Desgarro agudo del esfínter anal postparto con reparación inmediata / Immediate repair of acute postpartum anal sphincter tear: case report

Las lesiones obstétricas del esfínter anal pueden ocurrir durante el parto vaginal espontáneamente o secundariamente a la episiotomía. Su riesgo se estima en un 26% y son la causa más frecuente de incontinencia anal en mujeres jóvenes. Las lesiones de grado 4 de Sultan, también llamadas cloaca traumática, implican la ruptura completa del esfínter y la comunicación de la cavidad vaginal con el canal anal. La reparación es siempre quirúrgica, para lo que se han descrito diferentes técnicas, aunque ninguna ha demostrado ser superior. Presentamos el caso de una paciente primípara de 23 años con una cloaca traumática posparto. La reparación quirúrgica se realizó de inmediato con una técnica de overlapping. El postoperatorio fue sin complicaciones y al año presenta continencia anal completa. (AU)

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries can occur spontaneously or as a consequence of an episiotomy during vaginal delivery. Their risk is estimated at 26% and they are the most frequent cause of anal incontinence in young women. Sultan grade 4 injuries, also called traumatic cloaca, involve complete rupture of the sphincter and communication of the vaginal cavity with the anal canal. The repair is always surgical, for which different techniques have been described, although none have proven to be superior. We present the case of a 23-year-old primiparous patient with a postpartum traumatic cloaca. Surgical repair was performed immediately with an overlapping technique. The postoperative period was without complications and one year later she presents complete anal continence. (AU)

Valoración de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica como medio diagnóstico/terapéutico en pacientes con íctero obstructivo / Assessment of the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a diagnostic/therapeutic mean in patients with obstructive jaundice

RESUMEN Introducción: las enfermedades del eje pancreático/biliar son una consecuencia en la morbimortalidad del aparato digestivo, y es la causa en ocasiones de una obstrucción biliar. La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica es un método preciso para el diagnóstico de la obstrucción biliar, y se asocia con una elevada tasa de sensibilidad y especificidad. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, con el objetivo de valorar el comportamiento de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica como medio diagnóstico y terapéutico en una muestra de 90 pacientes con dictamen presuntivo de íctero obstructivo. Resultados: predominaron las féminas en el grupo de edad superior a los 50 años. La coluria, la acolia y el íctero como representativos de una enfermedad obstructiva de las vías biliares, fueron las manifestaciones más frecuentes, corroboradas por el estudio endoscópico, donde la litiasis coledociana fue la principal causa de íctero. Conclusión: la esfinterotomía endoscópica fue el proceder terapéutico de elección, y la pancreatitis aguda postintervención fue la complicación más frecuente (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: the diseases of the pancreatic-biliary axis are a consequence in the digestive tract morbidity-mortality, and sometimes they are the cause of a biliary obstruction. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a precise method for diagnosing the biliary obstruction, and is associated to high rates of sensitivity and specificity. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was carried out with the aim of assessing the behavior of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a therapeutic and diagnostic mean in a sample of 90 patients with presumptive report of obstructive jaundice. Results: women aged more than 50 years predominated. Choluria, acholia and jaundice, as representative of the biliary ducts obstructive disease, were the most frequent manifestations, corroborated by the endoscopic study, where choledocal lithiasis was the main cause of jaundice. Conclusions: endoscopic sphincterotomy was the elective therapeutic procedure, and post-intervention acute pancreatitis was the most frequent complication (AU).

Adverse events after biliary sphincterotomy: Does the electric current mode make a difference? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Biliary sphincterotomy is an invasive method that allows access to the bile ducts, however, this procedure is not exempt of complications. Studies in the literature indicate that the mode of electric current used for sphincterotomy may carry different incidences of adverse events such as pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforation, and cholangitis. AIM: To evaluate the safety of different modes of electrical current during biliary sphincterotomy based on incidence of adverse events. METHODS: We searched articles for this systematic review in Medline, EMBASE, Central Cochrane, Lilacs, and gray literature from inception to September 2019. Data from studies describing different types of electric current were meta-analyzed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The following electric current modalities were evaluated: endocut, blend, pure cut, pure cut followed by blend, monopolar, and bipolar. RESULTS: A total of 1791 patients from 11 randomized clinical trials evaluating the following comparisons: 1. Endocut vs Blend: No statistical difference in the incidence of bleeding (7% vs 13.4%; RD: -0.11 [-0.31, 0.08], P=0.27, I2=86%), pancreatitis (4.4% vs 3.5%; RD: 0.01 [-0.03, 0.04], P=0.62, I2=48%) and perforation (absence of cases in both arms). 2. Endocut vs Pure cut: Higher incidence of mild bleeding (without drop in hemoglobin levels, clinical repercussion or need for endoscopic intervention) in the pure cut group (9.2% vs 28.8%; RD: -0.19 [-0.27, -0.12], P<0.00001, I2=0%). No statistical difference regarding pancreatitis (5.2% vs 0.9%; RD: 0.05 [-0.01, 0.11], P=0.12, I2=57%), perforation (0.4% vs 0%; RD: 0.00 [-0.01, 0.02], P=0.7, I2=0%) or cholangitis (1.8% vs 3.2%; RD: -0.01 [-0.09, 0.06], P=0,7). 3. Pure cut vs blend: higher incidence of mild bleeding in the pure cut group (40.4% vs 16.7%; RD: 0.24 [0.15, 0.33], P<0.00001, I2=0%). No statistical difference concerning incidence of pancreatitis or cholangitis. 4. Pure cut vs Pure cut followed by Blend: No statistical difference regarding incidence of bleeding (22.5% vs 11.7%; RD: -0.10 [-0.24, 0.04], P=0.18, I2=61%) and pancreatitis (8.9% vs 14.8%; RD 0.06 [-0.02, 0.13], P=0.12, I2=0%). 5. Blend vs pure cut followed by blend: no statistical difference regarding incidence of bleeding and pancreatitis (11.3% vs 10.4%; RD -0.01 [-0.11, 0.09], P=0.82, I2=0%). 6. Monopolar vs bipolar: higher incidence of pancreatitis in the monopolar mode group (12% vs 0%; RD 0.12 [0.02, 0.22], P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Pure cut carries higher incidences of mild bleeding compared to endocut and blend. However, this modality might present a lower incidence of pancreatitis. The monopolar mode elicits higher rates of pancreatitis in comparison with the bipolar mode. There is no difference in incidence of cholangitis or perforation between different types of electric current. There is a lack of evidence in the literature to recommend one method over the others, therefore new studies are warranted. As there is no perfect electric current mode, the choice in clinical practice must be based on the patient risk factors.

Long-term outcomes of (Gore) fistula plug versus ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for anal fistula / Desfechos de longo prazo do tampão de fístula (Gore) versus ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana (LIFT) para fístula anal

ABSTRACT Background: The surgical treatment of anal fistula is complex due to the possibility of fecal incontinence. Fistulotomy and cutting Setons have the same incidence of fecal incontinence depending on the complexity of the fistula. Sphincter-preserving procedures such as anal fistula plug and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure may result in more recurrence requiring repeated operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcomes of treating fistula in Ano utilizing two methods: Fistula plug (Gore Bio-A) and ligation of intersphincteric tract (LIFT). Methods: Fifty four patients (33 males; 21 female, median ages 42 [range 32-47] years) with high anal inter-transphenteric fistula were treated with LIFT and fistula plug procedures from September 2011 until August 2016 by a single surgeon and were retrospectively evaluated. All were followed for a median of 23.9 (range 4-54) months with clinical examination. Twenty one patients underwent fistula plug and 33 patients underwent LIFT procedure (4 patients of the LIFT group underwent LIFT and rectal mucosa advancement flap). The healing rate and complications were evaluated clinically and through telephone calls. Results: The mean operative time for the Plug was 25 ± 17 min and for the LIFT was 40 ± 20 min (p = 0.017) and the mean hospital stay was 2.4 ± 1.1 and 1.9 ± 0.3 (p = 0.01) respectively. The early complications of the plug and LIFT procedures included; anal pain (33.3%, 66.6%, p = 0.13), perianal discharge (77.8%, 91%, p = 0.62), anal pruritus (38.9%, 50.0%, p = 0.71) and bleeding per rectum (16.7%, 33.3%, p = 0.39) respectively. The overall mean follow-up was 20.9 ± 16.8 months, p = 0.68. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (21.9 ± 7.5 months, 19.9 ± 16.1 months, p = 0.682). The healing rate was 76.2% (16/21 patients) in the fistula plug group and 81.1% (27/33 patients) in the LIFT group (p = 0.73). Patients who had LIFT procedure and a mucosal advancement flap had 100% healing rate (4 out of 4 patients). No incontinence of stool or feces and no fistula plug expulsion were seen in our patients. The healing time ranged from 1 to 6 months after surgery. There was no post-operative perianal abscess, cellulitis or pain. Conclusions: LIFT and anal plug are safe procedures for patients with primary and recurrent anal fistula. Both techniques showed excellent results in terms of healing and complication rate. None of our patients had incontinence after 5 years follow-up. The best success rate in our patients was seen after LIFT procedure with mucosal advancement flap. Larger and controlled randomized trials are needed for better assessment of treatment options.

RESUMO Introdução: O tratamento cirúrgico da fístula anal é complexo devido à possibilidade de incontinência fecal. A fistulotomia e o seton de corte têm a mesma incidência da incontinência fecal, dependendo da complexidade da fístula. Procedimentos de preservação do esfíncter, como o tampão da fístula anal e o procedimento LIFT (ligadura do trato da fístula interesfincteriana), podem resultar em mais recorrência, exigindo cirurgias repetidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar os desfechos do tratamento da fístula anal utilizando dois métodos: Tampão de fístula (Gore Bio-A) e Ligadura do Trato Interesfincteriano (LIFT). Métodos: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes (33 homens; 21 mulheres, com mediana de idade de 42 [variação 32-47] anos) foram tratados com LIFT e procedimentos com tampão de fístula de setembro de 2011 até agosto de 2016 por um único cirurgião e foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Todos foram acompanhados por uma mediana de 23,9 (variação de 4 a 54) meses com exame clínico. Vinte e um pacientes foram submetidos a tampão de fístula e 33 pacientes foram submetidos ao procedimento LIFT (4 pacientes do grupo LIFT foram submetidos a LIFT e retalho de avanço da mucosa retal). A taxa de cicatrização e as complicações foram avaliadas clinicamente e por meio de ligações telefônicas. Resultados: O tempo cirúrgico médio para o Tampão foi de 25 ± 17 minutos e para o LIFT foi de 40 ± 20 minutos (p = 0,017) e o tempo médio de internação foi de 2,4 ± 1,1 e 1,9 ± 0,3 (p = 0,01), respectivamente. As primeiras complicações dos procedimentos de tampão e LIFT incluíram: dor anal (33,3%, 66,6%, p = 0,13), secreção perianal (77,8%, 91%, p = 0,62), prurido anal (38,9%, 50,0%, p = 0,71) e sangramento pelo reto (16,7%, 33,3 %, p = 0,39) respectivamente. A média geral de acompanhamento foi de 20,9 ± 16,8 meses, p = 0,68. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos (21,9 ± 7,5 meses, 19,9 ± 16,1 meses, p = 0,682). A taxa de cicatrização foi de 76,2% (16/21 pacientes) no grupo com tampão de fístula e 81,1% (27/33 pacientes) no grupo LIFT (p = 0,73). Pacientes submetidos ao procedimento LIFT e um retalho de avanço da mucosa tiveram 100% de taxa de cura (4 de 4 pacientes). Nenhuma incontinência fecal e nenhuma expulsão do tampão da fístula foram observadas em nossos pacientes. O tempo de cicatrização variou de 1 a 6 meses após a cirurgia. Não houve abscesso perianal, celulite ou dor no pós-operatório. Conclusões: LIFT e tampão anal são procedimentos seguros para pacientes com fístula anal primária e recorrente. Ambas as técnicas apresentaram excelentes resultados em termos de cicatrização e taxa de complicações. Nenhum de nossos pacientes teve incontinência após 5 anos de acompanhamento. A melhor taxa de sucesso em nossos pacientes foi observada após o procedimento LIFT com retalho de avanço da mucosa. Ensaios clínicos randomizados de maior porte e controlados são necessários para melhor avaliação das opções de tratamento.

Using amniotic membrane for anal sphincter repair in animal model / Uso de membrana amniótica para reparo de esfíncter anal em modelo animal

Purpose: Sphincter repair is the primary management for fecal incontinence especially in traumatic causes. Regardless of progression in the method and material of sphincter repair, the results are still disappointing. This study evaluates the efficacy of using amniotic membrane during sphincteroplasty regarding its effects in healing of various tissues. Methods: Rabbits undergone sphincterotomy and after three weeks end to end sphincteroplasty was done. Animals divided to three groups: classic sphincteroplasty, sphincteroplasty with fresh amniotic membrane and sphincteroplasty with decellularized amniotic membrane. Three weeks after sphincteroplasty animals were sacrificed and sphincter complex was sent for histopathologic evaluation. Sphincter muscle diameter and composition of sphincter was evaluated. Before sphincterotomy, before and after sphincteroplasty electromyography of sphincter at the site of repair were recorded. Results: No statistical significant difference was seen between groups even in histopathology or electromyography. Conclusion: Although amniotic showed promising effects in the healing of different tissue in animal and human studies it was not effective in healing of injured sphincter.

Objetivo: Reparo do esfíncter é o tratamento primário para casos de incontinência fecal, especialmente em causas traumáticas. Independentemente da progressão no método e do material de reparo do esfíncter, os resultados são ainda desapontadores. Esse estudo avalia a eficácia do uso da membrana amniótica durante a esfincteroplastia, com relação aos seus efeitos na cura de diversos tecidos. Métodos: Coelhos foram submetidos a um procedimento de esfincterotomia e, depois de transcorridas três semanas, foi realizada uma esfincteroplastia término-terminal. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos: esfincteroplastia clássica, esfincteroplastia com membrana amniótica fresca, e esfincteroplastia com membrana amniótica descelularizada. Três semanas após a realização da esfincteroplastia, os animais foram sacrificados e o complexo esfinctérico foi encaminhado para avaliação histopatológica. O diâmetro do músculo esfinctérico e a composição do esfíncter foram avaliados. Antes da esfincterotomia, e antes e depois da esfincteroplastia, foi registrada a eletromiografia do esfíncter no local do reparo. Resultados: Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos, mesmo na histopatologia, ou na eletromiografia. Conclusão: Embora a membrana amniótica tenha demonstrado efeitos promissores em termos da cicatrização dos diferentes tecidos em estudos com animais e em humanos, não foi observada eficácia na cura do esfíncter lesionado.