Long-term results of total pelvic floor repair for postobstetric fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the long-term results of total pelvic floor repair for postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence. METHOD: Sixty-three of 75 women who had undergone total pelvic floor repair for postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence were traced and interviewed a median of 36 (18–78) months after surgery. Thirty-nine patients agreed to repeat anorectal physiology. RESULTS: Six patients required further surgery for persistent incontinence (colostomy, 4; graciloplasty, 2). For the remaining 57 patients, incontinence improved greatly in 28 (49 percent) patients, mildly in 13 (23 percent), and not at all in 16 (28 percent); daily incontinence was present in 41 patients (73 percent) before the operation but persisted in 13 (23 percent). Only eight (14 percent) patients were rendered completely continent; those with marked improvement were socially more active than those with little or no improvement. Resting and maximum squeeze pressures, anal canal sensation, rectal sensation, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency did not predict outcome. Perineal descent, obesity, and a history of straining before the operation were all associated with a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: Total pelvic floor repair rarely renders patients with postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence completely continent but substantially improves continence and lifestyle in approximately one-half of them. The operation is less successful in obese patients and in those with a history of straining or perineal descent.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Seattle, Washington, June 9 to 14, 1996.     

Long-Term Results of Antegrade Colonic Enema in Adult Patients: Assessment of Functional Results

Purpose  This retrospective study reviewed long-term results in a large group of adult patients treated with antegrade colonic enema and antegrade colonic enema combined with a colostomy. Methods  Retrospective chart review identified 80 patients (64 females, mean age 51) surgically treated between 1993 and 2007 for fecal incontinence or constipation. Surgical treatments included 69 appendicostomies, 13 tapered ileum, 3 cecal tube, and 25 appendicostomy/neoappendicostomy combined with a colostomy. A 44-item questionnaire was mailed considering bowel regimen, complications, bowel function, social function, and quality of life. Results  Sixty-nine patients were available for follow-up (mean follow-up, 75 months). Thirty patients (38 percent) had surgical complications. Forty-three patients (62 percent) were still performing antegrade continence enema and 8 patients (12 percent) no longer needed it. Accordingly, treatment was successful in 51 patients (74 percent). Twenty-seven patients (63 percent) had side effects. Evaluation of bowel function, social function, and quality of life all showed significant improvement. Antegrade continence enema was successful in patients with neurologic disabilities (67 percent), anorectal injury (53 percent), idiopathic fecal incontinence (50 percent), and idiopathic fecal constipation (42 percent). Antegrade continence enema was successful in patients with constipation, incontinence, and mixed symptoms. Results did not differ between appendicostomy, neoappendicostomy, and the combined appendicostomy/neoappendicostomy and colostomy. Conclusion  Long-term results were favorable in most patients treated with antegrade continence enema for fecal incontinence or constipation. Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Tripartite Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, June 7 to 11, 2008.     

Sacral Nerve Stimulation Can Be Successful in Patients With Ultrasound Evidence of External Anal Sphincter Disruption

PURPOSE This study was designed to determine whether patients with fecal incontinence and endoanal ultrasound evidence of anal sphincter disruption may be successfully treated by sacral nerve stimulation.METHODS Five consecutive females with incontinence to solids and endoanal ultrasound evidence of anal sphincter disruption were treated by a two-week trial of sacral nerve stimulation. If successful, patients then proceeded to permanent sacral nerve stimulation implantation.RESULTS Five patients, aged 34 to 56 years, were treated by temporary sacral nerve stimulation. Four had symptoms starting after childbirth. Two had previously had an anterior sphincter repair. After a two-week trial, three females reported full continence and an improvement in all aspects of their Rockwood fecal incontinence quality of life scores. These three females underwent permanent sacral nerve stimulation implantation. The remaining two patients reported no improvement and underwent dynamic graciloplasty or end colostomy respectively.CONCLUSIONS Sacral nerve stimulation may successfully restore bowel continence in some patients with endoanal ultrasound evidence of a defect in their external anal sphincter.     

Fecal incontinence: evaluation and treatment

Fecal incontinence affects men and women of all ages, leading to personal disability and high financial costs. The evaluation of the patient should clarify the pathophysiology of the symptoms and provide guidance in choosing the appropriate treatment. A comprehensive history and physical examination including endoscopic assessment is able to identify the cause of most cases of fecal incontinence. If necessary, functional methods can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Patient selection for suitable treatment is most important and should be based on clinical and physiologic findings. Conservative dietary or medical treatment is often effective, when the symptoms are mild. Biofeedback therapy is effective in most patients. It has no side effects and is well tolerated. Structural damage to the anus may be repaired by surgery, like sphincter repair, the best treatment of selective sphincter defects. Neoanal sphincters and artificial sphincters are the last possibility after failed surgery and before colostomy. They are less attractive because of technical difficulties and low success rate. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment has the potential to improve the outcome for patients with fecal incontinence.     

Safety and efficacy of dynamic muscle plasty for anal incontinence: lessons from a prospective, multicenter trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dynamic muscle plasty has been advocated as therapy for refractory fecal incontinence and for anorectal reconstruction to avoid colostomy after abdominoperineal resection. This study evaluates the results of a multicenter experience with dynamic muscle plasty in the treatment of fecal incontinence and total anal reconstruction. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine patients were enrolled at 12 centers between June 1992 and November 1994 and followed up through June 1996. Intramuscular leads and neurostimulators were implanted to stimulate transposed gracilis or gluteus muscle. Success was defined as 70% reduction in solid stool incontinence for patients with baseline incontinence and zero incontinence to solid stool for patients with baseline stomas and for patients undergoing total anal reconstruction. RESULTS: Overall, 85 of 128 graciloplasty patients (66%) achieved and maintained a successful outcome over the follow-up period. By etiology, these proportions were 71%, 50%, and 66% for patients with acquired fecal incontinence, congenital incontinence, and total anal reconstruction, respectively. One third of graciloplasty patients experienced a major wound complication, with therapy failing in 41%. Experienced centers had better outcomes and lower complication rates than inexperienced centers. Of the 11 gluteoplasty patients, 5 (45%) achieved and maintained a successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic graciloplasty may be an effective procedure for patients with refractory, end-stage fecal incontinence as well as for patients who require anorectal excision for low-lying malignancy. However, the procedure has significant morbidity that can lead to functional failure. Outcome after dynamic graciloplasty appears to correlate with surgical experience. In contrast to graciloplasty, the use of dynamic gluteoplasty should be limited to investigational purposes.     

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Fecal Incontinence Following Surgery for Rectal Prolapse Repair: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE: A proportion of patients have fecal incontinence secondary to a full-thickness rectal prolapse that fails to resolve following prolapse repair. This multicenter, prospective study assessed the use of sacral nerve stimulation for this indication. METHODS: Patients had to have more than or equal to four days with fecal incontinence per 21-day period more than one year after surgery. They had to have failed conservative treatment and have an intact external anal sphincter. RESULTS: Four female patients aged 42, 54, 68, and 65 years met the inclusion criteria. Three of the four patients had had more than one operation for recurrent full-thickness rectal prolapse before sacral nerve stimulation, one of whom had undergone a further operation for recurrence following stimulation. One patient had undergone one operation for prolapse repair. The preoperative duration of symptoms was ten, eight, three, and nine years, respectively. Although patients had an intact external anal sphincter, one patient had a fragmented internal anal sphincter. The frequency of fecal incontinent episodes changed from 11, 24.7, 5, and 8 per week at baseline to 0, 1.5, 5.5, and 1 per week at latest follow-up. Ability to defer defecation was also improved in two of three patients who had this documented. Fecal incontinence-specific quality of life assessment showed an improvement in all four domains. CONCLUSION: Sacral nerve stimulation should be considered for patients with ongoing fecal incontinence following full-thickness rectal prolapse repair if they prove resistant to conservative treatment.     

Patients’ Views of a Colostomy for Fecal Incontinence

INTRODUCTION Formation of a permanent stoma often is seen as a last resort when all other interventions for fecal incontinence have failed. However, no previous study has examined patients views of a colostomy to manage fecal incontinence.METHODS People who had a colostomy to manage fecal incontinence were recruited via an advertisement in the magazine of the British Colostomy Association or from those operated at a specialist colorectal hospital. Four questionnaires were sent, asking about the stoma, previous incontinence, anxiety and depression, and quality of life.RESULTS A total of 69 replies were received. Respondents were 11 males and 58 females with a median age of 64 years and a median of 59 months since the operation. Rating their ability to live with their stoma now on a scale of 0 to 10, the median response was 8 (range, 0–10). The majority (83 percent) felt that the stoma restricted their life a little or not at all (a significant improvement from perceived restriction from former incontinence, P = 0.008). Satisfaction with the stoma was a median of 9 on a scale of 0 to 10 (range, 0–10). Eighty-four percent would probably or definitely choose to have the stoma again. Quality of life (SF-36) was poor, but neither depression nor anxiety was a prominent feature.CONCLUSIONS The majority of previously incontinent people were positive about the stoma and the difference it had made to their life. However, a few had not adapted and disliked the stoma intensely. Health care professionals should discuss a stoma as an option with patients whose lives are restricted by fecal incontinence.Presented at The International Continence Society Annual Conference, Florence, Italy, October 8 to 10, 2003.     

Cost-effectiveness of dynamic graciloplasty in patients with fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of dynamic graciloplasty for intractable fecal incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The costs and effects of dynamic graciloplasty were measured in a prospective, longitudinal study and in a clinical trial. Forty-three patients with intractable fecal incontinence were evaluated before and after dynamic graciloplasty. Costs were obtained from the hospital information system and from patient-oriented questionnaires. We compared the costs of a dynamic graciloplasty with the costs of a colostomy. Colostomy costs were evaluated using a group of seven patients who had a stoma in place for incontinence for several years. Sensitivity analyses were included. RESULTS: Total direct costs of lifelong dynamic graciloplasty were $31,733 (United States dollars), costs of lifelong conventional treatment were $12,180 (United States), and costs of colostomy, including lifelong stoma care, were $71,576 (United States). The clinical success rate of dynamic graciloplasty was 74 percent. Quality of life after successful dynamic graciloplasty was better than with conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: We found that dynamic graciloplasty was more expensive than conventional treatment but resulted in a significantly higher quality of life. Stoma treatment was the least attractive alternative regarding both costs and effects. The Dutch Health Insurance Executive Board recommended reimbursement for the dynamic graciloplasty procedure.the Board of DirectorsResearch was performed at the University Hospital Maastricht and was supported by the National Fund for Investigational Medicine of the Dutch Health Insurance Executive Board.     

腹腔镜次全结肠旷置造口盲直肠吻合术治疗老年慢传输型便秘的临床疗效观察

目的对比观察腹腔镜次全结肠旷置盲直肠吻合术和腹腔镜次全结肠旷置造口盲直肠吻合术治疗老年慢传输型便秘的临床疗效。 方法采用回顾性队列研究的方法,收集中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九八九医院全军肛肠外科研究所于2008年12月至2017年12月期间收治的年龄≥70岁的70例结肠慢传输型便秘患者的病例资料,其中34例采用腹腔镜次全结肠旷置盲直肠吻合术进行治疗（结肠旷置手术组）,36例采用腹腔镜次全结肠旷置造口盲直肠吻合术治疗（结肠旷置造口组）,对比两种手术方式的临床治疗效果及两组间各项评分量表。对比术后3个月、6个月、12个月每天排便次数（BM）和Wexner肛门失禁评分（WIS）,以及术前和术后3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月Wexner便秘评分（WCS）、胃肠生活质量指数（GIQLI）,腹胀评分（ABS）和0~10数字疼痛量表（NRS）。 结果所有患者均顺利进行了腹腔镜手术,术后均未发生排便失禁。术后3个月、6个月、12个月结肠旷置造口组的BM和WIS均明显少于结肠旷置手术组,差异有统计学意义［（BM）F₃=8.075、F₆=4.254、F₁₂=15.617,（WIS）F₃=11.760、F₆=14.422、F₁₂=27.467;均P＜0.05］。术后3个月、6个月、12个月、24个月结肠旷置造口组WCS和GIQLI改善明显优于结肠旷置手术组［（WCS）F₃=4.132、F₆=4.028、F₁₂=18.780、F₂₄=23.224,（GIQLI）F₃=75.194、F₆=44.631、F₁₂=52.238、F₂₄=89.949;均P＜0.05］。术后3个月结肠旷置造口组的ABS与结肠旷置手术组比较差异无统计学意义（F=2.423,P＞0.05）;术后6个月、12个月、24个月结肠旷置造口组ABS改善明显优于结肠旷置手术组（F₆=20.846,F₁₂=54.045,F₂₄=85.039;均P＜0.05）。术后3个月结肠旷置造口组的NRS与结肠旷置手术组比较差异无统计学意义（F=1.635,P＞0.05）,术后6个月、12个月、24个月结肠旷置造口组的NRS与结肠旷置手术组比较得到明显改善（F₆=4.057,F₁₂=33.661,F₂₄=36.421;均P＜0.05）。手术1年后钡餐检查,结肠旷置造口组的钡剂排空时间为21.0（18.3,24.0）h,明显短于结肠旷置手术组58.5（39.0,101.5）h,两组比较差异有统计学意义（Z=-6.651,P＜0.05）。 结论腹腔镜次全结肠旷置造口盲直肠吻合术治疗老年慢传输型便秘是一种较理想的手术方法,临床效果优于腹腔镜次全结肠旷置盲直肠吻合术。     

Long-Term Functional Assessment of Antegrade Colonic Enema for Combined Incontinence and Constipation Using a Modified Marsh and Kiff Technique

Purpose Constipation and fecal incontinence can severely affect quality of life for patients, particularly when simultaneously present. Malone antegrade colonic enema enables periodic colonic emptying, thus preventing uncontrolled passage of feces and constipation. Methods Eleven patients with fecal incontinence and severe constipation or perineal colostomy after Miles’ operation underwent a modified Marsh and Kiff ileostomy for antegrade colonic enema. Before and after surgery, the patients were fully evaluated for gastrointestinal functions, including gallbladder and stomach emptying time, H₂-breath test, colonic transit time, dynamic defecography, and anorectal manometry. The severity of incontinence and constipation was scored preoperatively and postoperatively by using the American Medical System score and Cleveland Clinic Constipation scale, respectively, whereas the quality of life was measured by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. The surgical technique involved division of the terminal ileum 10 to 15 cm from the ileocecal valve, anastomosis and intussusception of the ileum with the cecum, narrowing of the ileal conduit with a linear stapler, and a small, introflexed ileostomy with an advanced skin flap. Results During the postoperative period, the mean American Medical System score decreased significantly from 77 to 11 (P < 0.01) and the mean Cleveland Clinic Constipation score from 23 to 8.5 (P < 0.01) with a significant improvement of quality of life. Antegrade colonic enema did not affect gallbladder, gastric, or orocecal transit time, which remained comparable with baseline. Colonic scintigraphy showed that antegrade colonic enema was efficient to clean the whole colon and rectum, leaving only 24 (range, 6–40) percent of the initial radioactivity after 30 minutes. Ileal manometry confirmed the presence of a high-pressure zone, preventing accidental reflux. Conclusions Modified Marsh and Kiff technique is a safe and effective surgical option to treat patients with combined fecal incontinence and severe constipation and those with perineal colostomy after Miles. It should be recommended as a last option before colostomy. Presented in part as a poster at the meeting of the EACP and ECCP, Bologna, Italy, September 15 to 17, 2005. Reprints are not available.     

Rectal augmentation and stimulated gracilis anal neosphincter

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was the development of a procedure which would successfully treat selected patients presenting with incapacitating urgency and fecal incontinence. Some patients presenting with urgency and fecal incontinence, with an intact anorectum but deficient sphincter mechanism, have low rectal compliance. Management is problematic, because correction of the sphincter defect does not abolish the incapacitating urgency caused by rectal hypersensitivity. METHODS: This was a prospective study of three female patients with urgency and fecal incontinence who underwent combined rectal augmentation using a segment of distal ileum and stimulated gracilis anal neosphincter. All patients had low rectal volumes and two exhibited a temporal relationship between high-amplitude (>60 mmHg) rectal pressure waves and urgency on prolonged ambulatory anorectal manometry. RESULTS: Urgency was abolished and continence restored in all individuals. When the level of stimulation was not optimal or had been discontinued, patients experienced only passive incontinence with no urgency. Postoperative physiology revealed elevated thresholds to rectal distention and a reduction in the number of high-amplitude rectal pressure waves in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Combined rectal augmentation with stimulated gracilis anal neosphincter may be of benefit to some patients with distressing urgency and fecal incontinence not previously helped by current techniques.     

一针法预防性回肠造口在直肠癌低位前切除手术中的应用

目的探讨一针法回肠造口方法在直肠癌低位前切除手术中的技术优势。 方法前瞻性分析2016年1月至2019年1月河南省肿瘤医院普外科连续80例行直肠癌低位前切除并预防性回肠造口手术的患者,按随机表法分为一针法回肠造口组（观察组）和传统方法造口组（对照组）,对比两组造口手术操作时间、造口皮肤黏膜分离、粪水性皮炎、造口旁疝、造口脱垂、造口回缩等相关造口并发症指标的发生率。 结果两组患者的基线资料比较差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）,观察组手术操作时间短于对照组［（2.1±0.9）min vs.（15.2±4.6）min］（t=-17.510,P<0.05）,造口皮肤黏膜分离、粪水性皮炎、造口回缩等发生率与传统方法组比较差异均有统计学意义（观察组造口皮肤黏膜分离患者1例,对照组15例;观察组粪水性皮炎患者3例,对照组32例;观察组造口回缩患者0例,对照组8例）（χ²=15.313,42.717,8.889;P均<0.05）,在造口旁疝、造口脱垂两方面差异无统计学意义（观察组造口旁疝患者2例,对照组6例;观察组造口脱垂患者2例,对照组3例）（χ²=2.222,0.213;P均>0.05）。 结论一针法回肠造口在直肠癌低位前切除术中较传统方法更具操作优势,而且可减少相关造口并发症的发生。     

A New Implantation Procedure of Artificial Sphincter for Anal Incontinence: The Transvaginal Approach

A destroyed or severely scarred anterior perineum predicts difficult healing and risk of perineal erosion and remains a contraindication for the implantation of an artificial anal sphincter via a perineal approach. This report describes the first implantations of an artificial anal sphincter via a transvaginal approach in female patients with anal incontinence. Between 2003 and 2005, the Acticon Neosphincter was implanted via a transvaginal approach in nine patients (average age, 43 (range, 25-73) years). These patients had severe fecal incontinence and failed previous therapies or were not amenable to lesser forms of therapy. A successful outcome was achieved in eight of nine patients (89 percent), and for these eight patients the artificial anal sphincter was activated. With a mean follow-up of 21.5 (range, 8-38) months, the mean Cleveland Clinic Score of incontinence decreased from 19 (range, 18-20) before the procedure to 8.6 (range, 2-14) at the last follow-up. None of the patients complained of dyspareunia; vaginal length was not a significant consideration, because this procedure does little to compromise this parameter. This approach is not without complications but its success rate is notable, especially when taking into account that these are patients not amenable to other therapies and only candidates to permanent colostomy.     

Abdominal rectovaginopexy

PURPOSE: We noted the combination of obstructed defecation or constipation and fecal incontinence, the poor results of abdominal rectopexy for constipation, and the well-known risk of postoperative induction of constipation after rectopexy. We developed a new operation to treat patients with constipation or fecal incontinence (with a concomitant rectocele, internal rectal intussusception, enterocele at dynamic defecography, or all three) or both. This new rectopexy technique avoided dorsolateral mobilization of the rectum and did not endanger the hypogastric nerves and pelvic autonomic nerves. A better effect on constipation compared with rectopexies with dorsolateral mobilization was expected. METHODS: The results of this new operation, which was called rectovaginopexy, were studied prospectively in a series of 27 patients. Four-year results were obtained. Preoperative and postoperative questionnaires, dynamic defecograms, and anorectal physiology studies were analyzed. RESULTS: Before the operation 17 patients were constipated, compared with 4 patients one year after rectovaginopexy (76 percent improvement;P=0.0015) and 5 patients four years after rectovaginopexy (71 percent improvement;P=0.005), respectively. At one year, fecal incontinence decreased significantly: 15 of 17 patients improved and 9 patients became fully continent (P=0.0007). Four years after rectovaginopexy the effect on fecal incontinence was no longer significant (P=0.09). Rectovaginopexy restored anatomy: all (9) enteroceles, all but 1 (17) internal rectal intussusception, and 12 of 20 rectoceles dissolved, and the majority were reduced in size. Rectal sensation for distention was unchanged, and rectal electrosensitivity improved (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Rectovaginopexy provides significant one-year improvement of both constipation and fecal incontinence. The positive effect on constipation did not deteriorate with time, in contrast to the effect on fecal incontinence.     

Usefulness of anorectal and endovaginal 3D ultrasound in the evaluation of sphincter and pubovisceral muscle defects using a new scoring system in women with fecal incontinence after vaginal delivery

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate pubovisceral muscle and anal sphincter defects in women with previous vaginal delivery and fecal incontinence and to correlate the findings with the severity of symptoms using the combined anorectal and endovaginal 3D ultrasonography with a new ultrasound scoring system.

Methods

Consecutive female patients with previous vaginal delivery and fecal incontinence symptoms were screened. Fecal incontinence was assessed with the Cleveland Clinic Florida fecal incontinence scale, and the extent of defects was assessed by an ultrasound score based on results of anorectal and endovaginal 3D ultrasound. Fecal incontinence was assessed with the Cleveland Clinic Florida fecal incontinence scale.

Results

Of 84 women with previous vaginal delivery and fecal incontinence, 21 (25%) had intact pubovisceral muscles and anal sphincters; 63 (75%) had a pubovisceral muscle or anal sphincter defect, or both. Twenty-eight (33%) had a pubovisceral muscle defect [23% with an external anal sphincter (EAS) defect or combined EAS/internal anal sphincter defects; 11% with intact anal sphincters]. Thirty-five (42%) had intact pubovisceral muscles and an anal sphincter defect. Compared with women with intact pubovisceral muscles/anal sphincter defects, patients with pubovisceral muscle defects had significantly higher incontinence scores and significantly higher ultrasound scores indicating more extensive defects. Incontinence symptoms correlated positively with the ultrasound score, measurements of sphincter defects, and area of the levator hiatus.

Conclusions

Evaluation of both pubovisceral muscles and anal sphincters is important to identify defects and determine treatment for women with fecal incontinence after vaginal delivery. The severity of fecal incontinence symptoms is significantly related to the extent of defects of the pubovisceral muscles and anal sphincters.

     

Rectal Hypersensitivity Worsens Stool Frequency, Urgency, and Lifestyle in Patients With Urge Fecal Incontinence

PURPOSE Rectal sensory mechanisms are important in the maintenance of fecal continence. Approximately 50 percent of patients with urge incontinence have lowered rectal sensory threshold volumes (rectal hypersensitivity) on balloon distention. Rectal hypersensitivity may underlie the heightened perception of rectal filling; however, its impact on fecal urgency and incontinence is unknown. This study was designed to investigate the impact of rectal hypersensitivity in patients with urge fecal incontinence.METHODS Prospective and retrospective audit review of all patients (n = 258) with an intact native rectum referred to a tertiary colorectal surgical center for physiologic investigation of urge fecal incontinence during a 7.5-year period. Patients with urge fecal incontinence who had undergone pelvic radiotherapy (n = 9) or rectal prolapse (n = 6) were excluded.RESULTS A total of 108 of 243 patients (44 percent) were found to have rectal hypersensitivity. The incidence of anal sphincter dysfunction was equal (90 percent) among those with or without rectal hypersensitivity. Patients with urge fecal incontinence and rectal hypersensitivity had increased stool frequency (P < 0.0001), reported greater use of pads (P = 0.003), and lifestyle restrictions (P = 0.0007) compared with those with normal rectal sensation, but had similar frequencies of incontinent episodes.CONCLUSIONS Urge fecal incontinence relates primarily to external anal sphincter dysfunction, but in patients with urge fecal incontinence, rectal hypersensitivity exacerbates fecal urgency, and this should be considered in the management and surgical decision in patients who present with fecal incontinence.Christopher L. H. Chan, F.R.C.S., is supported by a MRC Clinical Training Fellowship.     

Clinical value of anorectal manometry index in neurogenic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: The present communication is an endeavor to assess the value of a simple motility index to separate patients with neurogenic or idiopathic fecal incontinence from those patients with the secondary form of the disease. METHODS: Study population consisted of 23 patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and 13 patients with fecal incontinence secondary to surgical or obstetric trauma. They all had a standard anorectal manometric study after a 12-hour fast. A motility index was then prepared taking into consideration the peak sphincter pressure values, contractility endurance, and rectal sensory threshold. RESULTS: Despite differences in the mean peak squeeze pressure and sensory threshold between the two groups, there were significant overlaps for all parameters of standard anorectal manometry in both groups. However, patients with idiopathic incontinence had an index of smaller than 28, and the group with the secondary form of incontinence had indexes higher than 30. CONCLUSIONS: 1) None of the four parameters of a conventional anorectal manometry can accurately separate patients with neurogenic incontinence from those with secondary forms of the disorder. 2) The anorectal motility index presented here can accurately separate the two groups. 3) This index is superior to the standard anorectal manometry in evaluating patients with fecal incontinence.     

Treatment of acquired megacolon by retrorectal lowering of the colon with a perineal colostomy: Modified duhamel operation

Summary The author describes retrorectal lowering of the colon with a temporary perineal colostomy, a modification of the Duhamel operation. The modification increases patient comfort by eliminating the original crushing clamps and renders the rectocolic anastomosis more secure. The perineal colostomy is resected between the seventh and the fifteenth postoperative days with an inverted “V” segment of the rectocolic septum, and the entire contour of the anastomosis is sutured with chromic catgut. The surgeon can delay as long as he feels necessary the resection of the perineal colostomy. The author describes the results of this procedure used in 50 patients with acquired megacolon. There was no leakage at the rectocolic anastomosis. Partial leakage of the rectal-stump suture line was observed in five patients, in all of whom the section and suture of the rectum had been made at the level or below the peritoneal reflection. Fecal impaction in the rectal stump occurred in five cases; in these patients the section and suture of rectum had been high enough to maintain a blind space between the suture and the first Houston valve; fecal impaction occurred in the blind space. To prevent leakage of the rectal-stump suture, the section and suture must be 3 to 6 cm above the peritoneal reflection. To prevent fecal impaction the blind space which remains between the first Houston valve and the suture of the rectal stump should be suppressed by a more invaginating second-layer suture of the stump. Summary of a thesis submitted to the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de S?o Paulo, 1967.     

Die anteriore Levatorplastik als Therapie der anorektalen Inkontinenz

Because of the disappointing long-term results of postanal repair for the treatment of idiopathic incontinence and incontinence due to obstetric injury, anterior levatorplasty combined with plication of the external sphincter, has become a favourite operative treatment. During the review of 44 operations from August 1991 to January 1998 in 39% of the cases aetiology of fecal incontinence was obstetric trauma and idiopathic in 55%. In addition to anterior levatorplasty we discovered anterior sphincter plication in 24 patients. During the follow-up examinations 97% of the patients indicated an improvement of continence, only 3% had a similar continence compared to the time before operation. None of the patients exhibitid deterioration.     

伴有肛周疾病的炎症性肠病患者肛门功能及生活质量分析

目的分析肛周疾病对炎症性肠病（IBD）患者肛门直肠功能和生活质量的影响。 方法回顾性分析2018年6月至2020年6月淮安市第二人民医院收治的伴有肛门不适的53例IBD患者（IBD组）。其中CD43例，UC10例。包括肛瘘35例，大便失禁15例，肛门纤维化8例。选择同期来淮安市第二人民医院体检的健康人20名作为健康对照组。通过肛门直肠测压对IBD患者和健康对照组受试者肛门功能进行评估并进行比较。采用炎症性肠病患者生活质量量表（IBDQ）评分对IBD患者生活质量进行评估。 结果IBD患者与健康对照组最大肛门静息压、最大挤压压、直肠容量感觉阈值、最大耐受容量、肛管抑制反射阳性水平差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。大便失禁的IBD患者最大肛门静息压、IBDQ评分均低于非大便失禁的IBD患者，且差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。CD与UC患者IBDQ评分差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）；大便失禁IBD患者IBDQ评分低于非大便失禁IBD患者，且差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论合并肛周疾病的IBD患者肛门直肠功能受损，大便失禁的患者生活质量差。