Comparison of etiological and physiological characteristics of fecal incontinence in men and women.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is often underreported and underestimated in men. Our aims were to clarify the causes and the physiological characteristics of FI in men and to underline the differences between etiological and physiological factors in men and women diagnosed with FI. The study cohort encompassed 200 men and 200 women who underwent anatomical and physiological evaluation for FI in a tertiary referral center specializing in pelvic floor disorders. All patients underwent endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry. Evacuation proctography was performed in some patients. Demographic, medical, anatomical, and physiological parameters were compared between the two study groups. Urge incontinence was the most frequent type of FI in both genders. In men, anal fistula, history of anal surgeries, rectal tumors, and pelvic radiotherapy were common etiologic factors, whereas history of pelvic surgeries was more common in women. Associated urinary incontinence was reported more frequently by women. External anal sphincter defects, usually anterior, were more common in women (M: 1.5%, F: 24%, P < 0.0001), whereas internal anal sphincter defect prevalence was similar in men and women (M: 6%, F: 12%, P = 0.19). Decreased resting and squeeze pressures were less common in men (M: 29%, F: 46%, P < 0.0001: M: 44%, F: 66%, P < 0.0001). The incidence of rectal hyposensitivity was higher in men (M: 11.1%, F: 2.8%, P < 0.0001), whereas rectal hypersensitivity was higher in women (M: 5.8%, F: 10.8%, P < 0.0001). Anorectal dyssynergia was more common in men (M: 66%, F: 37%, P < 0.0001). Significantly different etiological factors and physiological characteristics for FI were found in men. Acknowledging these differences is significant and may yield better treatment options.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fecal incontinence (FI) in men has different etiological factors when compared with women. The prevalence of internal anal sphincter defect among men with FI was similar to women. Different manometric measurements were found among men with FI: decreased anal pressures were less common among men, whereas rectal hyposensitivity and anorectal dyssynergia were more common among men.

Functional Outcomes After Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) for Rectal Cancer: Results From the Phase II North American Multicenter Prospective Observational Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate fecal incontinence and defecatory, urinary, and sexual functional outcomes after transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). BACKGROUND: Proctectomy for rectal cancer may result in alterations in defecatory, urinary, and sexual function that persist beyond 12 months. The recent multicenter phase II taTME trial demonstrated the safety of taTME in patients with stage I to III tumors. METHODS: Prospectively registered self-reported questionnaires were collected from 100 taTME patients. Fecal continence [Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL), Wexner], defecatory function [Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO)], urinary function (International Prostate Symptom Score), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index-female, International Index of Erectile Function-male) were assessed preoperatively (PQ), 3 to 4 months postileostomy closure (FQ1), and 12 to 18 months post-taTME [postoperative questionnaire 2 (FQ2)]. RESULTS: Among 83 patients who responded at all 3 time points, FIQL, Wexner, and COREFO significantly worsened postileostomy closure. Between FQ1 and FQ2, FIQL lifestyle and coping, Wexner, and COREFO incontinence, social impact, frequency, and need for medication significantly improved, while FIQL depression and embarrassment did not change. International Prostate Symptom Score did not change relative to preoperative scores. For females, Female Sexual Function Index declined for desire, orgasm, and satisfaction between PQ and FQ1, and did not improve between FQ1 and FQ2. In males, International Index of Erectile Function declined with no change between FQ1 and FQ2. CONCLUSIONS: Although taTME resulted in initial decline in defecatory function and fecal continence, most functional domains improved by 12 months after ileostomy closure, without returning to preoperative status. Urinary function was preserved while sexual function declined without improvement by 18 months post-taTME. Our results address patient expectations and inform shared decision-making regarding taTME.

Global Prevalence of Fecal Incontinence in Community-Dwelling Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fecal incontinence (FI) can considerably impair quality of life. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to determine the global prevalence and geographic distribution of FI and to characterize its relationship with sex and age. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify population-based surveys of the prevalence of FI. RESULTS: Of the 5175 articles identified, the final analysis included 80 studies; the median response rate was 66% (interquartile range [IQR], 54%-74%). Among 548,316 individuals, the pooled global prevalence of FI was 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.8%-9.2%); by Rome criteria, it was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.1%-7.7%). FI prevalence was greater for persons aged 60 years and older (9.3%; 95% CI, 6.6%-12.0%) compared with younger persons (4.9%; 95% CI, 2.9%-6.9%) (odds ratio [OR], 1.75; 95% CI, 1.39-2.20), and it was more prevalent among women (9.1%; 95% CI, 7.6%-10.6%) than men (7.4%; 95% CI, 6.0%-8.8%]) (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.28). The prevalence was highest in Australia and Oceania, followed by North America, Asia, and Europe, but prevalence could not be estimated in Africa and the Middle East. The risk of bias was low, moderate, and high for 19 (24%), 46 (57%), and 15 (19%) studies, respectively. Exclusion of studies with high risk of bias did not affect the prevalence of FI or heterogeneity. In the meta-regression, the high study heterogeneity (I2 = 99.61%) was partly explained by age. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 12 adults worldwide have FI. The prevalence is greater among women and older people.

Centrally Distributed Adiposity as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Fecal Incontinence: United States Population-based Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fecal incontinence (FI) is highly prevalent with substantial impacts on quality of life and health care utilization. The impact of obesity on FI remains unclear, with differing conclusions using body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor. We aimed to determine the association between obesity and FI, and whether this relationship is dependent on the distribution of adiposity (waist circumference-to-height ratio [WHtR]). METHODS: This was a population-based analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including participants who responded to the bowel health survey in 2005 to 2010. FI was defined by the accidental bowel leakage of solid stool, liquid, or mucus at least once in the past month. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess risk factors for FI. RESULTS: A total of 7606 participants were included, with an overall FI prevalence of 9.2%. When stratified by quartiles of body measurements, FI was increasingly prevalent from the 1st to the 4th quartile for both WHtR (range, 5.3%-12.5%) and BMI (range, 7.1%-10.5%). WHtR was associated with FI and was a stronger predictor than BMI in all quartiles of body measurement. On multivariable analysis, WHtR remained a significant predictor of FI comparing the 4th with the 1st quartile of body measurements (odds ratio [OR], 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-2.80; P = .017), whereas BMI was not. A WHtR cutoff of >0.592 optimized the Youden index in prediction of FI in the overall sample. CONCLUSION: WHtR was independently associated with increased odds of FI in this nationally representative sample of United States adults, whereas BMI was not consistently correlated. This suggests bowel continence may depend more on how body mass is distributed.

A Predictive Model to Identify the Effects of Transcutaneous Sacral Nerve Stimulation With Pelvic Floor Exercises in Fecal Incontinence After Surgery for Anorectal Malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Although the combination of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation (tSNS) and pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) has shown significant effectiveness in treating fecal incontinence (FI) after surgery for congenital anorectal malformation (CARM), not all patients achieve satisfactory continence. Therefore, identifying which individuals will benefit from this method is crucial. METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled 92 children with FI. All patients underwent tSNS with PFE treatment, and an improved outcome was defined as a Wexner score ≤4. A predictive model to identify the effects of tSNS with PFEs in FI was developed based on the analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and high-resolution anorectal manometry with area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve to evaluate the predictive value of external anal sphincter (EAS) thickness index and anal squeezing pressure (ASP). RESULTS: tSNS with PFEs improved outcomes in 72 patients and led to poor outcomes in 20 (4 had their rectums deviate from the puborectalis muscle center or puborectal muscle ruptures while 16 lacked EAS with a lower ASP). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for EAS thickness index and ASP in predicting the effects of tSNS with PFEs were 0.915 (95% confidence interval 0.846-0.983, P = 0.000) and 0.886 (95% confidence interval 0.819-0.952, P = 0.000), respectively. By applying cutoff values of 0.076 for EAS thickness index and 21.95 mm Hg for ASP, tSNS with PFEs was found to be ineffective. DISCUSSION: tSNS with PFEs is effective for most patients with FI after CARM surgery, except when the rectum deviates from the puborectal muscle center, puborectal muscle rupture occurs, or EAS is absent with a low ASP.

Study on Intestinal Pressure after Implantation of Biaxial Actuated Artificial Anal Sphincter in Animal.

Fecal incontinence (FI) referred to the inability to control the leakage of solid, liquid, or gaseous feces, the artificial anal sphincter (AAS) was the last resort for patients with FI except enterostomy. In order to the clinical application value of AAS was improved, the detection and analysis of intestinal pressure information was very necessary. Biaxial actuated artificial anal sphincter (BAAS) was a new type of AAS, which not only had a stable, long-term and safe energy supply, but also could provide real-time feedback of intestinal pressure information. In this paper, the BAAS was implanted into piglets for a long-term animal experiment. Piglets' life habits, defecation habits and intestinal pressure were analyzed. The analysis results showed that the BAAS system had good feces control effect, when the actuator of the BAAS system was closed, there was basically no fecal leakage of piglets, and when the actuator of the BAAS system was opened, the piglets could defecate normally. Under the normal condition of the piglets' health state and the BAAS's operating state, the accuracy of the defecation perception reached to 65.79%. This study realized the in-depth study of the mechanism of piglets' defecation, and provided guidance for the development of a new generation of AAS.

The Long-term Outcomes of Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for fecal incontinence. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term outcomes of sacral neuromodulation and establish the outcomes of patients with inactive devices. DESIGN: This is an observational study of patients treated for >5 years. A positive outcome was defined as a more than 50% reduction in fecal incontinence episodes or improvement in a symptom severity score. Data were reviewed from a prospectively managed database. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Data from 74 patients (72 women) were available at long-term follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bowel diary, St. Mark's incontinence score, and Manchester Health Questionnaire data were prospectively recorded at baseline, after percutaneous nerve evaluation, and at last follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were analyzed in cohorts based on time since sacral neuromodulation implantation: group 1: 5 to 10 years (n = 20), group 2: >10 years (n = 35), and group 3: inactive sacral neuromodulation devices (n = 19). Median St. Mark's incontinence score and Manchester Health Questionnaire improved from baseline to last follow-up in group 1 ( p ≤ 0.05) and group 2 ( p ≤ 0.05), but in group 3, results returned to baseline levels at the last follow-up. Similarly, weekly fecal incontinence episodes improved in both active device groups at the last follow-up. However, in group 3, incontinence episodes were no different from baseline ( p = 0.722). Despite active devices, fecal urgency episodes increased at the last follow-up after >10 years since percutaneous nerve evaluation ( p ≤ 0.05). Complete continence was reported by 44% of patients, and at least a 50% improvement was seen in 77% of patients with active devices. LIMITATIONS: This study is retrospective with some gaps in the available data at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for fecal incontinence in the long term, but all outcomes are adversely affected by device inactivity. Therefore, ongoing stimulation is required for continued benefit. See Video Abstract. RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO DE LA NEUROMODULACIN SACRA PARA LA INCONTINENCIA FECAL EXPERIENCIA DE UN SOLO CENTRO: ANTECEDENTES:La neuromodulación sacra es un tratamiento eficaz para la incontinencia fecal.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los resultados a largo plazo de la neuromodulación sacra y establecer los resultados de los pacientes con dispositivos inactivos.DISEÑO:Este es un estudio observacional de pacientes tratados durante más de 5 años. Un resultado positivo se definió como una reducción >50 % en los episodios de incontinencia fecal o una mejoría en la puntuación de gravedad de los síntomas. Los datos se revisaron a partir de una base de datos administrada prospectivamente.ENTERNO CLINICO:Este estudio se realizó en un solo centro de referencia terciario.PACIENTES:Los datos de 74 pacientes (72 mujeres) estaban disponibles en el seguimiento a largo plazo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Diario intestinal, puntuación de incontinencia de St. Mark y datos del Cuestionario de salud de Manchester se registraron prospectivamente al inicio, después de la evaluación de nervio periférico y en el último seguimiento.RESULTADOS:Los pacientes se analizaron en cohortes según el tiempo transcurrido desde la implantación de la neuromodulación sacra: Grupo 1: 5-10 años (n = 20), Grupo 2: >10 años (n = 35) y Grupo 3: dispositivos SNM inactivos (n = 19). La mediana de la puntuación de incontinencia de St. Mark y Questionnaire Cuestionario de salud de Manchester mejoraron desde el inicio hasta el último seguimiento en el Grupo 1 (p = < 0,05) y el Grupo 2 (p = < 0,05), pero en el Grupo 3 los resultados volvieron a los niveles iniciales en el último seguimiento. arriba. De manera similar, los episodios semanales de incontinencia fecal mejoraron en ambos grupos de dispositivos activos en el último seguimiento. Sin embargo, en el Grupo 3 los episodios de incontinencia no fueron diferentes de los basales (p = 0,722). A pesar de los dispositivos activos, los episodios de urgencia fecal aumentaron en el último seguimiento después de más de 10 años desde la evaluación del nervio periférico (p = < 0,05). Continencia completa se reportó en el 44 % de los pacientes, y al menos una mejora del 50 % en el 77 % con dispositivos activos.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio es retrospectivo con algunas vacíos en los datos disponibles en el último seguimiento.CONCLUSIONES:La neuromodulación sacra es un tratamiento eficaz para la incontinencia fecal a largo plazo, pero todos los resultados se ven afectados negativamente por la inactividad del dispositivo. Por lo tanto, se requiere estimulación continua para un beneficio continuo. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon ).

The Severity of Fecal Problems Is Negatively Associated With Quality of Life in a Dutch Population Without Bowel Function Comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Constipation and fecal incontinence negatively influence quality of life. The association between the severity of fecal problems and quality of life has not been investigated in the general population without bowel function comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the severity of constipation and fecal incontinence and quality of life in patients without comorbidities influencing bowel function. DESIGN: A population-based, cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: The study involved 3668 Dutch study participants. PATIENTS: A survey company conducted a population-wide study of the general Dutch population. Altogether, 5000 Dutch citizens completed the Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence and Short Form-36 questionnaires. The data on 3668 respondents without comorbidities that could influence bowel function were included for analysis (study group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The severity of constipation (Agachan score) and fecal incontinence (Wexner score) in relation to the quality-of-life scores. RESULTS: In the study group (n = 3668), 487 had constipation (13.3%), 116 had fecal incontinence (3.2%), and 64 had 2 coexisting fecal problems (1.7%). In the multivariable analysis, all quality-of-life domains were negatively associated with the severity of constipation and fecal incontinence. The associations between the severity of constipation and quality of life were stronger (highest: ß = -2.413; 95% CI, -2.681 to -2.145; p < 0.001) than those of fecal incontinence (highest: ß = -1.280; 95% CI, -1.681 to -.880; p < 0.001). We also found that a longer duration of bowel complaints coincided with higher severity scores, especially for constipation. Respondents mostly rated their defecation health as positive, regardless of the severity of their fecal problems. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of constipation and fecal incontinence is significantly associated with reduced quality of life, with the severity of constipation having stronger associations than fecal incontinence. Given respondents' unawareness of their fecal problems and the progressive character, timely intervention is advocated. See Video Abstract . LA GRAVEDAD DE LOS PROBLEMAS FECALES SE ASOCIA NEGATIVAMENTE CON LA CALIDAD DE VIDA EN UNA POBLACIN HOLANDESA SIN COMORBILIDADES DE LA FUNCIN INTESTINAL: ANTECEDENTES:El estreñimiento y la incontinencia fecal influyen negativamente en la calidad de vida. La asociación entre la gravedad de los problemas fecales y la calidad de vida no se ha investigado en la población general sin comorbilidades de la función intestinal.OBJETIVO:Investigar la asociación entre la gravedad del estreñimiento y la incontinencia fecal y la calidad de vida en la población holandesa general sin comorbilidades que influyan en la función intestinal.DISEÑO:Estudio transversal de base poblacional.ENTORNO CLINICO:El estudio involucró a 3668 participantes holandeses.PACIENTES:Una empresa de encuestas realizó un estudio poblacional de la población holandesa en general. En total, 5.000 ciudadanos holandeses completaron los cuestionarios Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence y Short-Form 36. Se incluyeron para el análisis los datos de 3668 encuestados sin comorbilidades que pudieran influir en la función intestinal (grupo de estudio).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La gravedad del estreñimiento (puntuación de Agachan) y la incontinencia fecal (puntuación de Wexner) en relación con las puntuaciones de calidad de vida.RESULTADOS:En el grupo de estudio (n = 3668), 487 tenían estreñimiento (13,3%), 116 tenían incontinencia fecal (3,2%) y 64 tenían 2 problemas fecales coexistentes (1,7%). En el análisis multivariable, todos los dominios de calidad de vida se asociaron negativamente con la gravedad del estreñimiento y la incontinencia fecal. Las asociaciones entre la gravedad del estreñimiento y la calidad de vida fueron más fuertes (más alta: ß = -2,413; IC del 95 %, -2,681 a -2,145; p < 0,001) que las de la incontinencia fecal (más alta: ß = -1,280; 95 IC %: -1,681 a -0,880; p < 0,001). También encontramos que una mayor duración de las molestias intestinales coincidió con puntuaciones de gravedad más altas, especialmente para el estreñimiento. La mayoría de los encuestados calificaron su salud en la defecación como positiva, independientemente de la gravedad de sus problemas fecales.LIMITACIONES:Diseño transversal.CONCLUSIONES:La gravedad del estreñimiento y la incontinencia fecal se asocia significativamente con una calidad de vida reducida; la gravedad del estreñimiento tiene asociaciones más fuertes que la incontinencia fecal. Dado el desconocimiento de los encuestados sobre sus problemas fecales y el carácter progresivo, se recomienda una intervención oportuna. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon ).

Patient Satisfaction With Long-term Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: Experience From a Single Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for fecal incontinence in the long term. Efficacy is typically assessed using bowel diary, symptom severity, and quality-of-life questionnaires, and "success" is defined as more than 50% improvement in these measures. However, patient satisfaction may be a more meaningful and individualized measure of treatment efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient-reported satisfaction with long-term sacral neuromodulation and compare it to the frequently applied efficacy measures. DESIGN: An observational study of a prospectively maintained database. SETTING: A single tertiary pelvic floor referral unit. PATIENTS: Data from 70 patients (68 women, median age 69 [60-74] years) were available. The median time since implantation was 11 (9-14) years. Nineteen patients reported inactive neuromodulation devices. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bowel diaries, the Manchester Health Questionnaire, and the St. Mark's Incontinence Score were recorded at baseline, after percutaneous nerve evaluation, and at the last follow-up. Patient-reported satisfaction, using a 0% to 100% visual analog scale, with treatment since implantation (overall) and in the 2 weeks preceding completion of the last outcome measures (current) were also assessed. RESULTS: Satisfaction was significantly higher in those with active sacral neuromodulation devices (75% vs 20%, p < 0.001) at follow-up. No significant relationships exist between symptom improvement using conventional measures and patient-reported satisfaction. Current satisfaction was not associated with changes in bowel diary data after percutaneous nerve evaluation. Despite improvements in the St. Mark's Incontinence Score and Manchester Health Questionnaire below the 50% improvement threshold used to define "success," patients reported high (80%) satisfaction. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design with gaps in the available data. CONCLUSIONS: High patient satisfaction with sacral neuromodulation can be achieved; however, the response to percutaneous nerve evaluation may not predict treatment satisfaction in the long term. The change in questionnaire results, which measure the use of compensatory behaviors and quality-of-life impact, may better correspond to treatment satisfaction. SATISFACCIN A LARGO PLAZO EN LOS PACIENTES CON LA NEUROMODULACIN SACRA PARA LA INCONTINENCIA FECAL EXPERIENCIA DE UN NICO CENTRO TERCIARIO: ANTECEDENTES:La neuromodulación sacra es un tratamiento eficaz para la incontinencia fecal a largo plazo. La eficacia suele evaluarse mediante cuestionarios sobre la frecuencia diaria intestinal, la gravedad de los síntomas o la calidad de vida, y el "éxito" se define como una mejoría >50% en estas medidas. Sin embargo, la satisfacción del paciente puede ser una medida más significativa e individualizada de la eficacia del tratamiento.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la satisfacción a largo plazo de los pacientes con la neuromodulación sacra y compararla con las medidas de eficacia aplicadas con frecuencia.DISEÑO:Estudio observacional de una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.LUGAR:Unidad terciaria única de referencia de suelo pélvico.PACIENTES:Se dispuso de datos de 70 pacientes (68 mujeres, mediana de edad 69 [60-74]). La mediana de tiempo transcurrido desde la implantación fue de 11 (9-14) años. Diecinueve pacientes informaron de dispositivos de neuromodulación inactivos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Diarios intestinales, el Cuestionario de Salud de Manchester y la Puntuación de Incontinencia de St Marks registrados al inicio, tras la evaluación percutánea del nervio y en el último seguimiento. Los pacientes informaron de su satisfacción, utilizando una escala analógica visual de 0%-100%, con el tratamiento desde la implantación (global) y en las dos semanas anteriores a la realización de las últimas medidas de resultado (actual).RESULTADOS:La satisfacción fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con dispositivos de neuromodulación sacra activos (75% frente a 20%, p < 0,001) durante el seguimiento. No existen relaciones significativas entre la mejoría de los síntomas mediante medidas convencionales y la satisfacción comunicada por el paciente. La satisfacción actual no se asoció con los cambios en los datos de la frecuencia diaria intestinal tras la evaluación percutánea de los nervios. A pesar de que las mejoras en la puntuación de incontinencia de St Mark y el Cuestionario de Salud de Manchester se situaron por debajo del umbral de mejora del 50% utilizado para definir el "éxito", los pacientes declararon un alto grado de satisfacción (80%).LIMITACIONES:Retrospectivo con lagunas en los datos disponibles.CONCLUSIONES:Puede lograrse una alta satisfacción de los pacientes con la neuromodulación sacra; sin embargo, la respuesta a la evaluación percutánea del nervio puede no predecir la satisfacción con el tratamiento a largo plazo. El cambio en los resultados del cuestionario, que mide el uso de conductas compensatorias y el impacto en la calidad de vida, puede corresponder mejor a la satisfacción con el tratamiento. (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Efficacy of Traditional Acupuncture Compared to Biofeedback Therapy in Fecal Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence has a devastating impact on quality of life and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. Best medical therapy, including biofeedback therapy, improves mild symptoms with minimal impact on moderate to severe symptoms. Surgical management for incontinence carries a degree of morbidity, resulting in low uptake and acceptability. Although acupuncture is common practice in Singapore for numerous medical conditions, its role in fecal incontinence is relatively novel. In our local context, however, acupuncture is accessible, inexpensive, and potentially well accepted as a treatment strategy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, compared to biofeedback therapy, in the treatment of fecal incontinence. The secondary aim is to investigate the differences in quality of life after treatment. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Prospective, single-institution study. PATIENTS: Patients with 2 or more episodes of fecal incontinence per week or St. Mark's incontinence score of 5 or higher were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned into biofeedback therapy, which included 3 sessions over 10 weeks, or 30 sessions of acupuncture over 10 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incontinence episodes, St. Mark's score, and fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were randomly assigned to biofeedback therapy (n = 46) or acupuncture (n = 39). Demographics and baseline clinical characteristics were not different ( p > 0.05). Overall median incontinence episodes were reduced in both, with the acupuncture arm reporting significantly fewer episodes at week 15 ( p < 0.001). Acupuncture also improved quality of life, with improvement in lifestyle, coping, depression, and embarrassment at week 15 ( p < 0.05). Although the St. Mark's score was significantly reduced in both arms at week 15 ( p < 0.001), the acupuncture arm's score was significantly lower ( p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: Longer follow-up is required. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture is clinically effective and improves the quality of life in patients with fecal incontinence. See Video Abstract . CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT04276350. EFICACIA DE LA ACUPUNTURA TRADICIONAL COMPARADA CON LA TERAPIA DE BIORRETROALIMENTACIN EN LA INCONTINENCIA FECAL UN ENSAYO CONTROLADO ALEATORIO: ANTECEDENTES:La incontinencia fecal tiene un impacto devastador en la calidad de vida e impone una carga socioeconómica sustancial. La mejor terapia médica, incluida la terapia de biorretroalimentación, mejora los síntomas leves, con un impacto mínimo sobre los síntomas moderados a graves. El tratamiento quirúrgico de la incontinencia conlleva un grado de morbilidad que resulta en una baja aceptación y aceptabilidad. Si bien la acupuntura es una práctica común en Singapur para numerosas afecciones médicas, su papel en la incontinencia fecal es relativamente novedoso. Sin embargo, en nuestro contexto local, la acupuntura es accesible, económica y potencialmente bien aceptada como estrategia de tratamiento.OBJETIVO:Determinar la efectividad de la acupuntura de la Medicina Tradicional China, en comparación con la terapia de biorretroalimentación en el tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal. El objetivo secundario es investigar las diferencias en la calidad de vida después del tratamiento.DISEÑO:Ensayo controlado aleatorio.AJUSTE:Estudio prospectivo de una sola institución.PACIENTES:Se reclutaron pacientes con >2 episodios de incontinencia fecal/semana o una puntuación de incontinencia de St. Mark's >5. Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a una terapia de biorretroalimentación que incluyó 3 sesiones durante 10 semanas o 30 sesiones de acupuntura durante 10 semanas.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Episodios de incontinencia, puntuación de St. Mark's y escala de calidad de vida de incontinencia fecal.RESULTADOS:Ochenta y cinco pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a terapia de biorretroalimentación (n = 46) o acupuntura (n = 39). Las características demográficas y clínicas iniciales no fueron diferentes ( p > 0,05). La mediana general de episodios de incontinencia se redujo en ambos, y el grupo de acupuntura informó significativamente menos en la semana 15 ( p <0,001). La acupuntura también mejoró la calidad de vida, con mejoras en el estilo de vida, el afrontamiento, la depresión y la vergüenza en la semana 15 ( p <0,05). Mientras que la puntuación de St Mark se redujo significativamente en ambos brazos en la semana 15 ( p < 0,001), la puntuación del brazo de acupuntura fue significativamente menor (p = 0,002).LIMITACIONES:Se requiere un seguimiento más prolongado.CONCLUSIONES:La acupuntura es clínicamente efectiva y mejora la calidad de vida en pacientes con incontinencia fecal. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

The Effect of a Temporary Stoma on Long-term Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rectal cancer may undergo surgical resection with or without a temporary stoma. OBJECTIVE: This study primarily aimed to compare long-term functional outcomes between patients with and without a temporary stoma after surgery for rectal cancer. The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of time to stoma reversal on functional outcomes. DESIGN: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at 7 Dutch hospitals. PATIENTS: Included were patients who had undergone rectal cancer surgery (2009-2015). Excluded were deceased patients, who were deceased, had a permanent stoma, or had intellectual disability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional outcomes were measured using the Rome IV criteria for constipation and fecal incontinence and the low anterior resection syndrome score. RESULTS: Of 656 patients, 32% received a temporary ileostomy and 20% a temporary colostomy (86% response). Follow-up was at 56 (interquartile range, 38.5-79) months. Patients who had a temporary ileostomy experienced less constipation, more fecal incontinence, and more major low anterior resection syndrome than those without a temporary stoma. Patients who had a temporary colostomy experienced more major low anterior resection syndrome than those without a temporary stoma. A temporary ileostomy or colostomy was not associated with constipation or fecal incontinence after correction for confounding factors (eg, anastomotic height, anastomotic leakage, radiotherapy). Time to stoma reversal was not associated with constipation, fecal incontinence, or major low anterior resection syndrome. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with a temporary ileostomy or colostomy have worse functional outcomes in the long term, it seems that the reason for creating a temporary stoma, rather than the stoma itself, underlies this phenomenon. Time to reversal of a temporary stoma does not influence functional outcomes. See Video Abstract . EL EFECTO DEL ESTOMA TEMPORAL SOBRE LOS RESULTADOS FUNCIONALES A LARGO PLAZO DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA POR CNCER DE RECTO: ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con cáncer de recto pueden someterse a resección quirúrgica con o sin un estoma temporal.OBJETIVO:El objetivo principal de este estudio fue comparar los resultados funcionales a largo plazo entre pacientes con y sin estoma temporal después de cirugía por cáncer de recto. El objetivo secundario fue investigar el efecto del tiempo transcurrido hasta la reversión del estoma sobre los resultados funcionales.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio transversal multicéntrico.ESCENARIO:Este estudio se llevó a cabo en siete hospitales holandeses.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer de recto (2009-2015). Se excluyeron pacientes fallecidos, pacientes con estoma permanente o discapacidad intelectual.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los resultados funcionales se midieron utilizando los criterios de Roma IV para el estreñimiento y la incontinencia fecal y la puntuación del síndrome de resección anterior baja (LARS).RESULTADOS:De 656 pacientes, el 32% recibió una ileostomía temporal y el 20% una colostomía temporal (respuesta del 86%). El seguimiento fue de 56.0 (RIQ 38.5-79.0) meses. Los pacientes a los que se les realizó una ileostomía temporal experimentaron menos estreñimiento, más incontinencia fecal y más LARS mayor que los pacientes sin un estoma temporal. Los pacientes que tuvieron una colostomía temporal experimentaron más LARS mayor que los pacientes sin un estoma temporal. Una ileostomía o colostomía temporal no se asoció con estreñimiento o incontinencia fecal después de la corrección de factores de confusión (p. ej., altura anastomótica, fuga anastomótica, radioterapia). El tiempo hasta la reversión del estoma no se asoció con estreñimiento, incontinencia fecal o LARS mayor.LIMITACIONES:El presente estudio está limitado por su diseño transversal.CONCLUSIONES:Aunque los pacientes con una ileostomía o colostomía temporal tienen peores resultados funcionales a largo plazo, parece que la razón para crear un estoma temporal, más que el estoma en sí, se asocia a este fenómeno. El tiempo hasta la reversión de un estoma temporal no influye en los resultados funcionales. (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco ).

Transitional Care in Patients With Hirschsprung Disease: Those Left Behind.

BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of Hirschsprung disease are clinically variable. An improved understanding of challenges patients may face as adults can help inform transitional care management. OBJECTIVE: To explore the outcomes and transitional care experiences in adult patients with Hirschsprung. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Single center. PATIENTS: All patients treated for Hirschsprung between 1977 and 2001 (aged older than 18 years at the time of survey distribution in July 2018-2019). Eligible patients were sent validated multidomain surveys and qualitative questions regarding their transitional care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Status of transitional care, bowel function, and quality-of-life assessment. Qualitative analysis of transitional care experience. RESULTS: Of 139 patients, 20 had received transition care (10 had at least 1 visit but had been discharged and 10 were receiving ongoing follow-up). These patients had inferior bowel function and quality-of-life scores at follow-up. Twenty-three patients (17%) had issues with soiling at the time of discharge, and 7 patients received transitional care. Of these 23 patients, 9 (39%) had a normal Bowel Function Score (17 or more), 5 (22%) had a poor score (less than 12), and 1 had since had a stoma formation. Eighteen patients (13%) had active moderate-severe issues related to bowel function, only 5 had been transitioned, and just 2 remained under ongoing care. Importantly, when these patients were discharged from our pediatric center, at a median age of 14 (interquartile range, 12-16) years, 10 of 17 patients had no perceptible bowel issues, suggesting a worsening of function after discharge. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design and reliance on clinical notes to gather information on discharge status as well as patient recall of events. CONCLUSIONS: There remains a small but significant proportion of Hirschsprung patients for whom bowel function either remains or becomes a major burden. These results support a need to better stratify patients requiring transitional care and ensure a clear route to care if their status changes after discharge. See Video Abstract . ATENCIN DE TRANSICIN EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD DE HIRSCHSPRUNG, LOS QUE SE QUEDAN ATRS: ANTECEDENTES:Los efectos a largo plazo de la enfermedad de Hirschsprung son clínicamente variables. Una mejor comprensión de los desafíos que los pacientes pueden enfrentar cuando sean adultos puede ayudar a informar la gestión de la atención de transición.OBJETIVO:Explorar los resultados y las experiencias de atención de transición en pacientes adultos con Hirschsprung.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte.AJUSTE:Unico centro.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes tratados por Hirschsprung 1977-2001 (edad >18 años en el momento de la encuesta, Julio de 2018-2019). A los pacientes elegibles se les enviaron encuestas multidominio validadas, así como preguntas cualitativas sobre su atención de transición.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Estado de la atención de transición, función intestinal y evaluación de la calidad de vida. Análisis cualitativo de la experiencia de cuidados transicionales.RESULTADOS:De 139 pacientes, 20 habían recibido atención de transición (10 tuvieron al menos una visita pero habían sido dados de alta y 10 estaban recibiendo seguimiento continuo). Estos pacientes tenían puntuaciones inferiores de función intestinal y calidad de vida en el seguimiento. Veintitrés (17%) pacientes tuvieron problemas para ensuciarse en el momento del alta y 7 recibieron atención de transición. De estos, 9/23 (39%) tenían una puntuación de función intestinal normal (≥17), 5/23 (22%) tenían una puntuación baja (<12) y un paciente había tenido desde entonces una formación de estoma. Dieciocho (13%) pacientes tenían problemas activos de moderados a graves relacionados con la función intestinal, solo cinco habían realizado la transición y solo 2 permanecían bajo atención continua. Es importante destacar que cuando estos pacientes fueron dados de alta de nuestro centro pediátrico, a una edad promedio de 14 [RIQ 12-16] años, 10/17 no tenían problemas intestinales perceptibles, lo que sugiere un empeoramiento de la función después del alta.LIMITACIONES:El diseño retrospectivo y la dependencia de notas clínicas para recopilar información sobre el estado del alta, así como el recuerdo de los eventos por parte del paciente.CONCLUSIÓN:Sigue existiendo una proporción pequeña pero significativa de pacientes con Hirschsprung para quienes la función intestinal permanece o se convierte en una carga importante. Estos resultados respaldan la necesidad de estratificar mejor a los pacientes que requieren atención de transición y garantizar una ruta clara hacia la atención si su estado cambia después del alta. ( Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Laparoscopic Versus Transanal IPAA for Ulcerative Colitis: A Patient-Centered Treatment Trade-Off Study.

BACKGROUND: Transanal IPAA is a relatively new technique aiming to reduce surgical invasiveness while providing better access to the pelvis in patients with ulcerative colitis. Currently, patients' preference for a surgical approach has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To observe patient preference between transanal and laparoscopic IPAA by measuring the potential risk, expressed in pouch function reduction, patients are willing to take to undergo transanal surgery. DESIGN: We conducted standardized interviews of patients using the threshold technique. SETTINGS: Patients from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto were included. PATIENTS: Fifty-two patients with ulcerative colitis participated in this study. INTERVENTION: Patients with ulcerative colitis, with or without previous pouch surgery, were submitted to standardized interviews using the threshold technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured the absolute increase in bowel frequency, bowel urgency, and fecal incontinence that patients would accept if undergoing transanal IPAA. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (mean age: 38.7 ± 15.3 years) with previous surgery and 20 patients (mean age: 39.5 ± 11.9 years) with no previous surgery participated in this study. Patients accepted an absolute increase of 2 bowel movements per day and 1 episode of fecal incontinence per month to undergo transanal IPAA. They also accepted 10 minutes of worsening bowel urgency (ie, decrease of 10 minutes in "holding time") for transanal surgery. Younger patients aged 21 to 29 years only accepted an absolute decrease of 5 minutes in "holding time" ( p = 0.02). LIMITATIONS: Biases inherent to study design. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were willing to accept a potential reduction in pouch function to receive the less invasive method of transanal IPAA. More studies evaluating long-term functional outcomes after transanal IPAA are required to help patients make educated surgical decisions. See Video Abstract. ANASTOMOSIS LAPAROSCPICA VERSUS TRANSANAL ILEALBOLSA ANAL PARA LA COLITIS ULCEROSA UN ESTUDIO DE COMPENSACIN DE TRATAMIENTO CENTRADO EN EL PACIENTE: ANTECEDENTES:La anastomosis anal transanal con reservorio ileal es una técnica relativamente nueva que tiene como objetivo reducir la invasividad quirúrgica y al mismo tiempo proporcionar un mejor acceso a la pelvis en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa. Actualmente, nunca se ha investigado la preferencia de los pacientes sobre el abordaje quirúrgico.OBJETIVO:Observar la preferencia de los pacientes entre la anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio transanal y laparoscópica midiendo el riesgo potencial, expresado en la reducción de la función del reservorio, que los pacientes están dispuestos a someterse a una cirugía transanal.DISEÑO:Realizamos entrevistas estandarizadas de pacientes utilizando la técnica del umbral.AJUSTES:Se incluyeron pacientes del Hospital Mount Sinai en Toronto.PACIENTES:Cincuenta y dos pacientes con colitis ulcerosa participaron en este estudio.INTERVENCIÓN(ES):Los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa, con o sin cirugía previa de reservorio fueron sometidos a entrevistas estandarizadas utilizando la técnica del umbral.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO PRINCIPALES:Medimos el aumento absoluto en la frecuencia intestinal, la urgencia intestinal y la incontinencia fecal que los pacientes aceptarían si se sometieran a una anastomosis transanal con bolsa ileal.RESULTADOS:Treinta y dos pacientes (edad media: 38,7 ± 15,3) con cirugía previa y 20 pacientes (edad media: 39,5 ± 11,9) sin cirugía previa participaron en este estudio. Los pacientes aceptaron un aumento absoluto de 2 deposiciones por día y un episodio de incontinencia fecal por mes para someterse a una anastomosis transanal ileoanal con reservorio. También aceptaron 10 minutos de empeoramiento de la urgencia intestinal (es decir, disminución de 10 minutos del "tiempo de espera") para la cirugía transanal. Los pacientes más jóvenes de 21 a 29 años solo aceptaron una disminución absoluta de 5 minutos en el "tiempo de espera" ( P = 0,02).LIMITACIONES:Sesgos inherentes al diseño del estudio.CONCLUSIONES:Los pacientes estaban dispuestos a aceptar una reducción potencial en la función del reservorio para recibir el método menos invasivo de anastomosis transanal ileoanal con reservorio. Se requieren más estudios que evalúen los resultados funcionales a largo plazo después de la anastomosis transanal ileoanal con reservorio para ayudar a los pacientes a tomar decisiones quirúrgicas informadas. (Traducción-Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Bowel Dysfunction After Colon Cancer Surgery: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal studies on functional outcomes after colon resection are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bowel dysfunction and related distress 1 and 3 years after colon resection using the low anterior resection syndrome score as well as specific validated items. DESIGN: This study presents the long-term results of bowel dysfunction and related distress based on the Quality of Life in Colon Cancer study, an observational, prospective multicenter study of patients with newly diagnosed colon cancer. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at 21 Swedish and Danish surgical centers between 2015 and 2019. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent right-sided or left-sided colon resection were considered eligible. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years, cognitive impairment, or inability to understand Swedish/Danish. Patients completed extensive questionnaires at diagnosis and after 1 and 3 years. Clinical data were supplemented by national quality registries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The low anterior resection syndrome score, specific bowel symptoms, and patient-reported distress were assessed. RESULTS: Of 1221 patients (83% response rate), 17% reported major low anterior resection syndrome 1 year after either type of resection; this finding was consistent at 3 years (17% right, 16% left). In the long-term, the only significant difference between types of resections was a high occurrence of loose stools after right-sided resections. Overall, less than one-fifth of patients experienced distress, with women reporting more frequent symptoms and greater distress. In particular, incontinence and loose stools correlated strongly with distress. LIMITATIONS: Absence of prediagnosis bowel function data. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that bowel function remains largely intact after colon resection, with only a minority reporting significant distress. Adverse outcomes were more common among women. The occurrence of loose stools after right-sided resection and the association between incontinence, loose stools, and distress highlights a need for postoperative evaluations and more thorough assessments beyond the low anterior resection syndrome score when evaluating patients with colon cancer. See the Video Abstract . DISFUNCIONAMIENTO INTESTINAL DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA POR CNCER DE COLON ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO, LONGITUDINAL Y MULTICNTRICO: ANTECEDENTES:Los estudios longitudinales sobre el resultado funcional después de una resección cólica son limitados.OBJETIVO:Examinar la disfunción intestinal y el malestar relacionado uno y tres años después de la resección del colon utilizando la puntuación de referencia en el síndrome de resección anterior baja (LARS), así como otros ítems de validez específica.DISEÑO:Este estudio presenta los resultados a largo plazo de la disfunción intestinal y la angustia relacionada según el estudio QoLiCOL (Quality of Life in COLon cancer), un analisis observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico de pacientes con cáncer de colon recién diagnosticado.AJUSTES:El presente estudio fué realizado en 21 centros quirúrgicos suecos y daneses entre 2015 y 2019.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes sometidos a resección de colon, tanto del lado derecho como el izquierdo se consideraron elegibles. Los criterios de exclusión fueron tener menos de 18 años, deterioro cognitivo o incapacidad para entender sueco/danés. Los pacientes completaron extensos cuestionarios en el momento del diagnóstico y después de uno y tres años. Los datos clínicos se complementaron con los registros de calidad binacionales.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se evaluaron los síntomas intestinales específicos, la puntuación LARS y la angustia manifestada por cada paciente.RESULTADOS:De 1221 pacientes (tasa de respuesta del 83%), el 17% informó LARS mayor un año después de cualquier tipo de resección, consistente a los tres años (17% derecha, 16% izquierda). A largo plazo, la única diferencia significativa entre los tipos de resección fue una alta incidencia de heces liquidas después de las resecciones del lado derecho. En general, menos de una quinta parte de los pacientes experimentaron angustia, y fué la poblacion femenina quién informó de síntomas más frecuentes y de mayor angustia. En particular, la incontinencia y las heces liquidas se correlacionaron fuertemente con la angustia.LIMITACIONES:Ausencia de datos de función intestinal previos al diagnóstico.CONCLUSIONES:Nuestro estudio indica que la función intestinal permanece en gran medida intacta después de la resección del colon, y sólo una minoría reporta malestar significativo. Los resultados adversos fueron más comunes en la población femenina. La aparición de heces liquidas después de la resección del lado derecho y la asociación entre incontinencia, heces liquidas y malestar resalta la necesidad de evaluaciones postoperatorias y valoraciones más exhaustivas más allá de la puntuación LARS al evaluar a los pacientes con cáncer de colon. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

Long-term Changes in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in Survivors of Rectal Cancer: Longitudinal Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative bowel dysfunction, also known as low anterior resection syndrome, is common in rectal cancer survivors and significantly impacts quality of life. Although long-term longitudinal follow-up is lacking, improvement of the syndrome is commonly believed to happen only within the first 2 years. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to depict the longitudinal evolvement of low anterior resection syndrome beyond 3 years and explore factors associated with changes. DESIGN: Longitudinal long-term follow-ups were performed for the single center with the largest cohort within the multicenter FOWARC randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A quaternary referral center. PATIENTS: Individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer who received long-course neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, followed by sphincter-preserving radical proctectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Change of low anterior resection syndrome score and stoma status. RESULTS: Of the 220 patients responding to the first follow-up at a median of 39 months, 178 (80.9%) responded to the second follow-up after a median of 83 months. During this interval, the mean low anterior resection syndrome score improved from 29.5 (95% CI, 28.3-30.7) to 18.6 (95% CI, 16.6-20.6). Fifty-six (31.5%) patients reported improvement from major to no/minor severity, and 6 (3.4%) patients had new stomas because of severe bowel dysfunction. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy ( p = 0.016) was independently and negatively associated with improvement of the score. LIMITATIONS: Loss of follow-up during the long-term follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Most rectal cancer survivors with low anterior resection syndrome continued to improve beyond 3 years after proctectomy. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy was negatively associated with long-term improvement of low anterior resection syndrome. See Video Abstract . CAMBIO A LARGO PLAZO DEL SNDROME DE RESECCIN ANTERIOR BAJA EN SUPERVIVIENTES DE CNCER DE RECTO SEGUIMIENTO LONGITUDINAL DE UN ENSAYO CONTROLADO ALEATORIO: ANTECEDENTES:La disfunción intestinal posoperatoria, también conocida como síndrome de resección anterior baja, es común en los sobrevivientes de cáncer de recto y afecta significativamente la calidad de vida. Aunque falta un seguimiento longitudinal a largo plazo, comúnmente se cree que la mejoría del síndrome ocurre sólo dentro de los primeros dos años.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo representar la evolución longitudinal del síndrome de resección anterior baja más allá de los 3 años y explora los factores asociados con el cambio.DISEÑO:Se realizaron seguimientos longitudinales a largo plazo para el único centro con la cohorte más grande dentro del ensayo controlado aleatorio multicéntrico FOWARC.AJUSTE:Un centro de referencia cuaternario.PACIENTES:Individuos diagnosticados con cáncer de recto que recibieron quimioterapia neoadyuvante de larga duración o quimiorradioterapia, seguida de proctectomía radical con preservación del esfínter.PRINCIPALES MEDICIONES DE RESULTADO:Cambio en la puntuación del síndrome de resección anterior baja y el estado del estoma.RESULTADOS:De los 220 pacientes que respondieron al primer seguimiento con una mediana de 39 meses, 178 (80,9%) respondieron al segundo seguimiento después de una mediana de 83 meses. Durante el intervalo, la puntuación media del síndrome de resección anterior baja mejoró de 29,5 (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 28,3-30,7) a 18,6 (IC del 95%: 16,6-20,6). 56 (31,5%) pacientes informaron una mejoría de mayor a ninguna gravedad, y 6 (3,4%) pacientes tuvieron un nuevo estoma debido a una disfunción intestinal grave. La radiación neoadyuvante (p = 0,016) se asoció de forma independiente y negativa con la mejora de la puntuación.LIMITACIONES:Pérdida de seguimiento durante los seguimientos a largo plazo.CONCLUSIÓN:La mayoría de los sobrevivientes de cáncer de recto con síndrome de resección anterior baja continuaron mejorando más allá de los 3 años después de la proctectomía. La radiación neoadyuvante se asoció negativamente con la mejora a largo plazo del síndrome de resección anterior baja. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

Treatment of Persistent Soiling in Hirschsprung Disease With Antegrade Continence Enemas.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) can experience soiling after their pull-through. We evaluated the use of antegrade continence enema (ACE) for this patient population and investigated the timing and factors associated with getting the patient clean. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review (from January 2020 to January 2023) of patients with HD and prior pull-through who had persistent soiling, failed laxative treatment or rectal enemas, and were treated with antegrade enemas. The primary outcome was time to become "clean of stool" which was defined as at least one bowel movement per day, no more than one stool accident per week, and no significant stool burden radiographically. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed, and univariate cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess factors associated with time to continence. RESULTS: Thirty patients who met the criteria underwent ACE creation at a median age of 6.5 y (interquartile range 5.3-9.8) with a median follow-up time of 11.5 mo (interquartile range 5.6-16.5). Most patients became clean by 4 mo (13 of 20, 65%) with similar results at 1-y follow-up (16 of 21, 76%). The median time to becoming clean was 4.3 mo (95% confidence interval: 1.7-15.0. Patients with hypermotility were more likely to continue to soil at 1 y (80% versus 13%, P = 0.01). There were no additional factors significantly associated with time to cleanliness. CONCLUSIONS: ACE is a useful modality for HD patients with soiling. Most became clean of stool in 4 mo. The presence of hypermotility was associated with a higher incidence of persistent soiling at 1 y.

The impact of anal incontinence: psychosocial and sexual consequences and factors associated with QoL in a Norwegian outpatient population.

OBJECTIVES: Anal incontinence (AI) is a distressing condition with grave impact on many aspects of life, including quality of life (QoL), social life and sexual activities. This study explored how AI and bowel symptoms impact QoL in a Norwegian population by (1) describing the psychosocial and sexual consequences of AI, and (2) investigating factors most often associated with AI-specific QoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study among patients with AI referred to hospital outpatient clinics was conducted. A Norwegian version of ICIQ-B was used to measure bowel control, bowel symptoms, sexual impact, and impact on QoL. RESULTS: A total of 208 persons with AI completed the questionnaire. The results demonstrated that these patients are overall embarrassed, make plans according to the bowels, ensure the presence of a nearby toilet, and many abstain from sexual activities. After adjusting for other variables included in a multivariable model, we found that having bowel accidents on one's mind had the greatest relative impact on QoL, followed by lower bowel control, using more medications to stop bowels, having more pain/soreness around the back passage, lower age, and more straining to open the bowels. CONCLUSIONS: AI has substantial consequences for the psychosocial function and sexual activities of persons with AI. This study indicates that worrying about potential faecal accidents and the social stigma associated with this have greater impact on QoL than actual bowel leakages. Future studies should therefore focus on the emotional burden, patient coping, and health education related to bowel function and AI.

London Protocol under water-perfused HRM in a healthy population, towards novel 3D manometric parameters in an evaluation of anorectal functional disorders.

BACKGROUND/AIM: London Protocol (LP) and Classification allied to high-resolution manometry (HRM) technological evolution has updated and enhanced the diagnostic armamentarium in anorectal disorders. This study aims to evaluate LP reproducibility under water-perfused HRM, provide normal data and new parameters based on 3D and healthy comparison studies under perfusional HRM. METHODS: Fifty healthy (25 F) underwent water-perfused 36 channel HRM based on LP at resting, squeeze, cough, push, and rectal sensory. Additional 3D manometric parameters were: pressure-volume (PV) 104mmHg2.cm (resting, short and long squeeze, cough); highest and lowest pressure asymmetry (resting, short squeeze, and cough). Complementary parameters (CP) were: resting (mean pressure, functional anal canal length); short squeeze (mean and maximum absolute squeeze pressure), endurance (fatigue rate, fatigue rate index, capacity to sustain); cough (anorectal gradient pressure); push (rectum-anal gradient pressure, anal canal relaxation percent); recto-anal inhibitory reflex (anal canal relaxation percent). RESULTS: No difference to genders: resting (LP, CP, and 3D); short squeeze (highest pressure asymmetry); endurance (CP); cough (CP, highest and lowest pressure asymmetry); push (gradient pressure); rectal sensory. Higher pressure in men: short squeeze (maximum incremental, absolute, and mean pressure, PV, lowest pressure asymmetry); long squeeze (PV); cough (anal canal and rectum maximum pressure, anal canal PV); push (anal canal and rectum maximum pressure). Anal canal relaxation was higher in women (push). CONCLUSIONS: LP reproducibility is feasible under water-perfused HRM, and comparative studies could bring similarity to dataset expansion. Novel 3D parameters need further studies with healthy and larger data to be validated and for disease comparisons. KEY POINTS: • London Protocol and Classification allied with the technological evolution of HRM (software and probes) has refined the diagnostic armamentarium in anorectal disorders. • Novel 3D and deepening the analysis of manometric parameters before the London Classification as a contributory diagnostic tool. • Comparison of healthy volunteers according to the London Protocol under a perfusional high-resolution system could establish equivalence points.

Analysis of the correlation between defunctioning stoma and postoperative low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of stoma-related factors (stoma or no stoma, stoma type, and stoma reversal time) on the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), a highly prevalent condition that can develop after anal sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer and impair quality of life, which includes fecal incontinence, fecal urgency and frequent defecation. METHODS: Patients who underwent radical rectal cancer surgery from July 2018 to July 2022 in a tertiary hospital were included. Baseline data, tumor condition, operation condition and postoperative recovery were obtained by clinical observation. Follow-up data were collected by telephone follow-up. The chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to analyse differences, coefficient of contingency was used to determine correlations, and independent risk factors for the occurrence of LARS (Patients with a score of 21 or more points were defined as having LARS using the LARS score) were further determined by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 480 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 267 used a defunctioning stoma and 213 did not use a defunctioning stoma. There was a positive correlation between defunctioning stoma (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05) and the occurrence of LARS at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and there was no significant correlation between the stoma type or stoma reversal time and the occurrence of LARS at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). In binary logistic regression analysis, high BMI (Exp(B) = 1.072, P = 0.039), tumor closer to dentate line (Exp(B) = 0.910, P = 0.016), and ultra-low anterior resection (Exp(B) = 2.264, P = 0.011) increased the possibility of LARS at 3 months postoperatively; high BMI, proximity of the tumor to the dentate line, and ultra-low anterior resection were not independent risk factors for LARS at 6 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). However, proximity of the tumor to the dentate line (Exp(B) = 0.880, P = 0.035) increased the likelihood of LARS at 12 months postoperatively, while high BMI and ultra-low anterior resection remained non-significant as independent risk factors for LARS at 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Defunctioning stoma was not an independent risk factor for the occurrence of LARS, whereas high BMI, tumor closer to dentate line, and ultra-low anterior resection were independent risk factors for the occurrence of LARS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Is chemodenervation with incobotulinumtoxinA an alternative to invasive chronic anal fissure treatments?

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A is currently strongly recommended for the treatment of anal fissures (AFs). However, there is still no consensus on dosage or injection technique. This study provides further efficacy and safety evidence in a 2-year follow-up. METHOD: Prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-center study carried out in adult patients with AFs non-responsive to previous treatments. Patients were treated with incobotulinumtoxinA (incoBoNT/A) injected in both laterals and posterior intersphincteric groove. Healing rate at 2 years was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included internal anal sphincter pressures, incontinence, and safety. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were treated with a mean incoBoNT/A dose of 40.5 U (spread across three locations). Healing rate at 2 years was 83.9% with a 24.5% of recurrence throughout the study. Only 7 patients (14.3%) reported adverse events (AEs) that were mild and temporary. Mean reduction in anal resting pressure was -9.1 mmHg at 3 months (p = 0.001). Mean reduction in voluntary squeeze pressure was -27.5 mmHg at 3 months (p < 0.001). Mean pain perception measured with a visual analog scale decreased by -6.5 points at 2 years (p < 0.001). There was an incontinence increase at 1 month of 1.3 points (p = 0.006), but baseline values were restored at 6 months. CONCLUSION: We present results that support the use of incoBoNT/A as a second line for AFs that do not respond to ointment therapy. IncoBoNT/A injection is a less invasive treatment that should be considered before surgery due to its efficacy and its safety which includes no permanent impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN90354265; Registered on 16th February 2024. Retrospectively registered.