Esfinteroplastia anatómica mediante reconstrucción combinada del esfínter anal interno y externo en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la incontinencia anal / Anatomic sphincteroplasty with combined reconstruction of internal and external anal muscles in the anal incontinence surgical treatment

Los estudios que evalúan la efectividad de la esfinteroplastia clásica muestran una mejoría de alrededor del 75% a corto plazo, constatándose un deterioro en el tiempo con resultados satisfactorios a largo plazo de alrededor del 50%. Tras introducir la realización de la reparación por separado del esfínter anal interno y el externo, se publicaron tasas de éxito del 80%, observando que estos resultados se mantenían a largo plazo. Pensamos que la introducción de modificaciones en la técnica quirúrgica desde una mentalidad anatómica y reconstructiva, que hemos denominado «esfinteroplastia anatómica mediante reconstrucción combinada de esfínter anal interno y externo», puede obtener muy buenos resultados clínicos y manométricos en el seguimiento a corto y medio plazo. Asimismo, el aumento de longitud de la barrera presiva generada por la técnica puede colaborar a que estos resultados se mantengan más estables a lo largo del tiempo que con la técnica clásica (AU)

Several groups studying the results of the classic sphincteroplasty show improvement of 75% of patients treated in a short-term follow-up, with a worsening of this data in the long-term follow-up down to an improvement of 50% of the patients. Some other groups published more optimistic results, showing an 80% success rate without any deterioration of the technique over time after introducing a separate repair of the internal and external muscles. We think that the introduction of some modifications in the classic technique, named “anatomic sphincteroplasty with combined reconstruction of external and internal anal sphincter muscles” may obtain very good clinical and anorectal manometric results both in a short and mid-term follow-up. In addition, increasing the pressive length in the anal canal may contribute to maintain more stable results over time (AU)

Magnetic resonance defecography versus videodefecography in the study of obstructed defecation syndrome: Is videodefecography still the test of choice after 50 years?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) defecography and compare it with videodefecography in the evaluation of obstructed defecation syndrome. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort test accuracy study conducted at one major tertiary referral center on patients with a diagnosis of obstructed defecation syndrome who were referred to the colorectal surgery clinic in a consecutive series from 2009 to 2012. All patients underwent a clinical examination, videodefecography, and MR defecography in the supine position. We analyzed diagnostic accuracy for MR defecography and performed an agreement analysis using Cohen's kappa index (κ) for each diagnostic imaging examination performed with videodefecography and MR defecography. RESULTS: We included 40 patients with Rome III diagnostic criteria of obstructed defecation syndrome. The degree of agreement between the two tests was as follows: almost perfect for anismus (κ = 0.88) and rectal prolapse (κ = 0.83), substantial for enterocele (κ = 0.80) and rectocele grade III (κ = 0.65), moderate for intussusception (κ = 0.50) and rectocele grade II (κ = 0.49), and slight for rectocele grade I (κ = 0.30) and excessive perineal descent (κ = 0.22). Eighteen cystoceles and 11 colpoceles were diagnosed only by MR defecography. Most patients (54%) stated that videodefecography was the more uncomfortable test. CONCLUSIONS: MR defecography could become the imaging test of choice for evaluating obstructed defecation syndrome.

Management of colonic volvulus. Experience in 75 patients.

BACKGROUND: the diagnostic and therapeutic management of colonic volvulus remains nowadays controversial. The election of the type of surgery, its timing, or the use of non-operative decompression must be based on the experience of a multidisciplinary team, the clinical condition of the patient, and the type of volvulus. OBJECTIVES: the purpose of this study is to review our experience and results in the treatment of patients with colonic volvulus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we performed a retrospective study of patients diagnosed of colonic volvulus between January 1990 and September 2008 in our institution. RESULTS: we included a total of 75 patients with a mean age of 72.7 years and, in most cases, with associated comorbidities and constipation. The most frequently involved segment was sigmoid colon (85.3%). A rectal tube insertion was used as the only therapeutic measure in 17 patients (22.4%), colonoscopic decompression in 17 (22.4%), and surgery in 41 patients (55.2%). Intestinal resection with primary anastomosis was the most common surgical option. Postoperative morbidity was 43%, being wound infections the most frequent complication. In the group of non-surgical treatment morbidity was 26.4%, albeit with a higher and early rate of recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: treatment of colonic volvulus present important morbidity and mortality rates, and its treatment must be individualized. Resective surgery with primary anastomosis in clinically stable patients is the most appropriate therapeutic option, offering the lower recurrence rates.

Manejo del vólvulo de colon. Experiencia en 75 pacientes / Management of colonic volvulus. Experience in 75 patients

Introducción: el manejo diagnóstico-terapéutico del vólvulode colon continúa siendo un tema controvertido en la actualidad.En base a la situación clínica del paciente, a la experiencia de unequipo multidisciplinar, deben elegirse el tipo de cirugía, momentode su realización y el empleo de otras opciones descompresivas.Objetivos: los objetivos del presente trabajo son revisar nuestraexperiencia y resultados en el tratamiento de los pacientes convólvulo de colon.Material y métodos: hemos realizado un estudio retrospectivodescriptivo de los pacientes diagnosticados de vólvulo de colonentre enero de 1990 y septiembre de 2008 en nuestro centro.Resultados: se han incluido un total de 75 pacientes, de edadmedia 72,7 años y, en su mayoría, con comorbilidades asociadasy estreñimiento. La zona de volvulación más frecuentemente implicadafue el sigma (85,3%). La sonda rectal fue utilizada comoúnica medida terapéutica en 17 pacientes (22,4%), el tratamientoendoscópico en otros 17 (22,4%), y la cirugía en 41 (55,2%). Laresección intestinal con anastomosis primaria fue la opción quirúrgicamás empleada. La morbilidad postoperatoria fue del 43%,siendo las infecciones de herida la complicación más frecuente.En el grupo de tratamiento no quirúrgico la morbilidad fue del26,4%, aunque con una mayor y más precoz tasa de recidivas.Conclusiones: el vólvulo de colon presenta una elevada tasade morbimortalidad asociada, debiendo realizarse su tratamientode forma individualizada. La cirugía resectiva con anastomosis primariaen pacientes clínicamente estables es la opción terapéuticadefinitiva más adecuada y con menores tasas de recidiva(AU)

Background: the diagnostic and therapeutic management ofcolonic volvulus remains nowadays controversial. The election ofthe type of surgery, its timing, or the use of non-operative decompressionmust be based on the experience of a multidisciplinaryteam, the clinical condition of the patient, and the type of volvulus.Objectives: the purpose of this study is to review our experienceand results in the treatment of patients with colonic volvulus.Material and methods: we performed a retrospective studyof patients diagnosed of colonic volvulus between January 1990and September 2008 in our institution.Results: we included a total of 75 patients with a mean age of72.7 years and, in most cases, with associated comorbidities andconstipation. The most frequently involved segment was sigmoidcolon (85.3%). A rectal tube insertion was used as the only therapeuticmeasure in 17 patients (22.4%), colonoscopic decompressionin 17 (22.4%), and surgery in 41 patients (55.2%). Intestinalresection with primary anastomosis was the most common surgicaloption. Postoperative morbidity was 43%, being wound infectionsthe most frequent complication. In the group of non-surgicaltreatment morbidity was 26.4%, albeit with a higher and earlyrate of recurrences.Conclusions: treatment of colonic volvulus present importantmorbidity and mortality rates, and its treatment must be individualized.Resective surgery with primary anastomosis in clinically stablepatients is the most appropriate therapeutic option, offeringthe lower recurrence rates(AU)

Fistulectomy and sphincteric reconstruction for complex cryptoglandular fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Complex anal fistulas (CFs) are difficult to treat. Endoanal advancement flap (EAF) is one of the standard treatment options for such clinical conditions. Immediate sphincter repair after fistulectomy (ISR) is not commonly performed because of the fear of causing postoperative incontinence. The objective of this study was to compare the results of both techniques. METHOD: We retrospectively analysed a prospectively entered database composed of 146 patients (112 M; 34 F), undergoing operations for CF of cryptoglandular origin. The patients were divided in two groups: Group A: (EAF); n = 71 patients; Group B: (ISR); n = 75 patients. RESULTS: Forty-two fistulas (28.7%) were recurrent, 98 trans-sphincteric (TS) and 37 suprasphincteric (SS). Twenty-six (17.7%) patients had some degree of preoperative continence disturbances, 11 in Group A vs 15 in Group B (P = 0.47). After a mean follow up of 13 months (12-60), fistula persisted or recurred in 13 (18.3%) patients in Group A vs eight (10.6%) in Group B (P = 0.19) irrespective of the fistula type (TS or SS). Thirty-one (43.6%) patients in Group A vs 16 (21.3%) in Group B presented postoperative continence disturbances (P < 0.001). No changes were observed with the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQLS). Group A patients had a significant reduction of maximal rest pressure after surgery. After ISR, no significant changes in pressures were observed. CONCLUSION: Immediate sphincter repair can be a therapeutic option in selected cases of CF, mainly when associated with incontinence or increased risk factors.

Risk factors for recurrence and incontinence after anal fistula surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Fistula-in-ano continues to raise problems that require important therapeutic decisions. Our aim was to evaluate its recurrence and incontinence risk factors. METHOD: We analysed a series of 279 patients who had undergone anal fistula surgery with long-term follow-up. RESULTS: 42.7% of the fistulae were considered complex and 46% had been referred from other institutions. There was delayed healing or recurrence in 7.2% patients, which appeared at a median of 4 months. The factors associated with recurrence were the type of fistula (extrasphincteric/suprasphincteric), nonidentification of internal opening (IO), recurrent or complex fistulae (CF), and associated chronic abscess. Only CF and nonidentification of IO were statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Preoperative incontinence was a risk factor for postoperative incontinence, as were suprasphincteric, recurrent and CF. The age and gender of the patient did not influence postoperative continence, nor did the surgeon or surgical technique appear as a risk factor, although after excluding preoperative incontinent patients, fistulotomy was the technique that showed a higher risk of incontinence. Multivariate analysis only confirmed previous incontinence as a RF. CONCLUSION: The overall recurrence rate is acceptable, but high fistulae continue to be difficult to treat. IO identification is also essential for obtaining good results. It is important to identify the patients with preoperative incontinence as they are at a greater risk of deterioration after surgery.

Perioperative care in colorectal surgery: current practice patterns and opinions.

Objective Evidence regarding perioperative care in colorectal surgery has recently increased, leading to changes in classical clinical procedures that make the perioperative period safer and shorter. This survey aimed to evaluate the opinions of Spanish colorectal surgeons on the perioperative management of their patients. Method Emailed surveys submitted to the members of Spanish Coloproctological Associations. Results One hundred and thirty-one (31.7%) of the 413 members participated in the study and responded thus: 21% use clinical pathways and 8% use fast track (FT); 36% use epidural analgesia in colonic surgery and 57% in rectal; 40% use warm air and 23% warm fluids to maintain intraoperative normothermia; 53% prescribe >/= 3000 ml. of iv fluids on the first postoperative day and 6.2%

Mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery: use by and opinions of Spanish surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) previous to surgery have classically been regarded as important in colorectal surgery. The latter has recently been questioned. We evaluated opinion of Spanish surgeons about the use of these measures. METHOD: E-mail survey among all members of Spanish Coloproctologic Associations. RESULTS: Of 413 participants in the survey, 131 (31.7%) responded; 87% of surgeons used cathartics (70%), enemas (2%) or both (28%) for MBP. MBP was used 60% in right colon surgery, 90% in left colon and 99% in rectal surgery. Surgeons with more case load or those who specialized in colorectal surgery used significantly less MBP; 60% of the surgeons thought that MBP made surgery easier and reduced contamination; 35% thought that it decreased wound infection (WI) and 17% thought that it prevented anastomotic leaks. For 77%, it was regarded as useful or very useful. AP was used by 99.3% of surgeons including systemic alone in 86.2% and combined with oral in 16.8%. The first dose was given 2 h before surgery by 20.2% of the surgeons, at the anaesthetic induction by 78.3% and postoperatively by 1.5%; 43% used single dose only, 44.5% extended to 24 h and 12.5% for two or more days; 95% thought that AP reduced WI and 96% considered that it was useful. CONCLUSION: There is general agreement on AP. MBP remained a common practice among Spanish colorectal surgeons except for right colonic resection. Surgeons with more case load and specialization used it significantly less.

Review of the anatomic concepts in relation to the retrorectal space and endopelvic fascia: Waldeyer's fascia and the rectosacral fascia.

OBJECTIVE: A precise anatomical study of the fascias within the retrorectal space is reported, analyzing and clarifying the anatomical concepts previously employed to describe Waldeyer's and the rectosacral fascia. METHOD: The pelvis was dissected in 15 cadavers (10 males and five females). All specimens were divided in the median sagittal plane including the middle axis of the anal canal, to allow a correct visualization of and access to the retrorectal space. RESULTS: The retrorectal space was limited anteriorly by the rectum and posterior mesorectum covered by a fine visceral fascia, and posteriorly by the sacrum covered by the parietal presacral fascia. The rectosacral fascia divided the retrorectal space into inferior and superior portions in 80% of the male and 100% of the female specimens. It originated from the presacral parietal fascia at the level of S2 in 15%, S3 in 38% and S4 in 46% of specimens. In all cases it passed caudally to join the rectal visceral fascia 3-5 cm above the anorectal junction. As described by Waldeyer, the floor of the retrorectal space is formed by the fusion of the presacral parietal fascia and the rectal visceral fascia and lies above the levator ani muscle at the level of the anorectal junction. CONCLUSION: The rectosacral fascia divides the retrorectal space into inferior and superior portions. This must be differentiated from Waldeyer's description of the fascia lying in the inferior limit of the retrorectal space, formed by the fusion of the rectal visceral and parietal fascias.

A prospective audit of the complications of loop ileostomy construction and takedown.

AIM: A prospective review of the complications of ileostomy construction and takedown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven consecutive patients undergoing construction of a loop ileostomy were included in a prospective nonrandomized computer database. Complications of the loop ileostomy were assessed prior to and after closure. Three closure techniques were performed [enterotomy suture (25.7%), resection and hand sewn (31.2%) or stapled anastomosis (43.1%)] and compared. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven (73 male, 54 female) patients, mean age 54 years were included from 1992 to 2002. Seventy-two patients underwent anterior resection for low rectal carcinoma, 30 an ileoanal pouch for ulcerative colitis and 25 for miscellaneous conditions. Fifty-nine pre-takedown complications occurred in 50 (39.4%) patients. The most common were dermatitis (12.6%) and erythema (7.1%). The most severe were dehydration in 1 patient and stomal prolapse in 4 patients. Closure was associated with a complication rate of 33.1% and a mortality rate of 0.9%. Wound infection occurred in 18.3% and small bowel obstruction in 4.6%. Anastomotic leak requiring reanastomosis occurred in 2.8% and enterocutaneous fistula treated conservatively in 5.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in morbidity between closure techniques (p = 0.892). There were no statistically significant differences in complications (p = 0.516) between patients with ulcerative colitis and those with neoplasia (39.29% vs. 32.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Loop ileostomy construction and takedown is associated with considerable morbidity, mostly minor. No differences exist between technique used for closure or the baseline pathology of the patient.

Impact of surgeon organization and specialization in rectal cancer outcome.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to assess the differences in the outcome of patients with rectal cancer treated by a group of surgeons before and after being organized as a Coloproctology Unit at the same University Department of Surgery. METHODS: Comparison of two periods of rectal cancer surgery: I (1986-91) and II (1992-95). Period I: 94 patients were operated on by 14 general surgeons. Period II: 108 patients were operated on by only 4 surgeons of the same group organized as a Colorectal Surgery Unit after visiting referral centres abroad, adopting techniques such as total mesorectal excision (TME) for middle and low rectal cancer and washout of rectal stump. Mean follow-up during periods I and II was 69.1 and 42.0 months, respectively. A prospective data base analysis was used. Survival and local recurrence rates were calculated by the actuarial method. For comparison between groups the log rank method was used. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with respect to mean age, gender, TNM and rectal tumour location. A significant increase in radical resectability and a decrease of the Abdominoperineal resection (APR)/Low anterior resection (LAR) ratio were observed in the second period. The overall pelvic recurrence rate was 25% in the first period and 11 in the second (P < 0.01). Significant differences were also found when the patients with LAR were compared between both periods, 30% vs 9% (P < 0.01) and specially when the 10 cm anal verge distance was considered to divide the LAR groups. No differences were found regarding the APR procedures in both periods. There was improved cancer-specific survival for the LAR group in the second period (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Specialization and centralization influence the quality of rectal cancer surgery, mainly local recurrence rates and survival after low anterior resection.

Simple technique for the intraoperative detection of Crohn's strictures with a calibration sphere.

Several methods have been used to detect and evaluate small-bowel strictures in Crohn's disease. We describe a simple technique for the calibration of strictures using a 2.5-cm medical plastic sphere. This method provides an aseptic, safe, and effective calibration of the entire small bowel.

Tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal: encuesta de la Sociedad Valenciana de Cirugía / Management of colorectal cancer: a survey by the Surgical Society of Valencia

Introducción. Motivados por conocer la situación actual del tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal en los hospitales de la Comunidad Valenciana, y por encargo de la Sociedad Valenciana de Cirugía, se elaboró una encuesta dirigida a todos los Servicios de Cirugía General y Aparato Digestivo de estos centros, cuyo resultado exponemos. Material y método. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo mediante encuesta, y se obtuvieron los datos desde el año 1997 hacia atrás, agrupándolos por años naturales. La encuesta abordó siete apartados del tratamiento del cáncer colorrectal (diagnóstico, cirugía programada, cirugía de urgencias, terapéutica adyuvante, enfermedad avanzada, seguimiento y anatomía patológica), y se estudiaron tanto parámetros de estructura como de proceso, así como los resultados de los mismos. Resultados. Se remitieron un total de 20 cuestionarios obteniéndose 17 respuestas (85 por ciento). Sólo 2 hospitales (11,7 por ciento) disponen de ecografía endorrectal. Ninguno realiza por sistema enema de doble contraste. Únicamente en 3 hospitales (17,64 por ciento), el cáncer rectal es tratado por un grupo determinado de cirujanos. Cinco hospitales (29,4 por ciento) realizan con asiduidad el lavado colónico intraoperatorio en la cirugía del cáncer obstructivo. Siete centros (41,1 por ciento) llevan a cabo algún tipo de terapéutica adyuvante preoperatoria en el cáncer rectal, siendo la cifra total de recidivas locales del 11,58 por ciento a los 2 años de seguimiento. No existe ningún protocolo establecido de seguimiento postoperatorio de estos pacientes en 3 hospitales (17,64 por ciento). El número medio de ganglios aislados por pieza quirúrgica es de nueve, y sólo 2 centros (11,7 por ciento) reflejan en sus informes anatomopatológicos la afectación del margen circunferencial. Conclusiones. De los resultados obtenidos en esta encuesta y su posterior comparación con la bibliografía concluimos: a) en el aspecto diagnóstico, se debe mejorar el porcentaje de colonoscopias completas; los enemas opacos, cuando se realicen, deberían llevarse a cabo sistemáticamente mediante la técnica de doble contraste; sería aconsejable implantar la ecografía endorrectal como exploración de rutina para la correcta estadificación del cáncer rectal con el fin de realizar una correcta selección de los pacientes candidatos a terapéutica adyuvante preoperatoria; b) en la cirugía electiva, dado que la cirugía del cáncer rectal depende del cirujano, creemos que debería ser realizada por personal especialmente entrenado; c) respecto a la cirugía del cáncer colorrectal obstructivo, si las condiciones del paciente lo permiten, debería tratarse de aumentar el porcentaje de resecciones con anastomosis primaria, entrenando al equipo quirúrgico en la realización del lavado intraoperatorio; d) se necesitan estudios prospectivos para valorar el régimen terapéutico adyuvante preoperatorio más adecuado; e) es recomendable que los distintos hospitales dispongan de protocolos de seguimiento postoperatorio homogéneos, con la finalidad de uniformizar el control de estos pacientes, además de prestarles un apoyo psicológico y servir de auditoría de sus propios resultados, y f) debe tratarse de que en los informes anatomopatológicos se especifique el margen circunferencial, así como intensificar el aislamiento de ganglios linfáticos a fin de evitar la infraestadificación tumoral (AU)

[Morphological, histochemical and immunochemical characteristics of the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis. Relationship with the development of pouchitis]. / Características morfológicas, histoquímicas e inmunohistoquímicas del íleon terminal de los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa. Relación con el desarrollo de reservoritis.

UNLABELLED: Pouchitis is the most frequent long-term complication of the ileoanal reservoirs. Its etiology is unknown and it is currently believed to be a recurrence of ulcerative colitis in the mucosa of the ileal reservoir. AIM: To evaluate whether the mucosa of the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis is different from that of patients free of this disease and whether there are morphological and immunological alterations which might predispose to inflammation of the reservoir. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Colectomy samples from the terminal ileum of 20 patients (12 women, 8 men) with ulcerative colitis who had undergone restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal reservoir and of 10 controls who had undergone right hemicolectomy for other causes were studied. During follow-up (46.9 months) seven patients were diagnosed with pouchitis (Sandborn > 7). In all patients, morphometric histopathologic, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies of the ileal mucosa were performed. RESULTS: Chronic inflammatory infiltrate and the degree of villous atrophy and of global chronic inflammation were significantly higher in the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis than in the control group. There were no differences in the mucin content between the two groups and IgA, IgG and B lymphocyte expression was significantly higher in the terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammatory infiltrate, degree of atrophy, villous atrophy and of global chronic infiltration, macrophage and CD8 lymphocyte expression were higher in the terminal ileum of patients with pouchitis, but differences was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis has histopathologic, morphometric and immunohistochemical characteristics that are different from those of patients without this disease. These results may eventually lead to an association between alterations in the ileum and the subsequent development of pouchitis.

Anorectal function in patients with complete rectal prolapse. Differences between continent and incontinent individuals.

AIMS: A study is made of the alterations in anorectal physiology among rectal prolapse patients, evaluating the differences between fecal continent and incontinent individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with complete rectal prolapse were divided into two groups: Group A (8 continent individuals) and Group B (10 incontinent women), while 22 healthy women were used as controls (Group C). Clinical exploration and perineal level measurements were performed, along with anorectal manometry, electrophysiology, and anorectal sensitivity to electrical stimuli. RESULTS: The main antecedents of the continent subjects were excess straining efforts, while the incontinent women presented excess straining and complex deliveries. Pathological perineal descent was a frequent finding in both groups, with a hypotonic anal canal at rest (p < 0.001 vs controls) and at voluntary squeezing (p < 0.001 vs controls). In turn, the incontinent patients exhibited a significantly lower anal canal pressure at rest than the continent women (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between Groups A and C in terms of pudendal motor latency, though latency was significantly longer in Group B than in the controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, pudendal neuropathy was more common, severe and often bilateral in Group B. There were no differences in rectal sensation to distention or in terms of the volumes required to relax the internal anal sphincter. In turn, both prolapse groups exhibited diminished anal canal and rectal sensitivity to electrical stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rectal prolapse exhibit a hypotonic anal canal at rest, regardless of whether they are continent to feces or not. Continent patients have less pudendal neuropathy and therefore less pressure alterations at voluntary sphincter squeeze than incontinent individuals.