Socioeconomic Disparities in Anal Cancer: Effect on Treatment Delay and Survival.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic inequities have implications for access to health care and may be associated with disparities in treatment and survival. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of socioeconomic inequities on time to treatment and survival of anal squamous-cell carcinoma. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study using a nationwide data set. SETTINGS: The patients were selected from the National Cancer Database and enrolled from 2004 to 2016. PATIENTS: We identified patients with stage I to III squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus who were treated with chemoradiation therapy. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Socioeconomic factors, including race, insurance status, median household income, and percentage of the population with no high school degrees, were included. The association of these factors with treatment delay and overall survival was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 24,143 patients who underwent treatment for grade I to III squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus were identified. The median age was 60 years, and 70% of patients were women. The median time to initiation of treatment was 33 days. Patients from zip codes with lower median income, patients with a higher percentage of no high school degree, and patients with other government insurance followed by Medicaid insurance had treatment initiated after 60 days from diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the late-treatment group had worse overall survival compared to the early treatment group (98 vs 125 months; p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: No detailed information is available about the chemoradiotherapy regimen, completion of treatment, recurrence, disease-free survival, and individual-level socioeconomic condition and risk factors. CONCLUSION: Patients from communities with lower median income, level of education, and enrolled in public insurance had longer time to treatment. Lower socioeconomic status was also associated with poorer overall survival. These results warrant further analysis and measures to improve access to care to address this disparity. See Video Abstract . DESIGUALDADES SOCIOECONMICAS EN CASOS DE CNCER ANAL EFECTOS EN EL RETRASO DEL TRATAMIENTO Y LA SOBREVIDA: ANTECEDENTES:Las desigualdades socio-económicas tienen implicaciones en el acceso a la atención médica y pueden estar asociadas con disparidades en el tratamiento y la sobrevida.OBJETIVO:Indagar el impacto de las desigualdades socio-económicas sobre el tiempo de retraso en el tratamiento y la sobrevida en casos de carcinoma a células escamosas del ano (CCEA).DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo utilizando un conjunto de datos a nivel nacional.AJUSTES:Todos aquellos pacientes inscritos entre 2004 a 2016 y que fueron seleccionados de la Base Nacional de Datos sobre el Cáncer.PACIENTES:Identificamos pacientes con CCEA en estadíos I-III y que fueron tratados con radio-quimioterápia.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron factores socio-económicos tales como la raza, el tipo de seguro de salud, el ingreso familiar medio y el porcentaje de personas sin bachillerato de secundaria (SBS). Se investigó la asociación entre estos factores con el retraso en iniciar el tratamiento y la sobrevida global.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron un total de 24.143 pacientes que recibieron tratamiento para CCEA estadíos I-III. La mediana de edad fue de 60 años donde 70% eran de sexo femenino. La mediana del tiempo transcurrido desde el diagnóstico hasta el inicio del tratamiento fue de 33 días. Los pacientes residentes en zonas de código postal con ingresos medios más bajos, con un mayor porcentaje de individuos SBS y los pacientes con otro tipo de seguro gubernamental de salud, seguidos del seguro tipo Medicaid iniciaron el tratamiento solamente después de 60 días al diagnóstico inicial de CCEA. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier de la sobrevida mostró que el grupo de tratamiento tardío tuvo una peor supervivencia general comparada con el grupo de tratamiento precoz o temprano (98 frente a 125 meses; p <0,001).LIMITACIONES:No se dispone de información detallada sobre el tipo de radio-quimioterapia utilizada, ni sobre la finalización del tratamiento o la recurrencia, tampoco acerca de la sobrevida libre de enfermedad ni sobre las condiciones socio-económicas o aquellos factores de riesgo a nivel individual.CONCLUSIÓN:Los pacientes de comunidades con ingresos medios más bajos, con un nivel de educación limitado e inscritos en un seguro público tardaron mucho más tiempo en recibir el tratamiento prescrito. El nivel socio-económico más bajo también se asoció con una sobrevida global más baja. Los presentes resultados justifican mayor análisis y medidas mas importantes para mejorar el acceso a la atención en salud y poder afrontar esta disparidad. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

Comparison of Perineal Closure Techniques after Abdominoperineal Resections for Carcinoma of the Anus.

BACKGROUND: Perineal reconstruction following salvage APR's for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) are scant with conflicting results from large and single center studies. We analyzed these techniques taking into account sociodemographic and oncologic variables. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study from 2016-2019 using a targeted ACS/NSQIP database stratified into primary closure (PC), abdominal myocutaneous (AM), lower extremity (LE), and omental pedicled (OP) flaps. We analyzed major and wound complications through univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 766 patients were analyzed, 512 (67%) had PC, 196 (25%) AM, 36 (5%) OP and 22 (3%) LE. Rates of chemotherapy and radiation within 90 days were similar between the groups. Having 2 or more additional organs resected was more common for the AM group (AM 4.1%, PC 1.6%, OP 3.3%, LE 0%). Overall, major complication rate was 41% (n = 324). Primary closure had 35.0%, OP 47.2%, AM 52.6%, and LE 45.5%. Wound complication rate was highest in AM with 11.7%, followed by OP 8.3%, PC 5.9%, and LE 0%. The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated none of the closure techniques to be associated with increasing or decreasing the probability of having a major or wound complication. Morbidity probability was the sole predictor of major complication (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Myocutaneous and omental flaps are associated with comparable wound and major complications when taking into account the baseline, oncologic and perioperative variables that drive the clinical decision making when selecting a perineal reconstruction.

Outcomes of perineal wound closure techniques after abdominoperineal resections in rectal cancer: an NSQIP propensity score matched study.

Perineal defects following abdominoperineal resections (APRs) for rectal cancer may require myocutaneous or omental flaps depending upon anatomic, clinical and oncologic variables. However, studies comparing their efficacy have shown contradictory results. We aim to compare postoperative complication rates of APR closure techniques in rectal cancer using propensity score-matching. The American College of Surgeons Proctectomy Targeted Data File was queried from 2016 to 2019. The study population was defined using CPT and ICD-10 codes for patients with rectal cancer undergoing APR, stratified by repair technique. Perioperative demographic and oncologic variables were controlled for by propensity-score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for wound and major complications (MCs). Of the 3291 patients included in the study, 85% underwent primary closure (PC), 8.3% rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap, 4.9% pedicled omental flap with PC, and 1.9% lower extremity (LE) flap repair. Primary closure rates were significantly higher for patients with stage T1 and T2 tumors (p < 0.001). RAM and LE flaps were most used with multi-organ resections, 24% and 25%, respectively (p < 0.001). Similarly, cases with T4 tumors used these flaps more frequently, 30% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001). After propensity score matching for comorbidities and oncologic variables, there was no significant difference in 30-day postoperative wound or MC rates between perineal closure techniques. The complication rates of the different closure techniques are comparable when tumor stage is considered. Therefore, tumor staging and concurrent procedures should guide clinical decision making regarding the appropriate use of each technique.

Adenocarcinoma of the rectum in patients under age 40 is increasing: impact of signet-ring cell histology.

BACKGROUND: Overall, the incidence of colorectal cancer appears to be stable or diminishing. However, based on our practice pattern, we observed that the incidence of rectal cancer in patients under 40 is increasing and may be associated with a prominence of signet-ring cell histology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the rising trend in rectal cancer in patients under 40 and describe the histology prominent in that cohort. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PATIENTS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma from 1980 to 2010 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rectal cancer incidence, histology, and associated staging characteristics were the primary outcomes measured. RESULTS: Although the incidence of rectal cancer for all ages remained stable from 1980 to 2010, we observed an annual percent change of +3.6% in the incidence of rectal cancer in patients under 40. The prevalence of signet cell histology in patients under 40 was significantly greater than in patients over 40 (3% vs 0.87%, p < 0.01). A multivariate regression analysis revealed an adjusted odds ratio of 3.6 (95% CI, 2.6-5.1) for signet cell histology in rectal adenocarcinoma under age 40. Signet cell histology was also significantly associated with a more advanced stage at presentation, poorly differentiated tumor grade, and worse prognosis compared with mucinous and nonmucinous rectal adenocarcinoma. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective nature and the information available in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a stable incidence of rectal cancer for all ages, the incidence in patients under 40 has quadrupled since 1980, and cancers in this group are 3.6 times more likely to have signet cell histology. Given the worse outcomes associated with signet cell histology, these data highlight a need for thorough evaluation of young patients with rectal symptoms.

Outcomes after transanal endoscopic microsurgery with intraperitoneal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery has gained increasing popularity as a treatment alternative for early stage rectal neoplasms. With continued advances in technique and experience, more proximal rectal tumors are being surgically managed by using transanal endoscopic microsurgery with an intraperitoneal anastomosis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of patients who have undergone intraperitoneal anastomosis with the use of the transanal endoscopic microsurgery technique. DESIGN: A prospective, single-surgeon database documented 445 consecutive patients undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery from October 1, 1996 through January 1, 2012. We retrospectively reviewed information from all patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery with an intraperitoneal anastomosis in this prospective database. SETTINGS: All procedures took place in an inpatient hospital setting. PATIENTS: All patients satisfied workup criteria to undergo surgery for rectal neoplasm. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal neoplasm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Size and pathology of lesion, length of procedure, hospital stay, estimated blood loss, margin status, and complications were the outcomes measured. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients who underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery had definitively documented intraperitoneal entry and anastomosis. Median follow-up was 12 months (range, 0.5-111 months). There were no operative mortalities. Procedure-related complications included urinary retention (11%), fever (11%), and fecal seepage (4%). Four patients (14%) had positive margins on final pathology. One patient (3%) required abdominal exploration for an anastomotic leak but did not require diversion. LIMITATIONS: Although this study analyzes prospectively collected data, it is nonetheless a retrospective analysis that can introduce bias. Because this is a single-center study with a relatively homogenous population, the results may not be generalizable. Our sample size may also be underpowered to detect clinically significant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery with intraperitoneal anastomosis can be safely performed without fecal diversion by experienced surgeons.

Does ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract raise the bar in fistula surgery?

BACKGROUND: The ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure has been reported to have high cure rates, with minimal impairment of continence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rates and functional outcome after the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure. DESIGN: This study was performed as a retrospective review. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Minnesota and at affiliated hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, between March 2007 and September 2011. PATIENTS: Ninety-three patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular anal fistula were included. INTERVENTIONS: Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Failure was defined as persistent or recurrent drainage, air leakage from a patent external opening, or intersphincteric incision or reoperation for recurrent fistula. Success was defined as healing of the external fistula opening and intersphincteric incision. Patients were followed up with a questionnaire to assess the recurrence rate and the Wexner incontinence score. RESULTS: The median follow-up time for was 19 months (range, 4-55). Thirty patients (32%) had a history of previous surgery for their fistula. The success rate of fistula healing was 40% after the first ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure. When including patients with repeat ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and subsequent intersphincteric fistulotomy after ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract repair, the success rates were 47% and 57%. Patients with successful fistula closure reported a mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score of 1.0 (SD 2.3). No predictor for successful fistula closure was found. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, limited accuracy of diagnosing fistula failure, and lack of baseline continence were limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract procedure for transsphincteric fistulas has a significant risk for failure but good functional outcome in patients with no recurrence.

Thirty-day outcomes in patients treated with en bloc colectomy and pancreatectomy for locally advanced carcinoma of the colon.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this was to define 30-day outcomes of patients treated with colectomy and en bloc pancreatectomy for invasive colon cancer. METHODS: ACS NSQIP was used to identify patients who underwent colectomy and pancreatectomy concomitantly (n = 65) for colon carcinoma. Patients with en bloc pancreatectomy were compared to a propensity score-matched control group for 30-day outcomes. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy with colectomy and 49 patients underwent a distal pancreatectomy with colectomy. There were 195 matched control patients. En bloc pancreatectomy (Whipple vs. distal pancreatectomy vs. control) patients had longer OR times (390 vs. 265 vs.137 min) and length of postoperative stay (12 vs. 10 vs. 6 days). The frequency of pulmonary complications (31.3% vs. 36.7% vs. 3.6%), blood transfusions (2.9 vs. 1.7 vs. 0.3 U), wound dehiscence, (18.8% vs. 6.12% vs.0.5%) and surgical site infection (43.5% vs. 34.7% vs.14.9%) were substantially higher in the pancreatectomy group (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in 30-day mortality between the pancreatectomy group and the control group (6.3% vs. 0% vs. 1.5% p = 0.25) CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative outcomes with en bloc pancreatectomy and colectomy include increased pulmonary complications, blood transfusions, wound complications, and length of stay compared to patients treated with colectomy alone for colon cancer.

Magnetic anal sphincter augmentation for the treatment of fecal incontinence: a preliminary report from a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic sphincter augmentation, a successful treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, has been applied to treat fecal incontinence. The purpose of this feasibility study was to understand the safety profile as well as the potential benefit of this new device when it is implanted in patients with fecal incontinence. METHODS: A magnetic anal sphincter device was surgically implanted in candidates with documented fecal incontinence of more than 2 episodes per week at 3 investigational centers in Europe and the United States following ethics/institutional review board approval. The magnetic anal sphincter device was placed around the anal canal via a single anterior incision. All data were collected prospectively. The primary outcome measure was the reduction of incontinent episodes based on a daily continence diary. RESULTS: To date 14 patients have been implanted with the device (all female; mean age, 62.8 y; range, 41-74 y) with a median follow-up of 6 months. There have been no intraoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 3 days; range, 1 to 7 days. Adverse events were observed in 7 patients. Three patients are no longer implanted with a device; 2 devices were removed and one passed spontaneously following a separation at the suture connection. Five patients with 6-month follow-up demonstrated a mean reduction in the number of average weekly incontinence episodes from 7.2 to 0.7 (90.9%) and a mean reduction in Wexner Continence Score from 17.2 to 7.8 (54.7%). Compared with baseline, quality of life improved in all 4 domains of the fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQoL) scoring system. No patients have reported that their condition has worsened. Two patients at 1-year follow-up both reported perfect continence. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study describes the use of a new device to treat fecal incontinence. Compared with existing devices, implantation is simple and it requires no adjustments from the physician or patient once the device is implanted. Initial assessment with a small number of patients shows promising outcomes with a limited incidence of complications and good restoration of continence.

Impaired rectal sensation at anal manometry is associated with anal incontinence one year after primary sphincter repair in primiparous women.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the association between endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal manometry in relation to anal incontinence after primary repair of obstetric sphincter injury in primiparous, premenopausal women. METHODS: The study population of this nested case-control study comprised 108 women who had previously been part of a randomized controlled trial comparing immediate with delayed primary repair of obstetric sphincter injuries, and who had been evaluated by anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound 1 year after their repair. Twenty cases and 88 controls were defined. Cases were defined as having a score greater than 2 on the Pescatori incontinence scale. Controls had a score of 2 or less. Ten obstetric, 9 ultrasonographic, and 7 manometric variables were studied. RESULTS: Of the manometric variables, volume of first sensation and volume of first urge proved to be associated with anal incontinence at univariate statistical analysis. Volume of first sensation remained independently associated with anal incontinence after multivariate analysis. In addition, age, degree of tear, duration of second stage of labor, and a distal scar at ultrasound proved to be independently associated with anal incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired rectal sensation at anorectal manometry and a distal scar at endoanal ultrasonography are associated with anal incontinence 1 year after primary sphincter repair in primiparous women. Additional studies need to evaluate whether these findings are associated with increased risk of anal incontinence in women that are continent 1 year after primary repair.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery versus conventional transanal excision for patients with early rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) with conventional transanal excision (TAE) in terms of the quality of resection, local recurrence, and survival rates in patients with stage I rectal cancer. BACKGROUND: Although TEMS is often considered a superior surgical technique to TAE, it is poorly suited for excising tumors in the lower third of the rectum. Such tumors may confer a worse prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed information on all patients with stage pT1 and pT2 rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent local excision from 1997 through mid-2006. We excluded patients with node-positive, metastatic, recurrent, previously irradiated, or snare-excised tumors. RESULTS: Our study included 42 TEMS and 129 TAE patients. We found no significant differences in patient characteristics, adjuvant therapy, tumor stage, or adverse histopathologic features. In the TAE group, 52 (40%) of tumors were <5 cm from the anal verge (AV); in the TEMS group, only 1 (2%) (P = 0.0001). Surgical margins were less often positive in the TEMS group (2%) than in the TAE group (16%) (P = 0.017). For patients with tumors > or =5 cm from the AV, the estimated 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was similar between the TEMS group (84.1%) and the TAE group (76.1%) (P = 0.651). But within the TAE group, the estimated 5-year DFS rate was better for patients with tumors > or =5 cm from the AV (76.1%) vs. <5 cm from the AV (60.5%) (P = 0.029). In our multivariate analysis, the tumor distance from the anal verge, the resection margin status, the T stage, and the use of adjuvant therapy--but not the surgical technique (i.e., TEMS or TAE) itself--were independent predictors of local recurrence and DFS. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of resection is better with TEMS than with TAE. However, the apparently better oncologic outcomes with TEMS can be partly explained by case selection of lower-risk tumors of the upper rectum.

Anastomotic sinuses after ileoanal pouch construction: incidence, management, and outcome.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze the incidence, management, and outcome of pouch sinuses after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at one institution. METHODS: We identified 282 ileal pouch-anal anastomosis patients between 1992 and 2002 who had a pouchogram before planned ileostomy closure. The management and outcome of patients with pouchograms revealing pouch sinuses were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (7.8 percent) had a pouch sinus at pouchogram. Nineteen patients were observed and underwent repeat pouchogram. Of these, ten had sinus resolution (mean, 3.6 months) and underwent successful ileostomy closure. Eight patients underwent examination under anesthesia +/- sinus debridement. Six of these patients had subsequent pouchograms with five showing sinus resolution. The patient without resolution was not reversed. Of the eight patients who underwent examination under anesthesia +/- debridement, seven underwent ileostomy closure (mean, 4.9 months), with healing in six and pelvic sepsis in one. Four patients underwent successful ileostomy takedown despite persistent sinus. Overall, 21 of the 22 pouch sinus patients underwent ileostomy closure and only 1 had postoperative pelvic sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Pouch sinuses after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with ileostomy are uncommon. Most heal within six months. The majority of patients with sinuses eventually undergo successful ileostomy closure. Pelvic septic complications are rare but can occur despite sinus healing on pouchogram.

Treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulas by endorectal advancement flap or collagen fistula plug: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: In this study we compared the outcomes of patients with complex cryptoglandular fistulas treated by endorectal advancement flap or anal fistula plug. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with transsphincteric anal fistulas treated by endorectal advancement flap or anal fistula plug from January 1996 through April 2007. Patients with noncryptoglandular fistulas or insufficient follow-up were excluded. Results were obtained with a combination of chart reviews, mailed questionnaire, and phone interviews. Success was defined as a closed external opening in absence of symptoms at a minimal follow-up time of six months. RESULTS: Forty-three patients had an endorectal advancement flap and 37 patients had an anal fistula plug procedure. The two cohorts were comparable for age, gender, smoking status, fistula type, and previous failed treatments. The success rate was 63 percent in the endorectal advancement flap group and 32 percent in the anal fistula plug group (P = 0.008), after a mean follow-up of 56 (range, 6-136) months for endorectal advancement flap and 14 (range, 6-22) months for anal fistula plug. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates that the endorectal advancement flap provides a higher success rate than the anal fistula plug. Randomized trials are needed to further elucidate the efficacy and potential functional benefit of the anal fistula plug in the treatment of complex anal fistulas.

Crohn's colitis: the incidence of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in surgical patients.

PURPOSE: Data supporting an increased risk of colorectal cancer in patients with Crohn's colitis are inconsistent. Despite this, clinical recommendations regarding colonoscopic screening and surveillance for patients with Crohn's colitis are extrapolated from chronic ulcerative colitis protocols. The primary aim of our study was to determine the incidence of dysplasia and carcinoma in pathology specimens of patients undergoing segmental or total colectomy for Crohn's disease of the large bowel. In addition, we sought to identify risk factors associated with the development of dysplasia and carcinoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients operated on at our institution for Crohn's colitis between January 1992 and May 2004. Data were retrieved from patient charts, operative notes, and pathology reports. Logistic regression was used to model the probability of having dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-two patients (138 females) who underwent surgical resection for the treatment of Crohn's colitis were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 41 (range, 15-82) years and the mean duration of disease was 10 (range, 0-53) years. There were five cases of dysplasia (2.3 percent) and six cases of adenocarcinoma (2.7 percent). Three patients with dysplasia and one with adenocarcinoma were diagnosed on preoperative colonoscopy; while the other cases were discovered incidentally on pathologic examination of resected specimens. Factors associated with the presence of dysplasia or adenocarcinoma included older age at diagnosis (38.2 vs. 30.3 years, P = 0.02), longer disease duration (16.0 vs. 10.1 years, P = 0.05), and disease extent (90 percent extensive vs. 59 percent limited, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe Crohn's colitis requiring surgery are at significant risk for developing dysplasia and adenocarcinoma, particularly when diagnosed at an older age, after longer disease duration, and with more extensive colon involvement.

The utility of pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies in idiopathic incontinence.

PURPOSE: Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing has been used to test for pudendal neuropathy, but its value remains controversial. We sought to clarify the relationship of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency to sphincter pressure and level of continence in a cohort of patients with intact anal sphincters and normal pelvic floor anatomy. METHODS: We reviewed 1,404 consecutive patients who were evaluated at our pelvic floor laboratory for fecal incontinence. From this group, 83 patients had intact anal sphincters on ultrasound and did not have internal or external rectal prolapse during defecography. These patients were evaluated by pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing, a standardized questionnaire, and anorectal manometry, which measured resting and squeeze anal pressures. Incontinence scores were calculated by using the American Medical Systems Fecal Incontinence Score. Values were compared by using the Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test; and significance was assigned at the P < 0.05 level. RESULTS: 1) Using a 2.2-ms threshold, 28 percent of patients had prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency unilaterally and 12 percent bilaterally. 2) At a 2.4-ms threshold, 18 percent of patients had prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency unilaterally and 8 percent bilaterally. 3) Bilaterally prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was significantly associated with decreased maximum mean resting pressure and increased Fecal Incontinence Score, but not decreased maximum mean squeeze pressure, at both 2.2-ms and 2.4-ms thresholds. 4) Unilaterally prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was not associated with maximum mean resting pressure, maximum mean squeeze pressure, or fecal incontinence score at either threshold. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of incontinent patients with intact sphincters have normal pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. Bilaterally but not unilaterally prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency is associated with poorer function and physiology in the incontinent patient with an intact sphincter.

Management of recurrent rectal prolapse: surgical approach influences outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent rectal prolapse is an unresolved problem and the optimal treatment is debated. This study was designed to review patterns of care and outcomes in a large cohort of patients after surgery for recurrent prolapse. METHODS: From 685 patients who underwent operative repair for full-thickness external rectal prolapse, we identified 78 patients (70 females; mean age, 66.9 years) who underwent surgery for recurrence. We reviewed the subsequent management and outcomes for these 78 patients. RESULTS: Mean interval to their first recurrence was 33 (range, 1-168) months. There were significantly more re-recurrences after reoperation using a perineal procedure (19/51) compared with an abdominal procedure (4/27) for their recurrent rectal prolapse (P = 0.03) at a mean follow-up of nine (range, 1-82) months. Patients undergoing abdominal repair of recurrence were significantly younger than those who underwent perineal repair (mean age, 58.5 vs. 71.5 years; P < 0.01); however, there was nosignificant difference between the two groups with regard to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P = 0.89). Eighteen patients had surgery for a second recurrence, with perineal repairs associated with higher failure rates (50 vs. 8 percent; P = 0.07). Finally, when combining all repairs, the abdominal approach continued to have significantly lower recurrence rates (39 vs. 13 percent; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The re-recurrence rate after surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse is high, even at a relatively short follow-up interval. Our data suggest that abdominal repair of recurrent rectal prolapse should be undertaken if the patient's risk profile permits this approach.

Colonoscopy in the elderly: low risk, low yield in asymptomatic patients.

PURPOSE: Current colonoscopy guidelines do not address the issue of when to stop performing screening and surveillance colonoscopy in the elderly. We reviewed our experience and results of colonoscopy in patients aged 80 years and older to assess the risks and diagnostic yield in this population. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the endoscopic and pathologic reports from consecutive colonoscopies performed on patients aged 80 years and older at a single, high-volume endoscopy center between August 1999 and May 2003. Patient characteristics, indications for examination, findings at colonoscopy, and complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of1,199 colonoscopic examinations were performed on 1,112 patients. Average age was 83.1 (range, 80-100) years. Male:female distribution was 1:1.7. Leading exclusive indications for colonoscopy included: polyp surveillance, 227 (19 percent); altered bowel habits, 168 (14 percent); iron-deficiency anemia, 132 (11 percent); and cancer follow-up, 108 (9 percent). Eighty-six examinations (7 percent) were performed solely for an indication of colorectal cancer screening. Twenty-two percent of patients had more than one indication for colonoscopy. Forty-five malignancies were found (3.7 percent). No cancers were found in the screening group, and two malignancies (0.7 percent) were detected in patients undergoing colonoscopy for polyp surveillance. There were eight (0.6 percent) reported major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy can be performed safely in patients aged 80 years and older. However, the diagnostic yield is low, particularly in patients undergoing routine screening or surveillance examinations. Colonoscopy should for the most part be limited to elderly patients with symptoms or specific clinical findings.