Getting the most out of MRI in perianal fistula: update on surgical techniques and radiological features that define surgical options.

Perianal fistulas affect approximately 2 in 10,000 people, causing symptoms such as pain and discharge, which can have a debilitating effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgical treatment, which can offer a potential cure or palliation of symptoms, must be considered carefully in cases with extensive sphincter involvement. In complex cases, the use of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to determine the best course of operative action. This review describes common and contemporary surgical procedures for perianal fistula, highlighting technical features, as well as important surgical considerations associated with each method and how these can be assessed radiologically. We focus on the anatomical features and MRI findings that take procedural elements into account and help determine the most appropriate method of treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a basis for informed and focused discussion between surgeons and radiologists to ensure the most appropriate procedure is selected for each case, with the ultimate aim of obtaining the most favourable outcomes for patients.

Initial experience with SphinKeeper™ intersphincteric implants for faecal incontinence in the UK: a two-centre retrospective clinical audit.

AIM: The SphinKeeper™ artificial bowel sphincter implant is a relatively new surgical technique for the treatment of refractory faecal incontinence. This study presents the first experience in two UK tertiary centres. METHOD: This is a retrospective audit of prospectively collected clinical data in relation to technique, safety, feasibility and short-term effectiveness from patients undergoing surgery from January 2016 to April 2019. Baseline data, intra-operative and postoperative complications, symptoms [using St Mark's incontinence score (SMIS)] and radiological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients [18 women, median age 57 years (range 27-87)] underwent SphinKeeper. In 30% of the patients, the firing device jammed and not all prostheses were delivered. There were no intra-operative complications and all patients were discharged the same or the following day. SMIS significantly improved from baseline [median -6 points (range -12 to +3); P < 0.00016] with 14/27 (51.9%) patients achieving a 50% reduction in the SMIS score. On postoperative imaging, a median of seven prostheses (range 0-10) were identified with a median of five (range 0-10) optimally placed. There was no relationship between number of well-sited prostheses on postoperative imaging and categorical success based on 50% reduction in SMIS (χ2 test, P = 0.79). CONCLUSION: SphinKeeper appears to be a safe procedure for faecal incontinence. Overall, about 50% patients achieved a meaningful improvement in symptoms. However, clinical benefit was unrelated to the rate of misplaced/migrated implants. This has implications for confidence in proof of mechanism and also the need for technical refinement.

Preval?ncia e severidade da dor orofacial em gestantes / Prevalence and severity of orofacial pain in pregnant women

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of oral pain in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of pregnant women who were receiving dental care at a Dental School. A structured questionnaire about self-perception of oral conditions and the presence and severity of orofacial pain in the mouth or teeth in the last 6months was applied. Results: 80 pregnant women participated in the study and, of these, 58.8% reported having a problem with their teeth, 31.3% periodontal problems, 61.3% bad taste in mouth and 62.5% bad breath. Only 22.5% of pregnant women did not exhibit any form of oral pain. The most frequently reported pains were: pain with hot/cold liquids or sweets (56.2%) and spontaneous toothache (38.8%). With regard to severity, mild and moderate pain were the most frequently reported, but there was a group of 23.8% of pregnant women with severe or very severe pain caused by hot or cold liquids and 18.8% in the same condition in relation to spontaneous pain. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that, despite the high prevalence of pain detected in the pregnant women, severity was low and referred to specific situations.

Objetivo: Avaliar a preval?ncia e a severidade da dor orofacial em gestantes. M?todos: O estudo transversal foi realizado em uma amostra de gestantes em atendimento odontol?gico em uma faculdade de odontologia. Foi aplicado question?rio estruturado com perguntas sobre a auto percep??o das condi??es bucais e a presen?a e a severidade da dor orofacial sentida na boca ou dentes nos ?ltimos 6 meses. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 80 gestantes e, destas, 58,8% afirmaram ter algum problema nos dentes, 31,3% problema na gengiva, 61,3% gosto ruim na boca e 62,5% mau h?lito. Apenas 22,5% n?o apresentaram nenhum tipo de dor orofacial. As dores mais relatadas foram: dor com l?quidos quentes, frios ou doces (56,2%) e dor de dente espont?nea (38,8%). Quanto ? severidade, as dores de intensidade leve e moderada foram as mais frequentes, mas havia um grupo de 23,8% das gestantes com dores intensas ou muito intensas provocadas por l?quidos frios ou quentes e 18,8% na mesma condi??o em rela??o ? dor espont?nea. Conclus?o: Os resultados do estudo mostraram que, apesar da alta preval?ncia de dor orofacial encontrada, a severidade foi baixa e relacionada a algumassitua??es espec?ficas.

Intra-aortic mural thrombosis and splenic infarction in association with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Arterial thrombosis is a very rare, but recognised complication of inflammatory bowel disease that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 48-year-old female with previously well-controlled ulcerative colitis who presented with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain. Imaging investigations subsequently revealed a large intra-aortic mural thrombus extending into the coeliac axis complicated by splenic infarction. This occurred in the absence of other prothrombotic states such as thrombophilias or vasculitis. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the frequently overlooked association between inflammatory bowel disease and arterial thrombosis.

Palatal radicular groove: clinical implications of early diagnosis and surgical sealing.

Palatal radicular groove is a discreet alteration in tooth morphology, characterized by an invagination that begins near the cingulum of the tooth and moves in an apical direction. Clinically, palatal radicular groove may be associated with periodontal and/or endodontic problems. This paper describes a clinical case of a young patient with palatal radicular groove with no signs of periodontal disease or endodontic impairment. An early diagnosis was made and treatment consisted of surgical sealing of the defect. After a 2-year period, reexaminations demonstrated adequate hygiene, maintenance of tooth vitality and periodontal health. The early diagnosis and sealing of the groove observed surgically made the root surface smooth, avoiding subgingival bacterial plaque buildup, and preventing possible periodontal and/or pulp impairment stemming from the defect.

Bond strength of adhesive systems to Er,Cr:YSGG laser-irradiated dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and different adhesive procedures on bond strength of two bonding agents to dentin. BACKGROUND DATA: Studies have shown that laser-irradiated dentinal tissue yields lower bond strengths than does nonirradiated dentin. In this study, different treatment methods of laser irradiating dentin were studied to enhance the bond strength of bonding agents to nonirradiated dentin. METHODS: Third molars were wet ground with SiC until the occlusal flat dentin surface was exposed, and the teeth were randomly assigned to six groups (n=5). A two-step self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond, G1) and a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond Plus, G2) were applied to the nonirradiated dentin surface according to manufacturer's instructions, as control groups. In G3 and G4, the same adhesives were applied after Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, whereas in G5 and G6 adhesives were applied after Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, phosphoric acid etching, and NaOCl deproteinization of etched dentin. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser worked at 2.78??m and the repetition rate was fixed at 20?Hz. Composite blocks were built on bonded surfaces and the teeth were stored for 24?h at 37?C. Restored teeth were vertically and serially sectioned to obtain bonded specimens for the bond strength test. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (?=5%). RESULTS: Laser irradiation reduced bond strengths for the two adhesives, regardless of acid etching and deproteinization of dentin post-irradiation (p<0.05). The self-etching primer system showed higher bond strengths to laser irradiated dentin than did Single Bond Plus (p<0.05). The adhesive systems applied to normal dentin yielded higher bond strengths than when they were applied to laser irradiated dentin (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The self-etching primer seemed to be less affected by dentin irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The additional etching and NaOCl solution did not overcome the effects of laser irradiation on dentin.

Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar infection in chronic hemodialysis patients.

To determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (Eh/Ed) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, we collected 330 samples of feces from 110 patients, and nine individuals were found to be positive for Eh/Ed. We compared the infected patients with a group of 14 uninfected HD patients. Both groups were analyzed for their signs, symptoms and socio-economic characteristics using questionnaires. Blood tests were also performed in both the groups. Although both groups did not differ statistically with respect to their signs, symptoms and socio-economic conditions, there was a trend toward a greater number of individuals with diarrhea in the Eh/Ed infected group. In conclusion, we suggest that a parasitological examination of the patient's stool to detect the Eh/Ed complex should be included with the routine tests so that those patients with a positive fecal test could be initiated on appropriate anti-Eh/Ed therapy.

What do gastroenterology trainees want: recognition, remuneration or recreation?

BACKGROUND: Occupational psychologists have identified three factors important in motivating physicians: financial reward, academic recognition, time off. AIM: To assess motivators among gastroenterology (GI) trainees. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to GI trainees to assess their motivators: (1) work fewer hours for less lucrative rate, (2) reduction in salary/increase in hours for academic protected time, and (3) work longer hours for higher total salary, but less lucrative hourly rate. RESULTS: Overall, 61 trainees responded; 52% of trainees would work shorter hours for less lucrative rate; 60% would accept a disproportionate reduction in salary/increase in hours for academic protected time; 54% would work longer hours for more money but less lucrative rate. Most trainees (93%) accepted at least one scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Most GI trainees are willing to modify their job description to align with their personal values. Tailoring job descriptions according to these values can yield economic benefits to GI Divisions.

Correlation of skeletal maturation stages determined by cervical vertebrae and hand-wrist evaluations.

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the Fishman maturation prediction method (FMP) and the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method for skeletal maturation stage determination. Hand-wrist and lateral cephalograms from 79 subjects (52 females and 27 males) were used. Hand-wrist radiographs were analyzed using the FMP to determine skeletal maturation level (advanced, average, or delayed) and stage (relative position of the individual in the pubertal growth curve). Cervical vertebrae (C2, C3, and C4) outlines obtained from lateral cephalograms were analyzed using the CVM to determine skeletal maturation stage. Intraexaminer reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) for both methods was calculated from 10 triplicate hand-wrist and lateral cephalograms from the same patients. An ICC coefficient of 0.985 for FMP and an ICC of 0.889 for CVM were obtained. A Spearman correlation value of 0.72 (P < .001) was found between the skeletal maturation stages of both methods. When the sample was subgrouped according to skeletal maturation level, the following correlation values were found: for early mature adolescents 0.73, for average mature adolescents 0.70, and for late mature adolescents 0.87. All these correlation values were statistically different from zero (P < .024). Correlation values between both skeletal maturation methods were moderately high. This may be high enough to use either of the methods indistinctively for research purposes but not for the assessment of individual patients. Skeletal level influences the correlation values and, therefore, it should be considered whenever possible.

Rapidly progressive osteoarthrosis of the hip.

A retrospective review of 991 primary total hip arthroplasties was performed to determine the incidence of rapidly progressive osteoarthrosis of the hip joint. Thirty-four patients (35 hips) were identified (3.5%). Females were predominantly affected (85%). A history of hypertension and regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use was significantly more common in those with rapid progression as compared to the normally progressive group. Transfusion requirements were also significantly greater for the rapidly progressive group. Patient age and operating time were both greater in those with rapid progression, but neither proved statistically significant. No significant difference was noted when comparing the affected side, body mass index or the pre-operative range of hip movements, ESR or Oxford Hip Score. From the radiographs, twenty cases were classified as type I (rapid), 11 type II (moderate) and 3 type III (delayed). Wear distribution was predominantly superolateral (85%) and anterosuperior (97%). All patients were treated by total hip arthroplasty. At latest follow-up (average, 18 months; range, 13-36 months) there was no significant difference in the Oxford Hip Score between the normally progressive and rapidly progressive groups. All radiographs were satisfactory. Total hip arthroplasty in these cases is technically challenging. When identified, such individuals should be given priority treatment due to the potentially rapid and extensive loss of bone stock that can occur. (Hip International 2004; 14: 217-22).

Lack of effect of Lactobacillus GG on antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in adults and, secondarily, to assess the effect of coadministered Lactobacillus GG on the number of tests performed to determine the cause of diarrhea. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from July 1998 to October 1999, 302 hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics were randomized to receive Lactobacillus GG, 20 x 10(9) CFU/d, or placebo for 14 days. Subjects recorded the number of stools and their consistency daily for 21 days. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who developed diarrhea in the first 21 days after enrollment. Weekly telephone follow-up was also performed. Results were analyzed in an intention-to-treat fashion. RESULTS: Diarrhea developed in 39 (29.3%) of 133 patients randomized to receive Lactobacillus GG and in 40 (29.9%) of 134 patients randomized to receive placebo (P=.93). No additional difference in the rate of occurrence of diarrhea was found between treatment and placebo patients in a subgroup analysis of those treated with beta-lactam vs non-beta-lactam antibiotics. Too few patients had stool cultures, additional laboratory tests for diarrhea, or a positive diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection to assess between-group differences. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus GG in a dose of 20 x 10(9) CFU/d did not reduce the rate of occurrence of diarrhea in this sample of 267 adult patients taking antibiotics initially administered in the hospital setting.

Electroconvulsive therapy and Friedreich's ataxia.

Friedreich's ataxia is commonly associated with depression. Treatment of the depression can be difficult due to numerous morbid medical conditions. ECT is a safe and effective treatment option.

Perfluoroctylbromide as a gastrointestinal contrast agent for MR imaging: use with and without glucagon.

The utility of perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB) as a gastrointestinal contrast agent for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated with MR examinations performed in 30 subjects (16 healthy volunteers and 14 patients). Transaxial T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted MR images were acquired in each subject before and after the administration of PFOB. The healthy volunteers each underwent two sets of post-PFOB MR examinations, one before and one after glucagon administration. The degree of bowel marking, clarity of bowel-wall visualization, ability to distinguish bowel from adjacent parenchymal organs, and severity of phase-encoding artifacts were independently analyzed by two reviewers. Oral administration of PFOB significantly (P less than .001) increased the percentage of bowel loops with low signal intensity. Subcutaneous administration of glucagon significantly (P less than .001) increased the clarity of bowel-wall visualization on post-PFOB MR studies. The severity of phase-encoding artifacts did not change substantially after administration of PFOB or glucagon.