Total Anorectal Reconstruction Research Articles

Composite Antropyloric Valve and Gluteus Maximus Muscle Wrap for Neoanal Reconstruction: Initial Results.

Severe fecal incontinence has a significant negative impact on patient well-being. Current surgical methods of total anorectal reconstruction to substitute a colostomy have suboptimal results. A composite graft using antropyloric valve transposition and gracilis wrap has been described with good outcomes. However, this procedure requires extensive training of patients. Gluteus maximus, an accessory muscle for continence, may be better suited for this purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of composite antropylorus-gluteus graft for intractable fecal incontinence. Patients underwent a 3-stage procedure: antropyloric transposition with diversion stoma followed by gluteus wrap. Stoma was closed after ensuring the anatomic and functional integrity of the graft. This study was conducted at a single tertiary care institution. Patients who were on permanent colostomy for intractable incontinence or would have had one after abdominoperineal resection were included. Endoultrasonography, MRI, loopogram, saline holding test, anal manometry, St. Mark's fecal incontinence score, and personal interviews were used for measurement. Eleven patients underwent the procedure with a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 13-34 mo). Digital rectal examination revealed a resting tone with a distinct squeeze provided by the composite graft. Radiological imaging confirmed healthy grafts. There was a significant improvement in mean anal manometry values (resting pressure: preoperative = 10.25 mm Hg vs postoperative = 20.45 mm Hg; squeeze pressure: preoperative = 22.63 mm Hg vs postoperative = 105.18 mm Hg) and mean incontinence score postprocedure (preoperative = 22.8 vs postoperative = 8.6). On personal interview, majority of the patients were continent and expressed satisfaction with the procedure. The study was limited by its small sample size with no control group. Composite graft in patients with intractable fecal incontinence can serve as a viable novel method for total anorectal reconstruction. However, it should only be recommended for a highly select group of individuals in a surveillance setting. Its long-term outcomes remain to be determined as well as its risk versus benefit.

Current aspects and future prospects of total anorectal reconstruction--a critical and comprehensive review of the literature.

Many rectal cancer patients undergo abdominoperineal excision worldwide every year. Various procedures to restore perineal (pseudo-) continence, referred to as total anorectal reconstruction, have been proposed. The best technique, however, has not yet been defined. In this study, the different reconstruction techniques with regard to morbidity, functional outcome and quality of life were analysed. Technical and timing issues (i.e. whether the definitive procedure should be performed synchronously or be delayed), oncological safety, economical aspects as well as possible future improvements are further discussed. A MEDLINE and EMBASE search was conducted to identify the pertinent multilingual literature between 1989 and 2013. All publications meeting the defined inclusion/exclusion criteria were eligible for analysis. Dynamic graciloplasty, artificial bowel sphincter, circular smooth muscle cuff or gluteoplasty result in median resting and squeezing neo-anal pressures that equate to the measurements found in incontinent patients. However, quality of life was generally stated to be good by patients who had undergone the procedures, despite imperfect continence, faecal evacuation problems and a considerable associated morbidity. Many patients developed an alternative perception for the urge to defecate that decisively improved functional outcome. Theoretical calculations suggested cost-effectiveness of total anorectal reconstruction compared well to life with a permanent colostomy. Many patients would be highly motivated to have their abdominal replaced by a functional perineal colostomy. Given the considerable morbidity and questionable functional outcome of current reconstruction technique improvements are required. Tissue engineering might be an option to design an anatomically and physiologically matured, and customised continence organ.

Neuromodulation of perineally transposed antropylorus with pudendal nerve anastomosis following total anorectal reconstruction in humans.

We have reported perineal antropyloric segment transposition with its pudendal innervation as a replacement for anal sphincter. Our aim herein was to neuromodulate this segment by electrical stimulation. Eight patients with a permanent colostomy underwent perineal antropyloric segment transposition followed by neural anastomosis of its anterior vagus branch to pudendal nerve branch in the perineum. Perineal antropyloric graft was assessed for its functional integrity and electrophysiological effects. Nerve stimulation was done by surface stimulation technique, using a customized stimulation protocol for smooth muscle. Antral pressures were recorded on voluntary attempts and on nerve stimulation with simultaneous concentric needle electromyography of the perineal antropylorus. The antral segment showed slow spontaneous contractions (2-3/min) on digital examination, endoscopy, and electrophysiology. Stimulated antropyloric electromyography showed a latency of 2-5 s with a differential rise in amplitude (mean range 58.57-998.75 μV) according to the frequency of stimulation (range 10-150 Hz). An average latency of 10 s in relation to rise in the antral pressure was observed on pudendal nerve stimulation. Triggering of the intrinsic rhythm was observed in patients where it was initially absent. Voluntary attempts at contraction also showed a rise in perineally transposed antral pressure. Spontaneous rhythm, its generation after electrical stimulation, and response to voluntary contraction demonstrates the viability and functional reinnervation of the perineally transposed antropyloric segment. Rise in pressure on electrical stimulation shows evidence for its neuromodulation.

Modern management of anal incontinence.

Anal incontinence (AI) reflects the final common pathway of a multitude of aetiological factors and, as an underestimated clinical problem, it represents a major social and economic burden. Its epidemiology and objective assessment of the severity of the problem are discussed in this Special Edition by Nevler from Israel. In the 1980s, the management of AI included some form of sphincter repair or scaffold, as discussed by Pescatori and Pescatori, with the construction of a colostomy as the only other surgical option. The development of a series of complicated muscle transposition procedures ensued and was supplemented by electrical stimulation, following an improvement in our understanding of the basic functioning of the voluntary myocyte. These procedures are discussed by Barisic and Krivokapic. This approach was followed by the adoption, from urological practice, of an artificial bowel sphincter that could be used to augment a perineal colostomy, in some cases of total anorectal reconstruction, and in patients with complex congenital anomalies after failed reconstruction. Neither of these more complex approaches has effectively stood the test of time, resulting in high complication rates, and the frequent need for operative revision and ultimate explantation of the device. Given the costs (both financial and patient-related) of these more complex procedures, there are available today novel, specialized alternatives that are considered in this Special Edition. These include the use of a stoma for antegrade colonic irrigation, as discussed by Zbar (Israel), either alone or as part of a complex total anorectal reconstruction designed to augment a perineal colostomy. Also considered is the rediscovery of the use of a simple anal sling (previously used for rectal prolapse), as discussed by Devesa (Spain) and radiofrequency treatment of the anal canal as discussed by Felt-Bersma (Netherlands). The rise of primary internal anal sphincter dysfunction leading to troublesome faecal seepage was previously not amenable to therapy, with poor results from muscle plication; however, hope has arrived with the new implants—although prospective, randomized data are currently lacking concerning the ideal agent for use or the technical aspects of its optimal deployment. These issues are discussed by de la Portilla, who presents personal data from Spain. Lately, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become a first-line therapy in AI management in many cases, even in the presence of small defects of the external anal sphincter, which in the past would have been repaired at the outset. The 75% overall success rate of SNM, almost regardless of the aetiology of AI (success being defined as a 50% or greater reduction in incontinence episodes), appears to be maintained over prolonged, medium-term follow-up. The technique of SNM has become fairly standardized, with the ab initio use of a permanent lead and decisions on permanent stimulator implantation being made after an initial period of temporary stimulation. About 60% of patients progress to a permanent implant, although there are currently no clear prognostic factors that predict a successful temporary stimulation trial. The complication rate of SNM is very low, with Zbar presenting an algorithm of its postoperative troubleshooting when functional outcomes are suboptimal. Currently, however, the simpler (and cheaper) technique of peripheral posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PNS)—performed transcutaneously or percutaneously—is reserved for SNM failures, but its true role in the treatment algorithm remains to be determined. Latterly, some comparative studies have suggested that acupuncture may be equally efficacious, and future studies will define the role of these therapies in AI cases of differing severity and aetiology. It should not be forgotten that the first port of call in AI management involves conservative therapies and physical treatments that will substantially improve individual patient care, although the limited trial data show little improvement over placebo in terms of quality of life in collated patient cohorts. The conservative options in AI management are addressed by Dan Carter from Israel. Finally the cost of these therapies, both in terms of economic health burden and for individualized therapy, are considered by Edden (Israel) with an emphasis on the cost-effectiveness of neurostimulatory therapies. This Special Edition clearly outlines the place of established and newer therapies in the management of patients with AI. The future will better define the indications and contra-indications, particularly for stimulatory treatments, and may elucidate the supraspinal and central mechanisms of action of neuromodulatory methods.

The antegrade continence enema procedure and total anorectal reconstruction

Patients may present with anal incontinence (AI) following repair of a congenital anorectal anomaly years previously, or require total anorectal reconstruction (TAR) following radical rectal extirpation, most commonly for rectal cancer. Others may require removal of their colostomy following sphincter excision for Fournier's gangrene, or in cases of severe perineal trauma. Most of the data pertaining to antegrade continence enema (the ACE or Malone procedure) comes from the pediatric literature in the management of children with AI, but also with supervening chronic constipation, where the quality of life and compliance with this technique appears superior to retrograde colonic washouts. Total anorectal reconstruction requires an anatomical or physical supplement to the performance of a perineal colostomy, which may include an extrinsic muscle interposition (which may or may not be ‘dynamized'), construction of a neorectal reservoir, implantation of an incremental artificial bowel sphincter or creation of a terminal, smooth-muscle neosphincter. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques and their outcome are presented here.

Neurovascular antropylorus perineal transposition using inferior rectal nerve anastomosis for total anorectal reconstruction: preliminary report in humans

Technical feasibility of inferior rectal nerve anastomosis to the anterior vagus branch of the perineally transposed antropyloric valve for total anorectal reconstruction has been previously demonstrated in cadavers. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of using this procedure in humans. Eight patients [mean age 35.5years (range 15-55years); (male/female=7:1)] underwent the procedure. The antropyloric valve with its anterior vagus branch was mobilized based on the left gastroepiploic arterial pedicle. The antral end was anastomosed to the distal colon. The anterior vagus nerve was anastomosed by epineural technique to the inferior rectal nerve in the perineum. A diverting proximal colostomy was maintained for 6months. Anatomical integrity of the graft (on magnetic resonance imaging scans), its arterial pedicle (on computed tomography angiogram) and neural continuity (on ultrasound and pyloric electromyography) were assessed. Functional assessment was performed using barium retention studies, endoscopy, manometry and fecal incontinence scores. Tension-free end-to-end anastomosis of the anterior vagus nerve to the right (n=7) and left (n=1) inferior rectal nerve was achieved. An intact left gastroepiploic pedicle, a healthy graft and neural continuity were visualized on perineal ultrasound. Electromyographic activity was noticed on neural stimulation. Endoscopy and barium studies showed voluntary antral contraction and contrast retention, respectively, in all patients. The mean resting and squeeze pressures were 26.25mmHg (range 16-62mmHg) and 50.25mmHg (range 16-113mmHg), respectively. St. Mark's incontinence scores varied between 7 and 12. There were no major surgical complications. Pudendal (inferior rectal) innervation of the perineally transposed antropylorus in total anorectal reconstruction is feasible and may improve outcomes in selected patients with end-stage fecal incontinence.

Intersphincteric resection with partial removal of external anal sphincter for low rectal cancer

Abdominoperineal resection (APR) remains the standard procedure for rectal cancer located within 0.5 cm from dentate line (DL). In this study, we present a new type of restorative surgery: intersphincteric resection with partial removal of external anal sphincter (EAS) and anorectal reconstruction for-ultra low rectal cancer. Between March 2003 and May 2008 fifty patients (28 males, aged between 39 and 71) were operated on for ultra low rectal cancer uT2-3N0M0 with partial preservation of EAS and total anorectal reconstruction (smooth-muscle neosphincter and colonic pouch). A protective stoma was performed in all cases. Functional outcome and quality of life were recorded at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months after stoma closure using Wexner score and FIQL respectively. Anal manometry, vectrum volumetry and myography data were taken as well. Results. Postoperative complications developed in 2 patients, but no secondary surgery was required. Carcinomas were staged as pT2 (n = 14) and pT3 (n = 36). The distal clearance was 2.00.4 (range 1.5-2.8) cm, lateral clearance was 0.80.3 (range 0.2-1.4) cm. After a median follow-up of 24 (range 2-61) months, 2 local recurrences were occurred and salvaged by APR. Contractive activity of saved elements of EAS improved with a course of time and squeezing anal pressure increased as well. Perfect functional outcome was achieved in 25 of 34 patients at 12 months after stoma closure, and all the patients were satisfied with procedure. Good functional results of suggested surgery seems to be an acceptable alternative to APR with permanent stoma in selected patients.

Total anorectal reconstruction.

Abdominal stomas carry a considerable physical and psychological morbidity. Several authors have attempted total anorectal reconstruction (TAR) to avoid a permanent stoma for patients undergoing abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER). The published series of TAR are reviewed. There is no evidence that TAR adversely affects survival in patients with cancer. Patients who have undergone reconstruction have variable anorectal function, most suffering from anorectal incontinence to some degree. It appears, however, that the psychological benefit of avoidance of an abdominal stoma outweighs the inconvenience of incontinence for almost all. Refinements in surgical technique, allied with novel methods of achieving neorectal emptying, make TAR a viable alternative to APER in selected patients.

Electrically stimulated colonic reservoir for total anorectal reconstruction.

Total anorectal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision of the rectum has failed to achieve perfect continence. Electrically stimulated reservoir evacuation in combination with an electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter might improve results. A J pouch was constructed in an isolated colonic loop of seven dogs. Bipolar square wave pulses were delivered via two intramural stainless steel electrode pairs at 10 Hz. Stimulation parameters were varied to achieve adequate contraction. Serosal strain gauges recorded spontaneous and stimulated pouch motility. Evacuation was quantified by a volume displacement technique and observed fluoroscopically. Recordings were performed for a median of 3 (range 1-11) months. At 10 Hz and 0.5 ms pulse width, stimulation was required for 2 min and at voltages of 15 V (n = 4), 18 V (n = 1) and 20 V (n = 2) to obtain a contraction of amplitude comparable to that of a spontaneous contraction. Suprathreshold stimulation invariably resulted in colonic pouch contraction. The mean(95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.)) stimulus-response latency was 25.5(1.9) s. The mean(95 per cent c.i.) intraluminal pressure generated during stimulation was 114.1(17.0) cmH2O and 64.6(12.0) cmH2O during spontaneous activity (P < 0.001). In conclusion, electrical stimulation via intramural electrodes produced contraction generating sufficient intraluminal pressure to effect evacuation of a canine colonic pouch. This has potential for incorporation with an electrically stimulated neoanal sphincter in total anorectal reconstruction to improve evacuation and continence.

Total anorectal reconstruction results in complete anorectal sensory loss

Six patients underwent objective measurement of anorectal sensory function following abdominoperineal excision of the rectum and total anorectal reconstruction. No patient perceived neorectal distension as a desire to defaecate or as a feeling of flatus. Anal mucosal sensation was preserved in two patients in whom some anal mucosa was retained. These sensory deficiencies may result in faecal retention and incontinence in patients undergoing reconstructive surgery. The loss of rectal sensation suggests that the prime sensors of rectal filling may lie within the rectum itself.

Total anorectal reconstruction: a novel technique

The aim of this report is to describe a novel technical approach to total anorectal reconstruction after a Miles operation for rectal cancer. Recreation of an internal neosphincter with colonic muscle, the implant of an artificial bowel sphincter (ABS), and the association of a coloplasty constitute a complete substitution of the lost structures and functions. Although the patient developed a late complication which required removal of the ABS, the functional result of the technique can be considered as excellent, to be demonstrated by the incontinence score and quality of life with and without the colostomy.

Anorectal reconstruction by electrostimulated graciloplasty as part of abdominoperineal resection

Aims To report the outcomes of anorectal reconstruction by electrostimulated graciloplasty as part of abdominoperineal resection, on data prospectively collected over 10 years. Patients and methods Twenty-three abdominoperineal resections were associated to coloperineal pull through, double graciloplasty and loop abdominal stoma. Fifteen patients also received an implantable pulse generator, either for unsatisfactory result after external-source intermittent electrostimulation and biofeedback (five cases) or during graciloplasty (10 cases). Follow-up was to a maximum of 10 years. Functional outcome was followed up in sixteen patients who underwent stoma takedown. Results Mean actuarial survival at 5 years was 72.3%. Satisfactory results (score≤8) occurred in 75% of patients (three without and 13 with stimulator) in the early stages, decreasing to 57% at 1 year and gradually increasing up to 100% at 5 years and over. Conclusions Total anorectal reconstruction yields a good functional outcome over time. Thus, despite, and because of, a high complication rate and a great drain on resources, it should be considered a suitable procedure only for selected, strongly motivated patients.

Muscle transposition: does it still have a role?

Since the early 1900s, skeletal muscle transpositions have been employed for complicated cases of fecal incontinence to augment or replace the anal sphincter. Multiple techniques have evolved that vary with the type and configuration of muscle used in the reconstruction. Transposition of the gluteus maximus muscle was popular in the early stages of development but was replaced by techniques involving transposition of the gracilis muscle. Within the past 16 years, electrical stimulators have been applied to the transposed muscle flaps to create a dynamic reconstruction improving the efficacy of these neosphincters over their static counterparts. However, the stimulated versions are technically demanding with a high rate of morbidity secondary to complications of the multiple components and variations in technique. The stimulator used in this procedure has been removed from the US market, although it is still available in other countries. Currently in the United States, gracilis transposition is still employed in the absence of an electrical stimulator as an adjunct to the artificial bowel sphincter (Acticon Neosphincter, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN), such as in cases of severe muscle loss and congenital atresia. In European countries, the stimulated graciloplasty continues to evolve, leading to expansion of its use in total anorectal reconstruction for anal atresia and after abdominoperineal resection.

Irrigations coliques antérogrades avec colostomie périnéale comme alternative après résection abdominopérinéale pour cancer du bas rectum

Some young and active patients requiring abdominoperineal resection for rectum cancer ask for an alternative of an abdominal colostomy. We analysed the results after a combination of a perineal colostomy and antegrade continence enemas (ACE). Fifteen patients have been operated between 1999 and 2004. Follow-up was > six months in 12 patients with a mean of two years and with a maximum of 55 months. The QLQ-C30 (version 3) and CR 38 questionnaires of the EORTC have been used to evaluate quality of life aspects. Five out of 15 patients presented complications: infection of the caecal conduit (2), small bowel obstruction (1), prolapse of the perineal colostomy (1), eventration (1), urologic complications (2). ACE are still used by all patients. The volume needed was 400 ml and duration of irrigation was 30 minutes (15–45 minutes). The median score for faecal incontinence was 0 ; faecal pseudocontinence was obtained by 7/12 patients. The scores for all aspects of functioning were excellent, as well as the score for body image. The general health status and quality of life were estimated at 75% from normal value. The procedure is simple and can be performed in one operative session. A perineal colostomy with ACE seems to be a valuable and less expensive alternative for an abdominal colostomy, and certainly for total anorectal reconstruction.

Dynamic graciloplasty for total anorectal reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection for rectal tumour.

To review the results of dynamic graciloplasty for total anorectal reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer. Chart reviews were done on 17 patients who had dynamic graciloplasty following abdominoperineal resection and details of post-operative complications, bowel functions and recurrences were obtained. Seventeen patients (12 males) had dynamic graciloplasty after APR for low rectal tumours. The median age was 58.5 years (range 33-78). Three patients from overseas were lost to follow-up, and three still have not had the defunctioning stoma closed. Only 11 patients were available for evaluation of function. The median time from graciloplasty to continence to solids and liquids is 15.7 months (range 0.4-21.9 months). Six patients had defecatory problems, requiring daily irrigation to evacuate. Nine patients were continent without need for gracilis stimulation. Only two patients needed gracilis stimulation to maintain continence. Fifty percent of rectal carcinoma patients had developed a recurrence. Dynamic graciloplasty had a high morbidity and did not always bring about normal defecatory function. Gracilis stimulation was not needed to achieve continence in all cases. Conversely, dynamic graciloplasty may lead to defecatory difficulties in a large number of patients. Graciloplasty should only be considered three years after the initial APR to avoid performing the procedure in a patient who may develop recurrence as well as to select patients who are psychologically prepared for the surgery and its complications.

Belgian experience with dynamic graciloplasty for faecal incontinence.

Dynamic graciloplasty (DGP) is an option in patients with end-stage faecal incontinence. The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to assess early and late outcome after DGP. Sixty consecutive patients with congenital (14) or acquired (40) faecal incontinence or who had undergone total anorectal reconstruction (six) underwent DGP. Patients were followed up for a median of 48 (range 13-117) months. There were no deaths; 75 complications that required 61 reoperations were observed in 44 patients. Loss of muscle stimulation occurred in 22 patients, more frequently after direct nerve stimulation. Evacuation difficulties occurred in 12 patients. Overall, DGP failed in 27 patients, of whom seven had stoma construction. At follow-up, continence to solid stool without stoma was obtained in 47 of 60 patients, although 26 required use of antegrade continence enemas or other measures. Functional outcome was related to the presence of a functioning DGP and a short delay (less than 50 days) of muscle training after transposition. DGP is a major operation with a high morbidity rate; it requires experience and early muscle training. The outcome after DGP should be compared prospectively with that after implantation of an artificial sphincter or other less expensive alternatives.

The combination of electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter and continent colonic conduit: a step forward for total anorectal reconstruction?

Patients undergoing total anorectal reconstruction for anorectal atresia or following abdominoperineal resection of the rectum do not fare as well after an electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter as patients with incontinence alone. This retrospective study reports the outcome for the combination of a continent colonic conduit or antegrade continence enema procedure with an electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter in patients with atresia or following an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum as part of total anorectal reconstruction to overcome combined incontinence and evacuatory dysfunction. Between September 1994 and September 1999, 11 continent colonic conduits were fashioned in 11 patients with an electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter as part of total anorectal reconstruction for end-stage fecal incontinence. In addition, three patients had an antegrade continence enema procedure in situ, one of which was converted to a colonic conduit at a later stage. Five patients had a colonic conduit fashioned subsequent to an electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter, four had both procedures in a combined operation, and five had a conduit formed before an electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter (including the three with an antegrade continence enema procedure). Median follow-up was 53 (range, 7-98) months until July 2002 or until exit from this study group because of end stoma formation (n = 6). Seven patients (50 percent) had a successful outcome, defined as continent to solid and liquid stool. Overall, eight patients (57 percent) reported some degree of improvement in their bowel function and were successfully managed by this combination of procedures. An end stoma was formed in six patients (43 percent). The combination of antegrade irrigation via a colonic conduit or an antegrade continence enema procedure provides a successful outcome for some patients when incorporated into total anorectal reconstruction, provided that sepsis does not occur, thus avoiding permanent stoma formation. The combination of these procedures may represent an improvement in total anorectal reconstruction and warrants further clinical trial.

Dynamic graciloplasty versus implant of artificial sphincter for continent perineal colostomy after Miles' procedure: Technique and early results

Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is still the standard surgical treatment of anorectal cancers close to the dentate line. Unfortunately, a permanent iliac colostomy is a severe limitation of the quality of life. Attempts to construct a continent perineal colostomy after anorectal excision have been made over the last 15 years with uncertain benefits. We report on our early results of two different procedures consisting of a laparoscopic approach to abdominoperineal rectal excision, fashioning a perineal colostomy with dynamic graciloplasty or implant of an artificial sphincter. Between 2000 and 2004, a total of six patients underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection or reversal of Miles' procedure and construction of perineal colostomy with dynamic graciloplasty (three cases) or implant of an artificial bowel sphincter (three cases). A diverting loop ileostomy was constructed in all patients to prevent contamination. Data concerning the perioperative management, postoperative morbidity and mortality and function after total anorectal reconstruction at the time of discharge, at postoperative month 1 and after ileostomy closure were collected and evaluated in a prospective non-randomised fashion. No early postoperative complications occurred in both groups. No late complication occurred in the dynamic graciloplasty group, whilst one patient of the artificial sphincter group had an ulceration of the tubing and the control pump through the suprapubic skin and the labium skin respectively on postoperative day 35. Another patient in this group, with an erosion of the transposed colon wall, died of myocardial infarction on postoperative day 75 after removal of the prosthesis. Postoperative stay after artificial sphincter implant and dynamic graciloplasty ranged from 12 to 27 days and 16 to 24 days, respectively. The loop ileostomy was closed at postoperative month 3 in all remaining patients except for one in the dynamic graciloplasty group, who died one day before hospitalization for ostomy closure because of an accidental, not disease/operation related reason. Follow-up of patients of the dynamic graciloplasty and artificial sphincter groups ranged from 3 to 24 months and 2.5 to 9.5 months, respectively. Patients in the dynamic graciloplasty group had no complications and follow-up showed satisfactory continence (SF36 form). All patients in the artificial sphincter group had late local complications with erosion of the prosthesis through the wall, its consequent removal and construction of a permanent iliac colostomy. Laparoscopic APR has been reported to be as safe as open APR. There are no published, available data on laparoscopic APR and laparoscopic reversal of Miles' procedure with total anorectal reconstruction with either dynamic graciloplasty or implant of artificial sphincter. Preliminary results showed that laparoscopic APR and APR reversal with continent perineal colostomy and dynamic graciloplasty may be a possible option in selected patients whilst the implant of an artificial sphincter should not be considered as a safe surgical option in such patients.

Surgical results and functional outcome after total anorectal reconstruction by double graciloplasty supported by external-source electrostimulation and/or implantable pulse generators: an 8-year experience.

Surgical and functional results after abdominoperineal resection and total anorectal reconstruction by electrostimulated gracilis muscle transposition are still poorly documented. This study prospectively evaluated surgical and functional outcome over time in our patients. Twenty-three patients underwent abdominoperineal resection, coloperineal pullthrough, double graciloplasty, and loop abdominal stoma. Temporary external-source intermittent electrostimulation, biofeedback training, and selective delayed stimulator implantation to improve unsatisfactory results were carried out in the first 13 patients (1st series); thereafter (2nd series) the stimulator was implanted during graciloplasty. Surgical and oncological results were followed up in all patients. Functional results were evaluated in 16 patients who underwent abdominal stoma takedown, eight in each of the two series, by anomanometry (up to 1 year) and our own 0-20 scoring system (up to 8 years from initial surgery). The rate of major and minor postoperative complications was 21.7% and 65%, respectively. Continuous electrostimulation proved effective on resting anal pressure. Early clinical assessments showed satisfactory functional results (considered as having a score < or =8) in all first-group patients, including five who had stimulator support, and in one-half of second-group patients. After impairment (at least 2 points) at 1 year in five patients, four of whom were from the first group, all functional results improved and became satisfactory from 5 years on (1st series) and from 4 years on (2nd series). Despite marked morbidity the high rate of good results, which improved over time, suggests that total anorectal reconstruction is worth being performed as part of abdominoperineal resection in well-selected patients with a strong motivation to avoid a permanent colostomy.

Total anorectal reconstruction with the artificial bowel sphincter: report of eight cases. A quality-of-life assessment.

The artificial bowel sphincter has been proposed to treat patients with fecal incontinence. The good results achieved with this procedure encouraged us to use this device for reconversion of patients who previously underwent an abdominoperineal resection. Between 1999 and 2001, we selected eight patients for the total anorectal reconstruction, five for a synchronous reconstruction, and three cases for a delayed procedure. One patient was male and seven were female. The mean age was 52.6 years. All the patients underwent a postoperative manometry and defecography. Continence and quality of life scores were also evaluated in the follow-up. The follow-up length ranged from 6 to 28 months. Manometry assessed a basal pressure with the ABS cuff inflated between 58 and 62.2 mmHg. All but one patient achieved a good grade of continence with a Wexner score range between 3 and 9. A certain degree of impaired evacuation occurred in three patients, but with adequate training this improved and did not affect patient's satisfaction. The administered questionnaires demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life scores for stoma patients and an elevated quality of life in patients synchronously treated with artificial bowel sphincter implant. The artificial bowel sphincter is a good option for reconstruction of patients previously treated with an abdominoperineal resection. The procedure is feasible and safe, without serious postoperative complications. The quality of life is improved when the procedure is performed in stabilized stoma patients and is acceptable for motivated patients synchronously implanted. As compared with electrostimulated graciloplasty, the artificial bowel sphincter technique seems to be easier to perform and more acceptable for the patients, although the cost of the device is still high.