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The aim of this study is to investigate if a high dose of the SDF -1 plasmid improves outcome in a minipig model of chronic anal sphincter injury.Twenty two female minipigs underwent excision of the posterior hemi-circumference of the anal sphincter complex and were allowed to recover for 6 weeks. They were randomly allocated (n=6) to receive either 5% dextrose (sham), or 2, 4 or 8 mg of SDF-1 plasmid at the defect site. Two control pigs received no surgery/treatment. Outcome measures included anal manometry at pre-injury/pre-treatment and 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, recording the mean of 8 pressure channels and the posterior channel alone, histopathology using Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemistry using PGP9.5 for staining of neural structures and CY3 staining for blood vessels. Data is expressed as mean±standard error. Manometry analysis used two-way ANOVA followed by the Holm-Sidak test. Quantification of muscle/fibrosis was analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks.Posterior anal pressures were significantly decreased in sham treated animals compared to controls (p=0.04). In contrast, mean anal pressures at the 4 time points were not significantly different between groups. (p0.05) The defect area of the sham treated group showed irregular muscle bundles while all three SDF-1 treatment groups show organized muscle bundles with the most organization in the higher dose groups. Quantification of Masson stained slides showed no statistically significant differences between groups but did show increased muscle volume in the area of defect in the treatment groups compared to sham. PGP9.5 and CY3 staining showed increased fluorescence in the higher dose groups compared to sham treatment.A single higher dose of the plasmid encoding SDF-1 may increase muscle volume in the area of a chronic defect.

The aim of this study was to evaluate regeneration of a chronic large anal sphincter defect in a pig model after treatment with a plasmid encoding Stromal Cell Derived Factor-1(SDF-1). METHODS: Under ethics approved protocol 19 age/weight matched Sinclair mini-pigs were subjected to excision of the posterior 50% of anal sphincter muscle and left to recover for 6 weeks. They were randomly allocated to receive either saline treatment (Saline 1 ml, n = 5), 1 injection of SDF-1 plasmid 2 mg/ml (1 SDF-1, n = 9) or 2 injections of SDF-1, 2 mg/ml each at 2 weeks intervals (2 SDF-1, n = 5). Euthanasia occurred 8 weeks after the last treatment. In vivo outcomes included anal resting pressures done under anesthesia pre-injury, pre-injection and before euthanasia (8 weeks after treatment). Anal ultrasound was done pre injury and pre-euthanasia. Tissues were saved for histology and analyzed quantitatively. Two way ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak test and one way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test were used for data analysis, p < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: Posterior anal pressures at the 3 time points were not significantly different in the saline group. In contrast, post-treatment pressures in the 1 SDF-1 group pressures were significantly higher than both pre-injury (p = 0.001) and pre-treatment time points (p = 0.003). At the post-treatment time point, both 1 SDF-1 (p = 0.01) and 2 SDF-1 (p = 0.01) groups had significantly higher mean pressures compared to the saline group. Histology showed distortion of normal anatomy with patchy regeneration in the control group while muscle was more organized in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks after a single or two doses of SDF-1injected into a chronic anal sphincter injury improved resting anal pressures and regenerated muscle in the entire defect. SDF-1 plasmid is effective in treating chronic defects of the anal sphincter in a large animal and could be clinically translated.

Benign anorectal disorders of structure and function are common in clinical practice. These guidelines summarize the preferred approach to the evaluation and management of defecation disorders, proctalgia syndromes, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal incontinence in adults and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. When the evidence was not appropriate for Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, we used expert consensus to develop key concept statements. These guidelines should be considered as preferred but are not the only approaches to these conditions.

The Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire was developed in response to the need for a new, fast, and comprehensive tool for evaluating quality of life in patients who have colorectal cancer. Available surveys such as the SF-12, SF-36, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer are either too general to be informative or too lengthy to complete.The aim was to validate the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Colorectal Quality of Life Questionnaire.Data were obtained as part of a prospective randomized controlled trial.This was a worldwide multicenter study with 2 domestic and 5 international locations.This study randomly assigned 190 patients between the ages of 18 and 80 undergoing surgery for low rectal cancer. Of those randomly assigned, 142 with partially complete surveys were analyzed for selection bias and acceptability, and 95 with complete surveys were analyzed for survey validity.Patients received either a J-pouch, side-to-end anastomosis, or straight anastomosis.The study evaluated survey validity measures such as standardized Cronbach α for internal consistency and Spearman correlation coefficients for construct validity, convergent validity, and responsiveness. Univariate analyses were used to assess discriminative validity.Sufficient acceptability, construct, and convergent validity and responsiveness were achieved. All scores showed great internal consistency (Cronbach α0.8). Superior discriminative ability was demonstrated by significant differences (p0.05) in 2 of 7 scores between neoadjuvant treatment groups, and in 6 of 7 scores between complication groups, none of which were detected by the SF-12 or Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal surveys.Limitations included a small sample size, cultural differences, and failure to assess test-retest ability of the questionnaire.The Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire is an efficient and reliable quality-of-life measure that better incorporates factors specific to colorectal cancer surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B155. REDUCIENDO LA CARGA AL PACIENTE Y MEJORANDO LA CALIDAD DE DATOS CON EL NUEVO CUESTIONARIO DE CALIDAD DE VIDA EN CÁNCER COLORRECTAL DE CLEVELAND CLINIC (CCF-CAQL): El cuestionario de calidad de vida en cáncer colorrectal de Cleveland Clinic se desarrolló en respuesta a la necesidad de una herramienta nueva, rápida e integral para evaluar la calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal. Los cuestionarios disponibles como SF-12, SF-36, FACT-C y EORTC son demasiado generales para ser informativas o demasiado largas para completar.El objetivo fue validar el cuestionario de calidad de vida colorrectal de la Cleveland Clinic Foundation.Los datos se obtuvieron como parte de un ensayo prospectivo aleatorizado y controlado.Este fue un estudio multicéntrico mundial con dos sedes nacionales y cinco internacionales.Este estudio aleatorizó a 190 pacientes entre las edades de 18 y 80 sometidos a cirugía por cáncer rectal bajo. De aquellos aleatorizados, 142 con encuestas parcialmente completas se analizaron para determinar el sesgo de selección y la aceptabilidad, y 95 con encuestas completas se analizaron para determinar la validez de la encuesta.Los pacientes recibieron un reservorio en J, anastomosis latero-terminal o anastomosis termino-terminal.El estudio evaluó medidas de validez de la encuesta, como el Alfa de Cronbach estandarizado para la consistencia interna y los coeficientes de correlación de Spearman para la validez de construcción, la validez de convergencia y la capacidad de respuesta. Se utilizaron análisis univariados para evaluar la validez discriminativa.Se obtuvo suficiente aceptabilidad, construcción, validez de convergencia, y capacidad de respuesta. Todos los puntajes mostraron una gran consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach0.8). Una capacidad discriminativa superior fue demostrada por diferencias significativas (p0.05) en dos de siete puntajes entre grupos de tratamiento neoadyuvante, y en seis de siete puntajes entre grupos de complicaciones, ninguno de los cuales fue detectado por SF-12 o FACT-C.Las limitaciones incluyeron un tamaño de muestra pequeño, diferencias culturales y la falta de evaluación de la confiabilidad test-retest del cuestionario.El Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida en Cáncer Colorrectal de Cleveland Clinic es una medida de calidad de vida eficiente y confiable que incorpora mejor factores específicos asociados a la cirugía de cáncer colorrectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B155.

Levator ani syndrome (LAS) is a functional disorder that can be a challenge to treat. LAS that is refractory to medical management may be treated with electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS) or Botulinum toxin A (BTX) injection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with both EGS and BTX in patients with medically refectory LAS to determine if either demonstrate a long-term benefit or whether one treatment is better than the other. A retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients with LAS treated with BTX or EGS at our institute. Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database. The study time frame was 6 years. One hundred and twenty patients [80 females, mean age 52 years (range 21–84, SD 15.8)] were treated for medically refractory LAS: 102 with BTX and 18 with EGS. With EGS, 28.6% of patients reported a complete response, 14.3% reported a partial response and 57.1% reported no response to treatment. With BTX, 35.5% of patients reported a complete response, 19.7% reported a partial response and 44.7% reported no response to treatment. There was no difference between BTX and EGS with regard to treatment response. Patients who had BTX were more likely to report a short-term benefit in treatment when compared to those patients who had EGS (p = 0.002). This difference between reported outcome to BTX and EGS treatments did not sustain in the long term (p = 0.2). Both BTX and EGS are to some extent effective at resolving symptoms of LAS. In the short term, BTX appears to be more effective. Neither treatment sustains its benefit in the long term.

Summary Background Well designed, large comparative effectiveness trials assessing the efficacy of primary interventions for faecal incontinence are few in number. The objectives of this study were to compare different combinations of anorectal manometry-assisted biofeedback, loperamide, education, and oral placebo. Methods In this randomised factorial trial, participants were recruited from eight clinical sites in the USA. Women with at least one episode of faecal incontinence per month in the past 3 months were randomly assigned 0·5:1:1:1 to one of four groups: oral placebo plus education only, placebo plus anorectal manometry-assisted biofeedback, loperamide plus education only, and loperamide plus anorectal manometry-assisted biofeedback. Participants received 2 mg per day of loperamide or oral placebo with the option of dose escalation or reduction. Women assigned to biofeedback received six visits, including strength and sensory biofeedback training. All participants received a standardised faecal incontinence patient education pamphlet and were followed for 24 weeks after starting treatment. The primary endpoint was change in St Mark's (Vaizey) faecal incontinence severity score between baseline and 24 weeks, analysed by intention-to-treat using general linear mixed modelling. Investigators, interviewers, and outcome evaluators were masked to biofeedback assignment. Participants and all study staff other than the research pharmacist were masked to medication assignment. Randomisation took place within the electronic data capture system, was stratified by site using randomly permuted blocks (block size 7), and the sizes of the blocks and the allocation sequence were known only to the data coordinating centre. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02008565. Findings Between April 1, 2014, and Sept 30, 2015, 377 women were enrolled, of whom 300 were randomly assigned to placebo plus education (n=42), placebo plus biofeedback (n=84), loperamide plus education (n=88), and the combined intervention of loperamide plus biofeedback (n=86). At 24 weeks, there were no differences between loperamide versus placebo (model estimated score change −1·5 points, 95% CI −3·4 to 0·4, p=0·12), biofeedback versus education (−0·7 points, −2·6 to 1·2, p=0·47), and loperamide and biofeedback versus placebo and biofeedback (−1·9 points, −4·1 to 0·3, p=0·092) or versus loperamide plus education (−1·1 points, −3·4 to 1·1, p=0·33). Constipation was the most common grade 3 or higher adverse event and was reported by two (2%) of 86 participants in the loperamide and biofeedback group and two (2%) of 88 in the loperamide plus education group. The percentage of participants with any serious adverse events did not differ between the treatment groups. Only one serious adverse event was considered related to treatment (small bowel obstruction in the placebo and biofeedback group). Interpretation In women with normal stool consistency and faecal incontinence bothersome enough to seek treatment, we were unable to find evidence against the null hypotheses that loperamide is equivalent to placebo, that anal exercises with biofeedback is equivalent to an educational pamphlet, and that loperamide and biofeedback are equivalent to oral placebo and biofeedback or loperamide plus an educational pamphlet. Because these are common first-line treatments for faecal incontinence, clinicians could consider combining loperamide, anal manometry-assisted biofeedback, and a standard educational pamphlet, but this is likely to result in only negligible improvement over individual therapies and patients should be counselled regarding possible constipation. Funding Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health

There are many surgical options for the treatment of rectal prolapse with varying recurrence rates reported. The association between rectal prolapse length and recurrence risk has not been explored previously.The purpose of this study was to determine whether length of prolapse predicts a risk of recurrence.Consecutive patients from a prospectively collected institutional review board-approved data registry were evaluated.The study was conducted at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Colorectal Surgery.All patients from 2010 to 2018 who underwent surgical intervention for rectal prolapse were included.Perineal repair with Delorme procedure and Altemeier, as well as abdominal repair with ventral rectopexy, resection rectopexy, and posterior rectopexy, was included.Prolapse length, recurrence, type of surgery, and primary or secondary procedure were measured.In total, 280 patients had prolapse surgery over 8 years, mean age was 59 years (SD = 18 y), and 92.4% were female. Seventy percent had a prolapse length documented as5 cm, and 30% had prolapse length documented as5 cm. The mean prolapse length was 4.8 cm (SD = 2.9 cm). The overall rate of recurrent prolapse was 18%. There were 51 patients who had a recurrent prolapse after their first prolapse surgery. Factors significant for recurrence on univariate analysis were a perineal approach (p = 0.03), previous Delorme procedure (p0.001), and prolapse length5 cm (p = 0.04). On multivariate analysis there was significantly increased recurrence with length of prolapse5 cm (OR = 2.2 (95% CI, 1.1-4.4); p = 0.02) and having a previous Delorme procedure (OR = 4.0 (95% CI, 1.6-10.1); p = 0.004). For each 1-cm increase in prolapse, the odds of recurrence increased by a factor of 2.2.This was a retrospective study of a heterogenous patient cohort.The greater the length of prolapsed rectum, the greater the risk of recurrence. The length of prolapse should be considered when planning the most appropriate surgical repair to modify the recurrence risk. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B463. EL TAMAÑO DEL RECTO PROLAPSADO AFECTA EL RESULTADO DE LA REPARACIÓN QUIRÚRGICA?: Existen muchas opciones quirúrgicas para el tratamiento del prolapso de recto con diferentes tasas de recurrencia publicadas. La asociación entre el tamaño del prolapso rectal y el riesgo de recurrencia no se han explorado previamente.Determinar si el largo en el tamaño del prolapso predice un riesgo de recidiva.Se evaluaron pacientes consecutivos de un registro de datos aprobado por el IRB recopilado prospectivamente.Departamento de cirugía colorrectal de la Clínica Cleveland, en Ohio.Todos aquellos pacientes que entre 2010 y 2018 se sometieron a una intervención quirúrgica por prolapso completo de recto.La reparación perineal incluyó los procedimientos de Altemeier y Delorme. Las reparaciones abdominales incluidas fueron la rectopexia ventral, la rectopexia con resección y la rectopexia posterior.Tamaño del prolapso, recurrencia, tipo de intervención quirúrgica y tipo de procedimiento (primario o secundario).En total, 280 pacientes se sometieron a cirugía de prolapso rectal durante 8 años, la edad media fue de 59 años (DE 18) donde el 92,4% eran mujeres. El 70% tenían un tamaño de prolapso documentado como5 cm y 30% tenían un tamaño de prolapso documentada como5 cm. La longitud media del prolapso fue de 4,8 cm (DE 2,9).La tasa general de recidiva del prolapso fue de 18%. Hubo 51 pacientes que presentaron recidiva del prolapso después de una primera cirugía. Los factores significativos para la recidiva en el análisis univariado fueron el abordaje perineal (p = 0.03), un procedimiento de Delorme previo (p0.001) y el tamaño del prolapso5 cm (p = 0.04). En el análisis multivariado, hubo un aumento significativo de la recidiva en aquellos prolapsos de5 cm (OR 2,2; IC del 95%: 1,09-4,4; p = 0,02) con un procedimiento de Delorme previo (OR 4; IC del 95%: 1,6 a 10,1; p = 0,004). Por cada centímetro de tamaño del prolapso, las probabilidades de recidiva aumentaron en un factor de 2,2.Estudio retrospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes heterogénea.Cuanto mayor es el tamaño del recto prolapsado, mayor es el riesgo de recidiva. Se debe evaluar muy cuidadosamente el tamaño de los prolapsos para escoger la corrección quirúrgica más apropiada y así disminuir el riesgo de recidivas.Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B463. (Traducción-Dr Xavier Delgadillo).

This chapter aims to outline the basic principles in using anorectal manometry including indications, methods, and result interpretation. The use of defecography, an important adjunct in pelvic floor investigation, will be discussed at the end of the chapter.

The aim of this study was to compare resection rectopexy (RR) with ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR). This institutional review board–approved retrospective study compared patients with rectal prolapse, who underwent RR or VMR from 2009 to 2016. The primary end point was the comparison of complications and prolapse recurrence rates. Seventy-nine RR and 108 VMR patients qualified. Using propensity score matching, the two groups were not significantly different (P = 0.818). There were no differences regarding gender (female 103 vs 72; P = 0.4) and age (59.3 vs 53.9; P = 0.054). Patients in the VMR group had a greater body mass index (25.5 vs 22.9; P = 0.001) and poorer physical status (American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 57.4% vs 41.8%; P = 0.04). The VMR group had more: robotic approaches (69.4% vs 8.9%; P < 0.001), concomitant urogynecological procedures (63 vs 19; P < 0.001), and longer operative time (269 vs 206 minutes; P < 0.001) but a reduced length of stay (2 vs 5 days; P < 0.001). The median follow-up (16 vs 26 months; P = 0.125) and the median time of recurrence (14 vs 38 months; P = 0.163) were similar. No differences were observed for complications or recurrence (10.2% vs 10.1%; P = 0.43). We failed to identify superiority based on surgical technique.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. This Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee is charged with leading internationa

BACKGROUND Regenerating muscle at a time remote from injury requires re-expression of cytokines to attract stem cells to start and sustain the process of repair. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the sustainability of muscle regeneration after treatment with a nonviral plasmid expressing stromal cell-derived factor 1. DESIGN This was a randomized study. SETTINGS The study was conducted with animals in a single research facility. INTERVENTIONS Fifty-six female age-/weight-matched Sprague-Dawley rats underwent excision of the ventral half of the anal sphincter complex. Three weeks later, rats were randomly allocated (n = 8) to one of the following groups: no treatment, 100 μg of plasmid encoding stromal cell-derived factor 1 injected locally, local injection of plasmid and 8 × 10 bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and plasmid encoding stromal cell-derived factor 1 injected locally with injection of a gelatin scaffold mixed with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anal manometry, histology, immunohistochemistrym and morphometry were performed 8 weeks after treatment. Protein expression of cytokines CXCR4 and Myf5 was investigated 1 week after treatment (n = 6 per group). ANOVA was used, with p < 0.0083 indicating significant differences for anal manometry and p < 0.05 for all other statistical analysis. RESULTS Eight weeks after treatment, all of the groups receiving the plasmid had significantly higher anal pressures than controls and more organized muscle architecture in the region of the defect. Animals receiving plasmid alone had significantly greater muscle in the defect (p = 0.03) than either animals with injury alone (p = 0.02) or those receiving the plasmid, cells, and scaffold (p = 0.03). Both smooth and skeletal muscles were regenerated significantly more after plasmid treatment. There were no significant differences in the protein levels of CXCR4 or Myf5. LIMITATIONS The study was limited by its small sample size and because stromal cell-derived factor 1 was not blocked. CONCLUSIONS A plasmid expressing stromal cell-derived factor 1 may be sufficient to repair an injured anal sphincter even long after the injury and in the absence of mesenchymal stem cell or scaffold treatments. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A451.

For patients with rectal prolapse undergoing Ventral Rectopexy (VR), the impact of prior prolapse surgery on prolapse recurrence is not well described. The purpose of this study was to compare recurrence rates after VR in patients undergoing primary and repeat rectal prolapse repairs. This study is a prospective cohort study. IRB-approved prospective data registry of consecutive patients undergoing VR for full-thickness external rectal prolapse between 2009 and 2015. Rectal prolapse recurrence was defined as either external prolapse through the anal sphincters or symptomatic rectal mucosa prolapse warranting additional surgery. Preoperative and postoperative morbidity and functional outcomes were analyzed. Actuarial recurrence rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 108 VRs were performed during the study period. Seventy-two were primary and 36 repeat repairs. Seven cases were open, 23 laparoscopic, and 78 robotic. Six cases were converted from laparoscopic/robotic to open. In 63 patients, VR was combined with gynecological procedures. There were no statistical differences between primary or recurrent prolapse for the following: demographics, operative time, concomitant gynecologic procedures, complications, blood loss, and graft material type. Length of stay was longer in patients with a history of prior prolapse surgery (p = 0.01). Prolapse recurrence rates for primary repairs were reported at 1.4, 6.9, and 9.7% and for recurrent prolapse procedures 13.9, 25, and 25% at 1, 3, and 5 years (p = 0.13). Mean length of follow-up was similar between groups. Time to recurrence was significantly shorter in patients undergoing repeat prolapse surgery 8.8 vs 30.7 months (p = 0.03). VR is a better option for patients undergoing primary rectal prolapse repair.

This study assessed the effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for faecal incontinence (FI) following proctectomy with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis.An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved database identified patients treated for FI following proctectomy (SNM-P) for benign or malignant disease, who were matched 1:1 according to preoperative Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Scores (CCF-FIS) with patients without proctectomy (SNM-NP). Primary outcome was change in CCF-FIS.Twelve patients (seven women) were in the SNM-P group and 12 (all women) were in the SNM-NP group. In the SNM-P group, six patients underwent proctectomy for low rectal cancer and five received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Five patients had handsewn anastomosis, and one had stapled coloanal anastomosis. One lead explantation occurred after a failed 2-week SNM percutaneous trial. Six patients underwent proctectomy for benign conditions. Within-group analyses revealed significant improvement in CCF-FIS in the SNM-P group (reduction from a score of 18 to a score of 14; P = 0.02), which was more profound for benign disease (reduction from 14.5 to 8.5) than for rectal cancer (reduction from 19.5 to 15). SNM was explanted in 66% and 33% of patients after proctectomy for malignant and benign conditions, respectively. In the SNM-NP group, 41% underwent overlapping sphincteroplasty. One patient received chemoradiation for anal cancer. Within-group analysis for the SNM-NP group showed significant improvement in CCF-FIS (a reduction from 17.5 to 4.0; P = 0.003). There was significant improvement in CCF-FIS in patients without previous proctectomy (mean delta CCF-FIS: 11.1 vs 4.7; P = 0.011). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) reaffirmed that controls outperformed proctectomy patients (P = 0.006).SNM for FI after proctectomy appears less effective than SNM in patients without proctectomy, with high device explantation rates, particularly after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and proctectomy for low rectal cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be delivered directly to the site of injury or via the bloodstream. However, the numbers that ultimately reach the desired site after systemic delivery may be low due to entrapment in the lungs and spleen. In very few studies have MSC been shown to engraft and regenerate new muscle leading to the theory of paracrine effects of MSC. Paracrine effects imply that the stem cells affect the local tissues to aid in regeneration by secretion of certain cytokines that cause differentiation of satellite cells into muscle and aid in the development of blood vessels and nerve endings to make the new muscle functional.

Background information We aimed to compare prospectively the complications and functional outcome of patients undergoing a J-Pouch (JP) or a side-to-end anastomosis (SE) for treatment of low rectal cancer at a 2-year time point after resection for rectal cancer. Methods A multicenter study was conducted on patients with low rectal cancer who were randomized to receive either a JP or SE and were followed for 24 months utilizing SF-12 and FACT-C surveys to evaluate the quality of life (QOL). Fecal incontinence was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Bowel function, complications, and their treatments were recorded. Results Two hundred thirty-eight patients (165 males) were randomized with 167 final eligible patients, 80 in the JP group and 87 in the SE group for evaluation. The mean age at surgery was 61 (range 29 to 82) years. The overall mean recurrence rate was 12 of 238, 5% and similar in both groups. Complications Overall, 37 of 190 (19%) patients reported complications, 14 of these were Clavien Dindo Grade 3b and 2 were 3a: leak 3 (2 JP,1 SE), fistula 4 (1 JP, 3 SE), small bowel obstruction 4 (3JP, 1 SE), stricture 4 (3 SE, 1 SA), pouch necrosis 2 (JP), and wound infection 5 (2 JP, 3 SE). QOL scores using either instrument between the 2 groups at 12 and 24 months were similar (P > 0.05). Bowel movements, clustering, and FISI scores were similar. Conclusion At time points of 1 and 2 years after a JP or a SE for low rectal cancer, QOL, functional outcome, and complications are comparable between the groups. Although choosing a particular procedure may depend on surgeon/patient choice or anatomical considerations at the time of surgery, SE functions similar to JP and may be chosen due to the ease of construction.

We have explored cell-based therapy to aid anal sphincter repair, but a conditioning injury is required to direct stem cells to the site of injury because symptoms usually manifest at a time remote from injury.We aimed to investigate the effect of local electrical stimulation followed by mesenchymal stem cell delivery on anal sphincter regeneration at a time remote from injury.With the use of a rat model, electrical stimulation parameters and cell delivery route were selected based on in vivo cytokine expression and luciferase-labeled cell imaging of the anal sphincter complex. Three weeks after a partial anal sphincter excision, rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups based on different local interventions: no treatment, daily electrical stimulation for 3 days, daily stimulation for 3 days followed by stem cell injection on the third day, and daily electrical stimulation followed by stem cell injection on the first and third days. Histology-assessed anatomy and anal manometry evaluated physiology 4 weeks after intervention.The electrical stimulation parameters that significantly upregulated gene expression of homing cytokines also achieved mesenchymal stem cell retention when injected directly in the anal sphincter complex in comparison with intravascular and intraperitoneal injections. Four weeks after intervention, there was significantly more new muscle in the area of injury and significantly improved anal resting pressure in the group that received daily electrical stimulation for 3 days followed by a single injection of 1 million stem cells on the third day at the site of injury.This was a pilot study and therefore was not powered for functional outcome.In this rat injury model with optimized parameters, electrical stimulation with a single local mesenchymal stem cell injection administered 3 weeks after injury significantly improved both new muscle formation in the area of injury and anal sphincter pressures.

The aim of this study was to compare resection rectopexy (RR) with ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR). This institutional review board-approved retrospective study compared patients with rectal prolapse, who underwent RR or VMR from 2009 to 2016. The primary end point was the comparison of complications and prolapse recurrence rates. Seventy-nine RR and 108 VMR patients qualified. Using propensity score matching, the two groups were not significantly different (

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Botulinum toxin-A (Botox) in relieving anal pain associated with anal fissure (AF) and Levator ani syndrome (LS).All patients with medically refractory AF or LS from 2005 to 2012 and treated with Botox injections were included.One hundred and three patients [66 patients (53 female) with AF and 37 patients (26 female) with LS] were evaluated. The minimum/maximum dose of Botox was 20/100 units for AF and 50/200 units for LS. Thirteen (19.7%) patients with AF and 14 (38%) patients with LS received1 Botox treatment. The time interval between injections varied from 1 to 12 months. Mean follow-up was 6.4 months for AF and 9 months for LS. Relief of anal pain was noted in 59% of AF and 43% of LS patients. Significant changes in pre- and post-op pain scores were noted in both groups. Nine out of 12 patients with failed sphincterotomy were relieved after Botox treatment. Temporary fecal incontinence was reported in 2/66 (3%) AF patients and 4/37 (10%) of LS patients. Overall, 66% patients' recommended Botox treatment and 72% were happy with the treatment as per telephone interview results.Botox relieves pain more effectively in AF than in LS. It is an effective option in medically refractory cases of LS. Higher doses of Botox are safe to use in LS; however, this needs to be evaluated. Botox injections have an overall low complication rate.

Background Healing of an anal sphincter defect at a time distant from injury is a challenge. Objective We aimed to investigate whether re-establishing stem cell homing at the site of an anal sphincter defect when cytokine expression has declined using a plasmid engineered to express stromal derived factor 1 with or without mesenchymal stem cells can improve anatomic and functional outcome. Design This was a randomized animal study. Settings Thirty-two female age- and weight-matched Sprague Dawley rats underwent 50% excision of the anal sphincter complex. Three weeks after injury, 4 interventions were randomly allocated (n = 8), including no intervention, 100-μg plasmid, plasmid and 800,000 cells, and plasmid with a gelatin scaffold mixed with cells. Main outcome measures The differences in anal sphincter resting pressures just before and 4 weeks after intervention were used for functional analysis. Histology was analyzed using Masson staining. One-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey post hoc test was used for pressure and histological analysis. Results All 3 of the intervention groups had a significantly greater change in resting pressure (plasmid p = 0.009; plasmid + cells p = 0.047; plasmid + cells in scaffold p = 0.009) compared with the control group. The plasmid-with-cells group showed increased organization of muscle architecture and increased muscle percentage, whereas the control group showed disorganized architecture at the site of the defect. Histological quantification revealed significantly more muscle at the site of defect in the plasmid-plus-cells group compared with the control group, which had the least muscle. Quantification of connective tissue revealed significantly less fibrosis at the site of defect in the plasmid and plasmid-plus-cells groups compared with the control group. Limitations Midterm evaluation and muscle morphology were not defined. Conclusions At this midterm follow-up, local delivery of a stromal derived factor 1 plasmid with or without local mesenchymal stem cells enhanced anal sphincter muscle regeneration long after an anal sphincter injury, thereby improving functional outcome. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A324.

Background Public reporting of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey is designed to produce data on patients' perceptions of the quality of hospital care. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of complications on patient responses to Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems "top-box" (most favorable) scores. Study Design All patients who underwent a colorectal procedure from October 2009 to June 2012 at a single center were included. Patient complications were categorized as major, minor, or no complications and "surgical technique" or "medical." Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare binary and ordinal top-box scores, respectively. Results One thousand four hundred and nine surveys were collected for 1,233 patients (mean age 53 ± 15.7 years; 701 [52.2%] females) who underwent 955 (67.8%) major abdominal, 114 (8.1%) anorectal, and 340 (24.1%) stoma-related operations. There were 195 (13.8%) major and 396 (28.1%) minor complications. There were 159 (11.3%) technique complications and 411 (29.2%) medical complications. Patients without any complications were more likely to recommend the hospital than those with complications (p = 0.023) irrespective of type of complication (minor vs major; p = 0.72 or technique vs medical; p = 0.5). Responsiveness of hospital staff was also reported as higher for patients without complications (p = 0.0003) and the type of complication did not influence this assessment (minor vs major; p = 0.71 and technique vs medical; p = 0.95). Conclusions The occurrence of any complication after colorectal surgery adversely impacts patients' self-reported perceptions of hospital care as measured by Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. An instrument that more accurately reflects patients' assessment of quality in the context of variations in patient, disease, and surgical factors is required.

Aim Whether bowel related dysfunction adversely affects postoperative recovery after total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (C + IRA) for colonic inertia (CI) has not been previously well evaluated. This study compared the early postoperative outcome of C + IRA for CI and for other noninflammatory indications. Method Patients undergoing elective C + IRA from 1999 to 2010 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Since inflammation in the rectum or small bowel may influence the outcome, patients with inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Patients undergoing surgery for CI (group A) were compared with patients having the operation for other benign noninflammatory diseases (group B). Demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body mass index (BMI), surgical procedure and 30-day complications were assessed. Results The study population consisted of 333 patients undergoing elective C + IRA (99 men, mean age 39 ± 16 years). The procedure was laparoscopic in 163 (49%) patients. Groups A (n = 131) and B (n = 202) had similar age and ASA score (39 ± 11 vs 39 ± 19 years, P = 0.4; 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.7). Group A patients had lower BMI (25 ± 5 vs 28 ± 8 kg/m2, P = 0.002), more women (99 vs 51%, P

Patient selection is a crucial step when considering total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (TAC/IRA) for refractory constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the results of short- and long-term outcomes for patients with pure slow transit constipation (STC) compared to those with slow transit and features of obstructive defecation (STC + OD). This study included all patients who underwent TAC/IRA for constipation from 1999–2010. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (STC) and group B (STC + OD) based on abnormal physiology or motility testing in addition to the surgeon's clinical impression of symptomatic obstructive defecation. Demographics, operative variables, and short-term outcomes were collected by retrospective chart review and were compared between groups. Long-term functional outcomes were assessed by telephone survey. This included: number of bowel movements, use of laxatives, antidiarrheal medications, and surgery satisfaction. Validated questionnaires were collected postoperatively. One hundred forty-four patients (143 females; mean age, 40 (18–68) years old) underwent TAC/IRA by either laparoscopic (63 (44 %)) or open (81 (56 %)) techniques. One hundred three patients had pure STC and 41 had STC + OD. Four patients underwent TAC with end ileostomy at first procedure. Seven patients underwent surgery after a trial of diverting ileostomy. One patient died unexpectedly, 2 days after uneventful surgery. Median follow-up was 43 (IQR, 16–75) months. Five (5 %) patients in group A and two (5 %) in group B underwent subsequent ileostomy for poor functional outcomes. Eighty-eight (68 %) patients were available by telephone. Short- and long-term outcomes were equivalent in both groups as well as patient satisfaction (89 vs. 85 %, p = 0.7). Total abdominal colectomy can be offered to selective patients with slow transit constipation and obstructive defecation with equivalent long-term results.

During childbirth, a combinatorial injury occurs and can result in stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Simulated childbirth injury, consisting of vaginal distension (VD) and pudendal nerve crush (PNC), results in slowed recovery of continence, as well as decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a regenerative cytokine. Electrical stimulation has been shown to upregulate BDNF in motor neurons and facilitate axon regrowth through the increase of βII-tubulin expression after injury. In this study, female rats underwent selective pudendal nerve motor branch (PNMB) stimulation after simulated childbirth injury or sham injury to determine whether such stimulation affects bladder and anal function after injury and whether the stimulation increases BDNF expression in Onuf's nucleus after injury. Rats received 4 h of VD followed by bilateral PNC and 1 h of subthreshold electrical stimulation of the left PNMB and sham stimulation of the right PNMB. Rats underwent filling cystometry and anal pressure recording before, during, and after the stimulation. Bladder and anal contractile function were partially disrupted after injury. PNMB stimulation temporarily inhibited bladder contraction after injury. Two days and 1 wk after injury, BDNF expression in Onuf's nucleus of the stimulated side was significantly increased compared with the sham-stimulated side, whereas βII-tubulin expression in Onuf's nucleus of the stimulated side was significantly increased only 1 wk after injury. Acute electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve proximal to the crush site upregulates BDNF and βII-tubulin in Onuf's nucleus after simulated childbirth injury, which could be a potential preventive option for SUI after childbirth injury.

Objective. Fecal incontinence reduces the quality of life of many women but has no long-term cure. Research on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies has shown promising results. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate functional recovery after treatment with MSCs in two animal models of anal sphincter injury. Methods. Seventy virgin female rats received a sphincterotomy (SP) to model episiotomy, a pudendal nerve crush (PNC) to model the nerve injuries of childbirth, a sham SP, or a sham PNC. Anal sphincter pressures and electromyography (EMG) were recorded after injury but before treatment and 10 days after injury. Twenty-four hours after injury, each animal received either 0.2 ml saline or 2 million MSCs labelled with green fluorescing protein (GFP) suspended in 0.2 ml saline, either intravenously (IV) into the tail vein or intramuscularly (IM) into the anal sphincter. Results. MSCs delivered IV after SP resulted in a significant increase in resting anal sphincter pressure and peak pressure, as well as anal sphincter EMG amplitude and frequency 10 days after injury. MSCs delivered IM after SP resulted in a significant increase in resting anal sphincter pressure and anal sphincter EMG frequency but not amplitude. There was no improvement in anal sphincter pressure or EMG with in animals receiving MSCs after PNC. GFP-labelled cells were not found near the external anal sphincter in MSC-treated animals after SP. Conclusion. MSC treatment resulted in significant improvement in anal pressures after SP but not after PNC, suggesting that MSCs could be utilized to facilitate recovery after anal sphincter injury.

Aim Sphincteroplasty (SP) is used to treat faecal incontinence (FI) in patients with a sphincter defect. Although sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is used in patients, its outcome in patients with a sphincter defect has not been definitively evaluated. We compared the results of SP and SNS for FI associated with a sphincter defect. Method Patients treated by SNS or SP for FI with an associated sphincter defect were retrospectively identified from an Institutional Review Board approved prospective database. Patients with ultrasound evidence of a sphincter defect were matched by age, gender and body mass index. The main outcome measure was change in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCF-FIS). Results Twenty-six female patients with a sphincter defect were included in the study. The 13 patients in each group were similar for age, body mass index, initial CCF-FIS and the duration of follow-up. No differences were observed in parity (P = 1.00), the rate of concomitant urinary incontinence (P = 0.62) or early postoperative complications. Within-group analysis showed a significant reduction of the CCF-FIS among patients having SNS (15.9–8.4; P = 0.003) but not SP (16.9–12.9; P = 0.078). There was a trend towards a more significant improvement in CCF-FIS in the SNS than in the SP group (post-treatment CCF-FIS 8.4 vs 12.9, P = 0.06). Net improvement in CCF-FIS was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.06). Conclusion Significant improvement in CCF-FIS was observed in patients treated with SNS but not SP patients. A trend towards better results was seen with SNS.

Aim Studies investigating the functional outcome after restorative surgery for rectal cancer have mainly focused on the effect of different surgical techniques on bowel habit or sexual activity at a single time-point. The aim of this study was to assess, longitudinally, the effect of rectal cancer treatment on bowel function, quality of life and sexual activity. Method The study parameters were assessed using self-administered questionnaires, including the Short Form 36 (SF-36), repeatedly, over a 5-year period. Patient details were obtained from the Cleveland Clinic prospective database. Results There were 260 (186 male) patients. The mean ages of male and female patients at the time of surgery were 60.5 and 57.5 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in comorbidity or stage between the groups. Women had a better overall survival. More women than men had postoperative radiation and perioperative blood transfusions. Men had a higher percentage of hand-sewn anastomoses (23.9%vs 10.8%, P = 0.018), but there was no overall difference in the mean level of anastomosis (2.3 cm vs 1.9 cm, P = 0.38). Men had worse nocturnal bowel function, more incontinence and a poorer mental component score on the SF-36. Pad use increased over time to a greater degree in women. Sexual activity, which was similar in men and women at baseline, had fallen at 5 years in both genders. Conclusion After restorative resection for rectal cancer, bowel function is worse in men than in women, especially night evacuation at 3 and 5 years postoperatively. Sexual function in both genders declines sharply initially within 1 year postoperatively and more gradually over 5 years.

Aim There is poor consensus in the literature about measuring perineal descent. We aimed to assess symptoms and quality of life in constipated patients with abnormal perineal descent. Method Constipated patients were categorized into those with obstructed defaecation, colonic inertia, mixed disorders and irritable bowel syndrome constipation types. Anal physiology was performed. KESS score, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life and SF-12 questionnaires were completed. The position of the perineum was measured by defaecography. Patients were divided into two groups according to the position of the perineal descent at rest: group 1 (normal 3.5 cm). Results Fifty-eight patients were identified, 23 (40%) in group 1 and 35 (60%) in group 2. Patients in group 2 were older (P = 0.007), had a higher body mass index (BMI; P = 0.003), a higher rate of hysterectomy (P = 0.04) and more vaginal deliveries (P = 0.001). Obstructed defaecation was the predominant subtype of constipation. Group 1 had more difficulty in initiating defaecation and group 2 presented more cases with intussusception and enterocele (P = 0.03 for both). Group 2 had a lesser degree of perineal descent between rest and straining. Rectal compliance was greater in group 2 (P = 0.03). Symptoms and quality of life scores were similar between the groups. Conclusion Radiologically determined excessive perineal descent is not indicative of worse symptoms or quality of life. This radiological finding does not warrant further investigation.

Aim Long-term results of the overlapping sphincter repair (OSR) have been disappointing, attributed to poor tissue quality that deteriorates with time. Biological grafts enforce tissues. The aim was to compare functional outcome and quality of life at 1 year with and without Permacol® reinforcement to evaluate short-term benefit. Method From November 2007 to November 2008, women undergoing OSR using Permacol (group 1, n = 10) under institutional review board approval (safety trial) were age matched with patients from an institutional review board approved database (group 2, n = 10) who underwent the traditional OSR. Permacol mesh was placed under the two overlapped muscles. Group 2 underwent traditional repair. Preoperative and postoperative management of the groups was similar. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) scale were used preoperatively and 1 year post-surgery. Results No significant differences in demographics, symptom duration, number of vaginal deliveries, comorbidities and symptom severity were noted. Group 2 underwent concomitant procedures. Group 1 reported no complications. Group 2 reported urinary retention and dehiscence. A significant difference was found in preoperative and postoperative FIQL subscales of coping/behaviour between groups. However, comparing the pre and post scores, significant improvements on FISI (P = 0.02), the CCFIS (P = 0.005) and two subscales of FIQL (coping/behaviour, P = 0.02, and embarrassment, P = 0.01) were found in group 1. Patient satisfaction was higher in group 1. Conclusion Biologic tissue enhancers (Permacol) do not add morbidity. Sphincter augmentation results in significant improvement in continence and quality of life scores compared with the preoperative scores in the short term over traditional repair. Long-term studies are needed to determine if this effect is sustained.

Aim The effect of a biological material to support an overlapping sphincter repair was investigated in patients with damage to the entire circumference of the external sphincter due to radiation or trauma. Method A tunnel is created under the damaged external anal sphincter muscle to encircle the anal canal. A biological graft (Surgisis™; 6 ply, 2 × 20 cm) is then inserted through the tunnel and sutured to the muscle after being pulled firmly to close the patulous anus. An overlapping repair is then carried out. Between January 2009 and June 2010, 13 patients underwent this procedure. Results The average age at surgery was 68.6 years. The mean follow up was 16.3 (range 6–24) months. The average length of stay was 1 day. No complications were reported. Postoperatively, incontinence severity scores and quality of life scales [39.22 (± 16.1) to 9.66 (± 11.9)] showed improvement. Incontinence episodes were markedly decreased to one per week. Conclusion Anal encirclement using a biological graft with sphincter augmentation may achieve continence in patients with circumferential anal sphincter damage.

The predictors of the outcomes following anal sphincteroplasty have not been well documented.The aim was to evaluate age as a predictor of functional outcome and quality of life after overlapping sphincter repair.This study is a retrospective review of chart review followed by a prospective evaluation by the use of validated questionnaires.Patients were assigned to group A (≤ 60 years old) or group B (60 years).Included were patients with obstetric sphincter injuries who underwent overlapping sphincteroplasty between 1996 and 2007.The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, the Cleveland Global Quality of Life scale, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire were used to assess outcome.Three hundred twenty-one women underwent sphincteroplasty and 197 responded to this study, 146 (74.1%) patients in group A and 51 (25.9%) patients in group B. Median follow-up was 7.7 years (range, 4.7-10.0). The mean overall Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was 11.0 ± 3.5. Median Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score was 29.8 ± 15.9. Mean Cleveland Global Quality of Life scale was 0.7 ± 0.2. The 2 groups were comparable for BMI (p = 1.0), ethnic background (p = 0.8), smoking (p = 0.8), and follow-up duration (p = 0.9). Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale scores (p = 0.5) in all subscales: lifestyle (p = 0.8), coping behavior (p = 0.5), depression and self-perception (p = 0.2), and embarrassment (p = 0.1). No significant differences were noted in Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (p = 0.2), Cleveland Global Quality of Life scale (p =1.0), or postoperative satisfaction (p = 0.6).The study was limited by its retrospective nature.Comparable long-term Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale scores following overlapping sphincter repair suggest that age is not a predictor of outcome for overlapping sphincter repair. This procedure can be offered to both young and older patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 30-day postoperative complications rate in patients undergoing elective total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for chronic constipation, neoplastic disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Database (ACS-NSQIP). The 2007 ACS-NSQIP sample was used to identify the Current Procedural Terminology codes for TAC and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes for chronic constipation, neoplasia, and IBD. Preoperative and intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were compared among the three diagnosis groups. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact tests were used for analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Seven hundred forty-four patients were identified; chronic constipation was found in 107 (14.4%) patients, neoplasia in 312 (42.3%), and IBD in 322 (43.3%). Patients with constipation were predominantly females (85.2%). The neoplastic group was older and had greater body mass index when compared with the other groups. Patients with IBD presented greater use of steroids, lower albumin and hematocrit levels, and higher morbidity probability. Constipated patients had more neurologic and renal complications when compared with the IBD group ( P = 0.01). None of the other categories of complications were statistically different among the diagnosis groups. With the exception of urinary tract infection being higher in the constipation patients compared with IBD (10 vs 4%, P = 0.03), there were no statistically significant differences among the other short-term specific complications. The 30-day complication rate after TAC is similar for chronic constipation, neoplasia, and IBD.

Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3) are signals forcing the migration of bone marrow-derived stem cells to ischemic tissue. This study investigates SDF-1 and MCP-3 expression following direct injury to the anal sphincter and pudendal nerve and to determine if these same mechanisms have any role. Chemokine expression was studied after anal sphincter injury in female rats after either a sphincterotomy (n = 15), pudendal nerve crush (PNC; n = 15), sham pudendal nerve crush (n = 15), or acted as unmanipulated controls (n = 5). Analysis was done at 1 h and 10 and 21 days after injury. After injury, SDF-1 expression increased 40.2 ± 6.42 (P = 0.01) at 1 h and 28.2 ± 2.37 (P = 0.01) at 10 days, respectively, compared to controls. Likewise, MCP-3 expression increased 40.8 ± 8.17 (P = 0.02) at the same intervals compared to controls. After PNC, SDF-1 expression increased 46.4 ± 6.01 (P = 0.02) and 50.6 ± 10.11 (P = 0.01), and MCP-3 expression increased 46.3 ± 7.76 (P = 0.03) and 190.8 ± 22.15 (P = 0.01), respectively, at the same time intervals compared to controls. However, when PNC was compared to sham injured, a significant increase was seen in SDF-1 and MCP-3 at 10 days. At 21 days, PNC compared to sham injured was significantly low in expression for both SDF-1 and MCP-3 (P

This study aims to review the short-term recurrence and complications of Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DG-HAL) with mucopexy.Approval was obtained for a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent DG-HAL from January 2007 to June 2009. A treatment failure was recorded if internal hemorrhoids were noted at follow up or symptoms persisted. All recurrences were assessed for predictive factors.The procedures were performed by four surgeons. Ninety-six patients were included. The average age was 63.5 years (21-81 years). The mean follow up was 15 months (3-35 months). Of the patients, 93 (96.8%) reported bleeding pre-operatively. Mucopexy accompanied DG-HAL in 87 (90.6%). Postoperative complications occurred in nine (9%) patients. Residual hemorrhoids were evident in 20 (21%) patients, 13 of whom required further management for symptomatic disease, five with DG-HAL. Fifty percent (10/20) and 70% (9/13) of the recurrences necessitating further treatment transpired during the first 20 procedures of each surgeon. All 13 symptomatic recurrences demonstrated large, circumferential internal hemorrhoids.DG-HAL is a simple procedure with a low complication rate. Recurrences are more frequent during the learning curve. Patients with large, circumferential internal hemorrhoids should be counseled about a possible higher rate of recurrence. DG-HAL can be effectively repeated for recurrences.

Closure of rectoanovaginal fistula from a cryptoglandular or obstetrical origin can be difficult. Multiple techniques exist and none are perfect. Although episioproctotomy offers the advantage of a simultaneous repair of the sphincter complex, it is a more extensive procedure. A rectal-advancement flap appears less traumatic and divides no perineal tissue or sphincter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of episioproctotomy and rectal-advancement flap on healing, postoperative continence, and sexual function.Data were retrospectively collected regarding 87 women with cryptoglandular or obstetrical rectoanovaginal fistula treated from June 1997 to 2009, who underwent episioproctotomy or rectal-advancement flap at the discretion of the treating surgeon. Healing, use of seton or stoma, number of previous procedures, smoking, age, body mass index, dyspareunia, SF-12 health survey, the IBD Quality of Life, and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, and the Female Sexual Function Index were obtained from our database and via telephone interviews. The Fisher exact probability and χ tests were used.The mean age of these 87 women was 42.8 ± 10.5 years. Mean follow-up was 49.2 ± 39.2 months. Fifty (57.5%) patients underwent episioproctotomy and 37 (42.5%) underwent rectal-advancement flap. Thirty-nine (78%) patients healed after episioproctotomy vs 23 (62.2%) patients after rectal-advancement flap (P = .1). Episioproctotomy was associated with significantly better fecal (P.001) and sexual (P = .04) function. There was no significant difference in other studied variables between the 2 techniques.Despite episioproctotomy being a more extensive procedure, healing rates were comparable between episioproctotomy and rectal-advancement flaps. In this select population, episioproctotomy may provide better continence and may confer better sexual function compared with rectal-advancement flap. In appropriate patients surgeons should not hesitate to perform episioproctotomy on cryptoglandular or obstetrical-associated rectoanovaginal fistula.

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) repair can be challenging. Additionally, women may experience sexual dysfunction and psychosocial ramifications even after a successful repair. The aim of this study was to investigate variables looking for predictors of healing/failure and examine long-term quality-of-life (QOL) and sexual function in women with low RVF from obstetrical or cryptoglandular etiologyFrom June 1997-2009, 268 women underwent RVF repair. Of those, 100 with obstetric or cryptoglandular etiology agreed to participate in this study. Healing, type of procedure, use of seton or stoma, number of previous procedures, smoking, age, body mass index (BMI), dyspareunia, QOL using SF-12, FIQL, IBS-QOL, and female sexual function index was obtained from our prospective database and telephone contact. Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, and multivariable-logistic-regression model were used to identify the variables associated with healing/failure.Mean follow-up was 45.8 ± 39.2 months; mean age 42.8 ± 10.5 years; and BMI was 28.8 ± 7.6. Sixty (60%) fistulas were obstetric and 40 (40%) cryptoglandular and 68/100 patients (68%) healed. On multivariate analysis, treatment failure was related to a heavier BMI (p = 0.001) and number of repairs (p = 0.02). Looking at each type of repair, episioproctotomy had significant healing compared to the other choices (but was not significant on multivariate analysis). Forty-seven women were sexually active at follow-up and 12/47 (25.5%) reported dyspareunia. Fecal incontinence was reported preoperatively in 42 women, more often in those with obstetric-related RVF (76% vs. 24% p0.05). Healing was not affected by age, smoking, co-morbidities, preoperative seton, or stoma use. Fecal and sexual function and QOL were comparable between women with healed and unhealed RVF.Patients with higher BMI and more repairs had a decreased healing rate following RVF repair. Despite surgical outcome, QOL and sexual function were surprisingly similar regardless of fistula healing.

The outlook of surgeons is changing. There has been recent interest in looking at job perception towards general surgery, which further has been divided into looking at gender differences.A questionnaire with nine sections/63 questions was mailed to all 1799 ASCRS members (244 women) who were on the ASCRS mailing list from the USA. The returned questionnaires were analyzed.A total of 498/1,799 (28%) were returned; 109/498 were female (22%), which represented 109/244 (45%) of the ASCRS female membership vs.389/1,655 (23%) of the ASCRS male membership. The mean age was 49 years (females 42 years, males 51 years, p0.001). Demographically significant findings were that more female colorectal surgeons (FCR) were single 12% vs. 2% (p0.001). Male colorectal surgeons (MCR) overall earned more than their female counterparts (p0.001) and 11% FCR's had a salary of$350,000 vs. 33% MCR. More MCR found work atmosphere (p0.004) and casemix (p0.001) were satisfactory elements of their job. A majority of the colorectal surgeons polled, would not change their careers however more FCR (21%) than MCR (13%) would do so (p = 0.03). When queried specifically, FCR also indicated they affected the OR in a positive way (p0.001). FCR were more sensitive to their colleagues opinion of their capabilities (p0.001), MCR however felt that their colleagues had a high impression of their capabilities (p0.001). FCR agreed that women mentors were few because of lack of time (p0.001) and also felt their views were not considered when executive decisions were made (p0.001).Interestingly, proportionally more younger, single FCR than MCR returned the questionnaires. The significance of this finding is uncertain. Acknowledgment of these differences will promote more understanding and job satisfaction in both academic and private practice.

For many individuals, emptying their bowels is an automatic event but for some, particularly women, the process of evacuating stool may be difficult. Pelvic evacuation dysfunction refers to a constellation of symptoms such as prolonged repeated straining at bowel movements, sensation of incomplete evacuation, the need for digital manipulation, and different postures to initiate or complete bowel movements. Evacuation disorders are a result of multiple factors that include anatomical (rectocele, enterocele, and sigmoidocele), physiological (impaired rectal sensation) and functional components (nonrelaxing puborectalis). A systematic and complete pelvic floor history and physical examination should be elicited on all patients with complaints consistent with pelvic evacuation dysfunction. Anorectal and radiological studies are very useful to determine different pathologic mechanisms that are not evident on clinical examination. Treatment is based on identifying the underlying etiology and may include medical therapy, biofeedback, surgery, or combination of all the 3 modalities. The treatment of defecatory disorders can be challenging and requires the coordinated attempts of gastroenterologists, surgeons, psychologists, physical therapists, and nutritionists.

This study was designed to evaluate functional outcome in patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy after low anterior resection and a coloanal anastomosis for low rectal cancer.Functional outcome data from patients enrolled in a prospective randomized trial comparing 3 reconstructive procedures were evaluated with respect to administration of preoperative radiotherapy. Incontinence was assessed with a questionnaire on bowel function including the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index; sexual function was assessed with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and a gender-specific questionnaire for women. Quality of life was assessed with SF-36 scores.Of 364 patients enrolled, 153 (42%) had no radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and 211 (58%) had preoperative radiotherapy; 186 (51%) had chemotherapy in addition to radiotherapy. Comparison of irradiated vs. nonirradiated patients showed no significant differences in postoperative morbidity (29.9% vs. 35.3%; P = 0.27). Two-year follow-up of 297 patients showed greater impairment of bowel function in irradiated patients (n = 170) vs. nonirradiated patients (n = 127): e.g., mean number of daily bowel movements at 12 months, 4.2 +/- 3.5 vs. 3.5 +/- 2.6, P = 0.032; urgency, 85% vs. 67%, P = 0.002). Antidiarrheal use was significantly higher in irradiated patients vs. nonirradiated patients at 4 (P = 0.043), 12 (P = 0.002), and 24 (P = 0.001) months. Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores indicated poorer function in irradiated patients at 24 months (P = 0.039). Preoperative radiotherapy had no deleterious effects on quality of life. Multivariate analyses showed that negative effects of preoperative radiotherapy on urgency at 4 months (P = 0.002) and antidiarrheal use at 24 months were independent of reconstruction technique, but a positive effect of reconstruction with a J-pouch was still observed in patients who received radiotherapy.Preoperative radiotherapy does not increase overall morbidity but is associated with poorer functional outcome after low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis. Preoperative radiotherapy and the J-pouch are nonconfounding predictors of functional outcome up to 24 months after surgery.

Purpose Our objective was to define anal resting pressure and electromyography of the normal rat anal sphincter and investigate the short-term effects of both mechanical trauma to the anal sphincter muscles and pudendal nerve transection. Methods Forty-five virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allotted to three groups: controls (n = 21), sphincterotomy (n = 12), and pudendal nerve transection (n = 12). Anal pressure was monitored using a saline-filled balloon connected to a pressure transducer. Anal pressure and electromyography of the anal sphincter with use of a needle electrode were recorded both before and after injury or succinylcholine administration. Results Anal pressure data were consistent with rhythmic pressure contractions. Succinylcholine significantly reduced both pressure and electromyography signals. Electromyography amplitude and frequency decreased after nerve transection but not after sphincterotomy. The histology showed that the rat anal anatomy has muscular components that compare with human anatomy. The sphincterotomy group showed injury to the anal sphincters and the sphincter anatomy of the nerve transection group appeared similar to the control group. The anal pressure wave appears to be created by synergistic activity of both striated and smooth muscle of the anal sphincter. Conclusion The female rat is a suitable and reliable model for studying effect of direct and indirect injury to the anal sphincters.

High-quality analgesia has become an important goal in current colorectal practice given its impact on operative morbidity and mortality, timeliness of postsurgical recovery, and patient satisfaction. Despite an abundance of anesthetic agents and techniques, clinical evidence that surgical outcomes are tightly associated with optimal analgesia, and a pursuit of accelerating postoperative recovery, comprehensive guidelines about adequate perioperative analgesia have not been implemented in today’s surgical practice. In this article we provide an overview of various analgesia options that can lead to improved postoperative pain control as related to the practice of colon and rectal surgery and the outcomes that they reflect.

The emphasis of surgery for low rectal cancers has undergone a distinct change from the oncologic importance of complete excision, adding a focus on a good functional result and the importance of maintaining quality of life (QOL). Since the late 1960s,1,2 when the colonal anastomosis were first described, surgeons have strived to balance a good oncological outcome with QOL. These efforts are exemplified by use of the circular stapler,3 definition of minimal safe margins,4–6 total mesorectal excision,7 and neoadjuvant therapy. Lazorthes et al8 and Parc et al9 described the colonic J-pouch (JP) as an addition to the technique of coloanal anastomosis aimed at providing the reservoir function that is lacking in a straight coloanal anastomosis (SA). The pouch works by providing a segment of bowel with no functional peristalsis. Although functional outcome improved after a JP there existed evacuation difficulty10,11 that was resolved to some extent by defining the optimal length of a JP12 and level of anastomosis where a reservoir function has an advantage.13 Studies of patients with a colonic JP compared with an SA have shown that the antiperistaltic or reservoir capability of the colonic JP gave a better functional outcome in the short term.10,14,15 However urgency of defecation with the JP has not shown to be decreased by any study.3,12,14,16 Not all patients can have a JP incorporated into a coloanal anastomosis. Limitations to the construction of a JP include a narrow pelvis, a bulky mesentery or large appendices epiploicae, mucosectomy, insufficient colonic length, or extensive diverticular disease.17 In such patients, coloplasty has been suggested as an alternative. Z'Graggen18 and his group first described the coloplasty pouch in a porcine model. This followed its introduction in clinical practice.19,20 The coloplasty pouch is a way of providing a reservoir without the bulk or the loss of length of a JP. Thus, it could potentially fit in a narrow pelvis or when the mesocolon was fat laden and bulky. The exit conduit from the coloplasty reservoir could fit/traverse the anal sphincters as far as an SA can. When the coloplasty pouch was compared with the JP in some randomized, controlled trials (RCT), and limited RCT, it showed results comparable to the JP21,22 and superior to the SA.23 However, no randomized trial has prospectively compared the functional outcome of all 3 procedures. Other procedures described in the quest for achieving a good functional outcome have been the side to end coloanal anastomosis,24,25 which has been shown to have a similar outcome to the JP. The purpose of this prospective RCT was to compare the functional outcome and QOL of patients who undergo a coloanal anastomosis with or without a reservoir for low rectal cancer and to study the complications that occur.

Uber das normale weibliche Stuhlverhalten gibt es bisher nur ganz wenige Studien. Der Umstand, dass wir gar nicht wissen, was normal ist, beeintrachtigt unsere Patientenberatung und Forschung. Ziel dieser Studie war es, eine Erhebung unter Frauen ohne Verdauungsstorungen durchzufuhren, um einen gemeinsamen Nenner fur eine normale Darmfunktion zu erhalten und alle normalen Veranderungen zu untersuchen, die im Leben einer Frau stattfinden. Frauen, die Patienten in unsere Klinik begleiteten, wurden gebeten, einen IRB-genehmigten Fragebogen auszufullen; zuvor waren Frauen mit aktuellen Verdauungsbeschwerden, Depression, einem Stoma oder Rollstuhlpflicht ausgeschlossen worden. 425 von 528 Fragebogen von Frauen, die eine normale Darmtatigkeit berichteten, wurden ausgewertet. Die Altersspanne lag zwischen 18 und 80 Jahren, und verglichen wurde nach Alter, ethnischer Zugehorigkeit und Anzahl der Geburten. 51% hatten eine Darmentleerung taglich, wahrend 30% eine geringere Frequenz berichteten. Insgesamt berichteten 15% eine Obstipation; diese Rate lag bei afroamerikanischen Frauen hoher (26%) als bei kaukasischen Frauen (14%; p = 0,08). Die durchschnittliche Dauer einer Darmentleerung betrug 5–6 min und war bei Afroamerikanerinnen langer (7,7 min) als bei Kaukasierinnen (5,0 min; p = 0,002). Jungere Frauen berichteten Veranderungen in ihrem Entleerungsmuster mit weichem Stuhl in Assoziation mit ihrem Menstruationszyklus; dies wurde meist bei alleinstehenden Frauen beobachtet. Die Menopause hatte keine Auswirkung auf den Darm. 36% der Frauen, die entbunden hatten, berichteten eine gelegentliche Stuhlinkontinenz. Bei > 50% der Frauen wurde eine gelegentliche Windinkontinenz beobachtet, haufiger bei den > 35-Jahrigen. 74% der Frauen, die entbunden hatten, berichteten eine Windinkontinenz. Ein Drittel der Frauen las auf der Toilette, die Mehrheit, um sich zu entspannen oder abzulenken; davon lasen die Afroamerikanerinnen haufiger (54%) als die Kaukasierinnen (32%; p = 0,004). Interessanterweise lasen die Kaukasierinnen (26%) eher als die Afroamerikanerinnen (4%), um Zeit zu sparen (p = 0,02). Ballaststoffe zur Nahrungserganzung wurden nur von 8% eingenommen. Die Nahrung beeinflusste die Darmfunktion bei allen Altersgruppen, wahrend dies durch Reisen und sportliche Betatigung nicht der Fall war. Stress bewirkte eine Veranderung bei 35% in der Gruppe der 18- bis 50-Jahrigen. Es existieren hochst unterschiedliche Beurteilungen dessen, was als normale weibliche Darmtatigkeit angesehen wird. Eine tagliche Darmentleerung ist nicht die Norm. Im Durchschnitt berichten altere Frauen und solche, die Kinder geboren haben, haufiger eine Windinkontinenz. Ein Drittel verspurt Anzeichen von Stuhlinkontinenz. Am haufigsten verursachte die Nahrung eine Veranderung im Entleerungsmuster, gefolgt von Menstruation, Stress sowie Entbindung. Die grose Mehrheit der Frauen nimmt keine Ballaststoffe als Nahrungserganzung.