Advances in the surgical management of anal incontinence.

The standard treatments for traumatic and idiopathic faecal incontinence have for the last 10-15 years been sphincter reconstruction and pelvic floor repair, respectively. Results of the treatment of traumatic sphincter lesions have in general been satisfactory, whereas the results after prolonged follow-up of pelvic floor repair for idiopathic anal incontinence seem less convincing. Incontinence due to neurological disorders cannot always be treated by local procedures on the anal sphincter or pelvic floor. This has led to the investigation of a number of other surgical procedures with the aim of re-establishing faecal continence. These include transposition of striated muscles, primarily the gracilis and gluteus maximus, implantation of neuromuscular stimulators, implantation of artificial sphincters and implantation of neuroprosthesis. These new techniques, which are also applicable in patients with traumatic and idiopathic anal incontinence where local reconstructive procedures have failed, are reviewed in this chapter in the light of our present state of knowledge.     

Pelvic floor procedures produce no consistent changes in anatomy or physiology

PURPOSE: Postanal repair was designed to restore both anatomy and function of the anal canal in neurogenic fecal incontinence. In most series, the degree of continence is improved in fewer than 50 percent of patients. Adding anterior levatorplasty and sphincter plication (total pelvic floor repair) is claimed to improve functional results. We performed a randomized trial comparing postanal and total pelvic floor repair for neurogenic incontinence. METHOD: Twenty female patients were studied. All had Type D incontinence (Parks and Browning). Anal manometry, defecography, and grading of the degree of continence were repeated 12 weeks after surgery to assess changes in clinical, manometric, and radiologic parameters. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and Wilcoxon's two-sample test. RESULTS: Continence improved in eight patients. Differences among clinical, manometric, and radiologic data were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor repair procedures produce no consistent changes in anatomy or physiology. Clinical improvement is caused by creation of a local stenosis or by the placebo effect rather than by improvement of muscle function.Presented at the annual meeting of the Dutch Society of Surgery, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, May 18 to 19, 1995.     

Radiologic evaluation of pelvic floor disorders

Several imaging modalities are available ranging from fluoroscopic techniques to ultrasonography and MRI for the evaluation of patients with pelvic floors disorders. High-resolution ultrasonography and MRI not only provide superior delineation of the pelvic floor anatomy but also reveal pathology and functional changes. This article focuses on standard imaging procedures including defecography, ultrasonography, and MRI and discusses its use in clinical practice by illustrating both normal and abnormal patterns.     

Assessing and treating patients with complex fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of gas, liquid, and/or solid stool. It affects 2.2% of the general population. Because fecal incontinence can be socially and psychologically devastating, and is not easily discussed, this figure is probably understated. Patients presenting with fecal incontinence need to be properly assessed, including physiological testing of the pelvic floor muscles and nerves. Identifying any abnormal anatomy or physiology in the pelvic floor helps the clinician develop a care plan that best suits the patient's etiology. Knowledge of the physiology of the pelvic floor musculature and its effects on continence is improving. Treatment options also have broadened. This article describes the current techniques of assessment and treatment, including the "gold standard," and newer investigational procedures offered to patients with complex fecal incontinence.     

Biofeedback Treatment for Overactive Bladder

For several decades, biofeedback has been utilized to help patients gain control of urinary problems. First described in the 1950s, pelvic floor muscle training employing biofeedback techniques has re-emerged as many patients seek to improve their urinary symptoms without medications or invasive procedures. Developing evidence and clinical agreement suggest that the pelvic floor musculature plays an important and often overlooked role in the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms. New techniques involving computerized visual feedback and electrical stimulation or magnetic stimulation seek to improve the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle exercises. However, findings from the literature for increased response to these exercises with intensity of biofeedback programs are conflicting. While they pose few risks or side effects, biofeedback programs are a time-consuming exercise for patients and providers. As we explore the promising role of pelvic floor rehabilitation in treatment of pelvic floor disorders, we must continue to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of biofeedback as an adjunct to pelvic floor muscle exercises.     

Augmented repairs and use of interposition grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery: Part I

Because the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse increases with age and the number of women aged 65 years and older is expected to double in the next 25 years, demand is increasing for subspecialty services related to pelvic floor disorders. Synthetic and biologic interposition grafts have been proposed as a way of augmenting weakened host tissues during pelvic reconstructive surgical procedures because the rate of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse is unacceptably high. Although graft use is rapidly increasing among pelvic reconstructive surgeons, the role of prosthetics is controversial and currently in the process of evolution, with few evidence-based data to support their routine use. This review provides a context for the use of prosthetic grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery, discusses the properties of both synthetic and biologic materials commonly used during transvaginal reconstructive procedures, and reviews the literature with respect to the role of graft interposition during anterior compartment prolapse repair.     

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging defecography: a diagnostic alternative in the assessment of pelvic floor disorders in proctology

PURPOSE: Standard diagnostic proctologic procedures in the assessment of pelvic floor disorders include clinical evaluation and endoscopy. Particular aspects of combined pelvic floor disorders, especially those involving more than one pelvic compartment, may remain undetected without additional technical diagnostic procedures such as videoproctoscopy, cinedefecography, or colpocystodefecography. The aim of the study was to review the potentials of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging defecography to elucidate the underlying anatomic and pathophysiologic background of pelvic floor disorders in proctologic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging defecography was performed in 20 Patients (13 females) with main diagnoses such as rectal prolapse or intussusception, rectocele, descending perineum, fecal incontinence, outlet obstruction, and dyskinetic puborectalis muscle after clinical evaluation. The investigation was performed on a 1.5 T-magnetic resonance imaging machine in supine position. The rectum was filled with Gd-DTPA enriched ultrasound gel. First a T1/T2 weighted investigation of the pelvis was performed, followed by defecography with evacuation of the rectum. Images were obtained in a sagittal plane in a frequency of 1 image/second (true FISP) at rest and during straining. The obtained magnetic resonance imaging video tapes were analyzed off-line with cinematographic evaluation of bladder base, uterus, and anal canal position in relation to the pubococcygeal line by a blinded radiologist. Investigation time was 20 minutes. RESULTS: In dynamic magnetic resonance imaging defecography of the pelvic floor, 12 patients with descending perineum, 10 rectoceles (10 females), 6 cystoceles (6 females), 4 enteroceles (4 females), 8 intussusceptions (5 females), and a dyskinetic puborectalis muscle in 3 males were detected. In 11 females and 3 males multifocal disorders were found, involving more than one compartment in females, whereas in males complex defects were restricted to the posterior compartment. Magnetic resonance imaging defecography revealed diagnoses consistent with clinical results in 77.3 percent and defects in addition to clinical diagnoses in combined pelvic floor disorders in 34 percent. CONCLUSIONS: In complex pelvic floor disorders, involving more than a single defect, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging represents a convenient diagnostic procedure in females and to a lesser extent in males, in particular in terms of dynamic imaging of pelvic floor organs during defecation. In addition to the clinical assessment, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging had clinical impact in proctologic and interdisciplinary treatment.Presented in part at the 116th German Congress of Surgery, 1999     

Magnetic resonance imaging of anatomic and dynamic defects of the pelvic floor in defecatory disorders

OBJECTIVE: Endoanal ultrasound identifies anal sphincter anatomy, and evacuation proctography visualizes pelvic floor motion during simulated defecation. These complementary techniques can evaluate obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence. Our aim was to develop a single, nonionizing, minimally invasive modality to image global pelvic floor anatomy and motion. METHODS: We studied six patients with fecal incontinence and seven patients with obstructed defecation. The anal sphincters were imaged with an endoanal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil and endoanal ultrasound (five patients). MR fluoroscopy acquired images every 1.4-2 s, using a modified real-time, T2-weighted, single-shot, fast-spin echo sequence, recording motion as patients squeezed pelvic floor muscles and expelled ultrasound gel; no contrast was added to other pelvic organs. Six patients also had scintigraphic defecography. RESULTS: Endoanal ultrasound and MRI were comparable for imaging defects of the internal and external sphincters. Only MRI revealed puborectalis and/or external sphincter atrophy; four of these patients had fecal incontinence. MR fluoroscopy recorded pelvic floor contraction during squeeze and recorded relaxation during simulated defecation. Corresponding comparisons for angle change and perineal descent during defecation were not significant; only MRI, but not scintigraphy, identified excessive perineal descent in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic MRI is a promising single, comprehensive, nonradioactive modality to measure structural and functional pelvic floor disturbances in defecatory disorders. This method may provide insights into mechanisms of normal and disordered pelvic floor function in health and disease.     

Anorectal incontinence: therapeutic strategy of a complex surgical problem

The anatomophysiological integrity of the pelvic floor and anorectum contributes to the important function of continence and defecation. A variety of causes can cause damage in the anatomy and/or the innervation of the pelvic floor muscles as well as in anorectal sensitivity or stool consistency leading to anorectal continence disorder and incontinence. The most common cause of anorectal incontinence is related to injury of the sphincter muscles after delivery, or anorectal surgery. Anorectal incontinence is a complex problem, often of multifactorial origin. The exact cause of its incidence is unknown. However, the incidence is approximately 2% in the general population and 25-60% in the elderly. Although the condition is considered a problem in the elderly, it is becoming apparent that people are frequently affected from a much younger age. Anorectal incontinence is a severe disability and a major social problem as it produces a feeling of insecurity and pushes the patient towards social isolation. Management of the incontinent patient may be conservative (medicinal, biofeedback training), surgical (sphincter repair, pelvic floor repair, neosphincter formation, artificial sphincter or stoma) or use sacral nerve stimulation. The successful treatment of anorectal incontinence depends on accurate diagnosis of its cause, which is achieved by a thorough patient assessment including patient history, physical examination and selective specialized investigations. A stoma is the final resort when all other therapeutic attempts have failed.     

Robotics for Pelvic Reconstruction

Robotic-assisted laparoscopy is increasingly used in female pelvic reconstructive surgery to combine the benefits of abdominally placed mesh for prolapse outcomes with the quicker recovery time associated with minimally invasive procedures. Level III data suggest that early outcomes of robotic sacrocolpopexy are similar to those of open sacrocolpopexy. A single randomized trial has provided level I evidence that robotic and laparoscopic approaches to sacrocolpopexy have similar short-term anatomic outcomes, although operating times, postoperative pain, and cost are increased with robotics. Patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes of both robotic and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy are insufficiently studied despite their widespread use in the treatment of prolapse. Given the high reoperative rates for prolapse repairs, long-term follow-up is essential, and well-designed comparative effectiveness research is needed to evaluate pelvic floor surgery adequately.     

Acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor disorders: A protocol of randomized controlled trial

Background:Female pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the common chronic diseases affecting women''s physical and mental health. Pregnancy and delivery are one of the main causes. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is a common method for the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, but it has some defects. Acupoint injection has advantages in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, but there is a lack of standard clinical research to verify it. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor disorders.Methods:This is a prospective randomized controlled trial to study the efficacy and safety of acupoints injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation. And it is approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research of our hospital. Patients were randomly divided into observation group (acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation group) or control group (pelvic floor rehabilitation group alone). The patients were followed up for 8 weeks after 12 weeks of treatment. The observation indexes included: pelvic organ prolapse degree, pelvic floor muscle strength, urinary incontinence score, adverse reactions, among others. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 18.0.Conclusions:This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection combined with pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, and provide reliable reference for the clinical application of this project.Trial registration:OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VC65Z     

Pelvic organ prolapse: a review

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common medical problem in parous women. This condition usually refers to a combination of deficiencies of the pelvic organs as they relate to support mechanisms of the vaginal wall. Symptoms vary--an accurate diagnosis requires a careful and complete physical examination with attention directed toward the pelvis and perineum. Although many patients will not require surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, a comprehensive approach to repair in which all of the anatomic defects affecting support are addressed is necessary for successful treatment. Patients presenting with pelvic organ prolapse often provide some of the most complex, challenging, and rewarding cases in reconstructive pelvic surgery. This article addresses the definitions and classifications, prevalence and risk factors, and anatomy and pathophysiology relevant to pelvic organ prolapse. Discussion also includes diagnosis and approaches to management (surgical and nonsurgical) of anterior vaginal wall prolapse, cystourethrocele, apical vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse and enterocele, posterior vaginal wall prolapse, rectocele, and pelvic floor relaxation and perineal laxity, with indications for and approaches to surgery, along with possible complications.     

Is there a role for concomitant pelvic floor repair in patients with sphincter defects in the treatment of fecal incontinence?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: More than half of all patients who undergo overlapping anal sphincter repair for fecal incontinence develop recurrent symptoms. Many have associated pelvic floor disorders that are not surgically addressed during sphincter repair. We evaluate the outcomes of combined overlapping anal sphincteroplasty and pelvic floor repair (PFR) vs. anterior sphincteroplasty alone in patients with concomitant sphincter and pelvic floor defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed all patients with concomitant defects who underwent surgery between February 1998 and August 2001. Patients were assessed preoperatively by anorectal manometry, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, and endoanal ultrasound. The degree of continence was assessed both preoperatively and postoperatively using the Cleveland Clinic Florida fecal incontinence score. Postoperative success was defined as a score of 相似文献   

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal prolapse and pelvic floor disorders

Pelvic floor disorders are different dysfunctions of gynaecological, urinary or anorectal organs, which can present as incontinence, outlet-obstruction and organ prolapse or as a combination of these symptoms. Pelvic floor disorders affect a substantial amount of people, predominantly women. Transabdominal procedures play a major role in the treatment of these disorders. With the development of new techniques established open procedures are now increasingly performed laparoscopically. Operation techniques consist of various rectopexies with suture, staples or meshes eventually combined with sigmoid resection. The different approaches need to be measured by their operative and functional outcome and their recurrence rates. Although these operations are performed frequently a comparison and evaluation of the different methods is difficult, as most of the used outcome measures in the available studies have not been standardised and data from randomised studies comparing these outcome measures directly are lacking. Therefore evidence based guidelines do not exist. Currently the laparoscopic approach with ventral mesh rectopexy or resection rectopexy is the two most commonly used techniques. Observational and retrospective studies show good functional results, a low rate of complications and a low recurrence rate. As high quality evidence is missing, an individualized approach is recommend for every patient considering age, individual health status and the underlying morphological and functional disorders.     

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the structural and functional results of postanal repair for neuropathic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor can discriminate between patients who improve after postanal repair for neurogenic fecal incontinence and those who remain symptomatic. METHODS: Pelvic floor measurements obtained during dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in eight females whose anal incontinence had improved after postanal repair were compared with those from nine females who remained symptomatic. All subjects also underwent standard anorectal physiology testing. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups with respect to any measurement of anterior or middle pelvic floor compartments. Additionally, there was no difference in posterior pelvic floor configuration when symptomatic patients were compared with those who had improved. However, dynamic magnetic resonance measurements revealed patients who remained symptomatic had significantly greater posterior pelvic floor weakness. Anorectal physiology was unable to differentiate between groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in static pelvic floor measurements when subjects remaining symptomatic after postanal repair are compared with those who have improved. In contrast, dynamic measurements may be able to predict failure in those who demonstrate excessive posterior pelvic floor mobility.     

A pilot study of total pelvic floor repair or gluteus maximus transposition for postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report pilot data comparing the morbidity and functional outcome of total pelvic floor repair with gluteus maximus transposition for women with postobstetric fecal incontinence. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized trial of two surgical procedures in 24 women so far. Functional assessment was performed with use of a 20-point clinical incontinence score and patient questionnaire before and after operation. The physiologic parameters, before and after operation, included resting and squeeze anal pressures, length of the high pressure zone, anal and rectal mucosal sensitivity, and pudendal nerve latency. RESULTS: So far, 12 patients have been treated by total pelvic floor repair and 12 by gluteus maximus transposition. Of these, three patients developed wound complications after gluteus maximus transposition compared with none after total pelvic floor repair. Among these cases there was a significant overall improvement in functional score (given as mean ± standard deviation) after both total pelvic floor repair (13.1±2.7vs. 6.6±4.5;P<0.001) and gluteus maximus transposition (13.8±3.8vs. 7.7±6.1;P<0.01), although no difference existed between the groups. There was no change in any of the physiologic measurements after either operation, and preoperative measurements did not identify patients likely to do badly. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude from these preliminary data that both total pelvic floor repair and gluteus maximus transposition significantly improve continence in women with postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence. Gluteus maximus transposition gives equivalent results to total pelvic floor repair. Neither procedure has any influence on anorectal physiologic parameters.Preliminary results presented at the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, Glasgow, Scotland, April 9 to 11, 1997.     

Autonomic Nerve-Preserving Total Mesorectal Excision in the Laparoscopic Era

Purpose  Although technically demanding, laparoscopy may be advantageous in magnifying the anatomy of the pelvic autonomic nervous system when performing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. We present our method for laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for men. Methods  We performed laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for 36 men with middle or low rectal cancer. The rectum was mobilized through a medial approach down to the pelvic floor without minilaparotomy or hand assist. Anteriorly, the dissection plane was in front of Denonvilliers fascia. Anterolaterally, to preserve the pelvic plexus and neurovascular bundle, Denonvilliers fascia must be cut at its lateral continuity. We found that the most important factor in obtaining a good surgical view is keeping adequate tension in the dissection plane by coordination between the surgeon and assistant. Dissection was performed by using only electrocautery without an ultrasonic dissector or vessel sealing device. Results  No case was converted to open surgery. The short-term feasibility was acceptable. Conclusions  Our method of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision is a feasible approach and may be beneficial for the standardization and popularization of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision. Long-term results, including survival data and urogenital function, are needed to evaluate the true efficacy of this procedure. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Simultaneous dynamic proctography and peritoneography for pelvic floor disorders

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate a new diagnostic technique for the identification of rectal and pelvic floor pathology in patients with obstructed defecation, pelvic fullness/ prolapse, and/or chronic intermittent pelvic floor pain. METHODS: Thirteen symptomatic women with either a nondiagnostic physical examination or nondiagnostic dynamic proctography (DPG) were studied. After placement of intraperitoneal and intrarectal contrast material, resting and straining pelvic x-rays were obtained in all patients, and defecation was videotaped using fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Simultaneous DPG and peritoneography identified clinically suspected and unsuspected enteroceles in 10 of the 13 patients studied. An enterocele or other pelvic floor hernia was ruled out by the technique in three of the women studied. Rectoceles and rectal prolapse that were identified during physical examination were confirmed by DPG with peritoneography. Simultaneous DPG and peritoneography also gave a qualitative assessment of the severity and clinical significance of the identified pelvic floor disorders. Results of simultaneous DPG and peritoneography affected operative treatment planning in 85 percent of patients studied. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous DPG and peritoneography identifies both rectal and pelvic floor pathology and provides a qualitative assessment of pelvic floor pathology severity, which allows for better treatment planning in selected patients with obstructed defecation and pelvic prolapse.Video presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, May 2 to 7, 1993.     

Chronic perineal pain: current pathophysiological aspects, diagnostic approaches and treatment

Chronic perineal pain is the anorectal and perineal pain without underlying organic disease, anorectal or endopelvic, which has been excluded by careful physical examination, radiological and endoscopic investigations. A variety of neuromuscular disorders of the pelvic floor lead to the different pathological conditions such as anorectal incontinence, urinary incontinence and constipation of obstructed defecation, sexual dysfunction and pain syndromes. The most common functional disorders of the pelvic floor muscles, accompanied by perineal pain are levator ani syndrome, proctalgia fugax, myofascial syndrome and coccygodynia. In the diagnosis of these syndromes, contributing to a thorough history, physical examination, selected specialized investigations and the exclusion of organic disease with proctalgia is carried out. Accurate diagnosis of the syndromes helps in choosing an appropriate treatment and in avoiding unnecessary and ineffective surgical procedures, which often are performed in an attempt to alleviate the patient's symptoms.     

Constipation

Chronic constipation is a common disorder manifested by a variety of symptoms. Assessments of colonic transit and anorectal functions are used to categorize constipated patients into three groups, i.e., normal transit or irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction (i.e., functional defaecatory disorders) and slow transit constipation. 'Slow transit' constipation is a clinical syndrome attributed to ineffective colonic propulsion and/or increased resistance to propagation of colonic contents. Defaecatory disorders are caused by insufficient relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles or a failure to generate adequate propulsive forces during defaecation. Colonic transit is often delayed in patients with functional defaecatory disorders. Normal and slow transit constipation are generally managed with medications; surgery is necessary for a minority of patients with slow transit constipation. Functional defaecatory disorders are primarily treated with pelvic floor retraining using biofeedback therapy.