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Background: Although rare, graft ischemia and necrosis after esophagectomy is a devastating complication. The aim of this study was to review our experience with early endoscopy for evaluation of the graft and anastomosis after esophagectomy and reconstruction., Methods: From a population of 479 patients who underwent esophagectomy during the years 1996-2003, we identified 102 patients who had endoscopy within 21 days of operation., Results: Endoscopy was performed a median of 9 days after operation. Graft ischemia, anastomotic leak, or both were found in 63 of the 102 patients. Reoperation was necessary in 27% of these patients, including graft removal in nine patients. In 39 patients, endoscopy demonstrated a healthy graft; only one of these patients (2.6%) required reoperation. No patient with ischemia judged insufficient to warrant graft removal on initial endoscopy subsequently lost their graft. There were no complications or anastomotic injuries associated with early endoscopy., Conclusion: Endoscopy early after esophagectomy is safe and provides accurate and reliable identification of graft ischemia that can be used to guide the treatment of these patients.

Purpose: Anal sphincter atrophy is associated with a poor clinical outcome of sphincter repair in patients with faecal incontinence. Preoperative assessment of the sphincters is therefore relevant. External anal sphincter (EAS) atrophy can be detected by endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but not by conventional endoanal ultrasonography (EUS). Three-dimensional EUS allows multiplanar imaging of the anal sphincters and thus enables more reliable anal sphincter measurements. The aim of the present study was to establish whether 3D EUS measurements can be used to detect EAS atrophy. For this purpose 3D EUS measurements were compared with endoanal MRI measurements., Methods: Patients with symptoms of faecal incontinence underwent 3D EUS and endoanal MRI. Internal anal sphincter (IAS) and EAS defects were assessed on 3D EUS and endoanal MRI. EAS atrophy was determined on endoanal MRI. The following measurements were performed: EAS length, thickness and area. Furthermore, EAS volume was determined on 3D EUS and compared with EAS thickness and area measured on endoanal MRI., Results: Eighteen parous women (median age 56 years, range 32-80) with symptoms of faecal incontinence were included. Agreement between 3D EUS and endoanal MRI was 61% for IAS defects and 88% for EAS defects. EAS atrophy was seen in all patients on endoanal MRI. Correlation between the two methods for EAS thickness, length and area was poor. In addition, correlation was also poor for EAS volume determined on 3D EUS, and EAS thickness and area measured on endoanal MRI., Conclusion: Three-dimensional EUS and endoanal MRI are comparable for detecting EAS defects. However, correlation between the two methods for EAS thickness, length and area is poor. This is also the case for EAS volume determined on 3D EUS and EAS thickness and area measured on endoanal MRI. Three-dimensional EUS can be used for detecting EAS defects, but no 3D EUS measurements are suitable parameters for assessing EAS atrophy.

Transanal advancement flap repair has been advocated as the treatment of choice for trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas, because it enables the healing of almost all fistulas without sphincter damage and consequent continence disturbance. After initial promising reports, recently less favorable results have been reported. It remains unclear why there is such a large variety in the reported healing rates. Recently, it has been suggested that impaired wound healing caused by a diminished rectal mucosal perfusion in patients who smoke may lead to the breakdown of the advancement flap in patients undergoing flap repair for perianal fistulas. This study was designed to investigate the difference in blood flow in rectal mucosa between patients who smoke and those who do not smoke. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of the creation of a mucosa advancement flap and the difference in blood flow in the flap between smoking and nonsmoking patients. Between July 2001 and July 2002, 23 consecutive patients (19 males; median age, 46 (range, 26-69) years) with a perianal fistula of cryptoglandular origin underwent surgery for a perianal fistula. Among them were 13 patients who smoked cigarettes. All patients underwent intraoperative laser Doppler flowmetry. Median blood flow before transanal advancement flap repair was 35 (range, 8-70) volts in patients who did not smoke. In patients who smoked the median blood flow before transanal advancement flap repair was 18 (range, 7-35) volts. Blood flow was significantly lower in patients who smoked (P = 0.018; Mann-Whitney). In conclusion, it seems likely that impaired wound healing caused by a diminished rectal mucosal perfusion is a contributing factor in the breakdown of advancement flaps in patients who smoke cigarettes.

Objective: Irrigation of the distal part of the large bowel is a nonsurgical alternative for patients with defaecation disturbances. In our institution, all patients with defaecation disturbances, not responding to medical treatment and biofeedback therapy, were offered retrograde colonic irrigation (RCI). This study is aimed at evaluating the long-term feasibility and outcome of RCI., Methods: Between 1989 and 2001, a consecutive series of 267 patients was offered RCI. All patients received instructions about RCI by one of our enterostomal therapists. Twenty-eight patients were lost to follow-up. A detailed questionnaire was sent by mail to 239 patients. The total response rate was 79% (190 patients). Based on the returned questionnaires it became clear that 21 (11%) patients never started RCI. The long-term feasibility and outcome of RCI was therefore assessed in the remaining group of 169 patients. Thirty-two patients were admitted with soiling, 71 patients with faecal incontinence, 37 patients with obstructed defaecation and 29 had defaecation disturbances after low anterior resection or pouch surgery., Results: According to the returned questionnaires, RCI was considered effective by 91 (54%) patients. Among patients with soiling and faecal incontinence, RCI was found to be effective in, respectively, 47 and 41% of the subjects. Despite of the reported effectiveness, 10 (67%) patients with soiling and 5 (17%) patients with faecal incontinence decided to stop. Among patients with obstructed defaecation and those with defaecation disturbances after low anterior resection or pouch surgery the effectiveness of RCI was found to be 65 and 79%, respectively. None of these patients ceased their therapy. The overall success-rate of long-term RCI was therefore 45%., Conclusions: Long-term RCI is beneficial for 45% of patients with defaecation disturbances. In the group of patients who considered RCI effective and beneficial, discontinuation of therapy was only observed among those with soiling and faecal incontinence.

Background: Reports of esophageal anastomotic complications often involve more gastric than colonic reconstructions and are incomplete because of fragmented followup by physicians unfamiliar with the surgical procedure., Study Design: Three hundred ninety-three consecutive esophagectomy patients had prevalence and risk factors determined for graft ischemia and anastomotic leak; 363 of these patients followed for more than 1 month (median 15 months) had prevalence and risk factors determined for anastomotic stricture., Results: Conduit ischemia occurred in 36 (9.2%) and anastomotic leak in 43 patients (10.9%). Risk factor for ischemia was comorbid conditions requiring therapy (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.2 [95% CI 1.1-4.3]), and for leak were ischemia (OR: 5.5 [95% CI 2.5-12.1]), neoadjuvant therapy (OR: 2.2 [95% CI 1.1-4.5]), and comorbid conditions (OR: 2.1 [95% CI 1.1-3.9]). A stricture developed in 80 patients (22.0%). Risk factors were ischemia (OR: 4.4 [95% CI 2.0-9.6]), anastomotic leak (OR: 3.8 [95% CI 1.9-7.6]), and increasing preoperative weight (p = 0.022). The prevalence of ischemia was similar after gastric (10.4%) versus colonic (7.4%) reconstruction; leak and stricture were more common (14.3% versus 6.1%, p = 0.013, 31.3% versus 8.7%, p < 0.0001, respectively) and strictures were more severe (11.2% versus 2%, p = 0.001) after gastric pull-up. Patients free of ischemia and leak who developed stricture were more likely to have had a gastric pull-up (25% versus 7%, p < 0.0001). Dilatation was effective treatment in 93% of patients., Conclusions: After esophagectomy 10% of patients will develop conduit ischemia or an anastomotic leak and 22% will develop anastomotic stricture. Anastomotic leak and strictures are more common and the strictures are more severe after gastric pull-up compared with colon interposition. Dilatation is a safe and effective treatment.

Purpose: This study was designed to compare two different types of anal retractors (Parks vs. Scott) with regard to their impact on fecal continence after fistula repair., Methods: Between November 2000 and November 2001, 30 patients were randomized into two groups. In Group A (n = 15), a Parks retractor was used during fistula repair, whereas in Group B (n = 15), the repair was performed with a Scott retractor. Before and three months after surgery, maximum anal resting pressure and maximum anal squeeze pressure were recorded. In addition, continence status was evaluated using both the Rockwood Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and the scoring system according to Parks., Results: In Group A, the median anal resting pressure dropped from 76 mmHg to 42 mmHg. In Group B, no significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative anal resting pressure. The difference in the changes from baseline between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.035). No significant changes in anal squeeze pressure were observed. In Group A, the median Rockwood fecal incontinence score increased from 0 to 12. In Group B, the median Rockwood fecal incontinence score did not change after the operation. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.038)., Conclusions: The use of a Parks retractor during perianal fistula repair has a deteriorating effect on fecal continence, probably because of damage to the internal anal sphincter. Because this side effect was not observed after the use of a Scott retractor, we advocate the use of this retractor during all fistula repairs.

Background: The aim of the study was to identify variables affecting the outcome of transanal advancement flap repair (TAFR) for perianal fistulas of cryptoglandular origin., Methods: Between 1995 and 2000, a consecutive series of 105 patients (65 women, 40 men), with a median age of 44 (range 19-72) years was included in the study. The patients were recruited from the colorectal departments of two university medical centres. Patients with a rectovaginal fistula and those with a fistula due to Crohn's disease were excluded. The following variables were assessed: age, sex, number of previous attempts at repair, preoperative seton drainage, fistula type, presence of horseshoe extensions, location of the internal opening, postoperative drainage, body mass index and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The results were analysed by means of multiple logistic regression., Results: The median follow-up was 14 months. No differences were observed between the two centres. TAFR was successful in 72 patients (69 per cent). None of the variables affected the outcome of the procedure, except for smoking habit of the patient. In patients who smoked the observed healing rate was 60 per cent, whereas a rate of 79 per cent was found in patients who did not smoke. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.037). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the healing rate (P = 0.003)., Conclusion: Cigarette smoking affects the outcome of TAFR in patients with a cryptoglandular perianal fistula., (Copyright 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Purpose: Exogenous nitric oxide donors, such as glyceryl trinitrate, have been used as treatment for anal fissures; however, headaches develop in 60 percent of patients. Nitric oxide produced from the cellular metabolism of L-arginine mediates relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. This study investigated whether topical L-arginine gel reduces maximum anal resting pressure in volunteers., Method: In a two-center study, volunteers received a single topical dose of L-arginine or placebo (Aquagel ). Anal manometry was performed for two hours after application of 400 mg of L-arginine gel or placebo gel to the anal verge in 25 volunteers. Side effects were recorded after single application and also after repeated dosing for three days., Results: L-Arginine reduced maximum anal resting pressure by 46 percent from a median of 65 cm of water to a minimal value of 35 cm of water ( P< 0.001, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test). The difference between L-arginine and placebo using repeated-measures testing was significant at P< 0.005. No side effects occurred with either gel; in particular, no episodes of headache were recorded., Conclusion: Topical L-arginine gel significantly lowers maximum anal resting pressure; its onset of action is rapid, and duration is at least two hours ( P< 0.01). L-arginine may have therapeutic potential, but further evaluation is needed before it can be used as a possible alternative treatment for chronic anal fissure.

Transanal advancement flap repair (TAFR) has been advocated as the treatment of choice for patients with low rectovaginal fistulas. Recently, several studies have reported a significantly lower healing rate. We also encountered low healing rates after TAFR. In an attempt to improve our results, we added labial fat flap transposition (LFFT) to the TAFR of rectovaginal fistulas. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome after TAFR and to investigate the impact of an additional LFFT. Between 1991 and 1997, 21 consecutive patients of median age 33 years underwent TAFR. The etiology of the fistulas was: obstetric injury (n=9), cryptoglandular abscess (n=8) and wound infection after anterior anal repair (n=4). The first 9 patients underwent TAFT with (n=3) or without (n=6) anterior anal repair. In the following 12 patients, LFFT was added to the advancement flap. In 4 of these a concomitant anterior anal repair was performed. The median follow-up was 15 months. The overall healing rate was 48%. In the first 9 patients, in whom no additional LFFT was performed, the rectovaginal fistula healed in 4 cases (44%). In the following 12 patients in whom an additional LFFT was performed, a similar healing rate was observed (50%). In conclusion, the outcome of transanal advancement flap repair of rectovaginal fistulas is poor. Addition of a labial fat flap transposition does not improve this outcome.

We report a case of spinal epidural abscess presenting as abdominal pain. An 7-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain. He was operated on under suspicion of appendicitis. During operation, no abnormalities were found. Postoperatively, the abdominal pain did not subside. Subsequently, the boy developed neurological abnormalities. MRI showed a spinal epidural abscess. A laminectomy was performed and the boy was treated with antibiotics; he recovered well. This case showed that it is important to consider a spinal epidural abscess as a cause of abdominal pain with fever in children.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing rate of transsphincteric perianal fistulas after anocutaneous advancement flap repair and to examine the impact of this procedure on fecal continence., Methods: Between January 1997 and June 1999, 26 consecutive patients with a transsphincteric perianal fistula passing through the middle or upper third of the external anal sphincter underwent anocutaneous advancement flap repair. There were six female patients, and the median age was 39 (range, 27-54) years. Twenty patients (77 percent) had previously undergone one or more prior attempts at repair. With the patient in the prone-jackknife position, the internal opening of the fistula was exposed using a Lone Star Retractor System, and the crypt-bearing tissue around the internal opening as well as the overlying anoderm was excised. An (inverted) U-shaped flap, including perianal skin and fat, was created. The base of the flap was approximately twice the width of its apex. The flap was advanced and sutured to the mucosa and underlying internal anal sphincter proximal to the closed internal opening. The median follow-up time was 25 months. Fecal continence was evaluated in 23 patients by means of a questionnaire., Results: Anocutaneous advancement flap repair was successful in 12 patients (46 percent). Success was inversely correlated with the number of prior attempts. In patients who had undergone no or only one previous attempt at repair (n = 9), the healing rate was 78 percent. In patients with two or more previous repairs (n = 17) the healing rate was only 29 percent. In seven patients (30 percent) continence deteriorated after anocutaneous advancement flap repair. Eleven patients (48 percent) had a completely normal continence preoperatively. Two of these patients (18 percent) encountered soiling and incontinence for gas after the procedure, whereas two subjects (18 percent) complained of accidental bowel movements. Twelve patients (52 percent) presented with continence disturbances at the time of admission to our hospital. In this group, deterioration was observed in two patients (17 percent)., Conclusion: The results of anocutaneous advancement flap repair in patients with no or only one previous attempt at repair are moderate. In patients who have undergone two or more previous attempts at repair the outcome is poor. Based on the relatively low healing rate and deterioration of continence, this procedure seems less suitable for high transsphincteric fistulas than transanal mucosal advancement flap repair.

Background: In order to create a pneumoperitoneum with the Veress needle, it is generally advocated that the abdominal wall should be lifted. Lifting is aimed at increasing the distance between the abdominal wall and the intraabdominal structures. This study was conducted to compare lifting (L) and nonlifting (NL) of the abdominal wall., Methods: All patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery without previous abdominal surgery or morbid obesity were included in the study group. The number of attempts needed for proper positioning of the needle was assessed., Results: A total of 150 patients were randomized. There were no complications. The number of attempts needed for correct positioning of the Veress needle was significantly higher in the L group than in the NL group (31 of 75 vs nine of 75, p < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) of patients in whom peritoneal entry needed more than one puncture was significantly higher than the BMI of patients with immediate proper placement (28.3 vs 24.7 kg/m(2), p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Abdominal wall lifting is not necessary.

Exogenous nitric oxide has been shown useful in decreasing the internal anal sphincter tone. This study investigated the role of isosorbide dinitrate in the treatment of patients with acute strangulated internal hemorrhoids, thereby avoiding the risk of continence disturbances following conventional surgical treatment. Four male patients (median age 35 years, range 30-42) with acute strangulated hemorrhoids were treated with 1% isosorbide dinitrate. The ointment was applied to the anoderm. This application was repeated every 3 h during daytime for 2 weeks. Significant pain relief was achieved within 1 day, while transient mild headache was experienced during the first 2 days. Within 1 week the hemorrhoids became reducible. Thereafter the hemorrhoids could be treated adequately by rubber band ligation. The alternative treatment of patients with acute strangulation of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids is effective. This nonsurgical, i.e., reversible reduction of sphincter tone is an attractive alternative.

Atrophy of the external anal sphincter can be shown only on endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Until now no study has compared the morphological endoanal MRI findings with histopathological aspects of the external anal sphincter. The aim of this study was to validate the MRI interpretation of the external anal sphincter using histology as a "gold standard." In this prospective study 25 consecutive unselected women (median age 48 years, range 27-72) with fecal incontinence due to obstetric trauma were assessed preoperatively with endoanal MRI. All patients underwent anterior sphincteroplasty within 6 months of the preoperative assessment. During sphincter repair, a biopsy specimen was taken both from the left and right lateral parts of the external anal sphincter. Interpretation of MRI was performed by one of the radiologists (J.S.), and biopsy specimens were evaluated by the pathologist (W.J.M.). Both were blinded to the interpretation of the other. MRI revealed external anal sphincter atrophy in 9 of the 25 patients (36%). Histopathological investigation confirmed these findings in all but one. In one additional patient atrophy was detected on histological investigation while the morphology of the external anal sphincter was classified as normal on MRI. In detecting sphincter atrophy endoanal MRI showed 89% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 89% positive predictive value, and 94% negative predictive value. MRI correctly identified sphincter morphology in 23 of 25 cases (92%). This study demonstrates that endoanal MRI accurately identifies normal and abnormal external anal sphincter morphology. Endoanal MRI is therefore a valuable preoperative diagnostic tool.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing rate of transsphincteric perianal fistulas after transanal advancement flap repair and to examine the impact of this procedure on fecal continence., Methods: Between January 1992 and January 1997, 44 consecutive patients with a transsphincteric perianal fistula passing through the middle or upper third of the external anal sphincter underwent transanal advancement flap repair. There were 34 male patients, and the median age was 44 (range, 19-72) years. Twenty-four patients (55 percent) had previously undergone one or more prior attempts at repair. With the patient in prone jackknife position, the internal opening of the fistula was exposed using a Parks retractor. The crypt-bearing tissue around the internal opening and the overlying anoderm was excised. A layer of mucosa, submucosa, and internal sphincter fibers was mobilized 4 to 6 cm proximally. The base of the flap was approximately twice the width of its apex. The flap was advanced and sutured to the anoderm below the level of the internal opening. The median follow-up was 12 months. Fecal continence was evaluated in 43 patients by means of a questionnaire., Results: Transanal advancement flap repair was successful in 33 patients (75 percent). Success was inversely correlated with the number of prior attempts. In patients with no or only one previous attempt at repair the healing rate was 87 percent. In patients with two or more previous repairs the healing rate dropped to 50 percent. In 15 patients (35 percent) continence deteriorated after transanal advancement flap repair. Twenty-six patients (59 percent) had a completely normal continence preoperatively. Ten of these patients (38 percent) encountered soiling and incontinence for gas after the procedure, whereas three subjects (12 percent) complained of accidental bowel movements. Eighteen patients (41 percent) had continence disturbances at the time of admission to our hospital. In two of these patients (11 percent), incontinence deteriorated., Conclusions: The results of transanal advancement flap repair in patients with no or only one previous attempt at repair are good. In patients who have undergone two or more previous attempts at repair the outcome is less favorable. Remarkably, the number of previous attempts did not adversely affect continence status.

Background: There is still considerable debate about the value of preoperative anorectal physiological parameters in predicting the clinical outcome after sphincteroplasty. Recently it has been reported that atrophy of the external anal sphincter can be clearly shown with endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of external anal sphincter atrophy in women with anterior sphincter defects due to obstetric injury and to determine the impact of external anal sphincter atrophy on the outcome of sphincteroplasty., Methods: In this prospective study, 20 consecutive women (median age 50 (range 28-75) years) with faecal incontinence due to obstetric trauma were assessed before operation with endoanal ultrasonography and endoanal MRI. The external anal sphincter was examined and evaluated for the presence of atrophy. The clinical outcome of sphincteroplasty was interpreted without knowledge of the magnetic resonance and ultrasonographic images., Results: In all patients anterior sphincter defects could be demonstrated with ultrasonography and MRI. External anal sphincter atrophy could only be demonstrated on MRI. Eight of 20 patients had external anal sphincter atrophy. Continence was restored in 13 patients. Outcome was significantly better in those without external anal sphincter atrophy (11 of 12 patients versus two of eight; P = 0.004)., Conclusion: External anal sphincter atrophy can only be visualized on endoanal MRI and affects continence after sphincteroplasty. Endoanal MRI is valuable in the preoperative assessment of patients with faecal incontinence. Presented to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 1997

Unlabelled: Fecal incontinence caused by overt anterior sphincter defects sustained during childbirth is usually treated by a delayed overlapping repair of the external anal sphincter. However, an obstetric trauma is frequently associated with disruption of the perineal body and loss of the distal rectovaginal septum. Data regarding a combined repair, consisting of restoration of the rectovaginal septum and perineal body, overlapping external anal sphincter repair, and imbrication of the internal anal sphincter, are scanty., Purpose: This prospective study was aimed at the following: 1) evaluating the clinical outcome of such an anterior anal repair in patients with fecal incontinence caused by obstetric trauma; 2) comparing the functional results with those obtained in a historical group of patients who underwent a conventional direct sphincter repair., Methods: During the period between 1973 and 1989, 24 female patients (median age, 44 (range, 28-67) years) with fecal incontinence underwent direct sphincter repair (Group I). During the period between 1989 and 1994, a consecutive series of 31 female patients (median age, 46 (range, 23-78) years) with fecal incontinence underwent anterior anal repair (Group II)., Results: At two years of follow-up, continence had been restored in 15 patients (63 percent) in Group I, whereas restoration of continence was successful in 21 patients (68 percent) in Group II., Conclusion: The more complex anterior anal repair fails to confer clinical benefit compared with the rather simple direct sphincter repair.

Unlabelled: Suture rectopexy is the recommended therapy for complete rectal prolapse that is associated with fecal incontinence. It has been suggested that correction of an incomplete rectal prolapse is also worthwhile for patients with fecal incontinence., Purpose: Aims of this study were 1) to evaluate the clinical outcome of suture rectopexy in a consecutive series of patients with incomplete rectal prolapse associated with fecal incontinence, and 2) to compare these results with those obtained from patients with complete rectal prolapse., Methods: Between 1979 and 1994, suture rectopexy was performed in 13 incontinent patients (3 males; median age, 65 (range, 45-77) years) with incomplete rectal prolapse (Group I) and in 24 incontinent patients (21 females; median age, 71 (range, 24-86) years) with complete rectal prolapse (Group II)., Results: After a median follow-up of 67 months, continence was restored in 5 of 13 (38 percent) patients with incomplete rectal prolapse and in 16 of 24 (67 percent) patients with complete rectal prolapse. In both groups, all male patients became continent., Conclusions: For the majority of incontinent patients with incomplete rectal prolapse, a suture rectopexy is not beneficial. The clinical outcome of this procedure is only good in incontinent patients with complete rectal prolapse. Based on these data, it is questionable whether incomplete rectal prolapse plays a causative role in fecal incontinence.

Purpose: Although anismus has been considered to be the principal cause of anorectal outlet obstruction, it is doubtful whether contraction of the puborectalis muscle during straining is paradoxical. The present study was conducted to answer this question., Methods: During the first part of the study, we retrospectively reviewed 121 patients with constipation and/or obstructed defecation (male:female, 10/111; median age, 51 years). All of these patients underwent electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic floor and the balloon expulsion test (BET) in the left lateral position. Evacuation proctography was performed in all of these patients in the sitting position. Both the posterior anorectal angle and the central anorectal angle were measured. EMG and BET were also performed in ten controls (male:female, 4/6; median age, 47). In 147 patients with fecal incontinence (male:female, 24/123; median age, 58) only EMG activity was recorded. Criteria for anismus during straining were increase or insufficient (<20 percent) decrease of EMG activity, failure to expel an air-filled balloon on BET, and decrease or insufficient (<5 percent) increase of anorectal angle on evacuation proctography. Between June 1994 and March 1995, we conducted a second prospective study in a consecutive series of 49 patients with constipation and/or obstructed defecation and 28 patients with fecal incontinence. Both groups were compared with 19 control subjects. In this study, all three tests were performed. EMG and BET were performed both in the left lateral position and in the sitting position., Results: The retrospective study was undertaken by comparing the constipated patients with the incontinent patients and the controls, and the anismus detected by EMG was found in, respectively, 60, 46, and 60 percent. Failure to expel the air-filled balloon was observed in 80 constipated patients (66 percent) and in 9 control subjects (90 percent). Based on posterior anorectal angle and central anorectal angle measurements, anismus was diagnosed in, respectively, 21 and 35 percent of constipated patients. In the prospective study, none of the tests showed significant differences regarding the prevalence of anismus between the two subgroups of patients and the control subjects. The prevalence of anismus only differed between constipated and incontinent patients when the diagnosis was based on BET in the sitting position (67 vs. 32 percent; P < 0.005). Our study shows that contraction of the puborectalis muscle during straining is not exclusively found in patients with constipation and/or obstructed defecation. The three tests most commonly used for the diagnosis of anismus showed an extremely poor agreement., Conclusion: Based on these findings, we doubt the clinical significance of anismus.

Unlabelled: Continence disturbances, especially fecal soiling, are difficult to treat. Irrigation of the distal part of the large bowel might be considered as a nonsurgical alternative for patients with impaired continence., Purpose: This study is aimed at evaluating the clinical value of colonic irrigation., Methods: Thirty-two patients (16 females; median age, 47 (range, 23-72) years) were offered colonic irrigation on an ambulatory basis. Sixteen patients suffered from fecal soiling (Group I), whereas the other 16 patients were treated for fecal incontinence (Group II). Patients were instructed by enterostomal therapists how to use a conventional colostomy irrigation set to obtain sufficient irrigation of the distal part of their large bowel. Patients with continence disturbances during the daytime were instructed to introduce 500 to 1,000 ml of warm (38 degrees C) water within 5 to 10 minutes after they passed their first stool. In addition, they were advised to wait until the urge to defecate was felt. Patients with soiling during overnight sleep were advised to irrigate during the evening. To determine clinical outcome, a detailed questionnaire was used., Results: Median duration of follow-up was 18 months. Ten patients discontinued irrigation within the first month of treatment. Symptoms resolved completely in two patients. They believed that there was no need to continue treatment any longer. Irrigation had no effect in two patients. Despite the fact that symptoms resolved, six patients discontinued treatment because they experienced pain (n = 2) or they considered the irrigation to be too time-consuming (n = 4). Twenty-two patients are still performing irrigations. Most patients irrigated the colon in the morning after the first stool was passed. Time needed for washout varied between 10 and 90 minutes. Frequency of irrigations varied from two times per day to two times per week. In Group I, irrigation was found to be beneficial in 92 percent of patients, whereas 60 percent of patients in Group II considered the treatment as a major improvement to the quality of their lives. If patients who discontinued treatment because of washout-related problems are included in the assessment of final outcome, the success rate is 79 and 38 percent respectively., Conclusions: Patients with fecal soiling benefit more from colonic irrigation than patients with incontinence for liquid or solid stools. If creation of a stoma is considered, especially in patients with intractable and disabling soiling, it might be worthwhile to treat these patients first by colonic irrigation.

Background: Relaxation of the internal anal sphincter can be achieved by local application of exogenous nitric oxide donors., Aim: To evaluate the influence of topical application of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) on anal pressure, anodermal blood flow, and fissure healing., Patients: Thirty four consecutive patients (male/female: 18/16; mean age (SEM): 39 (10)) with a chronic anal fissure were studied., Methods: All patients were treated for at least six weeks or a maximum period of 12 weeks. Before treatment and at three and six weeks 22 patients underwent conventional anal manometry and laser Doppler flowmetry of the anoderm., Results: Within 10 days the fissure related pain was resolved in all patients. At six, nine, and 12 weeks the anal fissure was completely healed in 14, 22, and 30 patients respectively. At three and six weeks manometry was performed at least one hour after the last application of ISDN. These recordings showed a reduction of the maximum resting anal pressure (mean (SD), pretreatment 111 (26) mm Hg; three weeks 86 (19); six weeks 96 (27), p < 0.001). Simultaneous recordings of anodermal blood flow showed a significant increase of flow (pretreatment 0.53 (0.17); three weeks 0.80 (0.16); six weeks 0.76 (0.31), p < 0.005). The mean (SEM) duration of follow up after successful outcome was 11 (5) months. Within this period fissure relapsed in two of 30 patients (7%), eight and 10 weeks after treatment had been stopped., Conclusions: Local application of ISDN reduces anal pressure and improves anodermal blood flow. This dual effect results in a fissure healing rate of 88% at 12 weeks. This new and simple treatment modality seems to be an attractive alternative for the current available surgical procedures.

Microvascular perfusion of the anoderm was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry in 27 patients with anal fissure. Anal pressure was recorded simultaneously. Both measurements were repeated 6 weeks after lateral internal sphincterotomy and compared with those obtained from 27 controls. Means(s.d.) maximum anal resting pressure was significantly higher in those with a fissure than in controls (121.07(24.48) versus 68.78(16.97) mmHg, P < 0.001). Anodermal blood flow at the fissure site was significantly lower than at the posterior commissure of the controls (0.46(0.20) versus 0.76(0.28) V, P < 0.001). The fissure healed in 24 patients within 6 weeks of sphincterotomy. In these patients a significant pressure decrease was noted (35 per cent) which was accompanied by a consistent rise in blood flow (65 per cent) at the original fissure site. The increased internal sphincter tone in patients with a fissure reduces anodermal blood flow at the posterior midline. Reduction of anal pressure by sphincterotomy improves anodermal blood flow at the posterior midline, resulting in fissure healing. These findings provide evidence for the ischaemic nature of anal fissure.

The posterior commissure of the anal canal is less well perfused than the other segments of the anoderm. There is growing evidence that the increased activity of the internal anal sphincter, which is found in almost all patients with a chronic anal fissure, further decreases the anodermal blood supply, especially at the posterior midline. Reduction of anal pressure, either by anal dilatation or by lateral internal sphincterotomy, is the most important step in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. However, both procedures frequently result in permanent sphincter defects and subsequent continence disturbances. Recently, nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as the chemical messenger mediating relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. It has been shown that local application of exogenous NO donors such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide-di-nitrate reduces anal pressure and improves anodermal blood flow. This dual effect results in fissure healing in more than 80% of patients.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intra-anal application of isosorbide dinitrate on the healing rate of chronic anal fissure., Design: Prospective, descriptive., Setting: Outpatient clinic of the department of Surgery, University Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam., Method: Sixteen patients with chronic (more than three months' duration) anal fissure were treated by intra-anal application of isosorbide dinitrate ointment every 3 hours, except during the night. The maximal duration of therapy was 12 weeks. Every three weeks the following aspects were investigated: clinical symptoms, side-effects and fissure healing., Results: All patients experienced mild and transient headache shortly after the beginning of the treatment. At three weeks the fissure-related pain was resolved in all patients. At 6, 9 and 12 weeks the fissure was completely healed in 9, 11 and 15 patients respectively., Conclusion: The majority of chronic anal fissures can be treated effectively by local application of isosorbide dinitrate. This new and simple treatment modality appears to be an attractive alternative to the currently available surgical procedures.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term results after postanal repair in patients with faecal incontinence., Design: Retrospective study., Location: Rotterdam., Methods: Thirty-seven patients, who underwent postanal repair during the period 1984-1992, were approached by telephone to determine the current functional status., Results: The median duration of follow-up was 38 months (range: 4-94). One year after the operation 24 patients (65%) were continent. In 22 patients this successful outcome was observed within the first half year. In seven patients (29%) incontinence recurred. In 13 patients (35%) the functional results were disappointing from the very beginning. The final outcome, which was good in 46% of the patients, was not influenced by the underlying aetiology., Conclusion: Postanal repair is not beneficial for the majority of patients with faecal incontinence. Therefore, it should be considered if other treatment modalities, such as biofeedback and the electrically stimulated M. gracilis neosphincter might not be preferable.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anal pressure and anodermal blood flow., Methods: We performed Doppler laser flowmetry of the anoderm combined with anorectal manometry in 178 subjects (87 males and 91 females; median age, 55 (range, 17-87) years). This group consisted of 31 healthy volunteers, 23 patients with fecal incontinence, 17 patients with hemorrhoids, and 9 patients with anal fissure. The remaining 98 patients had other colorectal disorders. In 16 controls we examined anodermal blood flow in the four quadrants of the anal canal., Results: Perfusion of the anoderm at the posterior midline was significantly lower than in the other three segments of the anal canal (posterior midline: 0.74 +/- 0.26 V; left lateral side: 1.68 +/- 0.81 V; right lateral side: 1.57 +/- 0.52 V; anterior midline: 1.48 +/- 0.69 V, P < 0.001). In the overall group, we found a significant correlation between maximum and resting pressure and anodermal blood flow at the posterior midline (r = -0.616, P < 0.001). In the nine patients with chronic anal fissure, the mean maximum anal resting pressure was 125 +/- 26 mmHg, which was significantly higher than in patients with hemorrhoids (82 +/- 15 mmHg), controls (66 +/- 19 mmHg), and patients with fecal incontinence (42 +/- 14 mmHg, P < 0.001), whereas the blood flow at the base of the fissure was significantly lower (0.43 +/- 0.10 V vs. 0.57 +/- 0.19 V vs. 0.75 +/- 0.26 vs. 1.03 +/- 0.34 V). In ten patients we also studied the influence of anesthesia on both anal pressure and anodermal blood flow. During the administration of anesthesia, anal pressure dropped from 63 +/- 21 mmHg to 32 +/- 15 mmHg (P < 0.001), whereas anodermal blood flow at the posterior midline increased from 0.79 +/- 0.22 V to 1.31 +/- 0.35 V (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Anodermal blood flow at the posterior midline is less than in the other segments of the anal canal. The perfusion of the anoderm at the posterior commissure is strongly related to anal pressure. The higher the pressure, the lower the flow. Our findings support the hypothesis that anal fissures are ischemic ulcers.