Screening for precancerous anal lesions linked to human papillomaviruses: French recommendations for clinical practice.

In France, about 2000 new cases of anal cancer are diagnosed annually. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type, mostly occurring secondary to persistent HPV16 infection. Invasive cancer is preceded by precancerous lesions. In addition to patients with a personal history of precancerous lesions and anal cancer, three groups are at very high risk of anal cancer: (i) men who have sex with men and are living with HIV, (ii) women with a history of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) or vulvar HPV cancer, and (iii) women who received a solid organ transplant more than 10 years ago. The purpose of screening is to detect HSILs so that they can be treated, thereby reducing the risk of progression to cancer. All patients with symptoms should undergo a proctological examination including standard anoscopy. For asymptomatic patients at risk, an initial HPV16 test makes it possible to target patients at risk of HSILs likely to progress to cancer. Anal cytology is a sensitive test for HSIL detection. Its sensitivity is greater than 80% and exceeds that of proctological examination with standard anoscopy. It is indicated in the event of a positive HPV16 test. In the presence of cytological abnormalities and/or lesions and a suspicion of dysplasia on clinical examination, high-resolution anoscopy is indicated. Performance is superior to that of proctological examination with standard anoscopy. However, this technique is not widely available, which limits its use. If high-resolution anoscopy is not possible, screening by a standard proctological examination is an alternative. There is a need to develop high-resolution anoscopy and triage tests and to evaluate screening strategies.

Young women and elderly men at risk of severe faecal incontinence: results of a French nationwide database analysis : Faecal incontinence in France.

PURPOSE: The incidence of severe faecal incontinence (FI) in young people is likely underestimated. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of FI by using the French national insurance information system (SNDS). METHODS: The SNDS was used, including 2 health insurance claims databases. The study included 49,097,454 French people who were ≥ 20 years old in 2019. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of FI. RESULTS: In 2019, 123,630 patients out of the entire French population (n = 49 097 454) (0.25%) were treated for FI. The numbers of male and female patients were similar. The data showed a dramatic increase in the incidence of FI between the ages of 20 and 59 in female patients, compared to 60 and 79 in male patients. The risk of FI increased with age (OR of 3.6 to 11.3 depending on age). Women had a higher risk of severe FI compared to men between the ages of 20 and 39 (OR = 1.3; 95%CI:1.3-1.4) and the ages of 40 and 59 (OR = 1.1; 95%CI:1.08-1.13). This risk decreased after the age of 80 (OR = 0.96; 95%CI:0.93-0.99). The rate of diagnosis of FI also increased where there were greater numbers of proctologists practising in the region of residence in question (OR of 1.07 to 1.35 depending on the number of proctologists). CONCLUSION: Young women who have given birth and elderly men are at risk of FI and must be targeted by public health information campaigns. The development of coloproctology networks should be encouraged.

Management of perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease: a 2021 update of the French National Society of Coloproctology consensus.

BACKGROUND: Since our last publication of algorithms for the management of perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease, researchers have proposed a treat to target strategy systematic combotherapy for anal lesions, and indications for stem cell injection. In the absence robust publications, the Société Nationale Française de Coloproctologie (French National Society of Coloproctology [SNFCP]) wished to establish a group consensus using the Delphi method. METHODS: From October 2020 to January 2021, a scientific committee and panel of gastroenterologists and surgeons established answers which were submitted to the members of the SNFCP during a national conference in November 2020. Three questions were clarified and reformulated, and then submitted during a third and final round of consultation of members of the SNFCP. RESULTS: The target was defined as being the response obtained in every domain (symptoms, physical and radiological evaluation) which could be considered satisfactory, without the need to intensify therapeutic management. By consensus, the time required for clinical evaluation of the efficacy of treatment was 6 months. A response on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should include the absence of a collection of 10 mm or more in size at 6 months, and a frank decrease or complete disappearance of hyperintensity in T1 and T2 sequences of the main tract at 12 months. Systematic association of an immunosuppressant with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors did not reach the consensus level for adalimumab (50%), but just did for infliximab (70%). The majority of the respondents considered failure of one, or even two lines of different biotherapies to be potential indications for injection of stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reinforce the importance of composite targets including MRI evaluation, and underscore the need for precise timing of evaluation. Combotherapy is only recommended with infliximab. Injection of stem cells is a second- or third-line option.

Management of obstetrical injuries to the anal sphincter: A survey of French current practice and perceptions according to the specialties.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To conduct a survey of current practice in the management of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASI) and to compare short, medium and long-term practices according to the specialty of the surgeon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 50-item questionnaire was addressed by mail to various specialists via the national learned societies. The questionnaire was addressed only to practitioners who currently managed OASI in their practice. RESULTS: Of the 135 healthcare professionals who responded, 57 were sub-specialists in ano-rectal surgery (42.2%) and 78 were obstetrical or gynecological specialists (OB-GYN) (57.8%). Management in the acute period after OASI was similar among the specialties and 50% of the practitioners did not perform suture repair of the internal sphincter. Furthermore, few gynecological specialists recommended systematic consultation with an ano-rectal specialist during acute management. In the medium term, ano-rectal specialists were more likely to explore gastro-intestinal symptoms, either clinically or through para-clinical studies. However, these studies did not systematically lead to interventional management in the absence of consensus, particularly for medium-term sphincter repair. In addition, 25% of practitioners recommended that patients undergo systematic delivery by caesarean section for further pregnancies after OASI. In the long term (>12 months), there were substantial differences in management of OASI not only between specialties but also within the same specialty. CONCLUSION: The various specialists should coordinate to propose multidisciplinary recommendations on the management of OASI.

Combined strategies following surgical drainage for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: failure rates and prognostic factors.

AIM: The medico-surgical strategy for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) following surgical drainage remains challenging and debated. Our aims were to describe the failure rate of therapeutic interventions after drainage of the fistula tract and determine the factors associated with failure to optimize medico-surgical strategies. METHOD: All consecutive patients with perianal fistulizing CD who underwent surgical drainage with at least a 12-week follow-up were included. Failure was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following items: abscess recurrence, purulent discharge from the tract, visible external opening and further drainage procedure(s). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine patients were included. The median follow-up was 4.0 years. The cumulative failure rates were 20%, 30% and 36% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. The cumulative failure rates in patients who had sphincter-sparing surgeries or seton removal were significantly higher than in those who had a fistulotomy. Anterior fistula [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.52 (1.13-5.61), P = 0.024], supralevator extension [HR = 20.78 (3.38-127.80), P = 0.001] and the absence or discontinuation of immunosuppressants after anal drainage [HR = 3.74 (1.11-12.5), P = 0.032] were significantly associated with failure in the multivariate analysis model. CONCLUSION: Combined strategies for perianal fistulizing CD lead to a failure rate of 36% at 5 years. Where advisable, fistulotomy may be preferred because it has a lower rate of recurrence. The benefits of immunosuppressants require a dedicated prospective randomized trial.

Protocol of a multicentric prospective cohort study for the VALIDation of the IBD-disk instrument for assessing disability in inflammatory bowel diseases: the VALIDate study.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) affect psychological, family, social and professional dimensions of patients' life, leading to disability which is essential to quantify as part of Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) newly included in the targets to reach in IBD patients. Up to now, the IBD-Disability Index (IBD-DI) was the only validated tool to assess disability, but it is not appropriate for use in clinical practice. The IBD Disk was developed, a shortened and self-administered tool, adapted from the IBD-DI, in order to give immediate representation of patient-reported disability. However, the IBD Disk has not been validated yet in clinical practice. The aims of the VALIDate study are to validate this tool in a large population of IBD patients and to compare it to the already validated IBD-DI. METHODS: The VALIDate study is an ongoing multicentric prospective cohort study launched in April 2018 in 3 French University Hospitals (Nantes, Rennes, Angers), with an objective to reach a sample of 400 patients over a period inclusion of 6 months. Each patient will fill in the two questionnaires IBD Disk and IBD-DI at baseline, then between 3 and 12 months later, during a follow-up visit. Clinical and socio-demographic data will also be collected. During these two consultations, gastroenterologists and patients will evaluate disease activity thanks to a semi-quantitative 4-grade scale, named respectively PGA (Physician Global Assessment) and PtGA (Patient Global Assessment). This cohort will allow to evaluate the validity of the IBD Disk with respect to the IBD-DI in order to generalize its use for clinical practice. Other psychometric criteria of the IBD Disk will also be analysed as its reliability or its discriminant capacity. Close attention will nonetheless be needed to minimize the number of lost to follow-up patients between baseline and follow-up. DISCUSSION: The VALIDate study is the study designed to validate the IBD Disk, a visual tool easily useable in daily practice to assess disability in IBD patients. The results of this trial should enable the diffusion of this tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov with registration number NCT03590639. First posted: July 18, 2018.

Chronic pelvic pain and rectal prolapse invite consideration of enterocele.

AIM: Data on the pathogenesis and symptoms of enterocele are limited. The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical phenotype of patients with enterocele, to highlight the main functional and/or anatomical associations and to improve the accuracy of the preoperative assessment of pelvic floor disorders. METHOD: A total of 588 patients who were referred to a tertiary unit for an anorectal complaint completed a self-administered questionnaire and underwent physical examination, anorectal manometry and defaecography. Using defaecography, enterocele was defined as a radiological hernia of the small bowel into an enlarged rectovaginal space. One hundred and thirty-five patients with enterocele were age- and gender-matched with 270 patients without enterocele. Factors associated with enterocele were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis models. RESULTS: Patients with enterocele were less frequently obese than patients without enterocele (8/135 vs 36/270; P = 0.02) and more frequently had a past history of pelvic surgery (51/135 vs 75/270; P = 0.04). They complained more frequently of pelvic pain on bearing down (29/135 vs 24/270; P = 0.003), anal procidentia (37/135 vs 46/270; P = 0.01) and more frequently had irritable bowel syndrome (83/135 vs 131/270; P = 0.01) and severe constipation according to the Kess score (104/135 vs 182/270; P = 0.04). Anorectal function was comparable between the two groups. Patients with enterocele had more frequent rectoceles and overt rectal prolapses than patients without enterocele. CONCLUSIONS: Enterocele should be investigated in patients with chronic pelvic pain, overt rectal prolapse and/or a past history of pelvic surgery.

Sacral nerve modulation for faecal incontinence: influence of age on outcomes and complications. A multicentre study.

AIM: Faecal incontinence is frequent in the elderly. Little is currently known about the efficacy of sacral nerve modulation (SNM) in the elderly. The present study aimed to assess the impact of age on the outcome of SNM and on the surgical revision and explantation rates by comparing the results of a large data set of patients. METHOD: Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent an implant procedure between January 2010 and December 2015 in seven French centres were retrospectively evaluated. In total, 352 patients [321 women; median age (range): 63 (24-86) years] were included. Clinically favourable and unfavourable outcomes, and surgical revision and explantation rates, were compared according to the age of the patients. RESULTS: A similar outcome was observed when comparing patients < 70 years and ≥ 70 years (a favourable outcome in 79.2% and 76.2%, respectively, P = 0.89). The probability of a successful treatment as a function of time was similar for the two age groups (< 70 years and ≥ 70 years, P = 0.54). The explantation and revision rates were not influenced by age (explantation rate: 17% in patients < 70 years vs 14% in patients ≥ 70 years, P = 0.89; and revision rate: 42% in patients < 70 years vs 40% in patients ≥ 70 years, P = 0.89). The probability of explantation as a function of time was similar for the two age groups (P = 0.82). The limitations of this study were its retrospective status, the rate of loss at follow-up and different durations of patient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that patients ≥ 70 years suffering from faecal incontinence benefit from SNM with a similar risk as a younger population.

Online training on how to diagnose anoperineal lesions of Crohn's disease: Do pictures matter? A nationwide randomized study.

Any gastroenterologist must be trained to properly diagnose anoperineal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease (APLOC). The aim of this study was to establish whether adding pictures would improve teaching effectiveness of the diagnosis of APLOC to French gastroenterology trainees. METHOD: Trainees were asked to answer a first web-based survey consisting of evaluating 12 pictures of APLOC with a closed answer questionnaire. They were then randomized in 2 groups. Group A received an online teaching with typical pictures and APLOC definitions and group B definitions only. Trainees were asked again seven days later to answer a second survey with 12 other pictures of APLOC and 14 experts also answered this survey. Diagnostic scores were expressed in %. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the score of survey 2 between the two groups of trainees. Secondary endpoints were to compare results of survey 2 between trainees of both groups and experts, and assess diagnosis of each lesion. RESULTS: Two hundred fourty eight trainees among 465 answered survey 1, and 195 survey 2. The diagnostic score was 71.9% for groups A and B and 74.6% for experts (differences NS). After training diagnosis of ulceration was 72% for group A and 72.9% for group B, fistulae 85.2% versus 85.8%, erythema 44.1% vs. 55.6%, anoperineal scars 67.5% vs. 65.6%, and abscess 100% (differences NS). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the two teaching methods. Further research should be performed aiming at improving teaching material and quotation baremes.

How to manage anal ulcerations and anorectal stenosis in Crohn's disease: algorithm-based decision making : French National Working Group Consensus 2018.

The French National Society of Coloproctology established national recommendations for the treatment of anoperineal lesions associated with Crohn's disease. Treatment strategies for anal ulcerations and anorectal stenosis are suggested. Recommendations have been graded following international recommendations, and when absent professional agreement was established. For each situation, practical algorithms have been drawn.

Sphincter-sparing surgery for complex anal fistulas: radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the tract is of no help.

AIM: To compare the rate of failure of radiofrequency thermocoagulation for anal fistula with that of rectal advancement flap in a case-matched study. METHOD: Patients who underwent radiofrequency treatment were compared with age- and sex-matched patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who underwent a rectal flap procedure. Fistula features, general characteristics and the main clinical events were recorded in a prospective database. Failure was defined by at least one of following: abscess, purulent discharge, visible external opening or further drainage procedure. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients [median age 45 (range 36.8-57.5) years; 22 women, 40 men; 22 with CD] were analysed. The failure rate of radiofrequency treatment was higher than that of rectal flap treatment (74.2% vs 32.2%; P = 0.004). The cumulative probabilities of failure of the radiofrequency treatment were 53.8% (38.8-68.3), 71.8% (55.3-84.0) and 87.4% (70.6-95.3) at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Three patients in the radiofrequency group required drainage for an abscess and one had severe thermal ulceration. The Cox proportional hazards regression model (surgical procedure, obesity, CD) showed rectal flap treatment [3.48 (1.60-8.07); P = 0.001] and CD [2.60 (1.16-6.41); P = 0.02] to be the main independent predictors of healing. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a less satisfactory sphincter-sparing treatment for the management of anal fistula than a rectal flap procedure.

Psychometric properties of a questionnaire (HEMO-FISS-QoL) to evaluate the burden associated with haemorrhoidal disease and anal fissures.

AIM: Current questionnaires designed to evaluate the burden of haemorrhoidal disease ignore symptoms such as bleeding, pain and itching. A specific questionnaire is needed to evaluate the global impact of anal disorders on patients' daily lives. METHOD: We developed a questionnaire (HEMO-FISS-QoL) to assess the symptom burden of anal disorders and administered it to 256 patients (mean age 46.2 years; men 60.4%) with haemorrhoidal disease (67.2%), anal fissure (29.3%) or both (3.5%). Psychometric properties were evaluated by testing the acceptability, construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Principal components and multi-trait analyses were used to identify dimensions and to assess construct validity. Backward Cronbach alpha curves and a graded response model were used to reduce the number of items and modalities. External validity was evaluated against SF-12 and the Psychological Global Well-Being Index (PGWBI) using Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Principal component analysis defined four dimensions: physical disorders, psychology, defaecation and sexuality. The number of questions was reduced from 38 to 23. The HEMO-FISS-QoL scores correlated well with those of the SF-12 and PGWBI (P < 0.001). Cronbach's coefficients (all > 0.7) reflected good internal reliability of the different dimensions. The total score increased with the severity of the anal disorders and with their consequences (days off work and personal spending related to the disease). CONCLUSION: The HEMO-FISS-QoL questionnaire reliably evaluates the global impact of haemorrhoids and anal fissures on patients' daily lives. This simple tool may prove useful for treatment evaluation in clinical trials and daily practice.

Advancement flap procedure in Crohn and non-Crohn perineal fistulas: a simple surgical approach.

AIM: Rectal flap advancement is still a part of therapeutic management of anal fistulas. Data on the outcome of rectal flap advancement in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is scarce. Our objective was to ascertain rates of failure of rectal flap advancement and to determine predictive factors for failure, with a special focus on CD METHOD: The patients' details, the characteristics of the fistula and the main clinical and therapeutic events were prospectively assessed among patients who underwent rectal flap advancement. All patients had a partial-thickness rectal flap advancement. Failure of primary rectal flap advancement was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following: abscess, discharge, visible external opening, further drainage procedure. The rates of failure of rectal flap and the predictive factors of failure were assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients (34 patients with CD) were included. The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 13.3 (3.8-38.1) months. The cumulative failure rates were 15.9% (10.3-23.6), 23.0% (16.0-31.8), 31.6% (22.9-41.8) and 41.3% (30.5-53.0) at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. These data were comparable in Crohn's patients. Those with a supralevator fistula [hazard ratio 2.53 (1.01-7.71), P = 0.0476] and patients who had fewer than two fistula drainages before rectal flap [hazard ratio 3.19 (1.40-8.23), P = 0.005] were associated with higher rectal flap failure rates. In CD patients, the absence of biological therapy at referral was predictive of failure. CONCLUSION: Rectal flap advancement is a satisfactory option for the therapeutic management of anal fistula, including CD populations. Fistula drainage is needed before performing this surgical technique.

Management of anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: a French National Society of Coloproctology national consensus.

The French National Society of Coloproctology established national recommendations for the treatment of anoperineal lesions associated with Crohn's disease. Treatment strategies for acute abscesses, active fistulas (active denovo and still active under treatment), fistulas in remission, and rectovaginal fistulas are suggested. Recommendations have been graded following the international recommendations, and when absent, professional agreement has been established. For each situation, practical algorithms have been drawn.

Anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: French recommendations for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Anoperineal lesion (APL) occurrence is a significant event in the evolution of Crohn's disease (CD). Management should involve a multidisciplinary approach combining the knowledge of the gastroenterologist, the colorectal surgeon and the radiologist who have appropriate experience in this area. Given the low level of evidence of available medical and surgical strategies, the aim of this work was to establish a French expert consensus on management of anal Crohn's disease. These recommendations were led under the aegis of the Société Nationale Française de Colo-Proctologie (SNFCP). They report a consensus on the management of perianal Crohn's disease lesions, including fistulas, ulceration and anorectal stenosis and propose an appropriate treatment strategy, as well as sphincter-preserving and multidisciplinary management. METHODOLOGY: A panel of French gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons with expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases reviewed the literature in order to provide practical management pathways for perianal CD. Analysis of the literature was made according to the recommendations of the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) to establish a level of proof for each publication and then to propose a rank of recommendation. When lack of factual data precluded ranking according to the HAS, proposals based on expert opinion were written. Therefore, once all the authors agreed on a consensual statement, it was then submitted to all the members of the SNFCP. As initial literature review stopped in December 2014, more recent European or international guidelines have been published since and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: MRI is recommended for complex secondary lesions, particularly after failure of previous medical and/or surgical treatments. For severe anal ulceration in Crohn's disease, maximal medical treatment with anti-TNF agent is recommended. After prolonged drainage of simple anal fistula by a flexible elastic loop or loosely tied seton, and after obtaining luminal and perineal remission by immunosuppressive therapy and/or anti-TNF agents, the surgical treatment options to be discussed are simple seton removal or injection of the fistula tract with biological glue. After prolonged loose-seton drainage of the complex anal fistula in Crohn's disease, and after obtaining luminal and perineal remission with anti-TNF ± immunosuppressive therapy, surgical treatment options are simple removal of seton and rectal advancement flap. Colostomy is indicated as a last option for severe APL, possibly associated with a proctectomy if there is refractory rectal involvement after failure of other medical and surgical treatments. The evaluation of anorectal stenosis of Crohn's disease (ARSCD) requires a physical examination, sometimes under anesthesia, plus endoscopy with biopsies and MRI to describe the stenosis itself, to identify associated inflammatory, infectious or dysplastic lesions, and to search for injury or fibrosis of the sphincter. Therapeutic strategy for ARSCD requires medical-surgical cooperation.

[Children with inflammatory bowel disease: Assessment of the transition from the pediatric to the adult care unit]. / Évaluation de la transition pédiatrie-gastroentérologie d'adultes des enfants atteints de maladie inflammatoire cryptogénique intestinale.

AIM: Assess the transition of children followed for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to the adult gastroenterology care unit and the development of joint medical visits (JMVs). PATIENTS AND METHOD: This study was conducted at the Rennes University Hospital (Brittany, France). All patients with IBD and relayed to an adult gastroenterologist (GE) between 2000 and 2014 were included. The following medical data were collected: age, gender, clinical status, disease activity, type of follow-up (freelance or at hospital), medical history, disease locations, and treatments received. Patients who were relayed in the same hospital attended a JMV with both the pediatric and adult gastroenterologists. Patients and parents were interviewed with a questionnaire sent by mail. They were asked how they had perceived the transition with questionnaires containing specific items about the JMV. The answers of the patients who attended JMVs were compared to those who did not attend. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included. The patient response rate was 56 % (parents, 59 %). The average age at transition was 18±0.8years. Fifty patients were relayed in the same hospital with 30 attending a JMV. These patients suffered from more severe disease than other patients. Thirty-nine patients felt ready to transition (87 %). The JMV was deemed beneficial or very beneficial (74 %) for both follow-up and the benefits of the GE's knowledge of the medical file. The parents' responses did not differ from the patients'. CONCLUSION: Development of the JMV enables a successful transition for pediatric patients with IBD. It could be improved by developing specific therapeutic education sessions based on transition training.

Technique of the transobturator puborectal sling in fecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: The puborectoplasty in fecal incontinence (FI) has been described through retropubic approach. Here, we describe a puborectal sling placement through transobturator approach with a device used for vaginal vault prolapse and report long-term outcome at 5 years. METHODS: Six women with FI for whom usual treatments (including sacral nerve stimulation) have failed were enrolled in a pilot study. Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and FI quality of life (FIQL) were used to evaluate results. RESULTS: The median CCIS was significantly improved at 12 months (18.5 [15-20] vs 7.5 [4-20] in postoperative assessment; p = 0.037). The median FIQL was improved at 12 months (6.05 [5.6-7] vs 10.2 [5.6-12.5]; p = 0.0542). No adverse event was recorded except the distension of the device in one patient. Finally, at 5 years, 3 patients were improved, 1 had recurrence of FI symptoms (at 24 months) and 2 had no change. CONCLUSION: This technique is a minimally invasive surgical treatment and constitutes a new therapeutic option for FI in case of failure of conventional treatment.

3D High-definition anorectal manometry: Values obtained in asymptomatic volunteers, fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. Results of a prospective multicenter study (NOMAD).

BACKGROUND: 3D-high definition anorectal manometry (3DARM) may aid the diagnosis of functional anorectal disorders, but data comparing asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects are scarce. We aimed to describe 3DARM values in asymptomatic volunteers and those with fecal incontinence (FI) or chronic constipation (CC), and identify which variables differentiate best these groups. METHODS: Asymptomatic subjects were stratified by sex, age, and parity. Those with FI or CC were included according to anorectal symptom questionnaires. Endoanal ultrasound examination and 3DARM were performed the same day. Anal pressures were analyzed at rest, during voluntary squeeze, and during push maneuver, and compared between the 3 groups. Anal pressure defects were defined and compared to ultrasound defects. KEY RESULTS: A total of 126 subjects (113 female, mean age 52 years, range 18-83) were included; 36 asymptomatic, 38 FI, 42 CC. Anal resting and squeeze pressures, and rectal sensitivity values were lower in FI women than in the other groups. Typical anal sphincter asymmetry during squeezing was less frequently observed in FI women. A dyssynergic pattern during push maneuver was found in 70% of asymptomatic subjects, and with a similar frequency in the 2 symptomatic groups. There was slight concordance between 3D-pressure defects and ultrasound defects. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: 3D anal pressures in asymptomatic women were significantly lower than in men, and in FI compared to asymptomatic women. The classical dyssynergic pattern during push maneuver was found as frequently in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Further studies should try to identify 3DARM variables that could reliably identify dyssynergic defecation.

Pathophysiology of fecal incontinence in obese patients: A prospective case-matched study of 201 patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an emerging risk factor for fecal incontinence (FI). The aim of this study was to characterize pathophysiologic mechanisms of FI in obese patients compared with non-obese patients in a prospective case-matched study. METHODS: The general characteristics and data of the anorectal manometry and endosonography of patients who were evaluated for FI at a single institution from 2005 to 2015 were prospectively assessed. Fecal incontinence was defined by a Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) >4. Obesity was defined by a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 . Obese patients were case-matched with two age- and sex-matched non-obese patients. KEY RESULTS: A total of 201 patients were included (67 obese matched with 134 non-obese). The CCIS, Knowles-Eccersley-Scott Symptom Constipation Score and quality of life score were comparable between obese and non-obese patients with FI. Factors significantly associated with obesity in FI patients were cholecystectomy (odds ratio [OR]=3.45 [1.19-10.32], P=.0230), irritable bowel syndrome - diarrhea (OR=2.94 [1.22-7.19], P=.0158), upper part of the anal canal resting pressure ≥22 mm Hg (OR=3.45 [1.45-8.76], P=.0045), maximum rectal tolerable volume ≥240 mL (OR=3.14 [1.34-7.54], P=.0082), and abdominal pressure ≥28 mm Hg (OR=2.75 [1.13-7.33], P=.0248) by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Obese patients with FI had a comparable severity of FI to that of non-obese patients with FI. Regarding obesity in patients with FI, physicians should focus on stool consistency.

Randomized clinical trial of sacral nerve stimulation for refractory constipation.

BACKGROUND: Open studies have reported favourable results for sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory constipation. Here, its efficacy was assessed in a double-blind crossover RCT. METHODS: Patients with at least two of the following criteria were included: fewer than three bowel movements per week; straining to evacuate on more than 25 per cent of attempts; or sensation of incomplete evacuation on more than 25 per cent of occasions. Response to therapy was defined as at least three bowel movements per week and/or more than 50 per cent improvement in symptoms. Responders to an initial 3-week peripheral nerve evaluation were offered permanent implantation of a pulse generator and were assigned randomly in a crossover design to two 8-week intervals of active or sham stimulation. At the end of the two trial periods, the patients received active stimulation until the final evaluation at 1 year. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (34 women; mean(s.d.) age 45(14) years) underwent peripheral nerve evaluation. Twenty responded and received a permanent stimulator. A positive response was observed in 12 of 20 and 11 of 20 patients after active and sham stimulation periods respectively (P = 0·746). Pain related to the device occurred in five patients and wound infection or haematoma in three, leading to definitive removal of the pulse generator in two patients. At 1 year, 11 of the 20 patients with an implanted device continued to respond. Stimulation had no significant effect on colonic transit time. CONCLUSION: These results do not support the recommendation of permanent implantation of a pulse generator in patients with refractory constipation who initially responded to temporary nerve stimulation. Registration number: NCT01629303 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).