The Relevance of the Excessive Perineal Descent in the Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: A Prospective Study of 141 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widely accepted association between excessive straining and perineal descent, the clinical significance of perineal descent in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pathological perineal descent in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and the impact of perineal descent on symptoms severity. DESIGN: This was a prospective multicenter uncontrolled study. SETTINGS: The study involved 3 hospital pelvic-care centers and was conducted from January 2018 to January 2022. PATIENTS: The study included 141 consecutive adult patients with an obstructed defecation syndrome score of 9 or more and no evidence of organic GI pathology. All the patients underwent dynamic pelvic MRI and, in case of suspected paradoxical puborectalis contraction, anal manometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures were the prevalence of excessive perineal descent and the correlation between perineal descent and obstructed defecation syndrome score. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients (90.7%) completed magnetic resonance examination and were included in the analysis. Of these, 18 patients (14.1%) had a physiological perineal descent and 110 (85.9%) had an excessive perineal descent. Excessive perineal descent was found in 46.1% of patients (12/26) with MRI signs of paradoxical puborectalis contraction and in 96% of patients (98/102) with normal puborectalis relaxation. In this latter group of patients, a good correlation between obstructed defecation syndrome score and maximum perineal descent during straining was found (Spearman r test: 0.68; p < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by the small sample size and by the strong selection of the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive perineal descent is a common finding in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and high symptoms score, occurring almost consistently in patients without paradoxical puborectalis contraction. In these patients, the maximum perineal descent seems to be well correlated with symptoms severity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C135 . LA RELEVANCIA DEL DESCENSO PERINEAL EXCESIVO EN EL SNDROME DE DEFECACIN OBSTRUIDA UN ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO DE PACIENTES: ANTECEDENTES:A pesar de la asociación ampliamente aceptada entre el esfuerzo excesivo y el descenso perineal, la importancia clínica del descenso perineal en pacientes con síndrome de defecación obstruida aún no está clara.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la prevalencia del descenso perineal patológico en pacientes con síndrome de defecación obstruida y el impacto del descenso perineal en la severidad de los síntomas.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico no controladoENTORNO CLINICO:El estudio involucró a tres centros hospitalarios de atención pélvica y se llevó a cabo entre enero de 2018 y enero de 2022.PACIENTES:El estudio incluyó a 141 pacientes adultos consecutivos con puntuación del síndrome de defecación obstruida ≥ 9 y sin evidencia de patología gastrointestinal orgánica. A todas las pacientes se les realizó resonancia magnética pélvica dinámica y, en caso de sospecha de contracción puborrectal paradójica, manometría anal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las principales medidas de resultado fueron la prevalencia del descenso perineal excesivo y la correlación entre el descenso perineal y la puntuación del síndrome de defecación obstruida.RESULTADOS:Ciento veintiocho (90,7%) pacientes completaron el examen de resonancia magnética y fueron incluidos en el análisis. De estos, 18 (14,1%) presentaron descenso perineal fisiológico y 110 (85,9%) descenso perineal excesivo. Se encontró descenso perineal excesivo en el 46,1% (12/26) de los pacientes con signos de contracción puborrectal paradójica en la resonancia magnética y en el 96% (98/102) de los pacientes con relajación puborrectal normal. En estos últimos pacientes se encontró una buena correlación entre la puntuación del síndrome de defecación obstruida y el descenso perineal máximo durante el esfuerzo (prueba r de Spearman: 0,68; p < 0,0001).LIMITACIONES:El estudio estuvo limitado por el pequeño tamaño de la muestra y por la fuerte selección de la población de estudio.CONCLUSIONES:El descenso perineal excesivo es un hallazgo común en pacientes con síndrome de defecación obstruida y alto puntaje de síntomas, ocurriendo casi constantemente en pacientes sin contracción puborrectal paradójica. En estos últimos pacientes el descenso perineal máximo parece estar bien correlacionado con la severidad de los síntomas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCRC135 . (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon ).

The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of anal fissure.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia) on the diagnosis and management of anal fissure, with the purpose to guide every physician in the choice of the best treatment option, according with the available literature. METHODS: A panel of experts was designed and charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key-questions on the main topics covering the management of anal fissure and to performe an accurate search on each topic in different databanks, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in different rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to the PICO criteria, and the statements developed adopting the GRADE methodology. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute anal fissure the medical therapy with dietary and behavioral norms is indicated. In the chronic phase of disease, the conservative treatment with topical 0.3% nifedipine plus 1.5% lidocaine or nitrates may represent the first-line therapy, eventually associated with ointments with film-forming, anti-inflammatory and healing properties such as Propionibacterium extract gel. In case of first-line treatment failure, the surgical strategy (internal sphincterotomy or fissurectomy with flap), may be guided by the clinical findings, eventually supported by endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry.

Accuracy of computed tomography in staging acute appendicitis and its impact on surgical outcome and strategy: a multi-center retrospective case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate the concordance between AAST-CT appendicitis grading criteria, first published in 2014, and surgical findings and to assess the impact of CT staging on the choice of surgical approach. METHODS: This was a multi-center retrospective case-control study including 232 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis and who had undergone preoperative CT evaluation between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2022. Appendicitis severity was classified in 5 grades. For each degree of severity, the surgical outcome between patients undergoing open and surgical approach was compared. RESULTS: An almost perfect agreement (k = 0.96) was found between CT and surgery in staging acute appendicitis. The vast majority of patients with grade 1 and 2 appendicitis underwent laparoscopic surgical approach and showed low morbidity rate. In patients with grade 3 and 4 appendicitis, laparoscopic approach was adopted in 70% of cases and was associated, if compared to open, with a higher prevalence of postoperative abdominal collections (p = 0.05; fisher's exact test) and a significantly lower prevalence of surgical site infections (p = 0.0007; fisher's exact test). All the patients with grade 5 appendicitis were treated by laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: AAST-CT appendicitis grading system seems to show a relevant prognostic value and a potential impact on the choice of surgical strategy, directing toward a laparoscopic approach in patients with grade 1 and 2, an initial laparoscopic approach, replaceable by the open one, for grade 3 and 4 and an open approach in patients with grade 5.

Impact of Preoperative Three-Dimensional Endoanal Ultrasound on the Surgical Outcome of Primary Fistula in Ano. A Multi-Center Observational Study of 253 Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of preoperative three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) on the clinical outcome of anal fistula surgery. METHODS: The research consisted of multi-center retrospective case-control study including 253 consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for confirmed or suspected primary fistula in ano who had undergone preoperative 3D-EAUS evaluation between January 2011 and January 2021. Main outcome measures were the concordance (K value) between ultrasound results and surgery in the identification of fistulas internal openings, primary tracts and secondary extensions and the 6 and 12 months success rate in patients with concordant and discordant findings. RESULTS: A good agreement in the identification of the main fistulas characteristics between ultrasound results and operative findings was found. A significant difference (P < .0001; Fisher's exact test) in the success rate was found between patients with concordant and discordant ultrasound results and operative findings in identification or location of internal opening. Particularly, all the 11 (4.8%) patients with discordant results experimented a failure of the surgical procedure at 6 months follow-up. At re-operation, the shift from discordant to concordant results was associated with an 81.8% 12 months success-rate. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound preoperative evaluation may have a relevant impact on the outcome of a defined group of patients undergoing surgery for anal fistula, since the careful evaluation of ultrasound results could simplify the internal orifice intra-operative detection and improve the success rate.

Complete Fundus Mobilization Reduces Dysphagia After Nissen Procedure.

Background. Anti-reflux surgery is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Nevertheless, surgery is still indicated with great caution in relation to the risk of complications, and in particular to postoperative dysphagia (PD). Objective. To compare the clinical outcomes, with particular focus on the incidence and severity of PD, of laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (NRF) and floppy Nissen fundoplication (FNF) with complete fundus mobilization, in the surgical treatment of GERD. Methods. Ninety patients with GERD were enrolled. Forty-four patients (21[47.7%] men, 23[52.2%] women; mean age 42.4 ± 14.3 years) underwent NRF (Group A), and 46 patients (23[50%] men, 23[50%] women; mean age 43.3 ± 15.4 years) received laparoscopic FNF with complete fundus mobilization (Group B). Clinical assessment was performed using a structured questionnaire and SF-36 quality of life (QoL) score. PD was assessed using a validated classification, and an overall outcome was also determined by asking the patient to score it. Results. At 24-month follow-up, 38 (88.3%) patients in Group A vs 39 (86.6%) in Group B reported to be completely satisfied with reflux relief and free of protonic pump inhibitors (PPIs), while 3 (6.9%) in Group A vs 2(4.4%) in Group B reported occasional PPI intake and 2(4.6%) in Group A vs 4(8.8%) in Group B needed regular PPI use. Persistent PD was observed in 8(18.6%) patients in Group A and in 2(4.4%) in Group B (P = .03). No significant differences were found in the QoL score and in the overall outcome perceived by the patients. Conclusion. FNF, with complete fundus mobilization, appears to be associated with a lower rate of postoperative persistent dysphagia.

Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound should be considered as first-line diagnostic tool in the preoperative work-up for perianal fistulas : The authors reply to the letter: Mathew RP, Patel V, Low G. Caution in using 3D-EAUS as the first-line diagnostic tool in the preoperative work up for perianal fistulas. Radiol Med 2020;125:155-156.

In the preoperative work-up of patients with anorectal fistulas, 3D-EAUS may represent the first-line diagnostic tool, showing high diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of internal openings, primary tracks and secondary extension. In the cases of fistulas classified as complex by 3D-EAUS, MRI may be indicated as adjunctive diagnostic imaging examination, to more accurately detect the fistulas' secondary extensions, and so, to more carefully describe the fistulas' complete anatomy.

Preoperative assessment of simple and complex anorectal fistulas: Tridimensional endoanal ultrasound? Magnetic resonance? Both?

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of tridimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) and magnetic resonance (MR) in the preoperative assessment of both simple and complex anorectal fistulas. METHODS: All the patients referred for the treatment of anal fistulas were enrolled in this study and underwent, as preoperative assessment, anamnestic evaluation, clinical examination, and unenhanced and H2O2-enhanced 3D-EAUS and MR. The results of imaging evaluation were compared with surgical findings, considered as reference standard. RESULTS: During the study period, 124 patients operated on for anal fistulas underwent complete preoperative imaging assessment. Perfect agreement between 3D-EAUS and surgery in the anal fistulas' severity grading was found (K = 1). The fistulas were classified as simple in 68/126 (53.9%) and complex in 58/126 (46.03%) cases, according to fistulas' Parks' classification and the most recent American Guidelines. In both simple and complex anal fistulas, 3D-EAUS did not show a significantly higher accuracy in the evaluation of internal openings, if compared with MR (P = 0.47; McNemar's Chi-square test). In the complex anal fistulas, MR showed a significantly higher accuracy in the evaluation of secondary extensions if compared with 3D-EAUS (P = 0.041; McNemar's Chi-square test), whereas in the simple anal fistulas, no significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: In the preoperative work-up of patients with anorectal fistulas, 3D-EAUS may represent the first-line diagnostic tool. In cases of fistulas classified as complex by 3D-EAUS, MR may be indicated as adjunctive diagnostic imaging examination, to more carefully describe the fistulas' complete anatomy.

Advantages of Damage Control Strategy With Abdominal Negative Pressure and Instillation in Patients With Diffuse Peritonitis From Perforated Diverticular Disease.

Purpose. To evaluate the results of Damage Control Strategy (DCS) in the treatment of generalized peritonitis from perforated diverticular disease in patients with preoperative severe systemic diseases. Methods. All the patients with diffuse peritonitis (Hinchey 3 and 4) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3 were included and underwent DCS consisting of a 2-step procedure. The first was peritoneal lavage, perforated colon-stapled resection, and temporary abdominal closure with negative pressure wound therapy combined with instillation. The second step, 48 hours later, included the possibility of restoring intestinal continuity basing on local and general patients' conditions. Results. Thirty patients (18 [60%] women and 12 [40%] men, median age 68.5 [range = 35-84] years) were included (18 [60%] ASA III, 11 [36.7%] ASA IV, and 1 [0.03%] ASA V). Seven patients (23.3%) showed sepsis and 1 (3.33%) septic shock. At second surgery, 24 patients (80%) received a colorectal anastomosis and 6 patients (20%) underwent a Hartmann's procedure. Median hospital stay was 18 days (range = 12-62). Postoperative morbidity rate was 23.3% (7/30) and included 1 anastomotic leak treated with Hartmann's procedure. Consequently, at discharge from hospital, 23 patients (76.6%) were free of stoma. Primary fascial closure was possible in all patients. Conclusions. DCS with temporary abdominal closure by negative pressure wound therapy combined with instillation in patients with diffuse peritonitis from complicated diverticulitis could represent a feasible surgical option both in hemodynamically stable and no stable patients, showing encouraging results including a low stoma rate and an acceptable morbidity rate.

Transverse Perineal Support: A Novel Surgical Treatment for Perineal Descent in Patients With Obstructed Defecation Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that pathological perineal descent may be responsible for the failure of operations for obstructed defecation syndrome and that correcting excessive perineal descent may improve the outcome in this group of patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the short-term preliminary results of a novel surgical procedure, transverse perineal support, for the correction of pathological perineal descent. DESIGN: This was a prospective, uncontrolled, open-label study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in a hospital and a university center. PATIENTS: Among 25 patients observed with failure of previous surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome, 12 with pathological perineal descent underwent transverse perineal support, were followed-up at 6 months, and constituted the object of analysis. INTERVENTIONS: The surgical procedure was performed positioning a porcine dermal implant just above the perineum superficial fascia sutured to the periosteum membrane of ischiatic tuberosities at the insertion of the superficial transverse perineal muscle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were obstructed defecation syndrome score and x-ray and magnetic resonance defecographic imaging evaluation of perineal descent and anorectal manometric parameters. RESULTS: The postoperative median obstructed defecation syndrome score was 7.0 (range, 3-8), showing a statistically significant difference if compared with the preoperative score of 13.5 (range, 9-18; p = 0.0005). The mean postoperative maximum intrarectal pressure was 69.4 ± 11.1 mm Hg, significantly higher than the preoperative pressure of 45.9 ± 12.8 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). At postoperative x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging defecography, the mean fixed and dynamic perineal descents were significantly lower than the preoperative descents (p = 0.02 for fixed perineal descent and p = 0.0004 for dynamic perineal descent). Of the 4 patients (33.3%) with preoperative pathological dynamic perineal descent, only 1 showed a persistent pathological dynamic perineal descent. No early or late complication was observed. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its small size and short follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse perineal support appears to be a promising, safe, and effective procedure in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome associated with pathological perineal descent (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A225).

Evaluating the Surgeons' Perception of Difficulties of Two Techniques to Perform STARR for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: After initial enthusiasm in the use of a dedicated curved stapler (CCS-30 Contour Transtar) to perform stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), difficulties have emerged in this surgical technique. OBJECTIVE: First, to compare surgeons' perception of difficulties of STARR performed with only Transtar versus STARR performed with the combined use of linear staplers and Transtar to cure ODS associated with large internal prolapse and rectocele; second, to compare the postoperative incidence of the urge to defecate between the 2 STARR procedures. DESIGN AND SETTING: An Italian multicenter randomized trial involving 25 centers of colorectal surgery. PATIENTS: Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and rectocele or rectal intussusception, treated between January and December 2012. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to undergo STARR with a curved alone stapler (CAS group) or with the combined use of linear and curved staplers (LCS group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary end-points were the evaluation of surgeons' perception of difficulties score and the incidence of the "urge to defecate" at 3-month follow up. Secondary end-points included duration of hospital stay, rates of early and late complications, incidence of "urge to defecate" at 6 and 12 months, success of the procedures at 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Of 771 patients evaluated, 270 patients (35%) satisfied the criteria. Follow-up data were available for 254 patients: 128 patients (114 women) in the CAS group (mean age, 52.1; range, 39-70 years) and 126 (116 women) in LCS group (mean age, 50.7 years; range, 41-75 years). The mean surgeons' perception score, was 15.36 (SD, 3.93) in the CAS group and 12.26 (SD, 4.22) in the LCS group (P < .0001; 2-sample t test). At 3-month follow-up, urge to defecate was observed in 18 (14.6%) CAS group patients and in 13 (10.7%) LCS group patients (P = .34; Fisher's exact test). These values drastically decrease at 6 months until no urge to defecate in all patients at 12 months was observed. At 12-month follow-up, a successful outcome was achieved in 100 (78.1%) CAS group patients and in 105 (83.3%) LCS group patients (P = .34; Fisher's exact test). No significant differences between groups were observed in the hospital stay and rates of early or late complications occurring after STARR. CONCLUSIONS: STARR with Transtar associated with prior decomposition of prolapse, using linear staplers, seems to be less difficult than that without decomposition. Both procedures appear to be safe and effective in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome resulting in similar success rates and complications.

Role of tridimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) in the preoperative assessment of perianal sepsis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of tridimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) in the diagnosis of perianal sepsis comparing the results with the surgical findings, considered as reference standard. METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2013, all the patients referred for the assessment and treatment of perianal sepsis with suspected anorectal origin were enrolled in the study. All patients gave informed written consent. Prior to surgery, all the patients underwent anamnestic evaluation, clinical examination, and unenhanced and H2O2-enhanced 3D-EAUS. Surgery was performed by a colorectal surgeon blinded to the 3D-EAUS results. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients with suspected perianal suppurations were assessed during the study period. In 12 patients, the H2O2-enhanced 3D-EAUS was not performed, and so, they were excluded from the study. Very good agreement between 3D-EAUS and examination under anesthesia (EUA) in the classification of primary fistula tracts (kappa = 0.93) and in the identification of fistula internal opening (kappa = 0.97) was found. There was a good concordance (kappa = 0.71) between 3D-EAUS and surgery in the detection of fistula secondary extensions. The overall sensitivity and specificity of 3D-EAUS in the diagnosis of perianal sepsis were 98.3 and 91.3% respectively. CONCLUSION: 3D-EAUS is a safe and reliable technique in the assessment of perianal sepsis. It may assist the surgeon in delineating the fistula tract anatomy and in determining the origin of sepsis, supporting the preoperative planning of definitive and appropriate surgical therapy.

Role of 0.4 % glyceryl trinitrate ointment after stapled trans-anal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial.

PURPOSE: The anal fissure and spasm represent possible complications and causes of postoperative anal pain in patients that have undergone stapled trans-anal rectal resection (STARR). The etiology of these complications is still questioned such as the treatment modality. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) 0.4 % in determining decrease of incidence of postoperative anal spams and fissure and reduction of early postoperative pain. METHODS: From a total of 243 patients referred for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) 104 (42.7 %) underwent STARR and were randomized to receive (Group 1) or not (Group 2) topical 0.4 % GTN ointment every 12 h for four postoperative weeks. Postoperative evaluation was made at 1, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: At 1 month follow-up, the incidence of anal spasm in Groups 1 and 2 was, respectively, 0 and 14.6 % (6/41) (p = 0.010; Fisher's exact test). The incidence of anal fissure was 4/41 (9.7 %) in Group 2 and 0/44 (0 %) in Group 1 (p = 0.05; Fisher's exact test). Significant differences in median visual analogue scale score between groups were found at 1 week and 1 month follow-up (1; 0-5 vs. 2; 0-7: p = 0.0104; Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: Anal spasm and fissure may represent a cause of early postoperative anal pain in patients that have undergone STARR procedure for ODS. The use of topical GTN 0.4 % ointment in the early postoperative course seems to reduce the incidence of anal spasm and fissure and to improve the associated early postoperative pain.

The Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) guidelines for the management of acute and chronic hemorrhoidal disease.

The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (Società Italiana Unitaria di Colon-Proctologia, SIUCP) on the diagnosis and management of hemorrhoidal disease, with the goal of guiding physicians in the choice of the best treatment option. A panel of experts was charged by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key questions on the main topics related to the management of hemorrhoidal disease and to perform an accurate and comprehensive literature search on each topic, in order to provide evidence-based answers to the questions and to summarize them in statements. All the clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel in multiple rounds through the Delphi approach and, for each statement, a consensus among the experts was reached. The questions were created according to PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, and outcomes) criteria, and the statements were developed adopting the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) methodology. In cases of grade 1 hemorrhoidal prolapse, outpatient procedures including hemorrhoidal laser procedure and sclerotherapy may be considered the preferred surgical options. For grade 2 prolapse, nonexcisional procedures including outpatient treatments, hemorrhoidal artery ligation and mucopexy, laser hemorrhoidoplasty, the Rafaelo procedure, and stapled hemorrhoidopexy may represent the first-line treatment options, whereas excisional surgery may be considered in selected cases. In cases of grades 3 and 4, stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy may represent the most effective procedures, even if, in the expert panel opinion, stapled hemorrhoidopexy represents the gold-standard treatment for grade 3 hemorrhoidal prolapse.

Five-item score for obstructed defecation syndrome: study of validation.

The use of a dedicated score represents an essential tool for the clinical staging of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), for subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic options, and for the evaluation of the results. This study was designed to develop and validate a new, simple, and disease-specific scoring system for ODS. The questionnaire consists of 5 items: excessive straining, incomplete rectal evacuation, use of enemas and/or laxatives, vaginal-anal-perineal digitations, and abdominal discomfort and/or pain. Each item was graded from 0 to 5 with a score ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 20 (very severe symptoms). A specific statistical analysis identifies the new score as a valuable and concise instrument, which demonstrates, overall, excellent concurrent validity, reproducibility, internal consistency, and discriminant validity for the diagnosis and grading of ODS. The use of this questionnaire may improve uniformity in clinical research and may allow a more precise evaluation of symptom severity and treatment effectiveness in ODS.

Collagen treatment of complex anorectal fistula: 3 years follow-up.

Fistula in ano is a common anorectal disease in adults. Currently, surgery remains the definitive therapeutic approach, but in some cases, it can lead to serious complications as faecal or gas incontinence. Therefore, sphincter sparing treatments should be considered for complex fistulas. One of the sphincteric preserving treatment is the filling with a dermal extract commonly called "collagen glue" as Salvecoll-E® gel. This is a multicentric, prospective, observational study on the use of Salvecoll-E® gel in treatment of complex anal fistulas. We treated 70 patients from May 2016 to May 2017. In the first phase, we debrided the fistula tract using a loose seton kept for 4-6 weeks. In the second phase, the seton was removed and the fistula tract was filled with Salvecoll-E® gel. In this article, we report results at 36 months of follow-up. Fifty patients (71.4%) had completely healed fistula within 36 months of follow-up. Twenty-eight patients (28.2%) had recurrences. Among these failures, 65% were within 6 months. All low transphincteric fistulas healed. Recurrences occurred only in median and high transphincteric fistulas. No patient had a worsening of continence status measured with Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Severity score. Salvecoll-E® gel is a recent finding among sphincter-sparing treatments. In this study, we demonstrate that it is a safe option in the treatment of complex fistulas. Final results are satisfactory and in line with the best results published in literature among mini-invasive treatments.

Usefulness of damage control approach in patients with limited acute mesenteric ischemia: a prospective study of 85 patients.

To evaluate the efficacy of the damage control approach by two-step surgical procedure in not critical patients (without sepsis or septic shock) with peritonitis from limited acute mesenteric ischemia. From April 2013 to April 2020, 85 patients [49 (57.7%) women and 36 (42.3%) men, median age 69.5 (range 38-92)] were enrolled in this study and underwent emergency surgery. After resection of ischemic bowel, basing on the individual decision of the single surgeon, the patients underwent primary end-to-end anastomosis (Group 1) or damage control approach (Group 2) including primary laparotomy with resection of ischemic bowel, temporary abdominal closure and a second-look procedure at 48 h with re-evaluation of bowel vitality. Forty-seven (55.3%) patients underwent one-stage surgical treatment and 38 (44.7%) patients received a two-step procedure. In the latter group, at second exploration, 8 (21%) patients required a further intestinal resection, due to mesenteric ischemia progression. Both anastomosis dehiscence rate and need for ileostomy in Group 1 patients were significantly higher than in Group 2 (23.4% vs 5.3%: p = 0.03 and 19.1% vs 2.6%: p = 0.03; Fisher's exact test). No significative differences in mortality and morbidity rate were found between the two groups. The damage control approach by two-step surgical procedure may represent a valid innovative option in the management of not critical patients with limited acute mesenteric ischemia, achieving a better clinical outcome if compared with surgical treatment by one-step procedure.

Improved clinical outcomes with a new contour-curved stapler in the surgical treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome: a mid-term randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stapled transanal rectal resection has become the primary surgical procedure for surgical treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome caused by rectocele or rectal intussusception. The procedure is generally performed with 2 circular staplers. Recently, a dedicated contour-curved stapler was developed. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the effects of these stapler types on relief of symptoms. DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a regional referral center in Naples, Italy. PATIENTS: Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and rectocele or rectal intussusception, treated from November 2005 through September 2007. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to undergo stapled transanal rectal resection with 2 circular staplers or the contour-curved stapler. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was success rate at 24 months, defined by symptom improvement on an obstructed defecation syndrome scale. Secondary end points included success rate at 12 months, Agachan-Wexner constipation score, and rates of early and late complications at 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: Of 198 patients evaluated, 63 patients (31.8%) satisfied criteria. Follow-up data were available for 61 patients: 30 patients (28 women) in the circular stapler group (mean age, 53; range, 41-75 years) and 31 (29 women) in the contour-curved stapler group (mean age, 55; range, 38-69 years). At 24-month follow-up, success was achieved in 21 patients (70.0%) with the circular staplers and in 27 (87.0%) with the contour-curved stapler (P = .10). Symptom scores improved significantly in both groups from baseline to 12 months (P < .0001). Improvement was maintained in the contour-curved stapler group: mean score, 5.0 (SD, 1.6) at 12 months and 5.5 (1.5) at 24 months (P = .20). In the circular stapler group, symptom scores worsened from 4.5 (1.5) at 12 months to 9.0 (1.3) at 24 months (P < .0001). At 24 months, the groups differed significantly in symptom scores (P < .0001) and constipation scores (P = .03). No significant differences were seen in duration of postoperative hospital stay or rate of early or late complications. CONCLUSIONS: Stapled transanal rectal resection with either circular or contour-curved staplers can achieve relief of symptoms in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome. The contour-curved stapler appears to result in more stable clinical results over time.