Surgical Anatomy of the Rectovaginal Space: Does a Standalone Rectovaginal Septum or Denonvilliers Fascia Exist in Women?

BACKGROUND: Below the anterior peritoneal reflection, the anterior rectal wall and mesorectum are separated from the posterior vaginal wall by a virtual rectovaginal space. In this space, the description of a specific and independent rectovaginal septum as a female counterpart of Denonvilliers fascia has been the subject of debate over the years. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to perform an accurate anatomical study of the rectovaginal area in a cadaveric simulation model of total mesorectal excision to evaluate the possible structures and the dissection planes contained within the rectovaginal space. DESIGN AND SETTING: This is a cadaveric study performed at the University of Valencia. PATIENTS: The pelvises of 25 formalin-preserved female cadavers were dissected. All the included specimens were sectioned in a midsagittal plane, at the level of the middle axis of the anal canal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Careful and detailed dissection was performed to visualize the anatomical structures and potential dissection planes during anterior mesorectal dissection in cadavers. Histological sections were made of the posterior vaginal wall. RESULTS: The rectovaginal space contains loose areolar tissue that allows an easy dissection plane distally. A distinct and independent rectovaginal fascia or septum is not present. The existence of 3 layers fused together in the posterior vaginal wall can be identified more or less precisely because of their different coloration. The histological study confirms this macroscopic arrangement of the posterior vaginal wall in 3 layers: the mucosa, the muscular, and the adventitia. An independent rectovaginal septum can be generated only with a splitting of the adventitia. LIMITATIONS: The cadaveric pelvic specimens of the oldest donors might have had age-related degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The present anatomical study has shown only a plane of loose areolar tissue between the rectal and vaginal wall. We can conclude that there is no independent fascia or septum in the rectovaginal space. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B456. ANATOMÍA QUIRÚRGICA DEL ESPACIO RECTOVAGINAL: ¿EXISTE UN TABIQUE RECTOVAGINAL INDEPENDIENTE O UNA FASCIA DE DENONVILLIERS EN LAS MUJERES: Debajo del reflejo peritoneal anterior, la pared rectal anterior y el mesorrecto están separados de la pared vaginal posterior por un espacio rectovaginal virtual. En este espacio, la descripción de un tabique rectovaginal independiente específico como contraparte femenina de la fascia de Denonvilliers ha sido objeto de debate a lo largo de los años.Realizar un estudio anatómico preciso del área rectovaginal en un modelo de simulación cadavérica de escisión mesorrectal total, con el fin de evaluar las posibles estructuras y los planos de disección contenidos en el espacio rectovaginal.estudio cadavérico realizado en la Universidad de Valencia.Se disecaron las pelvis de 25 cadáveres femeninos conservados en formalina. Todas las muestras incluidas fueron seccionadas en un plano medio sagital, a la altura del eje medio del canal anal.Se llevó a cabo una disección cuidadosa y detallada para visualizar las estructuras anatómicas y los posibles planos de disección durante la disección mesorrectal anterior en cadáveres. Se realizaron cortes histológicos de la pared vaginal posterior.El espacio rectovaginal contiene tejido areolar laxo que permite un plano de disección fácil distalmente. No hay fascia o tabique rectovaginal distinto e independiente. La existencia de tres capas fusionadas en la pared vaginal posterior puede identificarse con mayor o menor precisión debido a su diferente coloración. El estudio histológico confirma esta disposición macroscópica de la pared vaginal posterior en tres capas: la mucosa, la muscular y la adventicia. Un tabique rectovaginal independiente solo se puede generar con una división de la adventicia.Las muestras pélvicas de cadáveres de los donantes más antiguos pueden haber tenido degeneración relacionada con la edad.El estudio anatómico actual solo ha mostrado un plano de tejido areolar laxo entre la pared rectal y vaginal. Podemos concluir que no hay fascia o tabique independiente en el espacio rectovaginal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B456. (Traducción-Dr. Adrian Ortega).

[Metabolic changes after morbid obesity surgery using the duodenal switch technique. Long term follow-up]. / Alteraciones metabólicas tras cirugía de la obesidad mórbida mediante la técnica del cruce duodenal. Seguimiento a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: The duodenal switch (DS) technique is considered to be complex surgery with a series of metabolic complications due to its malabsorptive character. For these reasons, it has not been extensively used by bariatric surgeons. Despite this, we consider it to be a suitable technique for the grossly obese. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 110 patients with morbid obesity operated on using the DS technique and who were followed up for a minimum period of four years after surgery. We evaluated the weight loss, the outcomes of the comorbidities, and the metabolic complications. RESULTS: The loss of excess weight was greater than 50% in 75% of the patients after 12 months follow up. The comorbidities suffered by 68 patients (75.5%) were completely resolved. The most frequent metabolic complications were iron (Fe) deficiency and an increased parathyroid hormone (PTH). CONCLUSIONS: DS is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of morbid obesity, with good weight loss results, a high percentage of remission of the comorbidities, a similar morbidity and mortality to other techniques, and with correctable nutritional changes, and thus acceptable.

The Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Morbid Obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been widely quantified, and the data in the literature remain controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Candidates for LSG underwent barium swallow, esophageal manometry, ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring (APM), and gastric emptying scintigraphy before and after surgery (1 and 18 months). Symptoms were evaluated using a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDq). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed preoperatively in all patients and at 18 months postoperatively in patients who had suffered from preoperative esophagitis. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included in the study (64.4% women and 34.6% men) with a median age of 46 years (25-63 years) and BMI of 45.0 ± 5.6 kg/m2. The follow-up rates at 1 and 18 months were 82.7% and 80.8%. At 18 months, the percentage of weight loss (%TWL) was 33.6 ± 10.4% and the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) was 77.6 ± 25%. Postoperatively, a significant increase in accelerated gastric emptying and impaired esophageal body motility occurred at 1 and 18 months. A significant worsening of all the values obtained at both 1 and 18 months postoperatively becomes evident when comparing the results of the APM. After surgery, 76.4% of patients had developed "de novo" GERD at 1 month and 41% at 18 months. No improvement was found in patients with symptomatic GERD. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, LSG led to a considerable rate of postoperative "de novo" GERD. In addition, no improvement was found in patients with symptomatic GERD.

[Relationship of oxidative stress and weight loss achieved in morbid obese patients by means of bariatric surgery using the duodenal switch technique]. / Relación del estrés oxidativo y la pérdida de peso obtenida en pacientes obesos mórbidos mediante cirugía bariátrica con la técnica del cruce duodenal.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress (OS), which is overtly present in morbid obesity, is an indicator of a chronic inflammatory state associated to obesity and possibly related with the associated comorbidities, some of which represent an important risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, so that decreasing its intensity has become a treatment priority. MATERIALS AND METHODS: he have consecutively performed the duodenal crossing surgical technique in 28 patients suffering from morbid obesity, assessing the level of oxidative stress by the determination of the products of molecular oxidation and antioxidants before the surgery and throughout one year after the surgery. Weight evolution and the progression of the comorbidities already present were assessed. RESULTS: the mean age of the patients in this series was 43 ± 1 years and the mean BMI 50.3. 82% had associated comorbidities. After the surgery, all the patients progressively lost weight throughout the study period, with a parallel improvement of the comorbidities and a progressive decrease in OS values and improvement of the antioxidant systems, the OS values being similar to those of a normal population at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The weight loss achieved allows improving the comorbidities and the oxidative stress values so that at the end of the study the results obtained are similar to those of a normal population.

Introducción: El estrés oxidativo, presente de forma evidente en los obesos mórbidos, es un indicador del estado inflamatorio crónico que representa la obesidad y posible nexo de unión con sus comorbilidades, algunas de las cuales son un importante factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, por lo que la atenuación de su intensidad se ha convertido en un objetivo terapéutico. Material y método: Hemos intervenido de forma consecutiva, mediante la técnica quirúrgica del cruce duodenal, a 28 pacientes afectos de obesidad mórbida, realizando un estudio del estrés oxidativo presente en ellos mediante la determinación de productos de oxidación molecular y de antioxidantes, en el preoperatorio y a lo largo de un año tras la cirugía. Se ha controlado la evolución ponderal y la evolución de las comorbilidades presentes. Resultados: Los pacientes de la serie presentaron una media de edad de 43 ± 1 años y un IMC medio de 50,3. El 82% presentó comorbilidad asociada. Tras la cirugía todos los pacientes perdieron peso de forma progresiva a lo largo del periodo estudiado, con mejoría paralela de las comorbilidades y disminución progresiva de los valores del EO y mejoría de los sistemas antioxidantes, siendo los valores de EO al finalizar el estudio similares a los de la población normal. Conclusión: La pérdida de peso obtenida consigue una mejora de las comorbilidades y de los valores de estrés oxidativo de modo que al final del estudio los resultados obtenidos son similares a los de la población normal. Palabras clave: estrés oxidativo, obesidad, obesidad mórbida, cruce duodenal, pérdida de peso.

Relación del estrés oxidativo y la pérdida de peso obtenida en pacientes obesos mórbidos mediante cirugía bariátrica con la técnica del cruce duodenal / Relationship of oxidative stress and weight loss achieved in morbid obese patients by means of bariatric surgery using the duodenal switch technique

Introducción: El estrés oxidativo, presente de forma evidente en los obesos mórbidos, es un indicador del estado inflamatorio crónico que representa la obesidad y posible nexo de unión con sus comorbilidades, algunas de las cuales son un importante factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, por lo que la atenuación de su intensidad se ha convertido en un objetivo terapéutico. Material y método: Hemos intervenido de forma consecutiva, mediante la técnica quirúrgica del cruce duodenal, a 28 pacientes afectos de obesidad mórbida, realizando un estudio del estrés oxidativo presente en ellos mediante la determinación de productos de oxidación molecular y de antioxidantes, en el preoperatorio y a lo largo de un año tras la cirugía. Se ha controlado la evolución ponderal y la evolución de las comorbilidades presentes. Resultados: Los pacientes de la serie presentaron una media de edad de 43 ± 1 años y un IMC medio de 50,3. El 82% presentó comorbilidad asociada. Tras la cirugía todos los pacientes perdieron peso de forma progresiva a lo largo del periodo estudiado, con mejoría paralela de las comorbilidades y disminución progresiva de los valores del EO y mejoría de los sistemas antioxidantes, siendo los valores de EO al finalizar el estudio similares a los de la población normal. Conclusión: La pérdida de peso obtenida consigue una mejora de las comorbilidades y de los valores de estrés oxidativo de modo que al final del estudio los resultados obtenidos son similares a los de la población normal (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress (OS), which is overtly present in morbid obesity, is an indicator of a chronic inflammatory state associated to obesity and possibly related with the associated comorbidities, some of which represent an important risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, so that decreasing its intensity has become a treatment priority. MATERIALS AND METHODS: he have consecutively performed the duodenal crossing surgical technique in 28 patients suffering from morbidobesity, assessing the level of oxidative stress by the determination of the products of molecular oxidation and antioxidants before the surgery and throughout one year after the surgery. Weight evolution and the progression of the comorbidities already present were assessed. RESULTS: the mean age of the patients in this series was 43 ± 1 years and the mean BMI 50.3. 82% had associated comorbidities. After the surgery, all the patients progressively lost weight throughout the study period, with a parallel improvement of the comorbidities and a progressive decrease in OS values and improvement of the antioxidant systems, the OS values being similar to those of a normal population at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The weight loss achieved allows improving the comorbidities and the oxidative stress values so that at the end of the study the results obtained are similar to those of a normal population (AU)

Alteraciones metabólicas tras cirugía de la obesidad mórbida mediante la técnica del cruce duodenal. Seguimiento a largo plazo / Metabolic changes after morbid obesity surgery using the duodenal switch technique. Long term follow-up

Introducción La técnica del cruce duodenal (CD) es considerada una cirugía compleja y con serias complicaciones metabólicas por su carácter malabsortivo, lo que hace que su uso no se haya extendido entre los cirujanos bariátricos. A pesar de ello la consideramos una técnica adecuada en superobesos. Pacientes y métodos Estudio prospectivo de 110 pacientes con obesidad mórbida intervenidos consecutivamente con la técnica del CD y seguidos durante un período mínimo de cuatro años tras la cirugía. Hemos evaluado la pérdida de peso, evolución de las comorbilidades y las complicaciones metabólicas. Resultados La pérdida del exceso de peso fue superior al 50% en el 75% de los pacientes después de 12 meses de seguimiento. Un total de 68 pacientes (75,5%) experimentaron completa corrección de las comorbilidades que presentaban. Las alteraciones metabólicas más frecuentes fueron el déficit de hierro y la elevación de la PTH. Conclusiones El CD es una técnica segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de la obesidad mórbida, con buenos resultados ponderales, elevado porcentaje de remisión de las comorbilidades, morbimortalidad similar a otras técnicas y con alteraciones nutricionales corregibles y por tanto asumibles (AU)

Introduction The duodenal switch (DS) technique is considered to be complex surgery with a series of metabolic complications due to its malabsorptive character. For these reasons, it has not been extensively used by bariatric surgeons. Despite this, we consider it to be a suitable technique for the grossly obese. Patients and methods A retrospective study was performed on 110 patients with morbid obesity operated on using the DS technique and who were followed up for a minimum period of four years after surgery. We evaluated the weight loss, the outcomes of the comorbidities, and the metabolic complications. Results The loss of excess weight was greater than 50% in 75% of the patients after 12 months follow up. The comorbidities suffered by 68 patients (75.5%) were completely resolved. The most frequent metabolic complications were iron (Fe) deficiency and an increased parathyroid hormone (PTH).Conclusions DS is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of morbid obesity, with good weight loss results, a high percentage of remission of the comorbidities, a similar morbidity and mortality to other techniques, and with correctable nutritional changes, and thus acceptable (AU)