[Case report: ablation of atrial fibrillation in patient with an interatrial septal oclussion device]. / Ablación de fibrilación auricular en paciente con dispositivo de oclusión septal interatrial. Reporte de un caso.

Interatrial septal occlusion devices hinder the transseptal approach for atrial fibrillation ablation, making it necessary to have imaging methods that safely guide transseptal puncture, such as intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). We describe the case of a 49-year-old patient with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, wearing an interatrial septal occlusion device, with a previous unsuccessful ablation attempt. Atrial fibrillation ablation was performed using the Carto V7 3D mapping system, the transseptal puncture was guided by ICE, and the procedure was successful. This case report highlights the importance of multimodality imaging to achieve successful and effective transseptal puncture for atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with interatrial septal occlusion devices.

Outpatient treatment in uncomplicated acute diverticulitis: 5-year experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Most cases of diverticular inflammation are mild and require only medical treatment with liquid diet and antibiotics. Until recently, this treatment required admission to hospitals, which consequently entailed costs. In most cases, treatment was conservative, and less than a quarter of patients admitted actually underwent surgery. In the last year, the outpatient treatment of these patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis has proven effective and safe. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience after 5 years of outpatient treatment with oral antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective revision study between January 2010 and December 2014. We included all patients admitted to the Emergency Department of the University General Hospital of Elche with a diagnosis of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis based on medical history, physical examination and abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scanning. Outpatient treatment consisted of oral antibiotics for 10 days (metronidazole 500 mg/8 h and ciprofloxacin 500 mg/12 h), a liquid diet and oral analgesics (acetaminophen 1 g/6 h). RESULTS: During the period from January 2010 to December 2014, 224 patients were treated on an outpatient basis at a success rate of over 92%. Only 18 patients (8%) required admission after outpatient treatment. CONCLUSION: Outpatient treatment of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis was demonstrated to be safe and effective.

Economic Evaluation of Health Services Costs During Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Pdm09 Infection in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The healthcare and socio-economic burden resulting from influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 in Spain was considerable. Our aim was to estimate and compare the management (resource utilization) and economic healthcare impact in an at-risk group of unvaccinated pregnant women with an unvaccinated group of non-pregnant woman of childbearing age (15-44 yr old). METHODS: We addressed this question with a longitudinal, observational, multicentre study. Inputs were the requirements in managing both groups of women. Outcome measures were healthcare costs. Direct healthcare (including medical utilisation, prescriptions of antivirals, medication, diagnostic tests, and hospitalisation) costs and indirect (productivity loss) costs were considered. Unit of cost was attributed to the frequency of health service resources utilisation. The mean cost per patient was calculated in this group of women. RESULTS: We found that the influenza clinical pattern was worse in non-pregnant women as they had a high medical risk of 20.4% versus 6.1% of pregnant women. Non-pregnant required more antipyretics and antibiotics, and needed more health service resource utilisation (338 medical visits in non-pregnant women vs. 42 in pregnant women). The total cost of non-pregnant women was higher (€4,689.4/non-pregnant and €2,945.07/pregnant). CONCLUSIONS: Cost per (H1N1) pdm09 was lower for pregnant women, probably due to more preventive measures adopted for their protection in Spain. The highest costs were incurred by hospitalisations/day and work absenteeism for non-pregnant than for pregnant women. These data will allow better future pandemic influenza planning.

Perioperative immunonutrition in normo-nourished patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the joint implementation of immunonutrition and a laparoscopic approach improves morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS) compared with dietary advice. BACKGROUND: Despite progress in recent years in the surgical management of patients with colorectal cancer, postoperative complications are frequent. Nutritional supplements enriched with immunonutrients have recently been introduced into clinical practice. However, the immunonutrition benefits in patients undergoing colorectal laparoscopic surgery are unknown. METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized trial with two parallel treatment groups receiving an immune-enhancing dietary supplement for 7 days before colorectal resection and 5 days postoperatively or dietary advice. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were randomized. At baseline, both groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, surgical risk, comorbidities, and analytical and nutritional parameters. The median postoperative LOS was 5 days and was not significantly different between the groups. Wound infection differed significantly between the groups (11.50 vs. 0.00 %, p = 0.006). No other differences between the groups were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The joint use of laparoscopy and supplementation with immunonutrients reduces surgical wound infection in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov : NCT0239396.

Effect of Peritoneal Lavage with Clindamycin-Gentamicin Solution during Elective Colorectal Cancer Surgery on the Oncologic Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics combined with lavage have demonstrated a reduction in the bacterial contamination and decreases surgical site infection (SSI) rate. SSI leads to an immunocompromised situation, as immunologic defense is focused on controlling the septic focus, leaving unattended the neoplasm. It has been described that SSI may result in a worse oncologic outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate prospectively the effect of peritoneal lavage with clindamycin and gentamicin on the oncologic outcome of colorectal tumors. METHODS: A randomized study of patients with diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms and undergoing elective surgery was performed at our institutions between January and September 2011. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Those undergoing an intra-abdominal lavage with normal saline (Group 1) and those undergoing an intra-abdominal lavage with a gentamicin-clindamycin solution (Group 2). Recurrence, global survival, and disease-free survival were investigated. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients were analyzed, with 52 in each group. After a minimum follow-up of 42 mo, mean disease-free survival was 37.2 ± 14.2 mo in Group 1 and 25.8 ± 16.3 mo in Group 2 (mean difference 11.4; confidence interval (CI) 95% (2.2-25.1); p = 0.009). Mean global survival was 44.2 ± 11.9 mo in Group 1 and 34.1 ± 14.1 mo in Group 2 (mean difference 10.1; CI 95% (2.2-18);p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The intra-peritoneal lavage with gentamicin and clindamycin increases the disease-free and global survival colorectal tumors.

Chronic idiopathic anal pain. Results of a diagnostic-therapeutic protocol in a colorectal referral unit.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic idiopathic anal pain (CIAP) remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Its study and management still lack a standardized protocol. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results obtained with the diagnostic-therapeutic protocol established in our service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with CIAP at the Colorectal Unit of the General University Hospital of Elche, between 2005 and 2011. RESULTS: We evaluated 57 patients with a diagnosis of chronic anal pain for functional anorectal disease (FAD). After the application of our diagnostic protocol, final diagnosis of chronic anal pain (CAP) was achieved in 43 cases (75%), including 22 cases of descending perineum syndrome, 12 of proctalgia fugax, 2 of pudendal neuritis and 7 of coccydynia. In 14 patients exclusion diagnosis of CIAP was established. Among the therapies used on patients with CIAP, biofeedback combined with conservative measures improved symptoms in 43% of the cases. Sacral nerve stimulation was assessed in patients who did not respond to other treatments. CONCLUSION: Through proper anamnesis, physical examination and complementary tests, a specific diagnosis of the cause of CAP by FAD can be achieved, reducing exclusion diagnosis of CIAP to 25% of cases. Conservative measures combined with biofeedback achieved an improvement in pain in more than 40% of the cases of CIAP in our study. Sacral nerve stimulation can be considered as a treatment option in refractory cases.

Perianal versus endoanal application of glyceryl trinitrate 0.4% ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure: results of a randomized controlled trial. Is this the solution to the headaches?

BACKGROUND: Application of nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate) ointment with perianal administration is a widely used treatment for chronic anal fissure. However, headache occurs after application in 20% to 70% patients and leads to withdrawal in 10% of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether endoanal application of the ointment may lower the frequency of headaches without sacrificing effectiveness. compare the effects of perianal versus endoanal administration of nitroglycerin ointment on frequency of headache and rate of healing in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT01132391). SETTINGS AND PATIENTS: Study participants were consecutive patients with a diagnosis of chronic anal fissure treated at a university teaching hospital in Elche, Alicante, Spain. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to receive perianal (n = 26) or endoanal (n = 26) administration of 0.4% nitroglycerin ointment (375 mg of ointment containing 1.5 mg of glyceryl trinitrate), applied every 12 hours over an 8-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint of the study was the number of patients with headache within 3 hours after application of the ointment, analyzed with the intention-to-treat principle. Intensity of headache pain was rated on a 10-point visual analog scale. Secondary endpoints included frequencies of fissure healing, anorectal pain, rectal bleeding, pruritus, and incontinence. RESULTS: Headaches were reported in 14 (54%) patients with perianal treatment and in 6 patients (23%) with anorectal treatment (p = 0.003). The median headache pain score was 6 (range, 0-10) in the perianal group and 4.5 (range, 0-10) in the endoanal group (p = 0.03). Disabling headaches led to crossover from perianal to endoanal treatment in 4 patients (15%), and from endoanal to perianal treatment in 1 patient (4%) (p = 0.004). Of the 4 patients who switched from perianal to endoanal treatment, 2 reported improvement in headaches and 2 stopped treatment. The patient who switched from endoanal to perianal treatment also showed no improvement and stopped treatment. The healing rate at 24-week follow-up was 62% (16 patients) with perianal treatment and 77% (20 patients) with endoanal treatment (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Effects on sphincter pressure were not evaluated because manometric measurements were not available. CONCLUSIONS: Endoanal application significantly reduces the frequency of headaches due to treatment with 0.4% nitroglycerin ointment and results in a higher healing rate compared with perianal administration. However, roughly 1 in 4 patients still experiences headaches. Our data suggest that endoanal application may be a better option for treatment of anal fissure with nitroglycerin ointment.

Microbiological spectrum of the intraperitoneal surface after elective right-sided colon cancer: are there differences in the peritoneal contamination after performing a stapled or a handsewn anastomosis?

BACKGROUND: Although colonic surgery is performed with strict aseptic measures, some contamination is nearly impossible to avoid. In stapled anastomosis, the hole opened in the colon is minimum, just necessary for introducing the parts of the mechanical devices. In handsewn anastomosis, the colonic lumen is more exposed to the peritoneum, despite colonic occlusion with clamps while the suture is performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized study was performed between October 2009 and June 2011. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of right-sided colon cancer and having undergone an elective surgery with curative aims. The patients were divided into two groups: those patients undergoing a stapled ileocolonic anastomosis (group 1) and those undergoing a handsewn anastomosis (group 2). A microbiological sample was obtained from the peritoneal surface before opening the colon and after finishing the anastomosis in each group. Data were correlated with the wound infection and intra-abdominal infection rates. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included in the study: 42 patients in each group. There were two intra-abdominal abscesses (5 %) in each group (NS). Wound infection rate was 10 % in group 1 and 7 % in group 2 (NS). Mean operative time was 98.8 min in the stapled group and 105.2 min in the handsewn one (P = 0.013). Positive cultures were obtained in 79 % of the cases after stapled anastomosis and 73 % after handsewn ones (NS). CONCLUSION: Peritoneal contamination appears in over 70 % of cases after ileocolonic anastomosis. Significant differences in peritoneal contamination, wound infection, and intra-abdominal abscess between stapled and handsewn anastomoses could not be demonstrated.

Fistulotomy and sphincter reconstruction in the treatment of complex fistula-in-ano: long-term clinical and manometric results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term clinical and manometric results of fistulotomy and sphincter reconstruction for the treatment of complex fistula-in-ano. BACKGROUND: Complex fistula-in-ano is difficult to treat due to the occurrence of postoperative anal incontinence and the high rate of recurrence. METHODS: Seventy patients who were diagnosed with complex fistula-in-ano and underwent fistulotomy and sphincter reconstruction between October 2000 and October 2006 were analyzed in the present study. Preoperative assessment included physical examination, anorectal manometry, and anal endosonography. Appointments were scheduled every 6 months during the first and second year of treatment and every 2 years thereafter. Recurrence and incontinence were evaluated during each visit. Continence was assessed according to the Wexner continence grading scale. Anal manometry was performed 3 and 12 months after treatment and every 2 years thereafter. Anal endosonography was conducted 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Fistulas were classified as medium-high trans-sphincteric in 64 patients (91.42%) and were recurrent in 22 patients (32%). Before surgery, 22 patients (32%) reported fecal incontinence, which improved after surgery in 15 cases (70%), from 6.75 to 1.88 (P < 0.005) on the Wexner Scale. Eight preoperative continent patients (16.6%) reported postoperative incontinence (Wexner Score < 3), and 6 patients (8.5%) had recurrent incontinence. Among these patients, 2 developed recurrent incontinence 6 months after treatment, 2 developed recurrent incontinence 1 year after treatment, 1 developed recurrent incontinence 2 years after treatment, and 1 developed incontinence 5 years after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction is an effective technique for the treatment of complex fistula-in-ano. Continence and anal manometry results were improved in incontinent patients and were not jeopardized in continent ones. Fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction is an especially suitable technique for incontinent patients with recurrent fistulas.

Effect of peritoneal lavage with clindamycin-gentamicin solution on infections after elective colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal surgery may lead to infections because despite meticulous aseptic measures, extravasation of microorganisms from the colon lumen is unavoidable. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study was performed between January 2010 and December 2010. Patient inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms and plans to undergo an elective curative operation. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (intra-abdominal irrigation with normal saline) and Group 2 (intraperitoneal irrigation with a solution of 240 mg gentamicin and 600 mg clindamycin). The occurrence of wound infections and intra-abdominal abscesses were investigated. After the anastomosis, a microbiologic sample of the peritoneal surface was obtained (sample 1). A second sample was collected after irrigation with normal saline (sample 2). Finally, the peritoneal cavity was irrigated with a gentamicin-clindamycin solution and a third sample was obtained (sample 3). RESULTS: There were 103 patients analyzed: 51 in Group 1 and 52 in Group 2. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, sex, comorbidities, or type of colorectal surgery performed. Wound infection rates were 14% in Group 1 and 4% in Group 2 (p = 0.009; odds ratio [OR] 4.94; 95% CI 1.27 to 19.19). Intra-abdominal abscess rates were 6% in Group 1 and 0% in Group 2 (p = 0.014; OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.13 to 3.57). The culture of sample 1 was positive in 68% of the cases, sample 2 was positive in 59%, and sample 3 in 4%. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic lavage of the peritoneum is associated with a lower incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses and wound infections.

Long-term clinical results of double-pursestring stapled hemorrhoidopexy in a selected group of patients for the treatment of chronic hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective controlled trial was to evaluate the long-term clinical and manometric results of stapled hemorrhoidopexy performed by expert surgeons in a selected group of patients for the treatment of chronic hemorrhoids. SETTINGS: This study took place in the outpatient clinic and at the Day Surgery Unit attached to the University Hospital of Elche. PATIENTS: From March 2003 to May 2005, 200 consecutive patients with third-degree hemorrhoids and treated with double-pursestring stapled hemorrhoidopexy with a PPH33-03 stapler were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic, manometric, and clinical features were analyzed, as well as the variables related to surgery, postoperative course, and follow-up. Manometry was repeated at the 6-month, 1-year, and 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 110 months. Four patients (2%) reported daily rectal bleeding. One patient with active rectal bleeding was taken for reoperation within the first 12 postoperative hours. Seventy percent of patients reported pain ≤ 2 on the first postoperative day, 85% on the fourth postoperative day, and 95% on the seventh postoperative day. Pain was measured with a linear analog scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain; 10 = unbearable pain). Seventeen patients (8.5%) reported tenesmus during the first week. Eight patients (4%) reported persistent pain: in 5 patients, the pain resolved within the next 6 months; 2 patients presented with anal fissure; and 1 patient required the removal of the staples. Two patients (1%) reported residual soiling at the 5-year revision. Fourteen patients (7%) experienced recurrence with symptomatic prolapse. Six (3%) underwent further surgery: stapled hemorrhoidopexy was indicated again in 2 patients, and 4 patients underwent a Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy, because they did not have a uniform prolapse. Six patients required treatment with rubber band ligation. There were no statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative manometric values. CONCLUSIONS: The new PPH33-03 stapler, the learning process of the modified surgical procedure, and the correct selection of patients will overcome the main objections to stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

Evaluation of the stapled transanal rectal resection technique with two staplers in the treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) and to compare the results of two staplers. STUDY DESIGN: From February 2001 to June 2005, 37 patients diagnosed with obstructive defecation syndrome were treated with the STARR technique. We analyzed variables related to the patient, diagnosis based on anorectal exploration, surgical technique used, and clinical and radiologic results. We compared these results in patients with procedure prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH)33-01 (group 1, n = 17) or PPH33-03 (group 2, n = 20). The patients were followed postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months, and annually. RESULTS: Intraoperative hemorrhage at the stapled suture occurred in 13 patients from group 1 and in 6 patients from group 2 (p = 0.03). The degree of postoperative pain was not different between the two groups. During the followup period, radiologic and clinical correction of the rectocele and intussusception was found in 94.6% of the patients, with a recurrence in 1 patient from each group. One patient from group 1 developed stenosis of the anastomosis, which improved with digital dilatations. Six patients from group 1 and none from group 2 (p < 0.05) had granulomas on the staple line at the sites of the reabsorbable reinforcing stitches, which were related to postoperative bleeding and anal discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: STARR is an effective alternative for treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome, with a low morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. The use of PPH33-03 instead of PPH33-01 decreases the risk of hemorrhagic complications and enables more secure implantation as an outpatient procedure.

Salud Escolar, ¿Por Qué el Profesional de Enfermería en las Escuelas Españolas? / School health, nursing professionals in spanish schools?

El presente artículo trata de justificar y argumentar, laimportancia de incluir a los profesionales de enfermería,en los departamentos de orientación de los centros deeducación públicos españoles, con la finalidad depromover estilos y hábitos de vida saludables que seanperdurables en el tiempo, y a través de la educación parala salud, conseguir fomentar una cultura de prevención yde promoción para la salud entre los escolares españoles.España se encuentra en un momento muy decisivo para eldesarrollo de la disciplina enfermería, con la recienteaparición de leyes, que van a ayudar al futuro de laprofesión. Con la Ley de Especialidades, se vuelve a darun nuevo impulso a la Enfermería Comunitaria y por endea la salud escolar, por lo que reivindicamos para enfermería, este nuevo espacio de desempeño profesional. /The purpose of this article is to justify and argue the importance of including nursing professionals in the counselling departments at Spanish public education centers in order to promote lasting healthy lifestyles and habits amongst Spanish school children through health education, encouraging a culture of prevention and health promotion. Spain is currently at a turning point regarding the future of nursing, thanks to the recent advent of laws that will privilege the future of the profession. The Specialties Law provides a new boost to Community Nursing and, consequently, to school nursing. Therefore, we strongly believe that this area of professional development should be opened up for nursing.

Prospective randomized clinical trial comparing two different circular staplers for mucosectomy in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: The main objections against circular stapled mucosectomy have been anal pain and rectal bleeding during the surgical procedure or in the immediate postoperative follow-up. To avoid these consequences, a new stapler (PPH33-03) has been developed. The aim of this trial was to compare the intraoperative and short-term postoperative morbidity of stapled mucosectomy with PPH33-01 versus PPH33-03 in the treatment of hemorrhoids. METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing hemorrhoidectomy with PPH33-01 (group 1, n=30) versus PPH33-03 (group 2, n=30) for grade III-IV symptomatic hemorrhoids. For the follow-up, the patients underwent examination and proctoscopy at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. We recorded anal pain (linear analog scale from 0 to 10), intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative bleeding, and continence (Wexner Continence Grading Scale). RESULTS: Demographic and clinical features showed no differences between the two groups. More patients required suture ligation to stop anastomotic bleeding at surgery when the PPH33-01 stapler was used (15 versus 4, P<0.05). Rectal bleeding during the first postoperative 4 weeks was similar (P>0.05). The postoperative pain scores during the first week were similar (P>0.05). Patients with pain on defecation were fewer in the PPH-03 group (15 versus 2, P<0.05). Six patients from group 1 and none from group 2 (P<0.05) had granulomas along the line of staples at the sites of the reinforcing stitches; the granulomas were associated with postoperative anal discomfort and rectal bleeding. One patient in group 1 complained of persistent pain that resolved within 3 months. Of all the intraoperative or preoperative variables analyzed, only the presence of granuloma was associated with postoperative bleeding and anal discomfort. We have not found any recurrence or incontinence during the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative bleeding along the stapled line and tenesmus or discomfort during defecation were less frequent after circular stapled mucosectomy with PPH33-03. Therefore, circular stapled mucosectomy with PPH33-03 decreases the risk of immediate complications and thus allows implantation with more safety as a day surgery procedure.

Randomized clinical and manometric study of advancement flap versus fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction in the management of complex fistula-in-ano.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of advancement flap (AF) versus fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction (FSR) for primary complex fistula-in-ano in terms of recurrence and anal function. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare AF with FSR. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included physical examination, anal ultrasonography, and anal manometry, with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. Anal continence was evaluated using the Wexner Continence Grading Scale (scale, 0-20). RESULTS: Sixty patients were randomized to AF (group 1, N = 30) or FSR (group 2, N = 30). Three patients from group 1 and 2 patients from group 2 were excluded from the study because of active sepsis at surgery. Fistulas were classified as high transsphincteric in 44 patients (80%) and suprasphincteric in 11 patients (20%). Demographic and clinical features showed no differences between the 2 groups. The mean Wexner Continence Grading Scale did not vary significantly after surgery in either group, and there was no difference between the groups. On anal manometry there was a significant decrease in the maximum resting pressure after surgery in both groups, and in the maximum squeeze pressure in the AF group, but neither the maximum resting pressure nor the maximum squeeze pressure differed significantly between groups, either before or after surgery. Two fistulas from each group recurred after surgery (7.4% and 7.1%, respectively). The mean follow-up period was 36 months (range, 24-52 mo). CONCLUSIONS: FSR compares with AF in terms of postoperative continence and recurrence. Anal continence and manometric values are not jeopardized in either technique.

Stapled endorectal mucosectomy for high extrasphincteric fistula-in-ano: preliminary report.

PURPOSE: There is no optimum surgical method of repair for high extrasphincteric fistula-in-ano. We describe a relatively simple procedure for surgery of extrasphincteric fistula, which entirely preserves the anal sphincter, does not interfere with anal function, and does not preclude the possibility of further surgery, if necessary. METHODS: Five patients have been treated for high extrasphincteric fistula with a stapled endorectal flap by using a circular hemorrhoidal stapler gun. The procedure involved two 180 degrees pursestrings placed above the dentate line and 3 cm apart, proximal and distal to the internal opening. On firing, the result was the excision of a 180 degrees rectal flap, containing the internal ostium, and including rectal mucosa and submucosa. RESULTS: No perioperative complications were encountered. There was some temporary difficulty in controlling flatus and/or defecatory urgency in two patients, which spontaneously reversed with no treatment within the first two postoperative months. The mean Cleveland Clinic Score of Incontinence did not vary significantly after surgery. Overall anal manometry did not register any significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values. With up to 26 months of follow-up, none of the fistulas recurred. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary promising results suggest that the stapled endorectal flap could have a role in the management of high extrasphincteric fistula-in-ano.

Prospective clinical and manometric study of fistulotomy with primary sphincter reconstruction in the management of recurrent complex fistula-in-ano.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the results of fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction in the management of recurrent complex fistula-in-ano in terms of recurrence and continence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 16 patients undergoing fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction for recurrent complex fistula-in-ano was done. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included physical examination, anal ultrasonography and anal manometry, with a 40-month follow-up. The Wexner Continence Grading Scale (0-20) was used to assess faecal continence. RESULTS: Fistulas were classified as high transsphincteric in 13 patients (81.3%), suprasphincteric in 2 (12.5%) and extrasphincteric in 1 patient (6.2%). Four patients (25%) had recurred twice or more. Eight patients (50%) complained of varying degrees of prior faecal incontinence. Their mean score decreased from 8.5 to 1.875 after surgery, and all the patients improved except for one whose score remained the same. On anal manometry, the differences between continent and incontinent patients before surgery [maximum resting pressure (MRP) 86.3 vs 57.6 mmHg, maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) 196.5 vs 138.6 mmHg] decreased after surgery (MRP 81.9 vs 63.7 mmHg, MSP 179.8 vs 159.3 mmHg). In fully continent patients, both the clinical score and manometric values were quite similar after surgery. Two fully continent patients (25%) developed occasional flatus incontinence and soiling, scoring two and three points, respectively. One patient recurred (6.25%) 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Fistulotomy with sphincter reconstruction seems to be an effective resource in the management of recurrent complex fistula-in-ano. It improves both anal continence and manometric values in incontinent patients without compromising them in fully continent ones.

Prospective randomised clinical trial of single versus double purse-string stapled mucosectomy in the treatment of prolapsed haemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the excellent results published on circular stapled mucosectomy (CSM), there is still some concern about the application of PPH-33 in the advanced haemorrhoidal disease, where a major prolapse may lead to insufficient resection and ensuing early recurrence. This study is aimed at comparing the outcomes after single purse-string CSM versus double purse-string CSM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomised clinical trial of single versus double purse-string CSM for grade III-IV symptomatic haemorrhoids was used. One hundred consecutive patients were randomised to single (group 1, N=50) versus double purse-string CSM (group 2, N=50). RESULTS: The mean age was 50.7 years, with a predominance of males (63 vs. 37). Haemorrhoids were classified as grade III in 59% and grade IV in 41% of the patients. Mean follow-up was 26 months. Demographic and clinical features showed no differences between the two groups. The size of the resected doughnut was greater in group 2 (4.95 vs. 3.55 cm; p<0.05), as was the distance of the suture from the dentate line (3.56 vs. 3.16 cm; p<0.05). Early postoperative pain was significantly less in group 2 (linear analogue scale from 0 to 10), 2.08 vs. 3.56 (p<0.001). Postoperative haemorrhage was absent or minimal in 79% of patients. Three patients from group 1 reported persistent pain that was resolved within the first few postoperative months. There were two recurrences in group 1. CONCLUSION: Double purse-string CSM resects a greater doughnut, increases the distance of the staple suture from the dentate line and reduces early postoperative pain in comparison to single purse-string CSM. Larger series are necessary to assert whether recurrence is lower.