Is it possible to reduce recurrences after Altemeier's procedure for complete rectal prolapse? Twenty-year experience in 130 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: In the attempt to understand the reasons for and to find a solution to the high recurrence rate after perineal surgery for complete rectal prolapse, we retrospectively analysed the long-term results of Altemeier's procedure alone, or associated with Trans-Obturator Colonic Suspension (TOCS) in a large series of patients with a median interval of 84 months (range 6-258). METHODS: Medical records of 110 patients undergoing Altemeier with levatorplasty (group 1) and 20 patients submitted to the same procedure associated with TOCS (group 2) for newly diagnosed complete rectal prolapse were reviewed. All patients had been recruited after preoperative clinical examination, SF-36 quality of life, continence score and colonoscopy. RESULTS: Mortality was nil. The overall complication and the recurrence rates were 12.3%, and 15.0% (P= 0.769) and 24.6% and 5.0% (P=0.067) in group 1 and 2, respectively. Twelve patients of group 1 with a recurrence were submitted to a redo-Altemeier, 8 to a redo-Altemeier associated with TOCS, and 6 associated with an anterior coloplasty with a mesh. The only patient of group 2 with a recurrence was submitted to a Hartmann's operation. Preoperative vs postoperative mean (SD) continence score was 15.8 (3.1) and 15.6 (3.3) versus 4.1 (1.8) and 3.9 (1.9) in group 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). All parameters of SF-36 improved after surgery (P<0.01) and no differences between the 2 groups were found CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results confirmed the safety and effectiveness of Altemeier's procedure for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse, with the limit of a non-negligible incidence of anastomotic complications and recurrences. The combination of Altemeier with TOCS showed a positive trend to a reduction of the recurrence rate, not worsening morbidity and outcomes.

Pudendal Neuralgia: A New Option for Treatment? Preliminary Results on Feasibility and Efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the feasibility and report the short-term results of a new procedure for treatment of pudendal neuralgia, consisting of transperineal injections of autologous adipose tissue with stem cells along the Alcock's canal. METHODS: Fifteen women with pudendal neuralgia not responsive to 3-months medical therapy were examined clinically, with VAS score, validated SF-36 questionnaire, and pudendal nerve motor terminal latency (PNMTL). These patients were submitted to pudendal nerve lipofilling. Clinical examinations with VAS, SF36, and PNTML were scheduled during 12 months follow-up, with the incidence of pain recurrence (VAS > 5) as primary outcome measure. Appropriate tests were used for statistics. RESULTS: All patients had preoperative increase of pudendal nerve latencies. Twelve patients completed the follow-up protocol. There was no mortality, and no complications. Two patients had no pain improvement and continued to use analgesic drugs. At 12 months VAS significantly improved (3.2 ± 0.6 vs 8.1 ± 0.9, P < 0.001), as well SF36 (75.5 ± 4.1 vs 85.0 ± 4.5 preoperative, P < 0.01), while PNTML showed a nonsignificant trend to a better nerve conduction (2.64 ± 0.04 vs 2.75 ± 0.03 preoperative, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The new technique seems to be easy, with low risk of complications, and with significant improvement of symptoms in the short period. A larger study with appropriate controls and longer follow-up is now needed to assess its real effectiveness.

The Big Game: hunting for retained bullets and foreign bodies in Great War radiology.

OBJECTIVES: Searching for retained bullets has always been crucial in war surgery. Aim of this paper is to briefly outline the history of retained bullet identification methods before X-rays discovery and describe the proliferation of the most significant methods of foreign body localization during WWI. METHODS: Coeval medical journals, reference textbooks, dedicated manuals and documents have been searched and compared in multiple archives and on the internet. RESULTS: Before radiologic era, probing the wound was the only way to detect the bullet and minimize the need of a large surgical incision (anaesthesia was walking its first tentative steps and antisepsis still to be conceived). Nelaton's probe, specifically designed to detect General Garibaldi's retained projectile, gained popularity. Application of electricity provided further rudimental aids to find retained metals. X-rays discovery made bullet detection easy, but exact localization to guide removal was still difficult. Hundreds of imaginative X-Ray methods for localizing bullets and splinters more precisely in the countless complex wounds flourished during the Great War. Axis intersection, geometric reconstruction and anatomical criteria guided localization. Complex procedures and rudimental localizers to simplify calculations, and a number of compasses and magnetic or electric devices to aid surgical removal were developed, and are here outlined. Intermittent radiology assessment or combined radiology and surgery procedures started to play a role. CONCLUSIONS: All these methods and tools are the ancestors of modern navigation systems, ensured by images digitalization and miniaturization technologies. KEY WORDS: Foreign bodies, Mobile Health Units, Radiology, X-Rays, World War I, Wounds and injuries.

What is the benefit of a new stapler device in the surgical treatment of obstructed defecation? Three-year outcomes from a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: A randomized study was conducted to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of the stapled transanal rectal resection, using the traditional 2 circular staplers and a new, curved stapler device in patients with obstructed defecation caused by rectal intussusception and rectocele. Stapled transanal rectal resection gives good midterm results in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome, but the limited capacity of the casing of the circular stapler and the impossibility to control the positioning of the rectal wall and the firing of staples may result in incomplete removal of the prolapsed tissues, or serious complications. The new curved multifire stapler could avoid these drawbacks. METHODS: From January to December 2006, 100 women were selected, with clinical examination, constipation score, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, and perineography, and randomly assigned to 2 groups: 50 patients underwent stapled transanal rectal resection with 2 traditional circular staplers (STARR group) and 50 had the same operation with a new, curved multifire stapler (TRANSTAR group). Patients were followed up with clinical examination, constipation score, and colpocystodefecography, with the recurrence rate as the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: Recurrence rates at 3 years were 12.0% in STARR group and 0 in the TRANSTAR group (P = .035). Operating time was significantly shorter in the STARR group (P = .008). Complications were 2 bleeds (4%) in the STARR group and 1 tear of the vagina in the TRANSTAR group. The incidence of fecal urgency was 34.0% in the STARR group and 14.0% in the TRANSTAR group (P = .035). All symptoms and defecographic parameters significantly improved after the operation (P < .001) without differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The curved Contour Transtar stapler device did not appear to offer significant advantages over the traditional PPH-01 device during the operation or in the clinical and functional outcomes. However, the lower incidence of fecal urgency and recurrences might justify the higher cost of the new stapler.

A Minimally Invasive Technique for the 1-Stage Treatment of Complex Pelvic Floor Diseases: Laparoscopic-Pelvic Organ Prolapse Suspension.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of a new single laparoscopic operation devised to relieve obstructed defecation, gynecologic and urinary symptoms in a large series of female patients with multiorgan pelvic prolapse. METHODS: We submitted 384 female patients to laparoscopic pelvic organ prolapse suspension operation, a new technique based on suspension of the middle pelvic compartment, by using a polypropylene mesh and followed up 368 of them, with defecography performed 12 months after surgery and a standardized protocol. RESULTS: The 368 patients were followed-up for 36.3 (±4.4) months, Recurrence rate was 4.9% for obstructed defecation syndrome and 3.3% for stress urinary incontinence. Complication rate was 2.9%. The mean period of daily activity resumption was 16.3 days (±4.8 days). Anorectal and urogynecologic symptoms and scores significantly improved after the operation (P < 0.001), with no worsening of anal continence. Incidence of postoperative fecal urgency was 0%. Postoperative defecography showed a significant (P < 0.001) improvement of all parameters in 315 patients (82%). Short Form 36 Health Survey score significantly improved after the operation (P < 0.01). An excellent/good overall Satisfaction Index was reported by 78.0% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience the Laparoscopic-Pelvic Organ Prolapse Suspension seems to be safe and effective as a 1-stage treatment of associated pelvic floor diseases. Randomized studies with an appropriate control group and longer follow-up are now needed to assess the effectiveness of this promising technique.

The Italian mobile surgical units in the Great War: the modernity of the past.

Medical services in WWI had to face enormous new problems: masses of wounded, most with devastating wounds from artillery splinters, often involving body cavities, and always contaminated. Tetanus, gas gangrene, wound infections were common and often fatal. Abdominal wounds were especially a problem: upon entering the war the commanders of all medical services ordered to avoid surgery, based on dismal experiences of previous wars. Surgical community divided into non-operative and operative treatment supporters. The problem seemed mainly organizational, as the wounded were rescued after many hours and treated by non-specialist doctors, in inadequate frontline settings or evacuated back with further delay of treatment. During initial neutrality, Italian Academics closely followed the debate, with different positions. Many courses and publications on war surgery flourished. Among the interventionists, Baldo Rossi, to provide a setting adequate to major operations close to the frontline, with trained surgeons and adequate instruments, realized for the Milano Red Cross three fully equipped, mobile surgical hospitals mounted on trucks, with an operating cabin-tent, with warming, illumination and sterilizing devices, post-operative tents and a radiological unit. Chiefs of the army approved the project and implemented seven similar units, called army surgical ambulances, each run by a distinguished surgeon. Epic history and challenges of the mobile units at the frontline, brilliant results achieved on war wounds and epidemics are described. After the war they were considered among the most significant novelties of military medical services. Parallels with present scenarios in war and peace are outlined.

Mucopexy-Recto Anal Lifting (MuRAL) in managing obstructed defecation syndrome associated with prolapsed hemorrhoids and rectocele: preliminary results.

PURPOSE: Treatment of rectocele associated with prolapsed hemorrhoids is a debated topic. Transanal stapling achieved good midterm results in patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation, nevertheless a number of severe complications have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new endorectal manual technique in patients with obstructed defecation due to the combination of muco-hemorrhoidal prolapse and rectocele. METHODS: Patients enrolled after preoperative obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) score, defecography and anoscopy were submitted to the novel Mucopexy-Recto Anal Lifting (MuRAL) combined with a modified Block procedure, and followed up by independent observers with digital exploration 3 weeks postoperatively, and digital exploration plus anoscopy at 3, 6, and 12 months. Operative time, hospital stay, numerating rating scale (NRS), ODS, satisfaction scores, and recurrence rate were recorded. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 35.7 minutes. Fifty-six patients completed 1-year follow-up: 7.1% had acute urinary retention, NRS score was < 3 from the third postoperative day, mean time of daily activity resumption was 12 days, none had persistent fecal urgency, 82% declared excellent/good satisfaction score, significant improvement of 6- and 12-month ODS score, no recurrence of rectocele, and 7.1% recurrence of prolapsed hemorrhoids were observed. CONCLUSION: MuRAL associated with modified Block technique gave no severe complications and resulted in a safe and effective approach to symptomatic rectocele associated with muco-rectal prolapse. Further randomized studies, larger series, and longer follow-up are needed.

An incredibly dilated Wirsung mimicking a sero-cystic neoplasm of the pancreatic head.

A diabetic patient who at a routine abdominal ultrasounds was found to have a very dilated pancreatic duct. Computed tomography (CT) scan diagnosed a sero-cystic lesion of the pancreatic head. Gastroduodenoscopy discovered a duodenal hyperemic area, which was sampled. Biopsy demonstrated intramucosal vascular emboli from a neuroendocrine carcinoma positive for Chromogranin A and Somatostatin and negative for Gastrin. Cholangio-magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the sero-cystic lesion found at CT, was being mimicked by the enormously dilated pancreatic duct but suggested the possibility of an intraductal or ampullar neoplasm. Blood and urine tests were not helpful and an octreoscan was negative. The patient underwent surgery. Direct exploration confirmed the severe pancreatic duct dilation and a cephalic lesion requiring a pancreatoduodenectomy. Histology confirmed a neuroendocrine tumor infiltrating the duodenum. We conclude that despite modern sophisticated imaging and endoscopic techniques, the evaluation of bilio-pancreatic region can be challenging and can reserve surgical surprises.

Pulmonary aspiration in adjustable gastric banding carriers undergoing a second surgical procedure. Considerations on personal experience and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The observation of a relatively high number of pulmonary aspirations (PA) among gastric band (GB) carriers undergoing a second surgery, prompted us to modify our strategy for GB patients candidate to further operation under general anesthesia. MATERIAL OF STUDY AND RESULTS: In January 2013, following the occurrence of PA at the induction of general anesthesia in 1 GB carrier undergoing a further operation, we reviewed our Data Base between January 2005 and 2013, to explore the rate of pulmonary aspiration in patients GB carriers undergoing a second surgery. Considering the rate (3/172 - 1.7%) too high in comparison with non-GB carriers, we decided to deflate the banding before any further surgery planned under general anesthesia. We then retrospectively reviewed the occurrence of PA after having changed the protocol. Since February 2013, through December 2016, 81 GB carriers underwent a second surgery and not a single episode of PA occurred (0/81). DISCUSSION: The occurrence of PA in patients with GB seems greater than in non-GB patients. Larger series should be examined to assess the incidence of PA among this specific population. Awareness of the increased risk is important to general anesthesiologists and surgeons, considering the increasing number of GB carriers who may be in need of surgery. Our result after adopting the deflation policy, even though not statistically significant, seems highly suggestive. CONCLUSION: We believe that, considering the potentially severe consequences of PA, the gastric band should be deflated before any planned procedure requiring general anesthesia. Further data are needed. KEY WORDS: Adjustable gastric banding, Aspiration Pneumonia, Bariatric surgery, Morbid obesity, Pulmonary Aspiration.

Mucopexy-recto anal lifting: a standardized minimally invasive method of managing symptomatic hemorrhoids, with an innovative suturing technique and the HemorPex System®.

BACKGROUND: Conservative surgery of hemorrhoidal disease is less painful than traditional hemorrhoidectomy, and mucopexy has less risk of serious postoperative complications than stapled hemorrhoidopexy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a standardized, modified hemorrhoidopexy, named Mucopexy-Recto Anal Lifting (MuRAL) with the HemorPex System (HPS) in patients with symptomatic III and IV degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: Patients were enrolled from May 2013 to Dec 2015 and operated on with the MuRAL technique, based on arterial ligation and mucopexy at 6 locations, using a standardized clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation sequence of the HPS anoscope. Follow-up controls were carried out by independent observers, as follows: a digital exploration 3 weeks after the intervention, digital exploration plus proctoscopy at 3 and 12 months and repeated at a 12 months interval. Patients who did not strictly follow the postoperative controls were excluded from the study. Primary outcome measurement was the recurrence rate. Secondary measurements were: operative time, hospital stay, postoperative pain, postoperative symptoms and satisfaction score. RESULTS: We operated on 126 patients (72 males, mean age 53.9, range 29-83): 87 (69.6%) with III degree and 39 with IV degree hemorrhoids; 13 patients had a MuRAL as a revisional procedure of a previous operation for hemorrhoids. Mean duration of follow-up was 554 days (range 281-1219). Four patients were excluded from the study. One-year recurrence rate was 4.1%. The mean duration of the intervention was 29.5 minutes (range 23-60) and 92 patients (73%) were discharged during the same day of the operation. Pain VAS Score in the first, second and third postoperative day was 3.9, 2.5, and 1.9, respectively. Twenty-two patients (18%), all submitted to spinal anesthesia, had postoperative acute urinary retention. Fecal urgency, observed in 18.8% of patients at the first control, disappeared within one year after the operation. Mean time to return to normal activity was 8 days (range 5 -10). The patient satisfaction scores at one-year follow up were 31.1% excellent, 57.4% good, 7.4% fairly good and 4.1% poor. In patients with III degree hemorrhoids operative time was significantly shorter, postoperative pain better and transient fecal urgency lower than in IV degree patients. In our experience the standardization of MuRAL operation with HPS, turned out to be a safe and effective minimally invasive approach in managing symptomatic III and IV degree hemorrhoids, avoiding the risk of severe complications, with the possibility to perform a redo-MuRAL in the event of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In our series up to 88% of the patients reported a good, or excellent one-year satisfaction score. Further comparative randomized studies with longer follow-up period are needed.

The evolution of transanal surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome: Mid-term results from a randomized study comparing double TST 36 HV and Contour TRANSTAR staplers.

A randomized study was carried out to compare the mid-term outcome of transanal rectal resection with the CCS-30 TRANSTAR and two TST36 staplers in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome. After selection, patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups:104 underwent a TRANSTAR operation and 104 a transanal rectal resection with two TST36 staplers. Patients were followed up with clinical examination, and defecography. Cumulative complication rate was significantly higher in TRANSTAR operation (P = 0.019). All symptoms and defecographic parameters significantly improved (P < 0.001), without differences. Costs were significantly lower with double TST (P = 0.035). Recurrence rates were 6.2% in TRANSTAR group and 11.4% with double TST (P = 0.206). Two circular TST 36 staplers consent to obtain the same clinical and functional results than the CCS-30, with significantly lower complication rate and costs.

Stapled anopexy versus transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization for hemorrhoidal disease: a three-year follow-up from a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: This randomized study compared the medium-term results of stapled anopexy (SA) and transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with anopexy (THD) in 4 homogeneous groups of patients, 2 with third- and 2 with fourth-degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: Forty patients with third-degree and 30 with fourth-degree hemorrhoids were randomly submitted to SA (N.=20+15) and THD (N.=20+15), respectively. Clinical controls were done every 6 months from 1 to 42 months after the operation, with incidence of recurrent hemorrhoids as primary outcome measure. Operative time, complications, pain, time to return to normal activity, costs, Short Form-36, and overall patient satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: Frequencies of preoperative obstructed defecation symptoms and prolapse recurrence were higher in patients with fourth-degree hemorrhoids, and SA was more effective than THD in reducing the risk of recurrence at 36±6 months follow-up (P=0.049). Operative time, complications, pain, and time of return to normal activity were similar in the 4 groups. Costs were significantly higher for SA in patients with fourth-degree hemorrhoids (P>0.01). A significant improvement of quality of life was observed in all groups, and no significant difference was found in overall patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are safe and effective in the mid-term period. SA is more effective in reducing prolapse and obstructed defecation symptoms in fourth-degree hemorrhoids, with the disadvantage of higher costs. Prolapse size and presence of obstructed defecation symptoms could be predictive criteria for choice of the best surgical technique.

Manometric study of the anal sphincter during haemorrhoidectomy using posterior perineal block.

Minor anorectal diseases affect 4-5% of the adult western population. Operations are performed on an ambulatory or 24-hour-stay basis. The aim of our study was to assess the physiology of anal sphincter relaxation by anal manometry after posterior perineal block during haemorrhoidectomy. We recruited 15 patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids in a manometric study of the anal sphincter during haemorrhoidectomy with regional anaesthesia. The patients underwent anal manometry before and 15 minutes after the posterior perineal block to determine the resting and squeeze anal pressures. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. We observed mean reductions of 34.6% and 37.1% in resting and squeeze pressure values, respectively, after posterior perineal block (p < 0.005). Our manometric study demonstrated that anal sphincter relaxation after posterior perineal block correlates with a significant reduction in resting and squeeze pressures because the block anaesthesia not only the somatic, but also the sympathetic fibres. We believe that posterior perineal block allows the surgeon to perform radical haemorrhoidectomy in the overnight stay setting with optimal intra- and postoperative analgesia, safe sphincter relaxation, lower postoperative complications, and lower costs to the public health service.

Videothoracoscopic approach to stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

AIM: Aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of videothoracoscopic staging and treatment in a twenty-year-long series of 286 VATS lobectomies for Clinical Stage I NSCLC. MATERIAL OF STUDY: We retrospectively reviewed 1549 candidates to resection after conventional staging from November 1991 to December 2013, and routinely submitted to videothoracoscopy immediately before the procedure. Patients deemed operable at videoexploration were resected by thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. Out of 534 VATS resections 286 thoracoscopic lobectomies for clinical stage I cancers were performed with strict indications and standardized technique; more advanced tumours were converted even when thoracoscopically resectable. Impact of preliminary videothoracoscopy and and longterm Kaplan-Meier survival was analyzed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Out of 1549 patients, videothoracoscopy disclosed inoperability in 62 (4 %), mostly for pleural carcinosis (33pts.-2.1%) or mediastinal infiltration (22pts-1.4%). 534 (34.5%) patients had videothoracoscopic resection (286 lobectomies, 7 pneumonectomies, 241 wedge resections), 919 (59.3%) had thoracotomy resection, 34 (2.2%) had an exploratory thoracotomy (ET). Thoracoscopy had an accuracy rate of 72.4%, was reliable in excluding unresectability (NPV 0.95), and decreased the rate of ETs to 2.1%, ,sparing 596 (38.5%) thoracotomies. There was no intraoperative mortality or recurrence. Stage I patients had 83.8% 3-yr survival and 64.3% 5-yr survival. Five-year survival was significantly better (p=0.004) for T1N0 patients (70%) than T2N0 (55%) and for patients younger than 55 (86.4%) or with lesion < 2 cm (80.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary videothoracoscopy reliably assesses tumor resectability and feasibility of thoracoscopic resection, limiting unnecessary thoracotomies. Videolobectomies are safe and survival is comparable to open lobectomy. KEY WORDS: Lobectomy, Lung cancer, Minimally invasive surgery, Thoracoscopy, VATS.

Prospective clinical and functional results of combined rectal and urogynecologic surgery in complex pelvic floor disorders.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of combined rectal and urogynecologic surgery in women with associated obstructed defecation, urinary incontinence, or genital prolapse. METHODS: One hundred forty-two selected patients with obstructed defecation in isolation or associated with urinary incontinence, enterocele, or genital prolapse were consecutively operated on by stapled transanal rectal resection alone or associated with transobturator tape, vaginal repair of the enterocele, or vaginal hysterectomy, respectively, and followed up by clinical controls and defecography. RESULTS: At 2 years, all symptom, quality-of-life, and defecographic parameters had significantly improved in all groups (P < .001). The association with hysterectomy showed higher risk for severe complications, longer operative time, hospital stay, and time of inability (P < .001). Recurrence of urinary incontinence was observed in 3 of 24 patients, while 2 of 21 showed residual vaginal prolapse. CONCLUSION: The combination of rectal and urogynecologic surgery is effective, with higher morbidity in the association with vaginal hysterectomy. Randomized trials comparing surgery in 1 and more stages and longer follow-up are necessary for a definitive conclusion.

Stapled transanal rectal resection in solitary rectal ulcer associated with prolapse of the rectum: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: At present, none of the conventional surgical treatments of solitary rectal ulcer associated with internal rectal prolapse seems to be satisfactory because of the high incidence of recurrence. The stapled transanal rectal resection has been demonstrated to successfully cure patients with internal rectal prolapse associated with rectocele, or prolapsed hemorrhoids. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the short-term and long-term results of stapled transanal rectal resection in patients affected by solitary rectal ulcer associated with internal rectal prolapse and nonresponders to biofeedback therapy. METHODS: Fourteen patients were selected on the basis of validated constipation and continence scorings, clinical examination, anorectal manometry, defecography, and colonoscopy and were submitted to biofeedback therapy. Ten nonresponders were operated on and followed up with incidence of failure, defined as no improvement of symptoms and/or recurrence of rectal ulceration, as the primary outcome measure. Operative time, hospital stay, postoperative pain, time to return to normal activity, overall patient satisfaction index, and presence of residual rectal prolapse also were evaluated. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 27.2 (range, 24-34) months, symptoms significantly improved, with 80 percent of excellent/good results and none of the ten operated patients showed a recurrence of rectal ulcer. Operative time, hospital stay, and time to return to normal activity were similar to those reported after stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation, whereas postoperative pain was slightly higher. One patient complained of perineal abscess, requiring surgery. DISCUSSION: The stapled transanal rectal resection is safe and effective in the cure of solitary rectal ulcer associated with internal rectal prolapse, with minimal complications and no recurrences after two years. Randomized trials with sufficient number of patients are necessary to compare the efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection with the traditional surgical treatments of this rare condition.

Stapled transanal rectal resection versus stapled anopexy in the cure of hemorrhoids associated with rectal prolapse. A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: A remarkable incidence of failures after stapled axopexy (SA) for hemorrhoids has been recently reported by several papers, with an incomplete resection of the prolapsed tissue, due to the limited volume of the stapler casing as possible cause. The stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) was demonstrated to successfully cure the association of rectal prolapse and rectocele by using two staplers. The aim of this randomized study was to evaluate the incidence of residual disease after SA and STARR in patients affected by prolapsed hemorrhoids associated with rectal prolapse. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were selected on the basis of validated constipation and continence scorings, clinical examination, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, and defecography and randomized: 34 underwent a SA and 34 a STARR operation. The operated patients were followed-up with clinical examination, visual analog scale for postoperative pain, a satisfaction index, and defecography. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 8.1+/-2.0 and 7.9+/-1.8 months for the SA and STARR groups, respectively, the incidence of residual disease was significantly higher in the first group (29.4 vs 5.9 in the STARR group, p=0.007), while a significantly lower incidence of residual skin-tags was found after STARR (23.5% vs 58.8 after SA, p=0.03). All patients with residual disease showed prolapsed tissue over half the length of the anal dilator at the time of the operation. Operative time and incidence of transient fecal urgency were significantly higher in the STARR group (with p=0.001 and 0.08, respectively), while SA was followed by a significantly higher incidence of poor results at the overall patient satisfaction index (p=0.04). No significant differences were found in hospital stay, operative complications, postoperative pain, time to return to normal activity, continence, and constipation scores. All the defecographic parameters significantly improved after STARR, while SA was followed only by a trend to a reduction of rectal prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: STARR provides a more complete resection of the prolapsed tissue than SA in patients with association of prolapsed hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse with equal morbidity and significantly lower incidence of residual disease and skin-tags. The anal dilator can be used for selecting the surgical technique.

Impact of new technologies on the clinical and functional outcome of Altemeier's procedure: a randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: A randomized study was performed to assess whether new technologies offer advantages over the conventional technique on the clinical and functional outcome of patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence, submitted to Altemeier's procedure with levatorplasty. METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2003, 58 patients (55 females; mean age, 70.9 +/- 11.3 years) with full-thickness rectal prolapse were evaluated with continence score, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, anal electromyography, and sacral reflex latency; 40 of them were selected and randomly assigned to two groups: 20 patients (Group 1; 19 females, 73.4 +/- 10.4 years) were submitted to a conventional operation with monopolar electrocautery and handsewn anastomosis, and 20 (Group 2; 18 females, 71.5 +/- 12.2 years) using harmonic scalpel and circular stapler. Patients were followed up with clinical examination, anorectal manometry, and anal electromyography, with mean follow-up 29.3 +/- 8.5 and 27.5 +/- 9.2 months in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. RESULTS: Operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were significantly reduced in Group 2 (P < 0.001), whereas no differences were found in pain score, time to return to normal activity, morbidity, and mortality. Complications were two (10 percent) stenosis in Group 1. Fecal continence score significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.01), whereas anorectal manometry and neurophysiologic data were not significantly modified by the operation. Recurrence rates were 15 and 10 percent in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P= not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and functional long-term results of perineal rectosigmoidectomy with levatorplasty are not influenced by surgical instruments and type of coloanal anastomosis. The clinical relevance of the short-term results in high-risk patients should be specifically investigated.

New trends in the surgical treatment of outlet obstruction: clinical and functional results of two novel transanal stapled techniques from a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A randomised trial was undertaken to compare the clinical and functional results of two novel transanal stapled techniques in patients with outlet obstruction syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six females with outlet obstruction were treated with medical therapy and biofeedback for 2 months; 67 non-responders were evaluated by the Constipation Scoring and Continence Grading Systems, clinical examination, endoscopy, dynamic defecography, anorectal manometry, transanal ultrasound and anal EMG, and 50 of them, all affected with descending perineum, intussusception and rectocele, were randomly assigned to two groups and operated on: 25 patients (mean age 53.2+/-15.3 years) underwent a single Stapled Trans-Anal Prolapsectomy, associated with Perineal Levatorplasty (STAPL Group), and the other 25 (mean 54.6+/-14.2 years) underwent a double Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR Group). Patients were followed-up for a mean period of 23.4+/-5.1 months in STAPL Group and 22.3+/-4.8 in STARR Group. RESULTS: STARR Group showed a significantly (p<0.0001) lower pattern of postoperative pain and a greater decrease (P=0.0117) of the rectal sensitivity threshold volume; otherwise, no differences were found in operative time, hospital stay, or time of inability to work. Complications included delayed healing of the perineal wound (ten), dyspareunia (five), urinary retention (two) and stenosis (one) in STAPL Group, and urge to defecate (four), transitory incontinence to flatus (two), urinary retention (two), bleeding (one) and stenosis (one) in STARR Group. All constipation symptoms significantly improved without worsening of anal continence and with excellent/good outcome at 20 months in 76 and 88% of patients of STAPL Group and STARR Group, respectively. Seven patients of STAPL Group had a little residual rectocele, while both intussusception and rectocele were corrected in all patients of STARR Group. Neither operation modified anal pressures or caused lesions of anal sphincters. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are safe and effective in the treatment of outlet obstruction; nevertheless, the double Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection seems to be preferable due to less pain, absence of dyspareunia, reduced rectal sensitivity threshold volume and absence of residual rectocele at defecography.