Desgarro agudo del esfínter anal postparto con reparación inmediata / Immediate repair of acute postpartum anal sphincter tear: case report

Las lesiones obstétricas del esfínter anal pueden ocurrir durante el parto vaginal espontáneamente o secundariamente a la episiotomía. Su riesgo se estima en un 26% y son la causa más frecuente de incontinencia anal en mujeres jóvenes. Las lesiones de grado 4 de Sultan, también llamadas cloaca traumática, implican la ruptura completa del esfínter y la comunicación de la cavidad vaginal con el canal anal. La reparación es siempre quirúrgica, para lo que se han descrito diferentes técnicas, aunque ninguna ha demostrado ser superior. Presentamos el caso de una paciente primípara de 23 años con una cloaca traumática posparto. La reparación quirúrgica se realizó de inmediato con una técnica de overlapping. El postoperatorio fue sin complicaciones y al año presenta continencia anal completa. (AU)

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries can occur spontaneously or as a consequence of an episiotomy during vaginal delivery. Their risk is estimated at 26% and they are the most frequent cause of anal incontinence in young women. Sultan grade 4 injuries, also called traumatic cloaca, involve complete rupture of the sphincter and communication of the vaginal cavity with the anal canal. The repair is always surgical, for which different techniques have been described, although none have proven to be superior. We present the case of a 23-year-old primiparous patient with a postpartum traumatic cloaca. Surgical repair was performed immediately with an overlapping technique. The postoperative period was without complications and one year later she presents complete anal continence. (AU)

Perianal complications in puerperium and associated risk factors

Introduction: Puerperium is defined as the period of about 6 weeks after childbirth during which the mother's reproductive organs return to their original nonpregnant condition. Perianal problems, including constipation, hemorrhoids, and fissure, are among the most common digestive complications among women in puerperium, observed in about 30 to 50 percent of women. Considering this great prevalence and the paucity of similar research in this aspect in an Indian population, the present study was done to assess the prevalence of perianal problems seen in puerperium and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study done over the span of 3 years on 902 puerperal women. A self-structured questionnaire covered detailed history and per-rectal and proctoscopy examination. Patients were followed up telephonically for regression of perianal problems post management. Results: The total prevalence of all the perianal problems in puerperium encountered in the present study, out of 902 subjects, was 36.3% (327 subjects). The perianal problems encountered were fissure in 185 patients (20.5%) followed by hemorrhoids in 110 patients (12.2%), perianal episiotomy infections in 25 patients (2.8%), and perineal tears in 7 patients (0.8%). On comparative analysis, positive family history, macrosomia, past history of perianal diseases, and second stage of labour > 50 minutes showed a higher prevalence in the perianal disease group as compared with the healthy group. Out of these, positive family history of perianal diseases (p= 0.015) and past history of perianal diseases (p= 0.016) were statistically significant. The percentage of multipara with hemorrhoids was more when compared to primipara (p= 0.01), patients who had a past history of any perianal disease have a higher chance of hemorrhoids during puerperium (p= 0.00). Patients with constipation in pregnancy have higher chance of hemorrhoids in pregnancy (p= 0.00). Patients who had a past history of any perianal disease had higher chance of fissure during puerperium (p= 0.00). A total of 27.74% of the study subjects with macrosomic babies had fissure in their puerperal period which on comparison with patients with non macrosomic babies was only 19.22%, which was statistically significant (p= 0.02). Conclusion: Constipation, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures are the most common perianal problems in postpartum period causing significant reduction in the quality of life of those afflicted with them. (AU)

Natural History of Anal Ulcerations in Pediatric-Onset Crohn's Disease: Long-Term Follow-Up of a Population-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Anal ulcerations are frequently observed in Crohn's disease (CD). However, their natural history remains poorly known, especially in pediatric-onset CD. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of CD before the age of 17 years between 1988 and 2011 within the population-based registry EPIMAD were followed retrospectively until 2013. At diagnosis and during follow-up, the clinical and therapeutic features of perianal disease were recorded. An adjusted time-dependent Cox model was used to evaluate the risk of evolution of anal ulcerations toward suppurative lesions. RESULTS: Among the 1,005 included patients (females, 450 [44.8%]; median age at diagnosis 14.4 years [interquartile range 12.0-16.1]), 257 (25.6%) had an anal ulceration at diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of anal ulceration at 5 and 10 years from diagnosis was 38.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.2-41.4) and 44.0% (95% CI 40.5-47.2), respectively. In multivariable analysis, the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.19-1.80, P = 0.0003) and upper digestive location (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.23-1.86, P < 0.0001) at diagnosis were associated with the occurrence of anal ulceration. Conversely, ileal location (L1) was associated with a lower risk of anal ulceration (L2 vs L1 HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11-2.06, P = 0.0087; L3 vs L1 HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.85, P = 0.0116). The risk of fistulizing perianal CD (pCD) was doubled in patients with a history of anal ulceration (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.45-2.74, P < 0.0001). Among the 352 patients with at least 1 episode of anal ulceration without history of fistulizing pCD, 82 (23.3%) developed fistulizing pCD after a median follow-up of 5.7 years (interquartile range 2.8-10.6). In these patients with anal ulceration, the diagnostic period (pre vs biologic era), exposure to immunosuppressants, and/or anti-tumor necrosis factor did not influence the risk of secondary anoperineal suppuration. DISCUSSION: Anal ulceration is frequent in pediatric-onset CD, with nearly half of patients presenting with at least 1 episode after 10 years of evolution. Fistulizing pCD is twice as frequent in patients with present or past anal ulceration.

Esfinterotomía lateral interna vs. toxina botulínica como tratamiento de la fisura anal / Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy versus Botulinum Toxin as Treatment of Anal Fissure

Introducción: La fisura anal crónica es una entidad frecuente que produce molestias durante y después de la defecación, su fisiopatología no es clara y su manejo es variado. La esfinterotomia lateral interna es una de las técnicas más utilizadas, aunque su elevado porcentaje de incontinencia no es aceptado y la inyección de toxina botulínica es una alternativa tentadora. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de la inyección de toxina botulínica tipo A con la esfinterotomia lateral interna para tratamiento de la fisura anal en cuanto a dolor postoperatorio, recurrencia, curabilidad e incontinencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte. A un grupo de 40 pacientes se trató con inyección de 50 UI de Toxina Botulínica tipo A y el otro grupo de 42 pacientes se le realizó esfinterotomia lateral interna. Los resultados se comparan estadísticamente para CI95 y error de 0,05. Resultados: La esfinterotomia vs toxina botulínica, resultó en cuanto a curabilidad en un 85,4 por ciento de los casos contra un 77,5 por ciento. Las recidivas se presentaron en 4,8 por ciento / 12,5 por ciento, la incontinencia ocurrió en 9,5 por ciento / 2,5 por ciento y el dolor posoperatorio estuvo presente en el 14,8 por ciento / 5,0 por ciento. Conclusiones: La esfinterotomia resultó mejor en cuanto a curabilidad y recidivas, mientras la aplicación de la toxina botulínica presentó mejores resultados en la incontinencia fecal y el dolor posoperatorio(AU)

Introduction: Chronic anal fissure is a frequent entity that produces discomfort during and after defecation. Its pathophysiology is not clear and its management is varied. Lateral internal sphincterotomy is one of the most used techniques, although its high percentage of incontinence is not accepted; botulinum toxin injection is therefore a tempting alternative. Objective: To compare the results of botulinum toxin type A injection or lateral internal sphincterotomy for treatment of anal fissure in terms of postoperative pain, recurrence, healing and incontinence. Methods: A cohort study was carried out. One group of 40 patients were treated with injection of 50 IU of botulinum toxin type A and another group of 42 patients underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. The results were statistically compared with a confidence interval of 95 percent and error of 0.05. Results: Sphincterotomy and botulinum toxin were effective in terms of healing in 85.4 percent and 77.5 percent of cases, respectively. Recurrences occurred in 4.8 percent and 12.5 percent of cases, respectively. Incontinence occurred in 9.5 percent and 2.5 percent of cases, respectively. Postoperative pain was present in 14.8 percent and 5.0 percent of cases, respectively. Conclusions: Sphincterotomy was better in terms of healing and recurrence, while botulinum toxin application showed better results regarding fecal incontinence and postoperative pain(AU)

Fisura anal: anatomía, patogenia y tratamiento / Anal fissure - anatomy, pathogenesis and treatment

RESUMEN La fisura anal es una patología proctológica frecuente caracterizada por un desgarro oval en el anoder mo que, si bien es pequeño, puede producir mucho dolor y angustia en el paciente. La etiología exacta aún se discute, pero está relacionada con una hipertonía del esfínter anal en la mayoría de los casos. El tratamiento inicial es médico, con fármacos que disminuyen el tono del esfínter anal. Las fisuras cróni cas generalmente requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. La esfinterotomía interna lateral tiene un elevado porcentaje de éxito y se considera el tratamiento de referencia. En este artículo haremos una revisión de la anatomía, fisiopatología y opciones terapéuticas actuales de las fisuras anales.

ABSTRACT Anal fissure is a common anorectal condition. While it often presents as a small oval tear in the anoderm, it can cause significant pain and anguish to the patient. The exact etiology is still debatable but increased anal tone is associated with most fissures. The initial management is medical with agents intended to reduce the anal tone. More chronic fissures usually require surgical intervention. Lateral internal sphincterotomy has a high success rates and is considered the gold standard of interventions. In this article we review the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology and contemporary treatment options for anal fissures.

A new theory on the cause of anal fissure - impaction theory / Uma nova teoria sobre a causa da fissura anal - teoria da impactação

ABSTRACT The internal hemorrhoid, rectal tumor, hypertrophic anal papilla, and secret fecal mass are regarded as the blocks embedded in the rectum. The above blocks hinder defecation, which will inevitably lead to excessive opening of the anal caliber. Once the limit is exceeded, the skin of the anal canal will tear and form anal fissure. Based on the study of historical evolution, hypothesis reasoning, clinical verification and comparison with other theories, a new concept of anal fissure etiology-impaction theory is proposed. The so-called impaction theory refers to the impaction (various primary lesions) in anorectum, which hinders defecation. When defecating, the anal canal expands beyond the limit, and the whole layer of anal canal skin splits, that is to say, anal fissure is formed.

RESUMO A hemorroida interna, o tumor retal, a papila anal hipertrófica e a massa fecal secreta são considerados os blocos incrustados no reto. Os bloqueios acima impedem a defecação, o que inevitavelmente levará a uma abertura excessiva do calibre anal. Uma vez que o limite é excedido, a pele do canal anal rasga e forma uma fissura anal. Com base no estudo da evolução histórica, raciocínio de hipóteses, verificação clínica e comparação com outras teorias, um novo conceito de etiologia da fissura anal - a teoria da impactação - é proposto. A chamada teoria da impactação refere-se à impactação (várias lesões primárias) no anorreto, o que dificulta a defecação. Na defecação, o canal anal se expande além do limite e toda a camada da pele do canal anal rasga, ou seja, forma-se a fissura anal.

Anal Fissure in Children.

Anal fissure is a common clinical problem in children and is defined as a longitudinal tear in the anal canal. The typical presentation is painful defecation and rectal bleeding. The etiology of anal fissure is unknown, but passage of hard stools and increased internal anal sphincter pressure are considered important factors. The treatment is oriented to relieve the spasm of the internal anal sphincter, which prevents healing of the fissure. Conservative management with stool softeners, topical analgesics, and sitz baths is recommended as first-choice therapy. Surgical treatment has been replaced by nonoperative management as definitive therapy, which is associated with a marginally higher success rate than placebo. Most recent studies have focused on nonoperative treatment with glyceryl trinitrate, calcium channel blockers, or botulinum toxin injection treatment. There are a few controlled studies to compare the different nonoperative treatment options in children. Success rates vary between the studies, and there is no clear evidence about which is the optimal nonoperative treatment. A significant recurrence rate has been reported after nonoperative management of anal fissure. It is important to treat constipation to avoid recurrent tears in the anal canal.

Perianal Abscesses and Fistulas in Infants and Children.

Perianal abscess (PA) and fistula-in-ano (FIA) are common entities in infancy. Although several hypotheses have been suggested, the pathogenesis of PA/FIA remains elusive. The natural course of these diseases in infancy is self-limiting in the majority of cases whereas older children show similarities to PA/FIA in adults. It is important to rule out rare differential diagnoses of PA/FIA such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), surgical complications after colorectal surgery, and immunodeficiencies. Treatment remains empiric, comprises conservative, as well as surgical approaches, and is dependent on the age of the patient. This review summarizes anatomical aspects, current evidence on disease pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of pediatric patients with PA and FIA.

Recommendations of the Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Spanish Working Group (GETECCU) for the treatment of perianal fistulas of Crohn's disease. / Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo de Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) para el tratamiento de las fístulas perianales de la enfermedad de Crohn.

Recommendations are advice that is given and considered to be beneficial; however, they are still suggestions and are therefore open to different interpretations. In this sense, the final objective of the review has been to try to homogenize, with the evidence available, the approach to the diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment of one of the most complex manifestations of Crohn's disease, such as simple and complex perianal fistulas.

Anal fissure management by the gastroenterologist.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anal fissures are very common. They are easy to diagnose and treat in the office setting. They may coexist with hemorrhoids. In fact 20% of patients with hemorrhoids have anal fissures also. The purpose of this review is to highlight current diagnosis and treatment of anal fissures using diet, ointments and botulinum toxin to enable healing. Medical treatment relies on reducing anal sphincter spasm to allow improved blood flow and healing. RECENT FINDINGS: Many anorectal disorders can be managed in the office. Most anal fissures can be managed without the need for surgery. The need for anorectal examination, including use of anoscopy is stressed in the current literature. The use of calcium channel blockers in preference to nitroglycerin is highlighted as well as the use of botulinum toxin when ointments don't work. SUMMARY: Anal fissure can be managed nonsurgically most of the time and gastroenterologists should be able to manage them. This article should help in preventing unnecessary surgery and its complications, mainly incontinence in a small but significant number. The search for more effective drugs and options for managing this disorder continues.

Fecal evacuation disorders in anal fissure, hemorrhoids, and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

The causative factors for hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) are poorly understood. The study was done to identify the prevalence of fecal evacuation disorders in patients with anal fissure, hemorrhoids, and SRUS using anorectal manometry (ARM). Retrospective analysis of ARM data from three centers across India was done. Baseline demographic details and symptoms pertaining to bowel movements were noted. Limited colonoscopy details pertaining to hemorrhoids, fissure-in-ano, and SRUS were noted. The patients were divided into two groups-group I (those with fissure, hemorrhoids, or solitary rectal ulcer) and group II (normal study). ARM parameters of resting anal pressure, squeeze pressure, dyssynergic defecation, and abnormal balloon expulsion were compared between the two groups. Sub-analysis was done for ARM metric differences between those with hemorrhoids, chronic fissure, and SRUS. Appropriate statistical tests were used. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. There were more men in group I (87%; p-value 0.01) with a higher resting anal pressure (80 vs. 69 mmHg, p-value 0.03). Functional evacuation disorders (p < 0.0001), dyssynergic defecation (77.2% vs. 46.8%, p < 0.0001) and abnormal balloon expulsion (66.7% vs. 20.3%, p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in group I. These were significantly more common in patients with anal fissure and SRUS compared to those with hemorrhoids (p-value 0.028). Functional evacuation disorders are frequently noted in patients with hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and SRUS.

[Chronic anal fissure: etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment]. / Khronicheskaia anal'naia treshchina: étiopatogenez, diagnostika, lechenie.

Etiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of anal fissure are examined in the article in order to determine the most optimal treatment strategy. The authors concluded that the most effective treatment is combined approach using both minimally invasive surgery and various medicines for anal spasm reduction.

[Cheilitis granulomatosa revealing Crohn's disease]. / Macro-chéilite granulomatose révélant une maladie de Crohn.

Many disorders of the digestive tract cause cutaneous manifestations that may be an indication of an underlying condition; hence dermatologist plays a key role in recommending that the patient see a gastroenterologist. Conversely, gastroenterologist often sees patients with mucocutaneous lesions suggesting possible association with well-known digestive disorders. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are the typical example of this essential collaboration between the two specialities. We report a case of Crohn's disease revealed by cheilitis granulomatosa. This study involved a 30-year old female patient followed up for cheilitis granulomatosa in the Department of Dermatology. Somatic examination was unremarkable apart from dermatologic lesions (indurated white faciolabial edema and diffuse gingivitis). Biopsy of the labial lesion revealed perivascular epithelioid and giant-cell granulomas without caseous necrosis. Ileocolonoscopy was performed due to suspected inflammatory colitis. It showed gaping and ulcerated Bauhin valve with slightly erythematous ileal mucosa. Anatomo-pathologic study objectified chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD) such as ileocolic Crohn's disease. Patient's evolution was marked by some episodes of rectal bleeding with anoperineal lesions 6 months later: a wide anterior anal fissure with aphthous ulceration 5 cm from the anal margin, complicated, a few weeks later, by the onset of perianal fistulized abscess requiring surgical drainage and seton installation. Hence the indication for thorough treatment of Crohn's disease after complete drying up of the abscess. Dermatologic lesions vary in patients with CIBD. In some cases, they occur in patients with IBD whereas, in other cases, they precede or accompany digestive manifestations, allowing diagnosis of sometimes clinically latent bowel disease.

[Proctology for internists]. / Proktologie für Internisten.

In proctology patients can often be helped with very little effort. With knowledge of the most common disease symptoms the treating physician can in many cases correctly recognize the cause of the complaints and initiate the appropriate therapy or arrange referral to a proctological institution. This article aims to briefly and succinctly present the most common diseases in proctology (e.g. mariscae, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal venous thrombosis, abscesses and fistulas, condyloma acuminatum and anal carcinoma) and to provide the treating internist, even outside of gastroenterology, assistance with the management of proctological symptoms.