Oncologic safety and bowel function after ultralow anterior resection with or without intersphincteric resection for low lying rectal cancer: Comparative cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite acceptable oncologic outcomes of sphincter preserving surgeries for low rectal cancer, bowel dysfunction occurs. This study aimed to compare the oncologic and functional bowel outcomes between ultralow anterior resection (ULAR) and intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancer. METHODS: One hundred sixty-four patients who underwent ULAR with or without ISR for low rectal cancer between December 2010 and May 2018 were included. The Wexner and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) scores were used to evaluate the bowel function of patients. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between patients. RESULTS: The ISR group had higher incidence of major fecal incontinence than the ULAR group (75.9% vs 49.3%; P = .016). The median Wexner score decreased from 12 to 9 (P = .062) at 1-year follow-up. However, the frequency and urgency/soilage subscales of MSKCC score improved significantly in the ULAR group. ISR and follow-up interval less than 1-year significantly increased the major incontinence risk. The OS in the ULAR and ISR groups was 91.4% and 91.7%. Whereas the DFS in both groups was 79% and 79.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: ULAR and ISR are comparable in oncologic outcomes. Severe bowel dysfunctions and major incontinence were noted in ISR group. Careful selection of patients is mandatory.

Predictive factors for recurrence of high transsphincteric anal fistula after placement of seton.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical treatment for high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano (FIA) should attain complete eradication of the fistulous track and, in the same time, not compromising the anal sphincters. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive factors for recurrence of high transsphincteric FIA after placement of draining seton and to evaluate the efficacy and complications of seton treatment for high cryptoglandular anal fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of patients with high transsphincteric FIA who were treated with seton placement. Variables analyzed were the characteristics of FIA, incidence of recurrence, postoperative complications including fecal incontinence (FI), and the predictive factors for recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 251 patients (232 males) with high transsphincteric FIA were treated with loose seton placement. Patients were followed for a median period of 16 mo. Recurrence of FIA was recorded in 26 of patients (10.3%) after a mean duration of 12.2 ± 3.9 mo of seton removal. Previously recurrent fistula (odds ratio [OR] = 2.81, P = 0.02), supralevator extension (OR = 3.19, P = 0.01) and anterior fistula (OR = 3.36, P = 0.004), and horseshoe fistula (OR = 5.66, P = 0.009) were the most significant predictors of recurrence. FI was detected in eight patients (3.2%). Female gender (OR = 15.2, P = 0.0003) and horseshoe fistula (OR = 8.66, P = 0.01) were the significant risk factors for FI after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Significant risk factors for recurrence of FIA were previous fistula surgery, anterior anal fistula, and presence of secondary tracks or branches as supralevator extension, and horseshoe fistula.

Role of ursodeoxycholic acid in the prevention of gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Postoperative cholelithiasis (CL) is a latent complication of bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the prevention of CL after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG. Patients were subdivided into two groups: Group I, which did not receive prophylactic treatment with UCDA after LSG; and Group II, which received UCDA therapy for 6 months after LSG. Patients' characteristics, operation duration, weight loss data, and incidence of CL at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were collected. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients (124 males, 282 females) with a mean age of 32.1 ± 9.4 years were included. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 50.1 ± 8.3 kg/m2. Group I comprised 159 patients, and Group II comprised 247 patients. The two groups showed comparable demographics, % excess weight loss (EWL), and decrease in BMI at 6 and 12 months after LSG. Eight patients (5%) developed CL in Group I, whereas no patients in Group II did (P = 0.0005). Preoperative dyslipidemia and rapid loss of excess weight within the first 3 months after LSG were the risk factors that significantly predicted CL postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The use of UCDA effectively reduced the incidence of CL after LSG in patients with morbid obesity. Dyslipidemia and rapid EWL in the first 3 months after LSG significantly predisposed patients to postoperative CL.

Novel Approach of Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease With Thrombin Gelatin Matrix as a Sealant.

BACKGROUND: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease is a condition caused by insertion of fallen hair shafts into the skin. Different types of operations have been described for the management of pilonidal sinus, yet none of them have proven to be superior to the others. Recently, sealants like fibrin glue have been successfully used. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of thrombin gelatin matrix as a new sealant for pilonidal sinus treatment. DESIGN: This was a prospective study conducted from March 2013 to March 2015. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in private hospitals in Mansoura City. PATIENTS: The study included 36 male patients (72%) and 14 female patients (28%), with a median age of 22 years. INTERVENTIONS: Fifty patients with pilonidal sinus were admitted and treated with thrombin gelatin matrix injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and time of pilonidal sinus recurrence, postoperative pain and complications, duration of hospital stay, healing status, and time to return to work were recorded. RESULTS: The median duration of symptoms was 13 months, median operative time was 18 minutes, and median hospital stay was 6 hours. All of the procedures were conducted as day-case surgeries. Median follow-up duration was 24 months. Three patients (6%) had a breakdown of the sealant, and the wound was managed with daily dressings. Recurrence at 1 year was observed in 2 patients (4%). A total of 96% of patients were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, and 92% of patients resumed their daily activities within 3 days. LIMITATIONS: Follow-up for a longer duration is required to ascertain the efficacy of this new technique. The cost of this treatment might be challenging for resource-limited communities. CONCLUSIONS: Management of pilonidal sinus using thrombin gelatin matrix, despite being expensive, is an effective, simple treatment that is easy to perform and associated with low recurrence rate, minimal morbidity, and rapid recovery.

Literature review of the role of lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) when combined with excisional hemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pain following hemorrhoidectomy is a distressing sequel to the procedure. Various methods have been used to alleviate post-hemorrhoidectomy pain; among these methods is the lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS). This review aimed to analyze all studies that evaluated the impact of LIS on the outcome of excisional hemorrhoidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen studies were included after organized search of the literature using electronic databases including PubMed/Medline and EMBASE. The studies included comprised 2180 patients with median age of 44 years. Variables selected for the review comprised patients' characteristics, postoperative pain assessment, analgesic consumption, and complications as fecal incontinence (FI), urinary retention, and anal stenosis. RESULTS: Overall, 933 (42.7 %) patients underwent LIS. Almost all studies assessing postoperative pain reported lower pain scores and less need for postoperative analgesia among patients who underwent LIS in comparison with patients who did not have LIS. Eleven of 13 studies that assessed continence state postoperatively reported higher rates of FI among patients who had LIS with a median rate of 7.7 % versus 1.25 % for patients who did not have LIS. Incidence of urinary retention after LIS ranged from 0 to 60 %. Anal stenosis occurred in 0-14.5 % of patients who had LIS versus 0-36.4 % in patients without LIS. CONCLUSION: LIS effectively reduced postoperative pain and need for analgesics following excisional hemorrhoidectomy. LIS also managed to decrease incidence of postoperative urinary retention and anal stenosis significantly. The negative aspect of adding LIS to excisional hemorrhoidectomy was developing minor FI after surgery which was temporary in duration.

Effects of ovarian failure on submucosal collagen and blood vessels of the anal canal in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Estrogen and progesterone receptors are expressed in the anal canal. Fecal control deteriorates after menopause. This phenomenon is related to decreased circulating levels of estrogen and progesterone due to ovarian failure at menopause. AIM OF WORK: To study the effects of estrogen and progesterone on inflammatory cells, submucosal collagen fibers, and vascular plexus of the anal canal of postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed on samples of anorectal tissue obtained from 40 women, 19 menstruating (group I), and 21 postmenopausal women (group II). Investigations included immunohistochemistry of estrogen and progesterone receptors and CD34. RESULTS: In negative estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), inflammatory cells, submucosal blood vessels, collagen type I were nonsignificantly changed in postmenopausal women relative to menstruating women (P > 0.05) whereas, in positive ER and PR, inflammatory cells and collagen I were significantly increased and submucosal blood vessels were significantly decreased in postmenopausal women relative to menstruating women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Estrogen and progesterone, in menstruating women, produce beneficial effects by decreasing incidence of inflammation and increasing anal canal submucosal blood vessels number and collagen types I, thus both hormones have a positive effect on anal compliance and pressure.

Role of Endoanal Ultrasonography in Grading Anal Sphincter Integrity in Rectal Prolapse and in Predicting Improvement in the Continence State After Surgical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Rectal prolapse can be associated with fecal incontinence (FI) that may not completely resolve after surgical treatment. We aimed to examine the utility of endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS) in identifying the pattern of anal sphincter injury in rectal prolapse and in predicting the improvement in continence state after surgical treatment. METHODS: Records of patients of rectal prolapse who underwent surgical treatment and were evaluated with EAUS before surgery were screened. According to the degree of anal sphincter injury preoperative EAUS, 4 grades of anal sphincter injury were recognized (0 to III). The preoperative patient characteristics and outcome of surgery in each group were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (33 male), mean age 36.2 years, were included in the study. Forty-four (74.5%) patients complained of FI preoperatively. There were 12 (20.3%) patients with grade 0 injury, 29 (49.1%) with grade I, 7 (11.8%) with grade II, and 11 (18.6%) with grade III. Patients with grade III presented more with external rectal prolapse had a significantly longer duration of symptoms and had undergone previous surgery for rectal prolapse significantly more than the patients of the other 3 grades. Patients with grade II and grade III anal sphincter injury had significantly higher incontinence scores and lower anal pressures than grade 0 and grade I patients. CONCLUSION: Preoperative EAUS is a useful tool for the assessment of anal sphincter injury in patients with rectal prolapse and for predicting improvement in FI after surgical treatment as higher grades of sphincter injury were associated with less improvement in continence than lower grades.

Hernio-abdominoplasty with or without Scarpa's Fascia Preservation for Ventral Hernia and Abdominal Wall Deformity.

Scarpa's fascia preservation plays a great role in decreasing the volume of wound drainage and reducing seroma after abdominoplasty. This study aimed to assess the role of Scarpa's fascia preservation in patients with ventral hernias associated with abdominal wall deformity who underwent concomitant hernio-abdominoplasty in terms of early and late postoperative outcome and quality of life. METHODS: Patients with ventral hernia and abdominal wall deformity underwent combined hernio-abdominoplasty. Patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 equal groups: group I underwent Scarpa's fascia preserving hernio-abdominoplasty and group II underwent hernio-abdominoplasty with removal of Scarpa's fascia. Volume of drainage, time to remove drains, return to work, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty patients (49 female) were included to the study. Both groups had comparable operation time, pain score, and complication rate (24% versus 40%, P = 0.36). The mean total volume of postoperative drainage was significantly lower in group I than group II (686 ± 183.5 versus 1410.8 ± 371.6 ml; P < 0.0001). Group I had earlier drain removal (11.6 ± 1.9 versus 20.5 ± 4.2 days, P < 0.0001) and earlier return to work (16.4 ± 2.3 versus 23.3 ± 3.8 days, P < 0.0001) than group II. There were no recorded cases of hematoma or hernia recurrence after repair. CONCLUSION: Scarpa's fascia preservation in combined ventral hernia repair and abdominoplasty was associated with significantly lower volume of postoperative drainage, earlier removal of drains, and similar recurrence rate to hernio-abdominoplasty with removal of Scarpa's fascia.

Correlation Between the Number of Ghrelin-Secreting Cells in the Gastric Fundus and Excess Weight Loss after Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been mainly attributed to the restriction of gastric volume; however; other factors may contribute to weight loss after LSG. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the number of ghrelin-secreting cells in the gastric fundus and excess weight loss (EWL) at 12 months after LSG. METHODS: The surface area of the gastric fundus was measured postoperatively in square centimeter. Histopathologic examination of the gastric fundus was made to estimate the number of ghrelin-secreting cells per square centimeter then was multiplied by the surface area of the fundus to calculate the total number of ghrelin-secreting cells in the fundus. The number of ghrelin-secreting cells was correlated with EWL and BMI at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The present study included 39 patients of a mean age of 33.7 years. The mean %EWL at 12 months was 59.7 ± 12.7. The mean total number of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastric fundus was 26,228.4 ± 16,995.3. The total number of ghrelin-secreting cells had a weak positive correlation with BMI at 12 months (r = 0.2891, p = 0.07), and weak negative correlation with %EWL (r = - 0.1592, p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: There was a weak correlation between the total number of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastric fundus and plasma ghrelin levels with EWL after LSG.

Anastomotic leakage following laparoscopic resection of low and mid rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage is considered the commonest major complication after surgery for rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR or ULAR for rectal cancer were recruited. The primary outcome was the incidence of the AL during 30 days postoperative. RESULTS: Fifty-nine consecutive patients were included in the study. Fifty-three patients underwent LAR with stapled colorectal anastomoses, while the remaining 6 patients underwent ULAR with hand-sewn coloanal anastomoses. The median duration of operation was 195 minutes (range; 120-315). The defunctioning ileostomy was created in 24 (7%) patients. Overall, there was no recorded mortality. Only 10 (17%) patients developed complications. There were only 4 patients who developed AL. Three patients had a subclinical AL as they had defunctioning ileostomy at the time of the initial procedure, the diagnosis was made by CT with rectal contrast. They were treated conservatively with transanal anastomotic drainage under endoscopic guidance. One patient had a clinically significant AL, demonstrated as a peritonitis. This patient required reoperation during which pelvic abscess was drained, resection of the previous anastomosis, and hartmann's colostomy was performed. CONCLUSION: Standardization of a definition, as well as, criteria for the diagnosis of AL, will help in comparison of the results and the surgical techniques in order to optimize the required care offered to rectal cancer patients. On expert hands, it is feasible to perform a laparoscopic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision, additionally, it provides the advantages of a clear view of the deep pelvis and facilitates a precise sharp dissection. KEY WORDS: Anastomosis, Anastomotic Leakage, Rectal cancer, Total mesorectal excision.

Transanal Tube Drainage as a Conservative Treatment for Anastomotic Leakage Following a Rectal Resection.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the role of transanal tube drainage (TD) as a conservative treatment for patients with anastomotic leakage (AL). METHODS: Patients treated for AL who had undergone a low or an ultralow anterior resection with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis for the treatment of rectal cancer between January 2013 and January 2017 were enrolled in this study. The data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcomes were the diagnosis and the management of AL. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen consecutive patients, 122 males and 91 females, were included. The mean age was 66.91 ± 11.15 years, and the median body mass index was 24 kg/m2 (range, 20-35 kg/m2 ). The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 8 cm (range, 4-12 cm). Ninety-three patients (44%) received neoadjuvant therapy for nodal disease and/or locally advanced rectal cancer. Only 13 patients (6%) developed AL. Six patients developed subclinical AL as they had a defunctioning ileostomy at the time of the initial procedure. They were treated conservatively with TD under endoscopic guidance in the endoscopy unit and received intravenous antibiotics. Six weeks after discharge, these 6 patients underwent follow-up flexible sigmoidoscopy which showed a completely healed anastomotic defect with no residual stenosis. Seven patients developed a clinically significant AL and required reoperation with pelvic abscess drainage and Hartmann colostomy formation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TD for management of patients with AL is safe, cheap, and effective. Salvaging the anastomosis will help decrease the need for Hartmann colostomy formation. Proper patient selection is important.

Predictive Factors for Small Intestinal and Colonic Anastomotic Leak: a Multivariate Analysis.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a serious complication of intestinal surgery with various predisposing factors. This study aims to assess several risk factors associated with AL after small intestinal and colonic anastomoses through a multivariate analysis. Two hundred twenty-four patients (126 males) with intestinal anastomosis of a median age of 44 years were reviewed. Independent factors associated with AL were male gender (OR = 2.59, P = 0.02), chronic liver disease (CLD) (OR = 8.03, P < 0.0001), more than one associated comorbidity (OR = 5.34, P = 0.017), anastomosis conducted as emergency (OR = 2.73, P = 0.012), colonic anastomosis (OR = 2.51, P = 0.017), preoperative leukocytosis (OR = 2.57, P = 0.015), and intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 2.25, P = 0.037). Predicative factors significantly associated with AL were male gender, CLD, multiple comorbidities, emergent anastomoses, colonic anastomoses, preoperative leukocytosis, and intraoperative blood transfusion.

Utility of Endoanal Ultrasonography in Assessment of Primary and Recurrent Anal Fistulas and for Detection of Associated Anal Sphincter Defects.

BACKGROUND: Tridimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUS) has been used for the assessment of various anorectal lesions. Previous studies have reported good accuracy of 3D-EAUS in preoperative assessment of fistula-in-ano (FIA). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of 3D-EAUS in preoperative evaluation of primary and recurrent FIA and its role in detection of associated anal sphincter (AS) defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data of patients with FIA who were investigated with 3D-EAUS were reviewed. The findings of EAUS were compared with the intraoperative findings, the reference standard, to find the degree of agreement regarding the position of the internal opening (IO) and primary tract (PT), and presence of secondary tracts using kappa (k) coefficient test. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare the accuracy and sensitivity of EAUS for primary and recurrent FIA. RESULTS: Of the patients, 131 were included to the study. EAUS had an overall accuracy of 87, 88.5, and 89.5% in detection of IO, PT, and AS defects, respectively. There was very good concordance between the findings of EAUS and intraoperative findings for the investigated parameters (kappa = 0.748, 0.83, 0.935), respectively. Accuracy and sensitivity of EAUS in recurrent FIA were insignificantly lower than primary cases. EAUS detected occult AS defects in 5.3% of the patients studied. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic utility of 3D-EAUS was comparable in primary and recurrent FIA. 3D-EAUS was able to detect symptomatic and occult AS defects with higher accuracy than clinical examination.

Comparative Study Between Trans-perineal Repair With or Without Limited Internal Sphincterotomy in the Treatment of Type I Anterior Rectocele: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Two types of rectocele exist; type I is characterized by relatively high resting anal pressures, whereas type II has lower resting anal pressures with associated pelvic organ prolapse. We compared trans-perineal repair (TPR) of rectocele with or without limited internal sphincterotomy (LIS) in the treatment of type I anterior rectocele. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Consecutive patients with anterior rectocele were evaluated for inclusion. Sixty-two female patients with type I anterior rectocele were randomized and equally allocated to receive TPR alone (group I) or TPR with LIS (group II). The primary outcome was the clinical improvement of constipation. Secondary outcomes were recurrence of rectocele, operative time, and postoperative complications including fecal incontinence (FI). RESULTS: Clinical improvement of constipation and patients' satisfaction were significantly higher in group II at 1 year of follow-up (93.3 versus 70 %). Constipation scores significantly decreased in both groups postoperatively with more reduction being observed in group II (11.1 ± 2.1 in group I versus 8 ± 1.97 in group II). Significant reduction in the resting anal pressure was noticed in group II. Recurrence was recorded in three (10 %) patients of group I and one patient of group II. No significant differences between the two groups regarding the operative time and hospital stay were noted. CONCLUSION: Adding LIS to TPR of type I rectocele achieved better clinical improvement than TPR alone. The only drawback of LIS was the development of a minor degree of FI, which was temporary in duration.

Effect of age, patient's sex, and type of trauma on the correlation between size of sphincter defect and anal pressures in posttraumatic fecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: The physiologic assessment of anal sphincters in cases of posttraumatic fecal incontinence is a fundamental step in planning operative treatment. In this study, we evaluate the correlation between size of anal sphincter defect, anal pressures, and clinical symptoms in patients with posttraumatic fecal incontinence. We also investigate the impact of patients' age, sex, and type of trauma on this correlation. METHODS: Records of 70 patients fitting the study's eligibility criteria were collected retrospectively from the archives of Mansoura University Hospitals' colorectal surgery unit. Demographic data of patients, causes of fecal incontinence, images of sphincter defects on endorectal ultrasonography, anal resting and squeeze pressures, and Wexner continence scores were collected, and correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventy patients (54 males and 16 females) with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 36 ± 16 years were studied. Mean maximal resting anal pressure was 42 ± 16 mm Hg, and mean maximal squeeze anal pressure was 80 ± 35 mm Hg. Size of external anal sphincter defect was negatively correlated with mean maximal squeeze (r = -0.4298). Mean Wexner continence score was correlated positively with size of external anal sphincter defect (r = 0.3743). Both correlations became significantly stronger in female patients, patients greater than 50 years, postfistulectomy patients, and patients with obstetric injuries. CONCLUSION: Size of external anal sphincter defect correlates negatively with mean maximal squeeze and positively with symptoms score. This correlation is stronger in females, patients greater than 50 years, and patients with postfistulectomy or obstetric injuries. These findings suggest that this group of patients requires additional assessment before surgical repair.

Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in treatment of anismus: A systematic review.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the management of patients with anismus. METHODS: An organized search of published literature was conducted using electronic databases including: PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, also an internet-based search using "Google Scholar" service was conducted. Both comparative and observational studies were included. We excluded irrelevant articles, editorials, case reports, reviews, and meta-analyses. The studies that followed the patients less than 6 mo were excluded. Variables collected were demographic data of the patients, technique of BTX-A injection and number of sessions, short-term and long-term clinical improvement, post-injection changes in electromyography (EMG), defecography, manometry, and balloon expulsion test, and complications recorded after BTX-A injection. RESULTS: Seven studies comprising 189 patients were included in the review. The median age of the patients was 41.2 years and female-to-male ratio was 1.3:1. The median dose of BTX-A injected per procedure was 100 IU (range, 20-100 IU). Lateral injection was done in five trails and combined lateral and posterior injections in two trials. Three studies used endorectal ultrasonography-guided technique, one study used EMG-guided technique, whereas the remaining three studies used manual palpation with the index finger. The median percentage of patients who reported initial improvement of symptoms was 77.4% (range 37.5%-86.7%), this percentage declined to a median of 46% (range 25%-100%) at 4 mo after injection of BTX-A. Rates of improvement evaluated by balloon expulsion test, EMG, and defecography ranged between (37.5%-80%), (54%-86.7%), and (25%-86.6%), respectively. Fourteen (7.4%) patients developed complications after injection of BTX-A. Complication rates across the studies ranged from 0% to 22.6%. CONCLUSION: Initial satisfactory improvement of symptoms after BTX-A injection remarkably deteriorated after 3 mo of the procedure. However, repeated injection may provide better sustained results with no additional morbidities. Further analysis of more patients is necessary to conclude the safety of BTX-A for the treatment of anismus.

Place of upper endoscopy before and after bariatric surgery: A multicenter experience with 3219 patients.

AIM: To study the preoperative and postoperative role of upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study by reviewing the database of patients who underwent bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, or laparoscopic minigastric bypass) in the period between 2001 June and 2015 August (Jahra Hospital-Kuwait, Hafr Elbatin Hospital and King Saud Medical City-KSA, and Mansoura University Hospital - Egypt). Patients with age 18-65 years, body mass index (BMI) > 40, or > 35 with comorbidities after failure of many dietetic regimen and acceptable levels of surgical risk were included in the study after having an informed signed consent. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all morbidly obese patients. The patients' preoperative data included clinical history including upper digestive symptoms and preoperative full workup including EGD. Only patients whose charts revealed weather they were symptomatic or not were studied. We categorized patients accordingly into two groups; with (group A) or without (group B) upper digestive symptoms. The endoscopic findings were categorized into 4 groups based on predetermined criteria. The medical record of patients who developed stricture, leak or bleeding after bariatric surgery was reviewed. Logestic regression analysis was used to identify preoperative predictors that might be associated with abnormal endoscopic findings. RESULTS: Three thousand, two hundred and nineteen patients in the study period underwent bariatric surgery (75% LSG, 10% LRYDB, and 15% MGB). Mean BMI was 43 ± 13, mean age 37 ± 9 years, 79% were female. Twenty eight percent had presented with upper digestive symptoms (group A). EGD was considered normal in 2414 (75%) patients (9% group A vs 66% group B, P = 0.001). The abnormal endoscopic findings were found high in those patients with upper digestive symptoms. Abnormal findings (one or more) were found in 805 (25%) patients (19% group A vs 6% group B, P = 0.001). Seven patients had critical events during conscious sedation due to severe hypoxemia (< 60%). Rate of stricture in our study was 2.6%. Success rate of endoscopic dilation was 100%. One point nine percent patients with gastric leak were identified with 75% success rate of endoscopic therapy. Three point seven percent patients developed acute upper bleeding. Seventy-eight point two percent patients were treated by conservative therapy and EGD was performed in 21.8% with 100% success and 0% complications. CONCLUSION: Our results support the performance of EGD only in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Endoscopy also offers safe effective tool for anastomotic complications after bariatric surgery.

Randomized clinical trial of transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for treatment of chronic anal fissure.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation in treatment of patients with chronic anal fissure and to compare it with the conventional lateral internal sphincterotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with chronic anal fissure were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation group and lateral internal sphincterotomy group. The primary outcome measures were number of patients with clinical improvement and healed fissure. Secondary outcome measures were complications, VAS pain scores, Wexner's constipation and Peascatori anal incontinence scores, anorectal manometry, and quality of life index. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were randomized into two groups of 36 patients who were subjected to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and 37 patients who underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. All (100%) patients in lateral internal sphincterotomy group had clinical improvement at one month following the procedure in contrast to 27 (75%) patients in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group. Recurrence of anal fissure after one year was reported in one (2.7%) and 11 (40.7%) patients in lateral internal sphincterotomy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation groups respectively. Resting anal pressure and functional anal canal length were significantly reduced after lateral internal sphincterotomy. CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous electrical posterior tibial nerve stimulation for treatment of chronic anal fissure is a novel, non-invasive procedure and has no complications. However, given the higher rate of clinical improvement and fissure healing and the lower rate of fissure recurrence, lateral internal sphincterotomy remains the gold standard for treating chronic anal fissure.

Is LigaSure a safe cystic duct sealer? An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of both mechanical methods (clips) and electrosurgical instruments, harmonic scalpel (HS) and LigaSure (LS), for securing the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: During the study period from October 2010 to October 2012, 458 patients with gallbladder stones underwent LC. A total of 38 patients were excluded from the study for different reasons. The gallbladder was excised laparoscopically through the traditional method. The gallbladder specimens of the patients were divided into three equal groups randomly, and the distal part of the cystic duct was sealed ex vivo using ligaclips (Group A), HS (Group B), and LS (Group C). The gallbladders were then connected to a pneumatic tourniquet device and we very gradually increased the pressure with air. The bursting pressure of the cystic duct (CDBP) was measured and differences between the three groups were calculated. RESULTS: The mean CDBP was 329.7 ± 38.8 mmHg in the ligaclip group, 358.0 ± 33.1 mmHg in the HS group, and 219.7 ± 41.2 mmHg in the LS group. A comparison of the mean CDBP between the groups indicated the superiority of HS over ligaclip and LS. CDBP was significantly higher in the ligaclips group compared with the LS group (p <0.001). HS and ligaclips were found to be safe sealers as their mean CDBP was found to be higher (>195 mmHg) than the maximum common bile duct pressure, whereas for LS the CDBP range was 150-297 mmHg, indicating that it is not safe for sealing. CONCLUSION: HS is a safe alternative to clips. In fact, it was even safer than clips. By contrast, LS is not safe for cystic duct sealing.

Comparative study between Delorme operation with or without postanal repair and levateroplasty in treatment of complete rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Rectal prolapse is a distressing and socially disabling condition. controversy exists regarding the preferred surgical technique for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. OBJECTIVE: We compared Delorme operation alone or with postanal repair and levatroplasty in treating complete rectal prolapse. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated for rectal prolapse at our colorectal unit were evaluated for inclusion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive Delorme operation only (GI), or Delorme operation with postanal repair and levatorplasty (GII). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was recurrence rate; secondary outcomes included improvement of constipation, incontinence, operative time, anal manometery and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eighty-two consecutive patients with rectal prolapse were randomized. There was a significant difference between the two groups with longer operative time in group II. Recurrence rate after one year was (14.28% in GI, and 2.43% in GII, respectively (P = 0.043). Constipation improved in group I & II but there was a significant difference in constipation scores postoperatively between the two groups. There was improvement in continence mechanism in both groups postoperatively but being higher in group II and this produce a significant statistical difference (0.004). Mean satisfaction score was significantly higher in group II than group I. Both groups succeed to produce a significant change in resting and squeeze pressure before & after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Delorme operation seems to be an effective procedure for treating complete rectal prolapse especially if combined with postanal repair and levatorplasty. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01656369.