Prevalence and co-occurrence of upper and lower functional gastrointestinal symptoms in patients eligible for bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered as a risk factor for many functional digestive disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and the association of functional digestive symptoms affecting the upper and the lower digestive tract in patients eligible for bariatric surgery. METHODS: Before surgery, 120 consecutive patients with normal upper endoscopy (7.5% males, mean BMI 44 ± 6 m/kg(2)) have filled a standard questionnaire in order to evaluate the presence of depressive symptoms and functional digestive disorders according to the Rome criteria. The major symptoms (esophageal, gastroduodenal, anorectal, and abdominal pain) were coded as dichotomous variables. Data analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression with a backwards selection procedure adjusted only for the variables that were significant in univariate analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Functional symptoms were present in 89% of the subjects (2.5 functional digestive symptoms/subject). Depression symptoms were found in 43% of the patients. Esophageal symptoms were independent predictors for the presence of gastric, bowel, and anorectal symptoms. Functional abdominal pain and bowel symptoms were present, respectively, in 19% and 84% of the patients. Approximately half of the patients have specific functional bowel disorders (28.6% constipation, 18% irritable bowel syndrome, 18% diarrhea, 1% bloating) and 35.7% have non-specific bowel disorders. Anorectal symptoms were found in 40% of the patients: difficult defecation in 32% and fecal incontinence in 9.8% of the patients. Depression was an independent predictor for anorectal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the high prevalence of functional bowel symptoms in patients complaining of morbid obesity.

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with transrectal extraction of the colon and ileorectal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing acceptance of laparoscopic colon surgery, an abdominal incision is needed to remove the specimen and perform an anastomosis. METHODS: Five trocars (one 12 mm and four 5 mm) were used. The video describes the technique of performing laparoscopic subtotal colectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, transrectal removal of the gallbladder and the entire colon, and intracorporeal stapled ileorectal anastomosis in a 27-year-old female with colonic inertia and biliary dyskinesia. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications. The operating time was 180 min. Blood loss was 10 cc. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 4. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with transrectal removal of the colon is a safe and effective procedure that can be added to the armamentarium of surgeons performing laparoscopic colon surgery. This technique may provide both an attractive way to reduce abdominal wall morbidity and a bridge to NOTES colon surgery.

Colectomía total laparóscopica para el tratamiento de inercia colónica: resultados quirúrgicos y funcionales / Laparoscopic total colectomy for colonia inertia: immediate and late results

Introducción: El abordaje laparoscópico en el tratamiento de la inercia colónica (IC) es una técnica que ha demostrado ser una excelente alternativa al abordaje clásico. Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de la IC y los resultados funcionales obtenidos a mediano plazo luego de una colectomía total con ileorecto anastomosis (CT+IRA) por vía laparóscopica. Material y Método: Se analizaron todos los pacientes operados con diagnóstico de IC a los que se les realizó una CT+IRA vía laparóscopica, en el período 2002 al 2007. Todos poseían un completo estudio para constipación (Historia clínica, manometría ano-rectal, enema baritado, defecografía, estudio radiológico del tránsito colónico y de intestino delgado). Se analizaron las variables preoperatorios y quirúrgicas. Se realizó un seguimiento telefónico evaluando el puntaje según la escala de Wexner para constipación e incontinencia, la recomendación de la cirugía a terceros y satisfacción con el procedimiento (Escala de 1 a 10). Análisis estadístico: Test T de Student. Resultados: En el período mencionado se intervinieron 20 pacientes, todos de sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 41,5 años (i: 18-52). El tiempo operatorio fue de 248 minutos (i: 170-360). Hubo una conversión (5 por ciento) por dificultad anatómica. El tiempo medio hasta la expulsión de gases y la realimentación fue al 2º (i: 1-4) y 3º (i: 2-6) día respectivamente. La mediana de estadía postoperatoria fue de 7 días. Se complicaron 7 pacientes (35 por ciento) (3 íleo postoperatorios, 1 trombosis portal, 1 rectorragia, 1 colección peri anastomotica y 1 hemoperitoneo). Hubo una relaparotomía por trombosis portal, una punción percutánea por colección perianastomotica y una relaparoscopía por hemoperitoneo. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. Seguimiento a una mediana de 25 meses (i: 1-60); puntaje de Wexner para constipación en el preoperatorio fue 22,3 (i: 19-29) y al control postoperatorio 1,8 (i: 0-6) (p < 0,01). El nivel medio de satisfacción...

Background: Total colectomy with Neo-recto anastomosis has the best results in the treatment of colonic inertia but it is a complex procedure. Laparoscopic approach is a less invasive alternative. Aim: To report the results of laparoscopic total colectomy with Neo rectal anastomosis for the treatment of colonic inertia. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with colonic inertia subjected to a laparoscopic total colectomy with Neo rectal anastomosis. All had a complete preoperative study for constipation. A telephone follow up was performed asking for constipation, fecal incontinence and if they would recommend the procedure to other patients. Results: Twenty female patients aged 18 to 52 years were operated. Mean operative time was 248 minutes. In 5 percent of patients, conversion to open surgery was required. The lapse for gas expulsion and resumption of oral feeding was two and three days after surgery, respectively. Mean hospital stay was seven days. Seven patients (35 percent) has complications (a postoperative ileus in three, a portal vein thrombosis in one, hematochezia in one and hemoperitoneum that required a new laparoscopy in one). The Wexler score for constipation was 22.3 (range 19-29) in the preoperative period and decreased to 1.8 (range 0-6) in the telephone follow up. The mean level of satisfaction was 8 (range 2-10) and only one patient would not recommend the procedure to other patients. Conclusions: Laparoscopic total colectomy for colonic inertia has a 35 percent rate of complications in immediate postoperative period and good functional results in the long term follow up.

Corrección de prolapso rectal / correction rectal prolapse

Se presenta una panorámica de la operación de González Castellanos en el tratamiento de las pacientes con prolapso rectal. Nuestro estudio tiene dos objetivos: el primero, hacer una revisión de la literatura médica relacionada con esta patología y segundo, presentar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de pacientes con prolapso rectal.

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia.

Colonic inertia is an uncommon condition, usually occurring in women in the third decade of life. Severity of symptoms may lead some patients to a surgical consultation. This is a retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia, performed by a single surgeon from August 1993 to November 2002. The mean age of the patients was 38.5 years (range 26-50 years); 93% of the patients were women. The common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (93%), bloating (100%), constipation (100%), and nausea (57%). Median duration of symptoms before surgery was 4.5 years (range 1-30 years). Subtotal colectomy was completed laparoscopically in 13 patients. There was one conversion (7%) because of adhesions. Eleven patients (78.6%) had undergone previous abdominal surgery. The mean operating room time was 153 minutes (range 113-210 minutes). The median time to full bowel action was 2 days. One patient developed postoperative small bowel obstruction that required open exploration. Complete follow-up was available for 11 patients at a median follow-up of 18 months (range 2-96 months). Ninety-one percent of the patients reported excellent satisfaction with surgery, and their bowel movement frequency changed from 1.2 (+/-0.2) per week preoperatives to 17.2 (+/-2.9) per week postoperatively (P < 0.001). Three patients (27%) continued to report abdominal pain and 3 patients (27%) continued to require laxatives postoperatively. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy provides excellent symptom relief in patients with colonic inertia who do not respond to medical measures.

Ileostomy for constipation: long-term postoperative outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Idiopathic constipation is a rare indication for ileostomy construction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the success of ileostomy in treatment of severe constipation. Also to analyse the surgical complications and re-operation rate to identify any factors potentially predictive of outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analysed the long-term outcome of 24 ileostomies constructed for constipation. The ileostomy construction was performed in 13 patients during large bowel/rectum resection, in 6 after a full laparotomy and in 5 through an abdominal wall trephine alone. We analysed the surgical complications and the re-operation rate according any factors potentially predictive of outcome. RESULTS: One (4%) patient had persistent constipation after stoma creation. Surgical complications occurred in 11 (46%): retraction in 6 (25.0%), peristomal sepsis in 3 (12.5%) and parastomal hernia in 2 (8.1%). Refashioning of the stoma was necessary in 7 (29%) patients. Previous abdominal surgery, end ileostomy, ileostomy constructed after large bowel resection or laparotomy were associated with a significantly higher incidence of stomal complications while age, duration of follow up, major complication and ileostomy created after bowel resection were associated to a significantly higher re-operation rate (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified end ileostomy and ileostomy created after bowel resection as independent risk factors for surgical complication and re-operation, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ileostomies were associated with a high frequency of complications, but most could be managed by minor surgical interventions. Patients who are considered for an ileostomy for severe idiopathic constipation should, where possible, have a loop ileostomy through a trephine rather than a laparotomy.

Stoma formation for functional bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of stoma formation for functional bowel disease. METHODS: A retrospective study of the indications for and complications of stoma formation in this group. A quality of life questionnaire was sent to the group. RESULTS: A very small proportion of patients with functional bowel disease have a stoma formed (< 1%). Stoma formation is often associated with problems requiring further operations. Their QOL is reported as poor and is improved upon by stoma formation. Most patients with a temporary stoma elected to keep it rather than suffer their previous problems. CONCLUSION: Some patients with functional bowel disease can be successfully managed by stoma formation. Their treatment is difficult, emotionally demanding and labour-intensive.

Which stoma works better for colonic dysmotility in the spinal cord injured patient?

BACKGROUND: The formation of an intestinal stoma is very effective in the treatment of colonic dysmotility associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). Little is known about the difference in the long-term outcome among left-sided colostomies, right-sided colostomies, and ileostomies in this patient population. METHODS: The records of 45 SCI patients with intestinal stomas at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Operative details and preoperative colonic transit times (CTT) were recorded. Patients who were alive and available were interviewed using a questionnaire designed to assess the quality of life (QOL), health status, and time to bowel care before and after stoma formation. RESULTS: Between 1976 and 2002, 45 patients underwent a total of 48 intestinal stomas. A left-sided colostomy (LC) was formed in 21 patients, right-sided colostomy (RC) in 20, and ileostomy (IL) in 7. Three of the patients in the RC group ultimately underwent total abdominal colectomy and ileostomy. The indications for stoma formation and CTT were different in the three groups. Bloating, constipation, chronic abdominal pain, difficulty evacuation with prolonged CTT was the main indication in 95% of patients in the RC group, 43% of patients in the LC group, and 29% in the IL group. Management of complicated decubitus ulcers, perineal and pelvic wounds was the primary indication in 43% of patients in the LC group, 5% in the RC group, and none in the IL group. Preoperative total and right CTTs were longer in the RC group compared with the LC group: 127.5 versus 83.1 hours (P <0.05) and 53.7 versus 28.5 hours (P <0.05), respectively. Eighty-two percent of patients (37 of 45) were interviewed at a mean follow-up of 5.5 years after stoma formation. Most patients who were interviewed were satisfied with their stoma (RC, 88%; LC, 100%; IL, 83%) and the majority would have preferred to have the stoma earlier (RC, 63%; LC, 77%; and IL, 63%). The QOL index significantly improved in all groups (RC, 49 to 79, P <0.05; LC, 50 to 86, P <0.05; and IL, 60 to 82, P <0.05), as well as the health status index (RC, 58 to 83, P <0.05; LC, 63 to 92, P <0.05; IL, 61 to 88, P <0.05). The average daily time to bowel care was significantly shortened in all groups (RC, 102 to 11 minutes, P <0.05; LC, 123 to 18 minutes, P <0.05; and IL, 73 to 13 minutes, P <0.05.). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the type of stoma, most patients had functional improvement postoperatively. Patients who underwent RC had longer CTT and more chronic symptoms related to colonic dysmotility, reflecting the preoperative selection bias. The successful outcome noted in all groups suggests that preoperative symptoms and CTT studies may have been helpful in optimal choice of stoma site selection.

Systematic review: Abdominal and pelvic surgery in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

AIM: To systematically review research on the prevalence of abdominal and pelvic surgery in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. METHODS: Computer searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Current Contents were performed independently by both investigators to identify appropriate studies. Primary study selection criteria included: (i) population-based samples of adult irritable bowel syndrome patients; (ii) the use of appropriate symptom-based criteria to identify irritable bowel syndrome patients; and (iii) comparison of the prevalence of abdominal and pelvic surgery in irritable bowel syndrome patients vs. control populations. Secondary analysis was performed on published studies of referral populations and case series. RESULTS: Two population-based studies met the primary study selection criteria and revealed an increased prevalence of surgery in irritable bowel syndrome patients vs. controls for cholecystectomy (4.6% vs. 2.4%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.2) and hysterectomy (18% vs. 12%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.2). Secondary analysis revealed an increased prevalence of appendectomy and other abdominal and pelvic surgery in irritable bowel syndrome patients. CONCLUSIONS: Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with a disproportionately high prevalence of abdominal and pelvic surgery, but most studies exhibit sub-optimal study design and do not define the factors causing the increased prevalence of surgery in these patients.

Long-term response to subtotal colectomy in colonic inertia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of patients who had previously undergone subtotal colectomy for severe idiopathic constipation at the University of Florida between 1983 and 1987. In addition, we aimed to determine whether preoperative motility abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract are more common among those patients who have significant postoperative complications after subtotal colectomy. We evaluated 13 patients who underwent subtotal colectomy for refractory constipation between 1983 and 1987 at the University of Florida. Preoperatively, all patients exhibited a pattern consistent with colonic inertia as demonstrated by means of radiopaque markers. Each patient was asked to quantitate the pain intensity and frequency of their bowel movements before and after surgery. In seven patients an ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed, whereas in six patients an ileorectal anastomosis was used. Abdominal pain decreased after subtotal colectomy. Patients with abnormal upper gastrointestinal motility preoperatively experienced greater postoperative pain than those with normal motility regardless of the type of anastomosis. In addition, the number of postoperative surgeries was similar in those patients with abnormal upper motility compared to those with normal motility. Overall, the total number of bowel movements per week increased from 0.5 +/- 0.03 preoperatively to 15 +/- 4.5 (P < 0.007) postoperatively. The results of our study suggest that patients with isolated colonic inertia have a better long-term outcome from subtotal colectomy than patients with additional upper gastrointestinal motility abnormalities associated with their colonic inertia.

New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder with major health status and economic effects. Symptom criteria are of paramount importance in diagnosis, but differences among the Manning, Rome I, and Rome II criteria may lead to variable identification of people with the disorder. Practice guidelines are based on evidence and, to a greater degree, on consensus; therefore, experts vary on the specifics of ordering particular diagnostic tests. There is an overlap of IBS symptoms with those of celiac sprue, and selected patients should be tested for the latter disease. Symptom confusion with biliary pain and overlap with chronic pelvic pain could contribute to the predisposition of IBS patients to undergo cholecystectomy and hysterectomy. Development and documentation of effective therapy has been difficult, but depending on the selection of subgroups, there is evidence for usefulness of smooth muscle relaxants, loperamide, and antidepressants. Various forms of psychological therapy and new serotonin-modulating agents seem especially promising. The placebo effect of the physician-patient relationship has important therapeutic benefit.

Total colonic manometry as a guide for surgical management of functional colonic obstruction: Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Functional colonic obstruction (pseudo-obstruction) encompasses a broad group of motility disorders. Medical management of colonic pseudo-obstruction is complex and often fails, leading to surgical referral. In most cases (excepting Hirschsprung's disease) the surgeon is unable to precisely localize the area of functional obstruction. Total colonic manometry can directly measure intraluminal pressures and contractile function along the entire length of the colon. The authors propose that total colonic manometry can be used by the pediatric surgeon to guide the timing and extent of surgical therapy in refractory functional colonic obstruction. METHODS: Four patients were evaluated for functional colonic obstruction. All underwent barium enema and rectal biopsy with a diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease in one patient. All patients underwent colonoscopy and total colonic manometry. Manometric tracings were obtained while fasting, after feeding, and after pharmacologic stimulation both preoperatively (n = 4) and postoperatively (n = 3). RESULTS: Total colonic manometry identified an abrupt end of normal peristalsis in 2 of the non-Hirschsprung's patients (one in the proximal colon and one in the transverse colon). Medical therapy failed in both of these patients, and they underwent diverting ostomy proximal to the loss of normal peristalsis. The third non-Hirschsprung's patient essentially had normal manometry and was able to have her colon decompressed successfully on a laxative regimen. Repeat manometry after colonic decompression showed return of normal peristalsis in 2 of these patients and continued abnormal peristaltic activity in the third. Definitive surgical intervention based on the results of total colonic manometry was performed on the latter. All 3 patients achieved normal continence. A fourth patient had Hirschsprung's disease confirmed by rectal biopsy and underwent a 1-stage neonatal modified Duhamel procedure, which was complicated by postoperative functional obstruction. Manometry showed a lack of peristaltic function beginning in the right colon. An ileostomy was performed, and timing of ileostomy closure was guided by the return of normal colonic peristalsis seen on manometry. CONCLUSIONS: These initial cases show the utility of total colonic manometry in the management of colonic pseudo-obstruction syndromes. In addition to its diagnostic utility, direct measurement of colonic motor activity can be valuable in deciding the need for and timing of diversion, the extent of resection, and the suitability of the patient for restoring bowel continuity. In Hirschsprung's disease, total colonic manometry can potentially be used to determine suitability for primary neonatal pull-through versus a staged approach. J Pediatr Surg 36:1757-1763.

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing colectomy for colonic inertia.

PURPOSE: Total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis has been the procedure of choice for patients with the established diagnosis of colonic inertia. Previous studies with a limited follow-up of only one to two years have shown acceptable results and a high rate of patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of total abdominal colectomy in these patients in terms of complications, bowel function, and overall patient satisfaction. METHODS: Access to the colorectal registry at the Cleveland Clinic Florida identified all patients who underwent total abdominal colectomy for colonic inertia between 1988 and 1993, with a minimum of five-year follow-up. Telephone interviews were designed to assess bowel function, concomitant use of any antidiarrheal medications, postoperative complications, persistence or development of preoperative symptoms such as pain or bloating, and overall satisfaction. Patients were asked to rate their outcome as excellent, good, fair, or poor. RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent total abdominal colectomy for the diagnosis of colonic inertia. Three patients died of unrelated causes and 30 (60 percent) were available for follow-up. The mean follow-up was 106 months, ranging from 61 to 122 months. All 30 patients reported the outcome of surgery as "excellent." The average frequency of spontaneous bowel movements was 2.5 (range, 1-6) per day. During the period of follow-up, six patients (20 percent) required admission for small-bowel obstruction, three of whom (10 percent) required laparotomy. Four patients complained of mild pelvic pain, only one of whom had the onset of pelvic pain postoperatively that persisted until the time of interview. In the other three patients the pain was present preoperatively but had decreased in intensity since the operation. Two patients (6 percent) still required assistance with bowel movements, one by laxatives and the other by enemas. Only two patients (6 percent) needed antidiarrheal medications to reduce bowel frequency. CONCLUSION: This long-term follow-up revealed a high degree of patient satisfaction and very good bowel habits, with an acceptable long-term rate of bowel obstruction. Based on these results, total abdominal colectomy can be recommended to patients with well-established colonic inertia with expectations of sustained benefit up to ten years after surgery.

[Multiple jejunal strictures caused by gastric heterotopia]. / Sténoses étagées du jéjunum par hétérotopie gastrique.

A case of gastric heterotopia was discovered incidentally on a jejunal resection specimen in a 42-year-old patient operated for Koenig's syndrome present for 10 years. This anomaly was responsible for seven chronic ulcers with strictures at multiple levels. Gastric heterotopia, especially in the jejunum, is a rare anomaly, except in intestinal duplications and Meckel's diverticulum. The various complications are a direct result of the activity of the gastric glands: hemorrhage, Helicobacter pylori enteritis, perforation, chronic ulcer and obstructive syndrome; malignant adenocarcinomatous degeneration has also been reported.

Temporary transverse colostomy vs loop ileostomy in diversion: a case-matched study.

HYPOTHESIS: For temporary fecal diversion, transverse colostomy (TC) has superior safety, but loop ileostomy (LI) has superior management qualities. METHODS: Of patients with TC or LI seen between 1988 and 1997, 63 patients were matched for diagnosis, operative procedure, and date of surgery. The 2 groups were then compared for hospital/postoperative mortality and morbidity and stoma complications. RESULTS: Mortality rates were 6.3% for the TC group and 1.6% for the LI group (P =.25). Morbidity rates for stoma creation and for stoma closure were 47.6% and 10% (P =.19), respectively, for the TC group, and 36.5% and 6.3% (P>.99), respectively, for the LI group. Most morbidity events were minor, and neither procedure-related nor other medical complications showed a significant difference between the groups. However, patients with a TC were significantly more likely to experience skin trouble around the stoma (TC vs LI, 15.9% vs 3.2%) and leakage around the stoma (TC vs LI, 12.7% vs 1.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding safety, TC and LI should be considered equivalent options for temporary fecal diversion. We recommend further study comparing the 2 procedures with regard to patient perception and quality of life.

Subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia.

The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia (idiopathic slow transit constipation) that was resistant to laxative treatment. Twenty-four patients, 19 women and 5 men, with a mean age of 37 years, underwent subtotal colectomy with ileorectal or ascendo-rectal anastomosis. All patients were available for follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 23 months. Bowel frequency was significantly increased from 1.4+/-0.9 times per week to 22.8+/-9 times per week (average 3.2/day) after surgery (P <0.0001). The incidence of abdominal pain was decreased from 75% to 17%, as well as the severity (P <0.0001). Two patients who underwent ascendo-rectal anastomosis developed recurrent constipation. Two patients used antidiarrheal medication regularly. There was no major postoperative morbidity. Five patients were re-admitted due to small bowel obstruction; four received successful conservative management, and one required enterolysis. 'Excellent' or 'good' outcomes were reported by 21 patients (87.5%). Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis produces satisfactory results in the majority of patients with proven colonic inertia.

Operative management of severe constipation.

This report investigates the concept that severe constipation requiring major abdominal surgery may result from one of three common causes: 1) colonic inertia, 2) pelvic hiatal hernia, or 3) both colonic inertia and pelvic hernia. This study evaluates the symptoms, anatomy and outcome in 201 patients with severe surgical constipation treated by a single surgeon. In 2042 patients with constipation referred to one colon and rectal surgeon, 211 major abdominal surgical procedures were performed on 201 patients for severe constipation between 1989 and 1999. There were 187 women and 14 men. Mean age was 49 years (range, 9-84). Five high-risk patients had ileostomy; 196 had major colonic surgery for anatomic or physiologic causes of constipation, excluding malignancy, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Pelvic hiatal hernia was defined as the herniation of bowel through the hiatus of the pelvic diaphragm seen on pelvic videofluoroscopy or physical examination. Of these 196 patients, 44 per cent had pelvic hiatal hernia repair (PHHR), 27 per cent had total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for colonic inertia, and 29 per cent had surgery for both colonic inertia and pelvic hiatal hernia. Of the 144 patients undergoing PHHR, 95 had Gore-Tex patch (W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Phoenix, AZ) sacral colpopexy. PHHR for pelvic hiatal hernia without colonic inertia included sigmoid resection, rectopexy, and Gore-Tex patch sacral colpopexy. Mean duration of follow-up was 20 months. Symptoms noted preoperatively included abdominal pain (84%), straining at stool (90%), incomplete rectal emptying (85%), painful bowel movements (74%), pelvic pain (69%), vaginal bulge (55%), digital assistance with evacuation (35%), and incontinence of stool (38%). Outcome assessed by symptom relief was successful in 89.1 per cent of patients. 8.6 per cent of patient conditions were unchanged, and 2.3 per cent were unsatisfied with the outcome. There were no postoperative deaths. The complication rate was 6.1 per cent (small bowel obstruction, 7; anastomotic leak, 2; ureteral stenosis, 2; and patch erosion, 1). In our experience, severe surgical constipation can be due to colonic inertia, pelvic hiatal hernia, or both. Careful preoperative evaluation identifies these disorders, and surgical therapy aimed at correction of anatomic and physiologic defects results in high patient satisfaction and improvement in bowel function.