Wexner Incontinence Score Research Articles

Intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis in the treatment of distal rectal cancers

ObjectiveIn the evolving era of minimal access surgery, low rectal cancers still pose a challenge to laparoscopic or robotic surgeons. Hence, at our institute we intended to demonstrate the oncological efficacy of intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis in the treatment of distal rectal cancers, performing the abdominal part of the procedure which includes rectal mobilization, laparoscopically. MethodsFrom February 2017 to March 2021, 125 patients who had undergone intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis via the perineal approach at Galaxy Care Laparoscopic Institute, Pune, were included in this study. Transabdominal mobilization of the rectum was performed laparoscopically. All patients had a diversion ileostomy and a pelvic drain. Patients were followed-up for a period of 18 months post-surgery. Data on clinical and oncological outcomes were collected and analysed. The pre-operative and post-operative Wexner incontinence scores were compared. ResultsThe mean time taken for surgery was 181.57 ± 30.00 min. The mean blood loss was 119.76 ± 42.53 mL. Most patients (103, 82.4%) had their tumour at a distance of 1–2 cm from the anal verge. A loco-regional recurrence rate of 12.8% (16/125) was noted in our study. For the post-surgery Wexner score, 74.4% of patients (93/125) had a score of 5 or less, depicting that three-quarters of the study population had satisfactory continence. Overall, 81.6% of patients were satisfied with the functional results of surgery. ConclusionIntersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis, with a 12.8% recurrence rate, can now be considered an oncological and technically feasible procedure with sphincter salvage and good continence.

Multiple thread ligations versus stapled hemorrhoidopexy on operative outcomes of grade III hemorrhoids: A retrospective cohort study.

Controversy remains regarding the safety and efficacy of hemorrhoid ligation and stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The study was to explore the operative outcomes of patients underwent multiple thread ligations (MTL) with SH for the management of grade III hemorrhoids. This cohort study included patients who underwent MTL (MTL group, 128 cases) or SH (SH group, 141 cases) for grade III hemorrhoids between June 2019 and May 2021. A total of 115 patients in MTL group and 115 patients in SH group were finally included by propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome was the recurrence of prolapse within 6 months. Secondary outcomes were operative time, post-operative pain scores, hospital stay, the incidence of complications, Wexner incontinence score, and quality of life of patients with constipation at 6 months post procedure. Multiple thread ligations and SH resulted in comparable recurrence within 6 months of follow-up, with five and seven cases of recurrence, respectively, (P = 0.352). The two groups had comparable outcomes in terms of post-operative pain, hospital stay, Wexner incontinence scores, and constipation-related quality of life (all P > 0.05). The median operative time was 16 min (15-18 min) in the MTL group versus 25 min (16-33 min) in the SH group (P < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that the MTL technique had a lower risk of postoperative bleeding than that with the SH technique (P < 0.05). The study indicated that the MTL technique might achieve comparable operative outcomes compared with the SH technique for the management of grade III hemorrhoids, nevertheless, MTL seemed to be associated with less risk of surgical bleeding than SH.

A comparative study between transanal and transabdominal approaches in treatment of complete rectal prolapse

There is a wide variety of surgical methods to treat rectal prolapse; however, to date, no clear agreement exists regarding the most effective surgical method. This study was designed to compare the results according to the surgical approach for complete rectal prolapse in women. This study was conducted from March 2016 to February 2021 on female patients with rectal prolapse who underwent surgery. First, all patients were classified into mucosal and complete layer groups to confirm the difference in results between the two groups, and only complete layer prolapse patients were divided into transanal and abdominal approaches to compare parameters and functional outcomes in each group. A total of 180 patients were included, with an average age of 71.7 years and 102 complete prolapses. The complete layer group was found to have more abdominal access, longer operating time, and higher recurrence rates compared to the mucosal layer group. (p<0.001) When targeting only the complete layer patients, there were 65 patients with the transanal and 37 with the abdominal (laparoscopic) approaches. The abdominal approach group had a longer operating time and hospital stay (p<0.001, respectively) and lower recurrence rate than the transanal group (transanal vs. abdominal, 38% vs. 10.8%, p=0.003), while the Wexner constipation and incontinence scores showed improved results in both groups. Although operating time and hospitalization period were shorter in the transanal group, laparoscopic abdominal surgery is a procedure that can reduce the recurrent rate for complete rectal prolapse.

P718 A Phase I Study of Ex Vivo Expanded Allogeneic Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Pediatric Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease

Abstract Background Background: Mesenchymal stem cells have been used for the treatment of perianal Crohn’s fistulizing disease by direction injection. However, no studies to date have included pediatric patients. Objective To determine safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells for pediatric perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease. Methods Design: Phase I safety trial Settings Tertiary inflammatory bowel disease referral center Patients Crohn’s patients aged 13-17 with perianal fistulizing disease. Intervention 75 million mesenchymal stem cells were administered with a 22G needle by direct injection after curettage and primary closure of the fistula tract. A repeat injection of 75 million mesenchymal stem cells at 3 months was given if complete clinical and radiographic healing were not achieved. Main outcomes measures Adverse and serious adverse events at post procedure day 1, week 2, week 6, month 3, month 6 and month 12. Clinical healing, radiographic healing per magnetic resonance imaging, and patient reported outcomes at the same time points. Results Results: A total of 7 pediatric patients were enrolled and treated (6 male; median age of 16.7 years). There were no adverse or serious adverse events reported related to investigational product. At six months, 83% had complete clinical and radiographic healing. The perianal Crohn’s disease activity index, Wexner incontinence score, and VanAssche score had all decreased at six months. Limitations Single institution and open label. Conclusion Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells offer a safe, and likely effective, alternative treatment approach for pediatric perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease.

Predictive Factors Affecting Recurrence of Anal Fistula after LIFT Procedure.

To determine the predictive factors affecting the recurrence or persistence of anal fistula of demographic and technical variables. Descriptive study. Department of General Surgery and Radiology, Private Ortadogu Hospital General, Turkey, between 2014 and 2020. The recurrence, persistence, and complication rates of 176 patients who underwent LIFT were compared with demographic and technical data by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Inclusion criteria were patients with anal fistula cryptoglandular origin. Exclusion criteria included patients with intersphincteric fistula, rectovaginal fistula, abscess, pilonidal sinus fistula, and inflammatory bowel disease. Recurrence was defined as the opening of a fistula that persisted after 3 months. The mean age was 38.6±9.0 years. The mean BMI was 31.9±5.7 Kg/m2. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning, age, the complexity of fistula tract(s), the surgical technique of suture versus ligation, operation time, and seton placement duration. Twenty-three patients had previous fistula surgery. Twenty-One patients had previously required seton drainage. Higher BMI, being male, having a prior fistula surgery, and having a height IFO >15 were independent risk factors for recurrence (OR =1.28, 5.69, 23.39, and 15.38 respectively). Higher BMI, male gender, having a prior fistula surgery, and having a height IFO >15 were independent risk factors for recurrence. LIFT, Anal fistula, Recurrence, Wexner incontinence score (WIS), Male, Prior fistula surgery, height 1FO.

Trans-Anastomotic Drainage Tube Placement After Hand-Sewn Anastomosis in Patients Undergoing Intersphincteric Resection for Low Rectal Cancer: An Alternative Drainage Method.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common complication after intersphincteric resection (ISR). It significantly reduces quality of life and causes great distress to patients. Although traditional drainage (e.g., anal and pelvic catheters) may reduce the impact of AL to some extent, their role in reducing the incidence of AL remains controversial. In this study, we developed a novel drainage technique involving the placement of drainage tubes through the gap between sutures during handsewn anastomosis, to reduce the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. We retrospectively analyzed 34 consecutive patients who underwent intersphincteric resection requiring handsewn anastomosis between February 1, 2017, and January 1, 2021. Patients were classified into the trans-anastomotic drainage tube group (TADT, n = 14) and the non-TADT group (n = 20) based on whether trans-anastomotic tube placement was performed. The incidence of postoperative complications, such as AL, was compared between the two groups, and anal function of patients at 1-year post-ISR was evaluated. Six cases of AL occurred in the non-TADT group, while none occurred in the TADT group; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.031). The TADT group also had a shorter hospital stay (p=0.007). There were no other significant intergroup differences in operation time, blood loss, pain score, anastomotic stenosis, intestinal obstruction, or incidence of wound infection. In the 30 patients (88.2%) evaluated for anal function, there were no significant intergroup differences in stool frequency, urgency, daytime/nocturnal soiling, Wexner incontinence score, or Kirwan grading. Taken together, trans-anastomotic tube placement is a novel drainage method that may reduce AL after ISR requiring handsewn anastomosis and without adversely affecting anal function.

Functional outcomes of intersphincteric resection in low rectal tumors.

Currently, sphincter-saving procedures are increasingly performed in the treatment of low rectal cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent intersphincteric resection. This was a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study. We evaluated the electronic data files of 29 patients who had intersphincteric resections at our institute between 2008 and 2018. Bowel function outcomes were assessed prospectively using Wexner incontinence score. Histopathological, surgical and functional outcomes were analyzed. Mean age of nine female and 20 male patients included in the study was 55.8 ± 12.8 (30-76) years. A tumor-free surgical margin was achieved in all patients. Anastomotic leakage was detected in two patients. Mean Wexner incontinence score of 20 patients who still had functional anastomosis was 8.35, whereas 65% of the patients (n= 13) had a good continence status. There was no relationship between the continence status and sex, tumor distance from anal verge, T stage, distal surgical margin, and lymph node involvement. Twenty-one patients underwent primary coloanal anastomosis and eight patients underwent two-stage coloanal anastomosis. In the treatment of distal rectal cancer, adequate oncological surgery and relatively acceptable functional outcomes can be obtained with intersphincteric resection technique in suitable patients.

Internal Orifice Alloy Closure-A New Procedure to Treat Anal Fistula.

BackgroundThe internal orifice plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of the most complex fistula-in-ano. The treatment of the internal orifice is considered to be the key to the success of anal fistula surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a new sphincter-sparing surgical approach for anal fistula.Materials and MethodsAll hospitalized anal fistula patients were included in this study. Preoperative anorectal ultrasound was done on all the patients. Transanal internal orifice alloy closure (IOAC) was performed through a disposable titanium nickel alloy anal fistula stapler. The external sphincter was not cut. An anal fistula brush was used to curette and clean fistulas. Postoperative anorectal color ultrasound was used for evaluation 2 months postoperatively.ResultsTwenty-one patients (male/female: 18/3, age: 39.7 ± 10.5 years) with fistula-in-ano were included (follow-up: 6–11 months).In total, 38.1% (8) had multiple tracts, and 9.5% (2) belonged to a high anal fistula. In total, 23.8% (5) of anal fistula patients were complicated by Crohn’s disease. The fistula healed completely in 85.7% (18/21) and did not heal in 14.3% (3/21). Three patients who did not heal had conventional surgery reperformed and eventually healed. Except for three patients undergoing additional traditional anal fistula surgery, the Wexner incontinence scores of other patients did not change after surgery compared with before surgery.ConclusionsIOAC is a novel sphincter-saving technique that is simply effective in treating anal fistula containing Crohn’s anal fistula.

Modified ligation procedure for prolapsed haemorrhoids versus stapled haemorrhoidectomy for the management of symptomatic haemorrhoids (MoLish): randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare a modified ligation procedure versus stapled haemorrhoidectomy (SH) in patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids.MethodsThis randomized trial included patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids treated in Shanghai from May 2018 to September 2021. Eligible patients were randomly 1:1 assigned the modified ligation procedure for prolapsed haemorrhoids (MLPPH) and SH groups. The primary outcome was the assessment of efficacy at 6 months after the intervention. The operating time, incidence of complications, clinical effectiveness (pain, Wexner incontinence, haemorrhoid symptom severity (HSS) scores, and 6-month cure rate) were collected, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were adopted as indicator for the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA).ResultsOut of 187 patients screened, 133 patients were randomized (67 for MLPPH and 66 for SH). One patient in the MLPPH group was excluded, and two patients were lost to follow-up. The mean operating time was longer in MLPPH than in SH (57.42 min versus 30.68 min; P < 0.001). The median pain score was higher in SH than in MLPPH at postoperative day 3 (P = 0.018), day 7(P = 0.013), and day 14 (P = 0.003). The median Wexner incontinence score was higher in SH than in MLPPH at postoperative month 1 (P = 0.036) and month 3 (P = 0.035), but was similar in the two groups at month 6. In addition, the median HSS score was lower in MLPPH than in SH 6 months after surgery (P = 0.003). The 6-month cure rate was higher in MLPPH than in SH (P = 0.003). CEA showed lower mean costs in MLPPH than in SH (EUR 1080.24 versus EUR 1657.97; P < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in effectiveness (P = 0.181). However, MLPPH was cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, −120 656.19 EUR/QALYs).ConclusionMLPPH was documented as a longer but cost-effective procedure, it provided lower short-term pain, and Wexner and HSS scores. Registration number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800015928 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx).

Application of nanofat for treatment of traumatic faecal incontinence after sphincteroplasty - A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the application of nanofat containing stem cells improves continence in women who had previously undergone anal sphincteroplasty with unsatisfactory long-term outcomes. This prospective pilot study included nine women with various degrees of anal incontinence who had previously undergone anal sphincteroplasty due to obstetric trauma. In all patients, the Wexner Incontinence Score (WS) and Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score (FIQLS), as well as anal manometry and endoanal ultrasound measurements, were performed before the procedure and during follow-up. In all patients, liposuction was performed and 50ml of raw lipoaspirate was obtained and processed using a NanoFat Kit device. Approximately 20ml of the mechanically emulsified and filtrated fat was obtained and the anal sphincter complex was infiltrated with it. Patient follow-up was conducted in person or via telephone 6 and 12months after the procedure. The squeeze pressure was significantly increased 6 months after the procedure (p= 0.01). The external anal sphincter measured at the 12 o'clock position was significantly thicker (p= 0.04). A significant decrease in the WS was observed both 6 and 12months after the procedure compared with baseline values (p< 0.05 for both). This study is the first to show that the application of nanofat as an injectable product improves continence in patients with unsatisfactory results after sphincteroplasty, suggesting it to be a promising and effective therapeutic tool. The procedure is safe and can be easily performed as an ambulatory procedure.

Redo surgery after low anterior resection for chronic pelvic sinus and anastomotic disruption. Could pull-through procedure with delayed anastomosis be a feasible alternative? Case reports and narrative review.

IntroductionA considerable step forward in low rectal cancer resection has been done in the last decades. Maintaining total mesorectal excision as the gold standard treatment, new techniques such as Trans-Anal Mini-Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) and Trans-Anal Total Mesorectal Excision (TATME), which have been added to improve skills in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, currently represent the advancement of this procedure. Despite improvements in surgical techniques, complications after low anterior resection for rectal cancer still remain a challenge. Drainage and colostomy are the main treatments used to overcome the problem caused by anastomosis failure, and most patients will never been restored. Different techniques of redo surgery could be proposed to deal complex cases, although remaining high risk procedures.Case presentationWe present two clinical cases with a late complication of the colorectal anastomosis: one with a late leakage of low colorectal anastomoses, treated with Hartman procedure, that developed a pelvic chronic sinus; the another one with complete anastomotic disruption after massive suture bleeding; both treated with delayed pull-through anastomosis, according to Turnbull-Cutait technique. We also made a review of relative literature, in order to back our therapeutic iters.DiscussionBoth the procedures were carried out satisfactorily, with restoration of intestinal continuity and good anastomotic result. It allows the resolutions of the chronic sepsis caused by the pelvic sinus and maintenance of intestinal continuity with a good Wexner incontinence score. Literary review demonstrated that this procedure still remains undervalued and not widely exploited.ConclusionDelayed pull-through coloanal anastomosis could be considered as a valid option, in order to preserve intestinal continuity in septic or complicated low colorectal anastomosis.

Transanal total mesorectal excision combined with intersphincteric resection has similar long-term oncological outcomes to laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection in low rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

BackgroundTransanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) or intersphincteric resection (ISR) has recently proven to be a valid and safe surgical procedure for low rectal cancer. However, studies focusing on the combination of these two technologies are limited. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative results, long-term oncologic outcomes, and anorectal functions of patients with low rectal cancer undergoing taTME combined with ISR, by comparing with those of patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (laAPR).MethodsAfter 1:1 propensity score matching, 200 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent laAPR (n = 100) or taTME combined with ISR (n = 100) between September 2013 and November 2019 were included. Patient demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, oncological outcomes, and anal functional results were analysed.ResultsPatients in the taTME-combined-with-ISR group had less intraoperative blood loss (79.6 ± 72.6 vs 107.3 ± 65.1 mL, P = 0.005) and a lower rate of post-operative complications (22.0% vs 44.0%, P < 0.001) than those in the laAPR group. The overall local recurrence rates were 7.0% in both groups within 3 years after surgery. The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 86.3% in the taTME-combined-with-ISR group and 75.1% in the laAPR group (P = 0.056), while the 3-year overall survival rates were 96.7% and 94.2%, respectively (P = 0.319). There were 39 patients (45.3%) in the taTME-combined-with-ISR group who developed major low anterior resection syndrome, whereas 61 patients (70.9%) had good post-operative anal function (Wexner incontinence score ≤ 10).ConclusionWe found similar long-term oncological outcomes for patients with low rectal cancer undergoing laAPR and those undergoing taTME combined with ISR. Patients receiving taTME combined with ISR had acceptable post-operative anorectal function.

Is laparoscopic ventral rectopexy a good treatment option for rectal prolapse?

Aim: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the treatment of rectal prolapse (RP). This study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in the incontinence status and short-term functional outcomes of patients with RP who underwent LVR.&#x0D; Material and Method: This study included 15 patients who underwent LRV with the diagnosis of RP between January 2017 and June 2021 at Health Sciences University Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and Ankara City Hospital. Data were obtained by retrospectively examining the electronic records of the patients. The Wexner incontinence score (WIS) was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively by contacting the patients by phone at six months after the operation. In addition, the constipation status of the patients and whether they had recurrence of RP were questioned.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the 15 patients included in the study was 55 (range, 30-81) years. Twelve (80%) patients were female and three (20%) were male. When the preoperative and postoperative WISs of the patients were compared, the latter was statistically significantly lower than the former (p=0.002). Among the 10 (66.7%) patients who had constipation in the preoperative period, this complaint was resolved in four (40%), but new-onset constipation was detected in two (40%) of the five (33.3%) patients without preoperative constipation. The recurrence of RP was observed in only one (6.7%) patient in the postoperative follow-up.&#x0D; Conclusion: Considering the short-term outcomes in the patients who underwent LRV for RP, it can be concluded that LVR is a good option in this patient group, with a low recurrence rate and satisfactory improvement in incontinence.

Comparison of four surgical approaches for rectal prolapse: multicentre randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundSeveral different procedures have been described for surgical treatment of rectal prolapse and consensus on the optimal approach has not been reached. The Swedish Rectal Prolapse Trial was performed with the aim to compare the outcomes after the most common surgical approaches to rectal prolapse.MethodA multicentre randomized trial was conducted from 2000 to 2009. Patients were randomized between a perineal or an abdominal approach for correction of rectal prolapse (randomization A) if eligible for any procedures. Patients considered unsuitable for random allocation were only included in randomizations B or C. Patients in randomization B (perineal group) were randomized to Delorme’s or Altemeier’s procedures and those in randomization C (abdominal group) to suture rectopexy or resection rectopexy. Primary outcomes were bowel function and quality of life, measured using Wexner incontinence score and RAND-36, and secondary outcomes were complications and recurrence at 3 years.ResultsDuring the study period, 134 patients were randomized: 18 in randomization A group, 80 in randomization B group and 54 in randomization C group; of these, 122 patients underwent surgery. Mean follow-up was 2.6 years. Improvements in Wexner and RAND-36 scores were seen but with no significant difference between the groups. Health change scores were significantly improved from baseline up to 1 year after surgery (P < 0.001). At 3 years, recurrence rates were two of seven patients for abdominal versus five of eight patients for perineal approach (P = 0.315), 18 of 31 patients (58 per cent) for Delorme’s versus 15 of 30 patients (50 per cent) for Altemeier’s (P = 0.611) and four of 19 patients (21 per cent) for suture rectopexy versus two of 21 patients (10 per cent) for resection rectopexy (P = 0.398). There were no significant differences regarding postoperative complications.ConclusionFor all procedures, significant improvements from baseline in health change scores were noted after surgery. Recurrence rates were higher than previously reported. Registration number: NCT04893642 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

A comparative study on the surgical options for male rectal prolapse.

Purpose:Rectal prolapse is known to be a rare condition in males compared to females. This study aimed to analyse the frequency of male rectal prolapse and compare the results of different surgical approaches performed at a single centre.Patients and Methods:The authors included patients who underwent surgical treatment for rectal prolapse from March 2016 to February 2021. The proportion of males, mean age and recurrence rates were calculated. Patients were divided into two groups, transanal approach and laparoscopic abdominal approach group, to identify the para-operative parameters including functional tests.Results:A total of 56 males, comprising 23.7% (56/236) of all patients. The mean age was 60.8 years, with a recurrence rate of 7 cases (12.5%) during 7.2 months of follow-up. Forty patients underwent transanal procedures, and fifteen underwent laparoscopic abdominal procedures. The mean operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (transanal vs. abdominal, 57.5 vs. 70.6 min, P < 0.003), and intra-operative bleeding was greater in the transanal group (12.4 vs. 3.4 ml, P < 0.001). Full-layer prolapse (36.8 vs. 81.2% P = 0.003) and longer length (5.6 vs. 7.8 cm, P = 0.048) were more common in laparoscopic group. Time to feeding resumption was shorter after the transanal group (1.2 vs. 1.7 days, P = 0.028). There was no difference between the groups in terms of post-operative complications and recurrence rates. Both Wexner's constipation and incontinence scores showed significant improvement postoperatively.Conclusion:The frequency of male rectal prolapse was 23.7%, and perioperative factors differed between transanal and abdominal approaches, but recurrence rates and functional test results did not differ significantly.

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation After Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (FORCE Trial).

To investigate the effects of PFR after LAR compared to usual care without PFR. Functional complaints, including fecal incontinence, often occur after LAR for rectal cancer. Controversy exists about the effectiveness of PFR in improving such postoperative functional outcomes. This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 17 Dutch centers. Patients after LAR for rectal cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to usual care or PFR and stratified by sex and administration of neoadjuvant therapy. Selection was not based on severity of complaints at baseline. Baseline measurements were taken 3 months after surgery without temporary stoma construction or 6 weeks after stoma closure. The primary outcome measure was the change in Wexner incontinence scores 3 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were fecal incontinence-related quality of life, colorectal-specific quality of life, and the LARS scores. Between October 2017 and March 2020, 128 patients were enrolled and 106 randomly assigned (PFR n = 51, control n = 55); 95 patients (PFR n = 44, control n = 51) were assessable for final analysis. PFR did not lead to larger changes in Wexner incontinence scores in nonselected patients after LAR compared to usual care [PFR: -2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.3 to -1.4, control: -1.3, 95% CI -2.2 to -0.4, P = 0.13]. However, PFR was associated with less urgency at follow-up (odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.86). Patients without near-complete incontinence reported larger Wexner score improvements after PFR (PFR: -2.1, 95% CI -3.1 to -1.1, control: -0.7, 95% CI -1.6 to 0.2, P = 0.045). For patients with at least moderate incontinence PFR resulted in relevant improvements in all fecal incontinence-related quality of life domains, while the control group deteriorated. These improvements were even larger when patients with near-complete incontinence were excluded. No serious adverse PFR-related events occurred. No benefit was found of PFR in all patients but several subgroups were identified that did benefit from PFR, such as patients with urgency or with at least moderate incontinence and no near-complete incontinence. A selective referral policy (65%-85% of all patients) is suggested to improve postoperative functional outcomes for patients after LAR for rectal cancer. Netherlands Trial Registration, NTR5469, registered on 3 September 2015.

Mid-term functional and quality of life outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy: multicenter comparative matched-pair analyses

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare patients’ mid-term functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes following robotic ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR).MethodsThe data of consecutive female patients who underwent minimally invasive ventral mesh rectopexy for external or symptomatic internal rectal prolapse at 3 hospitals in Finland between January 2011 and December 2016 were retrospectively collected. Patients were matched by age and diagnosis at a 1:1 ratio. A disease-related symptom questionnaire was sent to all living patients at follow-up in July 2018.ResultsAfter a total of 401 patients (RVMR, n = 187; LVMR, n = 214) were matched, 152 patients in each group were included in the final analyses. The median follow-up times were 3.3 (range 1.6–7.4) years and 3.0 (range 1.6–7.6) years for the RVMR and LVMR groups, respectively. The postoperative QoL measures did not differ between the groups. Compared with the LVMR group, the RVMR group had lower postoperative Wexner Incontinence Score (median 5 vs. median 8; p < 0.001), experienced significant ongoing incontinence symptoms less often (30.6% vs. 49.0%; p < 0.001) and reported less postoperative faecal incontinence discomfort evaluated with the visual analogue scale (median 11 vs. median 39; p = 0.005). RVMR patients had a shorter hospital stay (2.2 days vs. 3.8 days; p < 0.001) but experienced more frequent de novo pelvic pain (31.8% vs. 11.8%; p < 0.001).ConclusionRVMR and LVMR patients had equal functional and QoL outcomes. Those who underwent RVMR had lower mid-term anal incontinence symptom scores but suffered more frequent de novo pelvic pain.

Comparative study of functional outcomes between ultra-low anterior resection and inter-sphincteric resection: a propensity matched analysis.

Comparative bowel functional outcomes between ultralow anterior resections (ULAR) and inter-sphincteric resection (ISR) for similar tumour and patient characteristics is not known. Single centre study of low rectal caners (<5cm from anal verge) with 1:1 propensity matching of age, sex, body mass index, prior radiation, and surgical approach (open vs. minimally invasive) was performed for the ULAR and ISR groups. Primary outcome measure was Wexner Incontinence scores and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score at a single time point after stoma reversal. Seventy-two matched patients were included. Median Wexner scores were five and eight for the ULAR and ISR cohorts (p = 0.006). Major incontinence (Wexner >11) was found in 5.6% versus 33% after ULAR and ISR, respectively. Major LARS (score > 29) was demonstrated in 11% versus 25% in ULAR versus ISR (p = 0.293). Majority in both groups has no LARS (score < 20), that is, 72.2% versus 63.9% in ULAR against ISR. Besides these, stool fragmentation (p < 0.001), nocturnal defecation (p < 0.001) and use of anti-diarrhoeal medications (p = 0.023) were significantly more after ISR. Bowel continence was relatively inferior after ISR as compared to an ULAR for low rectal cancers in matched cohorts. Major LARS in ISR was twice as prevalent without statistical differences.

Modified Gant procedure for treatment of internal rectal prolapse in elderly women.

BACKGROUNDAlthough rectal prolapse is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause defecation disorders, anal incontinence, sensory abnormalities, and other problems that can seriously affect quality of life.AIMTo study the efficacy of the modified Gant procedure for elderly women with internal rectal prolapse.METHODSSixty-three elderly female patients with internal rectal prolapse underwent the modified Gant procedure. The preoperative and postoperative anal symptoms, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), Wexner incontinence score, incontinence quality of life score, and complications (massive hemorrhage, infection, anorectal stenosis, and anorectal fistula) were compared.RESULTSThe improvement rates of postoperative symptoms were defecation disorders (84.5%), anal distention (69.6%), defecation sensation (81.4%), frequent defecation (88.7%), and anal incontinence (42.9%) (P < 0.05). All dimensions and total scores of the PAC-QOL after the procedure were lower than those before the operation (P < 0.05). The postoperative anal incontinence score and Wexner score were significantly lower than those before the procedure (P < 0.05). The quality of life and total scores of postoperative anal incontinence were significantly higher than those before the procedure (P < 0.05). There were no serious complications and no deaths.CONCLUSIONThe modified Gant procedure has significant advantages in the treatment of elderly women with internal rectal prolapse.

End-to-end anal Sphincter Repair in Treatment of Post-traumatic Fecal Incontinence

AbstractThe present report describes the end-to-end technique of anal sphincter repair in a 36-year-old female patient with post-vaginal delivery fecal incontinence (FI). The patient had a history of two vaginal deliveries and the symptoms of FI were observed after the second delivery. On assessment of the severity of FI using the Wexner incontinence score, the patient had a score of 12. Endoanal ultrasonography revealed an anterior defect of the external anal sphincter extending from 11 to 3 o'clock. The patient had no previous anal surgery and did not have any medical comorbidities.The operation time was 45 minutes. No intraoperative complications were recorded. At 12 months of follow-up, the patient showed significant improvement in the continence state, with her Wexner score dropping to 4. No postoperative complications were recorded. We can conclude that end-to-end anal sphincter repair is a technically feasible operation that confers satisfactory improvement in the continence state without imposing much tension on the site of sphincter repair.