Comparing three-dimensional endorectal ultrasound and magnification chromoendoscopy for early rectal neoplasia invasion depth assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate assessment of invasion depth of early rectal neoplasms is essential for optimal therapy. We aimed to compare three-dimensional endorectal ultrasound (3D-ERUS) with magnification chromoendoscopy (MCE) regarding their accuracy in assessing parietal invasion depth (T). METHODS: Patients with middle and distal rectum neoplasms were prospectively included. Two providers blinded to each other's assessment performed 3D-ERUS and MCE, respectively. The T stage assessed through ERUS was compared to the MCE evaluation. The results were compared to the surgical specimen anatomopathological report. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated for the T stage and for the final therapy (local excision or radical surgery). RESULTS: In 8 years, 70 patients were enrolled, and all underwent both exams. MCE and ERUS showed an accuracy of 94.3% and 85.7%, sensitivity of 83.7 and 93.3%, specificity of 96.4 and 83.6%, PPV of 86.7 and 60.9%, and NPV of 96.4 and 97.9%, respectively. Kappa for T stage assessed through ERUS was 0.64 and 0.83 for MCE. CONCLUSION: MCE and 3D-ERUS had good diagnostic performance, but the endoscopic method had higher accuracy. Both methods reliably assessed lesion extension, circumferential involvement, and distance from the anal verge.

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AS POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS PREDICTOR OF COLORECTAL SURGERIES.

BACKGROUND: The use of inflammatory markers in order to accurate the diagnosis, decrease the reoperation rate and enable earlier interventions during the postoperative period of a colorectal surgery is increasingly necessary, with the purpose of reducing morbimortality, nosocomial infections, costs and time of a readmission. OBJECTIVE: To analyze C-reactive protein level on the third postoperative day of an elective colorectal surgery and compare the marks between reoperated and non-reoperated patients and to establish a cutoff value to predict or avoid surgical reoperations. METHODS: Retrospective study based on the analysis of electronic charts of over 18-year-old patients who underwent an elective colorectal surgery with primary anastomoses during the period from January 2019 to May 2021 by the proctology team of Santa Marcelina Hospital Department of General Surgery with C-reactive protein (CRP) dosage taken on the third postoperative day. RESULTS: We assessed 128 patients with a mean age of 59.22 years old and need of reoperation of 20.3% of patients, half of these due to dehiscence of colorectal anastomosis. Comparing CRP rates on the third postoperative day between non-reoperated and reoperated patients, it was noted that in the former group the average was of 153.8±76.2 mg/dL, whereas in reoperated patients it was 198.7±77.4 mg/dL (P<0.0001) and the best CRP cutoff value to predict or investigate reoperation risk was 184.8 mg/L with an accuracy of 68% and negative predictive value of 87.6%. CONCLUSION: CRP levels assessed on the third postoperative day of elective colorectal surgery were higher in patients who were reoperated and the cutoff value for intra-abdominal complication of 184.8mg/L presented a high negative predictive value.

Proteína C-reativa como preditor para complicações pós-operatórias em cirurgias colorretais / C-reactive protein as postoperative complications predictor of colorectal surgeries

ABSTRACT Background: The use of inflammatory markers in order to accurate the diagnosis, decrease the reoperation rate and enable earlier interventions during the postoperative period of a colorectal surgery is increasingly necessary, with the purpose of reducing morbimortality, nosocomial infections, costs and time of a readmission. Objective: To analyze C-reactive protein level on the third postoperative day of an elective colorectal surgery and compare the marks between reoperated and non-reoperated patients and to establish a cutoff value to predict or avoid surgical reoperations. Methods: Retrospective study based on the analysis of electronic charts of over 18-year-old patients who underwent an elective colorectal surgery with primary anastomoses during the period from January 2019 to May 2021 by the proctology team of Santa Marcelina Hospital Department of General Surgery with C-reactive protein (CRP) dosage taken on the third postoperative day. Results: We assessed 128 patients with a mean age of 59.22 years old and need of reoperation of 20.3% of patients, half of these due to dehiscence of colorectal anastomosis. Comparing CRP rates on the third postoperative day between non-reoperated and reoperated patients, it was noted that in the former group the average was of 153.8±76.2 mg/dL, whereas in reoperated patients it was 198.7±77.4 mg/dL (P<0.0001) and the best CRP cutoff value to predict or investigate reoperation risk was 184.8 mg/L with an accuracy of 68% and negative predictive value of 87.6%. Conclusion: CRP levels assessed on the third postoperative day of elective colorectal surgery were higher in patients who were reoperated and the cutoff value for intra-abdominal complication of 184.8mg/L presented a high negative predictive value.

RESUMO Contexto: O uso de marcadores sanguíneos para tentar acurar o diagnóstico, reduzir a taxa de readmissão e possibilitar intervenções mais precoces no pós operatório de cirurgia colorretal é cada vez mais necessário, a fim de almejar reduzir a morbimortalidade, infecções nosocomiais, custos e tempo de uma reinternação. Objetivo: Analisar o nível da proteíne C reativa (PCR) no terceiro dia de pós-operatório de cirurgia colorretal eletiva e comparar os valores entre pacientes reoperados e não reoperados e estabelecer um valor de corte para prever ou afastar re-intervenção cirúrgica. Metodos: Estudo retrospectivo através da análise de prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes maiores que 18 anos submetidos a cirurgia colorretal de forma eletiva com anastomoses primárias no período de janeiro de 2019 a maio de 2021 pelo serviço de Coloproctologia do Departamento de Cirurgia Geral do Hospital Santa Marcelina com dosagem da PCR no 3º pós-operatório. Resultados: Foram avaliados 128 pacientes com média de idade de 59,22 anos e necessidade de reoperação em 20,3% dos pacientes, sendo metade desses por deiscência de anastomose colorretal. Ao se comparar os valores de PCR no 3º pós operatório entre os pacientes não reoperados e os reoperados, observou-se que nos primeiros a média foi de 153,8±76,2 mg/dL, enquanto nos pacientes reoperados foi de 198,7±77,4 mg/dL (P<0,0001) e, o melhor valor de corte de PCR para predizer ou investigar o risco de reoperação, foi 184,8 mg/dL com uma acurácia de 68% e valor preditivo negativo de 87,6%. Conclusão: Os níveis de PCR avaliados no 3º pós-operatório de cirurgia colorretal eletiva foram maiores em pacientes reoperados e o valor de corte para complicações intra-abdominal de 184,8 mg/L apresentou elevado valor preditivo negativo.

Incidence of intestinal constipation during the COVID-19 pandemic period in medical students from a private institution in São Paulo, SP

Introduction: Chronic intestinal constipation (CIC) presents an incidence of 2.6 to 30.7% in the overall population and due to the social reality imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, some behavior changes in the Brazilian population occurred that might or not be associated with alterations of CIC prevalence. Objective: To assess CIC incidence in medical students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil in a private higher educational institution in the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo. Methods: Clinic data were collected through Google Forms software from the same students seeking to analyze the variables before (year of 2019) and during the coronavirus pandemic. The data were: age, sex, body mass index, constipation referred in a subjective way and confirmed through the ROME III criteria, feces consistency and anxiety and/or depression during the pandemic. Results: A total of 126 medical students from a private higher education institution from São Paulo, SP were included. The average age was 22.9 years old, 70.6% were female and the average BMI was 23.3 kg/m2. Regarding the ROME III criteria, 32.5% presented >2 in 2019 and 42.1% during the pandemic. Concerning the feces consistency, 31.75 and 35.71% presented dry Bristol 1 feces or in both periods, respectively. Conclusion: It was observed an increase in the prevalence of chronic intestinal constipation in medical students from a private higher education institution from São Paulo, state of São Paulo, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as dryness in the feces. (AU)

Does prophylactic use of postcesarean section laxatives favor bowel movements?

Introduction: Chronic constipation (CC) is a highly prevalent disease in Western society. Chronic constipation can have a different etiology in patients who underwent a cesarean section and result from postoperative stress and metabolic response to trauma, analgesic agents, immobilization, and dietary restrictions. Chronic constipation may also occur due to puerperium-related psychological changes and to the stretching and weakening of the perineal and abdominal muscles after childbirth. Objectives: The present study analyzes intestinal transit restoration after a cesarean section and the influence of osmotic laxative agents. Methods: The present prospective, nonrandomized sample study used the ROME III questionnaire and the Bristol stool scale in adult women who underwent a cesarean section. We divided the subjects into 2 groups, each with 30 patients, to compare the effect of the prophylactic administration of an osmotic laxative. Results: We evaluated 60 randomly-chosen pregnant women from the Obstetrics ward of Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, from October 2019 to March 2020. Their mean age was 26.8 years old, and the mean gestation time was 37.95 weeks. Ten patients (16.7%) presented with constipation before the cesarean section, and 38 (63.3%) had a bowel movement after the procedure. However, in 84.2% of these patients, the usual stool consistency worsened. After the cesarean section, 46.7% of the women who did not receive laxative agents had a bowel movement, compared with 80% of those who did (p = 0.0074). Conclusion: Some factors, including those related to the procedure, may hamper intestinal transit restoration after a cesarean section. Osmotic laxative agents can facilitate transit restoration with no negative effects in this group of patients. (AU)

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: CHARACTERISTICS, EVOLUTION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

AIM: Inflammatory bowel diseases present progressive and potentially debilitating characteristics with an impact on health-related quality of life (QoL) throughout the course of the disease, and this parameter may even be used as a method of evaluating response to treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiological data, medications in use, previous surgeries, and hospitalizations in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, and to determine the impairment in QoL of these patients. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in patients with inflammatory bowel disease followed up in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo-SP, Brazil. General and disease-related, evolution, and quality-of-life data were analyzed using a validated quality-of-life questionnaire, namely, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). RESULTS: Fifty-six individuals were evaluated, with an equal number of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A higher prevalence of previous surgeries (p=0.001) and hospitalizations (p=0.003) for clinical-surgical complications was observed in patients with Crohn's disease. In addition, the impairment of QoL also occurred more significantly in these patients (p=0.022), and there was a greater impact on females in both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Crohn's disease are more commonly submitted to surgeries and hospitalizations. Patients affected by both forms of inflammatory bowel disease present impairments in QoL, which are mainly related to intestinal symptoms, and females are more affected than men.

Is there a precise correlation between the lengths of the peritoneal reflection and the middle rectal valve?

Introduction: Pelvic anatomy remains a challenge, and thorough knowledge of its intricate landmarks has major clinical and surgical implications in several medical specialties. The peritoneal reflection is an important landmark in intraluminal surgery, rectal trauma, impalement, and rectal adenocarcinoma. Objectives: To investigate the correlation between the lengths of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection determined with rigid sigmoidoscopy and to determine whether there are any differences in the location of the peritoneal reflection between the genders and in relation to body mass index (BMI) and parity. Design: We prospectively investigated the location of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection via intraoperative rigid sigmoidoscopy in colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Results: We evaluated 38 patients with a mean age of 55.5 years old (57.5% males) who underwent colorectal surgery at the coloproctology service of the Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. There was substantial agreement between the lengths of the middle rectal valve and of the peritoneal reflection (Kappa = 0.66). In addition, the peritoneal reflection was significantly lower in overweight patients (p = 0.013 for women and p < 0.005 for men) and in women with > 2 vaginal deliveries (p = 0.009), but there was no significant difference in the length of the peritoneal reflection between genders (p = 0.32). Conclusion: There was substantial agreement between the lengths of the peritoneal reflection and of the middle rectal valve, and the peritoneal reflection was significantly lower in overweight patients and in women with more than two vaginal deliveries. (AU)

Inflammatory bowel diseases: characteristics, evolution, and quality of life / Doenças inflamatórias intestinais: características, evolução e qualidade de vida

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases present progressive and potentially debilitating characteristics with an impact on health-related quality of life (QoL) throughout the course of the disease, and this parameter may even be used as a method of evaluating response to treatment. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiological data, medications in use, previous surgeries, and hospitalizations in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, and to determine the impairment in QoL of these patients. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in patients with inflammatory bowel disease followed up in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo-SP, Brazil. General and disease-related, evolution, and quality-of-life data were analyzed using a validated quality-of-life questionnaire, namely, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). RESULTS: Fifty-six individuals were evaluated, with an equal number of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A higher prevalence of previous surgeries (p=0.001) and hospitalizations (p=0.003) for clinical-surgical complications was observed in patients with Crohn's disease. In addition, the impairment of QoL also occurred more significantly in these patients (p=0.022), and there was a greater impact on females in both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Crohn's disease are more commonly submitted to surgeries and hospitalizations. Patients affected by both forms of inflammatory bowel disease present impairments in QoL, which are mainly related to intestinal symptoms, and females are more affected than men.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: As doenças inflamatórias intestinais apresentam características progressivas e potencialmente debilitantes com impacto na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde durante todo o curso da doença, podendo esse parâmetro inclusive ser utilizado como método de avaliação da resposta ao tratamento. OBJETIVO: Analisar dados epidemiológicos, medicamentos em uso, cirurgias e internações prévias em pacientes com doenças inflamatórias intestinais e determinar o comprometimento na qualidade de vida desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, transversal e observacional em portadores de doença inflamatória intestinal acompanhados em hospital de ensino de São Paulo-SP. Foram analisadas as características gerais e relacionados às doenças, evolução e qualidade de vida utilizando um questionário validado, o Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). RESULTADOS: Cinquenta e seis indivíduos foram avaliados, com igual número de pacientes com Doença de Crohn e Retocolite Ulcerativa. Foi observada maior prevalência de cirurgias prévias (p=0,001) e de internações por complicações clínico-cirúrgicas em portadores de doença de Crohn (p=0,003). Além disso, o prejuízo da qualidade de vida também ocorreu de forma mais relevante nesses pacientes (p=0,022) e houve maior impacto no sexo feminino em ambas as formas de doença inflamatória intestinal (p=0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Os portadores de doença de Crohn são mais comumente submetidos a cirurgias e internações. Os pacientes acometidos por ambas as formas de doença inflamatória intestinal apresentam prejuízos na qualidade de vida, principalmente relacionados aos sintomas intestinais e de forma mais negativa no sexo feminino.

The importance of the therapeutic care plan in colorectal surgery in a teaching hospital

Introduction: A therapeutic plan is elaborated based on the health needs of each user, allowing a multidisciplinary team to assess diagnoses, treatment options, bonds, and optimal hospitalization time. Objectives: To identify risk management tools already used and implemented in a reference teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo and to analyze their application and risk factors in medium and large colorectal surgery. Method: Observational, longitudinal, and prospective study, with 30 patients with colorectal disease hospitalized in the surgical ward of the coloproctology service and in need of surgical treatment. In the first group, the protocol was applied with the knowledge of the researcher only, and, in the second group, with the knowledge of both the researcher and the attending physicians. Results: Sixty percent of the patients were female with a mean age of 60.93 years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.07 Kg/m2. After surgery, patients in the first group who did not receive venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the first 24 hours had an increased risk of having the event compared with those who returned to prophylaxis (p<0.005), thus suggesting this prophylaxis was a protective factor against thromboembolic event (p=0.006). This group also had a higher risk of hypoglycemia when no strict control was performed (p=0.041). Conclusion: The compliance to hospital protocols with applicationmonitoring, notedly in teaching places with annual admission of resident physicians, is a fundamental part of the adequate care of the patient combined with the implementation of therapeutic plans. (AU)

ANORECTAL MANOMETRY STANDARD OF A BRAZILIAN POPULATION AT PRODUCTIVE AGE WITHOUT PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS: A PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERED STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Due to the lack of normal standards of anorectal manometry in Brazil, data used are subject to normality patterns described at different nationalities. AIM: To determine the values and range of the parameters evaluated at anorectal manometry in people, at productive age, without pelvic floor disorders comparing the parameters obtained between male and female. METHODS: Prospective analysis of clinical data, such as gender, age, race, body mass index (BMI) and anorectal manometry, of volunteers from a Brazilian university reference in pelvic floor disorders. RESULTS: Forty patients were included, with a mean age of 45.5 years in males and 37.2 females (p=0.43). According to male and female, respectively in mmHg, resting pressures were similar (78.28 vs. 63.51, p=0.40); squeeze pressures (153.89 vs. 79.78, p=0.007) and total squeeze pressures (231.27 vs. 145.63, p=0.002). Men presented significantly higher values of anorectal squeeze pressures, as well as the average length of the functional anal canal (2.85 cm in male vs. 2.45 cm in female, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Normal sphincter pressure levels in Brazilians differ from those used until now as normal literature standards. Male gender has higher external anal sphincter tonus as compared to female, in addition a greater extension of the functional anal canal.

Anorectal manometry standard of a brazilian population at productive age without pelvic floor disorders: a prospective volunteered study / Valores manométricos anorretais para a população brasileira eutrófica em idade produtiva e sem distúrbios do assoalho pélvico: estudo prospectivo com voluntários

ABSTRACT Background: Due to the lack of normal standards of anorectal manometry in Brazil, data used are subject to normality patterns described at different nationalities. Aim: To determine the values and range of the parameters evaluated at anorectal manometry in people, at productive age, without pelvic floor disorders comparing the parameters obtained between male and female. Methods: Prospective analysis of clinical data, such as gender, age, race, body mass index (BMI) and anorectal manometry, of volunteers from a Brazilian university reference in pelvic floor disorders. Results: Forty patients were included, with a mean age of 45.5 years in males and 37.2 females (p=0.43). According to male and female, respectively in mmHg, resting pressures were similar (78.28 vs. 63.51, p=0.40); squeeze pressures (153.89 vs. 79.78, p=0.007) and total squeeze pressures (231.27 vs. 145.63, p=0.002). Men presented significantly higher values of anorectal squeeze pressures, as well as the average length of the functional anal canal (2.85 cm in male vs. 2.45 cm in female, p=0.003). Conclusions: Normal sphincter pressure levels in Brazilians differ from those used until now as normal literature standards. Male gender has higher external anal sphincter tonus as compared to female, in addition a greater extension of the functional anal canal

RESUMO Racional: Devido à falta de padrões normais de manometria anorretal no Brasil, os dados utilizados estão sujeitos a padrões de normalidade descritos em diferentes nacionalidades . Objetivo: Determinar os valores e a faixa da manometria anorretal de pessoas em idade produtiva, sem distúrbios do assoalho pélvico, comparando os parâmetros obtidos entre homens e mulheres. Métodos: Análise prospectiva de dados clínicos, como gênero, idade, raça, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e manometria anorretal, de voluntários de uma referência universitária brasileira em distúrbios do assoalho pélvico. Resultados: Quarenta pessoas foram incluídas, com idade média de 45,5 anos nos homens e 37,2 nas mulheres (p=0,43). De acordo com homens e mulheres, respectivamente em mmHg, as pressões de repouso foram semelhantes (78,28 vs. 63,51, p=0,40); pressões de contração (153,89 vs. 79,78, p=0,007) e pressão total de compressão (231,27 vs. 145,63, p=0,002). Os homens apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de contração esfincteriana, assim como o comprimento médio do canal anal funcional (2,85 cm nos homens vs. 2,45 cm nas mulheres, p=0,003). Conclusões: Os níveis normais de pressão esfincteriana no Brasil diferem dos utilizados até o momento como padrão normal da literatura. O gênero masculino apresenta maior tônus ​​do esfíncter anal externo em relação ao feminino, além de maior extensão do canal anal funcional

Study of defecation disorders in elderly patients / Estudo dos distúrbios da defecação em pacientes idosos

Abstract Introduction: Defecation disorders, whether anal incontinence or chronic intestinal constipation, are frequent pelvic floor alterations in the general population and are more common in those with risk factors,i.e., in the elderly, women with an obstetric background, and those with comorbidities, history of pelvic radiotherapy, diabetics, the bedridden, or those with history of orifice surgery, among others. Objective: To analyze the incidence of defecation disorders in geriatric patients treated at the Medical Specialties Outpatient Service (MSOS) of Hospital Santa Marcelina. Methods: Prospective, randomized study that interviewed the same patients in two moments: 1) subjective anamnesis through spontaneous history and 2) objective anamnesis with specific questionnaires to assess anal incontinence and chronic constipation. Results: Between March 2016 and June 2017, 149 patients were analyzed, of whom 114 (76.5%) were female, with a similar mean age between genders; 51.67% had symptoms of anal incontinence and/or chronic constipation. Only 35.5% of patients with complaints of fecal leakage or flatus spontaneously reported them, while 87.1% of constipated patients did so. In the present study, no significant correlation was observed between the mode of delivery (p = 0.106), pregnancy (p = 0.099), and the number of deliveries (p = 0.126) with anal incontinence. In turn, there was no higher incidence of chronic intestinal constipation in females (p = 0.099) and most patients with this complaint had Bristol type 1 or 2 stools. Conclusion: The incidence of defecation disorders in the geriatric population is high and, most notably, anal incontinence is not spontaneously reported by most patients.

Resumo Introdução: Os distúrbios da evacuação, seja a incontinência anal ou a constipação intestinal crônica, representam alterações do assoalho pélvico bastante frequente na população em geral e mais comumente naqueles com fatores de risco, ou seja, em idosos, mulheres com passado obstétrico, comorbidades, antecedente de radioterapia pélvica, diabéticos, acamados, história de cirurgias orificiais, dentre outros. Objetivo: Analisar a incidência de distúrbios defecatórios em pacientes geriátricos atendidos no Ambulatório de Especialidades Médicas (AME) do Hospital Santa Marcelina. Metodologia: Estudo prospectivo e aleatório com a entrevista do mesmo paciente em dois momentos: 1) Anamnese subjetiva através da história espontânea e 2) Anamnese objetiva com questionários específicos para avaliação de incontinência anal e constipação intestinal crônica. Resultados: Foram analisados 149 pacientes entre Março de 2016 e Junho de 2017, sendo 114 (76,5%) do sexo feminino com média de idade semelhante entre os sexos; 51,67% apresentavam sintomas de incontinência anal e/ou constipação intestinal crônica. Apenas 35,5% dos pacientes com queixas de escape de fezes ou flatos relataram de forma espontânea e 87,1% dos pacientes constipados o fizeram. No presente estudo não se verificou correlação significativa entre via de parto p = 0,106, gestação p = 0,099 e número de partos p = 0,126 com incontinência anal. Por outro lado, não se verificou maior incidência de constipação intestinal crônica no sexo feminino p = 0,099 e a maioria dos pacientes com essa queixa apresentavam fezes ressecadas tipo Bristol 1 ou 2. Conclusão: Incidência de distúrbios da defecação na população geriátrica é elevada e, notadamente a IA não é referida de forma espontânea pela maioria dos pacientes.

Perforated acute abdomen in a patient with COVID-19: an atypical manifestation of the disease / Abdome agudo perfurativo em paciente com COVID-19: uma manifestação atípica da doença

Abstract Introduction: The Coronavirus belongs to a family of RNA viruses that can cause respiratory infection, with the possibility of gastrointestinal manifestations in approximately 5-50% of the cases. Objective: To report a surgical case with a diagnosis of COVID-19 that developed acute perforated abdomen and pneumothorax. Case report: This was an 80-year-old female patient with respiratory symptoms, with dry cough and fever and diffuse abdominal pain with signs of peritonitis. She had leukocytosis, kidney dysfunction and an increase in D-dimer with positive PCR for COVID. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen showed pneumothorax on the right and extensive pneumoperitoneum. Conclusion: The presentation of COVID-19 with severe pulmonary and abdominal complications requires specialized and emergency treatments, but it has high mortality rates.

Resumo Introdução: O coronavírus pertence a uma família de vírus RNA que pode causar infecção respiratória com possibilidade de manifestações gastrintestinais em torno de 5% a 50% dos casos. Objetivo: Relatar caso operado com diagnóstico de COVID-19 e evolução com abdome agudo perfurativo e pneumotórax. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino de 80 anos com sintomas respiratórios com tosse seca e febre e dor abdominal difusa com sinais de peritonite. Apresentava leucocitose, disfunção renal e aumento de D-dímero com PCR positivo para COVID. Tomografia computadorizada de tórax e abdome demonstrando pneumotórax à direita e extenso pneumoperitônio. Conclusão: A apresentação do COVID-19 com sérias complicações pulmonar e abdominal requer tratamentos especializados e em regime de emergência, entretanto com altas taxas de mortalidade.

IS THE PHYSICIAN EXPERTISE IN DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION OF VALUE IN DETECTING ANAL TONE IN COMPARISON TO ANORECTAL MANOMETRY?

BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is part of the physical examination, is also essential for the colorectal surgeon evaluation. A good DRE offers precious information related to the patient's complaints, which will help in decision making. It is simple, quick and minimally invasive. In many centers around the world, the DRE is still the only method to evaluate the anal sphincter prior to patient's management. On the other hand, anorectal manometry (ARM) is the main method for objective functional evaluation of anal sphincter pressures. The discrepancy of DRE depending on the examiner to determine sphincter tonus in comparison to ARM motivated this study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the DRE performed by proficient and non-experienced examiners to sphincter pressure parameters obtained at ARM, depending on examiners expertise. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with complaints of fecal incontinence or chronic constipation, from the anorectal physiology clinic of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, were prospectively included. Each patient underwent ARM and DRE performed by two senior colorectal surgeons and one junior colorectal surgeon prior to the ARM. Patient's history was blinded for the examiner's knowledge, also the impressions of each examiner were blinded from the others. For the DRE rest and squeeze pressures were classified by an objective scale (DRE scoring system) that was compared to the parameters of the ARM for the analysis. The results obtained at the ARM were compared to the DRE performed by the seniors and the junior colorectal surgeons. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis was performed for all parameters. For the rest and squeeze pressures the Gamma index was used for the comparison between the DRE and ARM, which varied from 0 to 1. The closer to 1 the better was the agreement. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years old and 55.5% of patients were female. The agreement of rest anal pressures between the ARM and the DRE performed by the senior proficient examiners was 0.7 (CI 95%; 0.32-1.0), while for the junior non-experienced examiner was 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.09-0.96). The agreement of squeeze pressures was 0.96 (CI 95%; 0.87-1.0) for the seniors and 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.16-0.89) for the junior examiner. CONCLUSION: More experienced colorectal surgeons used to DRE had a more significant agreement with the ARM, thereafter would have more appropriate therapeutic management to patients with sphincter functional problems. ARM, therefore, persists as an important exam to objectively evaluate the sphincter complex, justifying its utility in the clinical practice.

A experiência do médico examinador tem influência na avaliação do tônus anal em comparação à manometria anorretal? / Is the physician expertise in digital rectal examination of value in detecting anal tone in comparison to anorectal manometry?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is part of the physical examination, is also essential for the colorectal surgeon evaluation. A good DRE offers precious information related to the patient's complaints, which will help in decision making. It is simple, quick and minimally invasive. In many centers around the world, the DRE is still the only method to evaluate the anal sphincter prior to patient's management. On the other hand, anorectal manometry (ARM) is the main method for objective functional evaluation of anal sphincter pressures. The discrepancy of DRE depending on the examiner to determine sphincter tonus in comparison to ARM motivated this study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the DRE performed by proficient and non-experienced examiners to sphincter pressure parameters obtained at ARM, depending on examiners expertise. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with complaints of fecal incontinence or chronic constipation, from the anorectal physiology clinic of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, were prospectively included. Each patient underwent ARM and DRE performed by two senior colorectal surgeons and one junior colorectal surgeon prior to the ARM. Patient's history was blinded for the examiner's knowledge, also the impressions of each examiner were blinded from the others. For the DRE rest and squeeze pressures were classified by an objective scale (DRE scoring system) that was compared to the parameters of the ARM for the analysis. The results obtained at the ARM were compared to the DRE performed by the seniors and the junior colorectal surgeons. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis was performed for all parameters. For the rest and squeeze pressures the Gamma index was used for the comparison between the DRE and ARM, which varied from 0 to 1. The closer to 1 the better was the agreement. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years old and 55.5% of patients were female. The agreement of rest anal pressures between the ARM and the DRE performed by the senior proficient examiners was 0.7 (CI 95%; 0.32-1.0), while for the junior non-experienced examiner was 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.09-0.96). The agreement of squeeze pressures was 0.96 (CI 95%; 0.87-1.0) for the seniors and 0.52 (CI 95%; 0.16-0.89) for the junior examiner. CONCLUSION: More experienced colorectal surgeons used to DRE had a more significant agreement with the ARM, thereafter would have more appropriate therapeutic management to patients with sphincter functional problems. ARM, therefore, persists as an important exam to objectively evaluate the sphincter complex, justifying its utility in the clinical practice.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Exame anorretal digital (EAD) faz parte do exame físico, também é essencial para a avaliação do cirurgião colorretal. Um bom EAD oferece informações preciosas relacionadas às queixas do paciente, que auxiliam na tomada de decisões. Sua realização é simples, rápida e minimamente invasiva. Em diversos centros ao redor do mundo, o toque retal ainda é o único método para avaliar o esfíncter anal antes do tratamento. Por outro lado, a manometria anorretal (MAR) é o principal método para avaliação funcional objetiva das pressões esfincterianas. A discrepância entre o EAD, dependendo do examinador para determinar o tônus esfincteriano em comparação à MAR motivou este estudo. OBJETIVO: Comparar o EAD com os parâmetros de pressão esfincteriana obtidos na MAR, dependendo da experiência dos examinadores. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis pacientes consecutivos com queixas de incontinência fecal ou constipação crônica, do ambulatório de Fisiologia Anorretal da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, foram prospectivamente incluídos. Cada paciente foi submetido a MAR e EAD realizados por dois cirurgiões colorretais seniores e um júnior antes da MAR. A história dos pacientes propositalmente omitida dos examinadores, e os resultados de cada examinador foram cegos dos demais. Para o EAD, as pressões de repouso e contração foram classificadas por uma escala objetiva (EAD Scoring System), realizada pelos examinadores seniores e pelo júnior em todos os pacientes, que foi comparada com os parâmetros da MAR para a análise. ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA: A análise descritiva foi feita para todos os parâmetros. Para as pressões de repouso e contração, o índice Gamma foi utilizado para a comparação entre o EAD e a MAR, que variou de 0 a 1. Quanto mais próximo de 1 melhor a concordância entre os dois métodos de avaliação. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 48 anos e 55,5% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A concordância das pressões anais de repouso entre a MAR e o EAD realizadas pelos examinadores seniores, proficientes, foi de 0,7 (IC 95%; 0,32-1,0), enquanto para o examinador júnior, menos experiente, foi de 0,52 (IC95%; 0,09-0,96). A concordância das pressões de contração foi de 0,96 (IC 95%; 0,87-1,0) para os examinadores seniores e de 0,52 (IC 95%; 0,16-0,89) para o júnior. CONCLUSÃO: Cirurgiões colorretais mais experientes, o EAD teve concordância mais significativa com a MAR, o que poderia levar a um manejo terapêutico mais adequado aos pacientes portadores de doença anorretais funcionais. A manometria anorretal permanece, portanto, como método de avaliação objetiva da função esfincteriana.

Análise funcional e anatômica anorretal de pacientes femininas portadoras de esclerodermia em um centro universitário de referência em desordens do assoalho pélvico / Functional and anatomical analysis of the anorectum of female scleroderma patients at a center for pelvic floor disorders

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Scleroderma or progressive systemic sclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process with proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and excessive deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the skin, smooth muscle, and viscera. The smooth muscle most involved in scleroderma is that of the esophagus, and dysphagia is the most commonly reported symptom. However, the internal anal sphincter may also be impaired by degeneration and fibrosis, leading to concomitant anal incontinence in scleroderma patients. These patients may neglect to complain about it, except when actively questioned. OBJECTIVE: To assess anorectal function and anatomy of female scleroderma patients with symptoms of anal incontinence through Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS), anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound at the outpatient clinic of colorectal and anal physiology, Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo Medical School (HC-FMUSP). METHODS: Female scleroderma patients were prospectively assessed and questioned as to symptoms of anal incontinence. The anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound results were correlated with clinical data and symptoms. RESULTS: In total, 13 women were evaluated. Their mean age was 55.77 years (±16.14; 27-72 years) and their mean disease duration was 10.23 years (±6.23; 2-23 years). All had symptoms of fecal incontinence ranging from 1 to 15. Seven (53.8%) patients had fecal incontinence score no higher than 7; three (23.1%) between 8 and 13; and three (23.1%) 14 or higher, corresponding to mild, moderate, and severe incontinence, respectively. Ten (76.92%) patients had hypotonia of the internal anal sphincter. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound showed tapering associated with muscle atrophy of the internal sphincter in six cases and previous muscle defects in three cases. CONCLUSION: A functional and anatomical impairment of the sphincter is an important factor to assess in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and it should not be underestimated.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Esclerodermia ou esclerose sistêmica progressiva caracteriza-se por um processo inflamatório crônico com proliferação e fibrose do tecido conjuntivo e uma deposição excessiva de colágeno e matriz extracelular na pele, musculatura lisa e vísceras. A musculatura lisa mais envolvida é a esofágica e a disfagia é o sintoma mais comumente relatado. Entretanto, o esfíncter anal interno também pode ser acometido por essa degeneração e fibrose ocasionando incontinência anal nos pacientes portadores de esclerodermia. Isso pode ser omitido pelo paciente, exceto quando questionado de forma direta. OBJETIVO: Analisar a função e anatomia anorretal através do escore de incontinência anal de Cleveland Clinic Florida, manometria anorretal e ultrassom endoanal em pacientes do sexo feminino portadoras de esclerodermia e sintomas de incontinência anal atendidas no ambulatório de Fisiologia Colorretoanal no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP). RESULTADOS: Treze pacientes do sexo feminino foram avaliadas com média de idade de 55,77 anos (±16,14; 27-72 anos) e duração média da doença de 10,23 anos (±6,23; 2-23 anos). O índice de incontinência anal teve variação de 1-15, sendo que sete (53,8%) pacientes apresentavam índice inferior a 7; três (23,1%) entre 8 e 13; e três (23,1%) superior a 14, correspondendo à incontinência anal leve, moderada e grave, respectivamente. Dez (76,92%) pacientes apresentavam hipotonia do esfíncter anal interno. O estudo da ultrassonografia endoanal de três dimensões demonstrou afilamento com atrofia do esfíncter anal interno em seis casos e defeito muscular em três pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O prejuízo funcional e anatômico do complexo esfincteriano anorretal é um importante fator a ser analisado em pacientes portadores de esclerose sistêmica progressiva e isso não pode ser subestimado.

FUNCTIONAL AND ANATOMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ANORECTUM OF FEMALE SCLERODERMA PATIENTS AT A CENTER FOR PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS.

BACKGROUND: Scleroderma or progressive systemic sclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process with proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and excessive deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix in the skin, smooth muscle, and viscera. The smooth muscle most involved in scleroderma is that of the esophagus, and dysphagia is the most commonly reported symptom. However, the internal anal sphincter may also be impaired by degeneration and fibrosis, leading to concomitant anal incontinence in scleroderma patients. These patients may neglect to complain about it, except when actively questioned. OBJECTIVE: To assess anorectal function and anatomy of female scleroderma patients with symptoms of anal incontinence through Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS), anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound at the outpatient clinic of colorectal and anal physiology, Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo Medical School (HC-FMUSP). METHODS: Female scleroderma patients were prospectively assessed and questioned as to symptoms of anal incontinence. The anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound results were correlated with clinical data and symptoms. RESULTS: In total, 13 women were evaluated. Their mean age was 55.77 years (±16.14; 27-72 years) and their mean disease duration was 10.23 years (±6.23; 2-23 years). All had symptoms of fecal incontinence ranging from 1 to 15. Seven (53.8%) patients had fecal incontinence score no higher than 7; three (23.1%) between 8 and 13; and three (23.1%) 14 or higher, corresponding to mild, moderate, and severe incontinence, respectively. Ten (76.92%) patients had hypotonia of the internal anal sphincter. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound showed tapering associated with muscle atrophy of the internal sphincter in six cases and previous muscle defects in three cases. CONCLUSION: A functional and anatomical impairment of the sphincter is an important factor to assess in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and it should not be underestimated.

Diagnosis and treatment of constipation: a clinical update based on the Rome IV criteria / Diagnóstico e tratamento da constipação crônica: atualização baseado nos critérios Roma IV

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the published professional association guidelines regarding the current diagnosis and treatment of functional intestinal constipation in adults and to compare those guidelines with the authors' experience to standardize actions that aid clinical reasoning and decision-making for medical professionals. A literature search was conducted in the Medline/PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE and Cochrane online databases using the following terms: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation, Roma IV and surgical treatment. Conclusively, chronic intestinal constipation is a common condition in adults and occurs most frequently in the elderly and in women. Establishing a precise diagnosis of the physiopathology of functional chronic constipation is complex and requires many functional tests in refractory cases. An understanding of intestinal motility and the defecatory process is critical for the appropriate management of chronic functional intestinal constipation, with surgery reserved for cases in which pharmacologic intervention has failed. The information contained in this review article is subject to the critical evaluation of the medical specialist responsible for determining the action plan to be followed within the context of the conditions and clinical status of each individual patient.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os consensos de sociedade de especialistas e guidelines publicados sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento da constipação intestinal crônica em adultos, e confrontar com a experiência dos autores, a fim de padronizar condutas que auxiliem o raciocínio e a tomada de conduta do médico. Foi realizada busca na literatura científica, mais precisamente nas bases de dados eletrônicos Medline/Pubmed, Scielo, EMBASE and Cochrane, tendo sido utilizado os seguintes descritores: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation, Roma IV and surgical treatment. Pode-se concluir que constipação crônica é condição comum em adultos, ocorrendo com maior frequência em idosos e mulheres. Identificar com precisão a fisiopatologia presente na constipação crônica funcional é complexo, requerendo a realização de testes funcionais nos casos refratários. O entendimento da motilidade intestinal e do mecanismo defecatório é importante para o manejo da constipação intestinal crônica funcional, sendo o tratamento cirúrgico indicado para casos selecionados, onde à abordagem medicamentosa não surtiu efeito. As informações contidas neste artigo de revisão devem ser submetidas à avaliação e à crítica do médico especialista responsável pela conduta a ser tomada, frente à sua realidade e ao estado clínico de cada paciente.

Retrospective analysis of patients submitted to surgical treatment of perianal fistula in Santa Marcelina Hospital, São Paulo / Análise retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos à tratamento cirúrgico de fístula perianal no Hospital Santa Marcelina, São Paulo

Abstract Introduction Perianal fistula is a condition commonly found in surgical practice, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals, with a predisposition for the male gender, occurring mainly in patients between 30 and 50 years and in 80% of the cases originating from infection in the glandular crypts (cryptoglandular). Objective To perform a retrospective analysis using electronic medical record data of patients submitted to surgical treatment for perianal fistula in Santa Marcelina Hospital in São Paulo, as well as to verify the incidence of relapse and anal continence disorders, in addition to the complexity and types of fistulas and patient characterization. Results Two hundred patients were submitted to surgical treatment of perianal fistula were analyzed. Among men, there was a higher incidence of patients with lower educational level (p = 0.02), hypertension (0.03), diabetes (0.05), older age (p = 0.001), whereas among women previous perianal abscess predominated (0.001). There was no statistical difference in anal continence between patients submitted to fistulotomy with or without seton. Conclusion We observed a predominance of male patients and a low incidence of recurrence and symptoms of anal continence disorders, in addition to a predominance of complex fistulas.

Resumo Introdução Fístula perianal é uma condição comumente encontrada na prática cirúrgica com incidência de cerca 1 em 10000 indivíduos com predisposição para o sexo masculino, ocorrendo fundamentalmente em pacientes entre 30 e 50 anos e em 80% dos casos tem origem em infecção nas criptas glandulares (criptoglandular). Objetivo Realizar análise retrospectiva através de dados de prontuário eletrônico de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de fístula perianal no Hospital Santa Marcelina São Paulo, além de verificar a incidência de recidiva e desordens da continência anal, além da complexidade e tipos das fístulas e caracterização dos pacientes. Resultados Duzentos pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de fístula perianal. Entre os homens houve maior incidência de pacientes com menor escolaridade (p = 0,02), hipertensos (0,03), diabéticos (0,05), maior idade (p = 0,001) e nas mulheres predominou abscesso perianal prévio (p = 0,001). Não houve diferença estatística na continência anal entre os pacientes submetidos a fistulotomia com ou sem sedenho. Conclusão Verifica-se predomínio de pacientes do sexo masculino e uma baixa incidência de recidiva e sintomas de desordens da continência anal, além de um predomínio de fístulas complexas.

Efficacy of 3-Dimensional Endorectal Ultrasound for Staging Early Extraperitoneal Rectal Neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Adequate oncologic staging of rectal neoplasia is important for treatment and prognostic evaluation of the disease. Diagnostic methods such as endorectal ultrasound can assess rectal wall invasion and lymph node involvement. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to correlate findings of 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasound and pathologic diagnosis of extraperitoneal rectal tumors with regard to depth of rectal wall invasion, lymph node involvement, percentage of rectal circumference involvement, and tumor extension. DESIGN: Consecutive patients with extraperitoneal rectal tumors were prospectively assessed by 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasound blind to other staging methods and pathologic diagnosis. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent endorectal ultrasound followed by surgery were included in the study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single academic institution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, area under curve, and κ coefficient between 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasound and pathologic diagnosis were determined. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for tumor extension and percentage of rectal wall involvement. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (27 women; mean age = 63.5 years) were evaluated between September 2010 and June 2014. Most lesions were malignant (72.7%). For depth of submucosal invasion, 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasound showed sensitivity of 77.3%, specificity of 86.4%, positive predictive value of 85.0%, a negative predictive value of 79.2%, and an area under curve of 0.82. The weighted κ coefficient for depth of rectal wall invasion staging was 0.67, and there was no agreement between 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasound and pathologic diagnosis for lymph node involvement (κ = -0.164). Intraclass correlation coefficient for lesion extension and percentage of rectal circumference involvement were 0.45 and 0.66. A better correlation between 3-dimensional endorectal ultrasound and pathologic diagnosis was observed in tumors <5 cm and with <50% of rectal wall involvement. LIMITATIONS: The relatively small sample size of patients with early rectal lesions referred directly for surgery could represent a potential selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional endorectal ultrasound was effective for determining rectal wall invasion and lesion extension in tumors <5 cm and with <50% of rectal wall invasion but was limited for detecting lymph node involvement in early rectal lesions.