Rectal GIST Presenting as a Submucosal Calculus

This case report presents an incidental finding of a rectal GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) presenting as a submucosal calculus, not previously reported. A 53-year-old man without a significant medical history presented with abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant, and with constipation. Upon rectal examination, a hard submucosal swelling was palpated 4 cm from the anus, at 3 o'clock, in the left rectum wall. X-ray photos, computerized tomography (CT)-scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan clearly showed a calculus. Excision revealed a turnip-like lesion, 3.1 x 2.3 x 1.8 cm. Analysis showed it was a rectal GIST, a rare mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, which expressed CD117 (or c-kit, a marker of kit-receptor tyrosine kinase) and CD34. Calcification is not a usual clinicopathological feature of GISTs [1-3], and although a number of rectal GISTs have been reported [4-9], we have found no cases so far of rectal GIST presenting as a submucosal calculus.In general, GISTs are rare mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (nerve tissue, smooth muscle). Histology and immunohistochemistry discriminate gastrointestinal stromal tumors from leiomyomas and neurinomas. The most important location is the stomach; the rectal location is rare. Usually, the classic signs of malignancy such as cellular invasion and metastasis are missing. A set of histologic criteria stratifies GIST for risk of malignant behavior such as mitotic activity and tumor size, cellular pleomorphism, developmental stage of the cell and quantity of cytoplasma [7,13]. Tumors with a high mitotic activity and size above 5 cm are considered malignant. Recent pharmacological advances such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors have determined c-kit (i.e., CD117) as the most important marker, amongst others. C-kit positive tumors respond extremely well to chemotherapy with Imatinib (Glivec, Gleevec) [10-12].     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Rectum During Distension

PURPOSE A knowledge of the relationships between the rectum and its surrounding structures during distention may improve our understanding of the results of studies assessing rectal sensory-motor responses to distention. This magnetic resonance imaging study was designed to assess the shape of the rectum and the degree of distention at which the surrounding structures are compressed.METHODS Nine healthy patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the rectum under resting conditions and after the inflation of a plastic bag to volumes of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ml. The thickness of the rectovesical space was assessed as a measure of the compression of the perirectal structures, and the perception of sensations were recorded.RESULTS The shape of the rectum changed from being quasicylindrical at distention volumes of <100 ml to bean-shaped at larger volumes. The thickness of the rectovesical space at a distention volume of 50 ml was the same as when the bag was not inflated, but it progressively decreased until the difference became statistically significant at distention volumes of ≥200 ml, corresponding to a mean ± standard deviation rectal radius of 2.66 ± 0.37 cm. Statistically significant compression of the rectovesical space was recorded when the sensations of gas, desire to defecate, and urgency were perceived. CONCLUSIONS The shape of the rectum changes during distention; it significantly compresses the extrarectal structures in the tested range of distention that induces nonpainful sensations. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful means of assessing the morphologic changes in the rectum during distention.Presented at the Digestive Disease Week, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 15 to 20, 2004.Supported by the Associazione Amici della Gastroenterologia del Padiglione Granelli, Milano, Italy.     

Rectal compliance determined by rectal endosonography

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a method for determination of rectal compliance that allows direct measurement of corresponding changes in the rectal crosssectional area or perimeter and rectal pressure. METHODS: We developed an anal probe for transrectal endosonography. The probe was tested in vitro,and rectal compliance of six healthy patients was determined. RESULTS:In vitro measurements proved the method to be well reproducible. The method allowed calculation of an endosonographic rectal compliance, which correlated well with rectal compliance measured by the standard method. CONCLUSION: Endosonographic determination of rectal compliance is possible, and the endosonographic method may give a more precise and reproducible estimation of rectal compliance.     

不同类型便秘患者直肠敏感性的差异

目的通过对不同类型便秘患者直肠敏感性的研究,比较两者病理生理机制上的异同。方法对功能性便秘和便秘型-肠易激综合征(IBS)患者直肠敏感性进行检测,通过Barostat采用500ml的聚乙烯囊对直肠进行快速时相性扩张,同时选择正常健康人作对照组。结果功能性便秘患者直肠排便窘迫阈值和最大耐受阈值(22.61mmHg±10.03mmHg,32.11mmHg±9.73mmHg)较对照组(14.64mmHg±4.20mmHg,25.18mmHg±5.38mmHg)明显增高,便秘型-IBS初始感觉阈值较对照降低(5.58mmHg±3.48mmHg比8.81mmHg±5.90mmHg)。两者间比较发现便秘型-IBS较功能性便秘各项感觉阈值均显著降低。三组间直肠、肛管的静息压和最大缩榨压比较未见明显异常。结论直肠感觉迟钝是便秘的一个重要的病理生理机制,在功能性便秘中更常见;IBS-便秘型直肠感觉过敏占有更重要的地位。     

Anorectal pressure gradient and rectal compliance in fecal incontinence

To study whether anorectal pressure gradients discriminated better than standard anal manometry between patients with fecal incontinence and subjects with normal anal function, anorectal pressure gradients were measured during rectal compliance measurements in 36 patients with fecal incontinence and in 22 control subjects. Anal and rectal pressures were measured simultaneously during the rectal compliance measurements. With standard anal manometry, 75% of patients with fecal incontinence had maximal resting pressure within the normal range, and 39% had maximum squeeze pressure within the normal range. Anorectal pressure gradients did not discriminate better between fecal incontinence and normal anal function, since, depending on the parameters used, 61%–100% of the incontinent patients had anorectal pressure gradients within the normal range. Patients with fecal incontinence had lower rectal volumes than controls at constant defecation urge (median 138 ml and 181 ml, P<0.05) and at maximal tolerable volume (median 185 ml and 217 ml, P<0.05). We conclude that measurements of anorectal pressure gradients offer no advantage over standard anal manometry when comparing patients with fecal incontinence to controls. Patients with fecal incontinence have a lower rectal volume tolerability than control subjects with normal anal function. Accepted: 5 June 1998     

Significant Rectal Bleeding as a Complication of a Fecal Collecting Device: Report of a Case

We report the case of 65-year-old man who developed massive rectal bleeding associated with the use of a fecal collecting device: the Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System. A colonoscopy showed an acute laceration of the anterior rectal wall mucosa, 6 cm from the anal verge, with active bleeding. The tear was most likely the result of an acute event, such as sudden movement of the device within the rectum or trauma sustained during insertion. Massive transfusion was required, and surgical endoscopic treatment was necessary to ensure hemostasis. This is, to our knowledge, the first such case to be reported.     

Rectal bleeding as a presenting symptom of AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma

Amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare disease that presents with common, nonspecific signs and symptoms. It may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. The clinical and endoscopic features are diverse and may mimic other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy, ischemic colitis and, at times, collagenous colitis. We describe an uncommon case of rectal bleeding and anemia with polypoid lesions and ulcerations in the colon, as the presenting symptom of AL amyloidosis and light chain multiple myeloma.     

Rectal compliance in the assessment of patients with fecal incontinence

Rectal compliance (dV/dP) was studied in 31 patients with fecal incontinence, 8 patients with constipation, and 16 control subjects. Patients with fecal incontinence experienced a constant defecation urge at a lower rectal volume and also had a lower maximal tolerable volume and a lower rectal compliance than control subjects (median 126 vs. 155 ml, 170 vs. 220 ml, and 9 vs. 15 ml/mm Hg, respectively;tP <0.05). Constipated patients had a higher constant defecation urge volume and maximal tolerable volume than controls (median, 266 ml and 300 ml;P <0.05). There was no differences in the parameters between patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and patients with incontinence of traumatic origin, indicating that a poorly compliant rectum in patients with fecal incontinence may be secondary to anal incontinence due to the lack of normal reservoir function.Reprints will not be available.     

Rectal tone and compliance affected in patients with fecal incontinence after fistulotomy

AIM: To investigate the anal sphincter and rectal factors that may be involved in fecal incontinence that develops following fistulotomy(FIAF).METHODS: Eleven patients with FIAF were compared with 11 patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and with 11 asymptomatic healthy subjects(HS). All of the study participants underwent anorectal manometry and a barostat study(rectal sensitivity, tone, compliance and capacity). The mean time since surgery was 28 ± 26 mo. The postoperative continence score was 14 ± 2.5(95%CI: 12.4-15.5, St Mark's fecal incontinence grading system).RESULTS: Compared with the HS, the FIAF patients showed increased rectal tone(42.63 ± 27.69 vs 103.5 ± 51.13, P = 0.002) and less rectal compliance(4.95 ± 3.43 vs 11.77 ± 6.9, P = 0.009). No significant differences were found between the FIAF patients and the HS with respect to the rectal capacity; thresholds for the non-noxious stimuli of first sensation, gas sensation and urge-to-defecate sensation or the noxious stimulus of pain; anal resting pressure or squeeze pressure; or the frequency or percentage of relaxation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. No significant differences were found between the FIAF patients and the patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence.CONCLUSION: In patients with FIAF, normal motor anal sphincter function and rectal sensitivity are preserved, but rectal tone and compliance are impaired. The results suggest that FIAF is not due to alterations in rectal sensitivity and that the rectum is more involved than the anal sphincters in the genesis of FIAF.     

Inhibitory Effects and Mechanisms of Colonic Electric Stimulation on Gastric and Rectal Tone in Conscious Dogs

Purpose Colonic electric stimulation has been shown to alter motor functions of the colon; however, its effects on other organs of the gut have been investigated rarely. Methods This study was performed in 12 dogs implanted with one pair of colonic serosal electrodes and a gastric cannula. Experiments were performed to study: 1) the effect of colonic electric stimulation on proximal gastric tone and compliance; 2) the effect of colonic electric stimulation on rectal tone and compliance; 3) the sympathetic mechanism involved in the effects of colonic electric stimulation on gastric/rectal tone. A computerized barostat was used to assess gastric/rectal tone and compliance. Results Colonic electric stimulation inhibited both gastric and rectal tone with a higher potency in gastric tone. Colonic electric stimulation reduced gastric but not rectal compliance. The inhibitory effect of colonic electric stimulation on gastric tone but not rectal tone was abolished by an adrenergic blockade, guanethidine. Conclusions Colonic electric stimulation inhibits both gastric and rectal tone with a higher potency in inhibiting gastric tone. Colonic electric stimulation reduces gastric but not rectal compliance. The inhibitory effect of colonic electric stimulation on gastric tone seems to be mediated by the sympathetic pathway.     

External Pelvic Rectal Suspension (The Express Procedure) for Full-Thickness Rectal Prolapse: Evolution of a New Technique

OBJECTIVE The Délormes operation for rectal prolapse is a safe procedure but has a high recurrence rate. We aimed to develop an operation akin to it, but designed to reduce this deficit.PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-one consecutive patients with rectal prolapse were included in the study. Initially, a conventional Délormes procedure was performed and sutures or strips of Gore-Tex® were attached circumferentially to the apex of the prolapse, tunneled subcutaneously, and anchored to the external surface of the pelvis. Subsequently, the procedure was modified. Acellular porcine collagen strips were used and buried within the apex without plication of the denuded rectal musculature. Patients were formally assessed preoperatively and four months postoperatively by symptom and quality of life questionnaires and subsequently by regular clinical review.RESULTS In the Gore-Tex® group (N = 11; males:females = 10:1; mean age, 61 years) three patients underwent suture repair and eight had strip fixation. All suture repairs developed sepsis and one patient had a recurrence. Seven of the strip fixations (88 percent) developed sepsis that resulted in implant extrusion. There was one full-thickness and one mucosal recurrence after a median follow-up of 25 months. In the collagen group (N = 20; males:females = 2:18; mean age, 63 years), sepsis occurred in four patients, requiring surgical intervention in one patient (5 percent) (cf Gore-Tex® group, P = 0.002). There was one mucosal and three full-thickness (15 percent) recurrences after a median follow-up of 14 months (cf Gore-Tex® group, P = not significant). Significant improvements in symptom and quality of life scores were recorded in both groups at four months.CONCLUSION A new, minimally invasive perineal procedure for rectal prolapse has been developed and initial data testify to its relative safety provided collagen is used. It remains to be seen whether long-term recurrence rates will be lower than those of conventional perineal procedures.© The American Society of Colon and Rectal SurgeonsPublished online: 28 January 2005.Presented at the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, July 7 to 10, 2003.     

The role of compliance as a cause of instability in oral anticoagulant therapy

To assess the role of non-compliance as a cause of instability in patients on oral anticoagulant therapy, a follow-up study of stably and instably anticoagulated patients and of patients beginning oral anticoagulant therapy was performed. Compliance was assessed by pill counting and with the use of pill bottles in the cap of which a microprocessor registered the exact date and time of opening of the bottle. (In)stability of oral anticoagulant therapy was expressed as the number of INRs and as the time spent within the target range and by squared sigma. Subsequently, as a pilot study, a randomized intervention study in instable, non-compliant patients was performed in which these patients were or were not informed about the real nature of the cap of the pill bottle.
Nineteen stable and 19 unstable patients and 30 patients beginning therapy were followed for 3 months or less until therapy stopped. Compliance was better in the previously stably anticoagulated patients, although differences were small. Poor compliance was not a major cause of instability in patients starting therapy. Although the pilot intervention study was too small to assess the role of the special pill bottle, it was shown that compliance can be positively affected.     

Evaluation of a Protocol-Based Management of Rectal Cancer

Introduction The management of rectal cancer is multidisciplinary. We have devised and implemented a standardized protocol. This study was designed to evaluate the protocol and identify areas for improvement. Methods All patients with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were staged preoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were used to predict whether surgical resection would be complete (RO) or involved (R1/2). Data were collected on preoperative adjuvant therapy, surgical procedure, and subsequent pathologic stage, including circumferential resection margin status. Results Between January 2000 and October 2002, 163 patients were studied (107 male; median age, 70 (range, 60–77) years). One hundred and fifty seven patients underwent surgical excision for rectal cancer of whom 155 were discussed in the multidisciplinary meeting. One hundred seventeen patients (75 percent) had pelvic magnetic resonance scan and staging computed tomography of chest and abdomen, whereas 38 had computed tomography only. Seventy-seven tumors were predicted as R0 and 78 as likely R1/2. In the predicted RO group, 50 had surgery alone, 25 had short-course radiotherapy, and 2 had chemoradiotherapy. Twelve patients (15.5 percent) had involved circumferential resection margin on the histologic specimen. In the predicted R1/2 group (n = 78), 40 patients received chemoradiotherapy, 11 had short-course radiotherapy, and 27 had surgery alone. Thirty patients (38.4 percent) had involved circumferential resection margin. Circumferential margin involvement was seen in 11 of 40 patients (27.5 percent) who received chemoradiotherapy, 6 of 11 patients (54.5 percent) who received short-course preoperative radiotherapy, and 13 of 27 patients (48.1 percent) who had surgery alone. Conclusions Protocol-driven management of rectal cancer within the context of a multidisciplinary team has been demonstrated to work. Regular audit allows for modification and improvement of the protocol as newer management strategies evolve. Presented at the meeting of The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Edinburgh, Scotland, July 7 to 10, 2003. Reprint requests to: Paul J. Finan, F.R.C.S., Department of Colorectal Surgery, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George Street, LS1 3EX, United Kingdom.     

Laparoscopic-Assisted Rectal Foreign Body Removal: Report of a Case

PURPOSE Rectal foreign bodies are not an uncommon presentation to the emergency department. Frequently they can be removed in the department through the transanal approach. However, this often is not well tolerated by the patient or can force the foreign body more proximal. We present a case of a difficult rectal foreign body in an obese patient that was successfully removed transanally in the operating room with laparoscopic assistance. METHODS Under general anesthesia, with the patient in Trendelenburg position, laparoscopy was used to push the rectal foreign body from above while it was removed transanally from below. This was performed with one 10-mm and two 5-mm incisions. RESULTS The foreign body was successfully removed transanally with laparoscopic assistance, and the patient was discharged within 12 hours from the operation. CONCLUSIONS The laparoscopic approach to assist in rectal foreign body removal is a good treatment choice for difficult cases. It allows for easy removal, detection of rectal injury, and early discharge.     

Endoscopic Transanal Rectal Mucosal Ablation in the Surgical Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: Preliminary Results of a Novel Technique

PURPOSE We describe a new technique that endoscopically eradicates rectal stump mucosa after total colectomy for ulcerative colitis.METHODS Seven patients (5 males; median age, 56 (range, 36–72) years) underwent attempted endoscopic transanal rectal mucosal ablation using the 28-French-gauge urologic resectoscope, either at the time of total colectomy and ileostomy for failed medical therapy (5 patients) or as an alternative to completion proctectomy (2 patients) with rectal stump discharge. All had declined restorative proctocolectomy. Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic follow-up was undertaken during a mean of 15 (range, 3–28) months.RESULTS The operative technique evolved during these cases; mucosal ablation was successfully performed leaving a denuded muscular rectal tube in situ in six patients. Mean operative time was 45 minutes. Postoperative endoscopic surveillance has not demonstrated any viable rectal mucosa in these six patients, with only granulation tissue detected histologically. Narrowing of the rectal tube has occurred in two patients. Although all patients report insignificant rectal discharge, urinary and sexual function have remained unchanged.CONCLUSIONS Diathermy ablation of the rectal mucosa via endoscopic transanal rectal mucosal ablation avoids the complications of pelvic dissection and might offer an effective alternative to proctectomy for ulcerative colitis.Presented at the meeting of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, Manchester, England, May 7 to 9, 2003.     

Rectal prolapse and anal incontinence treated with a modified Roscoe Graham operation

The results of abdominal mobilization of the rectum and repair of the pelvic floor behind the anorectal junction are reported in 23 patients with rectal prolapse, being accompanied by some form of anal incontinence in 12. Within 20 months, on the average, three patients had recurrent prolapse. Two thirds of the patients with incontinence for solid and/or fluid feces were cured for prolapse as well as incontinence. Seven became constipated, while 14 were fully satisfied. Seven of eight patients with a highly reduced tone of the external sphincter before surgery had a marked improvement after surgery. The results do not differ greatly from those after the suspension operation or repair of the pelvic floor in front of the rectum, despite being more physiologic, but suggest that simultaneous suspension and abdominal repair of the pelvic floor may avoid the need for a secondary postanal repair from below in patients with persistent incontinence after suspension surgery. A controlled, randomized trial is advocated.