Transperineal Repair Research Articles

The Roles of Anorectal Physiologic Tests and Treatment of Chronic Constipation

Patients with chronic constipation should be evaluated with physiological tests (defecography and cinedefecography, anal manometry, anal electromyography, and colon transit time) after structural disorders and extracolonic causes have been excluded. In the case of colonic inertia, at first, conservative treatment is necessary. If surgery is indicated, a subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the treatment of choice. Biofeedback is the best option for animus. For patients failing biofeedback, botulinum toxin injection of the puborectalis or sacral nerve stimulation may be indicated. Biofeedback treatment is also considered to be an option for moderate-degree rectoceles, rectal intussusception, and perineal descending syndrome. For the treatment of a severe rectocele, a surgical approach, including transrectal, transvaginal, and transperineal repair or stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) should be considered. However, the long-term effects of a new technique including botulinum toxin injection, sacral nerve stimulation, and STARR remain to be established.

Does Infliximab Infusion Impact Results of Operative Treatment for Crohn's Perianal Fistulas?

Infliximab is an effective treatment for active intestinal Crohn's disease; however, the efficacy of infliximab in perianal Crohn's disease is controversial. This study was designed to compare patients with Crohn's disease who underwent perianal fistula surgery with or without infliximab infusion. A retrospective chart review of 226 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease who underwent operative treatment with or without infliximab (3-6 infusions of 5 mg/kg) from March 1991 through December 2005 was completed. Patients were classified as completely healed, minimally symptomatic (seton placement with minimal drainage and/or infliximab dependence), and failure (persistent or recurrent symptomatic fistula, diverting procedure, or proctectomy). A total of 226 patients underwent operative treatment alone (n = 147) or in combination with infliximab infusion (n = 79). Age, gender, and preoperative history of intestinal and perianal Crohn's disease were similar between groups. Mean follow-up was 30 (range, 6-216) months. Operative treatment consisted of seton drainage (n = 112), conventional fistulotomy (n = 92), fibrin glue injection (n = 14), advancement flap (n = 5), collagen plug insertion (n = 2), and transperineal repair (n = 1). Eighty-eight patients (60 percent) healed completely with operative treatment alone, and 47 patients (59 percent) healed after operative treatment in combination with infliximab (P = not significant). Operative treatment of perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease resulted in complete healing in approximately 60 percent of patients. Preoperative infliximab infusion did not affect overall healing rates.

A Posterior Sagittal Pararectal Approach for Repair of Posterior Urethral Distraction Injuries

ObjectiveTo report our initial experience with the posterior sagittal pararectal approach as an alternative in the treatment of complicated urethral distraction defect after pelvic trauma. Patients and methodsTwenty-four patients with posttraumatic pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects (PFUDDs) underwent urethroplasty in our department from March 2003 to June 2006. In 7 of those patients, the posterior sagittal pararectal approach was utilised. Of the 7 patients, 5 had failed previous transperineal repair, whereas the other 2 had long-distance urethral distraction defect. Follow-up included retrograde urethrography (RUG) and uroflowmetry, which were done postoperatively at 3 wk and 3, 12, and 18 mo, and thereafter when needed. Clinical outcome was considered a success at the time that no postoperative procedure was needed. ResultsOf the 7 patients, 5 were in the paediatric group with ages ranging from 9 to 14 yr, whereas 2 patients were adults (21 and 50 yr). The aetiology of PFUDDs in all patients was road traffic accident. Median length of the stricture was 5cm. The median operative time was 240min, whereas the median hospital stay was 10 d. Postoperatively, 1 patient developed gluteal abscess that was successfully managed conservatively. Follow-up period ranged from 7 to 32 mo (median: 13 mo). All patients showed criteria of success including satisfactory uroflowmetry (median Qmax: 18ml/s), patent RUG, and subjective improvement in the voiding pattern. Only 1 patient developed difficulty 1 mo postoperatively and was successfully managed by urethral dilation. ConclusionsThis technique is a good alternative approach for repair of complicated PFUDDs. It is safe and has the advantage of better visualisation of the apex of the prostate and surgical field, with subsequent good outcomes without immediate or remote effects on the sphincteric function of the rectum or bladder. Further studies with larger cohort of patients are needed to justify the specific indications of this approach.

Martius flap: an adjunct for repair of complex, low rectovaginal fistula

Background Complex, rectovaginal fistula (RVF) are uncommon but difficult therapeutic problems. Local repair and flap advancement techniques have a high incidence of recurrence with poor functional outcomes. Transperineal repair with anal sphincter reconstruction, when indicated, and placement of a Martius flap (bulbocavernosus pedicled transplant) result in improved rates of repair and better functional outcomes. Methods A consecutive series of patients were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective database between 2002 and 2006. Data were gathered from 2 colon- and rectal-specialty practices. Patient demographics and operative and functional outcomes were documented. Results Sixteen patients with a mean age of 39.5 years (17–62) were treated. Etiology of the fistula was obstetric (9), cryptoglandular (5), and Crohn’s disease (2). They had undergone a mean of 1.5 (0–4) prior repairs, and 6 had a preexisting diverting stoma before repair. Preoperatively, anal sphincter disruption was identified in 11 patients, and fecal incontinence was identified in 5 patients all with anal sphincter disruption. Dyspareunia was identified in 1 of 13 sexually active patients preoperatively. At a mean follow-up of 75 weeks (24–190), 1 recurrent fistula was identified (6.2%). Stomas were reversed in all patients. Two patients complained of fecal incontinence postoperatively. Five patients had dyspareunia postoperatively (5/16, 31%). One patient had a labial wound complication requiring local wound care. Conclusion Selected complex RVF can be reliably repaired with good functional outcomes using the Martius flap with anal sphincter reconstruction. Persistent or recurrent fecal incontinence and dyspareunia are common sequela of the underlying perineal injury and repair. No acute or delayed morbidity related to the Martius flap was identified.

Functional Outcome After Transperineal Rectocele Repair with Porcine Dermal Collagen Implant

Symptomatic rectocele results in obstructed defecation and constipation. Surgical repair may provide symptomatic relief. This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of transperineal rectocele repair with porcine dermal collagen (Permacol). Ten females with symptomatic rectocele had a transperineal repair using Permacol. Median age was 51 (range, 33-71) years. Patients were followed with detailed interviews at a median time of 9 (range, 5-16) months. Objective preoperative and postoperative assessment was by outcomes for five symptoms: constipation, excessive straining, incomplete evacuation, vaginal bulging, and vaginal digitations (always, usually, occasionally, never), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 questionnaires. Subjective outcomes were assessed as excellent, good, moderate, and poor. All patients had an improvement in two or more symptoms and 70 percent of patients in three or more symptoms. Postoperatively 80 percent reported an improvement in excessive straining (P = 0.0078) and in incomplete evacuation (P = 0.0078); 70 percent reported an improvement in vaginal bulging (P = 0.0156). Improvements in vaginal digitations and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 scores were not statistically significant. Subjective outcomes were reported as excellent or good by 80 percent of patients. No patients had rectal perforation or infection, and no Permacol has been removed. Rectocele repair with Permacol((R)) by the transperineal approach is a safe technique that avoids some of the complications associated with synthetic mesh use. Objective and subjective results are excellent in the majority of patients.

Recovery rates and functional results after repair for rectovaginal fistula in Crohn’s disease: a comparison of different techniques

Rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) in Crohn's disease continue to be a challenging problem. Several operations are often necessary to attain definitive healing of the disease process. There are no guidelines concerning optimal therapeutic approaches. Endoanal mobilization techniques such as the advancement flap technique were considered the therapy of choice for many years, but are now regarded ever more critically. We have implemented several less aggressive closure techniques that take account of the anatomy and morphology of the anorectum. The long-term results are presented in this paper. The method used was observational analysis with a standard protocol of all patients with RVF and Crohn's disease treated surgically at a single institution. Between January 1985 and December 2002, we treated 72 patients with low rectovaginal fistulas. The operations comprised 56 procedures performed in 37 women presenting with RVF. The patients' median age was 34.6 +/- 10 years; the follow-up period was 7.15 years (10 months-18 years). Several techniques were performed: transverse transperineal repair (n = 20), endoanal direct closure multilayer without flap (n = 15), anocutaneous flap (n = 14), and advancement mucosal or full-thickness flap (n = 7). Diverting ileostomies were created in 28 patients (76%). Recovery was achieved with the initial repair in 19 patients (51.4%). An additional 12 patients underwent repeat procedures (2-5), with an overall success rate of 27:37 (73%). The rate of recurrence was 30% during a follow-up period of 7.1 years. The rate of proctectomy was 13.5%. The success rates for each of the techniques in the above group were 70, 73, 86, and 29%, respectively. They were significantly higher with the direct closure and anocutaneous flap technique than with the advancement flap technique. However, the transperineal repair led to decreased postoperative resting pressures. In the advancement flap technique, the resting and squeezing pressure decreased significantly. The risk of developing a suture line dehiscence leading to a persisting fistula was higher in the advancement flap procedure with 43%. Techniques with a low degree of tissue mobilization such as the direct closure and anocutaneous flap show higher success rates without significant postoperative changes in continence and manometric outcome. Impaired continence was observed only in the advancement flap group, resulting in significant changes in manometric values and recovery rates. The authors prefer to apply the direct multilayer closure technique without flap.

Funktionelle Ergebnisse nach transvaginaler, transperinealer und transrektaler Korrektur einer symptomatischen Rektozele

The aim of this study was to compare functional outcome after transvaginal, transperineal and transrectal repair of a symptomatic rectocele and to develop the ideal surgical approach. 28 patients (27 female, 1 male) who had undergone rectocele repair from 1996 to 2003 were analysed. Mean age was 59 years (range 30-79 years), follow-up was 24 months (range 3 to 70 months) and mean appearance of symptoms was 4 years prior to the operation (6 months-32 years). Transvaginal repair was performed in 13 cases, transperineal repair in 8 cases and transrectal repair in 7 cases. 24 of 28 patients (85.7 %) are satisfied with the operation-result (transvaginal 12 of 13 patients [92.3 %], transperineal 7 of 8 patients [87.5 %] and transrectal 5 of 7 patients [71.4 %]). 25 patients (89.3 %) are free of complaints or describe an evident improvement of symptoms (transvaginal 12 of 13 patients [92.3 %], transperineal 7 of 8 patients [87.5 %] und transrectal 6 of 7 patients [85.7 %]). There is one postoperative dyspareunia. Best treatment of a rectocele starts with patients selection. Considering pelvic floor as functional unity, concomitant urologic-gynaecologic lesions and proximal intraabdominal disturbances the appropriate surgical procedure is selected. Surgical approach to correct a symptomatic rectocele depends on the concomitant lesion.

Traitement de la rectocèle par voie périnéale avec prothèse. Une étude prospective

Purpose. – To assess the long term results of a transperineal repair of rectocele with a prosthetic mesh and the criteria for selecting the patients. Methods. – Twenty-five consecutive patients (median age: 60 years) with a symptom-giving rectocele have been operated upon. Indication for surgery was: an obstructed defecation ( N = 22); a fecal incontinence ( N = 1); a pelvic heaviness with dyspareunia ( N = 1) or a severe rectal syndrome ( N = 1). Patients were evaluated by physical examination and, preoperatively, by defecography and anorectal manometry. The rectovaginal septum was repaired, through a perineal approach, with an absorbable ( N = 5) or non absorbable ( N = 20) prosthetic mesh. Long term results were assessed after a median follow-up of 45 (range 12–120) months by physical examination and a standardized questionnaire. The presence of the following three symptoms was evaluated: feeling of incomplete emptying, prolonged and unsuccessful straining at stool, digital assistance. Outcome was considered as successful when none of these symptoms were present, as good when minor emptying difficulties persisted, as moderate when emptying difficulties were associated with straining, as a failure when the symptomatic triad was unchanged. A general satisfaction score was established. Results. – All the patients had the defect of the rectovaginal septum corrected. Four patients had a low residual rectocele associated, in two cases, with a rectal prolapse subsequently treated by a Delorme’s operation. Outcome in patients complaining of obstructed defecation was considered excellent or good in 80% of patients, moderate in 9% and poor in 9%. Subjective scoring showed a significantly better result in cases of success. Among 11 incontinent patients, seven (63.5%) improved or regained full continence. Dyspareunia in three cases was corrected. Age, parity, digital assistance, previous gynecologic surgery, use of laxatives, size of rectocele, type of mesh, anatomical result of repair had no significant prognostic value. On the other hand, in patients with obstructed defecation, clinical and manometric signs of anal hyperactivity of the pelvic floor or anismus ( N = 4) were significantly related to a poor result ( P < 0.001). Conclusion. – Surgical repair with a prosthetic mesh is an efficient therapy in patients with obstructed defecation and/or incontinence caused by a rectocele. Clinical and defecographic parameters have no influence on outcome. Preoperative manometric data may help in selecting patients. In case of anal hyperactivity or anismus, given the risk of functional failure, behavioral retraining must be considered as first-line treatment.

Transperineal repair of obstetric‐related anovaginal fistula

To describe an operative technique for the repair of anovaginal fistulae secondary to obstetric injury and to assess its functional outcome and patient satisfaction. An operative repair involving division of the anovaginal fistula, closure of rectal and vaginal walls, anterior levatoplasty and overlapping sphincteroplasty is described. Postoperative complications and recurrence were recorded. A telephone interview was carried out to assess the functional outcome and the satisfaction score. Seven consecutive patients had a repair of an obstetric-related anovaginal fistula. Their mean age was 34 years (range: 22-72). They had a mean duration of symptoms of 14 months (range: 1.5-54). Four patients did not have any previous repair and no stoma was necessary in any of the seven patients. There was no significant postoperative complication and only one recurrence. Telephone interviews were conducted for six patients and one was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (11-35). The Wexner's continence score improved from a mean preoperative score of 13.4 to a mean postoperative score of 5.6. With satisfaction scores ranging from +3 to -3 (+3 indicating complete satisfaction and -3 indicating complete dissatisfaction), five patients scored 1 and one scored 0. This technique is straightforward and effective in healing obstetric-related anovaginal fistula. It achieves improved continence and reasonable satisfaction.

Lawson Tait: the forgotten gynecologist

The development of gynecology as a specialty, although primarily American in origin, was influenced in large degree by Robert Lawson Tait, a brilliant Scottish/English surgeon who practiced in the late 19th century. Tait, a self-proclaimed gynecologist, is perhaps most widely known as the first to perform salpingectomy to treat ruptured tubal pregnancy. He was also the first to record removal of an ovary for relief of pelvic pain and to induce menopause, perform salpingectomy for the treatment of tubal disease, and develop the technique of transverse transperineal repair of low rectovaginal fistulas. His scrupulous cleanliness was undoubtedly the forerunner of our modern aseptic methods. Tait’s bold, innovative surgical techniques led to a significant decrease in surgical mortality, and his prescient, aggressive approach was at the forefront of changes in the practice of obstetrics, which resulted in a marked decrease in maternal morbidity and mortality. This master teacher, whose contributions inspired the next great generation of abdominal and pelvic surgeons, deserves greater recognition within our specialty.

Management of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula.

Rectourethral fistulas are uncommon, usually iatrogenic injuries that are challenging to treat. Our aim was to determine a logical approach to surgical treatment of this often debilitating problem. Records of all patients who were diagnosed with rectourethral fistula between January 1981 and December 1995 were reviewed and 16 males were identified. All but three patients had had intervention for their prostatic malignancy performed elsewhere. All patients were interviewed by telephone to establish follow-up. The mean age of the sixteen patients was 68 years. The mean follow-up was 80 months. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate in 15 patients and recurrent transitional cell epithelioma of the bladder in one patient were the underlying malignant diseases. Seven patients had a radical retropubic prostatectomy, two had radical retropubic prostatectomy after radiation, two had brachytherapy, and three were treated by a combination of radiation and brachytherapy. One patient formed a fistula after cystectomy and dilation of a stricture. This heterogenous group of patients received multiple therapies including initial colostomy (7 patients), transanal repair (2 patients), parasacral repair (2 patients), transperineal repair (2 patients), coloanal anastomosis (3 patients), and muscle transposition (3 patients). Four of our patients required a permanent stoma. In patients with iatrogenic rectourethral fistula that occurred after radical retropubic prostatectomy or radiation, fecal and urinary diversion and muscle transposition followed by re-establishment of both urinary and intestinal continuity may be the treatment modality of choice.

The effectiveness of perineal rectosigmoidectomy for the treatment of rectal prolapse in elderly and high-risk patients.

We report herein on the follow-up of ten consecutive patients who underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy, and discuss the indications, surgical technique, and outcomes of this procedure. The median age of the patients was 79 years, with a range of 26 to 85 years, and eight patients had complicating medical conditions. Of five patients who underwent this procedure for a recurrent prolapse after another type of perineal procedure, four had previously undergone the Thiersch operation combined with the Gant-Miwa technique. The mean length of the excised rectum and sigmoid colon was 22.1 cm. Pain was minimal or absent in all patients and oral intake was commenced after 2 days. There were no mortalities, but anastomotic leakage occurred in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 years. Only one patient developed recurrent rectal prolapse 24 months after the operation. Of seven patients who underwent concomitant levatoroplasty for incontinence, five became fully continent within 3 weeks after the operation, while the remaining two improved after 2 months. We propose that perineal rectosigmoidectomy is indicated for patients who have suffered an early recurrence of prolapse after another transperineal repair; elderly or high-risk patients with incontinence; male patients; and patients with an incarcerated or gangrenous prolapsed rectal segment.

Transverse transperineal repair of rectovaginal fistulas in lower vagina

The management of a rectovaginal fistula is a significant challenge for the patient and the surgeon, with many acceptable surgical techniques for repair. The transverse transperineal repair is a method that preserves an intact external anal sphincter, allows wide mobilization of rectal and vaginal tissues, and closes the fistula with at least five layers of tissue. We have used this technique in patients with rectovaginal fistulas in the lower vagina for the past several years and recently reviewed our results. A chart review of 21 patients who had a transverse transperineal repair of a rectovaginal fistula in the lower vagina in our institutions from 1983 to 1990 was performed. All patients had a satisfactory recovery with no recurrence of a fistula during a follow-up period ranging from 3 months to 8 years (mean 18 months). The series includes seven patients with Crohn's disease and/or previous failed repairs. Our experience suggests this method provides excellent anatomic and physiologic results with minimal morbidity.