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Introduction: Despite its existence for more than 40 years, the TEM method has not become widespread. The main reasons are the high acquisition costs, the sophisticated technology and alternative procedures (especially radical resection procedures), which provide greater oncological safety. However, avoiding major abdominal surgery with the creation of a stoma and higher complication rates can outweigh the higher risk of recurrence for some patients. We examined the results using V-TEM with reduced acquisition costs in the resection of adenomas and carcinomas and discussed its importance by literature ., Method: From 2003 to 2019, 154 patients with 170 findings were operated by V-TEM technology. Data on the operation and follow-up were collected and analyzed retrospectively., Results: The median age was 67 years, 89 patients were male and 65 female. V-TEM was performed on 79 carcinomas, 77 adenomas and 14 other findings. The complication rate was 21.2 %. R0 resection was achieved in 78.8 %. The adenoma recurrence rate was 7.3 %, the overall recurrence rate for carcinomas 11.9 %, local recurrences were observed in 6.8 %. The disease-specific survival is 100 % at 5 years and 94.2 % at ten years., Discussion: The successful use of TEM in adenomas and early carcinomas is undisputed. When treating carcinomas from a T1 high risk stage using TEM, recurrence rates higher than 10 % must be expected. Better results can be achieved with radical procedures, this is why they are considered the therapy of choice in these cases. However, there are no differences in terms of survival rates and TEM offers proven better postoperative quality of life. In particular, the combination of neoadjuvant procedures with TEM delivered promising results in more advanced stages. Further studies on TEM and the possibility of lower acquisition costs through modification to V-TEM could make the method more popular in the future., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and associated symptoms of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, obstructive micturition, defecation, and pain are frequent and a widespread disease with relevant reduction of quality of life and high costs. New insights into functional anatomy and pathophysiology of these pelvic floor dysfunctions let us recognize how ligamentous laxities/defects lead to these dysfunctions. Results of the PROpel study (ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT00638235) are shown in which a detailed observation of symptoms (patient-related outcome measures) pre- and postoperatively was performed. Ligamentous vaginal repair of POP enables symptom cure in high percentages for urinary urge incontinence (up to 82%), nocturia (up to 92%), obstructive micturition (up to 87%), fecal incontinence (58-72%), obstructive defecation (71-84%), and pain (53-90%), if caused by POP. Women with POP‑Q stage 2 have similar symptom frequencies as women with POP‑Q stage 3-4, and also similar cure rates of their symptoms. If good anatomical prolapse repair (in responders) was achieved, the cure rates for obstructive micturition, urinary urgency incontinence, and nocturia were significantly higher than in those women with less effective surgical repair. In the future, pelvic floor surgery should have symptom cure as the primary objective and should lead to improved quality of life. The different, currently performed techniques for POP repair have to be investigated concerning this matter., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Cryptoglandular anal fistulas are one of the most common colorectal diseases and occur with an incidence of about 20/100,000. Anal fistulas are defined as an inflammatory junction between the anal canal and the perianal skin. They develop from an abscess or chronic infection of the anorectum. Surgical treatment of the disease is the method of choice. Even when treating an acute abscess, its cause should be sought at the same time. If there is a connection to the anal canal without affecting relevant parts of the sphincter muscles, primary fistulotomy should be performed. If larger parts of the sphincter muscle are involved, the insertion of a seton drain is usually useful. There are essentially two recommendations for the elective treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistulas. Distal fistulas should be excised, with the proviso that as little sphincter muscle as possible is sacrificed. In the case of highly proximally located and complex fistulas, sphincter-preserving surgical techniques should be used. In this case, the method of choice is the mucosal or advancement flap. Alternatively, clips, fibrin injections, fistula plugs, fistula ligatures, or laser-based procedures are described in the literature. In the case of intermediate fistulas, a fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction can be useful. Every operation is carried out as a compromise between definitive healing of the fistula and a potential risk to the patient's continence. It is often difficult to make a reliable prognosis about the continence function to be expected postoperatively. In addition to the fistula morphology, particular attention should be paid to whether previous proctological operations have already been performed, the gender of the patient, and whether there are pre-existing sphincter dysfunctions. Since the surgeon's expertise plays a decisive role in the success of the treatment, the procedure should be carried out in a specialist proctological centre, especially in the case of complex fistulas or in the case of a condition after previous operations. In addition to the classic procedures, such as fistulectomy or the plastic fistula closure, this article examines alternative methods and their areas of application., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Traumatic anal sphincter muscle defects often occur after childbirth and surgery and can lead to fecal incontinence that requires further treatment., Objective: The aim of this article is to illustrate the etiology of traumatic sphincter muscle defects, the treatment options of subsequent fecal incontinence and their evaluation on the basis of current studies., Material and Methods: Selected studies are presented., Results: Fecal incontinence presenting with a traumatic sphincter muscle defect is often due to multiple factors especially in the aged and makes the use of extended diagnostic tools necessary; however, the subjective complaints do not always correlate with morphological or functional diagnostic findings. Besides reconstructive procedures, such as sphincteroplasty and graciloplasty, sphincter augmentation techniques and sacral nerve stimulation can also be applied in traumatic sphincter muscle defects that are often associated with a loss of efficacy in the long term or a high rate of adverse events., Conclusion: The fecal incontinence associated with traumatic sphincter insufficiency represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the multifactorial origin. It is not uncommon that patients have to undergo several surgical and conservative interventions.

Background: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been used in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome, nonobstructive urinary retention and faecal incontinence for almost 40 years now. It is not to be confused with the sacral anterior root stimulation which is exclusively used for bladder dysfunction due to spinal paraplegia., Mechanism of Action: The principles of SNM are yet to be fully understood. Nevertheless, there is proof of modulating the activity of several micturition-associated, afferent neurons in the spine, brainstem and cerebrum. Thus, premature detrusor contractions are suppressed, the desire to void is delayed and detrusor-sphincter coordination improves., Techniques of Implantation and Stimulation: Motor reactions are an important indicator of correct electrode placement. The implantation procedure consists of two stages with an initial trial phase to determine the best possible treatment response through an external generator before implanting the whole stimulating device. Yearly check-up examinations are recommended; wireless adjustments allow for long-lasting symptom reduction., Indication and Outcome: Success rates in the treatment of the refractory overactive bladder syndrome and the non-obstructive urinary retention lie above 70% and can still be perceived as sufficient after 5 years of ongoing SNM therapy. There is also profound evidence of SNM being an effective option for patients with faecal incontinence or chronic obstipation., Contraindications and Risks: Children, pregnant women and patients in need of frequent MRI examinations are usually not eligible for SNM therapy. Infection of the implant, technical failure (including lead displacement and battery depletion) and pain in the implantation site are important adverse effects which might require surgical revision., Conclusions: The indications for SNM in the German health care system can be expected to be expanded upon the chronic pelvic pain syndrome, erectile dysfunction and additional gastrointestinal conditions. Technical progress will continue to improve the risk-benefit ratio of SNM.

Background: In rectopexy the use of meshes provides stability by mechanical support as well as by the induction of scar formation; however, one of the problems of conventional methods of mesh rectopexy is that many patients postoperatively suffer from functional disorders, such as fecal incontinence and stool evacuation disorders. One reason is the damage of vegetative nerves following dorsal and lateral mobilization of the rectum, which is required for positioning of the mesh. In 2004 D'Hoore and Penninckx first described the method of ventral rectopexy, a new technique of mesh rectopexy which allows preservation of the autonomic nerves., Objective: Does ventral rectopexy provide advantages regarding functional outcome, complications and recurrence rates?, Material and Methods: A search was carried out in the databases PubMed and Medline for studies on ventral rectoplexy. Presentation and analysis of the current state of relevant studies relating to ventral rectopexy., Results: Ventral rectopexy is characterized by a low complication rate and good functional results in terms of improvement of incontinence, constipation and stool evacuation disorders. The indications for ventral rectopexy are considered in patients with external prolapse of the rectum. Also in a well-selected patient population internal prolapse, rectocele as well as enterocele accompanied by obstructive defecation syndrome represent relative indications for ventral rectopexy., Conclusion: In order to obtain a valid assessment of the value of this procedure it is crucial to improve the current lack of evidence (level 3) by prospective randomized studies that compare ventral rectopexy with other surgical techniques and nonsurgical treatment options.

Fecal incontinence is defined by the unintentional loss of solid or liquid stool, and anal incontinence includes leakage of gas and / or fecal incontinence. Anal-fecal incontinence is not a diagnosis but a symptom. Many patients hide the problem from their families, friends, and even their doctors. Epidemiologic studies indicate a prevalence between 7-15 %, up to 30 % in hospitals and up to 70 % in longterm care settings. Anal-fecal incontinence causes a significant socio-economic burden. There is no widely accepted approach for classifying anal-fecal incontinence available. Anal-fecal continence is maintained by anatomical factors, rectoanal sensation, and rectal compliance. The diagnostic approach comprises muscle and nerve injuries by iatrogenic, obstetric or surgical trauma, descending pelvic floor or associated diseases. A basic diagnostic workup is sufficient to characterize the different manifestations of fecal incontinence in most of the cases. This includes patient history with a daily stool protocol and digital rectal investigation. Additional investigations may include anorectal manometry, anal sphincter EMG, conduction velocity of the pudendal nerve, needle EMG, barostat investigation, defecography and the dynamic MRI. Therapeutic interventions are focused on the individual symptoms and should be provided in close cooperation with gastroenterologists, surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, physiotherapeutics and psychologists (nutritional-training, food fibre content, pharmacological treatment of diarrhea/constipation, toilet training, pelvic floor gymnastic, anal sphincter training, biofeedback). Surgical therapy includes the STARR operation for rectoanal prolapse and sacral nerve stimulation for chronic constipation and anal-fecal incontinence. Surgery should not be applied unless the diagnostic work-up is complete and all conservative treatment options failed., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Fistula-in-ano and anal fissures are common proctological diseases. In most cases of anal fissures conservative treatment provides good clinical results, whereas for fistula-in-ano operative treatment is the only option., Objective: The most important and for the patient most stressful long-term complication is postoperative incontinence, especially as the deliberate severance of the anal sphincter musculature is part of the treatment for many patients. In this article the causes and treatment options are discussed., Results: The therapy of choice for patients with persisting symptoms caused by an anal fissure is fissurectomy. Incontinence disorders develop due to severance of parts of the internal sphincter or resection of the anoderm. In patients with anal fistulas the occurrence of incontinence disorders depends on the anatomical relationship of the fistula to the sphincter, the surgical procedure and also on pre-existing damage, e.g. from childbirth or other sphincter trauma and scar formation, notably in patients with multiple surgical interventions. Severance of the sphincter muscles in proximal transsphincteric and suprasphincteric fistulas in particular bears a high risk of postoperative incontinence. Data from the literature regarding postoperative fecal incontinence vary enormously due to different follow-up intervals and also variable definitions of the term fecal incontinence., Conclusion: Options for the treatment of postoperative fecal incontinence are limited. Treatment of postoperative incontinence should first be conservative. Surgical repair of damaged sphincter muscles is often of limited success and sacral nerve stimulation might be an option in selected patients. Especially in patients with fissure-in-ano the indications for surgery should be strictly adhered to. For fistula-in-ano the least invasive and most sphincter-preserving procedure should be selected.

Sacrocolpopexy has remained standard procedure for correction of pelvic organ prolapse regardless of the affected compartment. Assuming the appropriate indication, it is characterized by an excellent long-term cure rate. Asymptomatic pelvic organ prolapse is no indication for surgery and should not be corrected in view of possible complications. This article summarizes general and method-specific complications of sacrocolpopexy, identifies causes, and allows error management to be tailored to each individual patient to increase treatment and outcome quality.

Fecal incontinence is defined as an accidental loss of stool or the inability to control defecation. There are three subtypes of fecal incontinence: passive incontinence, urge incontinence and soiling. About 8% of the adult population suffer from fecal incontinence, but only 1/3 consults a doctor. Beside the individual handicap, fecal incontinence has a huge socio-economic impact. Causes of fecal incontinence are changes in the quantity or quality of the stool and structural or functional disorders. Diagnostics encompass the medical history, clinical examination including the digital rectal examination, imaging (particularly endoanal ultrasound) as well as functional diagnostics (anal manometry and defecography). Nowadays, the most promising conservative treatment option consists of loperamide and biofeedback therapy. The most successful invasive method is the sacral neuromodulation.

Based on a variety of aetiological factors and combined disorders in faecal incontinence, a conservative treatment option as the primary treatment can be recommended. Conservative treatment includes medical therapy influencing stool consistency and stool passage, pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback as well as local treatment options. However, defining the role of conservative treatment concepts related to success or failure remains a challenging task. The lack of evidence derived from studies is related to a variety of reasons including inclusion criteria, patient selection, treatment standardisation, and the principal difficulty to objectively define functional success., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS, sacral neuromodulation) has become an important tool in the treatment of incontinence. Idiopathic, muscular as well as neurogenous disorders can be treated successfully with this method. Possible complications like infections, cable breaks and electrode displacements may be treated very well conservatively. However, in some patients a surgical revision or removal of the stimulation system may be necessary., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: The evidence for conservative treatment of anal incontinence is poor. In our first publication [Schwandner et al. Dis Colon Rectum 2010; 53: 1007-1016] we demonstrated that a novel therapeutic concept, termed triple target treatment (3T), combining amplitude-modulated medium frequency stimulation and electromyography biofeedback (EMG-BF) was superior to EMG-BF alone. Questions about the required treatment duration and the relevant subgroups of patients with sphincter damage and damaged anal sensibility were not addressed., Methods: We enrolled 158 patients with anal incontinence in this randomized study. Here, we -report on the important subgroup analyses of patients with and without sphincter damage and damaged anal sensibility for the endpoints Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS) and success record. Using the results of this study we propose a novel treatment algorithm which is open for discussion., Results: In patients with sphincter damage, the median difference on the CCS from baseline to 9 months was 5 points higher for 3T than for EMG-BF (95 % confidence interval 0-8; p = 0.0168). While 47 % of the patients with sphincter damage became continent with 3T, only 18 % did with EMG-BF (p = 0.0036). Ten of 17 patients in the 3T group regained anal sensibility after 3 months stimulation. There was tendency towards improved continence in patients with neuropathy upon 3T treatment (p = 0.1219)., Conclusions: 3T is superior to EMG-BF alone for patients with sphincter damage and neuropathic anal incontinence. It is a successful key element within our treatment algorithm, even in patients with sphincter damage and neuropathic anal incontinence., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Anal incontinence is a disease of high prevalence. For many patients the disease causes severe stress and often results in social isolation. Whenever a sphincter lesion has been diagnosed by digital rectal examination and endosonographic access, anal sphincter reconstruction can be performed with the same results either in overlapping or in end-to-end suture technique. sing these procedures, in more than 60 % of patients the continence can be initially improved. However, benefit decreases after 5 years down to 40-50 %. The prognosis gets worse with increasing age and supplementary descending pelvic floor. Anal repair with reconstruction of internal and external sphincters is performed in neurogenic incontinence. This can be achieved by posterior or anterior anal repair (total pelvic floor repair). Nowadays these procedures are not common, due to unsuccessfulness. Instead, sacral nerve stimulation as a more expensive but less invasive method has displaced the anal repair on this indication. Interpretation of the published results remains delicate because of heterogenous evaluation criteria of postoperative outcome: subjective amelioration, postoperative satisfaction and quality of life, improvement of incontinence score or achievement of complete anal continence. However, it is proven that after immediate reconstruction of traumatic sphincter lesions the postoperative outcome is better than a two-step operation with primary ostomy., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Purpose: One of the main therapeutic targets of a radical prostatectomy (RP) as a treatment for -localised prostate cancer is the maintenance of quality of life after surgery besides the known oncological and functional effects. This prospective study compared the quality of life after surgery of patients treated with two different surgical methods (perineal RP, RPP; retropubic RP, RRP). The aim of this study was to compare perineal and retropubic RP with regard to stool behaviour and local pain symptoms., Patients and Methods: 257  radical prostatectomies (169 RPP, 88 RRP) were performed between July 2003 and December 2004. 208 (151 RPP, 57 RRP) prospectively evaluated patients replied to a physician-independent validated questionnaire (QLQ-C30 with prostate modul, IIEF 75, stool behaviour) followed by a phone survey regarding the continence of all 257  patients., Results: One year after surgery, the complete continence rate (no pads) was 75 % for the RPP group and 61 % for the RRP group. 22 % of the patients reported involuntary stool leakage in the RPP group and 19 % in the RRP group (not significantly different). 29 % of the patients in the RPP group complained of local pain after 12  months, one third of them while sitting. In the RRP group, 28 % of the patients complained of local pain after 12  months, 15 % of them while sitting.17 % in the RPP and 27 % in the RRP group who suffered of stool leakage had these symptoms preoperatively. One year after surgery, 52 % of preoperatively potent patients were still potent after nerve-sparing RPP and 40 % were potent after nerve-sparing RRP. 78 % of patients in the RPP group and 67 % in the RRP group had an overall satisfactory quality of life., Conclusion: The application of different surgical methods did not differ with regard to postoperative local pain, stool behaviour, or general health items of quality of life. Stool leakage and perineal pain while sitting were not limited to RPP only and about a quarter of these patients had suffered from stool leakage already be-fore surgery., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart ˙ New York.)

Various outcomes following operative therapy for Hirschsprung's disease and anorectal malformations have been reported. Operative techniques for anorectal reconstruction have been modified several times in the past. Repair of anorectal -malformations have been performed through a posterior sagittal approach since the 1980s. This -allows an anatomically correct reconstruction of the anorectal canal. Abdominoperineal or sacro-abdominoperineal pull-through procedures, as the classical operative techniques, have been abandoned by most surgeons. Rectosigmoid-ectomy with colo-anal anastomosis, as described by Swenson and Bill in 1948, as well as the retro-rectal pull-through (Duhamel) and the endorectal pull-through (Soave) are still frequently used in surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. The development of the transanal endorectal pull-through with (Georgeson) or without (de la Torre) laparoscopic assistance has eliminated the necessity of laparotomy in selected cases. Despite significant progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of and therapy for Hirschsprung's dis-ease and anorectal malformations, the functional results remain unsatisfactory. Functional problems occur already in early childhood and de-crease the quality of life significantly. Although complications resolve with time and the quality of life normalises in adolescence and adulthood, this might be mainly due to an adaptation strategy by the patients. For the future, a standardised and prospective study design is necessary to compare different procedures and to provide a basis for the further development of therapeutic strategies., (Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart-New York.)

In a 30 year-old patient with subacute loss of bowel control and perianal anesthesia radiologic examination showed multiple bone lesions. The results of a bone marrow aspiration showed acute myeloid leukemia M2 with translocation t(8,21) associated with granulocytic sarcoma. The patient was treated with high dose chemotherapy and had a complete remission after autologous stem cell transplantation.

Unclear perianal bleeding may cause diagnostic and therapeutic difficulty, particularly when the bleeding source cannot be detected. In this case record we report on a 64-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis and incomplete CRES(T) syndrome diagnosed more than 10 years ago with no detectable teleangiectasia/angiodysplasia at that time. During the course of the disease the initially incomplete CRES(T) syndrome developed into a complete CREST syndrome with repeated bleeding from teleangiectatic/angiodysplastic lesions of the rectum, stomach/duodenum. In addition, chronic diarrhoea with malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth and severe anal incontinence were present which all were seen as intestinal manifestations of the existing underlying disease. A complete motoric and sensoric insufficiency of the anal sphincter was found manometrically, anal endosonography with elastography revealed changes compatible with sclerosis. In the absence of a causal therapy symptomatic treatment strategies are described and discussed on the basis of existing pathophysiologic knowledge.

Perianal and perineal ultrasound is an effective but rarely applied diagnostic modality. Transmural inflammation, fistula and abscesses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease can be delineated and perirectal tumours can be staged. The method is complementary to endorectal ultrasound. Also oblique transsphincteric fistula can be displayed in detail.

In 75 to 90 % of patients with rectal cancer, a sphincter-preserving resection can be performed without violating oncological principles. However, almost 50 % of the patients suffer from an anterior resection syndrome after total or subtotal rectal resection with a straight colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. This syndrome describes the characteristic complaints of minor or major incontinence. The anastomosis with the colonic pouch has been proved to result in better continence in the short- and long-terms compared to the straight anastomosis. Based on grade 1 evidence, the colonic pouch should be recommended as a standard procedure after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME). Both the colonic J pouch of 6-cm length and the coloplasty have been shown to be of equal value in respect to function and morbidity. With regard to the complicated procedure and the poorer functional outcome, the ileocecal pouch should only be applied in cases without the option of an alternative pouch design. The temporary loss of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, the sphincter lesion caused by the instrumental dilatation in stapling or peranal hand-sutured anastomosis and the disturbed function of the internal sphincter due to the autonomous nerve damage additionally contribute to the anterior resection syndrome. In the intersphincteric resection, the loss of the transitional zone and the hemorrhoidal cushion as well as the removal of the upper part of the internal sphincter aggravate the incontinence. For better continence, two operative procedures should be recommended: By applying the inverse double stapling technique in anastomizing the colonic J pouch, the sphincter lesion as a consequence of the dilatation can be avoided. The nerve-sparing mesorectal excision helps to preserve the function of the internal sphincter.

Incontinence may have different causes. First it is necessary to diagnose any underlying muscular defects. Neurologic lesions and coordinative disturbances should also be excluded. A great variety of methods are available for treatment. In fact conservative therapy alone will very often be successful. In all traumatic lesions of the sphincter muscle, surgical reconstruction is the method of choice if the defect is not too large. In cases of extensive sphincter destruction, an artificial anorectal sphincter implant or dynamic graciloplasty may be options. In all cases with no or only small muscular defects, sacral nerve stimulation should be offered to the patient. Plicating techniques such as pre- or postanal repair have lost their therapeutic attractiveness at present. Therefore in any case of incontinence, the correctly structured stoma still has a place. To date it is not possible to confirm how much new methods such as bulking agents may contribute to the treatment of incontinence.

Anorectal disorders which often lead to fecal incontinence are a frequent problem especially in elderly patients. Direct risk factors for fecal incontinence are higher age, female sex and co-morbidity with reduced health status. Anorectal disorders cause significant socio-economic burden. Impairment of the structural and functional integrity of the anorectum are mostly multifactorial (integrity of the muscles, sensory function, stool consistency) leading to depression and fear with reduction in quality of life. A basic diagnostic work up is sufficient to characterize the different manifestations of anorectal disorders in most of the cases. This includes patient history with daily stool protocol, clinical and endoscopic investigation. Follow-up investigations include anorectal manometry, anal sphincter-EMG, conduction velocity of the pudendal nerve, needle-EMG, barostat investigation, defecography and the dynamic MRT. Therapeutic interventions are focussed on the individual symptoms and should be provided in close cooperation with gastroenterologists, surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, physiotherapeutics and psychologists (nutritional-training, food fibre content, pharmacological treatment of diarrhea/constipation, toilet-training, pelvic floor-gymnastic, anal sphincter training, biofeedback). Indication for surgical therapy is rarely seen and should be decided only after complete diagnostic work-up and only when all conservative treatment options have failed. Surgical treatment should be provided only in experienced clinical centres.

Dynamic graciloplasty (DGP) and the Acticon Neosphincter (artificial bowel sphincter, ABS) are well-established therapeutic instruments in patients with severe fecal incontinence. However, the success rates in the literature must be interpreted with caution. The report presented here presents firstly a critical analysis of 1510 patients in 52 studies (29 DGP vs 23 ABS). The evidence of these studies was assessed using the Oxford EBM criteria. All data were statistically analysed. Up to 94% of the studies analysed show EBM levels of only >3b. Both procedures show significant improvements in postoperative continence scores (p<0.001) and a significant advantage of ABS over DGP. Nevertheless, they are associated with a high incidence of morbidity in the long term (infection rate ABS vs DGP 21.74% vs 35.1%, revision rate ABS vs DGP 37.53% vs 40.64%, and ABS explantation rates of 30%). Presently no therapeutic recommendation can be expressed based on the few data available. Furthermore, therapy should be performed in specialized centers and patients should be given a realistic picture of the critical outcome of both surgical techniques.

Despite progress in modern surgery, the choice of the surgical procedure of rectal prolapse is regarded with controversy. Selection criteria between the abdominal or perineal approach or between rectopexy and resection rectopexy are not yet proven. This article gives a review of the literature about rectal prolapse and an analysis of the outcome of posterior rectopexy and resection rectopexy--partly conventionally and partly laparoscopically--in 25 patients with rectal prolapse III degrees and IV degrees. All except for one patient were examined during a mean follow-up of 5.5 (3.1) years for the rectopexy group and 2.1 (0.7) years for the resection rectopexy group. Recurrence occurred in one patient in each group respectively. There was no significant difference concerning the continence function (p = 0.32) and constipation (p = 0.36) between both groups. No mesh-related complications such as infection, fistula or rectum stenosis were observed. According to the review of the literature and our data, we believe that the choice of the operative procedure for rectal prolapse should be based on individual criteria. Fit patients should be offered laparoscopic procedures such as resection rectopexy and rectopexy without colonic resection.

Introduction: 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., Patients and Method: 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., Results: 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., Discussion: 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., Conclusion: Surgical approach to correct a symptomatic rectocele depends on the concomitant lesion.

The sacral nerve stimulation is a new promising procedure for faecal incontinence in patients in whom conservative treatments have failed. In contrast to more invasive restorative surgeries (e.g. dynamic graciloplasty or artificial sphincter), sacral nerve stimulation can be tested and performed in outpatient under local anaesthesia. From May 2001 to April 2004, 25 consecutive patients with faecal incontinence underwent percutaneous test-stimulation during 10 to 14 days. The test was positive in 16 of them (64%) in whom a permanent implantation of an internal pulse generator was performed. During the follow up of this group a significant reduction of the number of incontinence episodes and a considerable improvement of quality of life was demonstrated. Complete investigations and restrictive patient selection, as well as a carefully follow up are recommended for the success in sacral nerve stimulation therapy.

Three to four million women suffer from urinary incontinence (UI) in Germany. This number will rise further as life expectancy increases, and there is an annual incidence of newly occurring UI of about 1%. Two thirds of all women with UI suffer additional symptoms of fecal incontinence. The type of incontinence present is diagnosed on the basis of patients history, clinical findings, and functional testing. The findings should be interpreted in an age-adjusted manner to avoid over-rating (e.g. urethral closure pressure at rest=100-age in cm H(2)O). The management of elderly patients focuses on conservative approaches with bladder and intestinal training as well as dietary measures serving to counteract the age-related loss of intellectual abilities. Local estrogen application has a positive effect on all forms of incontinence. Surgical approaches aim at improving symptoms since forced restoration of incontinence in elderly patients frequently induces voiding disorders.

Purpose: To assess the quality of end-to-end anastomosis in the primary repair of anal sphincter laceration occurring during delivery., Methods: Forty-nine women with third degree perineal laceration (PL III) and 42 controls were included in a 3-year postpartal follow-up study., Results: Ultrasound showed end-to-end anastomosis to be inadequate in 22 (48.1 %) women. Thirty-one (63.2 %) women developed grade I-III anal incontinence., Discussion: There was no correlation between ultrasound findings and the presence of anal incontinence. The unsatisfactory sonomorphometric outcome after 6 weeks results from inadequate repair with retraction of the sphincter ends. Defects newly demonstrated after 36 months indicate dedifferentiating atrophy with damage to peripheral motor nerves.

Diagnosis and management of fecal incontinence requires exact understanding of the anatomic and pathophysiologic principles involved and demands a methodical, stepwise approach. Despite the potential appeal of surgical intervention, a considerable number of patients can be helped by comparatively simple, noninvasive measures. Initial treatment should be medical, including biofeedback in combination with a bowel management program. In the presence of a severely denervated pelvic floor, physiotherapeutic techniques rarely give rise to a satisfactory and long-lasting response. Obvious external sphincter defects and patients who failed medical management are treated surgically. Many injuries of the external sphincter can be treated by direct sphincter repair. If patients with intact external sphincters are unresponsive to medical measures, descending perineum and resultant idiopathic fecal incontinence will improve by radio-frequency delivery, sacral nerve stimulation, or postanal plication. Patients with complex neurologic disorders or extensive sphincter defects or who have undergone previous unsuccessful attempts at repair of the puborectalis itself should be considered for dynamic gracilis plastic or an artificial sphincter.

Background and Objective: The goal of this study was to compare two surgical methods of treating for haemorrhoids that aim at closure of the wound: resection with a circular stapler and a conventional, closed haemorrhoidectomy., Patients and Methods: 80 patients (41 males, mean age 47,1 years) with haemorrhoids stage 3 were randomized and treated with stapler haemorrhoidectomy (test group; n = 40) or had an haemorrhoidectomy according to Fansler and Anderson (control group; n = 40). Following a standardized study protocol we compared postoperative results on the operating day and one week, six weeks, six months and one year afterwards uni- and multivariate analysis and we also calculated the costs., Results: The stapler haemorrhoidectomy proved to be the method causing significantly reduced pain in the early postoperative period so that the patients needed less pain relief. They were able to return to work earlier. One year after stapler haemorrhoidectomy there were three episodes of postoperative bleedings that required intervention, one in the control group. Six patients still had haemorrhoids stage 3, six patients over the age of 65 had persistent anal incontinence (I degrees according to Parks) with proven sphincter dysfunction and disturbances in voiding their bowel with resulting deterioration of quality of life, significantly more frequent than in the control group., Conclusions: Stapler haemorrhoidectomy cures stage 3 haemorrhoids on a long term basis in 84.2 % of patients, costing less than all alternative treatments. In some cases, it can be associated with postoperative complications.

Unlabelled: The following study reports on the effect of biofeedback and transanal electric stimulation as a conservative method in the therapy of idiopathic fecal incontinence. 22 consecutive patients in whom the diagnosis "idiopathic incontinence" was established after endoscopy, endoanal ultrasound and measurement of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency underwent combined sphincter training for 3 months. The results were evaluated prospectively by clinical classification using a modified Kelly-Holschneider-score and anal manometry before and after treatment. Combined biofeedback led to a significant increase of the continence score in 18 of 22 patients (7.7 +/- 3.8 vs. 9.3 +/- 3.0, p = 0.004). Both squeeze (77 +/- 28 mmHg vs. 92 +/- 32 mmHg, p = 0.047) and resting pressures (40 +/- 19 vs. 52 +/- 23 mmHg, p = 0.015) increased significantly during the training period. There were no significant differences in squeeze and resting asymmetry indexes, sensory and urge thresholds and maximal tolerable volumes. The prolongation of biofeedback training from 3 to 6 months in 9 patients did not change clinical or manometric results significantly., Conclusions: The combination of biofeedback training with anal electrostimulation increases anal squeeze and resting pressures, thus leading to an improvement of clinical incontinence symptoms. Therefore it should be the first choice in the therapy of idiopathic fecal incontinence. A training period of 3 months seems to be sufficient.

Background: Obstetric trauma is one of the most common causes of faecal incontinence, and the standard therapy for clear sphincter defects is overlapping sphincter repair. We aimed to assess the short-term success rates of sphincter repair using modified V-Y plastic without covering colostomy and with primary closure of the perineum., Methods: Between November 1997 and March 2002, 21 patients were operated on for faecal incontinence due to obstetric trauma. Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS), patients' subjective assessment, and pathophysiological parameters were evaluated pre- and postoperatively., Results: At follow-up, 19 patients (90%) reported improvements in continence symptoms over their preoperative situations. Three patients (14%) classified themselves subjectively as fully continent, six (28%) as highly improved, ten (48%) as improved, and two (10%) as unchanged., Conclusions: Our results indicate that faecal diversion is not necessary in sphincter repair and that primary perineal wound closure should be performed. Patients' subjective assessments and CCIS are suitable tools for evaluating improvements in faecal incontinence.

Introduction: A colon J pouch (CJP) still represents the standard rectal reservoir after low anterior resection. Though the CJP shows favourable early functional results, pouch evacuation problems tend to occur in the long term. The transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP), developed by our group allows comparable early functional results while avoiding evacuation problems. We report our experience with the TCP at the University Hospital of Heidelberg, Germany, and examine the risk of anastomotic leaks with this technique., Methods: Between 1 October 2001 and 31 May 2003, 201 patients with rectal tumours underwent resection. Eighty-two patients with formation of TCP were enrolled in the study., Results: During the creation of the TCP, no technical problems occurred, and the overall morbidity was 28%, including anastomotic leaks in seven patients (8.5%) and bleeding in two. The reoperation rate was 8.5%. An association between postoperative morbidity and preoperative radiation therapy could not be established. The hospital mortality rate was 3.6%., Conclusions: The use of TCP is a safe procedure which has gained worldwide acceptance in a short time, representing a technically straightforward procedure. Independently of patient size, habitus, and bulkiness of the colon, a TCP can always be performed after low rectal resection.