Feasibility Study of Transanal Irrigation Using a Colostomy Irrigation System in Patients With Low Anterior Resection Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome has a negative impact on quality of life. Intestinal irrigation is a method of lavage consisting of a scheduled evacuation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate functional and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with low anterior resection syndrome after transanal irrigation using a colostomy irrigation system. DESIGN: This was a prospective case series. SETTINGS: This study presents a single-center experience at a tertiary oncological center in an upper-middle-income country. PATIENTS: Patients classified as having minor or major low anterior resection syndrome 12 months after their operation were selected. INTERVENTIONS: Transanal irrigation was performed using an ostomy irrigation kit. Questionnaires assessing patients' bowel function (low anterior resection syndrome and Wexner score) and quality of life (Short Form-36 questionnaire) were applied before and after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were low anterior resection syndrome score and quality-of-life improvement after a 12-month treatment. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients included, 20 had major and 2 had minor low anterior resection syndrome, with a median score of 39, especially high rates of incontinence for liquid stool (21; 95.5%), clustering (21; 95.5%), and urgency (17; 77.3%). All patients successfully completed the 3-day training, and there were no complications during the treatment. After the 12-month period, the median score was 8, with 90% of the patients classified as having "no syndrome" and great improvement in all domains of this score. The most improved quality-of-life sections were patient vitality (p = 0.025) and physical (p = 0.002), social (p = 0.001), and emotional aspects (p = 0.001). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its small sample size and the limited follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a safe implementation protocol of an ostomy irrigation device for transanal irrigation. It also adds to the literature that transanal irrigation is a safe, effective, and easily implemented procedure for patients with low anterior resection syndrome with a significant improvement in quality of life. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B563.ESTUDIO DE FACTIBILIDAD DE LA IRRIGACIÓN TRANSANAL UTILIZANDO EL SISTEMA DE IRRIGACIÓN PARA COLOSTOMÍA EN PACIENTES CON SÍNDROME DE RESECCIÓN ANTERIOR BAJAANTECEDENTES:El síndrome de resección anterior baja tiene un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La irrigación intestinal es un método de lavado que consiste en evacuaciones programadas.OBJETIVOS:Evaluar los resultados de la funcionalidad e impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con síndrome de resección anterior y baja posterior a la irrigación transanal utilizando un sistema de irrigación de colostomía.DISEÑO:Es estudio prospectivo de una serie de casos.ESCENARIO:En este estudio se muestra la experiencia de un centro oncológico de tercer nivel en un país en vías de desarrollo.PACIENTES:Aquellos clasificados como síndrome con afección en menor o mayor grado doce meses después de la cirugía.METODO:Se efectuó irrigación transanal utilizando un equipo de irrigación de estomas. Se aplicaron cuestionarios para valorar la función intestinal de los pacientes (síndrome de resección anterior baja y la escala de Wexner) y para calidad de vida (Cuestionario Corto-36) antes y después del tratamiento.EVALUACION DE LOS RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES:Los principales resultados se obtuvieron de la escala del síndrome de resección baja y la mejoría en la calidad vida doce meses después de tratamiento.RESULTADOS:De los veintidós pacientes incluidos, veinte presentaron manifestaciones mayores del síndrome de resección baja y dos, manifestaciones menores. Con una media de treinta y nueve, se encontraron, especialmente, altos índices de incontinencia a líquidos (21; 95'5%) hiperdefecación "clustering" (21; 95'5%) y urgencia (17; 77'3%). Todos los pacientes completaron en forma satisfactoria el entrenamiento de tres días sin presentarse complicaciones durante el tratamiento. Al término del mes doce la media fue de ocho, con el 90% de los pacientes clasificados como "sin síndrome" y se observó una mejoría substancial en todos los puntos de la evaluación. Las secciones de calidad de vida que mostraron una mejoría significativa fueron: la vitalidad del paciente (p = 0'025), física (p = 0'002), social (p = 0'001) y emocional (p = 0'001).LIMITACIONES:El tamaño de la muestra es pequeño y el tiempo de seguimiento corto.CONCLUSIONES:Este estudio muestra la implementación de un protocolo seguro para la irrigación de estomas mediante un dispositivo transanal. Además contribuye con el concepto en la literatura de que la seguridad de la irrigación transanal es seguro, efectivo y facilmente reproducible para pacientes con síndrome de resección anterior baja con una mejoría significativa en la calidad de vida. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B563. (Traducción-Dr. Miguel Esquivel-Herrera).

Manejo de la fístula anorrectal compleja: LIFT, colgajo de avance y otras técnicas / Management of complex anorectal fistula: LIFT, endorectal advancement flap and others techniques

Resumen Las fístulas anorrectales complejas son un desafío para el coloproctólogo. Son una patología frecuente que afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La patogénesis aún no está clara, estarían involucradas citoquinas y el proceso de transición de epitelio a mesénquima. El gold standard para su estudio es la resonancia nuclear magnética, su uso por sí mismo disminuye la recurrencia. El objetivo del tratamiento es lograr la curación sin afectar la función del esfínter evitando las recidivas. Existen múltiples técnicas, siendo la de mayor aceptación la ligadura interesfinteriana del trayecto fistuloso, con tasa de curación sobre el 70%, con mínimo impacto en continencia. Esta revisión incluye otras técnicas como el colgajo endorrectal de avance, uso de sellante, permacol, células madres, Anal fistula plug, Video asisted anal fistula treatment, Over the scope clip y fistula laser closure.

Complex anal fistula are a challenge for colorectal surgeons. It is a common pathology in population. Pathogenesis is still unclear, it would be involved citokines and the process of epitelial to eesenchymal transition. The gold standard for study is MRI, its use reduces recurrences. The goal of treatment is heal the fistula without damaging the function of the sphincter and avoid recurrences. There are multiple techniques, the most accepted is ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract with cure rate over 70%, with minimal impact in continence. This review includes other techniques like rectal advancement flap, fibrin glue, permacol, stem cells, anal fistula plug, video asisted anal fistula treatment, over the scope clip and fistula laser closure.

Complicaciones infecciosas graves luego de la ligadura con banda elástica para hemorroides: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Acute infectious complications after ligation with elastic band for hemorrhoids: a case report and literature review

Introducción: La ligadura con banda elástica es un procedimiento efectivo y de bajo costo, para el manejo de hemorroides grado I-III, que no requiere internación. Sus complicaciones, cuando presentes, son habitualmente leves. Aunque poco comunes, existen complicaciones graves asociadas a este procedimiento. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una revisión de las complicaciones infecciosas pelvi-perineales de la ligadura con banda elástica, características comunes de presentación y alternativas de tratamiento en aquellos que sufren estas complicaciones. Descripción del caso: Se expone el caso de un hombre de 71 años de edad que presentó una sepsis pelviana severa posterior a la realización de una ligadura con banda elástica. A las 48 horas del procedimiento consulta por dolor perianal, dificultad miccional y fiebre. Se realiza el drenaje quirúrgico de ambas fosas isquiorrectales, luego de lo cual intercurre con shock séptico, realizándose una laparotomía, drenaje de retroperitoneo, colostomía sigmoidea. Posteriormente, debido al desarrollo de un síndrome compartimental abdominal, el abdomen se dejó abierto y contenido con una malla. Discusión: Se han descripto complicaciones sépticas posteriores a escleroterapia y crioterapia hemorroidal, ligadura con banda elástica, hemorroidectomia convencional y con sutura mecánica. Se exponen 20 casos de sepsis pelviana post-ligadura con banda elástica. La relación hombre:mujer fue de 3:1, con un amplio rango de edad (27-82 años). Sólo 2 tenían antecedentes de inmunosupresión. La progresión o la persistencia del dolor asociado a fiebre, dificultad miccional, edema perineal y/o genital fueron signos y síntomas comunes que se manifestaron dentro de los 14 días posteriores a la ligadura. Tal como en el caso aquí referido como en otros ya publicados, la realización de imágenes ayudó al diagnóstico y a la planificación quirúrgica. Todos recibieron antibioticoterapia de amplio espectro y 13 requirieron además cirugía. El espectro de tratamientos quirúrgicos fue desde el drenaje incisional hasta la amputación rectal. Ante la progresión del cuadro séptico, la realización de una ostomía fue la conducta más usual. Cinco pacientes requirieron más de una cirugía, y 8 fallecieron. Conclusión: Es importante conocer las complicaciones infecciosas mayores y su presentación clínica, para realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz de las mismas, con el fin de disminuir su elevada morbilidad o mortalidad. (AU)

Background: Rubber band ligation is an effective, low-cost procedure for grade I-III hemorrhoids, and does not require hospitalization. Its complications, when present, are usually mild. Although rare, there are serious complications associated with this procedure. The purpose of this review was to identify common presenting features and treatment alternatives in those who suffer pelviperineal infectious complications after rubber band ligation. Case Report: The present case is that of a 71-year-old man who presented severe pelvic sepsis after rubber band ligation. He complained of perianal pain, voiding difficulties and fever 48 hours after the procedure. Surgical drainage of both ischiorectal fossae was carried out. He developed septic shock. Laparotomy, retroperitoneal drainage and sigmoid loop colostomy were performed. In a subsequent operation due to abdominal compartment syndrome, the abdomen was left open and contained with a mesh. Discussion: Septic complications have been described after sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, rubber band ligation, conventional hemorrhoidectomy and stapled haemorrhoidopexy. We describe 20 cases of pelvic sepsis after rubber band ligation. The male: female ratio was 3: 1, with a wide age range (27- 82 years). Only 2 had a history of immunosuppression. The progression or persistence of pain associated with fever, voiding difficulties, perineal and / or genital edema were common signs and symptoms that appeared within 14 days after rubber band ligation. In the case here referred to as in others already published, imaging studies helped the diagnosis and surgical planning. All received broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and 13 required surgery. The spectrum of surgical treatments ranged from incisional drainage to rectal amputation. In view of the progression of the septic condition, performing an ostomy was the most usual conduct. Five patients required more than one surgery, and 8 died. Conclusion: It is important to acknowledge the major infectious complications and their clinical presentation, to help with an early diagnosis and treatment, in order to reduce their high morbidity and mortality. (AU)

Manual para el tratamiento de la Estrategia Curricular de la Medicina Tradicional y Natural en Coloproctología / Pamphlet for the Treatment of the Curricular Strategy of Tradicional and Natural Medicine in Coloproctology

El manual para el tratamiento de la Estrategia Curricular de Medicina Tradicional y Natural en la Especialidad de Coloproctología, en el tema de las enfermedades anorrectales benignas, muestra las afecciones más comunes en la Consulta de Coloproctología que se encuentran en el programa de estudio de la asignatura de Cirugía General de cuarto año de la carrera de medicina, enfermedades que requieren de un diagnóstico precoz, oportuno y adecuado tratamiento. La medicina tradicional y natural ayuda al alivio de los síntomas de estas dolencias que aquejan a estos pacientes atendidos en la atención primaria de salud y que puedan remitirse al Servicio de Coloproctología con un mejor estado de salud. La aplicación de la fitoterapia, digitopuntura, homeopatía, terapia floral, auriculoterapia y microsistema de mano fueron aspectos tratados en este manual con el fin de lograr una formación integral del futuro médico que necesita el mundo actual(AU)

The manual for the treatment of the Tradicional and Natural Medicine Curricular Strategy in the Specialty of Coloproctology, on the subject of benign anorectal diseases, shows the most common conditions in the Coloproctology Consultation found in the course curriculum of General Surgery of the fourth year of the medical career, diseases that require an early diagnosis, timely and appropriate treatment. Tradicional and natural medicine helps to relieve the symptoms of these diseases that affect these patients treated in primary health care and who can be referred to the Coloproctology Service in a better stage of health. The application of phytotherapy, digitopuncture, homeopathy, floral therapy, auriculotherapy and microsystem of hand were aspects treated in this manual in order to achieve an integral formation of the future doctor that the world needs today(AU)

Strategies for Management of Colorectal Endometriosis.

Endometriosis has clearly three distinct clinical presentations and deep endometriosis, especially compromising the rectosigmoid is probably the most concerning one for both patients and surgeons. Currently, with the available tools, it is mandatory to have a precise diagnostic of this type of disease prior to indication of treatment. Strategies to manage this form of endometriosis will take into account several involved aspects, such as age of the patient, reproductive desire or infertility, clinical symptoms, as well as the extension and localization of the disease. Treatment could vary from more conservative to more radical depending on those aspects. As we pointed out in this article, the key to manage colorectal endometriosis is to start with a good diagnosis. Knowing exactly what is the extension and localization of the disease and knowing the patient's wishes as well as the clinical complaints, surgeons are able to define the best option for each patient. Critical points should always be discussed; for example, patients chosen to have clinical treatment should be aware of important issues regarding the follow-up, while patients undergoing surgery must be advised about all surgical possibilities and related complications.

Factores asociados a mal pronóstico en pacientes con sangrado digestivo bajo en un hospital público / Poor outcome factors associated to patients with lower digestive bleeding in a public hospital

Introducción: El sangrado digestivo bajo (SDB) es una entidad cuyas tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad se han incrementado en las últimas décadas. Si bien se han identificado algunos factores relacionados a mal pronóstico, aún quedan variables por evaluar. Objetivo: Identificar factores de mal pronóstico en pacientes que presentaron SDB en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de tipo cohorte retrospectivo. Se realizó un censo de todos los pacientes que presentaron SDB agudo entre enero 2010 y diciembre 2013. Las variables principales a evaluar fueron frecuencia cardiaca ≥100/min, presión arterial sistólica <100 mmHg y hematocrito bajo (≤35%) al ingreso. Se definió mal pronóstico como cualquiera de los siguientes criterios: muerte durante la hospitalización, sangrado que requiera transfusión de ≥4 unidades de sangre, reingreso dentro del primer mes, o necesidad de cirugía de hemostasia. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 341 pacientes con SDB, de los cuales el 27% tuvo mal pronóstico y 2% fallecieron. Se encontró como variables asociadas a mal pronóstico: frecuencia cardiaca ≥100/min al ingreso (RR: 1,75, IC 95% 1,23-2,50), presión arterial sistólica <100 mmHg al ingreso (RR: 2,18, IC 95% 1,49-3,19), hematocrito ≤35% al ingreso (RR: 1,98, IC 95% 1,23-3,18) y sangrado de origen no determinado (RR: 2,74, IC 95% 1,73-4,36). Conclusiones: Frecuencia cardiaca elevada al ingreso, hipotensión sistólica al ingreso, hematocrito bajo al ingreso y presentar un sangrado en el cual no se encuentra el punto de origen son factores que incrementan el riesgo de presentar mal pronóstico, por lo que se recomienda un monitoreo más estricto en estos pacientes

Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an event that has shown an increase in complications and mortality rates in the last decades. Although some factors associated with poor outcome have been identified, there are several yet to be evaluated. Objective: To identify risk factors for poor outcome in patients with LGIB in the Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins of Lima, Peru. Material and methods: A prospective analytic observational cohort study was made, and a census was conducted with all patients with acute LGIB between January 2010 and December 2013. The main variables were heart rate ≥100/min, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and low hematocrit (≤35%) at admission. Poor outcome was defined as any of the following: death during hospital stay, bleeding requiring transfusion of ≥4 blood packs, readmission within one month of hospital discharge, or the need for hemostatic surgery. Results: A total of 341 patients with LGIB were included, of which 27% developed poor outcome and 2% died. Variables found to be statistically related to poor outcome were: heart rate ≥ 100/min at admission (RR: 1.75, IC 95% 1.23-2.50), systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg at admission (RR: 2.18, IC 95% 1.49-3.19), hematocrit ≤35% at admission (RR: 1.98, IC 95% 1.23-3.18) and LGIB of unknown origin (RR: 2.74, IC 95% 1.73-4.36). Conclusions: Elevated heart rate at admission, systolic hypotension at admission, low hematocrit at admission and having a LGIB of unknown origin are factors that increase the risk of developing poor outcome, and these patients should be monitored closely due to their higher risk of complications

[Poor outcome factors associated to patients with lower digestive bleeding in a public hospital]. / Factores asociados a mal pronóstico en pacientes con sangrado digestivo bajo en un hospital público.

BACKGROUND: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an event that has shown an increase in complications and mortality rates in the last decades. Although some factors associated with poor outcome have been identified, there are several yet to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for poor outcome in patients with LGIB in the Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins of Lima, Peru. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective analytic observational cohort study was made, and a census was conducted with all patients with acute LGIB between January 2010 and December 2013. The main variables were heart rate ≥100/min, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and low hematocrit (≤35%) at admission. Poor outcome was defined as any of the following: death during hospital stay, bleeding requiring transfusion of ≥4 blood packs, readmission within one month of hospital discharge, or the need for hemostatic surgery. RESULTS: A total of 341 patients with LGIB were included, of which 27% developed poor outcome and 2% died. Variables found to be statistically related to poor outcome were: heart rate ≥ 100/min at admission (RR: 1.75, IC 95% 1.23- 2.50), systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg at admission (RR: 2.18, IC 95% 1.49-3.19), hematocrit ≤35% at admission (RR: 1.98, IC 95% 1.23-3.18) and LGIB of unknown origin (RR: 2.74, IC 95% 1.73-4.36). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated heart rate at admission, systolic hypotension at admission, low hematocrit at admission and having a LGIB of unknown origin are factors that increase the risk of developing poor outcome, and these patients should be monitored closely due to their higher risk of complications.

[Sacral neuromodulation. Long-term results]. / Neuromodulación. sacra. Resultados a largo plazo.

Sacral neuromodulation involves electrical stimulation of af­ferent nerve roots to restore the balance between inhibitory and excitatory reflexes who improve the functional activity of the pelvic floor. With benefits in patients with fecal inconti­nence, constipation and chronic anorectal pain. Objective. The aim of this study is present the results obtained with sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of patients with fecal incontinence, severe and intractable chronic constipa­tion and chronic anorectal pain. Patients and methods. 33 patients had indication for transitory electrical sacral stimu­lation, 25 patients performed transitory electrical stimula­tion for fecal incontinence, 5 with refractary constipation and 3 with chronic anorectal pain. In cases of fecal inconti­nence, the patients performed previous anorectal manometry and ultrasonography examination of anal sphincters. When the constipation is the indication, we performed stimulation in patients with severe and refractary constipation like step before total colectomy. In cases of chronic anorectal pain, the electrical transitory test was performed according to our treatment algorithm for management of functional anorectal pain. In all cases, if the patients had satisfactory results after 2 weeks period the definitive implant was placed. Results. Mean follow-up was 69 months (range 6-130). Definitve implant was placed for treatment of fecal incontinence in 23 patients with a decrease in fecal incontinence scores in 98%, with an average success rate of 66% (range: 45-92). In cases of constipation, 3 definitive implants were placed, the mean follow-up was 77 months (range: 51-96) with a success rate between 50%-80% as measured by bowel frequency. We performed definitive electrical stimulation in 3 patients wit chronic and intractable anorectal pain. Response rates as measured by visual analog scale were between 40%-70%. Conclusions. Sacral neuromodulation is an area in constant growth, with more indications. The success depends on the correct indication and the patients need to be treated with other therapeutic options before sacral neuromodulation.

Management of patients with rectocele, multiple pelvic floor dysfunctions and obstructed defecation syndrome.

CONTEXT: Management of patients with obstructed defecation syndrome is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of clinical, clinical treatment followed by biofeedback, and surgical treatment in patients with obstructed defecation, rectocele and multiple dysfunctions evaluated with echodefecography. METHODS: The study included 103 females aged 26-84 years with obstructed defecation, grade-II/III rectocele and multiple dysfunctions on echodefecography. Patients were distributed into three treatment groups and constipation scores were assigned. Group I: 34 (33%) patients with significant improvement of symptoms through clinical management only. Group II: 14 (14%) with improvement through clinical treatment plus biofeedback. Group III: 55 (53%) referred to surgery due to treatment failure. RESULTS: Group I: 20 (59%) patients had grade-II rectocele, 14 (41%) grade-III. Obstructed defecation syndrome was associated with intussusception (41%), mucosal prolapse (41%), anismus (29%), enterocele (9%) or 2 dysfunctions (23%). The average constipation score decreased significantly from 11 to 5. Group II: 11 (79%) grade-II rectocele, 3 (21%) grade-III, associated with intussusception (7%), mucosal prolapse (43%), anismus (71%) or 2 dysfunctions (29%). There was significant decrease in constipation score from 13 to 6. Group III: 8 (15%) grade-II rectocele, 47 (85%) grade-III, associated with intussusception (42%), mucosal prolapse (40%) or 2 dysfunctions (32%). The constipation score remained unchanged despite clinical treatment and biofeedback. Twenty-three underwent surgery had a significantly decrease in constipation score from 12 to 4. The remaining 32 (31%) patients which 22 refused surgery, 6 had low anal pressure and 4 had slow transit. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 50% of patients with obstructed defecation, rectocele and multiple dysfunctions presented a satisfactory response to clinical treatment and/or biofeedback. Surgical repair was mainly required in patients with grade-III rectocele whose constipation scores remained high despite all efforts.

Management of patients with rectocele, multiple pelvic floor dysfunctions and obstructed defecation syndrome / Tratamento de pacientes com retocele, múltiplas disfunções e síndrome da evacuação obstruída

CONTEXT: Management of patients with obstructed defecation syndrome is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of clinical, clinical treatment followed by biofeedback, and surgical treatment in patients with obstructed defecation, rectocele and multiple dysfunctions evaluated with echodefecography. METHODS: The study included 103 females aged 26-84 years with obstructed defecation, grade-II/III rectocele and multiple dysfunctions on echodefecography. Patients were distributed into three treatment groups and constipation scores were assigned. Group I: 34 (33%) patients with significant improvement of symptoms through clinical management only. Group II: 14 (14%) with improvement through clinical treatment plus biofeedback. Group III: 55 (53%) referred to surgery due to treatment failure. RESULTS: Group I: 20 (59%) patients had grade-II rectocele, 14 (41%) grade-III. Obstructed defecation syndrome was associated with intussusception (41%), mucosal prolapse (41%), anismus (29%), enterocele (9%) or 2 dysfunctions (23%). The average constipation score decreased significantly from 11 to 5. Group II: 11 (79%) grade-II rectocele, 3 (21%) grade-III, associated with intussusception (7%), mucosal prolapse (43%), anismus (71%) or 2 dysfunctions (29%). There was significant decrease in constipation score from 13 to 6. Group III: 8 (15%) grade-II rectocele, 47 (85%) grade-III, associated with intussusception (42%), mucosal prolapse (40%) or 2 dysfunctions (32%). The constipation score remained unchanged despite clinical treatment and biofeedback. Twenty-three underwent surgery had a significantly decrease in constipation score from 12 to 4. The remaining 32 (31%) patients which 22 refused surgery, 6 had low anal pressure and 4 had slow transit. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 50% of patients with obstructed defecation, rectocele and multiple dysfunctions presented a satisfactory response to clinical treatment and/or biofeedback. Surgical repair was mainly required in patients with grade-III rectocele whose constipation scores remained high despite all efforts.

CONTEXTO: O tratamento dos pacientes com evacuação obstruída permanece controverso. OBJETIVO: Analisar a eficácia do tratamento clínico, tratamento clínico seguido por biofeedback e tratamento cirúrgico em pacientes com retocele e disfunções do compartimento posterior do assoalho pélvico avaliados com ultrassom tridimensional dinâmico-ecodefecografia. MÉTODO: O estudo incluiu 103 mulheres, em idade entre 26-84 anos, com diagnóstico de evacuação obstruída, retocele grau II/III e disfunções múltiplas na ecodefecografia. Pacientes foram distribuídos em três grupos e registrados os escores de constipação. Grupo I: 34 (33%) pacientes com melhora significante dos sintomas apenas com tratamento clínico. Grupo II: 14 (14%) com melhora ao tratamento clínico e biofeedback. Grupo III: 55 (53%) encaminhadas para cirurgia, sem resposta ao tratamento clínico. RESULTADOS: Grupo I: 20 (59%) pacientes com retocele grau II, 14 (41%) grau III associada a intussuscepção (41%), prolapso mucoso (41%), anismus (29%), enterocele (9%) ou duas disfunções (23%). O escore de constipação reduziu-se significantemente em média de 11 para 5. Grupo II: 11 (79%) retocele grau II, 3 (21%) grau III, associado a intussuscepção (7%), prolapso mucoso (43%), anismus 71% ou duas disfunções (29%). O escore de constipação reduziu-se com significância estatística em média de 13 para 6. Grupo III: 8 (15%) retocele grau II, 47 (85%) grau III, associado a intussuscepção (42%), prolapso mucoso (40%), ou disfunções (32%). O escore de constipação não se alterou, apesar do tratamento clínico e biofeedback. Vinte e três foram encaminhados para cirurgia resultando em redução significante do escore de constipação de 16 para 4. Dos 32 restantes, 22 optaram por não realizar cirurgia, 6 apresentavam pressões anais reduzidas e 4 com trânsito lento. CONCLUSÃO: Aproximadamente 50% dos pacientes com evacuação obstruída, retocele ou disfunções múltiplas apresentaram resposta satisfatória ao tratamento clínico e/ou ao biofeedback. Tratamento cirúrgico foi necessário principalmente em pacientes com retocele grau III em que o escore permaneceu inalterado apesar do tratamento clínico e biofeedback.

Argon plasma coagulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic radiation proctopathy, effectiveness and impact on tissue toxicity.

BACKGROUND: chronic radiation proctopathy (CRP) is associated with recurrent rectal bleeding and transfusional requirements. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) have been shown to be effective in the control of CRP. No prospective comparisons have been reported between these treatments. AIM: the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and impact on tissue toxicity of APC compared to HOT in patients with CRP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a prospective study for evaluating treatment response was conducted. Patients with cervical cancer and CRP with rectal bleeding were recruited. They had not received previous treatment. Collected data included: demographics, previous radiation dosage, duration and severity of rectal bleeding. Hemoglobin, transfusional requirements, and tissue toxicity (SOMA LENT questionnaire) at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months follow up were recorded. RESULTS: thirty-one patients were included, 14 in the APC group and 17 in the HOT group. No response was noted in 13 and 18% of patients in the APC and HOT group respectively (p = NS). At the 1 and 2 months follow-up, the APC group showed a significantly better response in terms of transfusional requirements (0.6 vs. 3.4 and 0.7 vs. 2.5) and tissue toxicity score (5.3 vs. 8.6 and 3.8 vs. 7.248). After 3 months, both groups showed further improvement in all parameters without significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: APC and HOT were effective, safe and decreased the tissue toxicity scores in patients with CRP. However, response rate was higher and faster in the APC group.

[Usefulness of self-expanding biodegradable prosthesis in the treatment of refractory benign stenosis: a case series study]. / Utilidad de las prótesis autoexpandibles biodegradables en el tratamiento de estenosis benignas refractarias. Estudio de una serie de casos.

BACKGROUND: The use of self-expanding biodegradable prosthesis treatment of refractory benign stenosis is still undefined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility and safety of biodegradable polydioxanone prostheses as treatment of gastrointestinal tract refractory benign strictures. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with refractory benign stricture of gastrointestinal tract following Kochman's criteria were included. The type of stenosis were anastomotic (n = 5), peptic (n = 1), post-radiotherapy (n = 1) and they were located in proximal esophagus-hypofarynge (n = 2), esophagus medium (n = 1), distal esophagus (n = 2) and rectum (n = 2). The prosthesis was placed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic control under conscious sedation with propofol. RESULTS: Seven patients (8 prosthesis) were included. Mean patient age was 49 years-old (range: 37-70). Insertion prosthesis was successful in all cases. Distal migration of prosthesis was observed in both rectal stenosis and was the indication of a second prosthesis placement in one case. At the end of follow-up (median follow-up 30 weeks for esophageal stricture, 33 weeks for rectal stricture) 5 patients remained asymptomatic. Eighty per cent of patients with esophageal stenosis showed partial and transient re-stenosis due to hyperplastic reaction during the degradation of the prosthesis, with transient dysphagia in two patients resolved medically. Complete prosthesis degradation was confirmed by endoscopy in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The use of self-expanding biodegradable polydioxanone prosthesis is a safe and utile therapeutic option for refractory benign gastrointestinal stenosis.

Úlcera solitaria de recto / Solitary rectal ulcer

Introducción: La úlcera solitaria de recto es una entidad patológica crónica, benigna e infrecuente, que en general no se la considera entre los diagnósticos diferenciales de las patologías crónicas del recto. A menudo es subdiagnosticada. Las principales manifestaciones clinicas son: proctorragia, mucorrea, esfuerzo defecatorio y tenesmo. Objetivo: Evaluar las características clinicas de una patología infrecuente del recto, a partir de 3 casos clínicos. Lugar de aplicación: Institución privada. Pacientes y método: Se presentan 3 pacientes con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de úlcera solitaria de recto, entre 2003-2010, dos hombres y una mujer, con un promedio de edad de 53 años (rango 41-70 años). Resultados: La presentación clínica fue proctorragia, mucorrea, tenesmo, proctalgía y esfuerzo defecatorio. En los 3 pacientes la úlcera fue solitaria, dos en pared posterior y una en pared anterior del recto. El diagnostico se realizó por medio de la endoscopía, y biopsia de la lesión. Los 3 casos respondieron favorablemente al tratamiento médico. Conclusiones: La etiología es desconocida. Se la relaciona con trastornos de la defecación. La lesión no siempre es ulcerada ni solitaria. El diagnóstico se realiza por medio de colonoscopía y biopsia, debido a que presenta histología patognomónica. El tratamiento puede ser conservador o quirúrgico.

Introduction: Solitary rectal ulcer is a chronic, benign and infrequent entity, generally not considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic diseases of the rectum. It is often under­diagnosed. The main clinical manifestations include bloody stool, mucorrhea, straining and tenesmus. Objective: To asses the current behavior of a rare disease of the rectum, from 3 clinical cases. Point of application: Private institution. Patients and method: Three patients are presented with pathological diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer, between 2003 - ­2010, two men and a woman, with an average age of 53 years (range 41-70 years). Results: The clinical presentation was bloody stool, mucorrhea. tenesmus, anal pain and straining. In all cases the ulcer was solitary; two in posterior wall and one in anterior wall of the rectum. The diagnosis was made by endoscopy and biopsy of the lesion. The 3 cases responded well to medical treatment. Conclusions: The etiology is unknown. It is related to defecation disorders. The lesion is not always ulcerated of solitary. Diagnosis is made by colonoscopy and biopsy, because it shows pathognomonic histology. Treatment can be conservative or surgical.