A systematic review and a meta-analysis on the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries during vaginal delivery.

AIM: The incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) has increased in the past two decades despite improved awareness of the risk factors. This study aimed to define the incidence of OASIS in women with different features (instrumental delivery or other variables). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on articles reporting the incidence of OASIS. This review aims to examine the association of instrumentation and OASIS by performing a formal systematic review of the published literature. Databases used for the research were MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and 'Maternity and infant care' databases. RESULTS: Two independent reviewers screened the selected articles. 2326 duplicates were removed from the total of 4907 articles. The remaining 2581 articles were screened for title and abstract. 1913 articles were excluded due to irrelevance. The remaining 300 were screened as full text. Primiparity associated with the use of forceps were the features associated with the highest incidence of OASIS in the selected articles (19.4%). OASIS in all women had an overall incidence of 3.8%. The incidence of OASIS in all women by geographical region was the highest (6.5%) in North America. CONCLUSIONS: There are various factors that impact on the incidence of OASIS and the combination of some of these, such as the use of forceps in primiparas, resulted in the highest incidence of OASIS. The lack of international consensus is limiting the improvements that can be done to reduce OASIS rates and improve best clinical practice.

Standardized documentation and synoptic reporting of complex intestinal anatomy in enteric fistulation and intestinal failure.

AIM: In intestinal failure, delineation of both structure and function are key to controlling symptoms and planning further intervention. We have developed a template for developing an 'anatomy at a glance' patient-specific map to aid decision making and counselling. METHOD: A core dataset was developed and used to create an editable template to demonstrate the gastrointestinal tract, its relationship to the genitourinary tract, and specific anterior abdominal wall features. This was then used to create an anatomical template, specific to each patient, and stored in the electronic patient record and imaging archive. RESULTS: We have developed a technique for integration of multi-modal information into one diagram, easily referenced by the multidisciplinary team. Radiology, endoscopy and previous operation notes can be used to fill out a core dataset, which is then transposed into a standardized template. A worked example is shown. CONCLUSION: The mapping template has been successfully integrated into practice and aided decision making at all stages of the patient's therapeutic journey. It has been found helpful in planning routes of nutrition, preoperative optimization, surgical planning, interpreting postoperative imaging and managing patient expectations.

Randomized Pilot Study: Anal Inserts Versus Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Fecal Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Anal inserts and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation may be offered to those with fecal incontinence in whom other conservative treatments have failed. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare anal inserts and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. DESIGN: This was an investigator-blinded randomized pilot study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Adult patients with passive or mixed fecal incontinence were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either the anal inserts or weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for a period of 3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was a 50% reduction of episodes of fecal incontinence per week as calculated by a prospectively completed 2-week bowel diary. Secondary end points were St Mark's incontinence score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowel scores (for bowel pattern, bowel control, and quality of life), use of antidiarrheal agents, estimates of comfort and acceptability. RESULTS: Fifty patients were recruited: 25 were randomly assigned to anal inserts and 25 were randomly assigned to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. All completed treatment. A significant improvement of scores in the 2-week bowel diary, the St Mark's scores and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowel scores, was seen in both groups after 3 months of treatment. A reduction of ≥50% fecal incontinence episodes was reached by 76% (n = 19/25) by the anal insert group, compared with 48% (n = 12/25) of those in the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation group (p = 0.04). The St Mark's fecal incontinence scores and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowel scores for bowel pattern, bowel control, and quality of life (p = 0.01) suggest similar improvement for each group. LIMITATIONS: A realistic sample size calculation could not be performed because of the paucity of objective prospective studies assessing the effect of the insert device and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Both anal insert and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation improved the symptoms of fecal incontinence after 3 months of treatment. The insert device appeared to be more effective than percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. Larger studies are needed to investigate this further. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B460. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT04273009. ESTUDIO PILOTO ALEATORIZADO DE INSERCIONES ANALES CONTRA LA ESTIMULACIN PERCUTNEA DEL NERVIO TIBIAL EN PACIENTES CON INCONTINENCIA FECAL: ANTECEDENTES:Las inserciones anales y la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial (PTNS) se pueden ofrecer a las personas con incontinencia fecal que han fallado en otros tratamientos conservadores.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue comparar inserciones anales y estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio piloto aleatorio ciego para investigadores.AJUSTE:El estudio se realizó en un hospital de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Se reclutaron pacientes adultos con incontinencia fecal pasiva o mixta.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes fueron asignados al azar para recibir inserciones anales o estimulación del nervio tibial percutáneo semanal durante un período de tres meses.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El principal resultado fue una reducción del 50% de los episodios de incontinencia fecal por semana, según lo calculado mediante un diario intestinal de dos semanas completado de forma prospectiva. Los criterios de valoración secundarios fueron la puntuación de incontinencia de St Mark, las puntuaciones del ICIQ-B (para patrón intestinal, control intestinal y calidad de vida), uso de agentes antidiarreicos, estimaciones de comodidad y aceptabilidad.RESULTADOS:Se reclutaron 50 pacientes: 25 fueron asignados al azar a inserciones anales y 25 a PTNS. Todo el tratamiento completado. Se observó una mejora significativa de las puntuaciones en el diario intestinal de dos semanas, la puntuación de St Mark y la puntuación del ICIQ-B en ambos grupos después de 3 meses de tratamiento. Se alcanzó una reducción de ≥ 50% de los episodios de incontinencia fecal en un 76% (n = 19/25) en el grupo de inserción anal, en comparación con el 48% (n = 12/25) de los del grupo de estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial (p = 0,04). Las puntuaciones de incontinencia fecal de St Mark, las puntuaciones del ICIQ-B para el patrón intestinal, el control intestinal y la calidad de vida (p = 0,01) sugieren una mejora similar para cada grupo.LIMITACIONES:No se pudo realizar un cálculo realista del tamaño de la muestra debido a la escasez de estudios prospectivos objetivos que evaluaran el efecto del dispositivo de inserción y la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial.CONCLUSIONES:Tanto la inserción anal como la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial mejoraron los síntomas de incontinencia fecal después de 3 meses de tratamiento. El dispositivo de inserción parecia ser más efectivo que la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial. Se necesitan estudios más amplios para investigar esto más a fondo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B460.NÚMERO DE REGISTRO DE PRUEBA:Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT04273009.

The development of a faecal incontinence core outcome set: an international Delphi study protocol.

PURPOSE: Faecal incontinence (FI) is estimated to affect around 7.7% of people. There is a lack of uniformity in outcome definitions, measurement and reporting in FI studies. Until now, there is no general consensus on which outcomes should be assessed and reported in FI research. This complicates comparison between studies and evidence synthesis, potentially leading to recommendations not evidence-based enough to guide physicians in selecting an FI therapy. A solution for this lack of uniformity in reporting of outcomes is the development of a Core Outcome Set (COS) for FI. This paper describes the protocol for the development of a European COS for FI. METHODS: Patient interviews and a systematic review of the literature will be performed to identify patient-, physician- and researcher-oriented outcomes. The outcomes will be categorised using the COMET taxonomy and put forward to a group of patients, physicians (i.e. colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and general practitioners) and researchers in a Delphi consensus exercise. This exercise will consist of up to three web-based rounds in which participants will prioritise and condense the list of outcomes, which is expected to result in consensus. A consensus meeting with participants from all stakeholder groups will take place to reach a final agreement on the COS. DISCUSSION: This study protocol describes the development of a European COS to improve reliability and consistency of outcome reporting in FI studies, thereby improving evidence synthesis and patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This project has been registered in the COMET database on the 1st of April 2020, available at http://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1554 . The systematic review has been registered on the PROSPERO database on the 31st of August 2020, available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=202020&VersionID=1381336 .

A European snapshot of psychosocial characteristics and patients' perspectives of faecal incontinence-do they correlate with current scoring systems?

PURPOSE: To compare the current clinical scoring systems used to quantify the severity of symptoms of faecal incontinence (FI) to patients' subjective scoring of parameters of psychosocial well-being. METHODS: Patients referred to six European centres for investigation or treatment of symptoms of FI between June 2017 and September 2019 completed a questionnaire that captured patient demographics, incontinence symptoms using St. Mark's Incontinence score (SMIS) and ICIQ-B, psychological well-being (HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social interaction (a three-item loneliness scale). RESULTS: Three hundred eighteen patients completed questionnaires (62 men, mean age 58.7). Sixty percent of the respondents were aged under 65. Median SMIS was 15 (11-18), ICIQ-B bowel pattern was 8 (6-11) and bowel control was 17 (13-22), similar across all demographic groups; however, younger patients were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety (HADS score > 10, 65.2% of patients age < 65 vs 54.9% of those ages > = 65, p = 0.03) with lower quality of life (ICIQ-B QoL, median score 19 (14-23)) vs age > = 65 (16 (11-21) (p < 0.005)). On loneliness score 25.5% reported often feeling isolated from others. One of the most significant concerns by patients was the fear and embarrassment related to unpredictable episodes of incontinence. CONCLUSION: The SMIS remains a useful tool for quantifying incontinence symptoms but may underestimate the psychosocial morbidity associated with unpredictable episodes of incontinence. Interventions aimed at decreasing anxiety and to address feelings of disgust may be helpful for a significant number of patients requiring treatment for FI.

European Society of Coloproctology guidance on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery.

This is a comprehensive and rigorous review of currently available data on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery. This guideline outlines the limitations of available data and the challenges of interpretation, followed by best possible recommendations.

Combined Laparoscopic and Perineal Approach to Omental Interposition Repair of Complex Rectovaginal Fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical repair of rectovaginal fistula remains a challenge. Complex and recurrent rectovaginal fistula repairs often fail because of scarring and devascularization of the surrounding tissue. Omental interposition may promote healing by introducing bulky vascularized tissue into the rectovaginal septum. TECHNIQUE: With the patient in the lithotomy position, the rectovaginal septum was dissected transperineally up to the fistula tract and the openings on both vaginal and rectal sides were closed using interrupted, absorbable sutures. The dissection was continued cranially to meet the laparoscopic dissection from above. The laparoscopic surgeon detached the omentum from the colon, then the anastomotic arterial branches between the Barlow's arcade and the gastroepiploic arcade were divided and the greater omentum was mobilized, retaining blood supply from the left gastroepiploic artery. The rectum was then mobilized commencing on the right lateral side of the mesorectum and then proceeding anteriorly. The peritoneum between the rectum and the vagina was incised and the anterior mobilization was continued to connect with the perineal dissection. The mobilized omentum was pulled down between the rectum and the vagina.The perineal operator secured the omentum around the rectal closure and at skin level with absorbable sutures. All of the patients had a defunctioning ileostomy or colostomy before omental repair. RESULTS: Patients underwent repair for complex or recurrent rectovaginal fistulas with this novel approach. Fistula healing was evaluated during examination under anaesthesia. All of the patients had completely healed at the latest follow-up (median = 15 mo; range, 8-41 mo). Postoperative complications included 1 superficial wound infection that was treated conservatively and 1 rectovaginal hematoma, which required CT-guided aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Combined laparoscopic omental interposition with perineal rectovaginal fistula repair is a safe and effective treatment for complex rectovaginal fistulas.

Late gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy for anal cancer: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data on incidence and mechanisms of long-term gastrointestinal consequences after chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer. Most of the adverse effects reported were based on traditional external beam radiotherapy whilst only short-term follow-ups have been available for intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and there is lack of knowledge about consequences of dose-escalation radiotherapy. METHOD: A systematic literature review. RESULTS: Two thousand nine hundred and eighty-five titles (excluding duplicates) were identified through the search; 130 articles were included in this review. The overall incidence of late gastrointestinal toxicity was reported to be 7-64.5%, with Grade 3 and above (classified as severe) up to 33.3%. The most commonly reported late toxicities were fecal incontinence (up to 44%), diarrhea (up to 26.7%), and ulceration (up to 22.6%). Diarrhea, fecal incontinence and buttock pain were associated with lower scores in radiotherapy specific quality of life scales (QLQ-CR29, QLQ-C30, and QLQ-CR38) compared to healthy controls. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy appears to reduce late toxicity. CONCLUSION: Late gastrointestinal toxicities are common with severe toxicity seen in one-third of the patients. These symptoms significantly impact on patients' quality of life. Prospective studies with control groups are needed to elucidate long-term toxicity.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Timing and Outcome of Intestinal Failure Surgery in Patients with Enteric Fistula.

BACKGROUND: The timing of intestinal failure (IF) surgery has changed. Most specialized centers now recommend postponing reconstructive surgery for enteric fistula and emphasize that abdominal sepsis has to be resolved and the patient's condition improved. Our aim was to study the outcome of postponed surgery, to identify risk factors for recurrence and mortality, and to define more precisely the optimal timing of reconstructive surgery. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically reviewed on the outcomes of reconstructive IF surgery (fistula recurrence, mortality, morbidity, hernia recurrence, total closure, enteral autonomy). If appropriate, meta-analyses were performed. Optimal timing was explored, and risk factors for recurrence and mortality were identified. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included. The weighted pooled fistula recurrence rate was 19% (95% CI 15-24). Lower recurrence rates were found in studies with a longer median time and/or, at the minimum of the range, a longer time interval to surgery. Overall mortality was 3% (95% CI 2-5). Total fistula closure rates ranged from 80 to 97%. Enteral autonomy after reconstructive surgery, mentioned in four studies, varied between 79 and 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Postponed IF surgery for enteric fistula is associated with lower recurrence. Due to the wide range of time to definitive surgery within each study, optimal timing of surgery could not be defined from published data.

Patient-Reported Outcome After Ostomy Surgery for Chronic Constipation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of and evaluate psychosocial and health-related quality of life of individuals undergoing ostomy surgery for severe, chronic constipation. METHODS: A search of the local ostomy archive and the electronic hospital episode statistics database was performed in a large tertiary referral center. Study outcomes were evaluated retrospectively using clinical notes and prospectively via administration of the City of Hope Ostomy Quality of Life questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression tool, and a specially designed ostomy-specific questionnaire. Questionnaires were mailed and returned via post. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients, with a median age of 44 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 31-56), who underwent ileostomy (n = 20) and colostomy (n = 4) over a 13-year period participated in the study. The vast majority of respondents (91%; n = 22) were female. Ten (41%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, 13 (54%) underwent open procedures, and 1 was converted from laparoscopic to open surgery. The mean length of stay (5.5 days vs 5.4 days) and the rate of complication did not differ between the 2 approaches. Fourteen patients (13 females, median age = 47.5 years; IQR = 23-70 years) responded to the postal questionnaires (58.3%). Adverse effects on health-related quality of life in the physical and social well-being domains were reported, and a further 86% of respondents reported psychological morbidity related to their ostomy. However, more than 70% were satisfied (median follow-up = 17 months; IQR = 0.16-8 years) with their quality of life despite a 20% reoperation rate. CONCLUSIONS: An ostomy is a justified last-resort treatment option in selected individuals with severe, chronic constipation. Patients should be warned of the negative effects on health-related quality of life and the risk of complications. We advocate using an algorithm presented in this article.

Long-term outcome of sacral neuromodulation for chronic refractory constipation.

PURPOSE: Sacral neuromodulation has been reported as a treatment for severe idiopathic constipation. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of sacral neuromodulation by following patients who participated in a prospective, open-label, multicentre study up to 5 years. METHODS: Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. Symptoms and quality of life were assessed using bowel diary, the Cleveland Clinic constipation score and the Short Form-36 quality-of-life scale. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (7 male, median age 40 years) underwent test stimulation, and 45 proceeded to permanent implantation. Twenty-seven patients exited the study (7 withdrawn consent, 7 loss of efficacy, 6 site-specific reasons, 4 withdrew other reasons, 2 lost to follow-up, 1 prior to follow-up). Eighteen patients (29%) attended 60-month follow-up. In 10 patients who submitted bowel diary, their improvement of symptoms was sustained: the number of defecations per week (4.1 ± 3.7 vs 8.1 ± 3.4, mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.001, baseline vs 60 months) and sensation of incomplete emptying (0.8 ± 0.3 vs 0.2 ± 0.1, p = 0.002). In 14 patients (23%) with Cleveland Clinic constipation score, improvement was sustained at 60 months [17.9 ± 4.4 (baseline) to 10.4 ± 4.1, p < 0.001]. Some 103 device-related adverse events were reported in 27 (61%). CONCLUSION: Benefit from sacral neuromodulation in the long-term was observed in a small minority of patients with intractable constipation. The results should be interpreted with caution given the high dropout and complication rate during the follow-up period.

Management of Intestinal Failure: The High-Output Enterostomy and Enterocutaneous Fistula.

This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, causes, investigations, and management of high-output enterostomy and enterocutaneous fistula. High-output stoma and enterocutaneous fistula can result in intestinal failure and this is often fatal if not managed properly. The management involves reducing fluid losses, providing nutrients with fluids, and treating the underlying cause and sepsis. A multidisciplinary approach is required for successful management of patients with high-output enterostomy and enterocutaneous fistula.

Transcutaneous Sacral Electrical Stimulation for Chronic Functional Constipation.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation is reported to improve symptoms of fecal incontinence. Chronic constipation may also respond to stimulation, but this is poorly reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation directly over the sacral nerve roots in chronic constipation. PATIENTS: Chronic functional constipation was established in all patients using the Rome III criteria. SETTING: The therapy was self-administered at home. DESIGN/INTERVENTION: A pilot study was conducted of transcutaneous sacral stimulation given over a 4-week period for 12 hours a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were assessed using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms, the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life, and the Cleveland constipation tool. A Global Rating of Change measure and a 1-week bowel diary was kept for the final week and compared with baseline. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients recruited (16 female, median age 38.5 years), 80% (16) completed the trial. Five (31%) patients reported at least a point reduction in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms score, 4 (25%) deteriorated, and 7 (44%) improved by less than one point. Median (interquartile range) Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scores were 2.33 (2.34) at baseline and 2.08 (2.58) at follow-up (p = 0.074). Median scores for the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life and Cleveland systems were 3.00 (1.64) and 17.15 (18) at baseline and 2.22 (3.04) and 15.31 (12) at follow-up (p = 0.096 and 0.111). One-third of patients reported a positive Global Rating of Change measure, although 68% required concurrent laxatives during the trial. LIMITATIONS: This is a pilot study and is limited by its small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous transcutaneous sacral stimulation in the short term appears to be ineffective for chronic constipation. Larger well-powered studies with intermittent stimulation regimens are required to investigate this further.

Quality of Life After Ostomy Surgery in Muslim Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Suggestions for Clinical Practice.

PURPOSE: To determine factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after ostomy surgery in Muslim patients. METHODS: A systematic literature review of published data was carried out using MeSH terms ("Muslim" OR "Islam") AND ("stoma" OR "ostomy" OR "colostomy" OR "ileostomy") AND "quality of life" AND "outcomes." RESULTS: Twelve studies enrolling 913 subjects were deemed suitable for inclusion in the review. HRQOL was found to be particularly impaired in Muslims; this impairment went beyond that experienced by non-Muslim patients. Factors associated with this difference included psychological factors, social isolation, underreporting of complications, and sexual dysfunction leading to breakdown of marital relations as well as diminished religious practices. CONCLUSION: Muslims requiring ostomies should receive preoperative counseling by surgeons and ostomy nurses. These discussions should also include faith leaders and/or hospital chaplains. Ongoing support after surgery can be extended into the community and encompass family doctors and faith leaders. Additional research exploring HRQOL after surgery in Muslims living in Western societies is indicated.

Mesenteric Infarction: Clinical Outcomes After Restoration of Bowel Continuity.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who have a bowel resection for mesenteric infarction may require parenteral nutrition (PN). This study primarily aimed to determine the aetiological factors for a mesenteric infarction and the effects of restoring bowel continuity on the long-term PN requirements. METHODS: A retrospective review of data on patients treated for mesenteric infarction from 2000 to 2010. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients (61 women, median age 54 years) were identified. Seventy-four (65%) had a superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism, 25 (22%) had a superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, and 4 (3%) had superior mesenteric artery stricture or spasm. Patients younger than 60 years most commonly had a clotting abnormality (n = 23/46, 50%), whereas older patients had a cardiological risk factor (n = 11/17, 65%). All patients with a jejunostomy required long-term PN. Fifty-seven (49%) patients had restoration of bowel continuity (colon brought into circuit). After this, PN was stopped within 1 year in 20 (35%), within 2 years in 29 (50%) patients and within 5 years in 44 (77%) patients (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A thrombotic tendency is the main etiological factor in most patients younger than 60 years. An anastomosis of the remaining jejunum to the colon can allow PN to be stopped.

Factors Associated With Efficacy of Nurse-led Bowel Training of Patients With Chronic Constipation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear whether nurse-led bowel training (NBT), an individually tailored biofeedback strategy designed to improve the physiological process of defecation by operant conditioning and trial and error learning, is effective for patients with chronic constipation. We assessed the ability of NBT to reduce symptoms and increase quality of life in patients with constipation at a large tertiary medical center. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 347 patients (median age, 50 years) who underwent a median 3 sessions of NBT for chronic constipation from January 2011 through December 2013 at St Marks Hospital in the United Kingdom. The NBT comprised a combination of sensory retraining, pelvic floor conditioning, and advice on diet and toileting behavior. Data on patient demographics (age, sex, type of constipation) were collected alongside their assessments of constipation, which were based on Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) and patient satisfaction scores. We performed binary logistic regression analysis. Each variable was tested first at the univariate level; those with significance (P < .10) were included in a multivariate model. RESULTS: At the end of NBT, 62.5% of the patients (217/347) reported reduced symptoms, and 40.2% of the patients (41/102) reported a reduction of at least 1 point on the PAC-QoL score. The mean PAC-QoL scores before and after NBT were 2.42 and 1.41, respectively (P = .001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-2.87; P = .042), greater number of sessions (OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 2.09-8.20; P < .001), and non-irrigation (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.89-10.19; P = .001) were independent predictors of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Data collected immediately after patients with chronic constipation received NBT indicate that it is an effective treatment for most patients. Older patients with dyssynergic defecation benefit most from at least 4 sessions.

Pudendal nerve stimulation for bowel dysfunction in complete cauda equina syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) aims to maximize afferent or efferent stimulation from the sacral plexus. BACKGROUND: We hypothesized this may be a promising new treatment for patients with bowel dysfunction in complete cauda equina syndrome (CES). METHODS: Thirteen patients with complete CES [8 constipation predominant (group 1) and 5 incontinence predominant (group 2)] had a 3-week trial of PNS. Patients who showed a 50% or more improvement in symptoms during the trial phase proceeded to permanent neurostimulator implantation. RESULTS: Five (63%) of the 8 patients in group 1 showed a 50% or more improvement in bowel symptoms during the trial phase and were permanently implanted. The mean Cleveland Clinic constipation score, sense of incomplete evacuation (%), and straining during defecation (%) improved from 17 ± 3.2 to 10 ± 4.5, 94 ± 18% to 30 ± 35%, and 81 ± 23% to 44 ± 38%, respectively. All 5 patients in group 2 showed a 50% or more reduction in incontinent episodes during the trial phase. The mean St Mark's score, ability to defer defecation, and the number of incontinent episodes per week improved from 18 ± 1.0 to 3.8 ± 2.5, 2.2 ± 1.8 to 11 ± 5.5 minutes, and 9.4 ± 10.7 to 0.4 ± 0.5 episodes, respectively, per week. During a median follow-up of 12 (10-22) months of permanent implantation, one patient lost efficacy at 6 months due to lead migration and another required removal and reimplantation of the neurostimulator due to wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: PNS is an effective treatment in the short term for bowel dysfunction in some patients with complete CES.

Bilateral transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral posterior tibial nerve stimulation has been shown to improve fecal incontinence in the short term. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation is believed to work by stimulation of the ascending afferent spinal pathways. Bilateral stimulation may activate more of these pathways. This may lead to an improved therapeutic effect. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of bilateral transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence. DESIGN: This was a single-group pilot prospective study. SETTING: The study was conducted from June 2012 to September 2012 at the authors' institution. PATIENTS: Twenty patients with fecal incontinence were recruited consecutively. Conservative therapy had failed to improve the fecal incontinence in all 20 patients. INTERVENTION: All patients received 30 minutes of daily bilateral stimulation for 6 weeks. The bilateral stimulation was administered by each patient at home. No further stimulation was given after 6 weeks, and the patients were followed up until their symptoms returned to the prestimulation state (baseline). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome measure was a change in the frequency of incontinent episodes per week. RESULTS: Seventeen patients completed 6 weeks of treatment. Two patients achieved complete continence. Ten (59%) achieved a ≥50% reduction in frequency of incontinent episodes. Overall, there was a significant reduction in median (interquartile range) frequency of incontinent episodes per week of 6 (8.25) to 2 (7.25) (p = 0.03). There was a significant improvement in the ability to defer defecation from 3 (4) to 5 (8) minutes (p = 0.03). There was no change in the St Mark's incontinence score. One domain of the Rockwood fecal incontinence quality-of-life score and of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 score improved significantly. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small size and its lack of blinding and control. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation appears to be a cheap and effective treatment for fecal incontinence. It can easily be used by the patient at home.