Early results of immediate repair of obstetric third-degree tears: 65% are completely asymptomatic despite persistent sphincter defects in 61%

OBJECTIVE: The outcome of immediate repair of obstetric third-degree tears is poorly documented. Immediate repair may give better functional results than delayed repair because scarring is reduced. This aim of this prospective study was to examine the early outcome of immediate repair of third-degree tears. METHOD: A total of 121 women who had immediate repair of obstetric third-degree tears underwent interview, anal ultrasonography and anorectal physiology. RESULTS: At review, 79 (65%) were completely asymptomatic (score = 0), 23 (19%), had minor flatus incontinence or mild urgency causing no compromise to their quality of life (score 1-4), and 19 (16%) had clinically embarrassing faecal incontinence (score 5-24). Thirty-nine (32%) had an intact internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) (i.e. a successful repair), eight (7%) had a defect in the IAS alone but the EAS was intact (i.e. a successful repair but a residual IAS defect), 43 (35%) had a residual defect in the EAS alone (IAS intact) and 31 (26%) had a persistent defect in the IAS and EAS. Residual defects in either or both of the sphincters were associated with a significantly higher incidence of abnormal resting and squeeze anal pressures. Anal manometry had no correlation with symptoms. The highest proportion of severe incontinence was in those with an IAS defect alone (37%) and when there was a residual IAS and EAS defect (24%). Only 2 of 39 (5%) with an intact IAS and EAS had severe incontinence and only 8 of 43 (18%) with a residual EAS defect alone had severe faecal incontinence. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a good outcome following immediate repair of third-degree obstetric tears and emphasize the role of the IAS in providing continence.     

Anal endosonography in the investigation of faecal incontinence

Forty-four consecutive patients with incontinence of solid stool of traumatic or idiopathic aetiology were examined by anal endosonography and standard anorectal physiology tests. Anal endosonography showed an external anal sphincter defect in four out of 11 (36 per cent) patients with idiopathic (neurogenic) incontinence. In the remaining seven patients both parts of the sphincter were intact and a linear relationship was found between the resting anal canal pressure and the endosonographic thickness of the internal anal sphincter. Twenty-eight out of 33 (85 per cent) patients with incontinence of traumatic origin had external sphincter defects, confirmed by concentric needle electromyogram mapping in the 19 patients in whom this was performed. Eleven of these 28 (39 per cent) patients also had disruption of the internal sphincter. Anal endosonography has revealed significant abnormalities in patients with faecal incontinence and has a complementary role to anorectal physiology in the routine investigation of these patients.     

Assessment of sonographic quality of anal sphincter muscles in patients with faecal incontinence

Objective  The main application of endoanal ultrasonography (US) in evaluation of faecal incontinence is to identify surgically correctable sphincter defects. The aim of our study was to determine whether qualitative changes in echogenicity and in uniformity of internal (IAS) and external (EAS) anal sphincter muscles detected on endoanal US correlate with other anal laboratory tests and modified Wexner faecal incontinence functional score.
Method  Records on 99 patients having complete information on anorectal manometry, faecal incontinence scoring and available endoanal US imaging of the anal sphincters were included in statistical analysis. Anatomic appearance and changes in echogenicity of the anal sphincter muscles were recorded according to the proposed scoring system. Endoanal US defect and quality component scores for IAS and EAS as well as the total score were correlated with anal laboratory tests and incontinence score using Spearman's correlations test.
Results  There was a trend for correlation between IAS quality score and incontinence score ( P  = 0.06), but no correlation for IAS defect score. EAS defect score had a significant negative correlation with maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) ( P  = 0.031). Distal EAS quality score had a significant correlation with incontinence score ( P  = 0.002). EAS total score correlated with MSP ( P  = 0.02) and incontinence score ( P  = 0.006). Endoanal US total score was significantly correlated with incontinence score ( P  = 0.006), maximal resting (MRP) ( P  = 0.035) and MSP ( P  = 0.045) and high pressure anal canal zone length ( P  = 0.03).
Conclusion  Sonographic morphology of anal sphincter muscles correlates with anal laboratory tests and functional incontinence score. Qualitative ultrasound scoring instrument may improve evaluation of patients with faecal incontinence.     

Correlation between anal manometry and endosonography in females with faecal incontinence

Objective Female faecal incontinence (FI) is largely because of sphincter injury at childbirth. Sphincter assessment aims to identify surgically correctable defects. We aimed to identify endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS) parameters that correlate with sphincter function. Method One hundred females with FI and 28 healthy asymptomatic females were prospectively assessed. Wexner FI score was recorded and all subjects underwent anorectal manometry and EAUS. Multiple EAUS parameters were assessed and correlated with external (EAS) and internal (IAS) anal sphincter function, determined by maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) and maximum resting pressure (MRP) respectively. Parameters included sphincter quality (echogenicity), thickness, perineal body thickness (PBT) and defect characteristics (angle, length). Results are expressed as medians and interquartile range (IQR). Results Median Wexner score was 14 (12–17). Maximum EAS thickness significantly correlated with MSP (P = 0.019). EAS defects were detected in 84 patients and seven controls (P < 0.0001). Full‐length EAS defects were only detected in FI group and had significantly lower MSP [MSP mmHg: full length 85 (65–103) vs partial length 119 (75–155), P = 0.006]. FI patients were more likely to have a mixed echogenicity of EAS compared with controls. EAS ring quality, PBT and defect angle were not significant. IAS quality was significantly associated with MRP [MRP mmHg: uniform 62 (43–82) vs mixed 47 (30.5–57.5), P = 0.002]. Conclusion Certain EAUS parameters can be predictive of anal sphincter function. These include the presence of an EAS defect and its length, EAS maximum thickness, IAS ring quality. Integration of these parameters can give better EAUS correlation with manometry for FI evaluation.     

肛管内超声对排粪失禁患儿肛门括约肌受损程度的评价

目的探讨肛管内超声对肛门内括约肌（IAS）、肛门外括约肌（EAS）及耻骨直肠肌（PR）形态及完整性的评估,从而为排粪失禁的原因及治疗方案的制订提供客观依据。方法回顾性分析2009年12月至2012年11月间山东大学第二医院收治的14例先天性肛门直肠畸形术后及4例先天性巨结肠术后排粪失禁患儿的临床资料。应用肛管内超声对IAS、EAS及PR进行观察,并进行括约肌受损程度评分;同时行肛管直肠测压评分和肛门功能评分,通过Spearman秩相关分析评价括约肌评分与肛管直肠测压评分和肛门功能评分之间的相关性。结果18例患儿中男13例,女5例,年龄10—16岁。肛门括约肌受损评分结果显示,括约肌轻度受损11例,中度受损65J,重度受损1例;另有PR受损4例。括约肌评分与肛管直肠测压评分之间呈正相关（P〈0．05）,而与肛门功能评分无明显相关性（P〉0．05）。结论肛管内超声可清楚显示IAS、EAS和PR的形态,明确其是否完整及受损程度,是评价肛门直肠畸形术后排粪失禁患儿非常有价值的方法,但并不能完全反映括约肌及肛门的功能状况。     

Anal sphincter tears in patients with rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence

Objective Faecal incontinence often persists after surgery for rectal prolapse. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed as responsible, however, anal sphincter integrity has only been studied in a handful of cases. This study assesses the incidence of ultrasound detected anal sphincter tears in patients with rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence. Methods Retrospective search of medical records at Flinders Medical Centre over a 7‐year period to identify patients with full thickness rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence who had undergone endosonographical imaging of the anal sphincter complex. Anal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency studies were also included. Results Twenty‐one patients were identified (1 male, 20 female) of median age 67.5 years. Fifteen (71%) subjects had an abnormality in the anal sphincter complex on endoanal ultrasound. Of these, the defects in 4 (19%) patients were isolated to the internal sphincter, 3 (14%) to the external sphincter and in the remaining 8 (38%) subjects, defects were found in both internal and external sphincters. The degree of sphincteric defect was variable but at least 6 (29%) of the study group had full‐length external sphincter tears. In the 19 patients studied, anal manometry revealed reduced basal and squeeze pressures in the majority. Delayed pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was evident in 9 of 18 patients studied. Conclusion Anal sphincter tears are common in patients presenting with rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence. The faecal incontinence associated with prolapse appears to be multifactorial in aetiology. Anal sphincter defects are likely to contribute to persistent faecal incontinence or recurrence following rectal prolapse. Endoanal ultrasound derived knowledge of anal sphincter injury may guide surgical management in problematic cases.     

Anal sphincter defects and anal incontinence symptoms after repair of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in primiparous women

A study was carried out to identify (1) incidence of anal incontinence symptoms, (2) incidence and size of both external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) defects, and (3) relationship between anal incontinence symptoms and IAS or EAS defect size after repair of an obstetric anal sphincter laceration. Forty-seven vaginally primiparous women underwent obstetric anal sphincter laceration repair. At 8–12 weeks postpartum, anal incontinence symptoms were assessed, and endoanal ultrasound was performed. At 1–2 years postpartum, symptoms were reassesseds. The incidence of anal incontinence symptoms at 8–12 weeks was 43%. The incidence of IAS and EAS defects were 32% and 77%, respectively. IAS defects ≥45 degrees were predictive of symptoms (p = 0.02). After 18 months mean follow-up, 11% reported chronic symptoms. After anal sphincter laceration repair, anal incontinence symptoms occur in 43% of women and remain chronic in 11%. Anal incontinence symptoms are associated with increasing IAS defect size. Poster presentation at the American Urogynecologic Society Annual Meeting, Hollywood, Florida, USA, 27–29 September 2007.     

Symptoms and anal sphincter morphology following primary repair of third-degree tears

BACKGROUND: Approximately 0.6-9 per cent of vaginal deliveries are complicated by third-degree tears. The precise impact of such injuries on future pelvic floor function remains unknown. The aim of this study was to define the extent of structural and physiological damage to the anal sphincter and to investigate anorectal function in women who sustained third-degree tears during vaginal delivery. METHODS: Fifty-six women who sustained a third-degree tear were investigated prospectively. All patients had a primary repair of the anal sphincter complex, and were assessed by anorectal physiology and endoanal ultrasonography at a mean of 3.6 months. Symptoms were assessed by direct personal interview and also by a self-completed questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-four patients had a persistent anal sphincter defect on ultrasonography. The mean resting and squeeze anal canal pressures were significantly lower in patients with a combined defect than in those in whom the repair was intact (P = 0.036 and P = 0.005 respectively). At direct interview three patients volunteered current symptoms of faecal and/or urinary incontinence whereas 32 reported bothersome symptoms on the questionnaire (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The anatomical and physiological damage sustained during third-degree tears appears to be much greater than is generally appreciated. Primary repair does not provide lasting integrity. A self-administered questionnaire appears to be more accurate in defining the symptomatology.     

Primary repair of advanced obstetric anal sphincter tears: should it be performed by the overlapping sphincteroplasty technique?

Advanced obstetric anal sphincter tears are often associated with a high incidence of fecal and flatus incontinence. We aimed to assess the clinical outcome of these repairs when done by the overlapping sphincteroplasty technique with reconstruction of the internal anal sphincter and perineum. Between August 2005 and December 2006, all grades 3 and 4 obstetric anal sphincter tears in our department were repaired by a reconstructive pelvic surgeon, primarily using the overlapping sphincteroplasty technique with reconstruction of the internal anal sphincter and perineum. All women were followed every 6 months using the Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire, a physical examination of the anal sphincter, anal manometry, and transperineal anal sonography. There were 3,478 deliveries of which 22 (0.63%) anal sphincter tears were repaired in women aged 22-41 years. Two women were diagnosed with Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists grade 3a, eight with grade 3b, nine with grade 3c, and three with grade 4 anal sphincter tears. Postoperatively, 21 patients attended the outpatient clinic, with an average follow-up time of 9.2+/-1.4 months. Only two women (9.5%) complained of flatus incontinence and fecal urgency and had mildly decreased anal sphincter squeeze pressure and a small sonographic anal sphincter defect. None of the women complained of fecal incontinence. Two women (9.5%) reported on transient perineal pain and one (4.8%) on transient dyspareunia. All other women were asymptomatic and had normal anal manometry and sonographic evaluation. Repair of obstetric anal sphincter tears using the overlapping sphincteroplasty technique with reconstruction of the internal anal sphincter and perineum seems to carry favorable clinical outcome and reduced risk for anal incontinence, perineal pain, and sexual dysfunction.     

Anal vector volume analysis complements endoanal ultrasonographic assessment of postpartum anal sphincter injury

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the role of anal vector manometry in the assessment of postpartum anal sphincter injury and to establish the most suitable method of anal vector volume analysis for identifying significant external anal sphincter (EAS) injury in an at-risk parous population. METHODS: A total of 101 consecutive women with a history of instrumental or traumatic vaginal delivery was recruited. Anal ultrasonography and anal vector manometry were performed. Receiver-operator characteristic curves were used to determine the usefulness of anal manometry and anal vector volume analysis in the identification of significant EAS disruption (full thickness, more than one quadrant involved) detected by ultrasonography. RESULTS: Seventeen women had significant EAS disruption identified by anal ultrasonography. Anal vector manometry provided complementary functional information. Anal vector symmetry index (VSI), determined by analysis of mean maximum squeeze pressure, yielded 100 per cent sensitivity for significant EAS disruption, with a positive predictive value of 61 per cent. CONCLUSION: Anal vector manometry complements endoanal ultrasonography. VSI, determined by means of the squeeze pressure profile, correlates best with significant EAS disruption identified at anal ultrasonography.     

Endosonographic evaluation of anal sphincters in healthy children

Purpose

To describe the endosonographic anatomy of anal sphincters in healthy children and to evaluate the reproducibility of sphincter thickness measurements.

Methods

Forty-five healthy children with median age of 3.6 years (range, 1.0-14.5 years) were studied while under general anesthesia for minor surgery. Anal endosonography was performed with a 7- to 10-MHz rotating transducer with a diameter of 19 mm. The internal anal sphincter (IAS) and the external anal sphincter (EAS) were assessed by 2 independent observers.

Results

IAS and EAS were identified in all children. The mean thickness of IAS and EAS were 1.3 mm and 5.3 mm, respectively. Identification of the inner and outer border of IAS was difficult, especially in children younger than 3 years. The thickness of EAS was easier to assess, and the interrater reliability for EAS thickness measurements was excellent. EAS thickness was positively correlated with the children's age. Reflectivity varied within the EAS with frequent hyporeflective areas.

Conclusions

Anal endosonography provided visualization of the IAS and EAS in children. Assessment of exact IAS thickness was difficult, especially in the youngest children. Mean EAS thickness was 5.3 mm, increasing with age. Hyporeflective areas of the intact EAS should not be misinterpreted as sphincter defects.     

Endosonographic study of anal sphincters in patients after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between endosonographic findings of anal sphincters and anorectal function in patients after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. In addition, whether internal sphincterotomy or sphincterectomy was accomplished was examined in each procedure by anal endosonography. METHODS: Fifteen patients, aged 11 to 20 years, were examined. Nine patients underwent modified Duhamel's operation, three underwent Rehbein's operation with anorectal myectomy, and three underwent modified Martin's operation. All 15 patients were examined by anal endosonography using a sonographic scanner (Aloka SSD 2000) with a 7.5-MHz radial rotating endoprobe, clinical bowel assessment, and manometric study. RESULTS: After the modified Duhamel operation, anal endosonography showed an interruption of the external anal sphincter (EAS) in eight of the nine patients, as a high, mixed, or low echoic lesion in the hyperechoic band correlated to the EAS. The locations of the interruption were wide in patients with mild constipation. An interruption of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) was observed in all nine patients, as a hyperechoic lesion in the hypoechoic band correlated to IAS, which indicated internal sphincterotomy. After Rehbein's operation with anorectal myectomy, an interruption of EAS was observed in all three patients as a high or low echoic lesion in the hyperechoic band. An interruption of IAS was observed in all three patients. After the modified Martin's operation, an interruption of EAS was observed in two of the three patients as a high or low echoic lesion in the hyperechoic band. An interruption of IAS was observed in all three patients. CONCLUSION: Anal endosonography showed detailed distributions of EAS and IAS in patients after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease and complete internal sphincterotomy or sphincterectomy after these operations.     

Gender differences in the longitudinal pressure profile of the anal canal related to anatomical structure as demonstrated on three-dimensional anal endosonography

BACKGROUND: Anal canal squeeze pressure is assumed to be due to external sphincter contraction, but the contribution of other muscles has not been explored. METHODS: Ten male and ten nulliparous female asymptomatic subjects had three-dimensional anal endosonography and manometry. Incremental squeeze pressures at 0. 5-cm intervals, expressed as a percentage of the maximum pressure recorded anywhere in the canal, were related to the following anatomical levels: puborectalis, overlap between external anal sphincter (EAS) and puborectalis, external and internal anal sphincters, and external anal sphincter only. Levels were determined by coronal and sagittal endosonographic reconstructions. RESULTS: Puborectalis was the same length in men and women (median 23.9 versus 27.1 mm) but represented a greater proportion of the anal canal in women (45 versus 61 per cent; P = 0.02). At the level of puborectalis alone, the pressure generated as a proportion of maximum anal canal pressure was 71 (range 32-100) per cent in men and 62 (range 32-100) per cent in women. At the level of the EAS alone, the pressure was 60 (4-98) per cent in men and 82 (41-100) per cent in women; where the external sphincter was overlapped by puborectalis, the pressure was 98 (60-100) per cent in men and 75 (47-100) per cent in women. CONCLUSION: Maximal anal canal squeeze pressure is found where the puborectalis overlaps the EAS. This segment represents a significant proportion of anal canal length in women.     

Three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasonography of external anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence: correlation with symptoms and manometry

Aim Anal sphincter anatomy on two‐dimensional endoanal ‐ultrasonography (EUS) does not always correlate with the clinical data. The purpose of this study was to determine whether three‐dimensional (3D) measurements yield a better correlation. Method The study group included consecutive patients who underwent 3D EUS for faecal incontinence over a 2‐year period. The medical charts were reviewed for Cleveland Clinic Foundation Fecal Incontinence (CCF‐FI) score and manometric pressures. Endoanal ultrasonographic images were reviewed for the presence of an external anal sphincter (EAS) defect and its extent, as determined by the radial angle, length in the sagittal plane and percentage volume deficit. Correlational analyses were performed between the clinical and imaging data. Results Sixty‐one patients of median age 53 years (range 15–82) were evaluated. Thirty‐two patients had either a complete (17) or partial (15) EAS defect, and 29 patients had an intact sphincter. The CCF‐FI scores were similar in patients with and without an EAS defect (12.5 ± 5.6 and 11.4 ± 5.5, respectively). The intact‐sphincter group had a significantly greater EAS length (3 ± 0.4 vs 2 ± 0.62 cm, P = 0.02) and higher mean maximal squeeze pressure (MMSP; 99.7 ± 52.6 vs 66.9 ± 52.9 mmHg, P = 0.009). There were no statistically significant correlations between MMSP, CCF‐FI score and EAS status on 3D EUS. Mean percentage volume of the defect was similar in patients with complete and partial tears (14.5 ± 5.5 and 17.5 ± 7.2%, P = 0.25) and showed no correlation with physiological tests or symptom scores. Conclusion Improvements in external anal sphincter imaging have not yielded a better association with the clinical findings. The lack of clinical differences between patients with different EAS tears may reflect their similar volumetric defects.     

Rolle der Bildgebung bei Analinkontinenz

Endoanal sonography is a well established method for the morphological diagnosis of anal sphincter damage. The best images are obtained using a 7-10 MHz rotating rigid endoprobe. The internal anal sphincter and the external anal sphincter, as well as the other pelvic floor structures, can be clearly visualised with this technique. Endosonography has shown physiological differences in sphincter anatomy and brought new insights into the pathogenesis of anorectal disorders. Apart of anal fistulas, faecal incontinence represents the main indication for the use of this method. In addition, rectal evacuation disorders are an indication for which endosonography allows a first step towards a diagnosis. Anal ultrasound is a technique friendly to both the physician and the patient, and belongs in every coloproctological unit for the assessment of faecal incontinence. Accuracy, specificity and sensitivity for the detection of anal sphincter defects range between 83 and 100% in almost all studies. Additional methods are vaginal endosonography, three dimensional endosonography and perineal sonography.     

Meta-analysis to determine the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter damage

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of anal sphincter injury after first (11.5-35.0 per cent) and subsequent (3.4-12.1 per cent) vaginal deliveries varies widely. In addition, the reported incidence of associated faecal incontinence ranges from zero to 68.2 per cent. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of reported incidences of postpartum anal sphincter defect diagnosed by endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS) and associated incidences of faecal incontinence. METHODS: A Medline search yielded five studies with more than 100 subjects who underwent EAUS after childbirth for evaluation of anal sphincter disruption and who were questioned about symptoms of faecal incontinence, defined as any impairment in flatus and stool control but not including urgency of defaecation. A Bayesian meta-analysis was performed to produce one inference while accounting for potential heterogeneity among the five study populations. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 717 vaginal deliveries revealed a 26.9 per cent incidence of anal sphincter defect in primiparous women and an 8.5 per cent incidence of new sphincter defects in multiparous women. Overall, 29.7 per cent of anal sphincter defects were symptomatic. Some 3.4 per cent of women experienced postpartum faecal incontinence without an anal sphincter defect. In a Bayesian calculation, the probability of postpartum faecal incontinence due to a sphincter defect was 76.8-82.8 per cent. CONCLUSION:: The incidence of occult anal sphincter disruption following vaginal delivery is much higher than commonly estimated. However, at least two-thirds of occult defects are asymptomatic postpartum. The probability of faecal incontinence associated with an anal sphincter defect was 76.8-82.8 per cent.     

Perineum compression during EAUS enhances visualization of anterior anal sphincter defects

Objective  Endo-anal ultrasound (EAUS) can detect anal sphincter injuries. However, anterior external anal sphincter (EAS) defects can be difficult to define. We assessed different EAUS techniques to determine if any particular method improved defect identification.
Method  Ninety females with faecal incontinence were prospectively studied. Wexner faecal incontinence scores were obtained. All patients underwent anorectal manometry and EAUS using three different techniques: standard, digit-assisted (gloved finger pressing on posterior vaginal wall) and balloon-assisted (standard balloon inflated into the vagina). The three techniques were assessed by comparing defect characteristics (detection, angle, edges and scar tissue), and perineal body thickness. All measurements were performed at the mid anal canal level. Results are expressed as medians (IQR).
Results  Standard EAUS (S-EAUS) identified a sphincter defect in 54 patients. Digit assisted EAUS (D-EAUS) and balloon-assisted EAUS (B-EAUS) ultrasound revealed a sphincter defect in additional 11 and 9 patients respectively compared to S-EAUS. Correlation of maximum squeeze pressure with EAUS findings improved on D-EAUS and B-EAUS. The defect angle was significantly wider with D-EAUS and B-EAUS [S-EAUS 90°(63–97), D-EAUS 100°(81–101.5), B-EAUS 100°(80–105), P  = 0.0005]. The perineal body was significantly thicker when measured with B-EAUS [D-EAUS 9 mm (7–10) vs B-EAUS 10 mm (8–11), P  = 0.0005]. Inter-observer agreement was comparable [S-EAUS (K) = 0.677, D-EAUS (K) = 0.658, B-EAUS (K) = 0.601].
Conclusion  EAS anterior defect detection and definition on EAUS may be improved by the demarcation and gentle pressure on the posterior vaginal wall.     

Predictive value of internal anal sphincter thickness for diagnosis of rectal intussusception in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine any association between a thickened internal anal sphincter (IAS) on anal endosonography and high-grade rectal intussusception on evacuation proctography in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. METHODS: Anal endosonography was performed in 20 patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and IAS thickness defined as normal or abnormal depending on age. Sphincter thickness was compared with the presence or absence of high-grade intussusception on subsequent evacuation proctography to determine any relationship between the two. RESULTS: Thirteen patients had an abnormally thick IAS, two of whom were unable to evacuate. Of the remaining 11 patients, ten showed high-grade intussusception (positive predictive value 91 per cent). Only three of seven patients with a normal IAS had high-grade intussusception (negative predictive value 57 per cent). Patients with a thick IAS were significantly more likely to have proctographic evidence of high-grade intussusception (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Sonographic findings of a thick IAS are highly predictive for high-grade rectal intussusception in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.     

Confirmation of endosonographic detection of external anal sphincter defects by simultaneous electromyographic mapping

Anal endosonography was performed in 13 consecutive patients with post-traumatic faecal incontinence. Thirteen acoustic defects in the external anal sphincter (two hyperechoic, four of mixed echogenicity and seven hypoechoic) were analysed electromyographically by locating under ultrasound guidance the tip of a concentric needle within the defect. The electromyographic activity in this zone was compared with ultrasonically normal muscle. Eleven of 13 sonographic defects showed no electrical activity on electromyography, there was one technical electromyography failure, and one defect was too deep to be reached by the electromyography needle. The electromyographic response was normal in each case within ultrasonically normal muscle. Anal endosonography is recommended as the initial investigation to locate defects, which may be confirmed electromyographically thereby limiting the number of painful needle insertions required for complete mapping of the external anal sphincter.     

Submucosal versus ligation excision haemorrhoidectomy: a comparison of anal sensation, anal sphincter manometry and postoperative pain and function

Submucosal (SM) and ligation excision (LE) haemorrhoidectomy were compared to establish whether SM is a less painful procedure and whether anal sensation is better preserved by SM, and, if so, how this relates to postoperative function. There were 18 SM and 22 LE patients. Anal sphincter manometry and anal mucosal electrosensitivity were measured pre-operatively and 6 weeks after surgery. Postoperative pain was assessed by linear analogue scale. Anal sphincter pressures which were high pre-operatively fell to normal after surgery. Neither operation affected functional sphincter length or the recto-anal inhibitory reflex. Forty per cent of patients showed ultraslow waves on sphincter motility studies. These were associated with the highest pressures and in all but three cases disappeared after surgery. There were no differences in postoperative pain scores between the two techniques but there was a wide range from no pain to very severe pain in both groups. Submucosal haemorrhoidectomy preserved anal sensation better than ligation excision but this was not reflected in improved function. There was minor leakage and soiling in 50 per cent of patients from both groups and two SM and LE patients had initial faecal incontinence. All these symptoms had resolved by 6 weeks.