Early Detection of Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: Do We Have an Impact on Progression to Invasive Anal Carcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: Anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) may precede invasive cancer and can be detected clinically or during high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). The aims of this study were to compare the characteristics of HSIL discovered by HRA or in a surgical specimen without clinically visible lesion when diagnosed versus macroscopic HSIL when first diagnosed and then to compare their progression to invasive cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records of all patients with at least one HSIL lesion confirmed by histology and evaluated by HRA in a single center between September 1, 2009, and April 30, 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. The center's histological anal cancer data base was questioned in December 2017 to identify all cases. RESULTS: During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 19.1 (5.6-40.2) months, 12 (2.9%) anal cancers were diagnosed in patients with a diagnosis of HSIL. Period of time between the first diagnosis of anal lesion and the cancer was 28.8 months (interquartile range = 15.4-65.6), and 11 (92%) of 12 were diagnosed as superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma or T1N0M0. The rate of progression to anal cancer differed significantly between patients with macroscopic HSIL at diagnosis (5.4%) and patients with microscopic HSIL diagnosed during HRA (0.9%) (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with macroscopic histologically proven HSIL at first diagnosis of anal intraepithelial lesion have a significantly higher risk of anal cancer compared with patients with microscopic lesions diagnosed during HRA, but the duration between the first diagnosis of HSIL and cancer does not differ between the 2 groups.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence: How Long Should the Test Phase Be?

BACKGROUND: Decision-making for pulse generator implantation for sacral nerve stimulation in the management of fecal incontinence is based on the results of a test phase. Its duration is still a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an early positive response during the test phase could predict implantation of a permanent sacral nerve pulse generator. DESIGN: This was a short-term observational cohort study. A positive response was defined as a >50% decrease of fecal leaks compared with baseline. A multivariate logistic regression was computed to predict pulse generator implantation after the first week of the test phase. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in 3 national referral centers. PATIENTS: From January 2006 to December 2012, 144 patients with fecal incontinence enrolled in a prospectively maintained database completed a 2- to 3-week bowel diary, at baseline and during test phase. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the clinical decision to implant a pulse generator. The primary predictor was a calculated score including the number of leak episodes, bowel movements, and urgencies and the time to defer defecation expressed in minutes during the first screening test week. RESULTS: After the first, second and third week of the test phase, 81 (56%) of 144, 96 (67%) of 144, and 93 (70%) of 131 patients had a positive test. A permanent pulse generator was implanted in 114. Time to defer defecation increased during the 3 weeks of screening. Urgencies were unchanged. The computed score was predictive of a permanent pulse generator implantation (Se = 72.6% (95% CI, 59.8-83.1); Sp = 100% (95% CI, 78.2-100); c-index = 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78-0.94)). LIMITATIONS: No cost analysis or projection based on our proposal to reduce the test phase has been made. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent pulse generator implantation can be safely proposed early (1-week screening) to fast responders. Nonetheless, permanent implantation may be decided as well in patients exhibiting a delayed response. Whether a rapid response to sacral nerve stimulation could be predictive of a long-term response remains to be determined. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A452.

Which lesions should be biopsied during high-resolution anoscopy? Prospective descriptive study of simple morphological criteria.

OBJECTIVE: High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) is a useful screening tool for anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), although reputedly challenging for interpretation of suspected lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent biopsies for at least 1 lesion suspicious for AIN during HRA from November 2010 to March 2012 were prospectively included. The characteristics (borders, staining with acetic acid and Lugol iodine solution, and patterns of epithelium and vascularization) of the lesions detected during HRA were compared with histology. RESULTS: A total of 168 suspicious anal lesions were biopsied and analyzed in 103 patients (68% men, mean age ± standard deviation = 49.8 ± 9 y, 57% positive status on human immunodeficiency virus infection). According to histology, 41.7% of the lesions were high grade, 34.5% were low grade, and 23.8% were nondysplastic. Lesions with irregular epithelial pattern (or irregular vascularization) were twice as likely to be high grade compared with lesions with regular epithelial pattern (or regular vascularization). The incidences of acetic acid-induced whitening were 91.4%, 94.8%, and 70% among the high-grade AIN, low-grade AIN, and nondysplastic samples, respectively. Among the high-grade AIN, 62.9% were not stained by Lugol solution (vs 31% of the low-grade AIN). The positive predictive value of a combination of these simple morphological criteria was 68.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Several simple morphological criteria are significantly associated with high-grade AIN and are found less often in low-grade AIN. A combination of these morphological criteria provides sufficient positive predictive value to guide biopsy placement during HRA.

Value of cytologic Papanicolaou smears and polymerase chain reaction screening for human papillomavirus DNA in detecting anal intraepithelial neoplasia: comparison with histology of a surgical sample.

BACKGROUND: The performance of cytologic screening and its correlation with histology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA have not been evaluated in populations with a low prevalence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). The objective of the current study was to analyze the significance of abnormal smears relative to the histology and PCR detection of HPV DNA. METHODS: A cytologic smear and a viral sample were taken in 300 consecutive patients undergoing surgery (Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy and/or fissurectomy) who gave their informed consent. RESULTS: The cytologic smear was normal in 216 of 290 patients (74.5%). Four high-grade and 19 low-grade intraepithelial neoplastic lesions were identified. In 5 patients, high-grade lesions could not be excluded, 30 lesions were of undetermined significance, and there were 16 cellular modifications with a non-neoplastic appearance. The PCR test for HPV was positive in 18.7% of patients, and a high-risk genotype was identified in 63.6% of positive samples. Histologic examination of the surgical samples was normal in 92.3% of patients. The 23 AIN samples were distributed as follows: 13 grade 1 AIN (AIN1), 6 AIN2, and 4 AIN3. The sensitivity of cytologic smears and PCR for detecting AIN was 56% and 60.8%, respectively, and specificity was 77% and 84.5%, respectively. Combining the 2 tests increased sensitivity to 78% but decreased specificity to 68%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a large surgical sample, anal cytologic Papanicolaou smears and HPV PCR exhibited sensitivity and specificity that varied, depending on the risk of HPV infection and AIN. Positive HPV DNA screening increased with AIN grade, and high-risk HPV testing was particularly helpful.

Frequency and risk factors of severe postoperative bleeding after proctological surgery: a retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess frequency and risk factors of severe bleeding after proctological surgery requiring hemostatic surgery observed after publication of the French guidelines for anticoagulant and platelet-inhibitor treatment. METHODS: All patients who underwent proctological surgery between January 2012 and March 2017 in a referral center were included. Delay, severity of bleeding, and need for blood transfusion were recorded. Patients with severe postoperative bleeding were matched to controls at a 2:1 ratio adjusted on the operator, and the type of surgery. RESULTS: Among the 8,890 operated patients, 65 (0.7%) needed a postoperative hemostatic procedure in an operating room. The risk of a hemostatic surgery was significantly increased after hemorrhoidal surgery compared with other procedures (1.9% vs. 0.5%, P<10-4) and was most frequent after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (2.5%). Mean bleeding time was 6.2 days and no bleeding occurred after day 15. Blood transfusion rate was 0.1%. Treatment with anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors were managed according to recommendations and did not increase the severity of bleeding. The risk of severe bleeding was significantly lower in active smokers vs. non-smokers in univariate (16.9% vs. 36.2%, P=0.007) and multivariate (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.65) analysis whereas sex, age, and body mass were not significantly associated with bleeding. CONCLUSION: Severe postoperative bleeding occurs in 0.7% of patients, but varies with type of procedure and is not affected by anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment. These treatments given in accordance with the new guidelines do not increase the severity of postoperative bleeding.

Evaluation of the role of the puborectal part of the levator ani muscle in anal incontinence: a prospective study of 78 female patients with anal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Anal incontinence is most often linked with sphincter rupture and/or stretching the pudendal nerves. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the involvement of the puborectal part of the levator ani muscle in anal incontinence. PATIENTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Seventy-eight female patients were studied by anorectal manometry, 3-dimensional ultrasound examination, and concentric needle electromyography of the external anal sphincter, puborectal muscle, and bulbocavernous muscles, completing with the evaluation of the pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies. Damage to the puborectal muscle was defined by an abnormal ultrasound and/or abnormal electromyography. RESULTS: Rupture of the anal sphincter apparatus and puborectal muscle was found in 23% and 3.8%. The EMG showed damage to the puborectal part in 39 cases: this was isolated in 4 cases and combined with external anal sphincter damage in 35 patients. Unilateral or bilateral increase in the terminal motor latencies of the pudendal nerves was found in 36% (28/78) of the patients. The frequency of peripheral neurogenic lesions varied from 36% to 90% according to the electromyographic tests used. There was no correlation between puborectal part damage and resting pressure, perception threshold, and maximum tolerable rectal volume. The mean Wexner index score was not increased by the existence of a defect involving the puborectal part found by echography or by damage to the puborectal part shown by the EMG. Investigating puborectal muscle lesions reduced the percentage of idiopathic anal incontinence to 2.5%. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the feasibility and usefulness of combined electromyography and 3-dimensional ultrasound examination of the puborectal muscle in anal incontinence.

Endorectal Advancement Flap With Muscular Plication in Anovaginal and Anterior Perineal Fistulas.

PURPOSE: Endorectal mucosal advancement flap with muscular plication can ensure complete closure of anovaginal fistulas and preserve continence. The aim of this retrospective study was to show indications might be broadened to include anoperineal fistulas. METHODS: This retrospective study gathered all available data from patients with anovaginal or anterior perineal fistulas who underwent transanal advancement flap repair with muscular plication. A loose seton was passed in the fistula track prior to surgery in all patients. Fistula healing was defined as fistula closure during proctological examination associated with complete resolution of symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included from January 2011 to March 2017. Causes of fistula were various, mostly post-operative (34.3%, n = 12), obstetrical (17.1%, n = 6) and inflammatory (14.3%, n = 5). Success rate was 65.2%. Fistula healing was obtained in 60.0% of patients with Crohn disease in remission. Closure rate was higher in anterior perineal fistulas (89.0%) than in anovaginal fistulas (63.6%) even if it did not reach statistical significance. Slight fecal continence disorders were noted in 2 women (5.7%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the efficacy of transanal advancement flap repair with muscular plication for anovaginal and anterior perineal fistulas. Similar closure rates and smaller postoperative incontinence rates compared to the classical technique make this surgery an optimal solution whose efficacy appears to be sustainable over time.

Increased Long-term Risk of Anal Fistula After Proctologic Surgery: A Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: Anal fistula is a common condition in proctology, usually requiring surgical treatment. Few risk factors have been clearly identified based on solid evidence. Our research objective was to determine whether history of anal surgery was a risk factor for subsequent anal fistula. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013 in our tertiary center, comprising 280 cases that underwent surgery for anal fistula and 123 control patients seeking a consultation for upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. For both cases and controls, the following variables were recorded: sex, any prior anal surgery, diabetes mellitus, infection with human immunodeficiency virus, and smoking status. For each variable, confidence interval and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, male sex (73.2% vs. 31.7%, P < 0.0001), active smoking (38.1% vs. 22%, P = 0.0015), and prior anal surgery (16.0% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.0008) were associated with higher risk of anal fistula. In multivariate analysis, only male sex (OR, 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.42 to 9.10; P < 0.0001) and previous anal surgery (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.79 to 13.7; P = 0.0008) remained independently associated with anal fistula occurrence. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of anal fistula is poorly assessed despite the high frequency at which it is diagnosed. Our findings suggest that history of any kind of anal surgery is a risk factor for further onset of anal fistula. Surgeons and patients must be informed of this issue.

[Cryptoglandular anal fistulas]. / Fistules anales cryptoglandulaires.

Cryptoglandular anal fistulae are the most frequently occurring form of perianal sepsis. Characteristically they have an endoanal primary opening, a fistula track and an abscess and/or an external purulent opening. Antibiotic therapy is not of use in initial management except in special cases. Treatment of an abscess, if present, is required urgently and when possible, consists of its incision under local anaesthesia. Treating the fistula track occurs afterwards and aims to dry up the purulent discharge and avoid recurrence of the abscess by means of surgical fistulotomy. These techniques are very effective in terms of eradication of the problem but there is sometimes a risk of anal incontinence. This explains the increasing interest in sphincter preserving techniques using the advancement of a covering flap of rectal mucosa and the injection of fibrin glue.

Diagnosis and Management of a Cryptoglandular Actinomycotic Fistula-in-Ano: An Update on 7 New Cases and a Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: Primary anal actinomycosis of cryptoglandular origin, a rare cause of anal suppurative disease, requires specific management to be cured. The aims of this retrospective study were to describe clinical, morphological, and microbiological features of this entity and to evaluate management practices for new cases observed since 2001. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series conducted at the Diaconesses-Croix Saint-Simon Hospital in Paris. RESULTS: From January 2001 to July 2016, 7 patients, 6 males and 1 female (median, 49 years), presenting with an actinomycotic abscess with a cryptoglandular anal fistula were included for study. The main symptom was an acute painful ischioanal abscess. One patient exhibited macroscopic small yellow granules ("sulfur granules"), another "watery pus" and a third subcutaneous gluteal septic metastasis. All patients were overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). Histological study of surgically excised tissue established the diagnosis. All the patients were managed with a combination of classical surgical treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. No recurrence was observed during follow-up, the median follow-up being 3 years. CONCLUSION: Actinomycosis should be suspected particularly when sulfur granules are present in the pus, patients have undergone multiple surgeries or suppuration has an unusual aspect. Careful histological examination and appropriate cultures of pus are needed to achieve complete eradication of this rare, but easily curable, disease.

An uncommon perianal nodule: hidradenoma papilliferum.

Hidradenoma papilliferum is a rare, benign, cystic, papillary apocrine gland tumor that occurs almost exclusively in women in the skin of the anogenital region. We present the case of a 66 year old woman who presented with a progressively enlarging perianal nodule. We provide a review of the literature emphasizing the clinico-pathological characteristics and differential diagnosis. Local excision is necessary for identification and cure. No recurrence was observed after one year follow-up.

[Initial pretherapeutic assessment of anal epidermoid carcinoma]. / Bilan préthérapeutique initial du carcinome épidermoïde invasif de l'anus.

Anal epidermoid carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor, comprising less than 5% of all carcinomas of the colon, rectum, and anus. The primary therapy now includes radiotherapy, often in combination with chemotherapy. Radical surgery is now rarely indicated. Therapeutic indications are based on locoregional staging, the presence of visceral metastases and an evaluation of the medical history. Anorectal endosonography is helpful in evaluating locoregional extension. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography scanning and inguinal sentinel lymph node procedure should play a role in a more selective approach in patients with anal carcinoma.

Perianal actinomycosis: diagnostic and management considerations: a review of six cases.

INTRODUCTION: Primary anal actinomycosis of cryptoglandular origin, mainly due to Actinomyces israelii, a specific and rare cause of anal suppurative disease, needs to be recognized because it can be cured using specific treatments. METHOD: Data were reviewed from 6 patients with actinomycotic anal abscesses of obvious cryptoglandular origin observed in a single proctology unit between 1983 and 2000. Therapeutic management included conventional surgical treatment of anal sepsis followed by a specific oral antibiotic therapy maintained until the surgical wound had completely healed. RESULTS: All but one of the patients were men (median age, 53 years). All abscesses, except one, were indolent. No patient presented macroscopic "sulphur granules" in the pus, but one presented "watery pus". The diagnosis was established by histological study of the surgically excised tissue or by anaerobic culture of the pus. In the one HIV-positive patient, an uncommon organism was isolated: Actinomyces meyeri. Two cases of recurrence were observed without evidence of Actinomyces infection. CONCLUSION: Actinomycosis should be suspected particularly in indolent anal suppuration. The absence of macroscopic "sulphur granules" does not mean this diagnosis can be ruled out. Careful histological examination of the excised tissue and appropriate anaerobic cultures of pus should be carried out to achieve complete eradication of this rare, but easily curable disease.

[Botulinum toxin and chronic anal fissure]. / Toxine botulique et fissure anale chronique.

Lateral internal sphincterotomy is widely used in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. However, it is associated with a high rate of irreversible incontinence. For this reason the botulinum toxin has become a medical means of reversible sphincterotomy. Indeed, this neurotoxin induces relaxation of the smooth internal anal sphincter lasting one to three months after one injection. We reviewed the published studies about the use of this technique in the management of chronic anal fissure. Healing occurred in more than 70% of fissures without irreversible incontinence. Although further studies are needed to determine the best modalities of administration, especially due to the remaining significant recurrence rate, this toxin may be a valuable treatment for chronic anal fissure in the future.

Respective value of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency and anal sphincter electromyography in neurogenic fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence may be related to a neurogenic injury. Electrodiagnostic tests including pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) and external anal sphincter electromyography (AEMG) have been proposed to reveal anal nerve damage. The aim of this study was to assess the respective value of PNTML and AEMG in the diagnosis of fecal incontinence. This study included 80 women (range 23-85 years) with fecal incontinence secondary to obstetrical and/or surgical trauma. They were evaluated by performing PNTML and AEMG. The electrophysiological results were compared and interpreted in the light of anorectal manometry (ARM) results. Electrodiagnostic test abnormalities were found in 64 of 80 patients (80%), including 28 patients with abnormal results for both tests and 36 patients with only one abnormal test. Overall, a neurogenic AEMG pattern was found in 64% of patients and a prolonged PNTML in 51%. No correlation was found between PNTML value and either AEMG grade or ARM parameters, while AEMG grade strongly correlated with squeeze pressure measured by ARM. This study showed that AEMG and PNTML did not give redundant information and allowed to explicit the mechanisms of neurogenic fecal incontinence. We found that AEMG was more sensitive and more closely related to the anal functional status (ARM parameters) than PNTML. These electrodiagnostic tests, particularly AEMG as performed in everyday practice, are useful in the assessment of neurogenic fecal incontinence.