Utilization of Rectal Examinations Before Magnetic Resonance Defecography Studies.

IMPORTANCE: More information is needed to guide referring subspecialists on the appropriate patient evaluation before magnetic resonance defecography (MRD). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate how often health care providers perform digital rectal examination (DRE) before ordering MRD to investigate causes of bowel and pelvic floor complaints. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort review, including MRD performed on female patients at an integrated health care system from 2016 through 2020. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of documented rectal examination in the year before defecography by the referring provider or 6 months prior by a primary care physician or pelvic floor physical therapist. We hypothesized that the overall rate of rectal examination would be high and unaffected by the referring provider's subspecialty. RESULTS: Three hundred-four defecography tests were performed, with 209 patients (68.8%) referred by gastroenterology providers and 95 (31.2%) from other specialties. Gastroenterologists performed DRE in 32.8% of patients, in contrast to 84.4% of patients referred by other specialties ( P < 0.001). When comparing subspecialties that most commonly refer patients for MRD (gastroenterology, colorectal surgery and urogynecology), there was a statistically significant difference between gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons ( P < 0.001) as well as urogynecologists ( P < 0.001) but no difference in the rate of rectal examination between colorectal surgeons and urogynecologists ( P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: At our single integrated health system, the rate of DRE before MRD testing varied significantly by specialty. Our findings highlight the need for better understanding of DRE utility in the algorithms for evaluation of bowel and pelvic floor disorders.

Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation.

With a worldwide prevalence of 15%, chronic constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal diagnoses made in ambulatory medicine clinics, and is a common source cause for referrals to gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the United States. Symptoms vary among patients; straining, incomplete evacuation, and a sense of anorectal blockage are just as important as decreased stool frequency. Chronic constipation is either a primary disorder (such as normal transit, slow transit, or defecatory disorders) or a secondary one (due to medications or, in rare cases, anatomic alterations). Colonic sensorimotor disturbances and pelvic floor dysfunction (such as defecatory disorders) are the most widely recognized pathogenic mechanisms. Guided by efficacy and cost, management of constipation should begin with dietary fiber supplementation and stimulant and/or osmotic laxatives, as appropriate, followed, if necessary, by intestinal secretagogues and/or prokinetic agents. Peripherally acting µ-opiate antagonists are another option for opioid-induced constipation. Anorectal tests to evaluate for defecatory disorders should be performed in patients who do not respond to over-the-counter agents. Colonic transit, followed if necessary with assessment of colonic motility with manometry and/or a barostat, can identify colonic dysmotility. Defecatory disorders often respond to biofeedback therapy. For specific patients, slow-transit constipation may necessitate a colectomy. No studies have compared inexpensive laxatives with newer drugs with different mechanisms. We review the mechanisms, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation. We discuss the importance of meticulous analyses of patient history and physical examination, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic testing, guidance for individualized treatment, and management of medically refractory patients.

The assessment and management of defecatory dysfunction: a critical appraisal.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the advances in diagnostic modalities and management options for defecatory dysfunction and highlight the areas in need of further research. RECENT FINDINGS: The diagnostic utility of high-resolution anorectal manometry (ARM), which has emerged as a promising tool for the diagnosis of defecatory dysfunction, appears to be questionable in differentiating disease from normal physiology. There also seems to be discrepancy between results of various tests of anorectal function in the diagnosis of defecatory dysfunction. New revisions in diagnostic criteria for defecatory dysfunction by Rome IV consortium, may enhance its diagnostic yield. Biofeedback remains to be the most effective evidence-based treatment option for patients with defecatory dysfunction. Anorectal pressure profile cannot predict or mediate the success of biofeedback. Biofeedback may improve the symptoms through central effects. SUMMARY: Despite the advances in the ARM and defecography techniques, no one test has been able to be considered as the 'gold standard' for diagnosis of defecatory dysfunction. The mechanism of action of biofeedback in defecatory dysfunction remains poorly understood.

Update on the Pathophysiology and Management of Anorectal Disorders

Anorectal disorders are common and present with overlapping symptoms. They include several disorders with both structural and functional dysfunction(s). Because symptoms alone are poor predictors of the underlying pathophysiology, a diagnosis should only be made after evaluating symptoms and physiologic and structural abnormalities. A detailed history, a thorough physical and digital rectal examination and a systematic evaluation with high resolution and/or high definition three-dimensional (3D) anorectal manometry, 3D anal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance defecography and neurophysiology tests are essential to correctly identify these conditions. These physiological and imaging tests play a key role in facilitating a precise diagnosis and in providing a better understanding of the pathophysiology and functional anatomy. In turn, this leads to better and more comprehensive management using medical, behavioral and surgical approaches. For example, patients presenting with difficult defecation may demonstrate dyssynergic defecation and will benefit from biofeedback therapy before considering surgical treatment of coexisting anomalies such as rectoceles or intussusception. Similarly, patients with significant rectal prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction or patients with complex enteroceles and pelvic organ prolapse may benefit from combined behavioral and surgical approaches, including an open, laparoscopic, transabdominal or transanal, and/or robotic-assisted surgery. Here, we provide an update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of selected common anorectal disorders.

[Modified stapled transanal rectal resection combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (POPFBFT) in treating obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). METHODS: Thirty female ODS patients underwent modified STARR (resection and suture was performed in rectocele with one staple) combined with POPFBFT in Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin university from October 2013 to March 2015. Before the modified STARR, patients received a course of POPFBFT (20 min/time, 2 times/d, 10 times as a course), and another 2 courses were carried out in clinic after discharge. Efficacy evaluation included general conditions of patients, morbidity of postoperative complication, overall subjective satisfaction (excellent: without any symptoms; good: 1 to 2 times of laxatives per month and without the need of any other auxiliary defecation; fairly good: more than 3 times of laxatives per month ; poor: with no improvement; excellent, good, fairly good are defined as effective), Longo ODS score (range 0 to 40 points, the higher the score, the more severe the symptoms), gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI)(range 0 to 144 points, the lower the score, the more severe the symptoms), anorectal manometry and defecography examination. The follow-up lasted 12 months after operation (ended at April 2016). RESULTS: Average age of 30 patients was 57(46 to 72) years and Longo ODS score of every patient was ≥9 before operation. The modified STARR was completed successfully in all the 30 patients with average operation time of 25 (18 to 34) min and average hospital stay of 6(4 to 9) d. Postoperative complications included pain(20%, 6/30), urinary retention (16.7%, 5/30), anorectal heaviness (6.7%, 2/30), and fecal urgency(26.7%, 8/30). Anaorectal heaviness and fecal urgency disappeared within 3 months. No severe complications, such as postoperative bleeding, infection, rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic dehiscence and anal incontinence were observed. The effective rate of overall subjective satisfaction was 93.3%(28/30) during the follow-up of 12 months. There was no significant difference in Longo ODS score between pre- POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre- POPFBFT: 32.95±3.22, pre-operation: 32.85±3.62, t=1.472, P=0.163). Compared with pre-POPFBFT, Longo ODS score at 1 week after operation decreased (t=4.306, P=0.000), moreover, score at 1 month after operation was lower than that at 1 week (13.05±7.49 vs. 15.00±7.17, t=7.322, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation (F=2.111, P=0.107). Likewise, there was no significant difference in GIQLI score between pre-POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre-POPFBFT: 79.39±17.14, pre-operation: 76.65±17.56, t=1.735, P=0.096). Compared with the pre-POPFBFT, GIQLI score at 1 week after operation increased (t=4.714, P=0.000), moreover, GIQLI score at 1 month after operation was higher than that at 1 week (102.26±19.24 vs 91.31±21.35, t=5.628, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation(F=1.211, P=0.313). In comparison with pre- POPFBFT, parameters of defecography examination at 12 months after operation showed obvious improvement: the rectocele decreased from (34.1±0.4) mm to (3.1±0.3) mm (t=6.847, P=0.000), anorectal angle during defecation increased from (123.8±6.7)degree to (134.7±8.5)degree, enlargement of anorectal angle during defecation increased from (29.1±3.5)degree to (37.1±5.3)degree, while no significant differences in descend of perineum, anorectal angles at rest as well as parameters of anorectal manometry were found (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Modified STARR combined with POPFBFT is safe and effective for ODS patients.

Effect of biofeedback therapy on anorectal physiological parameters among patients with fecal evacuation disorder.

BACKGROUND: Though biofeedback therapy is often effective in patients with fecal evacuation disorder (FED), a common cause of chronic constipation (CC) in tertiary practice, data on anorectal physiological parameters following it are scanty. METHODS: Consecutive patients with FED with CC diagnosed by abnormalities in at least two of the three tests (anorectal manometry, defecography, and balloon expulsion test [BET]) undergoing biofeedback (two sessions per day, 30 min each, for 2 weeks) during a 3-year period were analyzed. Clinical evaluation, anorectal manometry (ARM), and BET were performed at the beginning and after biofeedback. RESULTS: Incomplete evacuation 42/43 (98%), straining 40/43 (93%), and feeling of outlet obstruction 35/43 (81%) were the most common symptoms among these 43 patients (median age 44 years, range 18-76, 30 [71%] male). All the three tests (defecography, BET, and ARM) were abnormal in 17 (40%) patients and the others had two abnormal tests. Improvement in physiological parameters was noted following biofeedback (median residual anal pressure during defecation 99 mmHg (range 52-148) vs. 78 mmHg (37-182), p = 0.03; maximum intra-rectal pressure 60 mmHg (90-110) vs. 76 mmHg (31-178); p = 0.01; defecation index 1.1 (0.1-23.0) vs. 3.2 (0.5-29.0); p = 0.001). Dyssynergia on ARM and BET got corrected in 22/34 (65%) and 18/30 (60%) patients. At a 1-month follow up, 23/37 (62%) patients reported satisfactory symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback not only improves symptoms but also anorectal physiological parameters in patients with FED.

Modified stapled transanal rectal resection combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (POPFBFT) in treating obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty female ODS patients underwent modified STARR (resection and suture was performed in rectocele with one staple) combined with POPFBFT in Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin university from October 2013 to March 2015. Before the modified STARR, patients received a course of POPFBFT (20 min/time, 2 times/d, 10 times as a course), and another 2 courses were carried out in clinic after discharge. Efficacy evaluation included general conditions of patients, morbidity of postoperative complication, overall subjective satisfaction (excellent: without any symptoms; good: 1 to 2 times of laxatives per month and without the need of any other auxiliary defecation; fairly good: more than 3 times of laxatives per month ; poor: with no improvement; excellent, good, fairly good are defined as effective), Longo ODS score (range 0 to 40 points, the higher the score, the more severe the symptoms), gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI)(range 0 to 144 points, the lower the score, the more severe the symptoms), anorectal manometry and defecography examination. The follow-up lasted 12 months after operation (ended at April 2016).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Average age of 30 patients was 57(46 to 72) years and Longo ODS score of every patient was ≥9 before operation. The modified STARR was completed successfully in all the 30 patients with average operation time of 25 (18 to 34) min and average hospital stay of 6(4 to 9) d. Postoperative complications included pain(20%, 6/30), urinary retention (16.7%, 5/30), anorectal heaviness (6.7%, 2/30), and fecal urgency(26.7%, 8/30). Anaorectal heaviness and fecal urgency disappeared within 3 months. No severe complications, such as postoperative bleeding, infection, rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic dehiscence and anal incontinence were observed. The effective rate of overall subjective satisfaction was 93.3%(28/30) during the follow-up of 12 months. There was no significant difference in Longo ODS score between pre- POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre- POPFBFT: 32.95±3.22, pre-operation: 32.85±3.62, t=1.472, P=0.163). Compared with pre-POPFBFT, Longo ODS score at 1 week after operation decreased (t=4.306, P=0.000), moreover, score at 1 month after operation was lower than that at 1 week (13.05±7.49 vs. 15.00±7.17, t=7.322, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation (F=2.111, P=0.107). Likewise, there was no significant difference in GIQLI score between pre-POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre-POPFBFT: 79.39±17.14, pre-operation: 76.65±17.56, t=1.735, P=0.096). Compared with the pre-POPFBFT, GIQLI score at 1 week after operation increased (t=4.714, P=0.000), moreover, GIQLI score at 1 month after operation was higher than that at 1 week (102.26±19.24 vs 91.31±21.35, t=5.628, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation(F=1.211, P=0.313). In comparison with pre- POPFBFT, parameters of defecography examination at 12 months after operation showed obvious improvement: the rectocele decreased from (34.1±0.4) mm to (3.1±0.3) mm (t=6.847, P=0.000), anorectal angle during defecation increased from (123.8±6.7)degree to (134.7±8.5)degree, enlargement of anorectal angle during defecation increased from (29.1±3.5)degree to (37.1±5.3)degree, while no significant differences in descend of perineum, anorectal angles at rest as well as parameters of anorectal manometry were found (all P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Modified STARR combined with POPFBFT is safe and effective for ODS patients.</p>

[Preliminary exploration on accurately preoperative evaluation of colonic lesions in slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application value of colonic transit test (CTT) combined with anorectal manometry (ARM), barium enema (BE) and defecography (DFG) in accurately evaluating colonic lesions of slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon. METHODS: Clinical data of 47 above patients admitted between October 2007 and February 2015 in the People's Hospital of Hunan Province were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were examined with≥2 times of CTT combined with ARM and BE, and 42 cases received additional DFG at the same time, to evaluate colonic lesions before operation. Operative biopsy pathology was used as the standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of positioning in the ascending colon and caecum, transverse colon and descending colon were calculated, and the consistency was represented by Kappa test(Kappa value≥0.75 indicates good consistency, meanwhile higher Kappa value indicates better consistency). The Heikkinen score was used to evaluate defecation function at postoperative 6 months. RESULTS: The age of 47 patients was from 18 to 56 years old. Compared with intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology, the diagnostic coincidence rate was 89.4% by CTT combined with BE and DFG positioning, which suggested pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=12), transverse colon (n=26) and descending colon (n=9), while intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology suggested pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=11), transverse colon (n=23) and descending colon (n=13). The sensitivity was 88.3%, specificity 93.5%, PPV 92.1%, NPV 94.9% and Kappa value was 0.827(P<0.001). Procedures performed included segmental colectomy (n=8), subtotal colectomy (n=29), total colectomy (n=10). There was no serious complication during and after operation. Defecatory function was excellent in 24 cases (60.0%), good in 10 (25.0%), and moderate in 6 (15.0%) evaluated by Heikkinen score at postoperative 6 months. A total of 40 patients were followed up from 1 to 7 years (median 3 years) and there was no long-term diarrhea and recurrence of constipation or giant colon after operation. CONCLUSION: Preoperative detection of CTT combined with ARM, BE and DFG in patients with slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon can make a more precise assessment of the extent of colonic lesions in advance, which has a good clinical predictive value.

Modified MR defecography without rectal filling in obstructed defecation syndrome: Initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of dynamic MR defecography before rectal filling in detecting occult anterior compartment prolapse in patients with obstructed defecation. METHODS: This prospective study was approved by the ethics committee. Seventy six females with obstructed defecation underwent dynamic MR defecography before and after rectal filling. Pre-rectal and post-rectal filling sequences were interpreted separately by two radiologists on two different settings with a time interval of one week. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's-matched-pairs signed rank test and t-test for matched pairs; differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: Fifty eight females of 76 showed additional anterior compartment derangement, with 27 diagnosed only in pre-rectal filling sequence (27/58=46.55%). Following rectal filling detected cystocele in 27 patients was not identified in 14 cases and downgraded in 13. Similarly, detected uterine prolapse in 17 patients was not visualized in 14 patients and downgraded in 3. Furthermore, rectocele was identified in 7 cases before gel enema, additional 32 detected after rectal filling. Significant statistical difference in the detection of both cystocele (p=0.0001) and uterine prolapse (p=0.0013) was identified in the non-filled sequence. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor imaging before rectal filling is significantly better for detection of anterior compartment prolapse.

[Efficacy and safety of the Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes of Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease. METHODS: Clinical and follow-up data of 125 patients with adult Hirschsprung disease undergoing Jinling procedure at the Department of General Surgery between January 2000 and January 2013 were summarized. All the patients were diagnosed by CT, barium enema, anorectal pressure detection and pathology examination. Abdominal symptoms, gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI, the lower score, the worse quality of life), Wexner constipation score (higher score indicated worse symptom), defecography (evaluation included rectocele, mucosal prolapse, intramucosal intussusception, perineal prolapse) and other operative complications were compared before and after operation. RESULTS: Among 125 patients, 69 were male and 56 were female with median age of (41.2±15.5) (18 to 75) years. The follow-up rates were 94.4%(118/125), 92.0%(115/125), 89.6%(112/125) and 88.0%(110/125) at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Incidences of abdominal distension and abdominal pain were 100% and 82.4%(103/125) before operation, and were 7.3%(8/110) and 20.9%(23/110) at 12 months after surgery. Wexner score was significantly lower at postoperative months 1(8.7±2.9), 3 (7.2±2.8), 6(6.7±2.2) and 12(6.3±1.7) than that before operation (21.4±7.2) (P<0.01). GIQLI score was 51.6±11.9 before operation, though it decreased at 1 month (47.3±5.5)(P<0.05) after surgery, but increased significantly at postoperative months 3, 6, 12(68.9±8.0, 96.5±8.2, 103.2±8.6)(P<0.01). Abnormal rate of defecography was 70.4%(81/115), 48.2%(54/112) and 27.3%(30/110) at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, which was significantly lower than 91.2%(114/125) before operation (P<0.01). Morbidity of postoperative complication was 29.6%(37/125), including 5 cases of surgical site infection (4.0%), 2 of anastomotic bleeding (1.6%), 8 of anastomotic leakage (6.4%, one died of severe abdominal infection), 4 of urinary retention (3.2%), 3 of recurrent constipation (2.4%, without megacolon relapse), 11 of bowel obstruction (8.8%), 2 of anastomotic stricture(1.6%) and 2 of refractory staphylococcus aureus enteritis (1.6%, diagnosed by stool smear and culture, and both died finally). CONCLUSION: Jinling procedure is a safe and effective surgical procedure for adult Hirschsprung's disease.

The role of the defaecating pouchogram in the assessment of evacuation difficulty after restorative proctocolectomy and pouch-anal anastomosis.

AIM: Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the most frequently performed operation for intractable ulcerative colitis (UC) and for many patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). It can be complicated by a functional evacuation difficulty, which is not well understood. We aimed to evaluate the role of defaecating pouchography in an attempt to assess the mechanism of evacuation difficulty in pouch patients. METHOD: All RPC patients who had had a defaecating pouchogram for evacuation difficulty at one hospital between 2006 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The findings and features were correlated with the symptoms. Demographic, clinical and radiological variables were analysed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven [55 (63%) female] patients aged 47.6 ± 12.5 years (mean standard ± SD) were identified. Thirty-five had a mechanical outlet obstruction and 52 had no identified mechanical cause to explain the evacuation difficulty. The mean age of these 52 [33 (63%) female] patients was 48.2 ± 13 years. Of these 52 patients, significantly more used anti-diarrhoeal medication (P = 0.029), complained of a high frequency of defaecation (P = 0.005), experienced a longer time to the initiation of defaecation (P = 0.049) and underwent pouchoscopy (P = 0.003). Biofeedback appeared to improve the symptoms in 7 of 16 patients with a nonmechanical defaecatory difficulty. The most common findings on defaecating pouchography included residual barium of more than 33% after an attempted evacuation (46%, n = 24), slow evacuation (35%, n = 18) and mucosal irregularity (33%, n = 17). Correlation between radiological features and symptoms showed a statistically significant relationship between straining, anal pain, incontinence and urgency with patterns of anismus or pelvic floor descent or weakness seen on the defaecating pouchogram. Symptoms of incomplete evacuation, difficulty in the initiation of defaecation, high defaecatory frequency and abdominal pain were not correlated with the radiological features of the pouchogram. CONCLUSION: Defaecating pouchography may be useful for identifying anismus and pelvic floor disorders in pouch patients who have symptoms of straining, anal pain or incontinence. In patients with a high frequency of defaecation and abdominal pain it does not provide clinically meaningful information. Patients who complain of straining, incontinence, anal pain or urgency and have anismus or pelvic floor disorders may benefit from behavioural therapy.

Rectal Hyposensitivity Is Associated With a Defecatory Disorder But Not Delayed Colon Transit Time in a Functional Constipation Population.

The physiological mechanism of functional constipation (FC) includes defecatory disorders and delayed colon transit. About 18% to 68% constipated patients may have rectal hyposensitivity (RH). We performed this study to investigate the association between RH and functional defecatory disorder (FDD) as well as that between RH and delayed colon transit in FC patients.A total of 218 FC patients were enrolled. The constipation severity instrument (CSI) was used to assess constipation symptoms. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM), defecography, balloon expulsion tests, and colon transit studies were performed for each patient. RH was defined as 1 or more sensory threshold pressures raised beyond the normal range based on HR-ARM. We investigated the association between RH and constipation symptoms, and the occurrence of FDD and delayed CTT. Ninety FDD patients completed the initial phase of biofeedback treatment (BFT). We investigated the association between RH and the effect of BFT.Totally 122 (56.0%) patients had RH. The total CSI (49.82 ±â€Š1.09 vs 41.25 ±â€Š1.55, P = 0.023) and obstructive defecation subscale scores (23.19 ±â€Š0.69 vs 17.07 ±â€Š0.90, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in RH than in non-RH patients. No significant difference was observed in slow transit symptoms (21.77 ±â€Š0.72 vs 19.90 ±â€Š0.85, P = 0.121) or abdominal pain (6.85 ±â€Š2.61 vs 5.00 ±â€Š1.04, P = 0.380). The frequency of prolonged CTT was not significantly different between RH and non-RH groups (54.1% vs 58.3%, P = 0.403). RH patients rated more occurrence of FDD (72.1% vs 53.1%, P = 0.014) and dysynergic defecation (79.8% vs 50.2%, P = 0.004) than non-RH patients, whereas no differences were seen for inadequate defecatory propulsion (59.2% vs 55.0%, P = 0.589). After BFT, the proportion of "no effect" was significantly higher in the RH group than in the non-RH group (22.4% vs 9.4%, P = 0.010).RH is associated with obstructive defecation symptoms and the occurrence of FDD. Further studies are needed to detect the mechanism of RH's effect on BFT and FC.

Psyllium fiber vs. placebo in early treatment after STARR for obstructed defecation: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous Literature has never evaluated the effectiveness of fiber intake after surgery for obstructed defecation in improving residual constipation and defecation urgency. METHODS: From May 2010 to June 2011, 65 patients were randomly assigned to either the active group (N.=32) or placebo group (N.=33) receiving 3.5 g/day of pure Psyllium fiber or inert compound respectively. During the 6-month follow-up score systems were evaluated: Longo's Obstructed Defecation Syndrome Score, Cleveland Constipation Score; Wexner incontinence Score and Visual Analogic Scale. We also recorded the incidence of postoperative defecation urgency. RESULTS: Active group reported less constipation at 1 week (ODS: 6.25±3.55 vs. 11.94±4.99, P<0.01-CCS: 6.59±2.65 vs. 15.10±3.33, P<0.01) and 6 months (ODS: 3.40±5.26 vs. 4.97±4.21, P<0.05-CCS: 5.00±3.82 vs. 6.63±3.68; P<0.01). Wexner Score was better at t-test in the treatment group (difference from baseline: 0.5 vs. 2.70, P<0.01 after 1 week and -0.17 vs. 1.33, P<0.01 after 6 months). Defecation urgency was less frequent in the treatment group (15.62% vs. 42.42%, P<0.05 at the χ2 Test). CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment with Psyllium fiber improves early and 6 month results after stapled transanal rectal resection, both in terms of residual constipation and fecal incontinence. It also reduces postoperative defecation urgency.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioral problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. A detailed history, prospective stool diaries, and a careful digital rectal examination will not only identify the nature of bowel dysfunction, but also raise the index of suspicion for this evacuation disorder. Anorectal physiology tests and balloon expulsion test are essential for a diagnosis. Newer techniques such as high-resolution manometry and magnetic resonance defecography can provide mechanistic insights. Recently, randomized controlled trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is more effective than laxatives and other modalities, both in the short term and long term, without side effects. Also, symptom improvements correlated with changes in underlying pathophysiology. Biofeedback therapy has been recommended as the first-line of treatment for dyssynergic defecation. Here, we provide an overview of the burden of illness and pathophysiology of dyssynergic defecation, and how to diagnose and treat this condition with biofeedback therapy.

Preliminary exploration on accurately preoperative evaluation of colonic lesions in slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the application value of colonic transit test (CTT) combined with anorectal manometry (ARM), barium enema (BE) and defecography (DFG) in accurately evaluating colonic lesions of slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 47 above patients admitted between October 2007 and February 2015 in the People's Hospital of Hunan Province were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were examined with≥2 times of CTT combined with ARM and BE, and 42 cases received additional DFG at the same time, to evaluate colonic lesions before operation. Operative biopsy pathology was used as the standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of positioning in the ascending colon and caecum, transverse colon and descending colon were calculated, and the consistency was represented by Kappa test(Kappa value≥0.75 indicates good consistency, meanwhile higher Kappa value indicates better consistency). The Heikkinen score was used to evaluate defecation function at postoperative 6 months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age of 47 patients was from 18 to 56 years old. Compared with intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology, the diagnostic coincidence rate was 89.4% by CTT combined with BE and DFG positioning, which suggested pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=12), transverse colon (n=26) and descending colon (n=9), while intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology suggested pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=11), transverse colon (n=23) and descending colon (n=13). The sensitivity was 88.3%, specificity 93.5%, PPV 92.1%, NPV 94.9% and Kappa value was 0.827(P<0.001). Procedures performed included segmental colectomy (n=8), subtotal colectomy (n=29), total colectomy (n=10). There was no serious complication during and after operation. Defecatory function was excellent in 24 cases (60.0%), good in 10 (25.0%), and moderate in 6 (15.0%) evaluated by Heikkinen score at postoperative 6 months. A total of 40 patients were followed up from 1 to 7 years (median 3 years) and there was no long-term diarrhea and recurrence of constipation or giant colon after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Preoperative detection of CTT combined with ARM, BE and DFG in patients with slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon can make a more precise assessment of the extent of colonic lesions in advance, which has a good clinical predictive value.</p>

Efficacy and safety of the Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes of Jinling procedure in the treatment of adult Hirschsprung disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical and follow-up data of 125 patients with adult Hirschsprung disease undergoing Jinling procedure at the Department of General Surgery between January 2000 and January 2013 were summarized. All the patients were diagnosed by CT, barium enema, anorectal pressure detection and pathology examination. Abdominal symptoms, gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI, the lower score, the worse quality of life), Wexner constipation score (higher score indicated worse symptom), defecography (evaluation included rectocele, mucosal prolapse, intramucosal intussusception, perineal prolapse) and other operative complications were compared before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 125 patients, 69 were male and 56 were female with median age of (41.2±15.5) (18 to 75) years. The follow-up rates were 94.4%(118/125), 92.0%(115/125), 89.6%(112/125) and 88.0%(110/125) at postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Incidences of abdominal distension and abdominal pain were 100% and 82.4%(103/125) before operation, and were 7.3%(8/110) and 20.9%(23/110) at 12 months after surgery. Wexner score was significantly lower at postoperative months 1(8.7±2.9), 3 (7.2±2.8), 6(6.7±2.2) and 12(6.3±1.7) than that before operation (21.4±7.2) (P<0.01). GIQLI score was 51.6±11.9 before operation, though it decreased at 1 month (47.3±5.5)(P<0.05) after surgery, but increased significantly at postoperative months 3, 6, 12(68.9±8.0, 96.5±8.2, 103.2±8.6)(P<0.01). Abnormal rate of defecography was 70.4%(81/115), 48.2%(54/112) and 27.3%(30/110) at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, which was significantly lower than 91.2%(114/125) before operation (P<0.01). Morbidity of postoperative complication was 29.6%(37/125), including 5 cases of surgical site infection (4.0%), 2 of anastomotic bleeding (1.6%), 8 of anastomotic leakage (6.4%, one died of severe abdominal infection), 4 of urinary retention (3.2%), 3 of recurrent constipation (2.4%, without megacolon relapse), 11 of bowel obstruction (8.8%), 2 of anastomotic stricture(1.6%) and 2 of refractory staphylococcus aureus enteritis (1.6%, diagnosed by stool smear and culture, and both died finally).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Jinling procedure is a safe and effective surgical procedure for adult Hirschsprung's disease.</p>

Effective treatment of dyssynergic defecation using sacral neuromodulation in a patient with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Dyssynergic defecation is a complex bowel problem that leads to chronic constipation and abdominal pain. Management is often challenging owing to the incoordination of multiple pelvic floor muscles involved in normal defecation. CASE: We report a case of dyssynergic defecatory dysfunction in a patient with cerebral palsy treated with sacral neuromodulation. At presentation, Sitz marker study and magnetic resonance defecography showed evidence of chronic functional constipation. Anorectal manometry, rectal anal inhibitory reflex, and rectal sensation study showed intact reflex and decreased first sensation of lower canal at 50 mL. After stage 2 of InterStim implant placement, bowel habits improved to once- to twice-daily soft solid bowel movements from no regular solid bowel movements. Fecal incontinence improved from daily liquid and small solid loss to no stool leakage. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with systemic medical problems contributing to defecatory dysfunction and bowel incontinence, such as cerebral palsy, sacral neuromodulation was found to provide significant relief of bowel symptoms in addition to associated abdominal pain. As a result of intervention, the patient reported significant improvement in quality of life and less limitations due to dyssynergic defecation.

[Descending perineum syndrome in children: Pathophysiology and diagnosis].

Objective: To propose a safer, simpler, and more exact method for the diagnosis of descending perineum syndrome (DPS). Material and Methods: A total of 194 patients aged 5 days to 15 years were examined and divided into 2 groups: Group 1 consisted of 65 patients without anorectal anomalies (AA); Group 2 comprised 129 patients, including 66 children with functional constipation, 55 with AA and visible fistulas, who were preoperatively examined, and 8 patients with anorectal angle (ARA), who were postoperatively examined. All the patients underwent irrigoscopy that was different from standard examination in the presence of X-ray CT contrast marker near the anus. Results and Conclusion: DPS is caused by puborectalis muscle dysfunction. A method was proposed to evaluate the status of the puborectalis muscle from the distance between the position of the ARA and the marker near the anus. This not only promotes an exacter estimate of DPS, but also allows refusal of defecography. The use of a barium enema with the minimum number of X-ray films decreases dose of ionizing radiation hazard and permits the use of this procedure not only in adults, but also in children with chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, and in AA for both pre- and postoperatively assessment of the causes of complications.