients (17 ARM and 10 HD), mean age 27.9 years (range 17–64 years) of the 168 invited visited the transitional clinic (17%). Passive fecal incontinence was reported by 7/27, other defecatory problems, including urge incontinence and incomplete evacuation in 17/27 and anal or abdominal pain reported by 9/27. Quality of life was lower than a matched population. Only 13/27 returned for repeat assessment at 1 year; however, a further 8 reported that that their problems had resolved. In those attending follow-up, negative thoughts and feelings about their condition had decreased and one more patient was fully continent. There was no change in quality of life, bowel function or pain recorded. Twelve out of thirteen patients reported that they had found the transitional clinic satisfactory.ConclusionsThe transitional outpatient clinic provides care adapted to the needs and wishes of adult HD and ARM patients. It is a novel addition to quality of care of patients with complex congenital disorders.

Usefulness and effectiveness of herbal medicines in stroke: Narrative review

ABSTRACTStroke causes various disabilities, reducing the quality of life and motivation for life. It is also one of the major causes of death in the aging population. Therefore, prevention and treatment are crucial. In conventional medicine, thrombolysis and various surgical techniques have been developed and used to treat stroke, but, despite the advancements and benefits, many patients still experience various disabilities. In East Asian countries, herbal prescriptions have been widely used for the treatment and prevention of stroke. Recently, the efficacy of herbal complexes as an adjunct to conventional treatment has been suggested. Numerous reports have been published in various fields from acute stroke management to chronic stroke rehabilitation and stroke prevention. Here, we review the herbal complexes used for acute phase treatment, to recover motor function, and those used for post‐stroke sensory disturbances such as central post‐stroke pain and complex regional pain syndrome. Furthermore, we review the herbal complexes used for post‐stroke psychiatric symptoms such as emotional incontinence, post‐stroke depression, and post‐stroke insomnia, and those used for cognitive dysfunction, dysphagia, and urinary and defecation problems. Furthermore, in most cases, both Western medicines and herbal complexes have been used together. To reflect on this situation, we investigate the safety of herbal complexes combined with anticoagulants. Moreover, we investigate the possibility of using herbal complexes to combat the problems that could occur during conventional treatment such as with antibiotics. Finally, we review the efficacy of herbal complexes for stroke prevention.

Novel Effects of Traditional Wooden Toothbrush on Bowel Motility Symptoms in Spinal Cord Injury Patients; Findings from a Pilot Quasi-experimental Study.

Background:The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of traditional wooden toothbrush usage on most severe constipation, which usually occurs in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.Methods:In a quasi-experimental study, 61 SCI patients were selected who had injuries in different spinal levels (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), and severe constipation from one defection in a few days to 3 weeks. They were recommended to use traditional wooden toothbrush for 5 min twice a day, after breakfast and dinner, over a 6 weeks period. Two proper standard scales, called neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), and “Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS),” were used for evaluating the changes in patients’ gastrointestinal (GI) habits during the period of using the wooden toothbrush. Through these scales (NBD and CAS), the therapeutic effects of traditional wooden toothbrush usage on the severity of constipation before and after intervention were measured.Results:The mean of NBD and CAS scores were reduced significantly, from 8.95 ± 0.78 and 3.34 ± 0.28; respectively, to 3.03 ± 0.57 and 1.74 ± 0.25, after 6 weeks using traditional wooden toothbrush (P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in terms of NBD scores in patients with different levels of injury (P < 0.01), particularly in patients with thoracic injury, before (10.52 ± 0.88) and after (3.13 ± 0.78) treatment, respectively (P < 0.0001). Eventually, all symptoms of bowel problems improved significantly after the intervention (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The use of traditional wooden toothbrush lead to the improvement of bowel and defecation problems in SCI patients. Yet more studies, particularly randomized control clinical trials are needed to investigate the effect of using wooden toothbrush on other GI reflexes. In addition, if some clinical trials are devised to study the effects of wooden toothbrush on both conscious and unconscious patients in ICU, best results are expected to be found on keeping their mouth and teeth hygiene, as well as, getting rid of their constipations.

Defecation-Specific Behavior in Children with Functional Defecation Issues: A Systematic Review.

Atypical defecation habits are common and distressing for children and families and can have a major impact on quality of life. Often, no underlying factor can be identified, and the defecation disorder is considered functional. Current interventions are not successful for up to 50% of children. We suggest this high failure rate may be caused by lack of consistency in descriptors of behavioral indicators for functional defecation problems. Most investigations and descriptors focus on general behavior. There are fewer reports concerning defecation-specific behaviors. To develop a thorough inventory of defecation-specific behaviors, providing a more informed foundation for assessment and intervention. A systematic review of six common databases was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Reference lists of retained articles were screened for additional studies. Content analysis was used to classify defecation-specific behaviors into 17 categories. Our search yielded 2677 articles; 98 peer-reviewed publications were retained for full-text review, and 67 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Although there is inconsistency in reported diagnostic criteria, stool withholding and manifesting pain on defecation are the most commonly reported defecation-specific behaviors. In the studies that included children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the defecation-specific behaviors were not unique to the diagnostic group. Consistent use of established diagnostic criteria, along with use of behaviors identified through this review, lay a foundation for more effective interventions.

Avoidance of late rectal toxicity after high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost treatment for prostate cancer

PURPOSETo elucidate potential risk factors important for the appearance of late rectal toxicity (LRT) after high-dose-rate boost treatment (HDRBT) of prostate cancer and to validate the predictive value of the minimal dose to the most exposed 2 cc of rectum received with HDRBT (D2ccrect). METHODS AND MATERIALSThe study of LRT, defined as relative deterioration of defecation problems (RDDP) (stool frequency, pain, rectal bleeding, fecal urgency, and incontinence) during follow-up period, was carried out on 88 patients, consecutively treated from October 2006 through April 2011 with HDRBT of 3 × 6–7 Gy to 50–50.4 Gy of EBRT. The impact of patients and treatment characteristics on third year prevalence of RDDP was analyzed by using binary logistic regression method. ResultsAt third year of follow-up, RDDP was evidenced in 30 of 77 (39.0%) patients. More important as D2ccrect (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.99–1.34; p = .059) was minimal dose to the most exposed 1 cc of the rectum (D1ccrect; OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01–1.31; p = .032), whereas the sum of D1ccrect and EBRT mean rectal dose (EDmeanrect) was the only significant parameter in multivariate analysis (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–1.22; p = .004). Based on a multivariate model, the safe compound 2 Gy equivalent dose was estimated at 44.4 Gy with the average ratio of D1ccrect:EDmeanrect = 1:3.1 (95% CI ± 1.8) and negative predictive value of 0.828. ConclusionsThe study confirms the value of composite dose parameter and the importance of rectal high-dose and low-dose regions for LRT. Taking account of suggested dose constraints and CT/MRI-based HDRBT, the incidence of LRT can be reduced by a half.

An ANMS‐NASPGHAN consensus document on anorectal and colonic manometry in children

Over the last few years, the study of the colon and anorectal function has experienced great technical advances that have facilitated the performance of the tests and have allowed a more detailed characterization of reflexes and motor patterns. As a result, we have achieved a much better understanding of the pathophysiology of children with defecation problems. Anorectal and colonic manometry are now commonly used in all major pediatric referral centers as diagnostic tools and to guide the management of children with intractable constipation and fecal incontinence, particularly when a surgical intervention is being considered. This review highlights some of the recent advances in pediatric colon and anorectal motility testing including indications and preparation for the studies, and how to perform and interpret the tests. This update has been endorsed by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).

Neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of raloxifene in the myenteric plexus of a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) are often preceded by nonmotor symptoms related to dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous system such as constipation, defecatory problems, and delayed gastric emptying. These gastrointestinal impairments are associated with the alteration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the myenteric plexus of the gut. Recently, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of estrogens to treat intestinal neurodegeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles of raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) already commercialized for osteoporosis treatment. In MPTP-treated mice, we found that raloxifene decreased the loss of DAergic neurons and prevented the increase in proinflammatory macrophage density in the myenteric plexus. Interestingly, raloxifene activity was prevented by the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) antagonist G15, suggesting that raloxifene effects were mainly mediated by GPER1. Moreover, monocytic cell proinflammatory polarization, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) response, nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines production following 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) treatment were also prevented by raloxifene in vitro. Overall, the present results suggest that raloxifene may help preventing the loss of DAergic neurons in the myenteric plexus in an MPTP mouse model of PD, at least in part through its anti-inflammatory effects. This suggests that drug repurposing of raloxifene might represent a promising therapeutic avenue to prevent systemic inflammation and peripheral neuronal dysfunction at early PD stages.

Impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

To analyse the impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative defecation pattern for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Constipation is a neglected problem that occurs frequently after cardiac surgery. Descriptive study. The study sample comprised 102 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. A Descriptive Information Form, Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, Constipation Severity Instrument, Postoperative Defecation Pattern Evaluation Form and Bristol Stool Form Scale were used for data collection and analysis. The Constipation Severity Instrument scores of just over one-third (37·2%) of the patients who were constipated prior to surgery were higher compared to those who were not constipated. Following cardiac surgery, 39·2% of patients developed constipation and 80% of these patients were constipated prior to cardiac surgery. The findings indicate a significantly high relationship between preoperative and postoperative defecation pattern (r=0·71, p<0·001). Preoperative defecation pattern is a determining factor for the development of postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. During the preoperative period, clinical nurses may evaluate the patients' defecation patterns using valid and reliable scales and follow the defecation of the patients, especially patients with defecation problems, during the postoperative period.

Vaginal pessaries for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in elderly women.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common clinical condition that is highly prevalent in the geriatric female population. The condition can have substantial negative influence on multiple symptom and quality-of-life parameters. There are various treatment options for POP, including observation, pessary placement, and surgical treatments with either vaginal reconstruction or colpocleisis resulting in vaginal vault closure. This review examines current literature about pessary use for treatment of POP in elderly women. Pessary use appears to be successful for many women and is often associated with improvements in various clinical parameters, including decreased sensation of vaginal bulge and enhanced quality of life. Some patients may experience improvements in bladder or bowel symptoms, although a small percentage may develop new urinary incontinence, constipation, or other defecation problems. Complications of pessary use are generally minor and can usually be successfully treated with targeted therapy such as vaginal estrogen supplementation. Continuity of clinical care is important to help maintain clinical success and prevent potential complications. Pessaries are a viable conservative form of treatment for POP for many older women. Pessary use can lead to substantial improvements in quality of life and other clinical outcomes in geriatric patients.

Urological and intestinal functional outcomes of sacrococcygeal teratoma following surgery

Surgery for sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) in neonatal period may result in functional problems of micturation and defecation caused by pelvic nerve dam - age. We aimed to evaluate long term outcome of patients with SCT in terms of bladder dynamics. To evaluate the postoperative urological outcome related with SCT excision, urodynamic study, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic ex - aminations were performed. The families are asked about the micturition and defecation paterns. Twenty-one patients (eight male, thirteen female) underwent SCT excision between 2006 and 2013 and seventeen (six male, eleven female) are regarded eligible for long term evaluation. Incidence of constipation was 9.4%, encopresis 9.4% and urinary incontinence 4.7%. Two patients had a his - tory of urinary tract infection without reflux on voiding cystourethrography or renal scarring on renal cortical scintigraphy. Three patients had increased post - voiding residual urine of 25 to 35 mL while four had increased bladder capacity. Meticulous surgical technique for excision of SCT in newborns may avoid sig - nificant urinary and defecation problems subsequently.

The impact on health-related quality of life in the first 12 months: A randomised comparison of preoperative short-course radiation versus long-course chemoradiation for T3 rectal cancer (Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group Trial 01.04)

PurposeTo assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients participating in a randomised trial of neoadjuvant short course radiation (SC) or long course chemoradiation (LC) for operable rectal cancer. Patients and methodsEligible patients with T3N0-2M0 rectal cancer completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the colorectal cancer specific module (QLQ C38) at randomisation and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months later. ResultsOf 326 patients randomised, 297 (SC 143, LC 154) were eligible for completion of HRQOL questionnaires. Baseline scores were comparable across the SC and LC groups. Patients reported low scores on sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment. Defaecation problems were the worst of the symptoms at baseline. Surgery had the most profoundly negative effect on HRQOL, seen in both the SC and LC treatment groups to the same extent. The most severely affected domains were physical function and role function and the most severely affected symptoms were fatigue, pain, appetite, weight loss and male sexual problems. Most domains and symptoms returned to baseline levels by 12 months apart from body image, sexual enjoyment and male sexual problems. Future perspective was better than prior to treatment. ConclusionThere is no overall difference in HRQOL between SC and LC neoadjuvant treatment strategies, in the first 12 months, after surgery. In the immediate postoperative period HRQOL was adversely affected in both groups but for the most part was temporary. Some residual sexual functioning concerns persisted at 12 months.

Patient-Reported Defecation and Micturition Problems Among Adults Treated for Sacrococcygeal Teratoma During Childhood--The Need for New Surveillance Strategies.

To evaluate defecation and micturition complaints in adults treated for sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) during childhood and to identify risk factors for soiling, urinary incontinence, and constipation beyond childhood. Records of patients aged ≥18 treated for SCT during infancy in the Netherlands were retrospectively reviewed. Frequency and severity of soiling, constipation, and urinary incontinence were evaluated using questionnaires designed in line with the Krickenbeck classification. Problems during childhood were compared to outcomes at adult age in part of the cohort. Associations between patient- and disease-related factors with complaints beyond childhood were analyzed with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, when appropriate. Of 47 included patients (mean age 26.2 years, SD ±6.5), 49% reported at least one defecation or micturition complaint. Urinary incontinence was present in 30% and had a greater negative impact than soiling (24%). Ten patients (21%) reported constipation; five found this severely bothering. Three patients reported social restrictions due to defecation or micturition complaints (6.4%). While sex and tumor histology were not identified as risk factors, a tumor diameter of >10 cm and Altman type I or type II SCT were associated with constipation during adulthood. One-third of the patients treated for SCT during childhood reported urinary and defecation problems beyond childhood. In only a minority of cases, these led to social restrictions. A greater tumor diameter was associated with a higher risk of constipation during adulthood. Prolonged surveillance strategies are advised for all patients with SCT.

Health-related quality of life in patients with lower rectal cancer after sphincter-saving surgery: a prospective 6-month follow-up study.

This longitudinal descriptive study examined whether rectal cancer patients report changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over a 6-month period after different types of sphincter-saving surgery (SSS): intersphincteric resection (ISR), ultra-low anterior resection (ULAR) and low anterior resection (LAR). It also compares HRQOL among the three groups of patients. Seventy-three patients from two hospitals in Japan completed questionnaires on HRQOL and defecation symptoms immediately before surgery and 1 and 6months afterwards. Results showed that ISR patients had significantly worse HRQOL scores than ULAR and LAR patients and more defecation symptoms that persisted during the 6months post-SSS. Thus, patients undergoing ISR require psychological and social support, including skills in competent self-management, during the early post-operative period. Furthermore, defecation problems substantially influence HRQOL. The first month post-SSS is particularly challenging. The assumption that HRQOL is better after SSS compared to living with a permanent stoma might not be valid.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Bowel Disorders.

Defecation problems occur in patients of all ages, but are more prevalent in the elderly, postpartum women, and patients with chronic and debilitating medical conditions. Most of the time, these problems respond to medical therapy and nonsurgical options, but it is not uncommon for patients to require surgical intervention. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) presents an alternative for patients with bowel dysfunction combining proven therapeutic benefits and limited surgical risks. Here we describe the common indications for SNS, patient selection, technical details of the procedure, published outcomes, and complications that can arise. Based on our review, SNS is an effective treatment option for fecal incontinence and may reduce the patients' clinical symptoms and help restore their quality of life. Future research studies may expand the role of this modality for other bowel disorders.