Prevalence of Double Incontinence and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Fecal Incontinence: A Single-center Observational Study.

Objectives: Double incontinence (DI), which is the co-occurrence of fecal incontinence (FI) and urinary incontinence (UI), increases with age and has a greater negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) than either incontinence alone. We aimed to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with FI to elucidate the prevalence and characteristics of DI. Methods: This study enrolled consecutive patients who visited our hospital with FI symptoms. FI was evaluated using the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS). LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), QOL score (IPSS-QOL) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Results: This study evaluated 140 patients (96 women [mean age: 70.7 years] and 44 men [mean age: 74.4 years]). The mean IPSS was significantly higher in men than in women (12.0 vs. 7.5, p = 0.003). A positive correlation was found between IPSS and CCFIS in women (r = 0.256, p = 0.012) but not in men. For both sexes, the older group (aged ≥70 years) had higher OABSS scores and more urge UI instances than the younger group (aged ≤69 years). Of the 140 patients with FI, 78 (55.7%) had DI, and DI was more common in women than in men (63.5% vs. 38.6%, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The characteristics of LUTS and UI in patients with FI were comparable to those in the general population for both sexes; however, the prevalence of DI was much higher among patients with FI than that in the general population.

Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Controlled Manual Anal Dilatation in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissures: A Single-center Observational Study.

Objectives: Conventional anal dilatation for anal fissures has long been abandoned because of the high incidence of anal incontinence. However, less invasive and more precise dilation techniques have been developed that have shown high healing and low incontinence rates. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of controlled anal dilatation (CAD) using a standardized maximum anal diameter. Methods: This study included 523 patients who underwent CAD for chronic anal fissures between January 2010 and December 2014. CAD was performed under sacral epidural anesthesia. The index fingers of both hands were placed in the anus and dilated evenly in various directions. CAD was completed when the anus was dilated to the sixth scale (35 mm in diameter) using a caliber ruler. Results: The mean anal scale size expanded from 3.1 to 5.8 (p<0.001). Non-healing was observed in nine patients (1.7%) at 1 month postoperatively, six of whom underwent additional CAD. The mean maximal anal resting pressure (mmHg) decreased from 90.2 to 79.7 at three months postoperatively (p<0.001). Postoperative complications were observed in 11 (2.1%) patients, of whom three patients with thrombosed hemorrhoids underwent resection. None of the patients complained of anal incontinence during the mean follow-up period of 16.6 months. The cumulative recurrence-free rates at three and five years were 87.9% and 69.2%, respectively. Conclusions: CAD is technically simple and safe and can achieve reasonable long-term outcomes. Thus, CAD appears to be the preferred procedure for patients with chronic anal fissures who do not respond to conservative treatments.

Are There Sex Differences in Defecation Patterns in Patients with Defecation Disorders? - A Single-center Observational Study.

Objectives: Defecation disorders (DD) are characterized by impaired rectal evacuation due to inadequate defecatory propulsion and/or dyssynergic defecation. DD are assessed by rectal and anal pressures during attempted defecation using anorectal manometry (ARM). Thus far, at least four types of dyssynergic patterns have been recognized on ARM. This study aimed to compare the manometric parameters and dyssynergic patterns between men and women with DD. Methods: This study enrolled consecutive patients undergoing anorectal tests for symptoms of DD. Anorectal pressure was measured using a waveform ARM system. DD were diagnosed based on the results of ARM, balloon expulsion tests, and barium defecography. Dyssynergic patterns were defined as a paradoxical increase in anal pressure with (type I) or without (type II) an adequate increase in rectal pressure and failure of a reduction in anal pressure with (type III) or without (type IV) an adequate increase in rectal pressure. Results: This study evaluated 324 women and 234 men. Based on anorectal tests, 73.1% men and 54.6% women were diagnosed with DD. Rectal and anal pressures during attempted defecation in patients with DD were significantly higher in men than in women. Type I patterns were more common in men (64.9%) than in women (28.2%). Conversely, type II (42.9% vs. 24.0%) and IV (20.9% vs. 5.8%) patterns were observed more frequently in women than in men. Conclusions: Men were more likely to experience dyssynergic defecation whereas women were more likely to experience inadequate defecatory propulsion. However, future studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Effects of Age and Sex on the Anorectal Sensory Threshold to Electrical Stimulation: A Single-center Observational Study.

Objectives: Anorectal sensation is an essential component for maintaining normal defecation and continence. This study aimed to investigate changes in anorectal sensation with age and sex using the anorectal sensory threshold to electrical stimulation in a large population with a broad age spectrum. Methods: This study enrolled consecutive adult patients (20-89 years old) who underwent anorectal physiology tests to screen for functional or organic anorectal disease. Anorectal sensitivity was measured using an endoanal electrode with a 45-mm long bipolar needle. A constant electrical current was delivered to the lower end of the rectum and the anal canal. The minimum current in milliamperes at which the initial sensation was felt was defined as the sensory threshold. Results: Overall, 888 patients were included in this study. The most frequent comorbidities were constipation and hemorrhoids. The median sensory threshold for all patients was 0.5 (interquartile range, 0.2-1.5) mA, and the overall sensory threshold was significantly higher in men than in women. The 95% confidence interval of the sensory threshold for men and women were 0.1-6.8 and 0.1-5.1 mA, respectively. The sensory threshold increased significantly with age in both sexes (men, r = 0.384; women, r = 0.410). There was no sex difference in the sensory threshold between ages 20 and 40 years; however, between ages 50 and 70 years, men had a higher sensory threshold than women. Conclusions: The anorectal sensory threshold to electrical stimulation increased with age, and the influence of aging was more significant in men than in women.

Efficacy and safety of anal encirclement combining the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament with injection sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the management of rectal prolapse: a single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: Perineal procedures are an important surgical option for frail and high-risk patients with rectal prolapse. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined therapy using injection sclerotherapy, with aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA), and the Thiersch procedure, using the Leeds-Keio ligament (ALTA-Thiersch). METHODS: This study included 106 consecutive patients (mean age, 81.2 years) who underwent ALTA-Thiersch for rectal prolapse. The procedure was performed under caudal epidural anesthesia. ALTA was injected into the submucosa from the tip of the prolapsed rectum down to the dentate line, circumferentially, at 20 to 40 locations. The ligament tape was placed outside the external sphincter muscle and at an approximate depth of 2 cm into the middle anal canal. RESULTS: Of 106 patients, rectal prolapse was cured shortly after surgery in 105 patients. An additional tape was inserted in 1 patient who had persistent prolapse. Postoperative complications were observed in 27 patients (25.5%). Fecal impaction occurred in 12 patients; however, since it was temporary, no tape removal was required. Of the 12 cases in which the tape was infected or exposed, 11 required tape removal. There were 18 cases of recurrence at a mean follow-up of 22.1 months. Cumulative recurrence rates at 3 and 5 years were 21.3% and 38.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: ALTA-Thiersch is a simple and safe procedure for rectal prolapse, having reasonable outcomes. The use of the Leeds-Keio ligament for anal encircling can help compensate for the disadvantages of the Thiersch operation.

Simple Anal Reinforcement with Anal Encirclement Using an Artificial Ligament in Patients with fecal Incontinence: A Single-center Observational Study.

Objectives: Surgical repair of anal sphincter defects in patients with fecal incontinence (FI) has been associated with excellent or good short-term results; however, its benefits have been shown to deteriorate over long-term follow-up. When sphincteroplasty fails or is not feasible, the subsequent surgical options are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anal encirclement using the Leeds-Keio ligament in patients with FI. Methods: The inclusion criteria for the procedure were failure of or unsuitability for sphincteroplasty and the presence of a patulous anus (diameter, ≥35 mm). The artificial ligament was routed outside the external anal sphincter at the depth of the middle anal canal under caudal epidural anesthesia. Results: Fourteen patients (mean age, 79.4 years; 8 females) with FI were included. Of these, seven (50%) showed a ≥50% reduction in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS). The mean CCFIS of 13.6 at baseline significantly improved to 7.9 3 months after surgery. The mean maximal anal resting pressure significantly increased from 16.8 mmHg to 22.6 mmHg. Postoperatively, temporary fecal impaction was observed in one patient (7%). None of the cases required removal of the artificial ligament or additional operative interventions for FI during the mean follow-up period of 31.9 months. Conclusions: Anal encirclement using the Leeds-Keio ligament was technically simple and safe and achieved good short-term outcomes. Therefore, this technique appears to be a simple solution for sphincter defects and may become an important surgical option for patients with FI and a patulous anus.

A novel telerehabilitation with an educational program for caregivers using telelecture is feasible for fall prevention in elderly people: A case series.

BACKGROUND: The importance of fall prevention rehabilitations has been well recognized. Recently telerehabilitation was developed, however, there have been no reports on telerehabilitation with direct support from specialists for fall prevention among the elderly. We herein reported telerehabilitation by caregivers educated by our novel educational program. METHODS: Caregivers were educated with our educational program using a telelecture system and supported telerehabilitation following instructions from rehabilitation specialists in our university using the telemedicine system every two to four weeks for three months. Caregivers were assessed with our original questionnaire before and after the telelecture. Participants were assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go test (TUG test), Hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and after telerehabilitation. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used for the statistical analyses. A value of P<.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Nine elderly people were enrolled. The mean age was 84.7 (78-90) years old and the sex ratio was 1:8 (males:females). The average number of telerehabilitation sessions was 4.7. The average score of nineteen caregivers before the lecture was 15.3, while that after the lecture was 18.3. Caregivers' understanding was significantly increased after the telelecture (P<.001). No adverse events occurred during the study period. The median values of the BBSs, TUG test, right and left HHD and MMSE before and after 3 months' telerehabilitation were 43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.10, 49.01) and 49 (95% CI: 41.75, 50.91), 17.89 (95% CI: 15.51, 23.66) and 18.53 (95% CI: 14.56, 25.67), 7.95 (95% CI: 4.38, 10.14) and 11.55 (95% CI: 7.06, 13.55), 9.85 (95% CI: 6.79, 12.59) and 13.20 (95% CI: 7.96, 14.42), and 19 (95% CI: 12.34, 21.66) and 16 (95% CI: 10.81, 21.00), respectively. Although approximately half of the participants showed improvement in the BBS, TUG test, right and left HHD and MMSE, no significant changes were observed (P=.7239, P=.3446, P=.1023, P=.3538 and P=.8253, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our telerehabilitation program exhibited significant effects in elderly people and improved the degree of understanding concerning rehabilitation among caregivers in facilities for elderly people.

Long-term Outcomes of Aluminum Potassium Sulfate and Tannic Acid Sclerotherapy for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids: A Single-Center, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerotherapy for hemorrhoids produced almost the same effects as excisional hemorrhoidectomy. However, its long-term effectiveness remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term results of sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid for treating prolapsed hemorrhoids. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of a single-institution experience. SETTINGS: This study was conducted within a coloproctology unit at a community-based hospital. PATIENTS: In total, 1180 patients with grade II to IV hemorrhoids treated with injection sclerotherapy were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy measures included cumulative recurrence rates and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Recurrence rates at 3, 6, and 9 years were 7.4%, 27.2%, and 47.5%. Postoperative complications included fever ≥38°C in 16 (1.4%) patients, rectal ulcer in 10 (0.9%) patients, rectal stricture in 5 (0.4%) patients, and perianal abscess in 4 (0.3%) patients. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, single-center study. In addition, office visits after 3 years were optional and the number of follow-ups steadily decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid offers reasonable long-term results and is associated with low complication rates. Therefore, it seems to be an attractive alternative for patients with prolapsed hemorrhoids. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B733.RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO DE LA ESCLEROTERAPIA CON SULFATO DE ALUMINIO Y POTASIO, Y ÁCIDO TÁNICO PARA LAS HEMORROIDES PROLAPSADAS: ESTUDIO OBSERVACIONAL DE UN SOLO CENTRO. ANTECEDENTES: La escleroterapia con sulfato de aluminio y potasio, y ácido tánico para las hemorroides produjo casi los mismos efectos que la hemorroidectomía por escisión. Sin embargo, se desconoce su eficacia a largo plazo. OBJETIVO: El propósito de este estudio fue investigar los resultados a largo plazo de la escleroterapia con sulfato de aluminio y potasio, y ácido tánico para tratar las hemorroides prolapsadas. DISEO: Revisión retrospectiva de la experiencia de una sola institución. ENTORNO CLINICO: Este estudio se realizó dentro de una unidad de coloproctología en un hospital comunitario. PACIENTES: En total, 1.180 pacientes fueron inscritos con hemorroides grado II a IV tratados con inyecciones esclerosantes. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION: Las medidas de eficacia incluyeron tasas acumulativas de recurrencia y complicaciones posoperatorias. RESULTADOS: La tasa de recurrencia a los 3, 6 y 9 años fue del 7,4%, 27,2% y 47,5%, respectivamente. Las complicaciones posoperatorias incluyeron fiebre ≥ 38 grados Celsius en 16 pacientes (1,4%), úlcera rectal en 10 (0,9%), estenosis rectal en 5 (0,4%) y absceso perianal en 4 (0,3%) pacientes. LIMITACIONES: Este fue un estudio retrospectivo, no aleatorio, de un solo centro. Adicionalmente, las visitas al consultorio después de 3 años eran opcionales y el número de seguimientos disminuyó constantemente. CONCLUSIONES: La escleroterapia con sulfato de aluminio y potasio, y ácido tánico ofrece resultados razonables a largo plazo y está asociada con bajas tasas de complicaciones. Por tanto, parece ser una alternativa atractiva para pacientes con hemorroides prolapsadas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B733. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

Injection of aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the treatment of fecal incontinence: a single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: Perianal injection of bulking agents is an attractive treatment option for patients with mild to moderate fecal incontinence (FI). Various bulking agents have been used for injection therapy, but the optimal injection materials and methods are yet to be standardized. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of injection therapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) in the management of FI. METHODS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent ALTA injection therapy for FI at our institution. The procedure was performed with the patient in the jackknife position, under caudal epidural anesthesia. The procedure consisted of a 4-step injection to the 3 main cushions and a multipoint injection to the remaining submucosa of the anal canal. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (mean age, 76 years) were enrolled in the study. The mean Cleveland Clinic incontinence score of 11.9 ± 4.1 at baseline significantly improved to 7.3 ± 5.2 at 3 months following treatment. The mean maximal resting pressure also increased significantly 3 months after the intervention. Postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (3.9%), and all events were mild. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 17.5 months. The cumulative recurrence-free rate at 3 years was 72.4%. CONCLUSION: ALTA injection for FI is safe, easy to perform, and provides reasonable mid-term outcomes. Moreover, concomitant anorectal diseases that may be contraindicated by other injectable bulking agents could be treated simultaneously. Therefore, ALTA injection is a promising alternative in the absence of other injectable agents.

Tolerance and Efficacy of Polyethylene Glycol 4000 in Elderly Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Retrospective, Single-center, Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective, observational study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of polyethylene glycol 4000 plus electrolytes (PEG 4000) in elderly patients with chronic constipation. METHODS: PEG 4000 powder was orally administered once daily at a dose of one or two 6.9 g sachets as the initial dose. The outcome measures were changes in the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS) and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) value before and 2 weeks after drug administration. RESULTS: This study included 324 patients aged ≥65 years (mean age: 78.6 ± 7.6 years, range: 65-100 years) with chronic constipation. The total CCCS was noted to significantly improve from 11.5 ± 4.6 at baseline to 7.4 ± 5.2 after drug administration. All CCCS sub-scores also improved significantly. The average BSFS value at baseline (2.5 ± 1.6) significantly improved to 4.3 ± 1.1 after treatment. Side effects (16 events) were observed in 13 patients (4.0%), with the most common being diarrhea (6 patients, 1.9%). All events were mild in severity, with none of the symptoms being serious. The cumulative treatment continuation rate at 1 year was 83.1%. CONCLUSIONS: PEG 4000 treatment was safe, effective, and well tolerated in elderly patients with chronic constipation. Thus, it appears to be a promising drug that can be continued for a long time.

Rectosigmoid Localization of Radiopaque Markers for Identifying Defecation Disorders in Patients With Chronic Constipation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Defecation disorders (DD) are part of the spectrum of chronic constipation with outlet obstruction. Although anorectal physiologic tests are required for the diagnosis of DD, these tests are not available in many institutions. This study aims to investigate the predictivity of DD using rectosigmoid localization of radiopaque markers in a colonic transit study. METHODS: A total of 169 patients with refractory constipation with a mean age of 67 years were studied. All patients underwent anorectal manometry, a balloon expulsion test, and a colonic transit study. Barium defecography was performed if needed. The relationship between DD diagnosed by these anorectal tests and the rectosigmoid accumulation of markers was examined. RESULTS: Seventy-nine (46.7%) patients were identified to have DD based on anorectal test combinations. Rectosigmoid accumulation of markers was observed in 39 (23.1%) patients. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of rectosigmoid accumulation for identifying DD were 31.6% and 64.1%, respectively. Rectosigmoid accumulation provided poor discrimination of DD from normal transit constipation, at a specificity of 82.1% but with a sensitivity of only 10.6%. In discriminating DD from slow transit constipation, rectosigmoid accumulation was found to be useful with a positive likelihood ratio of 5.3. CONCLUSION: s Rectosigmoid accumulation of markers can differentiate DD from slow transit constipation. However, non-rectosigmoid accumulation does not exclude the presence of DD.

Efficacy and Safety of Elobixibat in Elderly Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Single-center, Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: A retrospective, observational study was conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of elobixibat, a novel therapeutic agent for chronic constipation, in Japanese elderly patients aged ≥ 65 years with chronic constipation. METHODS: The study was conducted at Kunimoto Hospital. Patients who visited the hospital from April 2018 to March 2019 due to symptoms of chronic constipation and who took elobixibat were enrolled. The outcome measures were changes in the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) score and the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) before and after elobixibat administration. RESULTS: The study included 150 patients. The total CSS score significantly improved from 11.7±4.5 at baseline to 9.3±5.2 two weeks after drug administration. The improvement was confirmed in six out of eight CSS items. The BSFS at baseline of 2.5±1.8 was improved to 3.4±1.7 two weeks after treatment, nearly close to the normal stool consistency of 4. Adverse reactions were observed in 18 of 150 patients (12.0%) with 21 events, most commonly diarrhea in nine patients (6.0%) and abdominal pain in eight patients (5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Elobixibat improved not only the frequency of bowel movements but also alleviated various symptoms of constipation, such as difficulty with evacuation and sensations of incomplete evacuation in elderly patients with chronic constipation. All adverse drug reactions were mild in severity with no safety concerns.

Clinical efficacy of Japanese herbal medicine daikenchuto in the management of fecal incontinence: A single-center, observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI) or anal sphincter dysfunction are improved by daikenchuto (DKT). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study that analyzes the effects of DKT. The study was conducted at Kunimoto Hospital. Patients who visited the hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 due to symptoms of FI with a certain degree of chronic constipation and who took DKT were enrolled. The drug to be evaluated was "Tsumura Daikenchuto Extract Granules for Ethical Use (TJ-100)" manufactured by Tsumura & Co., Tokyo, Japan. The primary outcome measures were changes in the scores of the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and Constipation Scoring System (CSS) before and after the administration of DKT. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were enrolled. On the CCIS, "leakage of solid stool," "leakage of liquid stool," "pad use," and "total score" were significantly improved. On the contrary, on the CSS, the score of "type of assistance" was significantly improved after the administration of DKT, but no significant difference was found in the total score. On the Bristol Stool Form Scale, the administration of DKT showed a tendency to normalize stool consistency. Maximum resting anal pressure and maximum squeeze anal pressure significantly increased after the administration of DKT. No side effects caused by DKT were observed during the study. CONCLUSIONS: DKT appears to be a safe and useful agent for the management of FI in patients with defecation disorders and internal anal sphincter dysfunction.

Injection sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the treatment of symptomatic rectocele: A prospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Although various surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of rectocele, there is currently no method exhibiting overall superiority because of the different types of complications and varying rate of recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of injection sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the management of symptomatic rectocele. METHODS: Twelve patients were recruited and treated using injection sclerotherapy. Efficacy measures included changes in the Constipation Scoring System value and rectocele size. RESULTS: The median operative duration was 7.5 min (range, 3-16 min). Three months after treatment, the mean Constipation Scoring System value decreased significantly in comparison with the baseline value (8.9 ± 4.1 vs. 4.9 ± 2.8, P = 0.0014) and the mean rectocele size reduced significantly in comparison with the baseline size (3.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.9, P < 0.001). Regarding complications, a patient showed temporary fecal impaction after treatment. The recurrence rate at 4 years was 29% (95% confidence interval, 10%-66%). CONCLUSIONS: Injection sclerotherapy is quick, easy to perform, and offers reasonable mid-term outcomes; furthermore, it is associated with a low rate of complications. Therefore, it appears to be a reasonable alternative for patients with symptomatic rectocele.

Distal hemorrhoidectomy with ALTA injection: a new method for hemorrhoid surgery.

Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid injection (ALTA) is a useful and less-invasive treatment for internal hemorrhoids. However, it is not a treatment option for external hemorrhoidal diseases, including mixed hemorrhoids. Distal hemorrhoidectomy with ALTA injection involves surgical resection of external piles, followed by injection therapy on internal piles. We report technical details and the short-term results of this procedure in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. Seventy-two patients with mixed hemorrhoids treated between 2010 and 2011 were included. The main outcome measures were the short-term response and complication rates. At 28 days after surgery, the disappearance rate of prolapse was 100%. Three patients (4%) had postoperative complications, all minor in nature. No prolapse recurrence was observed within a median follow-up period of 6 months. Distal hemorrhoidectomy with ALTA injection appears to be a promising treatment option for patients with mixed hemorrhoids.

Combined aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerosing therapy and anal encirclement using an elastic artificial ligament for rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid is a sclerosant used for sclerosing therapy in the treatment of hemorrhoids, and a Leeds-Keio artificial ligament is a new anal-encircling material for the management of rectal prolapse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical data and recurrence rates in patients with rectal prolapse undergoing combined aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid injection and anal encirclement using the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent this procedure. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a community-based hospital within a specialized colorectal unit. PATIENTS: A total of 23 patients (20 women; median age, 83 years) with full-thickness rectal prolapse underwent treatment between 2005 and 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were morbidity and recurrence rate. RESULTS: The median duration of surgery was 36 minutes. Mean total injection dose of aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid was 30 mL. There were no postoperative deaths. Wound infection occurred in 2 patients (9%), and new or worsening symptoms of constipation after surgery occurred in 6 patients (26%). There were 3 recurrences at a median follow-up of 36 months (range, 7-86 months). Recurrence rate at 5 years was 14% (95% CI, 5%-35%). LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, the potential for selection bias, and lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure is quick and easy to perform, with no formidable morbidity, and the recurrence rate is reasonably low. Therefore, it seems to be a reasonable alternative for rectal prolapse in frail, elderly, and high-risk patients.

Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) injection as the mainstay of treatment for internal hemorrhoids.

PURPOSE: Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) induce noninvasive sclerosis and the involution of hemorrhoids by initiating an inflammatory reaction. We assessed the mid-term outcome after ALTA sclerotherapy for symptomatic hemorrhoids. METHODS: Between May 2006 and July 2009, 1210 patients with grade III or IV hemorrhoids underwent surgery at Kunimoto Hospital. Our treatment strategy for internal hemorrhoids is first establishing whether ALTA therapy is possible for the type of hemorrhoid, and then performing either ALTA therapy or alternatively, ligation and excision (LE) for those types unsuitable for ALTA therapy. RESULTS: A total of 448 patients were treated with ALTA therapy alone (Group A), 706 patients were treated with a combination of ALTA and LE therapy (Group B), and 56 patients were treated with LE alone (Group C). The overall recurrence rates were 3.6% (16/448) and 0.3% (2/706) in Groups A and B, respectively. There was no recurrence in Group C. Rectal ulcers developed at the injection site in four (0.9%) patients from Group A, but they healed within a few months with conservative therapy. CONCLUSION: ALTA sclerotherapy is a simple and safe treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids, with few complications.

[Clinical usefulness of oral aprepitant for alleviation of delayed nausea and vomiting induced by mFOLFOX6--report of a case].

A 50-year-old-woman underwent high anterior resection for sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. Modified oxaliplatin/l / -LV/ 5-FU(mFOLFOX6)was started as adjuvant treatment due to final-stage III b. Granisetron 3 mg and dexamethasone 8 mg for prophylaxis chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) were administered intravenously 30 min before oxaliplatin administration. Grade 3 delayed CINV was observed at course 4. CINV could not be controlled by any rescue medications. We adopted a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (aprepitant) that alleviated the emetic effects of substance P. The oral aprepitant dose was 125 mg on day 1 and 80 mg on days 2 and 3. Afterward, delayed vomiting was completely controlled and chemotherapy could be continued to course 12. Aprepitant is a very active antiemetic drug for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting induced by mFOLFOX6 regimen.

Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid injection in the treatment of total rectal prolapse: early outcomes.

PURPOSE: No surgical method for repair of total rectal prolapse has been established as optimal. We describe a new technique that uses ALTA (aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid) injection as a simple perianal procedure for total rectal prolapse. METHODS: Fourteen patients with total rectal prolapse were treated with sclerosing therapy by using ALTA injection. Via a perianal approach, 0.5 to 1 ml of ALTA solution was injected along a linear track into the submucosa at 30 to 80 different sites, totaling 20 to 60 ml. RESULTS: All 14 patients treated with injection sclerotherapy were cured, with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. One patient required a repeat injection after two months to be cured. No exacerbation of constipation has resulted, and no stenosis has been evident on rectal examination. In seven of ten patients presenting with fecal incontinence, this complaint resolved after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: ALTA sclerotherapy yielded satisfactory results in total rectal prolapse, causing no alteration in neurophysiology of bowel function. Injection sclerotherapy should be recommended as the first procedure for treatment of total rectal prolapse.