Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life After Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed the functional impact after transanal total mesorectal excision. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate function and health-related quality of life among patients with rectal cancer treated with transanal total mesorectal excision. DESIGN: Consecutive patients treated between 2016 and 2018 were selected. Their function and quality of life were studied preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. SETTING: This is a prospective case series. PATIENTS: Patients were eligible if they had primary anastomosis, their diverting stoma had been reversed, and they did not have anastomotic leakage. Forty-five patients were finally included. A total of 31 (68.8%) and 32 patients (71.1%) completed the 3- and 12-month surveys. INTERVENTIONS: Standard transanal total mesorectal excision was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was functional and quality-of-life outcomes using validated questionnaires. Secondary end points included values obtained with endoanal ultrasounds, anorectal manometries, and rectal sensation testing. RESULTS: Wexner and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome scores significantly increased 3 months after surgery but returned to baseline values at 12 months. The rate of "major low anterior resection syndrome" at the end of follow-up was 25.0% (+11.7% compared with baseline, p = 0.314). Sexual and urinary functions remained stable throughout the study, although a meaningful clinical improvement was detected in male sexual interest. Among quality-of-life domains, all deteriorations returned to baseline values 12 months after surgery, except worsening of flatulence symptoms, and improvement in insomnia and constipation. At 12 months, an expected decrease in the mean width of the internal sphincter, the anal resting pressure, and the tenesmus threshold volume was found. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small sample size, the absence of a comparative group, and significant missing data in female sexual difficulty and in ultrasounds and manometries at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision report acceptable quality-of-life and functional outcomes 12 months after surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B541. RESULTADOS FUNCIONALES Y CALIDAD DE VIDA DE LOS PACIENTES DESPUS DE LA ESCISIN MESORRECTAL TOTAL TRANSANAL PARA CNCER DE RECTO UN ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO OBSERVACIONAL: ANTECEDENTES:Pocos estudios han abordado el impacto funcional después de la escisión mesorrectal total transanal.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la función y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con cáncer de recto tratados con escisión mesorrectal total transanal.DISEÑO:Se seleccionaron pacientes consecutivos tratados entre 2016 y 2018. Se estudió su función y calidad de vida, en la etapa preoperatoria, a los tres y doce meses postoperatorios.METODO:Serie de casos prospectivos.PACIENTES:Los pacientes eran incluidos en presencia de anastomosis primaria, cierre del estoma de derivación y en ausencia de fuga anastomótica. Finalmente se incluyeron cuarenta y cinco pacientes. Un total de 31 (68,8%) y 32 pacientes (71,1%) completaron las encuestas de tres y doce meses, respectivamente.INTERVENCIONES:Escisión mesorrectal total transanal estándar.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los criterio de evaluación principal fueron los resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida mediante cuestionarios previamente validados. Los criterios de evaluación secundarios incluyeron los valores obtenidos con ecografía endoanal, manometría anorrectal y prueba de sensibilidad rectal.RESULTADOS:La escala de Wexner y el síndrome de resección anterior baja aumentaron significativamente tres meses después de la cirugía, pero volvieron a los valores iniciales a los doce meses. La tasa de "síndrome de resección anterior inferior grave" al final del seguimiento fue del 25,0% (+ 11,7% en comparación con el valor inicial, p = 0,314). La función sexual y urinaria se mantuvo estable durante todo el estudio, aunque se detectó una mejora clínica significativa en la libido masculina. Entre los criterios que evalúan la calidad de vida, todas las alteraciones en la misma volvieron a los valores iniciales, doce meses después de la cirugía, excepto el aumento de flatulencia, la mejoría del insomnio y el estreñimiento. A los doce meses, se encontró una disminución esperada en el grosor medio del esfínter interno, la presión anal en reposo y el volumen umbral para la presencia de tenesmo.LIMITACIONES:Tamaño de muestra limitado, ausencia de un grupo comparativo, falta significativa de datos para identificar la dificultad para la actividad sexual femenina y el efectuar ecografía y manometría a los tres meses.CONCLUSIONES:Los pacientes sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total transanal refieren una calidad de vida y resultados funcionales aceptables a los doce meses después de la cirugía. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B541.

Manometría anorrectal de alta resolución y de alta definición: redescubriendo la función anorrectal / High-resolution and high-definition anorectal manometry: rediscovering anorectal function

Los trastornos motores y funcionales anorrectales son frecuentes en la población general. La manometría anorrectal permite estudiar la actividad motora anorrectal en reposo y simulando diferentes situaciones fisiológicas. La manometría anorrectal de alta resolución (MAR-AR) y de alta definición (MAR-AD) están utilizándose cada vez con más frecuencia en la práctica clínica. Con respecto a la técnica convencional, los catéteres de la MAR-AR y los de la MAR-AD proporcionan un mayor número de puntos de registro, ya que disponen de muchos sensores circunferenciales muy próximos entre sí. Ello permite la visualización en relación témporo-espacial (modo topográfico en 2 o 3 planos) al obtener un registro de presión continuo en el espacio por interpolación entre sensores muy próximos. La MAR-AR y la MAR-AD nos permiten realizar la técnica de una forma más estandarizada y reproducible y obtener un mejor estudio y comprensión de la anatomía funcional del complejo esfinteriano. Están desarrollándose nuevos parámetros específicos apropiados para utilizarse en la actualidad con estos sistemas y están siendo evaluados por diversos grupos de investigación, por lo que muchos de ellos no están disponibles para utilizarse en la práctica clínica. No obstante, aportan información muy relevante que está permitiendo redefinir la anatomía y la fisiología anorrectales. El objetivo de la presente revisión es describir las técnicas existentes para MAR-AR y MAR-D, exponer los valores publicados de normalidad y analizar los nuevos parámetros que estas técnicas permiten evaluar y que, posiblemente, en un futuro próximo serán de gran utilidad en la práctica clínica

Anorectal motor and functional disorders are common among the general population. Anorectal manometry allows the study of anorectal motor activity both at rest and mimicking different physiological situations. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) and high-definition anorectal manometry (HD-ARM) are increasingly used in clinical practice. In comparison with the conventional technique, HR-ARM and HD-ARM catheters provide a higher number of recording points because of their many, closely packed circumferential sensors. This allows time-space visualization (topographic or 2-3-plane mode) as spatially continuous measurements are obtained by interpolation between near sensors. HR-ARM and HD-ARM allow a more standardized, reproducible technique, and a better assessment and understanding of the functional anatomy of the sphincter complex. Newer specific parameters are now being developed for use with these systems. They are being currently assessed by multiple research teams, and many of them remain unavailable for clinical practice as of today. However, they provide highly relevant information, which is now prompting a redefinition of anorectal anatomy and physiology. The goal of the present review was to describe the currently available HR-ARM and HD-ARM techniques, to discuss the normal values so far reported, and to analyze the newer parameters that may be assessed with these techniques, and which will likely be highly useful for clinical practice in the upcoming future

High-resolution and high-definition anorectal manometry: rediscovering anorectal function.

Anorectal motor and functional disorders are common among the general population. Anorectal manometry allows the study of anorectal motor activity both at rest and mimicking different physiological situations. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) and high-definition anorectal manometry (HD-ARM) are increasingly used in clinical practice. In comparison with the conventional technique, HR-ARM and HD-ARM catheters provide a higher number of recording points because of their many, closely packed circumferential sensors. This allows time-space visualization (topographic or 2-3-plane mode) as spatially continuous measurements are obtained by interpolation between near sensors. HR-ARM and HD-ARM allow a more standardized, reproducible technique, and a better assessment and understanding of the functional anatomy of the sphincter complex. Newer specific parameters are now being developed for use with these systems. They are being currently assessed by multiple research teams, and many of them remain unavailable for clinical practice as of today. However, they provide highly relevant information, which is now prompting a redefinition of anorectal anatomy and physiology. The goal of the present review was to describe the currently available HR-ARM and HD-ARM techniques, to discuss the normal values so far reported, and to analyze the newer parameters that may be assessed with these techniques, and which will likely be highly useful for clinical practice in the upcoming future.

Perceptions of the public healthcare system from private-care patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in Spain

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with reduced health-related quality of life. Patients with IBS benefit from positive patient-provider experiences during treatment. However, many continue to suffer from limited symptom relief and hold negative perceptions. Purpose: to identify potential barriers perceived by patients with IBS with constipation (IBS-C) within the the private health care system compared with the care under the public health-care system in Spain. Methods: this is a multicenter, cross-sectional observational study. Patients with previous experience of public healthcare who attended a private consultation with a gastroenterologist due to constipation/abdominal discomfort, with no previous IBS diagnosis and meeting Rome III criteria at the time of survey completion without alarm symptoms, were invited to join the study. Participants completed the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patient Experience questionnaire, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Score questionnaire and the EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire, reporting their health-related quality of life. Results: seven hundred and seven patients met the study criteria and were evaluated. With regard to public healthcare, patients reported feeling more positive towards their gastroenterologist (62.8% satisfied) than their primary care physician (43.9% satisfied). Patients reported moderate/severe problems with pain/discomfort (61.5%). The majority of patients were treated with fiber (85.3%), laxatives (79.3%) and antispasmodics (54.3%); 47.0% and 11.7% of patients noted little and no improvement, respectively. Conclusions: the perceptions of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and constipation were more positive towards their gastroenterologist than their primary care physician in the public healthcare sector. However, patients were still dissatisfied with the treatment and care received, highlighting the unmet need for improved patient-provider communication to achieve better outcomes

No disponible

Perceptions of the public healthcare system from private-care patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with reduced health-related quality of life. Patients with IBS benefit from positive patient-provider experiences during treatment. However, many continue to suffer from limited symptom relief and hold negative perceptions. PURPOSE: to identify potential barriers perceived by patients with IBS with constipation (IBS-C) within the the private health care system compared with the care under the public health-care system in Spain. METHODS: this is a multicenter, cross-sectional observational study. Patients with previous experience of public healthcare who attended a private consultation with a gastroenterologist due to constipation/abdominal discomfort, with no previous IBS diagnosis and meeting Rome III criteria at the time of survey completion without alarm symptoms, were invited to join the study. Participants completed the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patient Experience questionnaire, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Score questionnaire and the EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire, reporting their health-related quality of life. RESULTS: seven hundred and seven patients met the study criteria and were evaluated. With regard to public healthcare, patients reported feeling more positive towards their gastroenterologist (62.8% satisfied) than their primary care physician (43.9% satisfied). Patients reported moderate/severe problems with pain/discomfort (61.5%). The majority of patients were treated with fiber (85.3%), laxatives (79.3%) and antispasmodics (54.3%); 47.0% and 11.7% of patients noted little and no improvement, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: the perceptions of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and constipation were more positive towards their gastroenterologist than their primary care physician in the public healthcare sector. However, patients were still dissatisfied with the treatment and care received, highlighting the unmet need for improved patient-provider communication to achieve better outcomes.

Is electromyography a predictive test of patient response to biofeedback in the treatment of fecal incontinence?

AIM: Biofeedback is effective in more than 70% of patients with fecal incontinence. However, reliable predictors of successful treatment have not been identified. The aim was to identify clinical variables and diagnostic tests, particularly electromyography, that could predict a successful outcome. METHODS: We included 135 consecutive women with fecal incontinence treated with biofeedback. Clinical evaluation, manometry, ultrasonography, electromyography, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency were performed before therapy. Treatment outcome was assessed using a symptoms diary, Wexner incontinence score and the patient's subjective perception. RESULTS: According to the symptoms diaries, 106 (78.5%) women had a good clinical result and 29 (21.5%) had a poor result. There were no differences in age, severity and type of fecal incontinence. Maximum resting pressure (39.3 ± 19.1 mmHg vs. 33.7 ± 20.2 mmHg; P = 0.156) and maximum squeeze pressure (91.8 ± 33.2 mmHg vs. 79.8 ± 31.2 mmHg; P = 0.127) were higher in patients having good clinical outcome although the difference was not significant. There were no differences in the presence of sphincter defects or abnormalities in electromyographic recordings. Logistic regression analysis found no independent predictive factor for good clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback is effective in more than 75% of patients with fecal incontinence. Clinical characteristics of patients and results of baseline tests have no predictive value of response to therapy. Specifically, we found no association between severity of electromyographic deficit and clinical response.

Characterization of digestive involvement in patients with chronic T. cruzi infection in Barcelona, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Digestive damage due to Chagas disease (CD) occurs in 15-20% of patients diagnosed as a result of peristaltic dysfunction in some endemic areas. The symptoms of chronic digestive CD are non-specific, and there are numerous confounders. Diagnosis of CD may easily be missed if symptoms are not evaluated by a well trained physician. Regular tests, as barium contrast examinations, probably lack the necessary sensitivity to detect early digestive damage. METHODS: 71 individuals with T. cruzi infection (G1) and 18 without (G2) coming from Latin American countries were analyzed. They were asked for clinical and epidemiological data, changes in dietary habits, and history targeting digestive and cardiac CD symptoms. Serological tests for T. cruzi, barium swallow, barium enema, an urea breath test, and esophageal manometry were requested for all patients. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: G1 and G2 patients did not show differences in lifestyle and past history. Fifteen (21.1%) of G1 had digestive involvement. Following Rezende criteria, esophagopathy was observed in 8 patients in G1 (11.3%) and in none of those in G2. Manometry disorders were recorded in 34 G1 patients and in six in G2. Isolated hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was found in sixteen G1 patients (23.9%) and four G2 patients (28.8%). Achalasia was observed in two G1 patients. Among G1 patients, ineffective esophageal motility was seen in six (five with symptoms), diffuse esophageal spasm in two (one with dysphagia and regurgitation), and nutcracker esophagus in three (all with symptoms). There were six patients with hypertonic upper esophageal sphincter (UES) among G1. Following Ximenes criteria, megacolon was found in ten G1 patients (13.9%), and in none of the G2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of digestive chronic CD in our series was 21.1%. Dysphagia is a non-pathognomonic symptom of CD, but a good marker of early esophageal involvement. Manometry could be a useful diagnostic test in selected cases, mainly in patients with T. cruzi infection and dysphagia in whose situation barium swallow does not evidence alterations. Constipation is a common but non-specific symptom that can be easily managed. Testing for CD is mandatory in a patient from Latin America with constipation or dysphagia, and if diagnosis is confirmed, megacolon and esophageal involvement should be investigated.

Incontinencia anal postparto y control evolutivo hasta los doce meses / 12 months follow-up of post-partum anal incontinence

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de la incontinencia anal (IA) para heces y gases y los factores asociados propios del parto y de la madre. Diseño: Estudio observacional prospectivo longitudinal con seguimiento a los 2, 6 y 12 meses del parto. Ámbito de estudio: El Hospital General de Vic como hospital general básico de la comarca de Osona (Cataluña central).Sujetos de estudio: Mujeres con un parto a término de recién nacido vivo entre el 1 de Enero de 2001 y el 31 de Marzo de 2002.MetodologíaDurante el ingreso por parto se recogieron datos de 707 madres (edad, paridad, índice masa corporal, síntomas de incontinencia durante el embarazo), del tipo de parto (vaginal, cesárea) y del feto (peso, circunferencia craneal). A los dos meses del parto, fueron visitadas por un ginecólogo para detectar y establecer el diagnóstico clínico de incontinencia anal mediante un protocolo específico. Las mujeres con síntomas de incontinencia anal a los dos meses del parto, eran visitadas a los seis meses y a los 12 meses entrevistadas por teléfono. Se calculó la prevalencia de IA a los dos, seis y doce meses del parto y la asociación de los síntomas de IA con factores maternos, fetales y del parto. Resultados: De las 531 mujeres visitadas a los dos meses del parto, 11 fueron diagnosticadas de incontinencia anal. A los 12 meses, 4 (36,4%) seguían con síntomas de incontinencia. La prevalencia de incontinencia anal a los dos meses del parto fue del 2,1% (IC 0,95: 1,0-3,7) y se asoció a la primiparidad (“odds ratio” [OR]=7,21; p=0,029) y al parto instrumental con fórceps (OR=5,54, p=0,021). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de síntomas de incontinencia anal a los dos meses postparto es baja; en la mitad de las mujeres los síntomas de IA persisten a los 6 y los 12 meses del parto. La primiparidad y el parto instrumental con fórceps, se asociaron a los síntomas de IA a los dos meses del parto (AU)

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) of faeces and gases, as well as the factors associated with the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.DesignTwelve-month follow-up study with visits at 2, 6 and 12 months. Settings: Vic General Hospital as a basic general hospital in the Osona region (Central Catalonia, Spain).Subject of the study Women who had a live birth at full-term between the 1st of January 2001 and the 31st of March 2002. Methodology: During admission for childbirth, data were collected on the mother (age, parity, body mass index, symptoms of incontinence during pregnancy), the type of delivery (vaginal, caesarean) and the foetus (weight, cranial circumference). Two months after parturition, the mothers were examined by a gynaecologist to detect and establish the clinical diagnosis of anal incontinence by means of a specific protocol. The women were asked whether they had symptoms of involuntary release of faeces or gases: women with symptoms of AI underwent a pelvic examination before being referred to a specialist in coloproctology for an assessment. Women with symptoms of AI at 2 months postpartum were recalled at 6 months for a new clinical assessment by the gynaecologist, and after 12 months all those who had shown persistence of symptoms at 6 months were contacted by phone. The prevalence of anal incontinence at 2 months postpartum was calculated and also the association of symptoms with maternal, foetal and delivery factors. Results: A total of 531 women were visited at 2 months postpartum. Of these, 11 were diagnosed with anal incontinence. At 12 months post partum, 4 (36.4%) of these 11 women continued to have symptoms of incontinence. The prevalence of anal incontinence at 2 months after delivery was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.0-3.7) and was associated with primiparity (Odds ratio [OR]=7.21, P=0.029) and forceps use (OR=5.54, P=0.021) (AU)

[Pelvic floor disorders]. / Patología del suelo pélvico.

Fecal and urinary incontinence are frequently associated, together with pelvic organ prolapse. The most important risk factors for pelvic floor disorders are vaginal delivery and chronic constipation. Irrespective of the symptom prompting the patient to seek medical attention and the specialist consulted, symptoms in other compartments must be investigated because patients rarely report them spontaneously. Patients with pelvic floor disorders should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group of specialists. Complete evaluation includes urodynamics, anal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and neurophysiologic study of the pelvic floor and is recommended in most patients, given that pelvic floor disorders have a complex and multifactorial pathophysiology and that all anatomic and functional abnormalities must be detected to provide the most appropriate treatment. Conservative treatment resolves or improves the problem in a large proportion of patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms. Surgery should be indicated in selected patients with careful evaluation to identify preoperatively all anatomical and functional defects that can be surgically corrected. The identification of risk factors and better knowledge of the prevalence and pathophysiology of this health problem will allow preventive strategies to be established and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Patología del suelo pélvico / Pelvic floor disorders

La incontinencia fecal y urinaria están frecuentemente asociadas,junto con el prolapso de los órganos pélvicos. El partovaginal y el estreñimiento crónico son los factores de riesgomás importantes en la patología del suelo pélvico. Seacual sea el síntoma por el que acude la paciente al especialista,es necesario investigar la existencia de síntomas de otroscompartimentos, porque las pacientes raramente los refierende forma espontánea. Las pacientes con una enfermedaddel suelo pélvico deberían ser evaluadas por un grupo multidisciplinariode especialistas. Se recomienda, en la mayoríade los casos, una evaluación completa que incluya urodinámica,manometría anal, ecografía endoanal y estudios neurofisiológicosdel suelo pélvico, dado que las afecciones delsuelo pélvico tienen una compleja patofisiología multifactorial,y deben detectarse todas las anormalidades anatómicasy funcionales para proporcionar el tratamiento más adecuado.El tratamiento conservador permite la curación o mejoríade un gran número de pacientes con sintomatologíale-ve-moderada. La cirugía debe indicarse en pacientes seleccionadasy correctamente evaluadas, de forma que se hayanidentificado preoperatoriamente todos los defectosanatómicos y funcionales que puedan ser corregidos quirúrgicamente.Identificar factores de riesgo, conocer mejor laprevalencia y la patofisiología de este problema de salud,permitirá establecer estrategias preventivas y mejorar losresultados terapéuticos

Fecal and urinary incontinence are frequently associated,together with pelvic organ prolapse. The most importantrisk factors for pelvic floor disorders are vaginal deliveryand chronic constipation. Irrespective of the symptomprompting the patient to seek medical attention and the specialistconsulted, symptoms in other compartments must beinvestigated because patients rarely report them spontaneously.Patients with pelvic floor disorders should be evaluated by amultidisciplinary group of specialists. Complete evaluationincludes urodynamics, anal manometry, endoanal ultrasonographyand neurophysiologic study of the pelvic floor andis recommended in most patients, given that pelvic floor disordershave a complex and multifactorial pathophysiologyand that all anatomic and functional abnormalities must bedetected to provide the most appropriate treatment.Conservative treatment resolves or improves the problem ina large proportion of patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms.Surgery should be indicated in selected patients withcareful evaluation to identify preoperatively all anatomicaland functional defects that can be surgically corrected. Theidentification of risk factors and better knowledge of theprevalence and pathophysiology of this health problem willallow preventive strategies to be established and improvetherapeutic outcomes

Long-term control of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms after laparoscopic Nissen-Rosetti fundoplication.

Laparoscopic fundoplication is the gold standard surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease, although some patients develop recurrence or collateral symptoms related to surgery. The aims of this study were to describe the long-term symptoms control in patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication, to analyze the patterns of failure and to correlate postoperative symptoms with anatomic and physiologic findings. Extensive preoperative and postoperative work-up including symptom questionnaire, barium meal, endoscopy, manometry, and 24-hour pH-metry were performed in 130 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication. Mean follow-up was 52 months. After laparoscopic fundoplication, 117 patients (90%) were asymptomatic with Visick grade I and II symptoms reported by 124 patients (95%). On evaluation, 119 (92%) patients were satisfied and willing to repeat surgery. Two failure patterns, anatomic abnormalities (wrap migration into the chest or down onto the stomach with or without repair disruption) and functional (incompetence of antireflux mechanism), were reported in 17 patients. Reflux can be controlled in up to 90% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with relatively few complications and a high degree of patient satisfaction. The most common cause of recurrent symptoms is an anatomic failure of the fundoplication.

Electrophysiologic studies and clinical findings in females with combined fecal and urinary incontinence: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Several clinical, urodynamic, and manometric findings suggest neurologic damage as a contributing factor in the development of combined fecal and urinary incontinence. In this study, we wanted to test the hypothesis of pudendal nerve neuropathy being a more frequent lesion in patients with double incontinence compared with patients with isolated fecal incontinence. PATIENTS: Ninety-three females with combined fecal and urinary incontinence and 36 females with isolated fecal incontinence were investigated. All patients underwent anal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, electromyography, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the age, history of vaginal delivery, and chronic straining between both groups. However, the rate of postmenopausal females was higher in the combined fecal and urinary incontinence group (85 vs. 67 percent; P = 0.02). Menopause was an independent risk factor of having double incontinence (odds ratio, 1.4; P = 0.02). Concentric needle electromyography of the external anal sphincter revealed increased duration of the motor unit potentials in 43 and 53 percent of patients with combined fecal and urinary incontinence and isolated fecal incontinence, respectively (P = 0.28). An increased number of polyphasic motor unit potentials was detected in 52 and 58 percent (P = 0.6). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of bilateral (20 vs. 27 percent) or unilateral (23 vs. 14 percent) prolonged mean pudendal nerve terminal motor latency between both groups (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Pudendal neuropathy is not a distinct characteristic of patients with double incontinence. The prevalence of pudendal neuropathy in these patients is similar to that observed in patients with isolated fecal incontinence. Others factors should be investigated to explain the common association of both types of incontinence.

Combined fecal and urinary incontinence: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review last year's literature on combined fecal and urinary incontinence, highlighting the most recent contributions on prevalence, physiopathology, evaluation, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Prevalence studies of double incontinence are rare but both conditions are frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal delivery and chronic straining are risk factors for double incontinence, and pudendal neuropathy may be responsible for deterioration of continence. Electrophysiological studies in patients with combined fecal and urinary incontinence are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. Patients with double incontinence should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group of specialists. A complete evaluation including urodynamics, anal manometry, anal ultrasound and electrophysiologic tests is recommended in most cases. Conservative therapy including pelvic floor exercises combined with bladder training and biofeedback has been demonstrated to be effective. Surgery is indicated in very few selected patients and may be performed simultaneously for both fecal and urinary incontinence. New studies are necessary that focus on identification of other risk factors and preventive strategies before deterioration of continence occurs. SUMMARY: Combined fecal and urinary incontinence is not uncommon and its pathophysiology involves multiple factors. These patients should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group of specialists and offered appropriate measures to improve their quality of life.

Utility of ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH and motility monitoring in noncardiac chest pain: report of 90 patients and review of the literature.

It is unclear whether prolonged motility monitoring improves the diagnostic yield of standard esophageal tests in patients with noncardiac chest pain. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic value of ambulatory 24-hr pH and pressure monitoring in patients with noncardiac chest pain. Stationary manometry, edrophonium testing, and ambulatory pH and motility studies were performed in 90 consecutive patients with recurrent chest pain and normal coronary angiograms. Normality limits of ambulatory 24-hr motility were established in 30 healthy controls. The diagnoses of specific esophageal motility disorders (nutcracker esophagus and diffuse esophageal spasm) by stationary and ambulatory manometry were discordant in 48% of the patients. Edrophonium testing was positive in 9 patients, but correlated poorly with esophageal diagnoses. During ambulatory studies, 144 chest pain events occurred in 42 patients, and 72 (50%) were related to esophageal dysfunction. Strict temporal associations of events with esophageal dysfunction in relation to ambulatory 24-hr pH/motility scores permitted four patient categorizations: true positives (event-related and abnormal tests), N = 15; true negatives (event-unrelated and abnormal tests), N = 10; reduced esophageal pain threshold (event-related and normal tests), N = 4; and indeterminate origin (event-unrelated and normal tests), N = 13. Overall, 19 patients (21%) had a probable esophageal cause for chest pain (14 esophageal motility disorder, 4 acid reflux, 1 both). In conclusion, ambulatory manometry increases the diagnostic yield of standard esophageal testing in noncardiac chest pain, but the gain is small. Causes of chest pain other than high esophageal pressures and acid reflux must still be sought in most patients with chest pain of unknown origin after a negative cardiac work-up.

Clinical, urodynamic, and manometric findings in women with combined fecal and urinary incontinence.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of fecal incontinence in patients with urinary incontinence, who were referred for urodynamic evaluation, and to compare clinical and manometric findings between double incontinence and isolated fecal incontinence. METHODS: Nine hundred women with urinary and/or fecal incontinence were prospectively investigated. Patients with double incontinence (group 1) were compared with 38 women with isolated fecal incontinence (group 2). Clinical data regarding obstetric and urogynecologic history, bowel habit, and type of fecal incontinence were collected. Urodynamics and anal manometry were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (8.7%) presented double incontinence. A history of vaginal delivery and chronic straining was more frequent in patients with double incontinence (P=0.043). No differences were found in the severity of fecal incontinence. Physical examination showed a greater prevalence of rectocele (54% vs. 12%) in group 1. On urodynamics, 80% of women with double incontinence had stress urinary incontinence. Rectal sensation testing revealed a significantly higher rate of hyposensitivity in group 2 (22% vs. 43%). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports a close association between combined stress urinary and fecal incontinence, history of vaginal delivery, and chronic straining.