Traumatismo anorrectal contuso. Reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Blunt anorectal trauma. Case reportand literature review

Introducción: El traumatismo anorrectal es una causa poco frecuente de consulta al servicio de emergencias, con una incidencia del 1 al 3%. A menudo está asociado a lesiones potencialmente mortales, por esta razón, es fundamental conocer los principios de diagnóstico y tratamiento, así como los protocolos de atención inicial de los pacientes politraumatizados. Método: Reportamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 47 años con trauma anorrectal contuso con compromiso del esfínter anal interno y externo, tratado con reparación primaria del complejo esfinteriano con técnica de overlapping, rafia de la mucosa, submucosa y muscular del recto. A los 12 meses presenta buena evolución sin incontinencia anal. Conclusión: El tratamiento del trauma rectal, basado en el dogma de las 4 D (desbridamiento, derivación fecal, drenaje presacro, lavado distal) fue exitoso. La técnica de overlapping para la lesión esfinteriana fue simple y efectiva para la reconstrucción anatómica y funcional. (AU)

Introduction: Anorectal trauma is a rare cause of consultation to the Emergency Department, with an incidence of 1 to 3%. It is often associated with life-threatening injuries, so it is essential to know the principles of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the initial care protocols for the polytrau-matized patient. Methods: We present the case of a 47-year-old man with a blunt anorectal trauma involving the internal and external anal sphincter, treated with primary overlapping repair of the sphincter complex and suturing of the rectal wall. At 12 months the patient presents good outcome, without anal incontinence. Conclusion: The treatment of rectal trauma, based on the 4 D ́s dogma (debridement, fecal diversion, presacral drainage, distal rectal washout lavage) was successful. Repair of the overlapping sphincter injury was simple and effective for anatomical and functional reconstruction. (AU)

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)

Sampling reflex as a new manometric marker in the diagnosis of defecation disorders: systematic review

Introduction: Distension of the rectum wall and subsequent momentary relaxation of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) trigger a reflex called the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). This same rectal distension causes a reflex contraction of the external anal sphincter (EAS), responsible for conscious continence called rectoanal excitatory reflex (RAER). This set of reflexes are named sampling reflex. Objectives: The sampling reflex is necessary to initiate defecation or flatulence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sampling reflex and its practical applicability as a manometric marker of the main defecation disorders. Methodology: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) items. The development method consisted of searching for articles in the research platforms BVS, PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO and ScienceDirect and for the selection of articles the Rayyan Platform was used. The articles resulting from the search strategies were added to the platform and five collaborators were invited for the blind selection. Finally, 6 articles were included in the final review. Results: An intact sampling reflex allows the individual to facilitate discrimination between flatus and stool and to choose whether to discharge or retain rectal contents. On the other hand, an impaired sampling reflex can predispose an individual to incontinence. Therefore, it was observed that patients with defecation disorders had an impaired sampling reflex, since it was found that constipated patients have incomplete opening of the IAS, lower amplitude of RAIR and increase of RAER. Most incontinent patients present a failure in the recruitment of the EAS, a decrease in the RAER and an increase in the RAIR, in duration and amplitude. (AU)

Clinical-epidemiological characterization of human anal papilloma virus infection coloproctology unit: Central University Hospital Dr. "Antonio Maria Pineda"

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted viral diseases. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the purpose of clinically and epidemiologically characterizing anal HPV infection in patients who attended the Benign Orificial Pathology Consultation of the Coloproctological Unit at the Dr. "Antonio María Pineda" Central University Hospital, during the period March 2022 -February 2023, by selecting 288 patients whose average age was 47.09 ± 14.61 years, being the 41-50 years old group (29.17%) and the 51-60 years old group (19.44%) the most affected groups by pathologies of the anal region, with a predominance of male (54.17%). The sociodemographic characteristics with the highest frequency included married (48.61%) and single (47.22%); secondary level of education (44.44%) and traders (18.05%) and housewives (15, 28%) as predominant occupations. The risk factors were represented by onset of sexual intercourse between 16-20 years of age (65.28%), heterosexuality (91.67%), 22.22% reported having anal sex and 5.56% oral sex. Likewise, 5.56% were reported with a history of genital HPV and 4.17% were HIV positive. In addition, 48.61% stated not to use condoms. The initial clinical diagnosis included hemorrhoidal disease (30.55%), anal fistula (25%) and anal fissure (18.05%), and one patient (1.39%) with anal HPV infection. Anal cytology results showed 8.33% flat epithelial cells with cytopathic changes suggestive of HPV infection and 1.39% squamous cells with cytopathic changes suggestive of HPV infection: 50% mild inflammatory negative for malignancy and 33.33% flat epithelial cells without atypia. In conclusion, the anal cytology investigation should continue to determine the actual frequency of anal HPV infection. (AU)

Cutting of sphincter in fistulectomy with primary closure in complex fistula-in-ano: is it feasible?

Introduction: Treatment of complex fistulas such as inter- or transsphincteric, recurrent, and high fistulae have high rate of recurrence or incontinence. Fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction might represent an effective and safe alternative to reduce rate of recurrence and incontinence. The aim of this study is to assess incontinence and recurrence after fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction for management of complex fistulas. Material and Methods: There were 60 patients with complex fistulae involving the sphincter, with 56 male and 4 female, mean age 40.6 years, operated by fistulectomy and primary sphincter repair over a period of 7 years. Patients were followed up for 6months for any complications, recurrence, and incontinence. Results: The majority of patients (50, 83.3%) had complete wound healing in 2 weeks, while 4 (6.6%) patients had hematoma and superficial wound dehiscence, which were managed conservatively and healed in 4 weeks. There was one recurrence. All patients had good continence postoperatively, except for mild fecal incontinence (FI, score 3), seen in 6 (10%) patients. However, all these patients regained continence within 6 weeks. Conclusions: Primary reconstruction of anal sphincter with fistulectomy is a safe option for complex fistula-in-ano. (AU)

Histoplasmosis in the anal canal: case report and literature review

We herein present the case of a patient with anal condylomatosis concomitant with histoplasmosis, whose diagnosis was only possible through the collection of material and the subsequent evidence of a primary pulmonary focus. Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease whose contamination occurs through the respiratory route, and it can spread to the digestive tract, but the anus is rarely affected. It is important to have a high degree of suspicion to make the diagnosis, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

Sexually transmitted infections lesions found during colonoscopies

Introduction: Anal examination and videoanoscopy (VA) are rarely performed during colonoscopies. In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in lesions of sexually transmitted anal and rectal infections, but these conditions are not noticed or reported during routine colonoscopy. Objective: To raise awareness regarding the fortuitous findings of lesions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in colonoscopy exams and to demonstrate that anal examination and VA provide important information and should be routinely performed. Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study in 16,132 patients screened by colonoscopy and VA between 2006 and 2018. Among numerous other findings, the presence of anal condylomata and sexually transmitted retitis or perianal dermatitis was observed. The rates of each finding were calculated, and the patients were subdivided by sex and into age groups by blocks of ten years. Results: Among the 16,132 colonoscopies performed, 26 cases of condyloma (0.16%) and 50 cases of proctitis or perianal dermatitis suspicious for STI (0.33%) were found. Conclusion: Performing anal examination and VA systematically in all routine colonoscopies enabled the identification of numerous anal conditions, including several fortuitous cases of STIs. The study proposes that anal examination and VA should be performed in all routine colonoscopies and, in suspected cases, complementary tests for STIs. (AU)

Identification and reporting of anal pathology during routine colonoscopies

The gold-standard procedure for anal canal examination is anoscopy. Nonetheless, patients are referred for a colonoscopy for many reasons, and a routine exam might provide an opportunity to diagnose anal pathologies, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal polyps, condylomas, and anal squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to know the main features of these conditions and relevant information to report in order to help guide patient treatment and follow-up.

Manejo Clínico ­ Quirúrgico de pacientes con Fisura Anal en la Unidad de Coloproctología del HECAM / Clinical-Surgical Management of patients with Anal Fissure in the Unit HECAM Coloproctology

La fisura anal es una de las enfermedades más antiguamente descritas, la misma que, ha tenido hasta el momento múltiples tratamientos tanto médicos como quirúrgicos, existiendo controversias en su algoritmo terapéutico. Constituye una de las patologías cuyo diagnóstico y tratamiento corresponde a la Especialidad de Coloproctología, afecta a ambos sexos y a cualquier edad y puede ser aguda o crónica. Proponemos el presente Protocolo para un adecuado manejo de la patología, de manera que sirva de guía en la toma correcta de decisiones basadas en la evidencia y el consenso de quienes integramos la Unidad Técnica de Coloproctología del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín.

Anal fissure is one of the oldest described diseases, which has so far had multiple medical and surgical treatments, with controversies in its therapeutic algorithm. It is one of the pathologies whose diagnosis and treatment corresponds to the Coloproctology Specialty, it affects both sexes and any age and can be acute or chronic. We propose the present Protocol for an adequate management of the pathology, so that it serves as a guide in the correct decision making based on evidence and consensus of those who integrate the Technical Unit of Coloproctology of the Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín.

Diferencias en la duración del reflejo rectoanal inhibitorio en pacientes con constipación funcional refractaria y mielomeningocele / Differences in rectoanal inhibitory reflex duration between patients with refractory functional constipation and myelomeningocele

Introducción. Habitualmente, durante la manometría anorrectal, en lo correspondiente al reflejo rectoanal inhibitorio (RRAI) solo se pesquisa su presencia o ausencia. Estudios han reportado que su análisis detallado puede brindar datos de interés. Nuestra hipótesis es que la medición del RRAI puede dar información para reconocer causas orgánicas (médula anclada, lipoma, etc.) en pacientes en los que previamente se consideró como de causa funcional. Objetivos. Comparar la duración del reflejo rectoanal inhibitorio en la manometría anorrectal de pacientes con constipación funcional refractaria (CFR) y mielomeningocele (MMC). Población y métodos. Estudio observacional, transversal, analítico (2004-2019). Pacientes constipados crónicos con incontinencia fecal funcional y orgánica (mielomeningocele). Se les realizó manometría anorrectal con sistema de perfusión de agua y se midió la duración del RRAI con diferentes volúmenes (20, 40 y 60 cc). Grupo 1 (G1): 81 CFR. Grupo 2 (G2): 54 MMC. Se excluyeron pacientes con retraso madurativo, esfínter anal complaciente, agenesia sacra y aquellos no colaboradores. Resultados. Se incluyeron 135 sujetos (62 varones). La mediana de edad fue G1:9,57 años; G2: 9,63 años. Duración promedio G1 vs. G2 con 20 cc: 8,89 vs. 15,21 segundos; con 40 cc: 11.41 vs. 21,12 segundos; con 60 cc: 14,15 vs. 26,02 segundos. La diferencia de duración del RRAI entre ambos grupos con diferentes volúmenes fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,0001). Conclusión. La duración del RRAI aumenta a mayor volumen de insuflación del balón en ambas poblaciones. Pacientes con MMC tuvieron mayor duración del RRAI que aquellos con CFR. En los pacientes con RRAI prolongado, debe descartarse lesión medular.

Introduction. Usually, during anorectal manometry, only the presence or absence of rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) is investigated. Studies have reported that a detailed analysis may provide data of interest. Our hypothesis is that RAIR measurement may provide information to detect organic causes (tethered cord, lipoma, etc.) in patients in whom a functional cause had been previously considered. Objectives. To compare RAIR duration in anorectal manometry between patients with refractory functional constipation (RFC) and myelomeningocele (MMC). Population and methods. Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study (2004­2019). Patients with chronic constipation and functional and organic fecal incontinence (myelomeningocele). The anorectal manometry was performed with a water-perfused system, and the duration of RAIR was measured with different volumes (20, 40, and 60 cc). Group 1 (G1): 81 RFC. Group 2 (G2): 54 MMC. Patients with developmental delay, compliant anal sphincter, sacral agenesis and non-cooperative patients were excluded. Results. A total of 135 individuals were included (62 were male). Their median age was 9.57 years in G1 and 9.63 years in G2. Average duration in G1 versus G2 with 20 cc: 8.89 versus 15.21 seconds; 40 cc: 11.41 versus 21.12 seconds; 60 cc: 14.15 versus 26.02 seconds. The difference in RAIR duration with the varying volumes was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusion. RAIR duration was longer with increasing balloon inflation volumes in both populations. RAIR duration was longer in patients with MMC than in those with RFC. Spinal injury should be ruled out in patients with prolonged RAIR.

Condiloma ano-perineal en una niña de 2 años, 8 meses y tratamiento con podofilina en combinación con ácido glicirricínico y ácido tricloroacético. Reporte de caso / Ano-perineal condyloma in a girl aged 2 years, 8 months and treatment with podophyllin in combination with glycyrrhizinic acid and trichloroacetic acid. Case report

Introducción: Los condilomas o verrugas anogenitales son secundarios a una infección causada por el virus del papiloma humano en sitios específicos, como la piel de la región anogenital, en las mucosas vaginal y anal. Es una infección de transmisión sexual rara en la edad pediátrica, muy frecuente entre los adultos y adolescentes sexualmente activos; la causa en los infantes, sin descartar el abuso sexual podría ser: 1. En el momento del parto, en la etapa neonatal y durante los primeros años; 2. Autoinoculación o hetero-inoculación de los genitales de otros niños, de adultos, familiares como la madre o cuidadores. Podría manifestarse como pequeños papilomas o crecimientos verrugosos en la piel anogenital, en la mucosa de la vagina o el ano. Este caso tiene importancia clínica ya que los tratamientos convencionales presentan recidivas a corto plazo y muchos de ellos no son bien tolerados por los pequeños pacientes. Hay tratamientos agresivos como la criocirugía; el uso de medicamentos costosos como el Imiquimod; sin embargo, las reci-divas son muy frecuentes con estos tratamientos convencionales.Objetivo: Describir el uso de un esquema de terapia de tratamiento con podofilina en combina-ción con ácido glicirricínico y ácido tricloroacético, en una paciente pediátrica con diagnóstico de condiloma ano-perineal, para ayudar a disminuir las recidivas, los costos y sobre todo los efectos psicológicos que provocan los métodos dolorosos en los pequeños pacientes. Presentación del caso: Paciente que presentó lesiones verrucosas, puntiagudos en la región ano-perineal; y, luego de haber sido intervenida en un centro de salud por varios días mediante la topicación sobre las lesiones una solución de ácido tricloro acético a 5% combinada con podofi-lina al 50%; sin embargo, el cuadro se exacerbó extendiéndose las lesiones hasta cerca del área genital. Luego de lo cual acudió a nuestra consulta, donde además de la combinación anterior, más la adición de ácido glicirricinico tópico y logrando a los 30 días la remisión de las lesiones.Conclusiones y recomendaciones: La combinación de una sustancia corrosiva, el ácido tricloro acético, con una sustancia que detiene la multiplicación celular como la podofilina; y el ácido glicirricinico el cual disminuye la replicación de los virus en un estadio temprano, impide la salida del virión de su cápside y con esto su penetración a las células. La aplicación de esta triple terapia mejoró los resultados para condilomatosis en pacientes pediátricos.

Introduction: Anogenital condylomas or warts are secondary to an infection caused by the human papillomavirus in specific sites, such as the skin of the anogenital region, in the vaginal and anal mucosa. It is a rare sexually transmitted infection in pediatric age, very common among sexually active adults and adolescents; The cause in infants, without ruling out sexual abuse, could be: 1. At the time of birth, in the neonatal stage and during the first years; 2. Autoinoculation or he-tero-inoculation of the genitals of other children, adults, family members such as the mother or caregivers. It could manifest as small papillomas or warty growths on the anogenital skin, on the mucosa of the vagina or anus. This case has clinical importance since conventional treatments present short-term recurrences and many of them are not well tolerated by young patients. There are aggressive treatments such as cryosurgery; the use of expensive medications such as Imiqui-mod; However, recurrences are very common with these conventional treatments.Objective: To describe the use of a treatment regimen with podophyllin in combination with glycyrr-hizinic acid and trichloroacetic acid, in a pediatric patient diagnosed with anoperineal condyloma, to help reduce recurrences, costs and, above all, psychological effects. that painful methods cause in young patients.Case presentation: The patient presents sharp, verrucous lesions in the ano-perineal region; and, after having been operated on in a health center for several days by topicalizing a 5% trichloroace-tic acid solution combined with 50% podophyllin on the lesions; However, the condition worsened, with the lesions extending close to the genital area. After which he came to our consultation, where in addition to the previous combination, plus the addition of topical glycyrrhizinic acid and achie-ving remission of the lesions after 30 days.Conclusions and recomendations: The combination of a corrosive substance, trichloroacetic acid, with a substance that stops cell multiplication such as podophyllin; and glycyrrhizinic acid, which decreases virus replication at an early stage, prevents the release of the virion from its cap-sid and thus its penetration into the cells. The application of this triple therapy improved the results for condylomatosis in pediatric patients.

Analysis of the causes of long-standing pelvic anterior sacral space infection and discussion of management techniques / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the causes and management of long-term persistent pelvic presacral space infection. Methods: Clinical data of 10 patients with persistent presacral infection admitted to the Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2015 to October 2020 were collected. Different surgical approaches were used to treat the presacral infection according to the patients' initial surgical procedures. Results: Among the 10 patients, there were 2 cases of presacral recurrent infection due to rectal leak after radiotherapy for cervical cancer, 3 cases of presacral recurrent infection due to rectal leak after radiotherapy for rectal cancer Dixons, and 5 cases of presacral recurrent infection of sinus tract after adjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer Miles. Of the 5 patients with leaky bowel, 4 had complete resection of the ruptured nonfunctional bowel and complete debridement of the presacral infection using an anterior transverse sacral incision with a large tipped omentum filling the presacral space; 1 had continuous drainage of the anal canal and complete debridement of the presacral infection using an anterior transverse sacral incision. 5 post-Miles patients all had debridement of the presacral infection using an anterior transverse sacral incision combined with an abdominal incision. The nine patients with healed presacral infection recovered from surgery in 26 to 210 days, with a median time of 55 days. Conclusions: Anterior sacral infections in patients with leaky gut are caused by residual bowel secretion of intestinal fluid into the anterior sacral space, and in post-Miles patients by residual anterior sacral foreign bodies. An anterior sacral caudal transverse arc incision combined with an abdominal incision is an effective surgical approach for complete debridement of anterior sacral recalcitrant infections.

Dong's extraordinary point needling technique combined with medication for postoperative complications of anal fistula: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of Dong's extraordinary point needling technique on postoperative complications of anal fistula.@*METHODS@#A total of 241 patients undergoing anal fistula surgery were randomly divided into an observation group (121 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (120 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the control group were treated with intramuscular injection of compound diclofenac sodium injection and oral administration of tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained release capsules. In addition to the treatment in the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with Daoma needling technique at the "Sanqi points" (Qimen point, Qijiao point, and Qizheng point) combined with Dongqi needling technique at "Sanhuang points" (sub-Tianhuang point, Dihuang point, Renhuang point), with each session lasting 30 min. The treatment in the two groups both started on the first day after surgery, and was given once daily for 14 consecutive days. Visual analog scale (VAS) score was compared between the two groups on postoperative day 1, 7, and 14; bladder residual urine volume, spontaneous voiding volume, and urinary catheterization frequency were assessed after treatment on postoperative day 1; and anorectal dynamic indexes (anal canal resting pressure, rectal resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure of the anal canal, and minimum rectal sensory threshold) were evaluated before surgery and on postoperative day 4. Clinical efficacy was assessed in both groups one month after surgery.@*RESULTS@#On postoperative day 7 and 14, the VAS scores of both groups were lower than those on postoperative day 1 (P<0.05), and the VAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The bladder residual urine volume and urinary catheterization frequency in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the spontaneous voiding volume was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). On postoperative day 4, the anal canal resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure of the anal canal, and the minimum rectal sensory threshold were lower than preoperative values (P<0.05), while the rectal resting pressure was higher than preoperative value (P<0.05) in both groups. The anal canal resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure of the anal canal, and minimum rectal sensory threshold were lower than those in the control group, and the rectal resting pressure was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The effective rate was 93.2% (110/118) in the observation group, which was higher than 84.7% (100/118) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Dong's extraordinary point needling technique could reduce postoperative pain, alleviate urinary retention, and improve defecation in patients undergoing anal fistula surgery.

Cross-sectional study of low anterior resection syndrome in patients who have survived more than 5 years after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients who had survived for more than 5 years after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer and to analyze its relationship with postoperative time. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study. The study cohort comprised patients who had survived for at least 5 years (60 months) after undergoing sphincter- preserving radical resection of pathologically diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma within 15 cm of the anal verge in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital from January 2005 to May 2016. Patients who had undergone local resection, had permanent stomas, recurrent intestinal infection, local recurrence, history of previous anorectal surgery, or long- term preoperative defecation disorders were excluded. A LARS questionnaire was administered by telephone interview, points being allocated for incontinence for flatus (0-7 points), incontinence for liquid stools (0-3 points), frequency of bowel movements (0-5 points), clustering of stools (0-11 points), and urgency (0-16 points). The patients were allocated to three groups based on these scores: no LARS (0-20 points), minor LARS (21-29 points), and major LARS (30-42 points). The prevalence of LARS and major LARS in patients who had survived more than 5 years after surgery, correlation between postoperative time and LARS score, and whether postoperative time was a risk factor for major LARS and LARS symptoms were analyzed. Results: The median follow-up time of the 160 patients who completed the telephone interview was 97 (60-193) months; 81 (50.6%) of them had LARS, comprising 34 (21.3%) with minor LARS and 47 (29.4%) with major LARS. Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between LARS score and postoperative time (correlation coefficient α=-0.016, P=0.832). Multivariate analysis identified anastomotic height (RR=0.850, P=0.022) and radiotherapy (RR=5.760, P<0.001) as independent risk factors for major LARS; whereas the postoperative time was not a significant risk factor (RR=1.003, P=0.598). The postoperative time was also not associated with LARS score rank and frequency of bowel movements, clustering, or urgency (P>0.05). However, the rates of incontinence for flatus (3/31, P=0.003) and incontinence for liquid stools (8/31, P=0.005) were lower in patients who had survived more than 10 years after surgery. Conclusions: Patients with rectal cancer who have survived more than 5 years after sphincter-preserving surgery still have a high prevalence of LARS. We found no evidence of major LARS symptoms resolving over time.

Chinese expert consensus on intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer (2023 edition) / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is the ultimate sphincter-preserving surgical technique for low rectal cancer. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging, appropriate selection of surgical approaches and technique, standardized perioperative management, and postoperative rehabilitation are the keys to ensuring the oncological effect and functional preservation of ISR. To date, there is still a lack of standardized guidance on the clinical implementation of ISR in China. Therefore, based on the latest evidence from literature, expert experience, and the intervention situation in China, the Chinese Society of Colorectal Surgery, Chinese Society of Surgery, Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts in colorectal surgery to discuss and produce "Chinese expert consensus on intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer (2023 edition)". This consensus focuses on definition, classification, related pelvic anatomy, operational techniques, postoperative complications, and long-term oncological and functional outcomes, and aims to guide the standardized clinical practice of ISR in the operation of low rectal cancer in China.

Perioperative management and operative treatment of malignant tumor of anal canal merging severe abdominal protuberance / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To report the perioperative management and robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery results of one case with malignant tumor of anal canal combined with severe abdominal distention. Methods: A 66-year-old male suffer from adenocarcinoma of anal canal (T3N0M0) with megacolon, megabladder and scoliosis. The extreme distention of the colon and bladder result in severe abdominal distention. The left diaphragm moved up markedly and the heart was moved to the right side of the thoracic cavity. Moreover, there was also anal stenosis with incomplete intestinal obstruction. Preoperative preparation: fluid diet, intravenous nutrition and repeated enema to void feces and gas in the large intestine 1 week before operation. Foley catheter was placed three days before surgery and irrigated with saline. After relief of abdominal distention, robotic-assisted abdominoperineal resection+ subtotal colectomy+colostomy was performed. Results: Water intake within 6 hours post-operatively; ambulance on Day 1; anal passage of gas on Day 2; semi-fluid diet on Day 3; safely discharged on Day 6. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery is safe and feasible for patients with malignant tumor of anal canal combined with severe abdominal distention after appropriate and effective preoperative preparation to relieve abdominal distention.

Advances in functional assessment and bowel rehabilitation following intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) has been performed as an ultimate sphincter-sparing strategy in selected patients with low rectal cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that ISR may be an interesting alternative to abdominoperineal resection to avoid a permanent stoma without compromising oncological outcomes. However, bowel dysfunction is a most common consequence of ISR not to be neglected. To date, limited clinical research has reported functional and quality of life outcomes according to patient-reported outcome measures. Also, data concerning management of low anterior resection syndrome are scarce due to lack of quality evidence. Therefore, this review provides an up-to-date summary of systematic assessment (including function, quality of life, manometry and morphology) and bowel rehabilitation for ISR patients. Postoperative anal function is often assessed by a combination of scales, including the Incontinence Assessment Scale, the Gastrointestinal Function Questionnaire, the Specific LARS Assessment Scale and the Faecal Diary. The condition-specific Quality of Life Scale is more appropriate for Quality-of-life measures in fecal incontinence after ISR. Patients' physiological function after ISR can be assessed using water- or high-resolution solid-state anorectal manometry. Anatomical and morphological changes can be assessed using defecography and 3D endorectal ultrasound. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback, pelvic floor exercises, rectal balloon training, transanal irrigation and sacral neuromodulation are all options for post-operative rehabilitation.

Meta-analysis comparing long-term outcomes of intersphincteric resection versus abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To compare the long-term outcomes of intersphincteric (trans-internal and external) sphincter resection (ISR) and abdominoperineal proctocolectomy (APR) for low-grade rectal cancer. Methods: We used a meta-analytic approach to compare these procedures . Published reports comparing ISR and APR for low rectal cancer in Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database, and Vipers databases between January 2005 and January 2023 were searched and those meeting the eligibility criteria were selected for extraction of data for analysis. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) all reports comparing ISR and APR for low rectal cancer before January 2023; and (2) prospective randomized controlled studies or well-designed cohort studies. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) full text not available; (2) duplicate publications, missing primary outcome indicators, and unknown data; and (3) invalid statistical analysis. Results: Sixteen studies with 2498 patients were included in this study. Compared with the APR group, patients in the ISR group were relatively younger (weighted mean difference [WMD]=-1.82, 95%CI=-2.94 to -0.70, P=0.01), had tumors farther from the anal verge (WMD=0.43, 95%CI=0.18 to 0.67, P<0.01), and lower pathological T-stage (T3-4 stage: OR=0.54, 95%CI=0.36 to 0.81, P<0.01). In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender (P=0.78), body mass index (P=0.77), or pathological N stage (P=0.09). Compared with the APR group, patients in the ISR group had a lower rate of postoperative complications (OR=0.77, 95%CI=0.60 to 0.99, P=0.04), shorter hospital stay (WMD=-4.30, 95%CI=-7.07 to -1.53, P<0.01), higher 5-year overall survival (HR=0.54, 95%CI=0.33 to 0.88, P=0.01), and higher 5-year disease-free survival (HR=0.65, 95%CI=0.47 to 0.90, P<0.01). Five-year locoregional failure (HR=0.66, 95%CI=0.40 to 1.10, P=0.11) and time to surgery (WMD=-9.71, 95%CI=-41.89 to 22.47, P=0.55) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: ISR is a safe and effective alternative to APR for early-stage low-grade rectal cancer.

Anatomical and histological investigation of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To document the anatomical structure of the area anterior to the anorectum passing through the levator hiatus between the levator ani slings bilaterally. Methods: Three male hemipelvises were examined at the Laboratory of Clinical Applied Anatomy, Fujian Medical University. (1) The anatomical assessment was performed in three ways; namely, by abdominal followed by perineal dissection, by examining serial cross-sections, and by examining median sagittal sections. (2) The series was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to enable identification of nerves, vessels, and smooth and striated muscles. Results: (1) It was found that the rectourethralis muscle is closest to the deep transverse perineal muscle where the longitudinal muscle of the rectum extends into the posteroinferior area of the membranous urethra. The communicating branches of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) were identified at the posterior edge of the rectourethralis muscle on both sides. The rectum was found to be fixed to the membranous urethra through the rectourethral muscle, contributing to the anorectal angle of the anterior rectal wall. (2) Serial cross-sections from the anal to the oral side were examined. At the level of the external anal sphincter, the longitudinal muscle of the rectum was found to extend caudally and divide into two muscle bundles on the oral side of the external anal sphincter. One of these muscle bundles angled dorsally and caudally, forming the conjoined longitudinal muscle, which was found to insert into the intersphincteric space (between the internal and external anal sphincters). The other muscle bundle angled ventrally and caudally, filling the gap between the external anal sphincter and the bulbocavernosus muscle, forming the perineal body. At the level of the superficial transverse perineal muscle, this small muscle bundle headed laterally and intertwined with the longitudinal muscle in the region of the perineal body. At the level of the rectourethralis and deep transverse perineal muscle, the external urethral sphincter was found to occupy an almost completely circular space along the membranous part of the urethra. The dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter was found to be thin at the point of attachment of the rectourethralis muscle, the ventral part of the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. We identified a venous plexus from the NVB located close to the oral and ventral side of the deep transverse perineal muscle. Many vascular branches from the NVB were found to be penetrating the longitudinal muscle and the ventral part of rectourethralis muscle at the level of the apex of the prostate. The rectourethral muscle was wrapped ventrally around the membranous urethra and apex of the prostate. The boundary between the longitudinal muscle and prostate gradually became more distinct, being located at the anterior end of the transabdominal dissection plane. (3) Histological examination showed that the dorsal part of the external urethral sphincter (striated muscle) is thin adjacent to the striated muscle fibers from the deep transverse perineal muscle and the NVB dorsally and close by. The rectourethral muscle was found to fill the space created by the internal anal sphincter, deep transverse perineal muscle, and both levator ani muscles. Many tortuous vessels and tiny nerve fibers from the NVB were identified penetrating the muscle fibers of the deep transverse perineal and rectourethral muscles. The structure of the superficial transverse perineal muscle was typical of striated muscle. These findings were reconstructed three-dimensionally. Conclusions: In intersphincteric resection or abdominoperineal resection for very low rectal cancer, the anterior dissection plane behind Denonvilliers' fascia disappears at the level of the apex of the prostate. The prostate and both NVBs should be used as landmarks during transanal dissection of the non-surgical plane. The rectourethralis muscle should be divided near the rectum side unless tumor involvement is suspected. The superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, as well as their supplied vessels and nerve fibers from the NVB. In addition, the cutting direction should be adjusted according to the anorectal angle to minimize urethral injury.

Importance of comprehensive management of anastomotic site after ultra-low anal sphincter-preservation surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) surgery increases the rate of anal sphincter preservation in patients with ultra-low rectal cancers. However, the anastomotic site of ISR surgery is at risk for structural healing complications such as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic dehiscence, secondary anastomotic stenosis, chronic presacral sinus, rectovaginal fistula, and rectourethral fistula, which can lead to a persistent defunctioning ostomy or a secondary permanent colostomy. This article systematically describes the preoperative high-risk factors and characteristics of anastomotic site structural healing complications after ISR surgery, as well as the management of the anastomotic site during various stages including hospitalization, from discharge to one month after surgery, from one month after surgery to before stoma reversal, and after stoma reversal. This is to provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with the anastomotic site at different stages of the healing process and to timely detect and actively manage related complications, thereby reducing the rate of permanent colostomy and truly achieving the dual goals of "survival benefit" and "quality of life improvement" in ISR surgery.