The persisting presacral sinus after anastomotic leakage following anterior resection or restorative proctocolectomy.

AIM: Despite improvements in anastomotic technique, anastomotic leakage is frequently encountered following anterior resection. This can eventually evolve into a presacral sinus. This study assessed the incidence, the natural course and the outcome of persisting presacral sinus. METHOD: Patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) for cancer or restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis were eligible. Patients with anastomotic leakage or a presacral abscess were included. Outcome parameters included a persistent presacral sinus, or its closure and average time to closure and the stoma closure rate. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were identified with a sinus after LAR (n = 20) or RPC (n = 5). A persistent sinus was present in nine (1%) of 834 patients after LAR and two (0.9%) of 229 patients after RPC. Definitive resolution of the sinus occurred in 12 (52%) of 23 assessable patients. This was achieved at a median of 340 days (range 23-731 days). At final follow-up, nine of the 23 patients had permanent faecal diversion because of recurrent abscess or persistent sinus formation, seven after LAR and two after RPC. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients with anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery develop a chronic sinus, of which only half heal over time. Persisting sinus is the main reason for a permanent stoma.

Intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing colectomy.

AIM: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the type of approach (open or laparoscopic) and the order of devascularization during laparoscopic colectomy affect intestinal barrier function, local inflammatory response and clinical outcome. METHOD: Twenty-two patients undergoing elective colectomy from April 2006 to July 2008 were randomized to two sequences of vascular ligation, starting with either the inferior mesenteric artery or the ileocolic artery. Eighteen patients scheduled for open surgery served as a prospective control group. To assess the intestinal barrier function, release of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP; a marker of mucosal injury and ischaemia) was measured pre- and postoperatively. Mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested to assess the expression of inflammatory mediator-related genes using multiplex ligation probe amplification. The study was registered under NTR1025. RESULTS: Laparoscopic devascularization starting at the ileocolic artery resulted in a significantly increased excretion of I-FABP over time (P = 0.002). In this group, the I-FABP levels were significantly increased on postoperative days 1 and 3 compared with preoperative values (P = 0.011 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in expression of inflammatory mediator-related genes or postoperative morbidity among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, devascularization commencing at the ileocolic artery during laparoscopic colectomy was associated with prolonged intestinal mucosal ischaemia.

Long-term outcomes following laparoscopically assisted versus open ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of laparoscopically assisted versus open ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease were evaluated in a randomized trial. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent ileocolic resection between 1999 and 2003 were followed prospectively. Primary outcomes were reoperation, readmission and repeat resection rates for recurrent Crohn's disease. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QOL), body image and cosmesis. RESULTS: Five patients were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up was 6.7 (interquartile range 5.7-7.9) years. Sixteen of 29 and 16 of 26 patients remained relapse free after ileocolic resection in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively (risk difference 6 (95 per cent confidence interval - 20 to 32) per cent). Resection of recurrent Crohn's disease was necessary in two of 29 versus three of 26 patients (risk difference 5 (-11 to 20) per cent). Overall reoperation rates for recurrent Crohn's disease, incisional hernia and adhesion-related problems were two of 29 versus six of 26 (risk difference 16 (-3 to 35) per cent). QOL was similar, whereas body image and cosmesis scores were significantly higher after laparoscopy (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopically assisted ileocolic resection results in better body image and cosmesis, whereas open surgery is more likely to produce incisional hernia and obstruction.

Histological identification of epithelium in perianal fistulae: a prospective study.

AIM: A procedure often performed following fistulotomy and advancement flap is curettage of the fistula tract after fistulotomy or after closing the internal opening. Epithelialization of the fistula tract might prevent closure of the fistula tract. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and origin of epithelialization of the fistula tract in patients with perianal fistulae undergoing fistulotomy. METHOD: Only patients with low perianal fistulae that were surgically treated by fistulotomy were included. Surgical biopsies were taken from the fistula tract from three different locations; on the proximal side at the internal opening, in the middle of the fistula tract and near the distal end close to the external opening. RESULTS: In the study period, 18 patients with low perianal fistulae were included. In 15 of the 18 patients, squamous epithelium was found at least in one of the biopsies taken from the fistula tract. Epithelium was predominantly found near the internal opening. There was no relation between the duration of fistula complaints and the amount of epithelialization (P = 0.301). The amount of epithelium was not related to the presence of a history of fistula surgery (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated epithelialization in the fistula tract in the majority of the patients surgically treated by fistulotomy for low perianal fistulae. Curettage of perianal fistulae must therefore be considered an essential step in the surgical treatment of perianal fistula.

Outcome of surgical treatment for fistula in ano in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence rates and long-term functional outcome after surgical treatment of anal fistula in Crohn's disease were assessed. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients was treated for Crohn's fistula in ano; those without proctitis or active sepsis underwent surgery. Sex, seton usage, infliximab, previous fistula surgery, history of segmental resection and smoking were examined as risk factors for recurrence. Continence was assessed by Vaizey scale and a colorectal Functional outcome questionnaire. Results were compared with institutional data for cryptoglandular fistulas. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included, with a median follow-up of 79 (range 13-140) months. Twenty-four patients were treated with a seton, 28 by fistulotomy and nine by mucosal advancement. For low fistulas, fistulotomy was used more frequently than the seton, whereas seton drainage was used for most higher fistulas. Recurrence occurred in five of 28 and five of nine patients after fistulotomy and advancement respectively. Soiling was reported by half of the patients treated by seton versus two-thirds and three-quarters of those treated by fistulotomy and advancement respectively. Functional outcomes were worse for all patient groups than for cryptoglandular fistulas. No risk factor was significant. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcome for high or complex Crohn's fistula in ano remains disappointing, and recurrence is unpredictable.

The Dutch multicenter experience of the endo-sponge treatment for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is a feared complication following colorectal surgery and is associated with early and long-term morbidity and mortality. The presacral cavity as the result of leakage can be treated with an endo-sponge (B-Braun Medical). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of endo-sponge treatment of the presacral cavity as the result of anastomotic leakage in the Netherlands. METHODS: Between July 2006 and April 2008, 16 patients (M/F = 9:7) with median age 64 years (range 19-78 years) who underwent surgery for rectal cancer (n = 13) or ulcerative colitis (n = 3) were treated with the endo-sponge treatment after anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, eight patients started with the endo-sponge treatment within 6 weeks after the initial surgery. In these patients the endo-sponge was placed after a median of 24 days (range 13-39 days) following surgery. In the remaining eight patients the endo-sponge treatment was started later than 6 weeks after the initial surgery. In this group there was a median of 74 days (range 43-1,602 days) between surgery and the start of endo-sponge placement. There was closure in six out of eight patients (75%) in the group that started with the endo-sponge treatment within 6 weeks of surgery compared with three out of eight patients (38%) in the group that started later (p = 0.315). Closure was achieved in a median of 40 (range 28-90) days with a median number of 13 sponge replacements (range 8-17). CONCLUSIONS: Endo-sponge placement can be helpful in the treatment for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery and might prevent a chronic presacral sinus. However, it is not yet clear if this new treatment modality results in quicker healing.

Staple line failure using the Proximate 100 mm linear cutter.

PURPOSE: An incomplete linear staple line that was discovered during the stapling of an ileal pouch alerted us to evaluate potential usage concerns with linear cutters. This study was designed to assess the integrity of the staple line of three different sizes of linear staplers. METHODS: In an animal model three different lengths of linear cutters (Proximate, Ethicon Endo-Surgery) were used to cross-staple and transect the large bowel of one pig to check for the integrity of the proximal end of the staple line. RESULTS: Cross-stapling and transecting across the pig's large bowel demonstrated that if the tissue is advanced up to the highest number on the scale of the 100 mm stapling device, insufficient overlap between the proximal end of the staple line and the proximal end of the cut line occur. CONCLUSIONS: Although a more than 100 mm staple line is delivered, the 100 mm cutter may not produce a double-staggered row of staples at the most proximal end of the staple line if the tissue is advanced past the 9.5 cm mark. Ethicon Endo-Surgery has agreed to add indicator markers to the scale label on the instrument to provide the user with additional guidance for tissue placement.

Endo-sponge treatment of anastomotic leakage after ileo-anal pouch anastomosis: report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: The endo-sponge was used in two patients in the treatment of anastomotic leakage following ileo-anal J-pouch reconstruction. Recently, local vacuum sponge treatment has shown to be effective to treat contained anastomotic leakage after low anterior anastomosis in rectal cancer patients. METHOD: Two patients (male, 18 years; female, 40 years) who underwent restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis developed localized anastomotic leakage without general peritonitis. This was endoscopically managed by transanal placement of an endo-sponge (B. Braun Medical B.V., Melsungen, Germany) after a diverting ileostomy was performed. RESULTS: The sponge was frequently replaced until resolution of the sinus was achieved in 35 and 56 days. CONCLUSION: Vacuum endo-sponge treatment can help anastomotic leakage after ileo-anal pouch surgery.

[Perianal fistulas: developments in the classification and diagnostic techniques, and a new treatment strategy]. / Perianale fistels: veranderde inzichten met betreklking tot classificatie en diagnostiek, en een nieuwe behandelstrategie.

The aim of surgical treatment of perianal fistulas is to treat the patient's symptoms, with low recurrence rates and risk of incontinence. In recent years there have been developments regarding the classification and diagnosis ofperianal fistulas. MRI is the most appropriate diagnostic tool. In the hands of an experienced operator anal endosonography is a suitable, less expensive and readily-available alternative. As a result of developments in fistula surgery it is now more practical to classify perianal fistulas as low or high fistulas, as this has implications for the further treatment. Low perianal fistulas are defined as fistulas of which the fistula tract is located in the lower third of the external anal sphincter. High fistulas are fistulas in which the fistula tract runs through the upper two-thirds of the external sphincter muscle. Low perianal fistulas can be treated safely by fistulotomy. At present, rectal advancement is the gold standard for the surgical treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistulas. The anal fistula plug might be an alternative for the treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistulas.

Laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefits of a laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2006, ten patients who had laparoscopic colorectal resection and later developed anastomotic leakage had a laparoscopic reintervention. A second group included 15 patients who had relaparotomy after primary open surgery. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The median time from first operation to reintervention was 6 days in both groups. There were no conversions. The intensive care stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (1 versus 3 days; P = 0.002). Resumption of a normal diet (median 3 versus 6 days; P = 0.031) and first stoma output (2 versus 3 days; P = 0.041) occurred earlier in the laparoscopic group. The postoperative 30-day morbidity rate was lower (four of ten patients versus 12 of 15; P = 0.087) and hospital stay was shorter (median 9 versus 13 days; P = 0.058) in the laparoscopic group. No patient developed incisional hernia in the laparoscopic group compared with five of 15 in the open group (P = 0.061). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery is associated with less morbidity, faster recovery and fewer abdominal wall complications than relaparotomy.

Body image, cosmesis, quality of life, and functional outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open restorative proctocolectomy: long-term results of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare quality of life (QOL), functional outcome, body image, and cosmesis after hand-assisted laparoscopic (LRP) versus open restorative proctocolectomy (ORP). The potential long-term advantages of LRP over ORP remain to be determined. The most likely advantage of LRP is the superior cosmetic result. It is, however, unclear whether the size and location of incisions affect body image and QOL. METHODS: In a previously conducted randomized trial comparing LRP with ORP, 60 patients were prospectively evaluated. The primary end points were body image and cosmesis. The secondary end points were morbidity, QOL, and functional outcome. A body image questionnaire was used to evaluate body image and cosmesis. The Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Inventory were used to assess QOL. Body image and QOL also were assessed preoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients completed the QOL and functional outcome questionnaires. There were no differences in functional outcome, morbidity, or QOL between LRP and ORP. At a median of 2.7 years after surgery, 46 patients returned the questionnaires regarding body image, cosmesis, and morbidity. The body image and cosmesis scores of female patients were significantly higher in the LRP group than in the ORP group (body image, 17.4 vs 14.9; cosmesis, 19.1 vs 13.0, respectively). The female patients in the ORP group had significantly lower body image scores than the male patients (14.9 vs 18.3). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that ORP has a negative impact on body image and cosmesis as compared with LRP. Functional outcome, QOL, and morbidity are similar for the two approaches. The advantages of a long-lasting improved body image and cosmesis for this relatively young patient population may compensate for the longer operating times and higher costs, particularly for women.

Intestinal obstruction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

A retrospective analysis of the management of intestinal obstruction in 31 patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma is described. Between 1981 and 1992 31 patients developed intestinal obstruction after their initial treatment. Nineteen patients underwent surgery, while the remaining 12 were treated conservatively. Careful evaluation with contrast studies of both the small intestine and colon is recommended to improve the prediction of site(s) of obstruction, and may reduce the number of unsuccessful operative procedures. Fifteen of the surgically treated patients survived for a period of 60 days or more. The majority, 13, were discharged to their homes after an average hospital stay of 24 days. Major postoperative complications occurred in three of the 19 patients. There was no surgical-related mortality. Two patients died within 30 days postoperatively (urosepsis and advanced tumor). While the median survival in the 19 surgical treated patients was 109 days (range 15-775), the conservatively treated 12 patients survived for a mean of 37 days (range 6-260). Surgical management of intestinal obstruction in selected cases is feasible and improves quality of life substantially.

Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease: current concepts.

BACKGROUND: The aim of a laparoscopic approach is reduced pain scores, early mobilization, virtual absence of wound sepsis, rapid return of gastrointestinal function, early discharge from hospital and return to normal activity and improved cosmetics. Potential advantages are fewer complications due to adhesion formation, viz. small-bowel obstruction, infertility and chronic abdominal pain-advantages that are of particular importance to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since they are young and in the middle of building up their socio-economic life. This review highlights the current status of laparoscopic surgery for patients with IBD. METHODS: Virtually all abdominal procedures carried out in patients with IBD can be done laparoscopically, and vary from stoma formation to restorative proctocolectomy. RESULTS: Conversion rates and operating times depend on the surgical expertise and patient-related factors, viz. prior laparotomy, the presence of intestinal fistula or inflammatory masses. Morbidity rates are similar to those of open surgery provided that the procedures are done by expert laparoscopic surgeons. The observed earlier recovery contributed to laparoscopic surgery has not been proved in well-conducted trials; however, an advantage can be expected. A very obvious feature of laparoscopic surgery is the improved cosmetics, which might turn out to be the most important advantage of the laparoscopic approach in this relatively young patient group. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach can be considered the procedure of first choice in patients with IBD provided the surgery is done by expert laparoscopists ensuring low conversion rates, acceptable operating times and low morbidity.

[Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease; an update]. / Laparoscopische chirurgie voor inflammatoire darmziekten: een update.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a review of the literature for the short- and long-term effects of various laparoscopic operations in the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and to compare these operations with open surgical procedures. DESIGN: Review of the literature. METHOD: PubMed (Medline), Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for randomised clinical trials and meta-analyses on this topic, published between January 1991 and August 2008. If no level A1, A2 or A2B studies were found, we searched for the best available evidence. RESULTS: For Crohn's disease, there was level A2 evidence that, in comparison with open surgery, in experienced hands laparoscopic ileocaecal resection enhanced recovery and led to a shorter hospital stay and lower costs. Following laparoscopic surgery, subjective body image and cosmetic appearance scores were higher, when compared in the long term. In patients with ulcerative colitis, the expected benefits of laparoscopic proctocolectomy have not yet been demonstrated in a randomised study. Although there was a trend towards a reduced hospital stay (1.6 days) when laparoscopy proctocolectomy was performed, the operating time was 1.5 h longer than in conventional surgery. Body image and cosmetic appearance scores were also higher here when compared in the long term. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ileocaecal resection is preferable in Crohn's disease, provided that it is performed in a centre with sufficient expertise in laparoscopic surgery. In patients with ulcerative colitis, laparoscopic proctocolectomy with construction of an ileoanal pouch is indicated in young active patients who are concerned for their appearance. Given its complexity, this operation should be performed only in specialist centres.

Giant rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a report of two cases.

Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the rectum are rare and often difficult to remove surgically. At the time metastases are found, GISTs are considered to be incurable and until recently no adequate therapy was of any value for these patients. Recently, imatinib was introduced: a signal transducing inhibitor acting specifically on the KIT-tyrosine kinase, which can be used to downsize giant GIST (neo-adjuvant) before surgery or induce stable disease in case of metastases with few minor side-effects. Two patients with giant rectal GIST are presented, one of which was treated before the imatinib era, the other when imatinib was available.

The prognostic significance of extracapsular lymph node involvement in node positive patients with colonic cancer.

AIMS: In colonic cancer the prognostic significance of extracapsular lymph node involvement (LNI) is not established and is therefore the objective of this study. METHODS: Between January 1994 and May 2005, all patients who underwent resection for primary colonic cancer with lymph node metastasis were reviewed. All resected lymph nodes were re-examined to assess extracapsular LNI. In uni- and multivariate analysis disease-free survival (DFS) was correlated with various clinicopathologic factors. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients were included. In 58 patients extracapsular LNI was identified. Univariate analysis revealed that pN-stage (5-year DFS pN1 vs. pN2: 65% vs. 14%, p<0.001), extracapsular LNI (5-year DFS intracapsular LNI vs. extracapsular LNI: 69% vs. 41%, p=0.003), and lymph node ratio (5-year DFS <0.176 vs. > or =0.176: 67% vs. 42%, p=0.023) were significant prognostic indicators. Among these variables pN-stage (hazard ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72-7.42) and extracapsular LNI (hazard ratio 1.98, 95% CI: 1.00-3.91) were independent prognostic factors. Among patients without extracapsular LNI, those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly better survival (p=0.010). In contrast, chemotherapy did not improve DFS in patients with extracapsular LNI. CONCLUSION: Together with pN2 stage, extracapsular LNI reflects a particularly aggressive behaviour and has significant prognostic potential.

The influence of total mesorectal excision on local recurrence and survival in rectal cancer patients: a population-based study in Greater Amsterdam.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine retrospectively in a population-based setting, the influence of the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) on local recurrence and survival in patients with rectal carcinoma. METHODS: All rectal carcinomas diagnosed during 1988-1991 (979 patients, conventional surgery with blunt dissection of the rectum) and 1998-2000 (890 patients, TME resection) were selected from the Amsterdam Cancer Registry. For all patients who underwent a macroscopically radical resection in the absence of distant dissemination, information on the occurrence of local recurrent disease and distant metastasis was collected. RESULTS: The cumulative 5-year recurrence rate decreased significantly from 20% for patients diagnosed in 1988-1991 to 11% in 1998-2000. Stage (T-category, nodal status), period of diagnosis (conventional surgery vs. TME resection), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent variables of local recurrence in multivariate analysis. There was a non-significant trend for improved 5-year relative survival for all rectal carcinoma cases from 52% (95% CI 48-55) for patients diagnosed in 1988-1991 to 59% (95% CI 55-63) in 1998-2000. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in local recurrence and a trend for improved relative survival were observed. The broad introduction of TME and the shift towards preoperative radiotherapy are the most plausible explanations for these observations.

Effect of vaginal delivery on long-term pouch function.

BACKGROUND: The optimal method of childbirth for women with a restorative proctocolectomy (RP) has yet to be determined. Little is known about long-term ileal pouch function after vaginal delivery, especially when childbirth occurred before RP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal delivery before or after RP on long-term pouch function. METHODS: All 267 women who underwent RP between January 1985 and November 2004 were invited to participate. Functional outcome was assessed by colorectal functional outcome questionnaire, and patients were asked about their pregnancies and risk factors for obstetric injury. Linear regression analysis was performed to study potential risk factors for poor pouch function. RESULTS: The response rate was 82.6 per cent. Median follow-up after pouch surgery was 7.2 (range 1.0-19.7) years. One hundred patients had at least one delivery. Fifty-two (60 per cent) of the 86 patients who attempted a vaginal delivery had an increased risk of obstetric injury according to predefined risk factors. In these patients ageing and longer follow-up were significant risk factors for impaired incontinence. CONCLUSION: Women who had RP and vaginal delivery with a high risk of obstetric injury had impaired continence with ageing and longer follow-up. Patients with RP should be informed about the considerable risk of vaginal delivery on long-term ileal pouch function.

Categorization of major and minor complications in the treatment of patients with resectable rectal cancer using short-term pre-operative radiotherapy and total mesorectal excision: a Delphi round.

BACKGROUND: To properly balance the benefit (reduction of local recurrence) of short-term pre-operative radiotherapy for resectable rectal cancer against its harm (complications), a consensus concerning the severity of complications is required. The aim of this study was to reach consensus regarding major and minor complications after short-term radiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision in the treatment of rectal carcinoma, using the Delphi technique. METHODS: A Delphi round was performed in cooperation with 21 colo-rectal surgeons from the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Sweden. The key-question was: 'Which of the predefined complications, caused or substantially aggravated by radiotherapy, are so important (major) that they might lead to the decision to abandon short-term pre-operative radiotherapy (5 x 5Gy) when treating patients with resectable rectal cancer (T1-3N0-2M0)?' RESULTS: After three rounds, consensus was reached for 37 (68%) of 54 complications of which 13 were considered major and 24 considered minor. The following complications were considered to be major: mortality, anastomotic leakage managed by relaparotomy, anastomotic leakage resulting in persisting fistula, postoperative haemorrhage managed by relaparotomy, intra-abdominal abscess without healing tendency, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, compartment syndrome of the lower legs, long-term incontinence for solid stool, long-term problems with voiding, pelvic fracture with persisting pain, and neuropathy with persisting pain (legs). Three of 17 complications without consensus showed a tendency to be considered as major: perineal wound dehiscence managed by surgical treatment, small bowel obstruction leading to relaparotomy and long-term incontinence for liquid stool. CONCLUSION: The 13 major and three 'accepted as major' complications can be used to properly balance the benefit and harm of short-term pre-operative radiotherapy in resectable rectal cancer. This may eventually lead to improved treatment strategies for these patients.

Electrical stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback in patients with fecal incontinence: a cohort study of 281 patients.

PURPOSE: Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an appealing treatment for patients with fecal incontinence but reported results vary. This study was designed to assess the outcome of pelvic floor rehabilitation in a large series of consecutive patients with fecal incontinence caused by different etiologies. METHODS: A total of 281 patients (252 females) were included. Data about medical history, anal manometry, rectal capacity measurement, and endoanal sonography were collected. Subgroups of patients were defined by anal sphincter complex integrity, and nature and possible underlying causes of fecal incontinence. Subsequently patients were referred for pelvic floor rehabilitation, comprising nine sessions of electric stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback. Pelvic floor rehabilitation outcome was documented with Vaizey score, anal manometry, and rectal capacity measurement findings. RESULTS: Vaizey score improved from baseline in 143 of 239 patients (60 percent), remained unchanged in 56 patients (23 percent), and deteriorated in 40 patients (17 percent). Mean Vaizey score reduced with 3.2 points (P < 0.001). A Vaizey score reduction of >or= 50 percent was observed in 32 patients (13 percent). Mean squeeze pressure (+5.1 mmHg; P = 0.04) and maximal tolerated volume (+11 ml; P = 0.01) improved from baseline. Resting pressure (P = 0.22), sensory threshold (P = 0.52), and urge sensation (P = 0.06) remained unchanged. Subgroup analyses did not show substantial differences in effects of pelvic floor rehabilitation between subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor rehabilitation leads overall to a modest improvement in severity of fecal incontinence, squeeze pressure, and maximal tolerated volume. Only in a few patients, a substantial improvement of the baseline Vaizey score was observed. Further studies are needed to identify patients who most likely will benefit from pelvic floor rehabilitation.