Proktitis aus Sicht der Proktologie*

Proctitis may cause anal bleeding, anal mucus secretion, diarrhea, urge incontinence, pain at defecation, etc. At digital rectal examination a thickened mucosal lining may be palpated and blood is found on the examination glove. At endoscopy erosive or ulcerative lesions are found that bleed easily on contact. Also polyp-like or even tumor-like lesions, telangiectasias and atypical fistulas can be seen. The symptoms and the findings on examination are quite often unspecific; a detailed history of the patient is most important in the work-up for the differential diagnosis. Serological and microbiological examinations should be done as well as biopsies (except for radiation proctitis). Proctitis may occur after applying external agents that cause chemical, thermal as well as pharmaceutical reactions in the rectum. Proctitis may occur after fecal diversion. Ischemic proctitis causes severe pain and fecal incontinence and may occur postoperatively, after shock/anaphylaxis, etc. The solitary rectal ulcer (syndrome) has a more or less mechanical etiology and shows clearly defined pathohistological lesions. It often occurs in women with outlet obstruction and/or rectal, mucosal or hemorrhoidal prolapse. Except for rectal prolapse, treatment of the solitary rectal ulcer is not always simple or successful. The same applies to radiation proctitis that may occur after radiotherapy. Radiated anorectal tissue regenerates slowly or not at all. Therefore invasive procedures should not be performed because of the high risk for the development of ulceration or fistula. Treatment of radiation proctitis is not always simple and it does not have a high level of evidence. In most cases therapy should be performed individually, according to the severity of complaints.     

Radiation-induced proctitis

Opinion Statement The incidence of chronic, radiation-induced proctitis is between 2% and 5 %. There is not a direct relationship between the incidence of acute radiation proctitis and the subsequent development of chronic proctitis. The treatment for this condition should proceed in a step-wise fashion from conservative therapy such as antidiarrhea medication, topical steroids, sucralfate enemas, and iron replacement to more aggressive treatment in those who do not respond. In the case of persistent rectal bleeding, laser therapy and formalin instillation should be tried prior to surgical intervention. If surgery is necessary, a transverse or descending colostomy should be tried. Aggressive surgery such as rectal resection and colo-anal anastomosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and should be reserved as a last resort measure.     

Endoscopic treatments for chronic radiation proctitis

Chronic radiation proctitis is a complication that occurs in patients who receive radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies. The common presentation is with rectal bleeding, but also rectal pain, diarrhea, tenesmus and even passage of mucus can occur. The optimal treatment of bleeding due to radiation proctitis remains unclear. Among various therapeutic options, medical management is generally ineffective and surgical intervention has a high incidence of morbidity. Promising advances have been made in endoscopic therapy, including argon plasma coagulation (APC), formalin application as well as new techniques such as radio-frequency ablation and cryoablation. APC is a safe, highly effective and long-lasting therapy in patients with rectal bleeding associated with radiation proctitis. It has been shown that several sessions of APC reduce the rate of bleeding and therefore the blood transfusion requirements. Moreover, the effect of treatment is long lasting. However, best results are achieved in patients with mild to moderate radiation proctitis, leaving space for alternative treatments for patients with more severe disease. In patients with severe or refractoryradiation proctitis intra rectal formalin application is an appropriate treatment option. Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation have shown efficacy as alternative methods in a limited number of patients with refractory chronic radiation proctitis.     

Rectal compliance, capacity, and rectoanal sensation in fecal incontinence

OBJECTIVE: Assessments of the pathophysiology of fecal incontinence are skewed toward anal sphincter function; however, rectal compliance, rectoanal sensation and capacity may also be relevant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usual and some novel diagnostic approaches in fecal incontinence. METHODS: In 22 unselected patients with fecal incontinence (21 F, 33-75 yr), we quantified: 1) symptoms, anorectal manometry, and anal ultrasound; 2) anal perception of temperature and light touch; 3) rectal sensitivity and compliance to distension; and 4) rectal reservoir function. Control values were obtained from two groups of 11 (seven F, 32-53 yr), and 32 (18 F, 19-44 yr) volunteers. RESULTS: Patients had urge (14), passive (four), or combined (four) fecal incontinence; symptoms were mild in three, moderate in nine, and severe in 10 patients. Most had low sphincteric pressures and ultrasonic abnormalities. Temperature perception was impaired (p < 0.05) in incontinent patients, to a greater extent in the proximal anal canal and in patients with passive, as opposed to urge, incontinence. Intraluminal pressures for sensations of rectal distension were lower in incontinent patients (p = 0.02). Artificial stools elicited sensations of rectal filling at lower volumes than did a barostat bag, and in patients with urge, as opposed to passive, incontinence. In patients and controls, the sensation of urgency was associated (r2 = 0.2, p < 0.01) with rectal compliance. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that temperature sensation is impaired, and perception of rectal distension is not always reduced in fecal incontinence. Artificial stool tended to induce sensations at lower volumes than did balloon inflation. Altered sensory mechanisms may contribute to the pathophysiology of fecal incontinence.     

Rectal Hyposensitivity

PURPOSE: Blunted rectal sensation, or rectal hyposensitivity, has been reported anecdotally in patients with functional disorders of evacuation and continence. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of rectal hyposensitivity and whether the finding of such an abnormality was associated with any clinical impact. METHODS: One thousand three hundred fifty-one patients, referred for anorectal physiologic investigation, were divided according to presenting symptoms into the following categories: constipation (subdivided into infrequency of and/or obstructed defecation), fecal incontinence (subdivided into passive, postdefecation, and urge incontinence), fecal incontinence and constipation, or other. Rectal hyposensitivity was judged to be present when at least one of the sensory threshold volumes was elevated beyond the normal range (mean plus 2 standard deviations). The prevalence of rectal hyposensitivity was then calculated in each group and in relation to other investigations. RESULTS: Rectal hyposensitivity was present in 16 percent of patients, with males and females equally affected. Twenty-three percent of patients with constipation, 10 percent of patients with fecal incontinence, 27 percent of patients with incontinence associated with constipation, and only 5 percent of patients with other symptoms were found to have rectal hyposensitivity. In patients with obstructed defecation, rectal hyposensitivity was present in 33 percent with rectocele, 40 percent with intussusception, and 53 percent with no mechanical obstruction evident on evacuation proctography. CONCLUSION: Rectal hyposensitivity is common in patients with constipation and/or fecal incontinence and may thus be important in the etiology of such conditions. Although the clinical relevance of this physiologic abnormality is unknown, its presence may have implications regarding the management of hindgut dysfunction and particularly the selection of patients for surgery.     

Successful and sustained treatment of chronic radiation proctitis with antioxidant vitamins E and C

OBJECTIVE: Chronic radiation proctitis, a common sequelae of pelvic radiation, is characterized by obliteration of the submucosal vasculature with subsequent ischemia and reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress is thought to be a major mechanism in radiation proctitis. Therefore, antioxidants (vitamins E and C) may be beneficial. METHODS: Twenty consecutive symptomatic outpatients with endoscopically documented radiation proctitis seen in a single gastroenterology clinic were given a combination of vitamin E (400 IU tid) and vitamin C (500 mg tid). Previous radiation therapy was given for prostatic (n = 10) or gynecological (n = 10) malignancies. These patients presented with one or more of the following symptoms: rectal bleeding, rectal pain, diarrhea, or fecal urgency. Using a questionnaire, these symptoms were rated by the patients in terms of their severity (grade 0-4) and frequency (grade 0-4) before and after treatment with vitamins E and C. A symptom index was calculated by the addition of the severity and frequency scores (8 = most symptomatic). The lifestyle impact of the symptoms was also assessed by questionnaire grading from 0 (no effect on daily activity) to 4 (afraid to leave home). Among these 20 patients, 10 patients who received vitamins E and C for 1 yr were assessed again to determine whether their initial responses were sustained. RESULTS: There was a significant (p < 0.05; Wilcoxon rank) improvement in the symptom index (before treatment vs after treatment with vitamins E and C) for bleeding (median score: 4 vs 0), diarrhea (median score: 5 vs 0), and urgency (median score: 6 vs 3). Patients with rectal pain did not improve significantly. Bleeding resolved in four of 11 patients, diarrhea resolved in eight of 16 patients, fecal urgency resolved in three of 16 patients, and rectal pain resolved in two of six patients. Lifestyle improved in 13 patients, including seven patients who reported a return to normal. Two of the patients with no improvement in their daily symptoms also had radiation ileitis. All 10 patients who underwent a second follow-up interview reported sustained improvement in their symptoms 1 yr later. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of patients with radiation proctitis seem to benefit from antioxidant therapy. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial is needed to confirm this open-labeled pilot study.     

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.     

Surgical management of intestinal radiation injury

The management of 14 cases of radiation injury to the intestinal tract over a 4-year period is evaluated. The longest latent interval between radiation treatment and symptoms was 30 years. Eight patients were treated surgically; six were treated conservatively by laser therapy or application of formalin to the affected mucosa. The indications for surgery were rectovaginal fistula (four), rectal stricture (one), radiation proctitis (eight), and small bowel obstruction (one). Seven patients underwent large bowel resection. These consisted of four anastomoses with coloanal J-reservoirs, two low anterior resections, and one coloanal anastomosis without reservoir. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity occurred in one of the eight surgical cases. Radical resection of the radiation-damaged rectum has been shown to be a safe and reliable treatment for rectovaginal fistulas, rectal strictures, and proctitis unresponsive to medical measures. Coloanal J-reservoir is the procedure of choice to avoid urgency and frequency symptoms associated with coloanal sleeve anastomosis. Laser therapy for hemorrhagic proctitis can achieve an important place in the management of this problem without recourse to surgery.     

Clinical and manometric assessment of gracilis muscle transplant for fecal incontinence

Six cases of gracilis muscle transplant for fecal incontinence are reported. The causes of fecal incontinence included previous anal operation, idiopathic incontinence, and rectal prolapse. All patients had had a previous operation for fecal incontinence. Postoperative sepsis developed at the operative site in five patients despite a defunctioning colostomy in two. Functional results of the operation were poor in all patients and a colostomy has now been raised in all cases. The operation was not associated with any objective improvement in resting or voluntary component pressure.     

Rectal compliance as a routine measurement

PURPOSE: The clinical impact of rectal compliance and sensitivity measurement is not clear. The aim of this study was to measure the rectal compliance in different patient groups compared with controls and to establish the clinical effect of rectal compliance. METHODS: Anorectal function tests were performed in 974 consecutive patients (284 men). Normal values were obtained from 24 controls. Rectal compliance measurement was performed by filling a latex rectal balloon with water at a rate of 60 ml per minute. Volume and intraballoon pressure were measured. Volume and pressure at three sensitivity thresholds were recorded for analysis: first sensation, urge, and maximal toleration. At maximal toleration, the rectal compliance (volume/pressure) was calculated. Proctoscopy, anal manometry, anal mucosal sensitivity, and anal endosonography were also performed as part of our anorectal function tests. RESULTS: No effect of age or gender was observed in either controls or patients. Patients with fecal incontinence had a higher volume at first sensation and a higher pressure at maximal toleration (P=0.03), the presence of a sphincter defect or low or normal anal pressures made no difference. Patients with constipation had a larger volume at first sensation and urge (P<0.0001 andP<0.01). Patients with a rectocele had a larger volume at first sensation (P=0.004). Patients with rectal prolapse did not differ from controls; after rectopexy, rectal compliance decreased (P<0.0003). Patients with inflammatory bowel disease had a lower rectal compliance, most pronounced in active proctitis (P=0.003). Patients with ileoanal pouches also had a lower compliance (P<0.0001). In the 17 patients where a maximal toleration volume<60 ml was found, 11 had complaints of fecal incontinence, and 6 had a stoma. In 31 patients a maximal toleration volume between 60 and 100 ml was found; 12 patients had complaints of fecal incontinence, and 6 had a stoma. Proctitis or pouchitis was the main cause for a small compliance. All 29 patients who had a maximal toleration volume>500 ml had complaints of constipation. No correlation between rectal and anal mucosal sensitivity was found. CONCLUSION: Rectal compliance measurement with a latex balloon is easily feasible. In this series of 974 patients, some patient groups showed an abnormal rectal visceral sensitivity and compliance, but there was an overlap with controls. Rectal compliance measurement gave a good clinical impression about the contribution of the rectum to the anorectal problem. Patients with proctitis and pouchitis had the smallest rectal compliance. A maximal toleration volume<60 ml always led to fecal incontinence, and stomas should be considered for such patients. A maximal toleration volume>500 ml was only seen in constipated patients, and therapy should be given to prevent further damage to the pelvic floor. Values close to or within the normal range rule out the rectum as an important factor in the anorectal problem of the patient.Drs. Sloots and Poen were supported by a grant from Janssen-Cilag. Presented at the meeting of the Dutch Society of Gastroenterology, Veldhoven, the Netherlands, October 7 to 8, 1999.     

A prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded pilot study of misoprostol rectal suppositories in the prevention of acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in prostate cancer patients

OBJECTIVE: Radiation proctitis is a known complication of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Available medical treatment is usually ineffective and has focused on relieving symptoms after damage has occurred. Our study aimed at evaluating the use of misoprostol rectal suppositories in the prevention of acute as well as chronic radiation proctitis symptoms. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial was conducted in patients with recently diagnosed stages B and C prostate cancer who underwent external beam irradiation. Patients received either a misoprostol or a placebo suppository 1 h before each radiation session. Misoprostol suppositories were made from two 200-microg tablets (Cytotec, Searle Pharmaceuticals, Skokie, IL), whereas the placebo was made from cocoa butter. A 12-point radiation proctitis symptom score was obtained from each patient at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk after radiation therapy. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were enrolled. Seven patients received placebo, and nine patients received misoprostol. Mean radiation proctitis symptom scores in the placebo group were 4.86, 5.86, 5.71, and 3.83 at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk, respectively. The mean scores in the misoprostol group were 0.78, 0.67, 0.33, and 0.37 at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 4, 8, 12, and 36 wk. CONCLUSION: Misoprostol rectal suppositories significantly reduce acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer.     

Management of Radiation Proctitis

Radiation proctitis is radiation-induced rectal mucositis, occurring as a result of radiation therapy for various pelvic malignancies. The management of radiation proctitis is challenging as guidelines are not currently available, and studies of the various treatment modalities are limited. There are various medical, endoscopic, and surgical measures for treating chronic radiation proctitis. Medical options such as anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, formalin application, and hyperbaric oxygen may improve bleeding related to chronic radiation proctitis. Endoscopic measures such as argon plasma coagulation are effective and safe. Surgery is considered for refractory or severe cases. A review and discussion of the different treatment modalities is presented.     

Function and dysfunction of the colon and anorectum in adults: Working team report of the Swedish Motility Group (SMoG)

Symptoms of fecal incontinence and constipation are common in the general population. These can, however, be unreliably reported and are poorly discriminatory for underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, both symptoms may coexist. In the elderly, fecal impaction always must be excluded. For patients with constipation, colon transit studies, anorectal manometry and defecography may help to identify patients with slow-transit constipation and/or pelvic floor dysfunction. The best documented medical treatments for constipation are the macrogols, lactulose and isphagula. Evolving drugs include lubiprostone, which enhances colonic secretion by activating chloride channels. Surgery is restricted for a highly selected group of patients with severe slow-transit constipation and for those with large rectoceles that demonstrably cause rectal evacuatory impairment. For patients with fecal incontinence that does not resolve on antidiarrheal treatment, functional and structural evaluation with anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound or magnetic resonance (MR) of the anal canal may help to guide management. Sacral nerve stimulation is a rapidly evolving alternative when other treatments such as biofeedback and direct sphincter repair have failed. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology as a guide to treatment of patients with constipation and fecal incontinence is a continuing important goal for translational research. The content of this article is a summary of presentations given by the authors at the Fourth Meeting of the Swedish Motility Group, held in Gothenburg in April 2007.     

Fecal incontinence in the institutionalized elderly: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence, identify the risk factors, and assess the prognosis of elderly institutionalized patients who develop fecal incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 1,186 patients 60 years of age and older living in long-term care facilities who did not have fecal incontinence. We assessed their medical history, treatment, mobility, and cognitive function. Patients were followed up for 10 months to determine the incidence of fecal incontinence, defined as at least one involuntary loss of feces. Independent risk factors associated with fecal incontinence were identified using Cox proportional hazards models. The prognosis of incontinent patients was assessed by comparing their survival rate with that in the continent patients. RESULTS: Fecal incontinence occurred in 234 patients (20%), and was usually associated with acute diarrhea or fecal impaction. We identified five risk factors for the development of fecal incontinence: a history of urinary incontinence (rate ratio [RR]: 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5 to 2.6); neurological disease (RR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4); poor mobility (RR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.4); severe cognitive decline (RR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9); and age older than 70 years (RR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.8). Ten-month mortality in the 89 patients with long-term (> or = 8 days) incontinence was 26%, significantly greater than that observed in the continent group (6.7%) or in the 145 patients with transient incontinence (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Long-lasting or permanent fecal incontinence was associated with increased mortality, suggesting that this symptom is a marker of poor health in older patients. Actions that improve mobility might help prevent fecal incontinence in elderly patients.     

Haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: endoscopic severity may be useful to guide therapy

Background and aims Management of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis remains controversial. Both endoscopically delivered argon plasma coagulation and rectal administration of formalin have been recommended. We evaluated the efficacy of argon plasma coagulation according to endoscopic severity of radiation proctitis.Patients and methods Fourteen patients treated with argon plasma coagulation for rectal bleeding due to radiation proctitis were reviewed. Patients were classified with a new endoscopic score for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis, comprising three factors: telangiectasia distribution, surface area involved, and presence of fresh blood. Seven patients were categorised as having grade A (mild), four grade B (moderate), and three grade C (severe) radiation proctitis. Rectal bleeding was assessed pre- and post-treatment using a five-point bleeding scale.Results All patients with grade A and B radiation proctitis were treated successfully by argon plasma coagulation (mean 1.5 sessions). In one patient with grade C radiation proctitis argon plasma coagulation was successful after four sessions, but in the other two patients bleeding could not be controlled; a subsequent single formalin administration was successful in both. Overall in 12 patients (85.7%) bleeding ceased or improved significantly. The mean rectal bleeding scale reduced significantly from 2.6 to 0.9. One patient treated with argon plasma coagulation developed an asymptomatic rectosigmoid stenosis.Conclusion Argon plasma coagulation is a simple, safe and efficacious therapy for mild/moderate radiation proctitis. In patients with severe radiation proctitis several sessions are usually necessary, and success is not certain; in these cases, topical formalin administration may be more effective. Endoscopic severity of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis may be useful to guide appropriate therapy.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Combined anorectal manometry and defecography in 50 consecutive adults with fecal incontinence

Fifty consecutive patients presenting with fecal incontinence were evaluated prospectively with anorectal manometry, defecography, and other tests of anorectal function to assess the clinical utility of defecography in fecal incontinence. Leakage of contrast at rest and failure to narrow the anorectal angle with pelvic squeezing were specific but not sensitive predictors of decreased sphincter pressures as determined by manometry. Thus, after manometry, defecography provided no additional information regarding sphincter strength. Retention of contrast in large rectoceles or incomplete rectal evacuation at defecography had excellent correlation with the presence of clinical symptoms of outlet obstruction constipation (present concurrently with incontinence) and indicated an etiology of outlet obstruction symptoms. Defecography may provide useful information in incontinent patients with outlet obstruction constipation symptoms but has little additive value to anorectal manometry in incontinent patients without such symptoms.     

Soiling: anorectal function and results of treatment

Forty-five patients with soiling but without faecal incontinence were evaluated by means of anorectal function investigations (anal manometry, rectal capacity and saline infusion test). The causes of soiling and the effect of treatment on both soiling and anorectal function were studied. The results were compared with a control group of 161 patients without soiling or incontinence. The diagnoses were haemorrhoids (10), mucosal prolapse (7), rectal prolapse (6), fistulae (5), proctitis (3), faecal impaction (2), rectocele with intussusception (2), scars after fistulectomy (2) and others (8). Simple inspection and proctoscopy were generally sufficient to establish a diagnosis. For two patients the diagnosis rectocele was made after defaecography. Anorectal test results did not differ between the soiling and control group, did not contribute to establish a diagnosis and did not change after treatment. Only patients with a rectal prolapse had abnormal results in anorectal function tests: a low basal sphincter pressure and a limited continence reserve. Appropriate therapy resulted in complete recovery (44%) or improvement of symptoms (29%).     

Treatment of fecal incontinence in adults. Results as a function of clinical and manometric data and the importance of rehabilitation by biofeedback

Twenty-five females and 8 males, 20 to 83 year old, with fecal incontinence, normal rectal capacity and without evidence of active anorectal disease were studied in order to evaluate: a) the incidence of associated constipation; b) the anorectal motility pattern; c) the efficiency of treatment based on clinical data and anorectal motility disorders. Fifteen patients had constipation associated with fecal incontinence and 23 patients presented with at least one anorectal motility abnormality indicating biofeedback therapy. Compliance to therapy was poor since 9 patients did not accept the treatment; among the 24 subjects who accepted the treatment, 18 became continent and 5 were improved. These results were observed after treatment of constipation alone (6 cases) or associated with biofeedback therapy (5 cases), after biofeedback therapy (7 cases), and after surgery alone (3 cases) or followed by biofeedback therapy (2 cases). These results show that: a) constipation is frequently associated with incontinence in the adult; b) treatment of constipation, biofeedback therapy and surgery, used alone or combined according to clinical and anorectal motility data lead to good results in 75 p. 100 of patients.     

Fecal Incontinence: Does Age Matter? Characteristics of Older <Emphasis Type="Italic">vs.</Emphasis> Younger Women Presenting for Treatment of Fecal Incontinence

Purpose The etiology of fecal incontinence is multifactorial. We hypothesize that women who seek treatment at different ages differ. We sought to determine which characteristics of women with fecal incontinence patients are associated with younger age at presentation. Methods We reviewed a database of 399 women with complete fecal incontinence evaluations from 2001 to 2006, selecting patients who were aged 49 and younger or aged 65 years and older, for a total of 246 patients. Data were obtained from self-report questionnaires on fecal incontinence frequency and associated symptoms, medical history, and results of anorectal physiology tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results The median ages of the two groups were 42 (range, 23–49) years and 72 (range, 65–89) years. Sphincter defects > 90 degrees and previous sphincteroplasty were associated with the younger age group. Previous hemorrhoid surgery and bilateral pudendal neuropathy were associated with the older age group. Younger women had more frequent incontinence to gas, mucus, and liquid stool. Conclusions In our cohort, fecal incontinence-related symptoms and medical conditions differed in older and younger women presenting with this condition. Younger women may be more likely to seek treatment for any degree of symptoms. The differing characteristics of fecal incontinence by age should be considered when developing a treatment strategy. Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Seattle, Washington, June 3 to 7, 2006. Reprints are not available.     

Surgery for Rectal Prolapse: Orr-Loygue Ventral Rectopexy With Limited Dissection Prevents Postoperative-Induced Constipation Without Increasing Recurrence

Purpose Abdominal rectopexy is the preferred surgical technique for the treatment of total rectal prolapse. In many reported series, its results are impaired by induced constipation. Lateral rectal ligaments preservation could prevent constipation but increase recurrence rates. We report anatomic and functional results of abdominal Orr-Loygue ventral rectopexy with dissection limited to anterior and posterior rectal wall. Methods Consecutive patients with total rectal prolapse or intra-anal rectal prolapse associated to fecal incontinence or outlet obstruction were treated by abdominal rectopexy. Recurrences, correction of symptoms, and induced constipation were prospectively analyzed. Results Seventy-three patients were treated between 1993 and 2004. Recurrence was observed in 3 of 73 patients (4.1 percent) after a mean follow-up period of 28.6 (range, 6–84) months. Overall patient satisfaction (correction of prolapse, incontinence, and/or outlet obstruction) after the procedure was classified in three categories: Cured: n = 45 (61.6 percent); Improved: n = 24 (32.9 percent); Failure: n = 4 (5.5 percent). Postoperative constipation appeared in 2 of 36 (5.5 percent) preoperatively nonconstipated patients and worsened in 2 of 37 (5.4 percent) preoperatively constipated patients. Conclusions Orr-Loygue abdominal ventral rectopexy with limited dissection and preservation of rectal lateral ligaments is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse, or internal prolapse associated with fecal incontinence or outlet obstruction. Preservation of lateral ligaments seems to prevent postoperative constipation without increasing the risk of prolapse recurrence.