Results, Outcome Predictors, and Complications after Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection for Obstructed Defecation

Purpose Obstructed defecation may be treated by stapled transanal rectal resection, but different complications and recurrence rates have been reported. The present study was designed to evaluate stapled transanal rectal resection results, outcome predictive factors, and nature of complications. Methods Clinical and functional data of 123 patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had symptoms of obstructed defecation before surgery and had rectocele and/or intussusception. Of them, 85 were operated on by the authors and 38 were referred after stapled transanal rectal resection had been performed elsewhere. Results At a median follow-up of 17 (range, 3–44) months, 65 percent of the patients operated on by the authors had subjective improvement. Recurrent rectocele was present in 29 percent and recurrent intussusception was present in 28 percent of patients. At univariate analysis, results were worse in those with preoperative digitation (P < 0.01), puborectalis dyssynergia (P < 0.05), enterocele (P < 0.05), larger size rectocele (P < 0.05), lower bowel frequency (P < 0.05), and sense of incomplete evacuation (P < 0.05). Bleeding was the most common perioperative complication occurring in 12 percent of cases. Reoperations were needed in 16 patients (19 percent): 9 for recurrent disease. In the 38 patients referred after stapled transanal rectal resection, the most common problems were perineal pain (53 percent), constipation with recurrent rectocele and/or intussusception (50 percent), and incontinence (28 percent). Of these patients, 14 (37 percent) underwent reoperations: 7 for recurrence. Three patients presented with a rectovaginal fistula. One other patient died for necrotizing pelvic fasciitis. Conclusions Stapled transanal rectal resection achieved acceptable results at the cost of a high reoperation rate. Patients with puborectalis dyssynergia and lower bowel frequency may do worse because surgery does not address the causes of their constipation. Patients with large rectoceles, enteroceles, digitation, and a sense of incomplete evacuation may have more advanced pelvic floor disease for which stapled transanal rectal resection, which simply removes redundant tissue, may not be adequate. This, together with the complications observed in patients referred after stapled transanal rectal resection, suggests that this procedure should be performed by colorectal surgeons and in carefully selected patients. Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Seattle, Washington, June 3 to 7 2006. Reprints are not available.     

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 for obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and rectal intussusception

AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR),and to analyze the outcome of the patients 12-mo after the operation.METHODS:From May 2007 to October 2008,50 female patients with rectocele and/or rectal intussusception underwent STARR.The preoperative status,perioperative and postoperative complications at baseline,3,6 and 12-mo were assessed.Data were collected prospectively from standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation[constipation scoring system,...     

Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection Under Laparoscopic Surveillance for Rectocele and Concomitant Enterocele

Purpose Stapled transanal rectal resection recently became a recommended surgical procedure for obstructed defecation syndrome. One problem when using a transanal stapling device for rectal surgery is the potential threat to structures located in front of the anterior rectal wall. We decided to perform a combined procedure of transanal rectal resection with a simultaneous laparoscopy for patients with obstructed defecation syndrome and an enterocele. Methods Between November 2002 and May 2005 a total of 41 patients were treated surgically for obstructed defecation syndrome. Four patients with concomitant enterocele underwent stapled transanal rectal resection under laparoscopic surveillance. Before surgery all patients underwent preoperative assessment, including clinical examination, colonoscopy, conventional video defecography, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging defecography, gynecology examinations, and psychologic evaluation. Results The mean operative time was 50 (±16.5) minutes for the conventional stapled transanal rectal resection and 67 (±14.1) minutes for combined laparoscopy and stapled transanal rectal resection (P < 0.01). Three major complications were observed: two had bleeding in the staple line (one from each group) and one had a late abscess in the staple line. Conclusions The combination of the stapled transanal rectal resection procedure and laparoscopy provides the opportunity to perform transanal rectal resection without the threat of intra-abdominal lesions caused by enterocele. Reprints are not available.     

Resected specimen evaluation, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up after STARR procedures

AIM:To investigate stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures as surgical techniques for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) by analyzing specimen evaluation,anorectal manometry,endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up.METHODS:From January to December 2007,we have treated 30 patients.Fifteen treated with double PPH-01 staplers and 15 treated using new CCS 30 contour.Resected specimen were measured with respect to average surface and volume.All patients have been evaluated at 24 mo with cl...     

Stapled transanal rectal mucosectomy ten years after

Stapled mucosectomy (SM) was first proposed for the management of patients with rectal internal mucosal prolapse and obstructed defecation, but gained popularity worldwide for the treatment of hemorrhoids. The present review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the operation. SM tends to decrease postoperative pain and shortens convalescence after hemorrhoid surgery, but may be followed by severe complications, e.g. rectal obliteration and pelvic sepsis requiring a diverting stoma, more frequently than after standard hemorrhoidectomy. Moreover it carries a higher recurrence rate in the treatment of fourth-degree piles. A recent Cochrane metaanalysis demonstrated that SM is less effective than standard hemorrhoidectomy since it carries a higher recurrence rate (OR=3.6) and reintervention rate (OR=2.3). When used for rectal mucosal prolapse and obstructed defecation, SM is reported to have variable results. A better outcome is likely to be achieved in patients without anismus and psychoneurosis operated on by specialists trained with this technique.     

Functional Results of Laparoscopic Resection Rectopexy for Symptomatic Rectal Intussusception

Purpose This study was designed to assess the role of laparoscopic resection rectopexy for symptomatic rectal intussusception in patients who failed medical treatment. The functional outcomes of laparoscopic resection rectopexy were evaluated. Methods Patients who underwent laparoscopic resection rectopexy for rectal intussusception between July 1998 and November 2004 were identified. All patients with obstructed defecation failing medical treatment were included. Data were prospectively collected for the perioperative period. A follow-up questionnaire was used to assess functional outcome. Results Between 1998 and 2004, a total of 56 patients (53 females (95 percent); age range, 23–83 years) underwent laparoscopic resection rectopexy for rectal intussusception. The median operative time was 123 minutes. Morbidity was 7 percent, and there was no mortality. Fifty-two patients were available for follow-up, and of these 33 (63 percent) reported an overall improvement in their function after surgery. Of 28 patients suffering constipation, 15 (53 percent) reported an improvement in bowel frequency. Sixty-seven percent of patients incontinent before surgery improved. Symptoms of incomplete evacuation resolved in 38 percent of affected patients. Thirty-six percent of patients needing to strain at stool did not have this problem after surgery. Median follow-up was 44 (range, 15–92) months. Conclusions The management of patients with rectal intussusception and obstructed defecation failing medical treatment is challenging. Laparoscopic resection rectopexy is an option that might offer symptomatic relief and improved function. Further studies are required to define the selection criteria to optimize the outcome in this patient group. Reprints are not available.     

Failed stapled rectal resection in a constipated patient with rectal aganglionosis

A rare case of a severely constipated patient with rectal aganglionosis is herein reported.The patient,who had no megacolon/megarectum,underwent a STARR,i.e.,stapled transanal rectal resection,for obstructed defecation,but her symptoms were not relieved.She started suffering from severe chronic proctalgia possibly due to peri-retained staples fibrosis.Intestinal transit times were normal and no megarectum/megacolon was found at barium enema.A diverting sigmoidostomy was then carried out,which was complicated by an early parastomal hernia,which affected stoma emptying.She also had a severe diverting proctitis,causing rectal bleeding,and still complained of both proctalgia and tenesmus.A deep rectal biopsy under anesthesia showed no ganglia in the rectum,whereas ganglia were present and normal in the sigmoid at the stoma site.As she refused a Duhamel procedure,an intersphincteric rectal resection and a refashioning of the stoma was scheduled.This case report shows that a complete assessment of the potential causes of constipation should be carried out prior to any surgical procedure.     

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM:To prospectively assess the eff icacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection(STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment,and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR.METHODS:Thirty patients(Female,28;age:51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception,a defecation disorder,and functional constipation were submitted for STARR.Thirty comparable patients(Female,30;age 53 ± 13 years),who presented with sympto...     

Midterm outcome of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome: A single-institution experience in China

AIM:To assess midterm results of stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR)for obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)and predictive factors for outcome.METHODS:From May 2007 to May 2009,75 female patients underwent STARR and were included in the present study.Preoperative and postoperative workup consisted of standardized interview and physical examination including proctoscopy,colonoscopy,anorectal manometry,and defecography.Clinical and functional results were assessed by standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation constipation scoring system(CSS),Longo’s ODS score,and symptom severity score(SSS),incontinence Wexner incontinence score(WS),quality of life Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire(PAC-QOL),and patient satisfaction visual analog scale(VAS).Data were collected prospectively at baseline,12 and 30 mo.RESULTS:The median follow-up was 30 mo(range,30-46 mo).Late postoperative complications occurred in 11(14.7%)patients.Three of these patients required procedure-related reintervention(one diverticulectomy and two excision of staple granuloma).Although the recurrence rate was 10.7%,constipation scores(CSS,ODS score and SSS)significantly improved after STARR(P<0.0001).Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in the PAC-QOL and VAS(P<0.0001),and the satisfaction index was excellent in 25(33.3%)patients,good in 23(30.7%),fairly good in 14(18.7%),and poor in 13(17.3%).Nevertheless,the WS increased after STARR(P=0.0169).Incontinence was present or deteriorated in 8(10.7%)patients;6(8%)of whom were new onsets.Univariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of fecal incontinence(preoperative,postoperative or new-onset incontinence;P=0.028,0.000,and 0.007,respectively)was associated with the success of the operation.CONCLUSION:STARR is an acceptable procedure for the surgical correction of ODS.However,its impact on symptomatic recurrence and postoperative incontinence may be problematic.     

经肛吻合器直肠部分切除术治疗重度脱垂性痔病的临床研究

目的评估经肛吻合器直肠部分切除术治疗重度脱垂性痔病的安全性及有效性。 方法2013年10月至2015年4月,运用经肛吻合器直肠部分切除术治疗重度脱垂性痔病48例。记录所有患者手术相关指标、围手术期并发症、住院时间及患者满意度,判断总疗效。 结果48例患者全部顺利完成手术,手术时间平均23.5 min;切除标本宽度平均4.8 cm、体积9.6 ml;26例术中吻合口出血行跨吻合口"8"字缝扎,平均缝扎1.7个点。术后17例出现排尿障碍,其中11例予以药物口服,6例留置导尿。术后当日疼痛评分2.5分,首次排便疼痛评分3.8分;肛门坠胀感评分2.9分;肛门控便功能,术后7天,CCF-FIS评分平均2.3分。住院时间平均7.2天。术后6个月患者满意度9.8分;随访31.3个月,无痔核脱出发生,总有效率100%。 结论经肛吻合器直肠部分切除术治疗重度脱垂性痔病是安全、有效的。     

Obstructed defecation after undiverted ileoanal pouch reconstruction for ulcerative colitis: Pharmacologic approach

PURPOSE: Obstructed defecation after ileal pouch construction has been reported only after closure of the diverting loop ileostomy, and biofeedback was an effective treatment modality. METHOD: This is a case report of a patient with immediate obstructed defecation after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis without a covering loop ileostomy and its successful pharmacologic management. RESULTS: A 38-year-old female underwent restorative proctectomy and stapled ileal J-pouch-anal anastomosis without a covering loop ileostomy. On the seventh postoperative day, her pouch catheter (in lieu of a covering loop ileostomy) was removed and she failed to evacuate. After ruling out any technical complications, diltiazem was commenced with successful spontaneous pouch emptying. Obstructed defecation reoccurred after cessation of diltiazem one week later, but the symptoms resolved once the diltiazem was recommenced. CONCLUSIONS: Obstructed defecation has been reported in patients after pelvic pouch reconstruction. However, in all those patients a diverting loop ileostomy had been raised and their obstructive symptoms were only apparent after closure of the ileostomy and when the pouch had healed. The concern regarding our patient was the complete outlet obstruction so soon after surgery, with undue strain on the anastomosis and the potential risk of disruption. Our only two options were either to create a diverting loop ileostomy or to try a fast-acting pharmacologic agent (diltiazem) to treat the presumed levator spasm. The latter option spared the patient a further operation.     

Rectovaginal fistula after STARR procedure complicated by haematoma of the posterior vaginal wall: report of a case

We report the case of a patient treated with the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure for obstructed defecation, who developed an early postoperative haematoma of the posterior vaginal wall and, after 30 days, a rectovaginal fistula (RVF), even though the intervention had been performed according to the standardized technique. After clinical examination and three-dimensional anal endosonography, we carried out a successful surgical correction with double vaginal and rectal flaps with repair of the rectovaginal septum and without faecal diversion. The STARR procedure, even if performed according to a rigorous application of the methodological standards, may be followed by a RVF possibly due to a blood collection leading to ischaemia of the vaginal wall.     

Perineal Stapled Prolapse Resection: A New Procedure for External Rectal Prolapse

Purpose

A perineal approach to treating rectal prolapse is ideal for frail patients. Recently, internal rectal redundancy has been successfully treated with transanal resection using the Contour® Transtar? stapler. This technique has been modified to the perineal stapled prolapse resection. The surgical technique and the preliminary results of the new procedure for external rectal prolapse are presented.

Methods

Patients not suited for transabdominal treatment were included prospectively for perineal stapled prolapse resection in two colorectal centers. Feasibility, complications, and reinterventions were assessed.

Results

In 14 of 15 patients, perineal stapled prolapse resection was performed without complications in a median operating time of 33 (range, 22–52) minutes. One procedure was changed to an Altemeier because of a staple line disruption. Two patients required reintervention as a result of postoperative hemorrhage. No other severe complications occurred. At follow-up, all patients were well and showed no early recurrence of prolapse.

Conclusions

Perineal stapled prolapse resection is a new surgical procedure for external rectal prolapse, which is easy and quick to perform. Functional results and long-term recurrence rate must be investigated further.

     

Technique and Long-Term Results of Intersphincteric Resection for Low Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE Intersphincteric resection of low rectal tumors is a surgical technique extending rectal resection into the intersphincteric space. This procedure is performed by a synchronous abdominoperineal approach with mesorectal excision and excision of the entire or part of the internal sphincter. This study was designed to evaluate the long-term results of this method focused on continence function and oncologic results. METHODS From 1984 to 2000, a total of 121 patients were operated on. The patients were evaluated prospectively according to a detailed preoperative and postoperative program. RESULTS One hundred seventeen patients had rectal cancers, two had dysplastic villous adenomas, and two had carcinoid tumors. Cancers were staged according to the Dukes classification (Stage A in 41 percent, Stage B in 28 percent, and Stage C in 31 percent; median distance from the anal margin, 3 (range, 1–5) cm). Postoperative complications were: one death because of pulmonary embolism, 5.1 percent developed an anastomotic fistula, one patient had a fistula to the bladder requiring reoperation, one patient with ileus needed relaparotomy as well as one for intra-abdominal hemorrhage and a small-bowel fistula. One patient developed a fistula after closing the protective colostomy. Five patients developed late strictures of the coloanal anastomosis. After a median follow-up of 72.86 months, 5.3 percent of patients developed local recurrence. The continence status was satisfactory with 16 patients (13.7 percent) showing continence for solid stool only, and 1 patient (0.8 percent) showing episodes of incontinence. A transient problem was a high stool frequency after closure of the protective stoma. CONCLUSIONS Intersphincteric resection is a valuable procedure for sphincter-saving rectal surgery. We showed that this technique has satisfactory long-term results in functional and oncologic respects. An important prerequisite is a careful preoperative evaluation of local tumor spread with rectal magnetic resonance imaging excluding infiltration of the external sphincter. Supported by the Ludwig Boltzmann Research Institute for Surgical Oncology, Danube Hospital/SMZ-Ost, Langobardenstrasse 122, A-1220, Vienna, Austria.     

Stapled mucosectomy: an alternative technique for the removal of retained rectal mucosa after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC), when performed with a stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), allows the retention of the rectal mucosa above the dentate line and can result in disease persistence or recurrence, as well as neoplastic lesions in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We report the case of a patient with chronic UC who underwent staple mucosectomy, which is an alternative technique that evolved from stapled hemorrhoidopexy, rather than more traditional procedures. The patient had undergone laparoscopic RPC with a stapled IPAA 2 cm above the dentate line and a temporary loop ileostomy. Because the histopathology showed low-grade dysplasia in the proximal rectum, stapled mucosectomy with a 33-mm circular stapler kit at the time of ileostomy closure was scheduled. Following the application of a purse-string suture 1 cm above the dentate line, the stapler was inserted with its anvil beyond the purse-string and was fired. The excised rectal tissue was checked to ensure that it was a complete cylindrical doughnut. Histopathology of the excised tissue showed chronic inflammation. There were no complications during a follow-up period of 5 months. Because it preserves the normal rectal mucosal architecture and avoids a complex mucosectomy surgery, stapled mucosectomy seems to be a technically feasible and clinically acceptable alternative to the removal of rectal mucosa retained after RPC.     

Comparative study between botulinum toxin injection and partial division of puborectalis for treating anismus

Objectives  The objective of this study was to compare the results of partial division of puborectalis (PDPR) versus local botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection in treating patients with anismus. Patients and methods  This prospective randomized study included 30 male patients suffering from anismus. Diagnosis was made by clinical examination, barium enema, colonoscopy, colonic transit time, anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography, and electromyography. Patients were randomized into: group I which included 15 patients who were injected with BTX-A and group II which included 15 patients who underwent bilateral PDPR. Follow-up was conducted for about 1 year. Improvement was considered when patients returned to their normal habits. Results  BTX-A injection achieved initial success in 13 patients (86.7%). However, long-term success persisted only in six patients (40%). This was in contrast to PDPR which achieved initial success in all patients (100%) with a long-term success in ten patients (66.6%). Recurrence was observed in seven patients (53.8%) and five patients (33.4%) following BTX-A injection and PDPR, respectively. Minor degrees of incontinence were confronted in two patients (13.3%) following PDPR. Conclusion  BTX-A injection seems to be successful for temporary treatment of anismus.     

Complications and reinterventions after surgery for obstructed defecation

Purpose  Functional results following surgery for obstructed defecation (OD) have been widely investigated, but there are few reports aimed to analyze postoperative complications and re-interventions. This study investigates the adverse events requiring retreatment for obstructed defecation. Methods  We retrospectively analyzed the records of 203 patients operated on by a single surgeon, 20 transabdominally and 183 transperineally (159 manual and 24 stapled). Postoperative complications requiring retreatment and outcome of reinterventions were analyzed. Results  Adverse events requiring retreatment occurred in 14.3% more frequently after abdominal than after perineal procedures (20% vs. 13.7%), but the sample size of the two arms is different. Rectal bleeding and strictures were the most common adverse events (6.9%). Major complications, i.e., ischemic colitis requiring hemicolectomy and pelvic sepsis requiring colostomy also occurred (1%). The overall reintervention rate was 7.5%, (5% after abdominal and 7.6% after perineal surgery). Overall, 59% of the reoperated patients were still constipated at a median follow up of 2 years. Conclusions  Complications requiring retreatment are not uncommon after surgery for OD and reinterventions are often unsuccessful. A careful preoperative evaluation and selection of patients should be undertaken in order to minimize adverse events.     

Comparison of Functional Results and Quality of Life Between Intersphincteric Resection and Conventional Coloanal Anastomosis for Low Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: The technique of intersphincteric resection permits sphincter preservation with good oncologic results in very low rectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate functional results and quality of life after intersphincteric resection compared with conventional coloanal anastomoses.METHODS: From 1990 to 2000, 170 patients underwent total mesorectal excision with coloanal anastomosis for low rectal tumors. Questionnaires were obtained from 77 patients alive without colostomy: 37 had a conventional coloanal anastomosis and 40 had intersphincteric resection. Both groups were similar according to age, gender, anastomotic stenosis, colonic pouch, anastomotic leakage, preoperative radiotherapy, and follow-up (median, 56 months). Assessment included one functional and two quality-of-life questionnaires: the SF-36 Health Status and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life score.RESULTS: There was no difference in stool frequency, fragmentation, urgency, dyschesia, and alimentary restriction between patients with and without intersphincteric resection. Patients with intersphincteric resection had significantly worse continence (Wexner score, 10.8 vs. 6.9; P < 0.001) and needed more antidiarrheal drugs (60 vs. 35 percent; P = 0.04) than those without. Compared with conventional coloanal anastomoses, quality of life was altered by intersphincteric resection for the subscale embarrassment (P < 0.01) in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life score, whereas no difference of quality of life was observed with SF-36.CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional coloanal anastomoses, patients with intersphincteric resection have a higher risk of fecal incontinence and a slightly altered quality of life.Presented at the meeting of the Société Française de Chirurgie Digestive, Lyon, France, December 11 to 12, 2003.Reprints are not available.