Coloanal anastomosis or abdominoperineal resection for very low rectal cancer: what will benefit, the surgeon's pride or the patient's quality of life?

PURPOSES: Sphincter-saving operation with coloanal anastomosis (CAA) has become an established option for very low rectal cancer, but few studies have compared its functional results and quality of life (QoL) with abdominoperineal resection (APR) showing controversial results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients treated for low rectal cancer with APR or CAA, disease-free after a median follow-up period of 26.5 (8-84) and 52.5 (12-156) months, respectively, were retrospectively reviewed. General and disease-specific changes in QoL and severity of disease were evaluated by Karnofsky scale, EORTC-C30, EORTC-CR38, SF-36, PGWBI, FIQL, PAC-QoL, ICIQ-SF, Stoma-QoL, AMS, Wexner's score and obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) score. RESULTS: Twenty-six APR patients and 34 CAA patients entered the study. Karnofsky score did not show significant differences. The median Stoma-QoL was 58.2 (45-76.6), indicating a good stoma function in 95% of patients. EORTC-C30, CR38, PGWBI and SF-36 questionnaires did not show significant differences between the two groups except for sexual function (better after CAA, p = 0.01). Eleven patients after APR and eight after CAA had urinary incontinence, and its severity did not differ significantly. Eighteen of 21 CAA patients complained of faecal incontinence [AMS, 80 (15-120); Wexner, 13 (2-19)] with an impact on their QoL [FIQL: lifestyle, 1.75 (0-4); coping/behaviour, 1.3 (0-3.5); depression, 2.1 (0-5.2); embarrassment, 2 (0-4.6)] and 11 complained of obstructed defecation [7.5 (3-16)] with significant consequences on QoL [PAC-QoL, 30.4 (19.2-80.3)]. CONCLUSIONS: QoL in patients with permanent stoma and in those after CAA did not differ significantly. APR patients had worse sexual function, while most CAA patients had faecal incontinence and sometime obstructed defecation, with important impact on their QoL.

Prevalence of constipation in a tertiary referral Italian Colorectal Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiology data on constipation are not commonly available, particularly in Italy Here we review the prevalence and clinical features of constipated patients attending a tertiary referral Italian center. METHODS: Clinical data of patients attending our Coloproctology Unit in the last 15 years and complaining of constipation as the main clinical features were retrospectively analyzed. Rome-III criteria were adoptedto define constipation. RESULTS: 1041/11881 patients were affected by chronic constipation (8.8%), 376 had slow-transit constipation, 497 obstructed defecation and 168 both types of constipation. 76% of them were females. Patients distribution according to sex and age was Gaussian-like only in females. In the slow-transit group, constipation was idiopathic in 59.3% and secondary to other causes in 40.7% . In patients with anatomic obstructed defecation, rectocele and intussusceptions were the main findings, while pelvic floor dissynergia was the main finding in functional outlet obstruction, although more frequently all these components were associated. In 14.8% no apparent cause was identified. CONCLUSION: Constipation accounts for about 9% of patients attending a tertiary referral Colorectal Unit. Females were much more frequently affected in both types of constipation. Anatomic and functional defecatory disturbances are frequently associated, although in 15% no evident causes were identified. KEY WORDS: Constipation, Epidemiology, Obstructed defecation, Slow transit constipation.

Pharmacological treatment of hemorrhoids: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhoid disease is the cause of most proctologic complaints and hundreds of medical and surgical therapies have been proposed to relieve symptoms. However, the role and the correct indication of medical treatments are still controversial. Further, the utility of conservative measures are rarely scientifically supported by adequate trials. AREAS COVERED: This narrative review is based on the search and analysis of full papers in English language selected from PubMed in the past 30 years using the following MeSH Editing: hemorrhoids, conservative treatment, medical treatment and hemorrhoids, pregnancy and hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, randomized trials and hemorrhoids, postoperative pain and hemorrhoids. EXPERT OPINION: Early stages (I/II degrees) of this disease could be effectively managed conservatively with several approaches as lifestyle changes, fiber supplement, topical ointments and phlebotonic drugs. The more advanced hemorrhoid stages (III/IV degrees) need some type of surgery, but medical therapy is still useful to minimize anal symptoms as a bridge-to-surgery treatment. Further, post-hemorrhoidectomy pain, hemorrhoidal crisis even in pregnancy could benefit from the adjunct of local and systemic medical treatment. This expert opinion, based also on long-lasting clinical practice, also supports the use of medical treatment in symptoms relief in patients with hemorrhoid disease.

Strangulated ileal trans-coloanal-anastomotic hernia: a complication of Altemeier's procedure previously never reported.

A postoperative complication after Altemeier operation, so far never reported, is described in a 42 years old mentally disabled patient with external full thickness rectal prolapse who usually had prolonged straining at defecation. After 6 d from perineal rectosigmoidectomy, the patient, was discharged free of complications. Four days later he was readmitted in emergency for strangulated perineal trans-anastomotic ileal hernia that occurred at home during efforts to defecate. The clinical feature required an emergency operation for repositioning the ileal loops into the abdomen, resection of the necrotic ileum, and end colostomy. The outcome of the second operation was free of complication and the patient was discharged on the 6(th) postoperative day. In conclusion, after Altemeier operation prolonged straining at defecation should be carefully avoided.