[Current status and prospects of non-surgical treatment for fecal incontinence].

Fecal incontinence is a refractory disease in colorectal surgery. The main clinical manifestation is that patients cannot control the discharge of gas, solid or liquid feces in the rectum autonomously. It is easy to bring shame to patients and seriously affect their physical and mental health. Reducing the frequency of fecal incontinence, restoring anal sphincter function, and improving patient quality of life are important goals for treating fecal incontinence. With the development of medical technology and the improvement of treatment plans for fecal incontinence, patients with fecal incontinence usually undergo conservative treatment first, and if conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery can be chosen. Non-surgical treatment methods commonly used in clinical practice include biofeedback therapy, magnetic stimulation therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, anal sphincter training, Kegel training, and other rehabilitation treatments. This article discusses the non-surgical treatment methods for fecal incontinence, hoping to provide a choice for clinical treatment of fecal incontinence.

Comparative evaluation of enema alone and in combination with oral polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the value of using an enema alone for mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction (TPFR) in patients ≥65 years old. In total, 190 patients were included [81 in the enema group vs. 109 in the enema + polyethylene glycol (PEG) group]. The levels of serum potassium (p = .004) and calcium (p = .005) were higher in the enema group after surgery. The decrease in serum calcium was more significant in the enema + PEG group (p = .027). More patients in the enema + PEG group developed hypokalaemia (p = .035) or hypocalcaemia (p = .008) after surgery. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar and earlier bowel movement was evident in the enema group (p = .000). Overall, the enema group used more laxatives (p = .026). Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbances with no increase in surgical complications in elderly patients.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? TPFR is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly women. Bowel preparation performed before gynecological surgery can reduce surgical site infection, but increase discomfort and electrolyte disturbance.What do the results of this study add? The levels of serum potassium and calcium were lower in the enema + PEG group than in the enema group after surgery and more patients developed hypokalaemia or hypocalcaemia in the enema + PEG group. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar between the two groups. Bowel movement was earlier in the enema group.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbance and does not increase surgical complications. This conclusion needs to be confirmed by random controlled trial studies in the future.

Preoperative Music Listening in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of music listening on preoperative anxiety compared with usual care in patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Patients scheduled for pelvic reconstructive surgery were enrolled on the day of surgery. Participants were randomized to either the usual care (control group) or to music listening on headphones (music group) before their surgery. Participants completed the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y1 to measure baseline state anxiety levels before surgery and again after 30 minutes of usual care or music listening. The primary outcome was the change in state anxiety score as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y1. RESULTS: Sixty-nine women completed the study (35 assigned to the control group and 34 assigned to the music group). Analysis of the primary outcome included 66 participants (34 in the control group and 32 in the music group). Improvement in state anxiety was significantly better for patients assigned to music listening (-6.69; SD, 6.98) than for patients assigned to the control group (-1.32; SD, 8.03; P = 0.01). Six weeks postoperatively, patients in the music group (n = 29) reported higher overall satisfaction when compared with those in the control group (n = 31, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery present with moderate anxiety on the day of surgery. Allowing patients to listen to their preferred music is a simple intervention that may lower preoperative anxiety and improve satisfaction in this patient population.

[Usage evaluation of the biofeedback and electrical impulse stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles in patients after surgical correction of genital prolapse by the method of multi-parametric ultrasound]. / Otsenka primeneniya biologicheskoi obratnoi svyazi i elektroimpul'snoi stimulyatsii myshts tazovogo dna u patsientok posle khirurgicheskoi korrektsii genital'nogo prolapsa metodom mul'tiparametricheskogo ul'trazvukovogo issledovaniya.

Pelvic floor surgery is currently recognized as the only effective method for treating genital prolapse but it is not able to restore fully the qualitative characteristics of perineal tissues. The risk of recurrence of the pathological process in the long-term period remains a serious negative aspect. Optimization of pelvic floor rehabilitation after surgical correction of perineal ptosis remains an urgent problem in the female population. The validated method of questioning is a priority in assessing the dynamics of clinical manifestations of failure of the anatomical and functional structures of the pelvic floor, their impact on the life quality of patients before and after the biofeedback method (BFB therapy) and electrical impulse stimulation (EIS) of muscles. Multi-parametric ultrasound diagnostics of perineal tissues can confirm the improvement of the echo-structure of the anatomical and functional elements of the pelvic floor after the complex application of physiotherapeutic effects using modern high-tech hardware systems through an external feedback channel by means of acoustic, visual and tactile perception. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy and EIS of the neuromuscular apparatus of the pelvic floor in patients operated on for stage III, IV of genital prolapse using mesh implants by means of validated questionnaire survey and measuring the parameters of perineal tissues by the method of multi-parametric ultrasound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 187 women after surgical correction of stage III and IV genital prolapse according to POP-Q using mesh technologies. The 149 women underwent the observation program; 36 patients of the control group were recommended to modify their lifestyle; 113 patients of the main group - biofeedback therapy and EIS. The indicators of validated questionnaires (determination of the of perineal structures failure influence index on the life quality, ILQ) and ultrasound multi-parametric examination were assessed at baseline, 6 months and 1 year after the program of observation and rehabilitation. RESULTS: The clinical effectiveness of biofeedback therapy and EIS was confirmed by validated questionnaire: after 1 year, the ILQ in the control group decreased by 7.7%, in the main group - by 43.3% (p<0.05). Multi-parametric ultrasound assessment of perineal tissues after surgical correction of stages III and IV of genital prolapse showed a positive effect of conservative rehabilitation on the anatomical and functional structures of the pelvic floor. The diagnostic advantage of endo-anal sonography in the analysis of the echo-structure of the pelvic floor elements, detection of pathologies that cannot be scanned endo-vaginally and trans-perineally has been established. There were 2 (5.5%) cases of recurrence of genital prolapse in the control group; there were no relapsesamong the patients of the main group. CONCLUSION: The validated questioning for the ILQ and ultrasound multi-parametric study by measuring the parameters of perineal tissues confirmed the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy and EIS after surgical correction of stage III and IV genital prolapse using mesh technologies. Endo-anal sonography is essential in the examination of gynecological patients. The adherence to the monitoring and rehabilitation program was 79.6%.

Pelvic floor reconstructive surgery under local anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The decision on the appropriate type of anesthesia for pelvic floor repair depends on a variety of factors including patients' age, performance status, comorbidities, cost-effectiveness and personal preferences. We aim to review the literature on urogynecological procedures performed under local anesthesia (LA). METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted for articles published up to May 2020. Studies reporting outcomes of women who underwent pelvic floor reconstructive surgery under LA with or without sedation, were considered eligible. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (14 noncomparative and 5 comparative), including 1626 cases of urogynecological procedures under LA were recruited. Meta-analysis revealed significantly lower mean pain scores in LA group compared to general-regional anesthesia one (GA/RA) at both 4-6 h and 8-18 h postoperatively (160 patients; mean difference [MD], -1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.12, -0.28; p = 0.02 and 160 patients; MD, -0.72; 95% CI: -1.17, 0.27; p = 0.002, respectively). Pain scores at >24 h did not differ among the two groups (160 patients; MD, -0.28; 95% CI: -0.60-0.05; p = 0.10). Intra- and postoperatively morphine use was not different among patients who received LA and GA during prolapse surgery while nausea rates were significantly lower in LA group compared to RA group 8 h postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: LA with or without sedation represents a safe and efficient alternative anesthetic technique for urogynecological procedures with improved pain scores in up to 18 h postoperatively especially in patients who underwent surgery for SUI. LA is feasible and could be offered to patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery allowing a prompt postoperative recovery.

Cranberries after pelvic floor surgery for urinary tract infection prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common complication after pelvic floor surgery. Antibiotics as prophylaxis may reduce the prevalence of UTI's by 50%, but bacterial resistance may be a large disadvantage, necessitating the search for other possible prophylactic options. Recent research found a 50% reduction in the rate of UTI's with the use of cranberry capsules after elective gynecologic surgery, suggesting that cranberry capsules may serve as a good prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to assess whether perioperative cranberry prophylaxis reduces the risk of clinical overt UTI after elective pelvic floor surgery with indwelling catheter. METHODS: We conducted a single-center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women were given cranberry capsules twice daily or identical placebo for 6 weeks, starting the day before surgery. The main endpoint of the trial was the incidence of UTI within 6 weeks after surgery, defined as clinical diagnosis and treatment of UTI by the medical doctor. Analyses were performed with the intention to treat. RESULTS: Two hundred ten participants were included, 105 in each arm. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of UTI between the cranberry arm (n = 13, 12.4%) and the placebo arm (n = 21, 20.0%; P = .13), but the prevalence in both arms was lower than anticipated. CONCLUSIONS: This trial shows no beneficial effect of adequately dosed cranberry prophylaxis in women undergoing pelvic floor surgery, although such effect cannot be ruled out in settings with a higher prevalence of UTI's.

Transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension: An alternative to McCall culdoplasty in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: Defects in female pelvic organ support are highly prevalent. Uterosacral ligament suspension at the time of primary prolapse repair (McCall culdoplasty) is a well-established surgical option to prevent prolapse recurrences. Recently Shull's high uterosacral ligament suspension technique has gained increasing popularity among Uro-Gynaecologists. A study carried out in 2017 by Spelzini et al. compared these two techniques, showing proper safety and efficacy in the treatment of prolapse, with no statistically significant differences as to operative time, complication rate, anatomical, functional and subjective outcomes [1]. Our study aims at comparing the effectiveness, complication rate, recurrence rate, quality of life and functional result of the two techniques. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study carried out on 224 patients who underwent vaginal cuff suspension for pelvic organ prolapse. Cases were extracted from hospital medical records of all women managed with surgical prolapse repair at our Gynaecology and Obstetrics department between January 2013 and February 2017. Shull suspension (group A) or McCall culdoplasty (group B) were performed according to surgeon's familiarity with the two suspension techniques. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients (69 in group A and 155 in group B) underwent surgical cuff suspension. Median operating time was 88 min for both techniques and ureteral injuries were very rare in both group A and B (1 and 0 respectively). In the evaluation of postoperative questionnaires, no statistically significant differences were found, except for "Urinary Impact Questionnaire" (UIQ), which showed significantly less urinary subjective symptoms in group A. Median follow up was 13 months in group A and 15 months in group B. Post-operative Pop-Q items analysis revealed only a higher Aa point in group A at 12 months follow up visit. Objective vaginal cuff recurrence was observed in 1 patient (1,4%) in group A and 4 patients in group B (2,6%) with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both uterosacral ligament suspension procedures are safe and highly effective. There were no statistically significant differences concerning surgical data, complication rates, and the majority of anatomical, functional and subjective outcomes between Shull suspension and McCall culdoplasty.

Empty pelvis syndrome: the use of breast prosthesis in the prevention of complications.

AIM: Empty pelvis syndrome and radiation-induced bowel injury are two major clinical issues resulting from the pelvic dead space after pelvic exenteration (PE). In order to avoid these complications, different methods of pelvic floor reconstruction have been proposed. We report our experience on the use of breast prosthesis. METHOD: Fifty-three patients who underwent PE and three who underwent palliative surgery with silicone breast prosthesis placement were included. RESULTS: Forty-seven posterior PE, six total PE and three palliative procedures were identified. Sphincter preservation was feasible in 34 patients (62.3%). There were no deaths. Overall morbidity was 37.5%. There were no complications such as sepsis or obstruction related to the prosthesis. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in 16 cases (30.1%) without any side-effects. Reconstruction of intestinal continuity was possible in 12 patients (36.3%) with sphincter preservation and the prosthesis allowed a prompt identification of the rectal stump. CONCLUSION: Breast prosthesis placement is a simple and safe method to minimize complications resulting from empty pelvis syndrome and can be adopted to exclude bowel loops from the radiation field. Reconstruction of intestinal continuity after resection is also simplified.

Laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension with uterine preservation for pelvic organ prolapse: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce an alternative surgical technique of laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension (LILS) with uterine preservation and evaluate its efficacy and safety for patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Between June 2014 and December 2015, 35 patients with symptomatic stage III or IV were treated by LILS with uterine preservation. The perioperative parameters including surgical time, blood loss, hospital stay and complications were recorded. The anatomical cure rate was evaluated according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Questionnaire (POP-Q) assessment. The anatomical points were analyzed by dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Validated questionnaire of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) and the Pelvic organ prolapse urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were recorded to evaluate the symptom severity, quality of life and sexual activity. RESULTS: The mean surgical time was 163.8 ±â€¯42.3 min (range: 120-280 min), the mean estimated blood loss was 48.6 ±â€¯60.5 ml (range: 10-200 ml), and the mean hospital stay was 5 days (range: 3-7 days). No intra-operative complications were encountered. The anatomical success rate at postoperative 6-month and 12-month was 97.1% and 94.3%, respectively. The postoperative anatomical points on straining showed a significant improvement on dynamic MRI as compared to baselines. The symptom severity, quality of life and sexual activity also presented significant improvement both 6-month and 12-month after surgery. After a minimal 12 months follow-up, no postoperative complications occurred and the recurrence prolapse were low. CONCLUSION: LILS with uterine preservation is a feasible, effective and safe surgical alternative in the treatment of POP for patients who desire to reserve uterus. Longer follow-up data from larger studies are required to confirm the benefits of LILS with uterine preservation as a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Guidelines and enabling objectives for training primary healthcare providers, gynecologists and obstetric and gynecology residents in Female Pelvic Floor Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

AIM: For four decades, the training for fellows in Urogynecology has been defined by taking into account the proposals of the relevant international societies. Primary health care providers and general OB/GYN practitioners could not find validated guidelines for the integration of knowledge in pelvic floor dysfunctions. The FIGO Working Group (FWG) in Pelvic Floor Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery has looked for the consensus of international opinion leaders in order to develop a set of minimal requirements of knowledge and skills in this area. METHOD: This manuscript is divided into three categories of knowledge and skills, these are: to know, to understand, and to perform in order to offer the patients a more holistic health care in this area. RESULTS: The FWG reached consensus on the minimal requirements of knowledge and skills regarding each of the enabling objectives identified for postgraduate obstetrics and gynecology physicians and for residents in obstetrics and gynecology. CONCLUSIONS: Our goal is to propose and validate the basic objectives of minimal knowledge in pelvic floor medicine and reconstructive surgery. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:514-517, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Use of Mechanical Bowel Preparation in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) using oral magnesium citrate with sodium phosphate enema to sodium phosphate (NaP) enema alone during minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: We conducted a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of MBP versus NaP in women undergoing minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. The primary outcome was intraoperative quality of the surgical field. Secondary outcomes included surgeon assessment of bowel handling and patient-reported tolerability symptoms. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three participants were enrolled; 148 completed the study (71 MBP and 77 NaP). Patient demographics, clinical and intraoperative characteristics were similar. Completion of assigned bowel preparation was similar between MBP (97.2%) and NaP (97.4%). The MBP group found the preparation more difficult (P<0.01) and reported more overall discomfort and negative preoperative side effects (all P≤0.01). Quality of surgical field at initial port placement was excellent/good in 80.0% of the MBP group compared with 62.3% in the NaP group (P=0.02). This difference was not maintained by the conclusion of surgery (P=0.18). Similar results were seen in the intent-to-treat population. Surgeons accurately guessed preparation 65.7% of the time for MBP versus 41.6% for NaP (P=0.36). At 2 weeks postoperatively, both reported a median time for return of bowel function of 3.0 (2.0-4.0) days. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical bowel preparation with oral magnesium citrate before minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery offered initial improvement in the quality of surgical field, but this benefit was not sustained. It was associated with an increase in patient discomfort preoperatively, but did not seem to impact postoperative return of bowel function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Functional outcome after pelvic floor reconstructive surgery with or without concomitant hysterectomy.

PURPOSE: When counseling patients about surgical alternatives for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair, numerous things have to be considered. Uterine preservation vs. hysterectomy is one relevant issue. Hysterectomy has been traditionally performed for POP, but its benefit regarding outcome has never been proven. Furthermore, a growing number of women ask for uterine preservation. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 384 patients who had undergone surgery for POP between 2000 and 2012 at Freiburg University Medical Center were included. Using a standardized questionnaire, further surgeries, urinary incontinence, recurrent POP, pessary use, and satisfaction with the surgical outcome were evaluated. The functional results after uterine preservation vs. concomitant hysterectomy were compared using t test. RESULTS: 196 (51.04%) women were available for follow-up and agreed to participate (n = 122 with hysterectomy, n = 72 with uterine-preserving surgery, respectively). After a mean follow-up time of 67 months, vaginal bulge symptoms and urinary incontinence did not differ between treatment groups. We observed higher success rates and satisfaction scores in the uterine-preserving group. Regarding satisfaction with surgery and whether the patients thought it had been successful, we observed a trend toward better results in the uterine-preserving group (mean satisfaction score: 8.45 ± 2.15 vs. 7.76 ± 2.91, range 0-10, p = 0.061; success: 91.4 vs. 81.7 %, p = 0.087). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference with regard to functional outcome between patients with or without concomitant hysterectomy. Satisfaction with the operation was slightly higher after uterus preserving surgery. Therefore, uterine-preserving surgery is a valuable option unless there are contraindications.

Surgery for faecal incontinence in adults.

BACKGROUND: Faecal incontinence is a debilitating problem with significant medical, social and economic implications. Treatment options include conservative, non-operative interventions (for example pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, drugs) and surgical procedures. A surgical procedure may be aimed at correcting an obvious mechanical defect, or augmenting a functionally deficient but structurally intact sphincter complex. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of surgical techniques for the treatment of faecal incontinence in adults who do not have rectal prolapse. Our aim was firstly to compare surgical management with non-surgical management and secondly, to compare the various surgical techniques. SEARCH METHODS: Electronic searches of the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 6 March 2013), the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Specialised Register (searched 6 March 2013), CENTRAL (2013, issue 1) and EMBASE (1 January 1998 to 6 March 2013) were undertaken. The British Journal of Surgery (1 January 1995 to 6 March 2013), Colorectal Diseases (1 January 2000 to 6 March 2013) and the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum (1 January 1995 to 6 March 2013) were specifically handsearched. The proceedings of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland annual meetings held from 1999 to 2012 were perused. Reference lists of all relevant articles were searched for further trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of surgery in the management of adult faecal incontinence (other than surgery for rectal prolapse). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently selected studies from the literature, assessed the methodological quality of eligible trials and extracted data. The three primary outcome measures were change or deterioration in incontinence, failure to achieve full continence, and the presence of faecal urgency. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials were included with a total sample size of 264 participants. Two trials included a group managed non-surgically. One trial compared levatorplasty with anal plug electrostimulation and one compared an artificial bowel sphincter with best supportive care. The artificial bowel sphincter resulted in significant improvements in at least one primary outcome but the numbers were small. The other trial showed no difference in the primary outcome measures.Seven trials compared different surgical interventions. These included anterior levatorplasty versus postanal repair, anterior levatorplasty versus total pelvic floor repair, total pelvic floor versus postanal repair, end to end versus overlap sphincter repair, overlap repair with or without a defunctioning stoma or with or without biofeedback, and total pelvic floor repair versus repair plus internal sphincter plication and neosphincter formation versus total pelvic floor repair. Sacral nerve stimulation and injectables are considered in separate Cochrane reviews. Only one comparison had more than one trial (total pelvic floor versus postanal repair, 44 participants) and no trial showed any difference in primary outcome measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review is striking for the lack of high quality randomised controlled trials on faecal incontinence surgery that have been carried out in the last 10 years. Those trials that have been carried out have focused on sacral neuromodulation and injectable bulking agents, both reported in separate reviews. The continued small number of relevant trials identified together with their small sample sizes and other methodological weaknesses limit the usefulness of this review for guiding practice. It was impossible to identify or refute clinically important differences between the alternative surgical procedures. Larger rigorous trials are still needed. However, it should be recognised that the optimal treatment regime may be a complex combination of various surgical and non-surgical therapies.

Anorectal incontinence: a challenge in diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Anorectal incontinence is a symptom of a complex multifactorial disorder involving the pelvic floor and anorectum, which is a severe disability and a major social problem. Various causes may affect the anatomical and functional integrity of the pelvic floor and anorectum, leading to the anorectal continence disorder and incontinence. The most common cause of anorectal incontinence is injury of the sphincter muscles following delivery or anorectal surgeries. Although the exact incidence of anorectal incontinence is unknown, various studies suggest that it affects ~2.2-8.3% of adults, with a significant prevalence in the elderly (>50%). The successful treatment of anorectal incontinence depends on the accurate diagnosis of its cause. This can be achieved by a thorough assessment of patients. The management of incontinent patients involves conservative therapeutic procedures, surgical techniques, and minimally invasive approaches.

Long-term treatment outcomes of transvaginal mesh surgery versus anterior-posterior colporrhaphy for pelvic organ prolapse.

BACKGROUND: In spite of rapid growth in the use of vaginally placed mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery, there are few reports on the long-term efficacy and safety of mesh-augmented repairs. AIMS: To compare the long-term outcomes of modified pelvic floor reconstructive surgery with mesh (MPFR) versus traditional anterior-posterior colporrhaphy (APC) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 158 women who underwent surgical management of prolapse with MPFR (n = 84) or APC (n = 74) in the period between January 2007 and June 2008. Main outcome measures included pelvic organ prolapse quantification measurement, Short Form-20 Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ) questionnaires, perioperative outcomes, complications and a personal interview about urinary and sexual symptoms. Statistical analysis included comparison of means (Wilcoxon test or Student's t-test) and proportions (χ(2) test). RESULTS: Anatomical success rate for MPFR and APC was 88.1 versus 64.9% (P = 0.001), with a median follow-up of 55 versus 56 months (range 49-66 months, P = 0.341). Both operations significantly improved quality of life, and a greater improvement was seen in MPFR group than in APC group (P = 0.013). Complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mesh erosion rate was 3.6%. CONCLUSION: Modified pelvic floor reconstructive surgery with mesh had better anatomical and functional outcomes than APC at 4-5 years postoperation, as an alternative, cheap and effective treatment option to mesh kits for the management of POP.

Tratamiento rehabilitador en la incontinencia fecal / Rehabilitation treatment in fecal incontinence

Introducción. Podríamos definir la incontinencia fecal como la pérdida involuntaria de heces sólidas y líquidas, siempre que esta pérdida supone un problema higiénico o social en la persona que lo padece. La prevalencia de esta patología no está clara puesto que supone una importante afectación de la calidad de vida de los pacientes que la padecen, y muchas veces origina un encubrimiento de este problema. Material y método. Realizamos un estudio prospectivo, en el mismo han participado 24 pacientes diagnosticados de incontinencia fecal, todos ellos realizaron un programa de tratamiento que incluyó: normas educativas, ejercicios de fortalecimiento del suelo pélvico, y técnicas de biorretroalimentación con electroestimulación. Resultados. El 79,2% eran mujeres, la edad media fue de 60,8 años, el 20,8% de los pacientes habían tenido una neoplasia intestinal. En la pruebas complementarias encontramos en la ecografía que en un 25% de los casos había una rotura de alguno de los esfínteres anales, en un 70,8% un adelgazamiento de los esfínteres, en la manometría inicial encontramos, que la media de la presión máxima basal en mmHg fue de 36,37 mmHg (D.E. 13,13), y la media en la presión máxima en la contracción voluntaria fue de 82,25mmHg (D.E. 21,45) puntuación media inicial obtenida en la escala de Wexner fue de 15,79, y tras el tratamiento 8,16. Obtenemos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todos los ítems de la escala de Wexner. Conclusiones. El tratamiento conservador combinado mejora la puntuación obtenida en la escala de Wexner en la incontinencia fecal moderada-severa, además de presentar mínimos efectos secundarios. Las pruebas complementarias son de utilidad para evaluar la incontinencia fecal, pero la evaluación clínica es fundamental para determinar la gravedad de esta patología, y la afectación que produce en la vida del paciente (AU)

Introduction. We can define fecal incontinence as the involuntary loss of solid and liquid stools, whenever this loss poses a hygiene or social problem for the person suffering it. Prevalence of this condition is not clear since it means an important affection in the quality of life of the patient suffering it and therefore, they often hide this problem. Material and methods. We have performed a prospective study in which 24 patients diagnosed of fecal incontinence participated. All of them underwent a treatment program that included: education guidelines, pelvic floor strengthening exercises and biofeedback with electrical stimulation. Results. A total of 79.2% were women, with mean age of 60.8 years, and 20.8% of the patients had suffered an intestinal neoplasm. In the complementary tests, the ultrasonography showed that 25% of the cases had a rupture of the anal sphincters. In 70.8%, there was thinning of the sphincters. In the initial manometry, we found that the measurement of maximum baseline pressure in mmHg was 36.37 mmHg (SD 13.13), and the mean maximum pressure involuntary contraction was 82.25mmHg (SD 21.45), initial mean score obtained on the Wexner scale was 15.79 and after treatment, 8.16. We obtained statistically significant differences in all of the items on the Wexner scale. Conclusion. Combined conservative treatment improves the score obtained on the Wexner scale in moderate to severe fecal incontinence and also shows minimum side effects. Complementary tests are useful to evaluate fecal incontinence, however clinical evaluation is fundamental to determine the severity of this condition and how it affects the patient's life (AU)

Anatomic and functional outcomes with the prolift procedure in elderly women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse who desire uterine preservation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical outcomes of total mesh repair with the Prolift technique as treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse in elderly patients who desire uterine preservation. DESIGN: Case control series study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Medical school-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-eight patients over the age of 70 years with advanced pelvic organ prolapse, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage III (n = 59) or IV (n = 9), underwent a total Prolift procedure and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. INTERVENTIONS: Transvaginal pelvic floor repairs were performed with a total Prolift system. The concurrent pelvic surgery included midurethral sling operation with a TVT-O, if indicated. The assessment included intraoperative and postoperative complications, Urogenital Distress Inventory scores, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Objective and subjective data were available for 68 patients. The anatomic success rate was 97.1% after 2 years. Complications included bladder perforation in 1 patient (1.5%), de novo stress urinary incontinence in 20 patients (29.4%), dyspareunia in 4 patients (22.2%), and vaginal erosion in 1 patient (1.5%). The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages, Urogenital Distress Inventory scores, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores all improved significantly after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The total Prolift procedure is an alternative surgical option that uses a minimally invasive transvaginal approach to surgically treat elderly patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

Cincha transobturatriz con anestesia local para incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo / Tansobturator tape under local anesthesia for urinary stress incontinence

Evaluar la técnica de cura de incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo con cincha transobturatriz bajo anestesia local. Estudio descriptivo y prospectivo en 22 pacientes con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo de la consulta de piso pélvico del Hospital Universitario de Caracas entre abril y noviembre de 2010, a las que se les colocó cincha transobturatriz con anestesia local y sedación consciente complementaria en la mayoría de los casos. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 9,57 min. Dos pacientes toleraron el procedimiento quirúrgico con anestesia local exclusiva, mientras que las otras 20 (90,9 por ciento) requirieron sedación endovenosa, similar a lo descrito en la literatura. El dolor intraoperatorio en promedio fue de 3,18 puntos en la escala visual análoga. El 100 por ciento de las pacientes estuvo satisfecha con el procedimiento anestésico y el 95,5 por ciento lo recomienda. La anestesia local con sedación consciente constituye una técnica tolerable, segura, y rápida para la cura de incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo con cincha transobturatriz

To evaluate the transobturator tape procedure for urinary stress incontinence under local anesthesia. Prospective and descriptive study of 22 patients with urinary stress incontinence from the Pelvic Floor Unit of Universitary Hospital of Caracas, between April and November 2010, in whom the transobturator tape procedure was performed under local anesthesia and sedation. Mean surgical time was 9.57 min. Two patients tolerated the surgical procedure with local anesthesia without sedation, while the other 20 (90.9 percent) required intravenous sedation, as described in most publications. Mean intraoperative pain was 3.18 points in the Visual Analogue Scale. One hundred percent of the patients were satisfied with the anesthetic technique, and 95.5 percent would recommend it. Local anesthesia with sedation is a well-tolerated, safe, and fast technique for the surgical treatment of urinary stress incontinence with transobturator tape

Surgery for faecal incontinence in adults.

BACKGROUND: Faecal incontinence is a debilitating problem with significant medical, social and economic implications. Treatment options include conservative, non-operative interventions (e.g. pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, drugs) and surgical procedures. A surgical procedure may be aimed at correcting an obvious mechanical defect, or augmenting a functionally deficient but structurally intact sphincter complex. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of surgical techniques for the treatment of faecal incontinence in adults who do not have rectal prolapse. Our aim was firstly to compare surgical management with non-surgical management and secondly, to compare the various surgical techniques. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searches of the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 26 November 2009), the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Specialised Register (searched 26 November 2009), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2009) and EMBASE (1 January 1998 to 30 June 2009) were undertaken. The British Journal of Surgery (1 January 1995 to 30 June 2009) Colorectal Diseases (1 January 2000 to 30 June 2009) and the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum (1 January 1995 to 30 June 2009) were specifically handsearched. The proceedings of the UK Association of Coloproctology meeting held from 1999 to 2009 were perused. Reference lists of all relevant articles were searched for further trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of surgery in the management of adult faecal incontinence (other than surgery for rectal prolapse). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers independently selected studies from the literature, assessed the methodological quality of eligible trials and extracted data. The three primary outcome measures were: change or deterioration in incontinence, failure to achieve full continence, and the presence of faecal urgency. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included with a total sample size of 440 participants. Two trials included a group managed non-surgically. One trial compared levator with anal plug electrostimulation and one compared artificial bowel sphincter with best supportive care. The artificial bowel sphincter resulted in significant improvements in at least one primary outcome but numbers were small. The other trial showed no difference in primary outcome measures.Eleven trials compared different surgical interventions. These included anterior levatorplasty versus postanal repair, anterior levatorplasty versus total pelvic floor repair, total pelvic floor versus postanal repair, end to end versus overlap sphincter repair, overlap repair with or without a defunctioning stoma or with or without biofeedback, injection of silicone, hydrogel, physiological saline, carbon beads or collagen bulking agents, total pelvic floor repair versus repair plus internal sphincter plication and neosphincter formation versus total pelvic floor repair. Sacral nerve stimulation and injectables are also considered in separate Cochrane reviews. Only one comparison had more than one trial (total pelvic floor versus postanal repair, 44 participants) and no trial showed any difference in primary outcome measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Despite more studies being included in this update, the continued small number of relevant trials identified together with their small sample sizes and other methodological weaknesses continue to limit the usefulness of this review for guiding practice. It was impossible to identify or refute clinically important differences between the alternative surgical procedures. Larger rigorous trials are still needed. However, it should be recognised that the optimal treatment regime may be a complex combination of various surgical and non-surgical therapies.

Comparative study between surgical and non-surgical treatment of anismus in patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: This study came to compare the results of biofeedback retraining biofeedback (BFB), botulinum toxin botulinum type A (BTX-A) injection and partial division of puborectalis (PDPR) in the treatment of anismus patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients treated for anismus fulfilled Rome II criteria for functional constipation at our institution were evaluated for inclusion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive BFB, BTX-A injection, and PDPR. All patients underwent anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography, and electromyography activity of the anal sphincter. Follow up was conducted weekly in the first month then monthly for about 1 year. Study variables included clinical improvement, patient satisfaction, and objective improvement. RESULTS: Sixty patients with anismus were randomized and completed the study. The groups differed significantly regarding clinical improvement at 1 month (50% for BFB, 75%BTX-A injection, and 95% for PDPR, P = 0.006) and differences persisted at 1 year (30% for BFB, 35%BTX-A injection, and 70% for PDPR, P = 0.02). Constipation score of the patients significantly improved postPDPR and BTX-A injection. Manometric relaxation was achieved significantly in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback retraining has a limited therapeutic effect, BTX-A injection seems to be successful for temporary treatment but PDPR is found to be an effective with lower morbidity in contrast to its higher success rate in treating anismus.