Intestinal neuronal dysplasia: results of treatment in 33 patients

PURPOSE: Intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) is a disease of the enteric nervous system, which clinically resembles Hirschsprung's disease. The authors reviewed their experience of IND over an 8-year period. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1999, 418 patients underwent rectal suction biopsy for persistent constipation. Thirty-three (7.8%) patients had histologic evidence of IND. There were 26 boys and 7 girls (age range, 1 week to 10 years). The diagnosis of IND was based on the presence of hyperganglionosis of the submucous plexus and giant ganglia and at least one of the following features in rectal biopsies: (1) ectopic ganglia, (2) increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the lamina propria, and (3) increased AChE nerve fibers around the submucosal blood vessels. All patients were started on laxatives with or without enemas after the diagnosis was made. Patients have been followed up from 1 to 8 years (mean, 2.4 years). RESULTS: Twenty-one (64%) patients had a good response to conservative management and currently have normal bowel habits. Twelve patients (36%) underwent internal sphincter myectomy after failed conservative management. Seven of these patients now have normal bowel habits. Two patients are able to stay clean with regular enemas. Three patients who continued to have persistent constipation after myectomy and underwent resection of redundant and dilated sigmoid colon now have normal bowel habits. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with IND can be treated successfully with conservative treatment.     

Atrophic hypoganglionosis in the colon of adults with slow-transit constipation: a morphometric histopathological investigation

Summary BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criteria for hypoganglionosis in colon specimens from adults with chronic slow-transit constipation have not been defined properly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most important diagnostic parameters for hypoganglionosis in routinely prepared transverse sections. METHODS: Twelve histopathologically diagnosed hypoganglionic hemicolectomy specimens of the left colon, which had been resected due to chronic slow-transit constipation, were compared with 12 control hemicolectomy specimens which had been resected because of pseudodiverticulosis, vaginal prolapse, or rectocele without chronic constipation. All surgical specimens were coiled caudocranially and cut in a cryostat; only native tissue was used. The myenteric plexus was selectively stained by an acetylcholinesterase reaction. Nerve cells were specifically stained by a nitroxide synthase and a lactate dehydrogenase reaction. Morphometric measurements of the myenteric plexus were performed with an optic-electronic image-analysis system. The contrast-rich image of the myenteric plexus and its nerve cells and muscularis propria enabled the various structures to be measured with a semiautomatic grey-level discrimination. RESULTS: In hypoganglionosis of adults, the most striking finding was a significant decrease in nerve-cell number (–43.8%) in the colonic myenteric plexus. The cross-sectional area of the plexus decreased by 30.4%, and the number of ganglia decreased by 19.7%. The distances of myenteric ganglia showed only a moderate increase. The incidence of hypoganglionosis in chronic slow-transit constipation in the distal colon of adults was about 33% in 759 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that hypoganglionosis of the myenteric plexus can precisely be objectified by morphometric means. The findings also demonstrate that the most characteristic anomaly in atrophic hypoganglionosis is the significantly lowered nerve-cell number in the myenteric plexus. The data support the hypothesis that hypoganglionosis in adults is the result of an atrophic process rather than, as in young children, a primary hypoplastic anomaly.     

Is total colectomy the right choice in intractable slow-transit constipation?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment for intractable slow-transit constipation and to establish that the importance of correct diagnosis and type of colon resection (total or segmental) is essential to achieve optimal outcome while minimizing side effects. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2004, of the 450 patients presenting with chronic constipation, we further investigated 33 patients with a diagnosis of slow-transit constipation that had not improved with medical or rehabilitative treatment. Preoperative evaluation included a daily evacuation diary compiled using Wexner score, psychologic assessment, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), radiologic investigation of colonic transit time, enema radiograph, colpo-cysto-defecography, anal manometry, and, in selected patients, colonoscopy and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. In 15 cases, the cause of constipation was colonic slow-transit (with a mean Wexner score of 22), which was always associated with dolichocolon. The other 18 patients presented outlet obstruction, and, therefore, these results are not included in the present report. The 15 patients with slow-transit constipation were submitted to total laparoscopic colectomy (2), total open colectomy (6), and left laparoscopic hemicolectomy for left colonic slow-transit (7). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 38 months. All patients except 1 presented improvement in symptoms with daily evacuations (P < .01; mean Wexner score, 6). Furthermore, results of the SF-36 test showed an improvement in the perception of physical pain, and the emotional, psychologic, and general health spheres after surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous preoperative evaluation of intractable slow-transit constipation may discriminate between the different causes of chronic constipation and thus avoid the well-known "Iceberg syndrome," which is responsible for many treatment failures.     

Laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy for slow-transit constipation

Background: When medical therapy fails, slow-transit constipation (STC), a condition seen almost exclusively in women, can be treated surgically. The aim of this study was to describe our results with laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy (LASC) for STC. Methods: Over a 22-month period, four female patients underwent LASC with ileorectal anastomosis for STC at our hospital. The preoperative workup included clinical assessment, evacuation proctography, rectoanal manometry, and colonic transit measurement. Mobilization of the whole colon and ligation and division of colonic mesenteric vessels with preservation of the omentum were achieved laparoscopically. Through a small Pfannenstiel incision, the colon was removed from the abdomen, leaving a 15-cm rectal stump in situ. The rectal stump was fully mobilized posteriorly, a side-to-end ileorectal anastomosis was fashioned, and the rectal stump was fixed onto the presacral fascia with sutures. Results: The operating time ranged from 150 to 260 min and blood loss was minimal. There were no conversions to open surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients but one, a 47-year old woman who had transient severe abdominal distension, pain, and frequent small-volume bowel movements. All patients were discharged by the 4th to 10th postoperative day. At 9-month follow-up, all of our patients had normal anorectal function with two to four solid bowel movements per day. Conclusion: Although it is a technically demanding procedure, laparoscopically assisted colectomy for slow-transit constipation, can be achieved safely.     

Diversion procto-colitis: response to treatment with short-chain fatty acids

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Diversion procto-colitis (DPC) results from a deficiency of luminal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Endoscopic and histopathologic features of the disorder are almost universally present in defunctioned bowel, but symptomatic DPC is less common. METHODS: Five children with symptomatic DPC underwent endoscopy and rectosigmoid biopsies. An endoscopic index (EI) was used to quantify disease severity. An SCFA mixture was administered into the defunctioned bowel. RESULTS: A good clinical response and improvement in the endoscopic index occurred in all children. Undiversion or rectal excision was carried out in 4 and was curative in each case. One child is awaiting a redo pull through. CONCLUSIONS: DPC should be considered in children with a defunctioned colon presenting with evidence of colitis. Histopathology provides supportive evidence and SCFAs may provide effective relief of symptoms. Stoma reversal or rectal excision is curative.     

Scintigraphic evaluation of colonic motility in patients with anorectal malformations and constipation

Background and Purpose

Constipation is one of the major sequelae in patients after correction of anorectal anomalies (ARAs). The aim of the present work has been to assess the colonic transit time, using radioisotope scintigraphy, in patients operated for ARA and experiencing constipation in the follow-up. The results were compared with transit time from children with true functional constipation.

Methods

Twelve or 32 patients operated for ARA during the period 1994-2003 experienced mild or severe constipation (6 with high or intermediate form of ARA and 6 with low type) at follow-up. The mean age of this group was 5.8 years. Eighteen patients, mean age 6.7 years, with true functional constipation were studied as well. Colonic transit times were investigated using radioisotope scintigraphy. Normal values for colonic transit time were derived from historical controls. Radioisotope diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid labelled with indium 111 was administered orally to determine a segmental colonic transit. Images of the abdomen have been taken at 6, 24, 48, and again at 72 hours, if radioactivity was not cleared from the colon. To quantify colonic transit, we calculated the geometric centre (GC) dividing the colon into anatomic regions.

Results

According to normal controls, 2 different type of delayed transit can be observed: (a) slow-transit constipation if GC at 48 hours is less than 4.1; (b) functional rectosigmoid obstruction (FRSO) if GC at 48 hours is 4.1 or more but less than 6.1 at 72 hours. Patients with functional constipation were divided into 2 groups: (a) slow-transit constipation in 12 patients with a GC at 48 hours of 3.7 ± 0.5; (b) FRSO in 6 patients with a GC of 4.7 ± 0.04 and 5.02 at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Patients operated for high ARA had values characteristic of FRSO with GC at 48 hours of 5.1 ± 0.8 and 4.75 ± 0.5 at 72 hours. In low ARA, the transit times were similar to the ones observed in patients with high ARA at 48 hours with a GC of 4.9 ± 0.5.

Conclusions

Patients with ARA frequently have functional sequelae in the postoperative period such as constipation. According to our results, constipation seems to be secondary to segmental motility disorders limited to the rectosigmoid area, similar to constipated children with FRSO. No evidence of more generalised motility disturbance, as previously postulated, could be recorded.     

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for total rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND: Postoperative constipation is a common problem with most mesh suspension techniques used to correct rectal prolapse. Autonomic denervation of the rectum subsequent to its complete mobilization has been suggested as a contributory factor. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients who underwent a novel, autonomic nerve-sparing, laparoscopic technique for rectal prolapse. METHODS: Between 1995 and 1999, 42 patients had laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for total rectal prolapse. The long-term results after a median follow-up of 61 (range 29-98) months were analysed. RESULTS: There were no major postoperative complications. Late recurrence occurred in two patients. In 28 of 31 patients with incontinence there was a significant improvement in continence. Symptoms of obstructed defaecation resolved in 16 of 19 patients. During follow-up, new onset of mild obstructed defaecation was noted in only two patients. Symptoms suggestive of slow-transit colonic obstipation were not induced. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is an effective technique for the correction of rectal prolapse and appears to avoid severe postoperative constipation. The ventral position of the prosthesis may explain the beneficial effect on symptoms of obstructed defaecation.     

直肠肌部分切除在便秘治疗中的探讨

目的：探讨直肠肌部分切除治疗顽固性便秘的适应证，手术方法及疗效。方法：经肛门直肠肌部分切除术，治疗便秘患儿64例。其中先天性短段型巨结肠（HD）36例；HD根治术后便秘复发10例；乙状结肠冗长症7例；特发性便秘11例。结果：随访38例（60％），随访时间最长7．5年，最短2个月，平均26．4个月。疗效满意，能自行排便32例（88％）；欠满意，偶而需要辅助方法排便2例（5．2％）；疗效差，便秘复发4例（10．5％）。结论：本手术方法简单，容易掌握，损伤小，并发症少，效果好。     

Histopathology of ulcerative colitis in initial rectal biopsy in children

Definitive histologic diagnosis of ulcerative colitis relies upon mucosal architectural distortion and inflammation in the appropriate clinical setting. Although crypt branching, atrophy, and loss are usually present in first biopsies from adults with ulcerative colitis, it has been our impression that features of chronicity are often lacking in first biopsies from children. To test this hypothesis, initial rectal biopsies and follow-up biopsies and/or colonic resections from 53 children (age 15 months to 17 years) and 38 adults (age 21-76 years) with ulcerative colitis were examined in a blinded fashion for villiform surface, crypt atrophy, branching crypts, lamina propria inflammation, crypt abscesses, cryptitis, and basal plasma cells. Mucosal architecture was classified as normal, focally abnormal, or diffusely abnormal. Medical records were reviewed for confirmatory evidence of ulcerative colitis and for duration of symptoms before biopsy. In 87 of 91 biopsies, the lamina propria contained a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Crypt abscesses and cryptitis were common in both groups. Initial biopsies from children were less likely to show diffuse architectural abnormalities (17 of 53, 32.1%) compared with biopsies from adults (22 of 38, 57.9% p <0.05). Duration of symptoms before diagnosis was significantly shorter in children (mean 17.5 weeks) compared with adults (mean 54.9 weeks). In summary, initial rectal biopsies from children with ulcerative colitis are less likely to show diagnostic mucosal architectural distortion than biopsies from adults. This difference may be related to a shorter duration of symptoms before biopsy.     

Diagnosing Hirschsprung's disease: increasing the odds of a positive rectal biopsy result

Background/Purpose: Rectal biopsies are performed as a definitve means of diagnosing Hirschsprung's Disease (HD) in children presenting with constipation. The authors hypothesized that key features in the history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation would allow us to avoid unnecessary rectal biopsies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing rectal biopsy between 1995 and 2001. Patients with HD were identified (n = 50), and a concurrent cohort of patients with idiopathic constipation (IC; n = 50) was selected. Pertinent features in patients with HD versus those with IC were cross tabulated using Pearson [Chi ]² testing (significance was P [lt ] .05). Results: Sixty percent of patients with HD and 15% of patients with IC experienced onset of symptoms in the first week of life. HD patients more frequently experienced delayed passage of meconium (P [lt ] .05), abdominal distension (P [lt ] .05), vomiting (P [lt ] .05), and transition zone on contrast enema (P [lt ] .05). All patients with HD had one or more of these significant features. In contrast, only 64% of patients with IC had one or more of these features. The classic triad of symptoms (ie, delayed passage of meconium, vomiting, and abdominal distension) was present in 18%, and one or more of these symptoms was present in 98% of HD patients. In contrast, only 60% of patients with IC had a history of delayed passage of meconium, vomiting, or abdominal distension. Conclusions: A history of delayed passage of meconium, abdominal distension, vomiting or the results of a contrast enema identified all patients with HD and excluded HD in approximately 36% of patients with idiopathic constipation. The authors have shown that key features in a patient's history, physical examination, and radiologic evaluation can differentiate between HD and IC. In a child presenting with constipation and none of the above features, it is not necessary to perform a rectal biopsy to exclude HD. J Pediatr Surg 38:412-416.     

Rectal wall contractility in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic severe constipation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify differences in rectal wall contractility between healthy volunteers and patients with chronic severe constipation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Whether motor function of the rectum contributes to slow-transit constipation is unknown. Measurements of rectal contractility have been performed traditionally with perfused catheters or microtransducers. The rectal barostat is a new technique that quantifies the volume of air within an infinitely compliant intrarectal bag maintained at constant pressure; decreases in bag volume therefore reflect increases in rectal muscular contractility (tone). Increases in volume reflect decreased contractility. METHODS: Fifteen healthy volunteers (ten women and five men; mean age, 36 years) and eight patients (seven women and one man; mean age, 44 years) were studied. Barostat recordings were made for 1 hour before and after a meal. Randomly, neostigmine (0.5 mg) or glucagon (1 unit) was then given intravenously. After 1 hour, the other medication was given. RESULTS: The fasting rectal volume was similar in the patient and control groups (113 +/- 7 mL vs. 103 +/- 4 mL, respectively; p > 0.05). Compared with controls, constipated patients had a significantly lower reduction in rectal volume after a meal (constipated, 35 +/- 8% vs. controls, 65 +/- 7%; p < 0.05) and after neostigmine administration (constipated, 39 +/- 6% vs. controls, 58 +/- 6%; p < 0.05). Moreover, constipated patients had a smaller increase in rectal volume after glucagon administration than did controls (28 +/- 6% vs. 64 +/- 18%, respectively; p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in rectal wall contractility in response to feeding, a cholinergic agonist, and a smooth muscle relaxant were decreased in constipated patients. These findings suggest that an abnormality of rectal muscular wall contractility is present in constipated patients.     

Surgical management of chronic unremitting constipation and fecal incontinence associated with megarectum: A preliminary report

Background/Purpose: Functional constipation with associated fecal incontinence responds poorly to medical management once megarectum has developed. The authors describe resecting the dilated rectum and inserting a cecostomy button for antegrade enemas in this difficult condition. Methods: Four children, ages 9 to 15 years, with a history of unremitting constipation and fecal incontinence were referred for evaluation after not responding to medical management. All patients had exhibited normal lumbosacral magnetic resonance images (MRI) and open rectal biopsies; however, all 4 patients had a megarectum on contrast enema. In addition, anorectal manometry was consistent with functional fecal retention. The dilated rectum was resected by anastamosing the nondilated sigmoid colon to the distal rectum, and a standard gastrostomy button was inserted into the cecum for antegrade enemas. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 8 to 60 months). Results: Constipation and incontinence resolved within 6 months in all patients, and all children remained continent without the aid of cathartic agents. There were no postoperative episodes of fecal impaction. The only complication was antibiotic-associated diarrhea in 1 patient. Cecostomy buttons were removed at 1 year postplacement in all 4 patients with continued success. Three patients underwent repeat anorectal manometry; all 3 had normal rectal sensory threshold volumes and anorectal inhibitory reflexes. Barium studies also were obtained in the 3 patients without evidence of recurrent rectal dilation. Conclusions: Refractory constipation and incontinence associated with megarectum may be amenable to surgical intervention in selected patients. The authors' limited experience suggests that proctectomy and button cecostomy is an effective treatment option that improves the quality of life in these patients. Furthermore, proctectomy alone may be curative. J Pediatr Surg 37:76-79. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.     

The diagnosis and treatment of complications in the late periods after operations for Hirschsprung's disease in children]

On the basis of examinations of 15 children the authors consider that recurrent constipation and fecal discharges as complications of a remote postoperative period take place more frequently than incontinence of feces. One of the causes of constipation after radical operation for Hirschsprung's disease may be a long hypoganglionic zone of the distal portion of the colon. To solve the question about reoperation of children with Hirschsprung's disease the complex examination must necessarily include the determination of activity of tissue acetylcholinesterase in colon mucosa biopsies, balloon proctography, sphincterotonometry, endoscopic examination of the colon in addition to irrigography.     

结肠次全切除逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术治疗慢传输型便秘的远期疗效

目的 评估结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术治疗特发性慢传输型便秘的远期疗效。方法 对2003年1月至2004年2月14例单纯慢传输型便秘患者和2例慢传输型合并出口梗阻型便秘患者行结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术。术后随访患者的排便情况、并发症、生活质量及满意度。结果 平均随访期为3年。所有患者术后无严重并发症及死亡。术后1个月每天平均排便4次（3—6次）,半液体状大便。术后3年平均每天排便2次（1—3次）,固体状大便。随访期间所有患者控便能力良好,无大便失禁发生。2例患者出现术后粘连性小肠梗阻。9例患者对手术效果满意,7例非常满意。所有患者生活质量得到明显改善。1例混合型便秘患者术后需间断性使用泻药。结论 对部分慢传输型便秘患者行结肠次全切除后逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术效果理想。     

Decreased tyrosine kinase C expression may reflect developmental abnormalities in Hirschsprung's disease and idiopathic slow-transit constipation

BACKGROUND: Some patients with Hirschsprung's disease have refractory constipation following excision of aganglionic bowel, as do patients with idiopathic slow-transit constipation (STC). Gut motility depends on enteric neuronal development in response to expression of trophic factors and their receptors. Recent studies indicate the importance of neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) and its high-affinity receptor tyrosine kinase C (trk C) in enteric neuronal development. METHODS: Blinded quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of colon from patients with Hirschsprung's disease (aganglionic, hypoganglionic and normoganglionic) (n = 5), STC (n = 6) and appropriate age-matched control tissues (n = 5) was performed for NT-3 and trk C. Sural nerve morphometry and immunostaining were undertaken in three patients with STC who had abnormalities on limb autonomic and sensory testing. RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of submucous plexus neurones was trk C immunoreactive in control infant than adult colon (mean(s.e.m.) 73(9) versus 16(3) per cent of the total; P < 0.001), in accord with a role in development. The proportion of submucous plexus trk C-immunoreactive neurones was reduced in colon from patients with Hirschsprung's disease (28(7) per cent of total in normoganglionic Hirschsprung's disease; P < 0.007 versus infant controls) and STC (10(1) per cent of total; P = 0.053 versus adult controls). No abnormalities of STC sural nerves were detected by morphometry or immunostaining. CONCLUSION: Decreased trk C expression may reflect developmental abnormalities in Hirschsprung's disease and idiopathic STC. Trk C activation by NT-3 or drugs may provide novel treatments. Presented in abstract form to the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, May 2000     

Implications of precancerous rectal biopsy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Sixty-five patients with an initial diagnosis of ulcerative colitis who underwent total proctocolectomy between 1955 and 1973 were studied retrospectively. Rectal mucosa in each patient was examined microscopically for the presence or absence of "precancerous" alterations as described by Morson and Pang. Histologic examination was made with no knowledge of concomitant colon carcinoma or the patients' clinical courses. Three of ten patients with precancerous rectal mucosa had invasive colon carcinoma, while none of the 55 patients without such changes had colon cancer (P less than .05, Fischer exact test). The duration of disease was significantly greater in those patients with rectal precancer (P less than .05). Reexamination changed the pathologic diagnosis in 15 patients from ulcerative colitis to granulomatous or "mixed" colitis. Two of three invasive cancers occurred in the reclassified group. Results support previous contentions that careful histologic evaluation of rectal biopsy specimens from individuals with inflammatory bowel disease may better define that population of patients with an increased risk of colonic carcinoma.     

Complex long-segment intestinal dysganglionosis

A case is reported with aganglionosis of the rectum, sigma, and descending colon; dysganglionosis with heterotopic ganglionic cells in the muscularis propria of the hypoganglionic transverse colon; and extreme hypoganglionosis (without detection of ganglionic cells) of the ascending colon and distal ileum. The ileum showed a transition zone with hypoganglionosis and intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) type B. As to the etiology of such complex intestinal innervation defects, pre- and perinatal perfusion deficits must be considered because their localization seems to be linked to the vascular anatomy of the colon. Early diagnosis may be difficult, causing a delay in operative treatment and multiple operations. Different manifestations of dysganglionosis may be found in the same patient. The classical continuum of distal aganglionosis followed by proximal hypo- or dysganglionosis and then normally innervated bowel may not always be present. Therefore, in children with recurrent (sub-)ileus after resection of an aganglionic bowel segment, additional dysganglionosis such as IND or hypoganglionosis or even complex intestinal dysganglionosis should be excluded by full-thickness colon and small bowel biopsies.     

Sacral nerve stimulation induces pan-colonic propagating pressure waves and increases defecation frequency in patients with slow-transit constipation

OBJECTIVE: Colonic propagating sequences are important for normal colonic transit and defecation. The frequency of these motor patterns is reduced in slow-transit constipation. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a useful treatment for fecal and urinary incontinence. A high proportion of these patients have also reported altered bowel function. The effects of SNS on colonic propagating sequences in constipation are unknown. Our aims were to evaluate the effect of SNS on colonic pressure patterns and evaluate its therapeutic potential in severe constipation. METHOD: In eight patients with scintigraphically confirmed slow-transit constipation, a manometry catheter (16 recording sites at 7.5 cm intervals) was positioned colonoscopically and the tip fixed in the caecum. Temporary electrodes (Medtronic) were implanted in the S2 and S3 sacral nerve foramina under general anaesthesia. In the fasted state, 14 Hz stimulation was administered and four sets of parameters (pulse width 300 or 400 micros; S2 and S3) were tested in four 2-h epochs, in random order, over 2 days. Patients were then discharged home with the sacral wires in situ and a 3-week trial stimulation commenced during which patients completed a daily stool diary. RESULTS: When compared with basal activity, electrical stimulation to S3 significantly increased pan-colonic antegrade propagating sequence (PS) frequency (5.4 +/- 4.2 vs 11.3 +/- 6.6 PS/h; P=0.01). Stimulation at S2 significantly increased retrograde PSs (basal 2.6 +/- 1.8 vs SNS 5.6 +/- 4.8 PS/h; P=0.03). During the subsequent three-week trial (continuous stimulation), six of eight reported increased bowel frequency with a reduction in laxative usage. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that SNS induces pan-colonic propagating pressure waves and therefore shows promise as a potential therapy for severe refractory constipation.     

The early diagnosis of carcinoma of the large intestine

The earliest ascertainable clues and symptoms of carcinoma of the colon and rectum have been considered, and factors aiding in an early and positive diagnosis have been reiterated.The most common initial symptoms of malignant growths of the right side of the colon are pain, palpable tumor and indefinite dyspepsia. Lesions in the transverse colon manifest themselves first by pain, obstructive attacks and developing or increasing constipation. Carcinoma of the descending colon and sigmoid is manifested first by increasing constipation or obstruction, pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea. Carcinoma of the rectosigmoid and rectum is suggested by a change in bowel habit, either constipation or diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The diagnosis of malignant lesions of the colon is rendered certain by roentgenographic examination. The presence of lesions in the sigmoid or below it may be proved by proctoscopic and digital examination of the rectum.     

Rectal prolapse in scleroderma: case report and review of the colonic complications of scleroderma

Scleroderma of the colon is commonly associated with constipation, as was the case in a 70-year-old woman with rectal prolapse described by the authors. The chronic constipation in this patient may have been the cause of her rectal prolapse, but the onset of the prolapse and scleroderma at about the same time suggest that the scleroderma may have been a causative factor. A Ripstein repair of the prolapse was carried out. The authors discuss some of the complications of colonic scleroderma, which include megacolon, transverse and sigmoid colonic volvulus, telangiectasia, stenosis and diverticula and stercoral ulceration.