Patterns of recurrence/persistence of criptoglandular anal fistula after the LIFT procedure. Long-term observacional study. / Patrones de recurrencia/persistencia en la operación de LIFT para la fístula anal de origen criptoglandular. Estudio observacional a largo plazo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the recurrence/persistence rate of complex cripotoglandular anal fistula after the LIFT procedure and analyse the patterns of recurrence/persistence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study of patients with transe-sphincteric or supra-sphincteric anal fistula treated using the LIFT procedure from December 2008 to April 2016. Variables studied included clinical characteristics, surgical technique and results. Clinical cure was defined and imaging studies were used in doubtful cases. Wexner's score was used for continence evaluation. The minimum follow-up time was one year. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were operated on: 53 with a trans-sphincteric fistula and 2 supra-sphincteric. There were 16 failures (29%): 7 complete fistulas (original), 6 intersphincteric (downstage), and 3 external residual tracts. A posterior location and complexity of the tract were risk factors for recurrence/persistence. The presence of a seton did not improve results. No case presented decrease of continence (Wexner 0). Nine patients presented minor complications (9%): 4 intersphincteric wounds with delayed closure and one external hemorrhoidal thrombosis. The median time to closure of the external opening was 5 weeks (IR 2-6). Intersphincteric wounds closed in 4-8 weeks. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the LIFT technique is a safe and reproducible procedure with low morbidity, no repercussion on continence and a success rate over 70%. There are 3types of recurrence: the intersphincteric fistula, the original fistulatula (trans- or supra-sphincteric) and the residual external tract. Considering the types of recurrence, only 12,7% of patients need more complex surgery to solve their pathology. The rest of the recurrences/persistence were solved by simple procedures (fistulotomy in intersphincteric forms and legrado in residual tracts).

[Benign anastomotic strictures after oncologic rectal cancer surgery. Results of treatment with hydrostatic dilation]. / Estenosis anastomóticas benignas en la cirugía radical del cáncer de recto. Resultados del tratamiento con dilatación hidrostática.

INTRODUCTION: Benign anastomotic strictures after rectal cancer surgery are common and their treatment can vary from conservative measures to surgical resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2001 and August 2008, 422 patients with rectal cancer underwent anterior resection and 83.8% were treated with primary anastomosis. Anastomotic stricture has been defined as the inability to pass a colonoscope. Hydrostatic balloon dilation was performed. Results of success and failure dilation were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (7.34%) with anastomotic stricture were treated; 16 men and 10 women, with a median age of 66 years (57-74). A total of 26 anterior resections were performed, as well as 10 end-to-end anastomosis, 10 side-to-end, 4 j-pouch and 2 pouch coloplasties. The median stricture height was 10cms (4-12). Thirteen patients had preoperative radiotherapy (50%), and 9 patients had an ileostomy (34.7%). The median time of diagnosis was 6 months (3-10). The diagnosis was made by: rectal digital examination in 19.2%, colonoscopy 23.1% and clinical symptoms in 57.7%. The median number of dilation sessions required was 2 (1-4). The median of follow-up was 39 months (23 to 49). Results were successful 88.5,% and unsuccessful in 11.5%. Morbidity was 3.8% (one perforation after dilation). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Benign anastomotic strictures after rectal cancer surgery are frequent (7.05%), develop symptoms (52.9%) and can be successfully treated by hydrostatic dilation in more than 88% patients.

[Surgical treatment of rectocele and enterocele: an integrated view of disorders of the posterior vaginal compartment]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del rectocele y el enterocele: una visión integrada de las afecciones del compartimiento vaginal posterior.

Genital prolapse, whether associated or not with urinary, anal or sexual dysfunction, should be evaluated globally to select the appropriate treatment. Rectocele and enterocele are defects of the posterior vaginal compartment, although they can be secondary to abnormalities of the central compartment, since lesions of the perineal raphe and rectovaginal septum can occur in isolation or accompanied by others that also affect the tissues involved in pelvic support. The various surgical approaches to rectocele alone or associated with other defects are reviewed. Likewise, the distinct pathogenic types of enterocele are discussed. Laparoscopic sacrocolpoperineopexy is a promising intervention for the simultaneous correction of defects of the posterior and central compartments. New and better designed studies are required to evaluate the distinct surgical approaches and interventions for genital prolapse.