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Background/aim: This retrospective study was performed in patients undergoing Stapled Haemorrhoidopexy (SH) who were post-operatively treated with Proctonorm® with the aim of assessing its effect on early and late haemorrhoidal-related symptoms., Patients and Methods: Forty-six males and 54 females received Proctonorm® (one tablet twice daily for 14 days) and Ketoprofene R (200 mg, one tablet twice daily, as requested)., Results: "Early Complication Score" (0-12) two days after surgery was 2.02±1.03; pain VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) (0-10) was 1.21±0.89, and the number of anti-inflammatory tablets was 4.24±1.06. At 40-day post-operative assessment, seven patients had post-operative complications with "Late Complication Score" (0-20) of 0.34±0.68. At six-month follow-up, a high index of patient satisfaction (VAS=9.39±0.24) was self-reported with 75% reduction in CSS (Constipation Scoring System) (1.95±2.58) compared to preoperative scores; "Late Complication Score" was 0., Conclusion: The specific target activity of Proctonorm® at the microcircular level may be effective in patients undergoing SH in order to reduce the inflammatory response of residual haemorrhoids while waiting for stable resolution of symptoms within one or two weeks., (Copyright© 2019, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Standard stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) with two PPH-01™ poses some questions regarding the completeness of prolapse resection in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) since 20% to 30% of patients have persistent rectocele or rectal intussusception that may impair the physiological recovery of rectal sensitivity. New high-volume (HV) devices, such as CPH34 HV™ and CPH36 SMS™, allow for wider prolapsectomy to be performed and we herein assessed the possibility and safety of a STARR mono-stapler., Materials and Methods: On May 30th-31st 2011, 13 pigs were selected to undergo standard STARR with two PPH-01™ (n=2) or STARR mono-stapler with one CPH34 HV™ (n=11) at the Experimental Center of Vila do Conde (Portugal); another set of 13 pigs was selected on January 14th-17th 2014 to undergo standard STARR (n=2) or STARR mono-stapler by means of one CPH36 SMS™ (n=11). The length, height, square surface, and volume of resected specimens were intra-operatively assessed. Pigs were monitored for three days before undergoing transrectal sonography and autopsy to check for locoregional complications., Results: CPH36 SMS™ STARR mono-stapler achieved 57% higher volume of prolapsectomy compared to Standard STARR (p=0.008); moreover, surface measures of the specimens of CPH36 SMS™ STARR mono-stapler were significantly higher (length, p=0.003; height, p=0.004; square surface, p=0.002) compared to CPH34 HV™ STARR mono-stapler, with a 97.8% increase of prolapsectomy (p<0.001). No intra- or early postoperative complications occurred. Transrectal sonography and autopsy detected: two (50%) small intra-parietal and two (50%) extra-rectal haematomata after Standard STARR; five small intraparietal (45.5%) and one (9%) extra-rectal haematoma after CPH34 HV™ STARR mono-stapler; three (27.2%) small intraparietal and (27.2%) extra-rectal haematomata after CPH36 SMS™ STARR mono-stapler., Conclusion: CPH36 SMS™ STARR mono-stapler is quite feasible both from the technological and safety standpoint; most importantly, the higher volume of prolapsectomy achievable with CPH36 SMS™ compared to standard STARR with two PPH-01™ might reduce the risk of residual/recurrent prolapse and further improve the clinical efficacy of the STARR procedure., (Copyright © 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

CPH34 HV, a high volume stapler, was tested in order to assess its safety and efficacy in reducing residual/recurrent haemorrhoids. The clinical charts of 430 patients with third- to fourth-degree haemorrhoids undergoing SH in 2012-2013 were consecutively reviewed, excluding those with obstructed defecation (rectocele >2 cm; Wexner's score >15). Follow-up was scheduled at six and 12 months. Rectal prolapse exceeding more than half of CAD was reported in 341 patients (79.3%); one technical failure was reported (0.2%) without any serious untoward effect; and 1.3 stitch/patient (SD, 1.7) was required to achieve complete haemostasis. Doughnuts volume was higher (13.8 mL; SD, 1.5) in patients with a large rectal prolapse than with smaller one (8.9 mL; SD, 0.7) (P value <0.05). Residual and recurrent haemorrhoids occurred in 8 of 430 patients (1.8%) and 5 of 254 patients (1.9%), respectively. A high index of patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale = 8.9; SD, 0.9) coupled with a persistent reduction of constipation scores (CSS = 5.0, SD, 2.2) was observed. The wider prolapse resection well correlated with a clear-cut reduction of haemorrhoidal relapse, a high index of patient satisfaction, and clinically relevant reduction of constipations scores coupled with satisfactory haemostatic properties of CPH34 HV.

Background: An evolution of CPH34 (CPH34 HV) for stapled transanal rectal resections was developed and tested to assess its safety and resection volume as compared to other staplers., Materials and Methods: A total of 16 pigs were randomly assigned to rectal prolapsectomy with CPH34 HV (n=4), CPH34 (n=4), PPH03-33 (n=4), HEEA (n=2) and PPH-01 (n=2). Measures and histological structure of specimens were assessed; transrectal echotomography (ETG) was performed on the third postoperative day, hence pigs were autopsied., Results: Significant differences of the volumes and weights of specimens were observed by type of stapler (p=0.0298 and p=0.0278, respectively) which were mainly due to CPH34 HV vs. PPH03-33 (p=0.0402 and p=0.0375, respectively). The average volumes were 17.1% lower for CPH34, 30.2% lower for HEEA, and 34.7% lower for PPH03-33 with respect to CPH34 HV. No significant increase of resection volume (7.5%) was observed between two PPH-01 units combined (two specimens together) vs. a single CPH34 HV unit. The highest percentage of muscularis propria was observed into the specimens collected with CPH34 HV and HEEA (50%). ETG detected three intra- and two extraparietal haematomata., Conclusion: The safety and higher volume of resection achievable with CPH34 HV correlated well with the specimen weight and percentage of muscularis propria.

Objective: A randomized clinical trial was performed in patients with chronic or recurrent pilonidal sinus (PS) comparing primary closure coupled with random application of in house autologous platelet gel or produced by means of Vivostat- in order to assess whether a standardized product had an impact on the wound healing process., Patients and Methods: Between June 2006 and June 2009, 100 patients (82 males, 18 females: median age 30 years; range, 16-51 years) underwent wide excision of the pilonidal area with midline tension-free closure and were randomly given either the in house autologous platelet gel (Group 1) or the Vivostat- gel (Group 2)., Results: Group 2 patients had shorter wound healing time (8 vs. 10 days; p<0.0001), time to return to full activity (11 vs. 16 days: p<0.0001), less uncomplicated fluid collections (120 vs. 190 ml: p<0.0001), and fewer postoperative wound complications (1/50=2% vs. 5/50=10%, p<0.001). After a median follow-up of 21 months (range: 4-40 months), two recurrences were detected in Group 1., Conclusion: The standardized production of platelet gel by means of the Vivostat- system guarantees the reproducibility of the procedure and its use was correlated with an improved outcome, with a high degree of patient satisfaction and better cosmetic results.

Purpose: A careful preoperative selection of patients was performed in order to identify those eligible for stapled transanal rectal resection to correct obstructed defecation syndrome. The aim was to assess the consequences of surgery on anorectal function and patient outcomes., Methods: From January 2004 to June 2007, 33 female patients (median age, 56.3 years; range, 27-77 years) eligible for stapled transanal rectal resection completed standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation (constipation scoring system), quality of life (Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire), and patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale). A complete clinical reassessment including anorectal manometry and defecography was performed after one year., Results: At a median follow-up of 18 months, significant improvement in constipation scoring system, quality of life, and visual analog scale (P < 0.0001) was observed. Postoperative defecography confirmed the correction of internal rectal prolapse (P < 0.01) and rectocele (P < 0.0001) with an increase in rectal sensitivity (P < 0.0001). Significant correlations were observed between rectocele correction and rectal sensitivity, as evidenced by a decrease in rectal sensory threshold volumes (P = 0.017; Phi = 0.7), increased rectal sensitivity, and patient's satisfaction index (P = 0.011; Phi = 0.64)., Conclusions: Stapled transanal rectal resection allowed for the correction of rectocele and intussusceptions. These corrections increased rectal sensitivity, diminished symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome, and improved the quality of life of patients.

Objective: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery for complex (> or =3 tracks) or recurrent pilonidal sinus (PS) was performed; the results of this clinical experience were compared with an original method of primary wound closure, coupling a "tension-free" technique of wound reconstruction with autologous cryoplatelet gel application, in order to improve the wound healing process and reduce the postoperative disability period., Patients and Methods: The retrospective analysis included 30 patients undergoing surgery for PS between January 2003 and May 2005: in the first group of 15 consecutive patients, the wound was left open to close secondarily while in the remaining 15 patients, primary closure by means of a "tension-free" technique of wound reconstruction was attempted. Between June 2005 and May 2006, another subset of 15 patients was prospectively recruited, coupling the "tension-free" technique of wound reconstruction with autologous cryoplatelet gel application., Results: In the first group of patients, median postoperative disability accounted for 65 days with one recurrence. In the second group, primary healing was achieved in 11 patients, with a median postoperative disability of 28 days; two recurrences did occur. In the third group of patients, primary healing was achieved in all patients within 14 to 29 days, and no recurrence has yet been detected., Conclusion: Short follow-up notwithstanding, the simplicity of the operation, the use of autologous products and the minimal postoperative disability with complete wound healing suggest that this new approach may represent a useful alternative to current surgical techniques for PS excision.

The case of a 27-year-old woman, admitted to our surgical ward with symptoms of epigastric-ache, postmeal vomiting and significant weight loss, is reported. Clinical and radiographic suspicion of mesenterium commune, with duodenal compression due to bands, requested an explorative laparatomy that confirmed the mesenterium commune presence with left caecum and colon adhesion and left Bochdaleck hernia, which is rare in adult age.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of pirenzepine with those of atropine a non-selective antimuscarinic agent, on gastroduodenal motor patterns in duodenal ulcer patients. Twenty patients were allocated at random to 2 groups of 10 subjects each. The drugs were administered by bolus intravenous injection as equiactive antisecretory doses of 10 mg pirenzepine and 1 mg atropine. Before and 15 min after drug administration all patients underwent a gastroduodenal manometric and reflexogenic study with a specially designed probe and three inflatable latex balloons. Both drugs significantly decreased antral and duodenal pressure, but atropine was much more effective than pirenzepine: 91 +/- 2% verus 54 +/- 9% decrease in the motility index for the antrum and 95 +/- 1% versus 49 +/- 7% for the duodenum (p less than 0.01). The antral motor threshold was not modified by either drug. The results of this study confirm the selectivity of action of pirenzepine on gastric function.

On the basis of the observation that the dumping syndrome is seen very rarely now compared to the past, experimental and clinical research was carried out with a view to explaining this phenomenon. These studies showed that it is possible that the gastric antrum plays a basic role in the pathogenesis of the dumping syndrome.

Twelve to 15 days after cholecystectomy, endocholedochal pressure was measured in ten patients before and one hour after oral administration of 15 mg of pinaverium bromide (six patients) or placebo. The mean endocholedochal pressure was 7.1 +/- 0.25 mmHg before and 3.1 +/- 0.2 mmHg after pinaverium (P less than 0.01), and 7.0 +/- 0.2 and 6.8 +/- 1.2 mmHg in the placebo-treated patients. The results suggest that pinaverium bromide has a specific effect on the common bile duct and probably on Oddi's sphincter.

Colonsphinctorometrography (CSMG) is a new, original method for the simultaneous investigation of the motility of the descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid junction, rectum, and internal and external anal sphincters. A 60 cm open-ended tip sound with an external diameter of 10 mm is used. Three 3 cm long stimulating balloons are located at points 15 cm, 30 cm, and 50 cm along its length. A basal recording is taken for about 15 min with the patient absolutely at rest. The balloons are then inflated to measure the kinetic responses of colon and anal sphincters to stimuli of different volume. In addition to offering a pressure recording for the left colon and internal sphincter, the method also provides an EMG for the external sphincter and a pneumogram.

The results of a prospective controlled study designed to evaluate the performance of a computerized diagnostic aid in the clinical setting are reported herein. Two hundred and fifty patients referred to an outpatient clinic for gastrointestinal complaints were entered into the study. The diagnostic aid program was used routinely and the findings elicited from patients' medical histories and physical examinations were entered into the computer at the time of initial evaluation. The accuracy of the program's diagnoses was measured and compared with the accuracy of diagnoses made by a control group of physicians. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the program was found to be 69.2% (P much less than .0000001), a value significantly greater (P = .0005) than the overall accuracy of the control group of physicians, which was found to be 52%. A high agreement rate between program and physicians was also observed. These preliminary results seem to indicate a practical use for the program as a support in the initial screening of patients presenting with gastrointestinal complaints.

Based on experimental and clinical studies we have deduced the existence of a neuro-osmotic dumping syndrome and a truly osmotic dumping syndrome that differ in pathogenesis and clinical symptoms.

Previous studies have demonstrated that changes in endoduodenal pressure may cause pancreatic alterations in biliary diseases. Anterior selective vagotomy of the duodenum was devised to reduce duodenal motility. An experimental study showed that such a surgical procedure is followed by a marked decrease in the overall duodenal kinesis, with disappearance of the highest pressure peaks.

Twenty-one subjects suffering daily from fecal incontinence were treated with biofeedback training as a rehabilitative trial. Fifteen of these patients had incontinence following surgical interventions; the other six had senile incontinence. A device was employed to record the pressure existing at the level of the anal canal and to stimulate the rectal ampulla to control the performance of the external anal sphincter and the sensibility of the rectum. Of the 31 treated patients, eighteen (86%) presented good results with satisfactory recovery of anal incontinence, and three subjects (14%) showed unsatisfactory results (more than one episode of incontinence monthly). Although both groups of patients showed improvement in external anal sphincter contraction, the sensibility of the rectum to endoluminal distention improved more in good responders. The employment of biofeedback training to obtain improvement of the threshold of rectal sensibility (minimal volume of endoluminal distention to produce the sensation of imminent defecation and external anal sphincter contraction) has proved useful in the rehabilitation of incontinent patients.