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Gabrio Bassotti,1 Paolo Usai Satta,2 Massimo Bellini3 1Gastroenterology & Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy; 2Gastrointestinal Unit, “G. Brotzu” Hospital, Cagliari, Italy; 3Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, ItalyCorrespondence: Gabrio BassottiClinica di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Piazzale Menghini, 1, San Sisto (Perugia), 06156, ItalyEmail gabassot@tin.itAbstract: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common functional bowel disorder characterized by difficult, infrequent, and/or incomplete defecation. It has a great impact on the quality of life and on health care system and represents a heavy economic burden. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, classified by the Rome IV criteria. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current therapeutic guidelines for adult CIC and highlight new emerging treatments. In detail, European, French, Spanish and Korean guidelines have been identified and compared. Osmotic laxatives, and in particular polyethylene glycol, represent the first-line therapeutic approach. Stimulant laxatives are recommended as a second-line therapy. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is recommended in patients with ano-rectal dyssynergia. In patients who fail to improve with pharmacological therapies sacral nerve stimulation is considered as last chance before surgery. Surgical approach has however limited indications in selected cases. Inertia coli refractory to any approach and obstructed defecation are two subtypes which can benefit from surgery. Among emerging agents, prucalopride, a prokinetic agent, is recommended as a second-line treatment in refractory CIC patients. In addition, the secretagogues linaclotide and plecanatide and the bile acid transported inhibitor elobixibat can be effective in patients not responsive to a second-line therapeutic regimen, although they are not worldwide commercially available.Keywords: chronic idiopathic constipation, guidelines, osmotic laxatives, pelvic floor rehabilitation, prokinetics, secretagogues

We used dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound to investigate the relationship between obstructed defecation symptom (ODS) severity and the degree of rectal hypermobility/folding. In this retrospective study, women who presented with ODS from October 2017 to January 2019 and underwent an interview, pelvic examination, and pelvic floor ultrasound were recruited. Patients were diagnosed with abdominal constipation, dyssynergia, or pelvic constipation. Pelvic constipation patients were categorized based on their reported frequency of incomplete emptying of stool (

Obstructed defecation syndrome may respond well to conservative treatment, yet some patients may need surgical intervention. The present report demonstrates the surgical treatment of a woman with obstructed defecation syndrome caused by anterior rectocele and internal rectal prolapse and associated with dolichocolon. A 39-year-old woman with a 5-year history of obstructed defecation syndrome caused by internal rectal prolapse and rectocele was investigated with anal manometry and defecography which confirmed the clinical diagnosis. The procedure entailed laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy to correct both internal rectal prolapse and anterior rectocele. In addition, since preoperative barium enema revealed the presence of a long redundant dolichocolon, resection of the sigmoid colon and creation of a stapled anastomosis were also performed. The patients’ symptoms were assessed using Wexner constipation score before and after surgery. The operation time of the procedure was approximately 90 min. No intraoperative adverse events were recorded. On follow-up, no complications as anastomotic leak, mesh-related morbidities, or ileus were recorded. At 6 months of follow-up, the patient reported significant improvement in symptoms with a decrease in the Wexner constipation score from 17 preoperatively to 6 postoperatively. No affection of the sexual function or de novo dyspareunia was reported by the patient. Combining resection of sigmoid colon with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy seems to be a feasible option for patients with obstructed defection caused by internal rectal prolapse and anterior rectocele with coexisting dolichocolon. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to ascertain this preliminary finding.

There are many surgical treatments aimed at correcting internal mucosal prolapse and rectocele associated with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). Perineal procedures can be considered as first options in young men in whom an abdominal approach poses risks of sexual dysfunction and in selected women with isolated posterior compartment prolapse who failed conservative treatment. About 20 years ago, we described endorectal proctopexy (ERPP) also known as internal Delorme procedure. The aim of the present study was to describe, with attention to technical details and the aid of a video, the different steps of ERPP for the treatment of ODS. A retrospective analysis of our last 100 cases confirms our initial good results. Complications included suture line dehiscence with consequent stricture in four patients (4%). Bleeding occurred in four (4%) patients and was conservatively treated. Transient anal continence impairment consisting of urgency and soiling occurred in 12 (12%) and 6 (6%) patients, respectively. At 6-month follow-up the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score and ODS score improved from a median preoperative value of 18.9 and 18.5 to 5 and 5, respectively (p

Background Anal fissure (AF) is a common, painful disease that strongly affects patients’ quality of life, however, no scoring system to assess the severity of AF is available in the literature. The aim of this study was to set up and validate a reliable scoring system to quantify the severity of AF, to be used in prospective trials comparing the efficacy and the outcomes of surgical or medical treatments. Methods The study was conducted on patients with acute or chronic AF and a control group in a tertiary centre for coloproctology in June 2020–September 2020. Two researchers independently carried out a structured interviewer-led questionnaire at two different time points (T1/T2). The questionnaire consisted of five items selected according to the most commonly reported symptoms for AF: the item pain, was scored from 0 to 10 using a visual analogue scale, and quality of life, duration of pain, use of painkillers, and bleeding were scored from 1 to 5 using Likert-scale questions. The scoRing systEm for AnaL fIsSurE (REALISE) score was the sum of the points. Patients with AF and a control group of patients with haemorrhoids, anal fistula, or obstructed defecation syndrome entered the study. Main outcome measures were reliability, inter-/intraobserver agreement, and repeatability. Results One hundred and fifty well-matched patients (75 with AF and 75 controls) were enrolled. A significant difference was found between the mean REALISE score for patients with AF and controls (p r = 0.99). The coefficient of repeatability was 1.45 in T1 and 1.18 in T2. Conclusions The REALISE score may have an important role in the assessment and management of AF, in grading the severity of AF and comparing results of different treatments.

This study aimed to compare functional outcomes and quality of life, between transperineal mesh repair (TPMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) in the treatment of rectocele. Consecutive women with symptomatic rectocele without associated internal rectal prolapse or enterocele who underwent TPMR (n = 15) or LVMR (n = 20) from January 2013 to February 2019 were included. This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. Patient demographics and postoperative complications were evaluated. Altomare’s obstructed defecation (OD) and Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Scores (CCIS), Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were compared before, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery. The median follow-up was 49 (range 13–65) and 28 (range 13–60) months in the TPMR (mean age 47.8 ± 11.7, years) and LVMR (mean age of 52.4 ± 9.9 years) cohort, respectively. Incontinence, OD, and PAC-QoL scores significantly improved at 3 and 12 months after surgery in both groups. FSFI did not deteriorate 3 and 12 months after LVMR. FSFI scores significantly improved 3 months after TPMR, but a significant deterioration was observed 12 months after TPMR. A gradual increase observed for SF-36 3 months after surgery in both groups, and six of the eight subscale scores improved at 12 months, but social functioning in both groups and vitality in the TPMR group returned to baseline scores. TPMR and LVMR improved defecation. Sexual function was not worsened after LVMR, and some individual domains of FSFI worsened after TPMR.

Symptoms of obstructed defecation (OD) and anatomical abnormalities of the posterior compartment are prevalent in urogynecological patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether perineal hypermobility is an independent predictor of OD, as is the case for rectocele, enterocele and rectal intussusception. This is a retrospective study of 2447 women attending a tertiary urodynamic center between September 2011 and December 2016. The assessment included a structured interview, urodynamic testing, a clinical examination and 4D transperineal ultrasound. After exclusion of previous pelvic floor surgery and defined anatomical abnormalities of the anorectum, 796 patients were left for analysis. Perineal hypermobility was defined as rectal descent ≥ 15 mm below the symphysis pubis, determined in stored ultrasound volume datasets offline, using proprietary software, blinded to all other data. Any association between perineal hypermobility and symptoms of obstructed defecation was tested for by chi-square (X2) test. For the 796 patients analyzed, median age was 52 (range, 16–88) years with a mean BMI of 27 (range, 15–64) kg/m2. Average vaginal parity was two (range, 0–8). Reported OD symptoms in this group included sensation of incomplete emptying in 335 (42%), straining at stool in 300 (37%) and digitation in 83 (10%). At least one of those symptoms was reported by 424 (53%) women; 153 showed perineal hypermobility. There was no significant association between perineal hypermobility and OD symptoms on univariate testing. We found no evidence of an independent association between perineal hypermobility and obstructed defecation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an adjuvant posterior repair (PR) on treatment outcomes of native tissue apical suspension. This retrospective cohort study included 194 women who underwent iliococcygeus or uterosacral ligament suspension with or without PR for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) stage 2–4 posterior vaginal wall prolapse that resolved under simulated preoperative apical support and who completed a 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was composite surgical failure defined as the presence of vaginal bulge symptoms, descent of the vaginal apex more than one-third of the way into the vaginal canal (apical recurrence), anterior or posterior vaginal wall descent beyond the hymen (anterior or posterior recurrence), or retreatment for prolapse. Secondary outcomes included anatomical outcomes, perioperative outcomes, obstructed defecation, dyspareunia, and adverse events. One hundred thirty women underwent concomitant PR, and 64 did not. Surgical failure rates were significantly higher in the group not receiving PR than in the group receiving PR (29.7% vs. 12.3%, p

The sampling reflex is necessary to begin defecation or flatulence. It consists of a simultaneous rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) mediated by relaxation of the internal anal sphincter and rectoanal excitatory reflex (RAER) mediated by contraction of the external anal sphincter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sampling reflex in patients with functional defecation disorder (FDD). A prospective cohort study was conducted on 58 obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) patients with FDD. All 58 patients and 20 controls were evaluated with anorectal manometry to study the sampling reflex. Quantitative RAIR (total duration of reflex; maximal amplitude of relaxation; residual pressure at the lowest point of the RAIR) and RAER data (maximal amplitude of contraction; duration) were obtained. The straining test on manometry was considered positive for FDD if there was a muscle contraction/lack of relaxation or an insufficient pressure gradient for the passage of feces. Defecography was performed on all the patients with assessment of the anorectal angle and persistence or increase of puborectalis indentation. Fifty (86.2%) FDD patients had an altered sampling reflex, showing incomplete/short duration of RAIR and excessive contraction/duration of RAER. More specifically, there was a correlation between a positive straining test and a short total duration of RAIR (ρ 0.92) as well as with excessive duration of RAER (ρ 0.89). There was also a correlation between lack of muscle relaxation on defecography and short total duration of RAIR ((ρ 0.79) and between lack of muscle relaxation on defecography and excessive duration of RAER (ρ 0.83). Altered maximal amplitude relaxation had the highest sensitivity in detecting impairment of RAIR (87.9) while maximal amplitude contraction had the highest sensitivity in detecting impairment of RAER (89.6). High residual pressure at the lowest point of RAIR had the highest specificity in detecting impairment of RAIR (80.0) while RAER duration had the highest specificity in detecting impairment of RAER (77.7). The sampling reflex is impaired in patients with FDD. This finding provides an important insight into the pathogenesis of obstructed functional defecation.

Objective Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a major health care problem predominately affecting the elderly female. It impairs quality of life and patients increasingly expect a solution. Barium defaecating proctography (BDP) is frequently used in the assessment of patients with PFD. The aim of this study was to present our findings from BDP and to look at the proportion of patients who went on to have surgery following their investigations. Methods All patients who underwent BDP in a tertiary referral center were identified retrospectively from the computerized radiology information system. Demographic data and radiologic findings were extracted. Data regarding those who had surgery were retrieved from the anonymized patient registry. Results A total of 671 patients had a BDP during the study period. The main symptoms investigated were obstructed defecation or chronic constipation (64%). Complete barium evacuation was observed in 70% of the patients, while 17% were noted to have incomplete and 13% no evacuation. A large rectocele (>5 cm) was noted in 38% while nearly 5% had frank prolapse. There was no significant association between a rectocele and any of the presenting symptoms. Seventy-eight (12%) patients went on to have operation, of which 17 (22%) had multiple procedures. Three patients ended up with a permanent stoma. Conclusion BDP contributes to decision making in patients with PFD. However, results need to be interpreted with caution and in conjunction with other tests and clinical examination to maintain a low rate of operation and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for these patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this prospective study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of a new single laparoscopic operation devised to relieve obstructed defecation, gynecologic and urinary symptoms in a large series of female patients with multiorgan pelvic prolapse. METHODS We submitted 384 female patients to laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse suspension operation, a new technique based on suspension of the middle pelvic compartment, by using a polypropylene mesh and followed up 368 of them, with defecography performed 12 months after surgery and a standardized protocol. RESULTS The 368 patients were followed-up for 36.3 (±4.4) months, Recurrence rate was 4.9% for obstructed defecation syndrome and 3.3% for stress urinary incontinence. Complication rate was 2.9%. The mean period of daily activity resumption was 16.3 days (±4.8 days). Anorectal and urogynecologic symptoms and scores significantly improved after the operation (P < 0.001), with no worsening of anal continence. Incidence of postoperative fecal urgency was 0%. Postoperative defecography showed a significant (P < 0.001) improvement of all parameters in 315 patients (82%). Short Form 36 Health Survey score significantly improved after the operation (P < 0.01). An excellent/good overall Satisfaction Index was reported by 78.0% of patients. CONCLUSIONS In our experience the Laparoscopic-Pelvic Organ Prolapse Suspension seems to be safe and effective as a 1-stage treatment of associated pelvic floor diseases. Randomized studies with an appropriate control group and longer follow-up are now needed to assess the effectiveness of this promising technique.

Background: Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is one of the commonest constipation related disorders confronted by surgeons in Bangladesh. Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) is a novel surgical technique specific for ODS. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of STARR on patients with ODS in Bangladesh. Methods: Thirty (30) female patients (age: 46±13.2 years) with ODS, were selected for this observational study, from July 2016 to July 2019, in a private hospital of Dhaka. Patients were interviewed with standardized questionnaire at study enrolment and up to 3 months postoperatively. Surgical outcome was quantified according to the Longo’s Modified ODS score (MODS). Results: At initial consultation, the mean Longo’s MODS score was 17.6+1.9. Mean operative time was 39+6.2 minutes. Commonest complication was ‘staple line bleeding’ in 24(80%) patients intraoperatively & ‘defecatory urgency’ in 18(60 %) patients postoperatively. At postoperative 3-month follow-up, statistically significant (p

BACKGROUND Abdominal ventral rectopexy (AVR) with colectomy is controversial in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). Literature data on this technique for ODS are very limited. AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of AVR with colectomy for selected patients with ODS. METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent AVR with colectomy for ODS were identified prospectively from 2016 to 2017 in our department. Patient demographics, perioperative surgical results, and postoperative follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Long-term follow-up was evaluated with standardized questionnaires. The severity of symptoms was assessed by the objective Wexner Constipation Score (WCS) and ODS Score. The quality of life was assessed by the Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score. Functional outcome was compared pre- and post-operatively for each patient. The primary outcomes were determined by the improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Secondary outcome measures were operating time, postoperative length of stay, morbidity and mortality, improvement of pelvic floor structure, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS Four patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery, and two patients underwent a laparoscopic-assisted procedure. The mean operating time for the robotic approach was 243 min (range 160–300 min), and the mean operating time for the laparoscopic approach was 230 min (range 220-240 min). The mean postoperative length of stay was 8.2 d (range 6-12 d). There was no conversion to open procedure and no postoperative mortality. No urinary retention, wound infection, prolonged ileus, pelvic infection and anastomosis leakage occurred. Six patients were followed up for 36 mo. The WCS, ODS, and Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score improved significantly postoperatively (P < 0.05). The WCS and ODS scores showed the best remission and stabilization at 6 to 12 mo after surgery. There was no recurrence or novel constipation after surgery. None of the patients used laxative medication. CONCLUSION Robotic and laparoscopic-assisted ventral rectopexy with colectomy is a safe and effective procedure for selected patients with ODS. However, comprehensive preoperative evaluation and careful patient selection are essential.

Posterior compartment prolapse is commonly due to a ‘true’ rectocele, i.e., a diverticulum of the rectal ampulla. This condition is associated with symptoms of obstructed defecation and may contribute to prolapse symptoms. We tested the hypothesis: ‘A true rectocele is an independent predictor of symptoms of prolapse.’ This was a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a urogynecology unit for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction between September 2011 and June 2016. Assessment included a structured interview, POP-Q examination and 4D TLUS. Ultrasound volume data were acquired on Valsalva. Offline measurements were performed by analysis of stored volume data sets at a later date, blinded to all clinical data. One hundred six patients were excluded because of incomplete data. Of the remainder, Bp was the most distal point on POP-Q in 348. Statistical analysis was performed on this cohort. Mean age was 60 (33–86) years and mean BMI 31 (18–55) kg/m². One hundred fifty-three patients (44%) presented with symptoms of prolapse; 272 were diagnosed with a true rectocele on TLUS. Bp on POP-Q and true rectocele on TLUS were both significantly associated with prolapse symptoms; however, on multivariate analysis the latter became nonsignificant (p = 0.059). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed that the presence of a true rectocele on TLUS did not contribute significantly to symptoms of prolapse (AUC 0.66 for model with rectocele, AUC 0.65 without). The presence of a true rectocele on TLUS does not seem to contribute substantially to the manifestation of clinical symptoms of prolapse.

Obstructed defecation (OD) is common and may be related to compromised pelvic floor integrity. Magnetic resonance (MR) defecography and statistical shape modeling were used to define pelvic floor shape variations, hypothesizing that State (rest vs peak evacuation) and Group (control vs case) would significantly influence shape. 16 women underwent MR defecography (9 cases vs 7 controls). Midsagittal, 2D pelvic floors were segmented and aligned by corresponding points. Principal component scores were compared using a Two-Way Mixed MANOVA. Three modes described differences between State (p 0.001) and Group (p = 0.023). The pelvic floor shape differed significantly between women with and without OD and during evacuation.

Background: Pediatric chronic constipation and obstructed defecation is a challenging problem, with bad impact on quality of life affecting both the child and family. It is a complex disorder of multifactorial etiology and pathophysi-ology. Many symptoms-based systems have been instructed for clarifying definitions for chronic constipation and obstruct-ed defecation such as ROME IV criteria, PACCT criteria, NICE guideline. Most protocols of management of functional constipation usually include; disimpaction enemas, feeding regulations, bowel diaries and laxatives. Aim of Study: To evaluate the effectiveness of adding anal Botox injection to those already following management plan for pediatric age group suffering from chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. Patients and Methods: The current study included 40 children with functional constipation, and obstructed defeca-tion. The study started in April 2017 and completed the patients follow-up in November 2019. Bowel management program was applied with Botulinum toxin injection. Patients were followed-up at 2 months, and 6 months using Rintala Scores. Results: The study included 45% female members and 55% male ones, with age range between 3-12 years. Improve-ment was achieved in 22.5% of children after 2 months of the management, all patients were followed-up at least for 6 months period, with a mean follow-up of 11.35 months. Rintala scores at initial presentation, 2 months and 6 months follow-up showed improvement. Overall, across all the study subjects, females did better and showed more improvement. Conclusion: This study has confirmed that BT injection did not add any significant effect, to children with obstructed defecation and chronic FC.

Purpose of review Translabial ultrasound with systems designed for obstetric imaging is now the commonest diagnostic modality in pelvic floor medicine. This review will outline current clinical utility and introduce recent research in the investigation of pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, obstructed defecation and of complications after sling and mesh surgery. Recent findings There has been significant progress in standardization of imaging methods, and the International Urogynecology Association has developed an online course encouraging this standardization. Tomographic methods are increasingly used for imaging of the levator ani and anal canal. Several comparative studies have investigated concordance between tomographic translabial imaging and competing methods, and the widespread availability of equipment has facilitated interethnic comparative studies. Several meta- analyses have investigated risk factors for major pelvic floor trauma and the role of pelvic floor abnormalities in prolapse recurrence after surgery. Summary The widespread use of imaging has the potential to change the management of pelvic floor morbidity, such as urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and related conditions. Even in units and locations where the required systems are not easily accessible, the insights provided by real-time imaging will enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

X-ray defecography or magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) and high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) are essential for the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders (PFD). However, there is only scarce information available about the accuracy of MRD in the functional assessment of the pelvic floor. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of MRD in the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders by examining the intra-test agreement with x-ray defecography and HR-ARM in patients with PFD. The study population included adults referred to our institution in January 2018–February 2020 for MRD as part of their evaluation of PFD. The MRD results were compared with X-ray defecography and HR-ARM. Forty-two patients were included in the study (36 female, 86%, mean age 56.9 years ± 15.8, range 19–86 years). When compared to X-ray defecography, the sensitivity of MRD for the evaluation of normal rest and squeeze pressures was high (0.83 and 1, respectively). High sensitivity rates were observed for the detection of pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dyssynergia (0.84–1). When compared to HR-ARM, the sensitivity of MRD for the evaluation of squeeze and dyssynergia was very good (0.92and 1, respectively), and good for the evaluation of rest pressure (0.6). Inter-test agreement was high (0.5, 0.6, 0.6 for rest, squeeze and dyssynergia). Excellent rates of sensitivity as well as almost perfect intra-test agreement was found between abnormal balloon expulsion test and the diagnosis of dyssynergia and pelvic organ prolapse on MRD (1, 0.81). This study demonstrated substantial diagnostic agreement between HR-ARM and MRD in the diagnosis of pathological etiologies for functional pelvic floor disorders, mainly obstructed defecation syndrome.

Background Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a condition that is frequently caused by rectocele and rectal intussusception. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Bresler procedure for the treatment of ODS. The outcomes of this modified procedure were compared with the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical data from 76 female patients who presented with ODS between June 2014 and June 2016. The patients were divided into two treatment groups, namely Modified and STARR. Patients in the Modified group (n = 36) underwent the modified Bresler procedure, which involved posterior rectal-wall resection using a circular tubular stapler with multilevel purse-string sutures. Patients in the STARR group (n = 40) underwent the standard STARR procedure. We analysed post-operative complications, Wexner constipation scores (WCS), rectocele depths, and four-point post-operative satisfaction scales. Results Patients in the Modified group exhibited shorter operative times and fewer post-operative complications (both P 0.05). Post-operative interviews at post-operative 12 months showed that patients in the Modified group had a better satisfaction (P = 0.05). Conclusions Our modified procedure may be an effective treatment strategy for patients experiencing ODS caused by rectocele and rectal intussusception, with fewer complications and effective relief of symptoms.

AIM Thorough assessment of obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) is imperative for the selection of treatment options. The present study aimed to examine the utility of the Mansoura Numeroalphabetic Constipation Score (MNCS) in distinguishing patients with ODS from healthy control subjects and in predicting the outcome of treatment of ODS. METHODS Patients with ODS associated with anterior rectocele and/or rectoanal intussusception were assessed with the MNCS at the first visit to the clinic. All patients were offered conservative treatment for 3 months and patients who improved were continued on conservative treatment for six more months while patients who failed were treated surgically. The MNCS was reassessed at the end of follow-up in both groups. A cohort of healthy controls was compared to ODS patients with regard to age, sex and baseline MNCS. RESULTS In all, 124 ODS patients and 53 healthy controls were included. The ODS patients had a significantly higher baseline MNCS than controls (9.5 ± 1.5 vs 0.76 ± 0.71, P

Rectoanal intussusception (RAI) treated using laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) may give rise to rectorectal intussusception (RRI) during defecation postoperatively. However, only a few studies have analyzed the results of LVR using pelvic floor imaging, which is important when interpreting postoperative symptoms in patients with RAI. Thus, this study was designed to find the preoperative variables that may help predict the postoperative occurrence of RRI and to determine whether RRI may have negative effects on bowel symptoms after LVR for RAI. Consecutive patients treated between 2012 and 2017 were included. Defecatory function was evaluated using the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) and the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Defecography was performed before and 6 months after LVR. Of the 66 patients with RAI preoperatively, 34 had mixed obstructed defecation (OD) and fecal incontinence (FI), 18 had OD alone, and 12 had FI alone. Twelve months after surgery, a reduction of at least 50% was observed in the CSS score of 25 patients (52%) with OD and in the FISI of 37 incontinent patients (87%). Postoperatively, RAI was replaced with RRI in 21 and posterior RAI in 2 patients. These anatomical changes were found in patients who had a greater anorectal angle at rest preoperatively. However, the improvement in bowel symptoms was unrelated to the anatomical changes. Improvement in bowel symptoms after LVR for RAI was unrelated to the postoperative occurrence of RRI or posterior RAI, which were found in patients who had a vertical rectum at rest preoperatively.

Background: There are a variety of surgical approaches for correction of ODS, most of these have high recurrence and complication rates. Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) was introduced in 2003 by Antonio Longo as a minimally invasive transanal operation for ODS associated with rectocele and or rectal intussusception. Objective: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) as a surgical treatment of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome(ODS). Methodology: This is a quasi experimental study that was carried out at Colorectal surgery unit of surgery department in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. The sample size was 17. The admitted patient of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome with Rectocele and or Rectal intussusception was selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patient was evaluated by history, clinical examination, proctoscopy, colonoscopy and defecography. Preoperative Longo’s ODS score was determined for each patient and it was compared with postoperative ODS score. Regular follow up was done for each patient at one, three and six months after each operation. Results: Significant improvement of ODS score was observed in 82.35% patients. Only 02 (11.8%) patients didn’t respond to STARR procedure and their postoperative score was 13-15 may be due to coexistence of pelvic floor dysynergy. Postoperative defecatory urgency developed only in 02(11.76%) patients. No patient developed significant postoperative complication like hemorrhage or rectovaginal fistula. Conclusion: STARR is a simple, less invasive and effective procedure for the treatment of ODS due to rectocele and/or rectal intussusception without major morbidity but pelvic floor dyssynergy should be excluded preoperatively because it’s presence makes the surgical intervention fruitless. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2019) Vol. 23(2): 67-70

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) represents a significant social and economic problem involving about 25% of women older than 60 years with a 13% lifetime risk of undergoing surgery for PFD. Optimal management is impossible without comprehensive assessment of pelvic floor and multimodal approach. A combination of ultrasonic methods has several advantages (low cost, wide accessibility and availability, office procedure performed by clinicians, intraoperative technique, relatively time consuming, good compliance) and should be performed as first-line assessment in PFD.

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of true rectocele and obstructed defecation (OD) in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to investigate the correlation between true rectocele and OD, and to understand the diagnostic value of translabial ultrasound (TLUS) in the diagnosis of true rectocele. The patients who scheduled for POP surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previous reconstructive pelvic surgery or repair of rectocele were excluded. Birmingham Bowel and Urinary symptoms questionnaires and Longo’s obstructed defecation syndrome scoring system were used to assess the bowel symptoms of patients. TLUS was used to evaluate anatomical defects. P value

Background Obstructed defecation is a common pelvic floor medical problem among adult population. Pelvic floor disorders were reported to be associated with sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction among male patients. The aim was to determine the relation between pelvic floor neurophysiological abnormalities and erectile dysfunction in male patients with obstructed defecation. Methods This cross-sectional study included 65 married male patients with obstructed defecation and a control group consisted of 15 apparently healthy married males. Assessment of obstructed defecation severity was done by using modified obstructed defecation score, time of toileting and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life questionnaire. Assessment of erectile functions was done using erectile function domain of International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and Erectile Dysfunction-Effect on Quality of Life Questionnaire. Anal manometry and dynamic pelvis magnetic resonance imaging were done. Electrophysiological studies included pudendal nerve motor conduction study and needle electromyography of external anal sphincter, puborectalis and bulbocavernosus muscles. Results There were 32 patients (49.2%) who had erectile dysfunction. The maximum straining anal pressure was significantly higher among patients with erectile dysfunction. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was significantly delayed and the percentage of bilateral pudendal neuropathy was significantly higher among patients with erectile dysfunction. The percentage of electromyography evidence of denervation with chronic reinnervation in the external anal sphincter and bulbocavernosus muscles were significantly higher among patients with erectile dysfunction. Regression analysis detected three co-variables to be associated with significantly increasing the likelihood of development of erectile dysfunction. These were maximum straining anal pressure (odd ratio = 1.122), right pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (odd ratio = 3.755) and left pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (odd ratio = 3.770). Conclusions Erectile dysfunction is prevalent among patients with obstructed defecation. It is associated with characteristic pelvic floor electrophysiological abnormalities. Pelvic floor neurophysiological changes vary from minimal to severe neuromuscular abnormalities that usually accompanying erectile dysfunction. Pudendal neuropathy and increased maximum straining anal pressure are essential risk factors for increasing the likelihood of development of erectile dysfunction in patients with obstructed defecation.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the constipation or obstructed defecation symptoms identified by using imaging, as dynamic three-dimensional ultrasound and correlate vaginal delivery, parity, and age. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions in female patients with obstructed defection symptoms and to determine whether specific pelvic floor dysfunctions identified by dynamic three-dimensional ultrasonography (echodefecography) are correlated with vaginal delivery, parity, and age. The secondary goal is to report the prevalence of coexisting pelvic floor dysfunctions. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including patients with obstructed defecation symptoms underwent echodefecographyto evaluate pelvic floor dysfunctions in the posterior compartment and correlate with vaginal delivery, parity, and age. RESULTS: Of 889 female: 552 (62%) had had vaginal delivery and 337 (38%) were nulliparous. The prevalence of dysfunctions identified by echodefecography (rectocele, intussusception, enterocele/sigmoidocele, and dyssynergia) was similar between the two groups and was not associated with number of deliveriesor age. However, the prevalence of sphincter defects showed higher rates in women with vaginal delivery and increased with the parity. Up to 33% of patients had coexisting dysfunctions. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dysfunctions such as rectocele, intussusception, dyssynergia, and enterocele/sigmoidocele assessed by echodefecography in patients with obstructed defecation symptoms are found similar regardless of vaginal delivery, number of deliveries or stratified-age. In vaginal delivery, number of deliveries does impact on detection of sphincter defects and liability to fecal incontinence. RESUMO CONTEXTO: Poucos estudos investigaram pacientes portadoras de defecação obstruída identificados por exames de imagens, como ultrassonografia tridimensional dinâmica, correlacionando parto vaginal, paridade e idade. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de disfunções do assoalho pélvico em pacientes do sexo feminino com sintomas de defecação obstruída e determinar se disfunções específicas do assoalho pélvico identificadas por ultrassonografia tridimensional dinâmica (ecodefecografia) estão correlacionadas com parto vaginal, paridade e idade. O objetivo secundário é relatar a prevalência de disfunções do assoalho pélvico coexistentes. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluindo pacientes com sintomas de obstrução da defecação submetidas à ecodefecografia para avaliar disfunções do assoalho pélvico no compartimento posterior e correlacionar com parto vaginal, paridade e idade. RESULTADOS: De 889 mulheres: 552 (62%) tiveram parto vaginal e 337 (38%) eram nulíparas. A prevalência de disfunções identificadas pela ecodefecografia (retocele, intussuscepção, enterocele/sigmoidocele e dissinergia) foi semelhante entre os dois grupos e não foi associada ao número de partos ou à idade. No entanto, a prevalência de defeitos esfincterianos apresentou taxas mais elevadas em mulheres com parto vaginal e aumentou com a paridade. Até 33% dos pacientes apresentavam disfunções coexistentes. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de disfunções como retocele, intussuscepção, dissinergia e enterocele/sigmoidocele avaliada pela ecodefecografia em pacientes com sintomas de defecação obstruída são semelhantes independentemente do parto normal, número de partos ou idade estratificada. No parto vaginal, o número de partos tem impacto na detecção de defeitos esfincterianos e na possibilidade de incontinência fecal.

The current study was aimed at addressing two questions: first, is any conventional vaginal prolapse repair effective in curing obstructed defecation symptoms, and second, is there evidence to suggest that a sacrocolpopexy will increase the risk of worsening or new-onset obstructed defecation symptoms? This is a sub-analysis of two major clinical trials performed by the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network: the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts (CARE) trial and the Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss (OPTIMAL) trial. Two-year follow-up data were included. Demographics, pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination, and symptoms were compared between first, two surgical arms in the OPTIMAL study and second, CARE and OPTIMAL datasets using Chi-squared test for categorical variables and Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables. A total of 353 subjects form the OPTIMAL study and 279 subjects from the CARE study met the inclusion criteria. Regardless of trial, obstructed defecation symptoms were present in more than half of the patients at the initial visit before the surgical intervention, and interestingly, about one third of the patients were symptomatic at the 24-month follow-up in all surgical groups. The conventional vaginal prolapse surgeries, with or without posterior vaginal wall repair, improved obstructed defecation symptoms by 50%, but about 35% of patients were suffering from at least one of the aspects of obstructed defecation at the 24-month follow-up. It is also important to note that about a quarter of the patients experienced persisting or worsening of their obstructed defecation symptoms in the absence of anatomical failure.

Background Growing attention of pelvic floor disorders has led to development of new imaging techniques, with increasing importance of ultrasonography. The 3DUS technique is considered an accessible tool for imaging of the posterior pelvic compartment. The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of 3D ultrasound in evaluation of obstructed defecation in females and comparing the findings with defecography. Results Study included 30 females classified into two groups: (1) 20 patients (case group complaining of obstructed defecation); (2) ten females (control group-normal nulliparous females). All of them were subjected to defecography and 3D ultrasound during resting, squeezing, and straining. Detection rate of rectocele and intussusception with 3D ultrasound was lower than defecography. By US, significant statistical difference between patients and controls in all measurements of levator hiatus, IS, ES, and PRS thickness during straining (P value 2 for hiatal area gives sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95% and using ARA, cut-off value of 105° gives sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 90% for differentiation between patients and controls. Conclusion Ultrasound can be considered a complementary test to defecography in investigation of patients with obstructed defecation. Ultrasound can diagnose levator muscle attenuation and avulsion, thickness of IS, ES, PRS, and distensibility of hiatal area.

Rectal prolapse (RP) is often seen in patients over the age of fifty, particularly women. These patients frequently suffer from other concomitant pathologies like rectocele, sigmoidocele, cystocele, or even enterocele. Rectopexy with a mesh has been an established treatment for rectal prolapse. The utilization of the robotic system allows for a successful repair within a confined pelvic space, especially for precise suture placement when working with the mesh. A 77-year-old female presented with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) symptoms found to be caused by a progressive rectal prolapse. Her pre-operative ODS score was 9/20. Pelvic floor evaluation revealed concomitant rectocele and sigmoidocele. The patient was offered a robotic-assisted rectopexy with mesh placement to address the three concomitant pathologies. During the procedure, a posterior mesorectal mobilization with autonomic nerves preservation was performed to address the posterior leading edge of the prolapse. Subsequently, the vagina was separated from the anterior portion of the rectum and dissected down to the levator ani muscles and the perineal body. This allowed for the affixation of a polypropylene mesh to the anterior portion of the rectum. Anterior suspension of the mobilized rectum with the mesh addressed all three pathologies. No recurrence or complications occurred at two-year follow up. The patients ODS score decreased to 1/20.

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence rate is an important issue which impacts the patient's quality of life and results in a new surgical procedure. We use a new technique of laparoscopic pelvic organ suspension (rectal suspension) for pelvic organ prolapse treatment in our center. We evaluated the results of this technique, three months after surgery and at the time of study reporting. Methods: All patients with pelvic organ prolapse for whom laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse had been done were evaluated. Data were collected from the patient's charts and their short term follow up 3 months after the surgery and their last follow up visit. Demographic, history, physical examination, Wexner's fecal incontinence score and Altomare's Obstructed Defecation Syndrome score, post-operation complications and patient's satisfaction were analyzed, retrospectively. Results: All patients were female with a mean age of 57 ± 11.43 years (range 32–86 years). Mean BMI was 26.1 ± 3.73. Nine patients had rectal bleeding (31%), 18 had prolonged or difficult defecation (62%), 16 had rectal prolapse (55.2%), 11 had gas incontinence (37.9%), 9 had liquid stool incontinence (31%), 5 had stool incontinence (17.2%), 9 had vaginal prolapse (31%), 23 had constipation (79.3%), 9 complaint of pelvic pain (31%), 9 had urge or stress urinary incontinence (31%) and 13 had dyspareunia (44.8%). Conclusions: In conclusion, we believe this procedure has good results in short term follow up (3 months after surgery), but a high recurrence rate in the middle term follow up. Therefore, this procedure is no longer recommended. Resumo: Introdução: A taxa de recorrência do prolapso de órgãos pélvicos é uma questão importante que afeta a qualidade de vida do paciente, resultando em um novo procedimento cirúrgico. Os autores adotaram uma nova técnica de suspensão laparoscópica de órgãos pélvicos (suspensão retal) no tratamento de prolapso de órgãos pélvicos. Os resultados dessa técnica foram avaliados três meses após a cirurgia e no momento do relato do estudo. Métodos: Todos os pacientes com prolapso de órgão pélvico submetidos a suspensão laparoscópica foram avaliados. Os dados foram coletados do prontuário do paciente, na visita de acompanhamento três meses após a cirurgia e na última visita de acompanhamento. Os dados demográficos, histórico médico, avaliação física, escore de incontinência fecal de Wexner, escore da síndrome da defecação obstruída de Altomare, complicações pós-operatórias e satisfação do paciente foram analisados retrospectivamente. Resultados: Todos os pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 57 ± 11,43 anos (variação de 32 a 86 anos). O índice de massa corporal médio foi de 26,1 ± 3,73. Nove (31%) pacientes apresentaram sangramento retal; 18 (62%), defecação prolongada ou difícil; 16 (55,2%), prolapso retal; 11 (37,9%), incontinência gasosa; nove (31%), incontinência fecal líquida, cinco (17,2%), incontinência fecal; nove (31%), prolapso vaginal; 23 (79,3%), constipação; nove (31%), queixa de dor pélvica; nove (31%), incontinência urinária de urgência ou esforço e 13 (44,8%), dispareunia. Conclusões: Os autores acreditam que este procedimento apresenta bons resultados no seguimento de curto prazo (três meses após a cirurgia), mas uma alta taxa de recorrência no acompanhamento a médio prazo. Portanto, esse procedimento não é mais recomendado. Keywords: Pelvic organ prolapsed, Incontinence, Mesh, Wexner's score, Altomare's ODS score, Palavras-chave: Prolapso de órgãos pélvicos, Incontinência, Malha, Pontuação de Wexner, Escore da SDO de Altomare

Recurrent prolapse of the posterior pelvic organ compartment presents a management challenge, with the best surgical procedure remaining unclear. We present functional outcome and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic and robotic ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) with biological mesh in patients with recurrence. We analyzed data from 30 patients with recurrent posterior pelvic organ prolapse who underwent VMR with biological mesh from August 2012 to January 2018. Data included patient demographics and intra- and postoperative findings; functional outcome as assessed by Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS), Obstructed Defecation Score Longo (ODS), and Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS); and patient satisfaction. CCCS, CCIS, and ODS were significantly improved at 6–12 months postoperatively and at last follow-up. Patient satisfaction (visual analog scale [VAS] 6.7 [0 to 10]), subjective symptoms (+ 3.4 [scale − 5 to + 5]), and quality of life improvement (+ 3.0 [scale from − 5 to + 5]) were high at last follow-up. The rates of morbidity and major complications were 13% and 3%, respectively. There were no mesh-related complications or deaths. Difference in type of previous surgery (abdominal or transanal/perineal) had no significant effect on results. VMR with biological mesh is a safe and effective option for patients with recurrent posterior pelvic organ prolapse. It reduces functional symptoms, has a low complication rate, and promotes patient satisfaction.

Whether used as the primary diagnostic test or reserved as a problem-solving examination, fluoroscopic defecography (FD) remains an important tool in the workup and treatment of defecatory disorders. FD is a well-established, simple, and rapid examination that most closely resembles the actual process and position that a patient uses to enable defecation and provides both qualitative and quantitative information on the defecatory process. FD is indicated when re-creating the act of defecation is necessary, especially in patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation and where symptoms do not correlate with prior examinations such as MRI. Also, FD may help the patient understand the severity of their condition, better informing them of the structural and functional pathology, and aid in discussions with the surgeon regarding plans for treating their complex pelvic floor and defecatory problems. This review provides an up-to-date, comprehensive summary of FD and describes the indications for, techniques of, and common pathology encountered.

ZusammenfassungDas obstruktive Defäkationssyndrom (ODS) ist durch eine Stuhlentleerungsstörung charakterisiert, wobei morphologische von funktionellen Störungen differenziert werden können. Die Differenzialdiagnostik zum Reizdarmsyndrom und zur chronischen Obstipation ist nicht selten schwierig. Bei den meist weiblichen Patienten sind die rektale Intussuszeption und die ventrale Rektozele häufige morphologische Befunde. Neben Anamnese und proktologischer Basisdiagnostik kommt der MR-Defäkografie eine zentrale Bedeutung zu. Aufgrund des benignen Leidens sollte primär eine konservative Therapie erfolgen. Erst nach frustraner konservativer Therapie sollte bei Nachweis einer morphologischen Pathologie die Indikation zur chirurgischen Therapie erörtert werden, wobei transabdominelle (z. B. Resektionsrektopexie, Rektopexie) mit transanalen Verfahren (z. B. STARR-Operation) konkurrieren. Die adäquate Therapie bleibt wegen der multifaktoriellen Ätiologie und der vielfältigen klinischen Ausprägungsformen generell eine Herausforderung – dies gilt für konservative Therapieoptionen in gleicher Weise wie für chirurgische Therapiekonzepte.

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR), and its short -term outcomes (12- month) in patients with obstructive defectaion caused by rectal intussception. Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was performed including 25 women with rectal intussusception who underwent STARR in the period from April 2017 to March 2018. Data were collected prospectively from standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation [constipation scoring system, Longo’s obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) score system, symptom severity score], patient satisfaction and quality of life (Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire). Results: The preoperative status, perioperative and postoperative complications at baseline 3, 6 and 12 months were assessed. At a 12-months follow-up, a significant improvement in the constipation scoring system, ODS score system, symptom severity score, and quality of life was observed. The self-reported definitive outcome was excellent in 8 (30%) patients, fairly good in 4 (16%), good in 11 (44%), and poor in 2 (10%). Conclusion: STARR can be performed safely without major morbidity and with very good short-term results in treating patients with obstructed defecation from rectal intussusception

Although the main function of the suspensory ligaments of the vaginal apex is to prevent its descent toward the vaginal introitus, there remains limited information regarding its normal physiological motion. This study was aimed at quantifying the motion of the non-prolapsed vaginal apex during strain and defecation maneuvers. This study represents a sub-analysis of a parent study that was aimed at evaluating rectal mobility with regard to obstructed defecation symptoms. Patients with normal apical vaginal support who had undergone MR defecography were entered into the study. For each patient, midsagittal images at rest, maximum strain, and maximum evacuation were utilized. The location of the cervicovaginal junction, S4–S5 intervertebral disc, sacral promontory, and hymen were identified. Vectors were calculated from each of these landmarks to the vaginal apex to compare vector angles and magnitudes across subjects. Twelve patients were included in this study. At rest, the vagina extends from the hymen, which is inferior and posterior to the inferior symphysis pubis, to the vaginal apex at an angle of 45.2° ± 14.5° relative to the pubococcygeal line. This angle became more acute with strain and even more so during maximum evacuation (14.1° ± 9.0°, p

Occult rectal prolapse is a pathological condition that mainly affects women and is frequently associated with obstructed defecation.Numerous surgical procedures have been advocated for treating patients with obstructed defecation. In this study, we performeda retrospective analysis of the short-term surgical outcomes of combining internal mucosal resection with transverse perinealsupport in a single center with expertise in anorectal surgery. Resolution in obstruction symptoms was achieved with lowmorbidity. The use of sleeve resection of the rectal mucosa is a well-known and established procedure for occult rectal prolapse inobstructed defecation syndrome patients. Transverse perineal support operation has been recently adopted to correct defects ofthe perineum. In our preliminary experience, we report a combination in surgical techniques never described in the literature. Ourpreliminary results suggest that the technique is feasible, safe and reproducible. More patients and longer follow-up are requiredto be able to draw stronger conclusions.

To evaluate the reason for failure of STARR (stapled transanal rectal resection) operation for obstructed defecation. A retrospective study (June 2012–December 2017) was performed using a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent STARR operation for ODS (obstructed defecation syndrome), complaining of persisting or de novo occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Postoperative St Mark’s and ODS scores were evaluated. A VAS was used to score pelvic pain. Patients’ satisfaction was estimated administering the CPGAS (clinical patient grading assessment scale) questionnaire. Objective evaluation was performed by dynamic proctography and anorectal manometry. Ninety patients (83.3% females) operated for ODS using STARR technique were evaluated. Median ODS score was 19 while 20 patients (22%) reported de novo fecal urgency and 4 patients a worsening of their preoperative fecal incontinence. Dynamic proctography performed in 54/90 patients showed a significant (> 3.0 cm) rectocele in 19 patients, recto-rectal intussusception in 10 patients incomplete emptying in 24 patients. When compared with internal normal standards, anorectal manometry showed decreased rectal compliance and maximum tolerable volume in patients with urgency. Nine patients reported a persistent postoperative pelvic pain (median VAS score 6). Failure of STARR to treat ODS, documented by persisting ODS symptoms, fecal urgency, or chronic pelvic pain, is often justified by the persistence or de novo onset of alteration of the anorectal anatomy at defecation. This occurs in about half of the patients, but in 40% of the cases who complained of incomplete emptying or incontinence, anatomical abnormalities were not recognized.

This study aims to investigate functional results and recurrence rate after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for rectocele associated with obstructive defection syndrome (ODS). A study was conducted on patients with ODS symptoms associated with symptomatic rectocele ≥ 3 cm on dynamic defecography who had STARR at our institution between 01/2007 and 12/2015. Data were prospectively collected and analyzed. ODS was evaluated using the Wexner constipation score. Primary outcomes were functional results, determined by the improvement in 6-month postoperative Wexner constipation score, and 1-year recurrence. Secondary outcomes were operative time, time to return to work, pain intensity measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and overall postoperative morbidity and mortality at 30 days. Two-hundred-sixty-two consecutive female patients [median age 54 years (range 20–78)] were enrolled in the study. The median duration of follow-up was 79 months (range 30–138). Sixty (23%) patients experienced postoperative complications, but only 9 patients required reinterventions for surgical hemostasis (n = 7), fecal diversion for anastomotic leakage (n = 1), and recto-vaginal fistula repair (n = 1). Only 1 intraoperative complication (stapler misfire) was reported, and there were no deaths. There was a statistically significant (p

Imaging is increasingly being used in urogynaecology. Because of low cost and universal availability, ultrasound (US) is the most commonly used diagnostic modality, which allows the observation of manoeuvres such as Valsalva and pelvic floor muscle contraction in real time. The ability to see beyond surface anatomy is particularly important in the posterior compartment and in obstructed defecation where this method may replace defecation proctography. Imaging is especially useful in the form of 3D/4D multiplanar and tomographic translabial US, as these modalities give access to the axial plane and the levator ani. This allows assessment of both avulsion, i.e. major maternal birth trauma, and hiatal overdistension, i.e. ballooning. Both are major risk factors for both prolapse and prolapse recurrence. This review will outline current clinical utility, introduce recent research in the respective field and provide an overview of likely future utility of imaging in the investigation of pelvic organ prolapse.

Background Obstructed defecation is a common complaint in coloproctology. Many anal, abdominal, and laparoscopic procedures are adopted to correct the underlying condition. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare long-term functional outcome, recurrence rate, and quality of life between laparoscopic ventral rectopexy and stapled transanal rectal resection in the treatment of obstructed defecation. Design This was a prospective randomized study. Setting This study was performed at academic medical centers. Patients Patients were included if they had obstructed defecation attributed to pelvic structural abnormalities that did not to respond to conservative measures. Exclusion criteria included nonrelaxing puborectalis, previous abdominal surgery, other anal pathology, and pudendal neuropathy. Intervention Patients were randomly allocated to either laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (group 1) or stapled transanal rectal resection (group 2). Main outcome measures The primary outcome measures were improvement of modified obstructed defecation score and recurrences after ≥3 years of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, continence status using Wexner incontinence score, and quality of life using Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results The study included 112 patients (56 in each arm). ASA score II was reported in 32 patients (18 in group 1 and 14 in group 2; p = 0.12), whereas 3 patients in each group had ASA score III. Minor postoperative complications were seen in 11 patients (20%) of group 1 and 14 patients of group 2 (25%; p = 0.65). During follow-up, 3 patients had fecal urgency after stapled transanal rectal resection but no sexual dysfunction in either procedure. After 6 months, modified obstructed defecation score improvement >50% was reported in 73% versus 82% in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.36). After a mean follow-up of 41 months, recurrences of symptoms were reported in 7% in group 1 versus 24% in group 2 (p = 0.04). Six months postoperation, perineal descent improved >50% in defecogram in 80% of group 1 versus no improvement in group 2. Quality of life significantly improved in both groups after 6 months; however a significant long-term drop (>36 months) was seen only in group 2. Limitations Possible limitations of this study are the presence of a single operator and the absence of blindness of the technique for both patient and assessor. Conclusions In elderly patients even with comorbidities, both laparoscopic ventral rectopexy and stapled transanal rectal resection are safe and can improve function of the anorectum in patients with obstructed defecation attributed to structural abnormalities. Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy has better long-term functional outcome, less complications, and less recurrences compared with stapled transanal rectal resection. Perineal descent only improves after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy. Stapled transanal rectal resection was shown not to be the first choice in elderly patients with obstructed defecation unless they had a medical contraindication to laparoscopic procedures. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A788.

Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is a rather complex entity concerning mainly females and causing primarily constipation. Surgical treatment in the form of Ventral Prosthesis Rectopexy (VPR) has been proposed and seems to have the best outcomes. However, the selection criteria of patients to undergo this kind of operation are not clear and the reported outcomes are mainly short-term and data on long-term outcomes is scarce. This study assesses new evidence on the efficacy of VPR for the treatment of ODS, specifically focusing on inclusion criteria for surgery and the long-term outcomes. A search was performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid and Cochrane databases on all studies reporting on VPR for ODS from 2000 to March 2020. No language restrictions were made. All studies on VPR were reviewed systematically. The main outcomes were intra-operative complications, conversion, procedure duration, short-term mortality and morbidity, length of stay, faecal incontinence and constipation, quality of life (QoL) score and patient satisfaction. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by three observers. Fourteen studies including 963 patients were eligible for analysis. The immediate postoperative morbidity rate was 8.9%. A significant improvement in constipation symptoms was observed in the 12-month postoperative period for ODS (p

The Doctoral thesis was carried out at Rīga Stradiņs University, Department of Surgery. Surgery was performed at the Ambulatory Surgery Centre o f P aul’s Stradins Clinical University Hospital and Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Clinical Centre “Gailezers”, Department of Proctology. Biomechanical analysis was performed at the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņs University and Scientific Laboratory of Biomechanics. Morphological analysis was performed at Rīga Stradiņs University, Department of Morphology. Defence: at the public session of the Doctoral Council of Medicine on 26 June 2020 at 12.00 in Hippocrates Lecture Theatre, 16 Dzirciema Street, Rīga Stradiņs University.

In order to study the quality of life of patients with functional constipation based on dynamic magnetic resonance defecation, the biofeedback therapy combined with comprehensive nursing intervention was used to diagnose and treat the patients, so as to explore its clinical efficacy and its impact on patients’ quality of life. The obstructed defecation surgical treatment carries frequent recurrences, and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging defecography evaluated and elucidated the underlying anatomic features. This research selected 80 patients who came to our hospital for treatment of functional constipation and evaluated and recorded various clinical indicators before and after treatment in the form of questionnaire survey. The results showed that the clinical symptom scores of patients with functional constipation before and after treatment were greatly different P < 0.05 . Thus, the biofeedback therapy combined with comprehensive nursing intervention showed a good clinical effect in the treatment of patients with functional constipation and significantly improved the quality of life of patients, showing high clinical application and promotion value. A convenient diagnostic procedure is represented by the dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in females, especially pelvic floor organs dynamic imaging during defecation.