Anatomical sphincteroplasty as a surgical treatment for faecal incontinence: proposal for a global anatomical reconstructive surgical procedure and results from a case series.

The aim of this study is to describe the technical details and clinical and functional results of anatomical sphincteroplasty as a global reconstructive surgery for the treatment of faecal incontinence caused by anal sphincter lesions. This was a prospective, longitudinal study that included patients who underwent the anatomical sphincteroplasty procedure described here to treat complete sphincter damage. We have described the different technical steps in detail. We evaluated the intraoperative and postoperative complications rate, Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS), a modification of the CCS that included soiling (mCCS), the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQLS), and patient satisfaction. An endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometric study were performed in all the patients. Forty-four patients were included with a mean of 40.5 months follow-up. The CCS reduced from 15 to 3.3 points and the mCCS from 18.5 to 4.5 points over the study period; p < 0.001. Excellent or good results were achieved in 93% of cases. Endoanal ultrasounds showed a good sphincter repair in 66% of the cases. Anorectal manometry showed an increase in the mean maximal resting pressure from 27.6 mmHg to 41.7 mmHg and of the maximal squeeze pressure from 57.9 to 93 mmHg (p < 0.001) with respect to the preoperative values. Anatomical sphincteroplasty is a surgical proposal for the global anatomical reconstruction of anal sphincter lesions, even in cases of very severe damage. The procedure is safe and produced excellent clinical and functional results after a medium-term follow-up.

Validación de la resonancia magnética pélvica como método de elección para determinar la distancia al margen anal en el cáncer de recto / Validation of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging as the method of choice to determine the distance to the anal margin in rectal cancer

Introducción: La altura exacta del tumor en el recto y sus relaciones anatómicas contribuyen a determinar la estrategia terapéutica multidisciplinar basada en la combinación de radio-quimioterapia y cirugía radical. Nuestro objetivo es valorar cuál es el método diagnóstico más preciso en la medición preoperatoria de la distancia al margen anal, y si la resonancia magnética pélvica (RM) puede sustituir a los métodos instrumentales clásicos. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de precisión diagnóstica entre colonoscopia (CF), rectoscopia rígida (RRp) y RM en pacientes con indicación de cirugía radical. La RRp intraoperatoria fue considerada la prueba de referencia. Se analizaron las correlaciones entre las distintas técnicas y su coeficiente de determinación, así como el coeficiente de correlación intraclase y el grado de acuerdo entre los distintos test. Resultados: Se incluyeron 96 pacientes con edad media (DE) de 68 (14,1) años y predominio de varones (65%). Un 72% recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante. La distancia media al margen anal, medida mediante CF=103,5mm, fue significativamente mayor al resto, que obtuvieron valores similares: RRp=81,1, RM=77,4, RRp intraoperatoria=82,9mm (p<0,001). Se objetivó una significativa correlación intraclase y hubo un elevado acuerdo entre todas las mediciones pre e intraoperatorias a excepción de la realizada mediante CF, que sobreestimó el resultado. La RM aportó información más individualizada y precisa. Conclusiones: Existe variabilidad entre los métodos de medición, siendo la colonoscopia el menos fiable. La RM ofrece valores objetivos, comparables, precisos e individualizados que pueden sustituir a los obtenidos por RR en tumores de cualquier localización del recto. (AU)

Introduction: Distance from anal verge of rectal tumors and their anatomical relationships contribute to determine the multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy based on the combination of radio-chemotherapy and radical surgery. Our aims are to investigate which is the most accurate method for the preoperative measuring of the distance from the anal verge in rectal tumors and if the pelvic MRI can substitute the classical instrumental methods. Methods: Prospective study of diagnostic precision between flexible colonoscopy (FC), preoperative rigid rectosigmoidoscopy (pRR) and pelvic MRI in patients scheduled to radical surgery. Rigid intraoperative rectoscopy (iRR) was considered the reference test. The correlations between the different techniques and their determination coefficient as well as the intraclass correlation coefficient and the degree of agreement between the different tests were analyzed. Results: 96 patients (65% males), mean age (SD): 68 (14.1) years were included. 72% received neoadjuvant treatment. The mean distance to the anal margin measured by FC=103.5mm, was significantly greater than others, which had similar values: pRR=81.1; MRI=77.4; iRR=82.9mm (P<.001). A significant intraclass correlation was observed and there was high agreement between all pre- and intraoperative measurements except for the performed by FC, which overestimated the results. MRI provided more individualized and accurate information. Conclusions: There is variability between the measurement methods, being colonoscopy the least reliable. MRI offers objective, comparable, accurate and individualized values that can replace those obtained by pRR for tumors of any location in the rectum. (AU)

Validation of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging as the method of choice to determine the distance to the anal margin in rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Distance from anal verge of rectal tumours and their anatomical relationships contribute to determine the multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy based on the combination of radio-chemotherapy and radical surgery. Our aims are to investigate which is the most accurate method for the preoperative measuring of the distance from the anal verge in rectal tumours and if the pelvic MRI can substitute the classical instrumental methods. METHODS: Prospective study of diagnostic precision between flexible colonoscopy (FC), preoperative rigid rectosigmoidoscopy (pRR) and pelvic MRI in patients scheduled to radical surgery. Rigid intraoperative rectoscopy (iRR) was considered the reference test. The correlations between the different techniques and their determination coefficient as well as the intraclass correlation coefficient and the degree of agreement between the different tests were analyzed. RESULTS: 96 patients (65% males), mean age (SD): 68 (14.1) years were included. 72% received neoadjuvant treatment. The mean distance to the anal margin measured by FC = 103.5 mm, was significantly greater than others, which had similar values: pRR = 81.1; MRI = 77.4; iRR = 82.9 mm (P < .001). A significant intraclass correlation was observed and there was high agreement between all pre- and intraoperative measurements except for the performed by FC, which overestimated the results. MRI provided more individualized and accurate information. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability between the measurement methods, being colonoscopy the least reliable. MRI offers objective, comparable, accurate and individualized values that can replace those obtained by pRR for tumours of any location in the rectum.

Anatomic sphincteroplasty with combined reconstruction of internal and external anal muscles in the anal incontinence surgical treatment.

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.

Navigating surgical anatomy of the Denonvilliers' fascia and dissection planes of the anterior mesorectum with a cadaveric simulation model.

Anterior dissection of the rectum in the male pelvis represents one of the most complex phases of total meso-rectal excision. However, the possible existence of different anatomical planes is controversial and the exact anatomical topography of Denonvilliers' fascia is still debated. The aim of the study is to accurately define in a cadaveric simulation model the existence and boundaries of Denonvilliers' fascia, identifying the anatomical planes suitable for surgical dissection. The pelvises of 31 formalin-preserved male cadavers were dissected. Careful and detailed dissection was carried out to visualize the anatomical structures and the potential dissection planes, simulating an anterior meso-rectum dissection. Denonvilliers' fascia was identified in 100% of the pelvises, as a single-layer fascia that originates from the peritoneal reflection and descends until its firm adhesion to the prostate capsule. The fascia divides the space providing an anterior and a posterior plane. Anteriorly to the fascia, during the caudal dissection, its firm adhesion to the prostate capsule forces to section it sharply. The cadaveric simulation model allowed an accurate description of Denonvilliers' fascia, defining several planes for anterior dissection of the meso-rectum.

Validation of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging as the method of choice to determine the distance to the anal margin in rectal cancer. / Validación de la resonancia magnética pélvica como método de elección para determinar la distancia al margen anal en el cáncer de recto.

INTRODUCTION: Distance from anal verge of rectal tumors and their anatomical relationships contribute to determine the multidisciplinary therapeutic strategy based on the combination of radio-chemotherapy and radical surgery. Our aims are to investigate which is the most accurate method for the preoperative measuring of the distance from the anal verge in rectal tumors and if the pelvic MRI can substitute the classical instrumental methods. METHODS: Prospective study of diagnostic precision between flexible colonoscopy (FC), preoperative rigid rectosigmoidoscopy (pRR) and pelvic MRI in patients scheduled to radical surgery. Rigid intraoperative rectoscopy (iRR) was considered the reference test. The correlations between the different techniques and their determination coefficient as well as the intraclass correlation coefficient and the degree of agreement between the different tests were analyzed. RESULTS: 96 patients (65% males), mean age (SD): 68 (14.1) years were included. 72% received neoadjuvant treatment. The mean distance to the anal margin measured by FC=103.5mm, was significantly greater than others, which had similar values: pRR=81.1; MRI=77.4; iRR=82.9mm (P<.001). A significant intraclass correlation was observed and there was high agreement between all pre- and intraoperative measurements except for the performed by FC, which overestimated the results. MRI provided more individualized and accurate information. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability between the measurement methods, being colonoscopy the least reliable. MRI offers objective, comparable, accurate and individualized values that can replace those obtained by pRR for tumors of any location in the rectum.

Surgical Anatomy of the Rectovaginal Space: Does a Standalone Rectovaginal Septum or Denonvilliers Fascia Exist in Women?

BACKGROUND: Below the anterior peritoneal reflection, the anterior rectal wall and mesorectum are separated from the posterior vaginal wall by a virtual rectovaginal space. In this space, the description of a specific and independent rectovaginal septum as a female counterpart of Denonvilliers fascia has been the subject of debate over the years. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to perform an accurate anatomical study of the rectovaginal area in a cadaveric simulation model of total mesorectal excision to evaluate the possible structures and the dissection planes contained within the rectovaginal space. DESIGN AND SETTING: This is a cadaveric study performed at the University of Valencia. PATIENTS: The pelvises of 25 formalin-preserved female cadavers were dissected. All the included specimens were sectioned in a midsagittal plane, at the level of the middle axis of the anal canal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Careful and detailed dissection was performed to visualize the anatomical structures and potential dissection planes during anterior mesorectal dissection in cadavers. Histological sections were made of the posterior vaginal wall. RESULTS: The rectovaginal space contains loose areolar tissue that allows an easy dissection plane distally. A distinct and independent rectovaginal fascia or septum is not present. The existence of 3 layers fused together in the posterior vaginal wall can be identified more or less precisely because of their different coloration. The histological study confirms this macroscopic arrangement of the posterior vaginal wall in 3 layers: the mucosa, the muscular, and the adventitia. An independent rectovaginal septum can be generated only with a splitting of the adventitia. LIMITATIONS: The cadaveric pelvic specimens of the oldest donors might have had age-related degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The present anatomical study has shown only a plane of loose areolar tissue between the rectal and vaginal wall. We can conclude that there is no independent fascia or septum in the rectovaginal space. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B456. ANATOMÍA QUIRÚRGICA DEL ESPACIO RECTOVAGINAL: ¿EXISTE UN TABIQUE RECTOVAGINAL INDEPENDIENTE O UNA FASCIA DE DENONVILLIERS EN LAS MUJERES: Debajo del reflejo peritoneal anterior, la pared rectal anterior y el mesorrecto están separados de la pared vaginal posterior por un espacio rectovaginal virtual. En este espacio, la descripción de un tabique rectovaginal independiente específico como contraparte femenina de la fascia de Denonvilliers ha sido objeto de debate a lo largo de los años.Realizar un estudio anatómico preciso del área rectovaginal en un modelo de simulación cadavérica de escisión mesorrectal total, con el fin de evaluar las posibles estructuras y los planos de disección contenidos en el espacio rectovaginal.estudio cadavérico realizado en la Universidad de Valencia.Se disecaron las pelvis de 25 cadáveres femeninos conservados en formalina. Todas las muestras incluidas fueron seccionadas en un plano medio sagital, a la altura del eje medio del canal anal.Se llevó a cabo una disección cuidadosa y detallada para visualizar las estructuras anatómicas y los posibles planos de disección durante la disección mesorrectal anterior en cadáveres. Se realizaron cortes histológicos de la pared vaginal posterior.El espacio rectovaginal contiene tejido areolar laxo que permite un plano de disección fácil distalmente. No hay fascia o tabique rectovaginal distinto e independiente. La existencia de tres capas fusionadas en la pared vaginal posterior puede identificarse con mayor o menor precisión debido a su diferente coloración. El estudio histológico confirma esta disposición macroscópica de la pared vaginal posterior en tres capas: la mucosa, la muscular y la adventicia. Un tabique rectovaginal independiente solo se puede generar con una división de la adventicia.Las muestras pélvicas de cadáveres de los donantes más antiguos pueden haber tenido degeneración relacionada con la edad.El estudio anatómico actual solo ha mostrado un plano de tejido areolar laxo entre la pared rectal y vaginal. Podemos concluir que no hay fascia o tabique independiente en el espacio rectovaginal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B456. (Traducción-Dr. Adrian Ortega).

Tratamiento de la fisura anal: algoritmo de actuación. Documento de consenso de la Asociación Española de Coloproctología y la Sección de Coloproctología de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos / Treatment algorithm for anal fissure. Consensus document of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology and the Coloproctology Division of the Spanish Association of Surgeons

Desde la Asociación Española de Coloproctología y la Sección de Coloproctología de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos se propone un documento de consenso sobre el algoritmo de actuación en el tratamiento de la fisura anal que pueda ser de utilidad en la toma de decisiones. En él se expone la actualidad en el tratamiento conservador, médico y quirúrgico, finalizando con un algoritmo de recomendación ante una fisura anal. La metodología utilizada ha sido: creación de un grupo de expertos, búsqueda en PubMed, MEDLINE y Biblioteca Cochrane de las publicaciones de los últimos 10 años sobre fisura anal, presentación en la XXI Reunión Nacional de la Fundación Asociación Española de Coloproctología 2017 con votación de cada conclusión entre los asistentes, y revisión por el comité científico de la Asociación Española de Coloproctología

The Spanish Association of Coloproctology and the Coloproctology Division of the Spanish Association of Surgeons propose this consensus document with a treatment algorithm for anal fissure that could be used for decision making. Non-surgical therapy and surgical treatment of anal fissure are explained, and the recommended algorithm is provided. The methodology used was: creation of a group of experts; search in PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for publications from the last 10 years about anal fissure; presentation at the 21st National Meeting of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology Foundation 2017 with voting for/against each conclusion by the attendees and review by the scientific committee of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology

Reconstrucción de la continuidad digestiva tras cirugía de la diverticulitis aguda complicada. Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico / Stoma reversal after surgery for complicated acute diverticulitis: A multicentre retrospective study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo del estudio es analizar la tasa de reconstrucción del estoma tras cirugía por diverticulitis aguda complicada (DAC), su demora, factibilidad, complicaciones y factores de riesgo de mantenerlo. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico de pacientes intervenidos mediante cirugía urgente por DAC con realización de un estoma en 10 hospitales durante 6 años. Se analiza la frecuencia de reconstrucción del estoma, fundamentalmente de los terminales, y el tiempo en que se produce, así como los factores relacionados con ella. RESULTADOS: De 385 pacientes intervenidos por DAC, a 312 (81%) se les realizó un estoma: 292 fueron colostomías terminales y 20 estomas derivativos. Durante el seguimiento, en 161 (51,6%), se intentó el cierre a una mediana de 9 meses. Las causas más frecuentes de no efectuarlo fueron la comorbilidad y el fallecimiento del paciente. La edad más avanzada se mostró factor adverso en el análisis multivariante y la tasa actuarial de reconstrucción fue mayor en hombres y en quienes no se realizó un Hartmann. La cirugía pudo completarse en todos menos en un paciente y en 4 se asoció un estoma derivativo. La morbimortalidad fue del 35,7 y 1,9%, respectivamente. Hubo un 8,4% de reintervenciones y un 6% de fallos de sutura, quedando 12 pacientes (7,9%) con un estoma tras el intento de reconstrucción. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía de la DAC se asocia muy frecuentemente a la construcción de un estoma terminal, que en casi un 50% no se reconstruirá. Además, la intervención de reconstrucción tiene una demora notable y está asociada a una morbimortalidad nada despreciable

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to analyse the stoma reversal rate after surgery for complicated acute diverticulitis (CAD), and more specifically the end-stoma-reversal, as well as the delay, feasibility, complications and risk factors for stoma maintenance. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective study of patients who had undergone urgent surgery for CAD with stoma formation in ten hospitals during a period of 6 years. The frequency of reversal over time and the factors affecting the decision for reversal were analysed. RESULTS: Out of 385 patients operated for CAD, 312 underwent stoma creation: 292 end colostomies and 20 diverting stomas. During follow-up, stoma reversal surgery was performed in 161 patients (51.6%) after a median of 9 months. The main causes for not performing stoma reversal were comorbidities and the death of the patient. Advanced age was an adverse factor in the multivariate analysis, and the actuarial rate of reversal was higher in men and in patients with no previous Hartmann's operation. Stoma reversal surgery was completed in all but one patient, and a loop ileostomy was associated in four. Morbidity and mortality rates were 35.7% and 1.9%, respectively. A total of 8.4% of patients underwent re-operation, and 6% experienced an anastomotic leak. Twelve patients remained with a stoma after the attempted reconstruction surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for CAD is frequently associated with an end stoma, which will ultimately not be reversed in almost 50% of patients. Moreover, reversal surgery is frequently delayed and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality

Stoma reversal after surgery for complicated acute diverticulitis: A multicentre retrospective study. / Reconstrucción de la continuidad digestiva tras cirugía de la diverticulitis aguda complicada. Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION THE AIM: was to analyse the stoma reversal rate after surgery for complicated acute diverticulitis (CAD), and more specifically the end-stoma-reversal, as well as the delay, feasibility, complications and risk factors for stoma maintenance. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective study of patients who had undergone urgent surgery for CAD with stoma formation in ten hospitals during a period of 6 years. The frequency of reversal over time and the factors affecting the decision for reversal were analysed. RESULTS: Out of 385 patients operated for CAD, 312 underwent stoma creation: 292 end colostomies and 20 diverting stomas. During follow-up, stoma reversal surgery was performed in 161 patients (51.6%) after a median of 9 months. The main causes for not performing stoma reversal were comorbidities and the death of the patient. Advanced age was an adverse factor in the multivariate analysis, and the actuarial rate of reversal was higher in men and in patients with no previous Hartmann's operation. Stoma reversal surgery was completed in all but one patient, and a loop ileostomy was associated in four. Morbidity and mortality rates were 35.7% and 1.9%, respectively. A total of 8.4% of patients underwent re-operation, and 6% experienced an anastomotic leak. Twelve patients remained with a stoma after the attempted reconstruction surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for CAD is frequently associated with an end stoma, which will ultimately not be reversed in almost 50% of patients. Moreover, reversal surgery is frequently delayed and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Treatment algorithm for anal fissure. Consensus document of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology and the Coloproctology Division of the Spanish Association of Surgeons. / Tratamiento de la fisura anal: algoritmo de actuación. Documento de consenso de la Asociación Española de Coloproctología y la Sección de Coloproctología de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos.

The Spanish Association of Coloproctology and the Coloproctology Division of the Spanish Association of Surgeons propose this consensus document with a treatment algorithm for anal fissure that could be used for decision making. Non-surgical therapy and surgical treatment of anal fissure are explained, and the recommended algorithm is provided. The methodology used was: creation of a group of experts; search in PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for publications from the last 10 years about anal fissure; presentation at the 21st National Meeting of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology Foundation 2017 with voting for/against each conclusion by the attendees and review by the scientific committee of the Spanish Association of Coloproctology.

Acute diverticulitis and surgical treatment.

Diverticulitis is a common condition in industrialized countries and an important cause of hospital admissions. Its growing trend is a challenge for the surgeons who perform emergency surgery, because approximately 15-25% of the patients will require surgery, being the surgical management of complicated acute diverticulitis controversial. The past decade has seen a paradigm shift in the treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis based on new epidemiological studies and refinement of surgical techniques that has produced a reassessment of our guidelines. CT imaging and sepsis scores allows to stratify the patients and better define the therapeutic strategies in each case. Special considerations must also be made for patients with a high surgical risk, such as immunosuppressed ones. The recommendations to perform surgery after two episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis have been re-evaluated and the belief that new episodes may be complicated and associated with high morbidity and mortality has been rejected, since the clinical manifestations of this disease are usually defined by the first attack. In complicated cases, more patients can be treated with resection and primary anastomosis with or without an associated stoma, whose reversal rate is much higher than that of a Hartmann's procedure. Likewise, laparoscopic surgery performing a peritoneal lavage and drainage without associated resection may have an increasing role in the management of these patients, although with controversial results, having become laparoscopic colon resection the approach of choice for the treatment of this pathology in elective settings.

Impacto del estoma derivativo en un protocolo de rehabilitación multimodal en cirugía de recto / Impact of a diverting stoma in an enhanced recovery programme for rectal cancer

OBJETIVO: La asociación de ileostomía disminuye la gravedad de las complicaciones tras anastomosis rectal baja pero puede alargar la estancia postoperatoria. El objetivo del presente estudio es averiguar si un estoma derivativo modifica la estancia postoperatoria o las complicaciones, en pacientes intervenidos bajo un régimen de rehabilitación multimodal perioperatoria (RHMM). MÉTODOS: Analizamos a 104 pacientes intervenidos de resección con anastomosis por adenocarcinoma rectal con cuidados de RHMM: 66 varones y 38 mujeres, mediana de edad de 64 años (RIQ: 55-75). En el grupo A, se incluyó a los que se asoció ileostomía derivativa y en el B a aquellos sin ileostomía. RESULTADOS: Grupo A = 58, grupo B = 46 pacientes sin diferencias en edad, ASA, IMC, factores de riesgo, ni en el tipo de abordaje, laparoscópico en un 34%, si bien hubo más neoadyuvancia en el grupo A: 77,5 frente a 36,9%. En este grupo, la intervención habitual fue la exéresis total del mesorrecto (96%) y en el B la subtotal (90%). No hubo diferencias en las complicaciones postoperatorias (34,4 frente a 28,2%; p = 0,322) ni en la de dehiscencias anastomóticas (8,3 frente a 10,8%; p = 0,475), o íleo prolongado (20,7 frente a 10,9%; p = 0,140). Tampoco las hubo en la estancia postoperatoria (7,9 frente a 6,9 días; p = 0,058), reingresos (7 frente a 13,6%; p = 0,22), o en la estancia total incluyendo reingresos (8,4 frente a 9,1 días; p = 0,49). CONCLUSIONES: La asociación de una ileostomía no alarga la EP ni incrementa las complicaciones en pacientes intervenidos de resección rectal en régimen de RHMMP

PURPOSE: The association of a loop ileostomy decreases the severity of complications after rectal surgery but can increase the postoperative stay. The aim of this study is to investigate if a diverting ileostomy influences the postoperative outcomes in a series of patients included in a multimodal rehabilitation program (MMRP). METHODS: We analyzed a series of 104 patients that underwent elective surgery with primary anastomosis for rectal adenocarcinoma using a MMRP: 66 men and 38 women, with a median age of 64 (IQR: 55-75) years. Group A included patients with an associated loop ileostomy, and Group B, those without a protective stoma. RESULTS: Group A = 58, group B = 46 patients without differences in age, ASA, BMI and other risk factors, nor in the surgical approach (laparoscopic in 34%), although there were more neoadjuvant treatments in group A: 77.5 vs. 36.9%; P=.001. In group A, the most common operation was total mesorectal excision (96%) and in the B, a subtotal mesorectal excision (90%). There were no differences in postoperative complications (Group A 34.4 vs. group B28.2%; P=.322), anastomotic leaks (8.3 vs. 10.8%; P=.475), or postoperative ileus (20.7 vs. 10.9%; P=.140), neither in postoperative stay (7.9 vs. 6.9 days; P= .058, readmissions (7 vs. 13.6%; P= .22), or postoperative stay, including readmissions (8.4 vs. 9.1 days; P= .49). CONCLUSIONS: The association of a loop ileostomy does not extend the length of stay nor increases the rate of complications in patients that underwent a rectal resection with anastomosis included in a MMRP

Impact of a diverting stoma in an enhanced recovery programme for rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The association of a loop ileostomy decreases the severity of complications after rectal surgery but can increase the postoperative stay. The aim of this study is to investigate if a diverting ileostomy influences the postoperative outcomes in a series of patients included in a multimodal rehabilitation program (MMRP). METHODS: We analyzed a series of 104 patients that underwent elective surgery with primary anastomosis for rectal adenocarcinoma using a MMRP: 66 men and 38 women, with a median age of 64 (IQR: 55-75) years. Group A included patients with an associated loop ileostomy, and Group B, those without a protective stoma. RESULTS: Group A = 58, group B = 46 patients without differences in age, ASA, BMI and other risk factors, nor in the surgical approach (laparoscopic in 34%), although there were more neoadjuvant treatments in group A: 77.5 vs. 36.9%; P=.001. In group A, the most common operation was total mesorectal excision (96%) and in the B, a subtotal mesorectal excision (90%). There were no differences in postoperative complications (Group A 34.4 vs. group B28.2%; P=.322), anastomotic leaks (8.3 vs. 10.8%; P=.475), or postoperative ileus (20.7 vs. 10.9%; P=.140), neither in postoperative stay (7.9 vs. 6.9 days; P= .058, readmissions (7 vs. 13.6%; P= .22), or postoperative stay, including readmissions (8.4 vs. 9.1 days; P= .49). CONCLUSIONS: The association of a loop ileostomy does not extend the length of stay nor increases the rate of complications in patients that underwent a rectal resection with anastomosis included in a MMRP.

Tratamiento de las fístulas de ano complejas de causa criptoglandular. ¿Aún se requiere un cirujano con experiencia? / Treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas. Does it still require an experienced surgeon?

Sigue habiendo controversias en el manejo de las fístulas de ano complejas de origen criptoglandular (FC) incluso tras el empleo de técnicas novedosas teóricamente más simples. Para clarificar el papel del cirujano colorrectal en su tratamiento, se efectúa una revisión crítica de la literatura basándonos en que el precario balance entre erradicar la sepsis y mantener la función anorrectal afecta la elección. Se discuten técnicas como la fistulotomía, colgajos de avance, reparación esfinteriana inmediata o ligadura del trayecto interesfintérico. También se analizan las nuevas tecnologías preservadoras del esfínter como el sellado, empleo de tapones y terapia celular. Sin embargo, con escasas excepciones, la evidencia científica es baja o nula debido a la escasez de ensayos clínicos y a que hay gran variabilidad de presentaciones y de detalles técnicos que pueden influir en el resultado. Por tanto, la experiencia en el tratamiento de las FC sigue siendo esencial (AU)

There is still controversy on the management of complex cryptoglandular fistulas, even after employing the newest, theoretically simple, techniques. A critical review of the literature was performed, in order to clarify the role of the surgeon, where the precarious balance between eradicating sepsis and maintaining anorectal influences the choice. Techniques, such as fistulotomy, immediate sphincter repair or ligature of the intersphincter trajectory, are discussed. The new sphincter preserving techniques, such as sealing, use of plugs and cell therapy are also analysed. However, with a few exceptions, the scientific evidence is low or zero, due to the lack of clinical trials and to the large variation in the presentations and technical details that could influence the results. For this reason, experience in treating complex cryptoglandular fistulas is still essential (AU)

[Treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistulas. Does it still require an experienced surgeon?]. / Tratamiento de las fístulas de ano complejas de causa criptoglandular. ¿Aún se requiere un cirujano con experiencia?

There is still controversy on the management of complex cryptoglandular fistulas, even after employing the newest, theoretically simple, techniques. A critical review of the literature was performed, in order to clarify the role of the surgeon, where the precarious balance between eradicating sepsis and maintaining anorectal influences the choice. Techniques, such as fistulotomy, immediate sphincter repair or ligature of the inter-sphincter trajectory, are discussed. The new sphincter preserving techniques, such as sealing, use of plugs and cell therapy are also analysed. However, with a few exceptions, the scientific evidence is low or zero, due to the lack of clinical trials and to the large variation in the presentations and technical details that could influence the results. For this reason, experience in treating complex cryptoglandular fistulas is still essential.

Análisis de nuestra experiencia mediante el uso de resonancia magnética dinámica pelviana en la evaluación del síndrome de defecación obstructiva / Analysis of experience in the use of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of obstructive defaecation syndrome

Introducción El diagnóstico etiológico del síndrome de defecación obstructiva (DO) requiere, entre otros, de métodos de imagen El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar y comparar descriptivamente con la exploración clínica los hallazgos de la resonancia magnética pelviana dinámica (RMPD) en pacientes con DO. Material y métodos Se efectúa un estudio prospectivo comparativo entre la exploración física y la RMPD, analizando los resultados de forma descriptiva. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes (2 hombres y 28 mujeres), con una mediana de edad de 60 años (rango 23-76), con sintomatología de DO a los que se efectuó anamnesis y exploración física detalladas y una RMPD. Se analizaron alteraciones funcionales (anismo) y morfológicas (rectocele, enterocele, intususcepción, etc.).ResultadosLa exploración física no objetivó anomalías en 6 pacientes (20%). En 21 (70%) se diagnosticó un rectocele y en 2 (6,7%) un prolapso mucoso rectal. La RMPD evidenció laxitud del suelo pelviano en 22 casos (73,3%), enterocele en 4 (13,3%), sigmoidocele en 2 (6,7%), intususcepción en 8 (26,7%), prolapso mucoso rectal en 4 (13,3%), anismo en 3 (10%) y cistocele en 4 (13,3%). El rectocele fue el diagnóstico más frecuente, dándose en 26 pacientes (86,6%).Conclusiones La resonancia magnética ofrece una evaluación pelviana global con gran definición de los tejidos, no utiliza radiaciones ionizantes, es bien tolerada y nos aporta información complementaria para llegar al diagnóstico y plantear el mejor tratamiento en el síndrome de DO. Son necesarios estudios comparativos amplios frente a videodefecografía, considerada actualmente la técnica gold standard, que demuestren su superioridad o no respecto a esta (AU)

Introduction The aetiological diagnosis of obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS) requires, among others, imaging tests. The purpose of this study is to descriptively analyse and compare the findings of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (DPMRI) with the clinical examinations in patients with ODS. Material and methods A prospective comparative study was made between the physical examination and the DPMRI, with a descriptive analysis of the results. A total of 30 patients were included (2 males and 28 females), with a median age of 60 (range 23-76) years, with symptoms of ODS. An anamnesis and detailed physical examination and a DPMRI were performed on all of them. Functional (anismus) and morphological changes (rectocele, enterocele, intussusception, etc.), were analysed. Results The physical examination did not detect anomalies in 6 (20%) patients. A rectocele was diagnosed in 21 (70%) of the cases, and 2 (6.7%) a rectal mucosal prolapse. The DPMRI showed evidence of pelvic floor laxity in 22 (73.3%) cases, an enterocele in 4 (13.3%), a sigmoidocele in 2 (6.7%), intussusception in 8 (26.7%), rectal mucosal prolapse in 4 (13.3%), anismus in 3 (10%), and a cystocele in 4 (13.3%). The rectocele was the most frequent diagnosis, being given in 26 (86.6%) patients. Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging provides an overall pelvic assessment with good definition of the tissues, and does not use ionising radiation, is well tolerated, and provides us with complementary information to arrive at the diagnosis, and establish the best treatment for ODS. Larger studies comparing videodefaecography (VD), currently considered the Gold Standard technique, are needed to be able to demonstrate whether it is superior or not to DPMRI (AU)