Change in anal continence after surgery for intersphincteral anal fistula: a functional and manometric study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dividing or "laying open" of the tract for intersphincteral type anal fistula is simple and effective and entails low risk of complication, but little is known of the functional and manometric results. This study assessed the clinical and manometric effect of this surgery on anal sphincter function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study examined 45 adults undergoing surgical treatment for intersphincteral fistula. We administered the questionnaire for continence score and performed anorectal manometry before the operation and at least 6 months after the operation. The operative method was laying open of the fistula tract and trimming the redundant anoderm for adequate drainage of the wound in all cases. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in maximal resting anal pressure and in resting pressure throughout the distal 2 cm of the anal canal after operation. The maximal contractile pressure after operation was similar to that before operation. Continence control was significantly poorer in women and patients who had lower preoperative resting pressure. Multivariate analysis showed lower preoperative resting pressure to be the only independent factor for impaired continence control after fistula surgery. CONCLUSION: Although laying open of the fistula tract is a simple and effective therapy for intersphincteral type anal fistula, it should be more conservative for patients with low resting anal pressure.     

Clinical and manometric results of endorectal advancement flaps for complex anal fistula

Backgrounds and aim Endorectal advancement flap repair is a well-recognized method for the treatment of complex anorectal fistula. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the clinical and functional results of endorectal advancement flaps for complex anorectal fistula and to identify factors that affect outcome. Materials and methods A prospective study of 56 patients was performed. Clinical and functional results were studied using the Wexner continence scale and anal manometry before and after surgery. Factors associated with recurrence and incontinence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results Sixty endorectal flaps were constructed in 56 patients. Mean age was 49 years (range 24–74). The fistula was of cryptoglandular origin in 91.1% cases. Mean follow-up was 43.8 months. The technique was repeated in four patients because of recurrence (7.1%), with subsequent healing in all cases. There were significant reductions in maximum resting pressure 3 months after surgery (83.6±33.2 vs 45.6±18.3, p<0.001) and maximum squeeze pressure (208.8±91.5 vs 169.5±75, p<0.001). Before surgery, five patients (8.9%) reported incontinence symptoms. After surgery, 78.6% patients had normal continence, seven patients (12.5%) complained of minor incontinence, and five (9%) had major continence disturbances. None of the variables studied (age, sex, previous fistula surgery, rectovaginal fistula, and Crohn’s disease) affected the outcome of the procedure in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Endorectal advancement flap repair is an effective technique for complex anal fistula, with a low recurrence rate (7.1%). Patients (21.4%) reported disturbed anal continence. It is still not possible to identify factors that are predictive of failure or incontinence.     

The role of transperineal ultrasonography in the assessment of the internal opening of cryptogenic anal fistula

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) in the pre-operative identification of the internal opening of anal fistulas compared to conventional proctological examination and operative findings. Methods Forty-three patients with anal fistula were assessed by TPUS with and without the use of hydrogen-peroxide injection (E-TPUS) in an attempt to identify the internal opening. Results were compared to preoperative conventional examination and operative findings. Results Operative assessment showed an anterior internal opening in 29 patients (67.4%) and a posterior opening in 14 (32.6%). Compared to the operative findings, the agreement rate for the identification of the internal opening was 74.4% for physical examination alone, 93.0% for TPUS and 90.7% for E-TPUS. Physical examination was less accurate in detecting the internal opening than both TPUS (p=0.014) and E-TPUS (p=0.026). Conclusions TPUS and E-TPUS are superior to physical examination in the identification of internal openings in anal fistulas. Hydrogen peroxide injection does not provide additional advantages. Presented at the 55th Congresso Brasileiro de Colo-Proctologia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 2006.     

Conventional cutting vs. internal anal sphincter-preserving seton for high trans-sphincteric fistula: a prospective randomized manometric and clinical trial

Abstract. Background: Cutting setons have been used in complicated perirectal sepsis with good effect, although there is a moderately high incidence of fecal leakage after their use. The aim of this study was to compare a modified cutting seton, which repaired the internal anal sphincter muscle and re-routed the seton through the intersphincteric space, with a conventional cutting seton. Methods: A total of 34 patients were randomized between 1998 and 2002. They were prospectively assessed by continence score and anorectal manometry, and for anal function, clinical sepsis and fistula recurrence. Results: There was no difference in postoperative continence score, incidence of recurrent fistula or healing time between groups after a mean follow-up of 12 months. Resting anal manometric pressures and vector volumes were consistently higher with the modified seton (although not statistically significant), as was the area under the inhibitory curve during elicitation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex across the full sphincter length. (p<0.05). Conclusion: A larger prospective study of internal anal sphincter-preserving seton use in cryptogenic high transshincteric fistula-in-ano appears justified.     

Accuracy of hydrogen peroxide enhanced endoanal ultrasonography in assessment of the internal opening of an anal fistula complex

Abstract. Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound in localizing the internal opening of the anal fistula. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with anal fistula who underwent hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound was performed. The results of hydrogen peroxideenhanced ultrasound and intraoperative findings on the basis of operative reports were correlated. Results: A total of 57 patients (47 men) of mean age of 45.7 (range, 21–77) years underwent hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound with a diagnosis of anal fistula; 36 patients underwent surgery. The intraoperative internal opening correlated with the hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound report in 22 of 36 patients (61.1%). In 5 patients, the hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound yielded false-positive information with a positive predictive value of 84%. Four of the 7 patients with falsenegative hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound findings had supra- and extrasphincteric fistulas. Conclusions: There is a 61.1% correlation between hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound and surgical findings of the internal opening with a positive predictive value of 84%. If no internal opening was seen on hydrogen peroxide-enhanced ultrasound, it strongly suggests the possibility of a supralevator or extrasphincteric fistula.Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, 1–7 May 1999, Washington D. C., USA.     

Effects of serotonin on the internal anal sphincter: in vivo manometric study in rats.

The effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) on the internal anal sphincter were studied in anaesthesized rats. Serotonin induced a dose dependent relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. Methysergide blocked this relaxation, but did not affect the rectoanal reflex. Methysergide did not antagonise the actions of cholinergic and adrenergic agonists on the internal anal sphincter. Other 5-HT antagonists such as cyproheptadine, ketanserin, chlorpromazine, amitriptyline and ergotamine failed to reduce or block the internal anal sphincter relaxation due to 5-HT, nor did they alter the rectoanal reflex. Adrenergic and cholinergic antagonists had no effect on the 5-HT-induced relaxation of the internal anal sphincter, suggesting that 5-HT acts upon the internal anal sphincter via a non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic mechanism. Tetrodotoxin reduced or blocked the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter produced by 5-HT, implying that 5-HT acts through neural pathways rather than directly on the muscle. It is concluded that although 5-HT relaxes the internal anal sphincter, it does not participate in the rectoanal reflex.     

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy in an elderly population with external rectal prolapse: clinical and anal manometric results

Aim

We report the clinical and anal manometric results of elderly patients treated with laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Method

From March 2009 to June 2012, patients were consecutively included. A modified laparoscopic Orr-Loygue procedure with posterior mobilisation was used. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, 2 months postoperatively and after 1 year. We registered Wexner incontinence scores and laxative uses by a questionnaire and performed simple anal manometry.

Results

A total of 46 patients underwent operation, all women. The median age was 83 years (range 34–99), median prolapse size was 8 cm (range 2–15), and 30 % had previous prolapse surgery. The median operative time was 135 min (range 90–215), and the median length of stay was 2 days (range 1–14). The 30-day morbidity rate was 15 %, and there were two (4 %) deaths within 30 days. There was a significant reduction in incontinence scores after 2 months and 1 year. The anal resting pressures improved from 10 cm H₂O slightly to 16 cm H₂O after 2 months, significantly, and still significant after 1 year at 13 cm H₂O. There were no changes in the use of laxatives. The median follow-up time was 1.5 years (range 0.5–3), and there were two prolapse recurrences (4 %) in this period.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy with posterior mobilisation seems to be effective and relatively well tolerated, although not without mortality in elderly debilitated patients. It improves incontinence. With increased life-year expectance, these patients may benefit from a lower risk of recurrence compared with perineal procedures.     

Initial experience of treating anal fistula with the Surgisis anal fistula plug

Background

Complex anal fistulas remain a challenge for the colorectal surgeon. The anal fistula plug has been developed as a simple treatment for fistula-in-ano. We present and evaluate our experience with the Surgisis anal fistula plug from two centres.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected and analysed from consecutive patients undergoing insertion of a fistula plug between January 2007 and October 2009. Fistula plugs were inserted according to a standard protocol. Data collected included patient demographics, fistula characteristics and postoperative outcome.

Results

Forty-four patients underwent insertion of 62 plugs (27 males, mean age 45.6?years), 25 of whom had prior fistula surgery. Mean follow-up was 10.5?months Twenty-two patients (50%) had successful healing following the insertion of plug with an overall success rate of 23 out of 62 plugs inserted (35%). Nineteen out of 29 patients healed following first-time plug placement, whereas repeated plug placement was successful in 3 out of 15 patients (20%; p?=?0.0097). There was a statistically significant difference in the healing rate between patients who had one or less operations prior to plug insertion (i.e. simple fistulas) compared with patients who needed multiple operations (18 out of 24 patients vs. 4 out of 20 patients; p?=?0.0007).

Conclusions

Success of treatment with the Surgisis anal fistula plug relies on the eradication of sepsis prior to plug placement. Plugs inserted into simple tracts have a higher success rate, and recurrent insertion of plugs following previous plug failure is less likely to be successful. We suggest the fistula plug should remain a first-line treatment for primary surgery and simple tracts.     

Long-term results of botulinum toxin for the treatment of chronic anal fissure: prospective clinical and manometric study

Background The aim of this prospective trial was to analyse the effectiveness and morbidity of chemical sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure after a 3-year follow-up.Methods One hundred consecutive patients with chronic anal fissures were treated by chemical sphincterotomy with 25 U botulinum toxin injected into the internal sphincter. Clinical and manometric results were recorded.Results No major complications were found; initial incontinence at the 2-month review (6%) spontaneously reversed at 6 months. There was a tendency of progressive recurrence over time, with an overall healing after 3 years of 47%. We found a group of patients with clinical (symptoms longer than 12 months and presence of a sentinel pile before treatment) and manometric factors (persistently elevated mean resting pressure, percentage of time with slow waves, and number of patients or percentage of time with ultra slow waves after treatment) associated with a higher recurrence of anal fissures.Conclusion Since it avoids the greater risk of incontinence associated with surgical sphincterotomy, we recommend the use of botulinum toxin as the first therapeutic approach for patients with chronic anal fissure and risk factors for incontinence; despite the higher rate of recurrence associated with this treatment. In patients with factors related to recurrence, re-injection with higher doses of botulinum toxin or complementary medical–surgical treatment should be considered.     

Endosonographic and manometric evaluation of internal anal sphincter in patients with chronic anal fissure and its correlation with clinical outcome after topical glyceryl trinitrate therapy

Background and aims Anorectal pressure studies have demonstrated internal anal sphincter (IAS) hypertonia in patients with chronic anal fissure. It is unknown however, if these changes in IAS function are associated with any abnormality in sphincter morphology. The first aim was to investigate the clinical characteristics and the manometric and endosonographic findings of the IAS in a cohort of patients with chronic anal fissure. The second aim was to investigate the association between these findings and the outcome with topical Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) therapy. Materials and methods All patients who presented with chronic anal fissure from November 1999 to May 2004 were included after failure of conservative therapy. Anorectal manometry and anal endosonography were performed before treatment with 0.2% GTN ointment twice daily was initiated. Patients were evaluated after 8 weeks. Results One hundred and twenty-four patients (66 women, mean age, 45.2 ± 14.8 years) were included. Hypertonia of the IAS was found in 84 (68%) patients. The mean maximum IAS thickness was 3.6 ± 0.76 mm (1.6–5.5). An abnormally thick IAS, adjusted by age, was observed in 113 (91.1%) patients. We found no correlation between resting pressure and IAS thickness (r = 0.074; p = 0.41). At 8 weeks, 52 patients (42%) had healed with complete symptoms resolution. No statistically significant differences were observed when clinical features and manometric and endosonographic findings were compared between healing and no-healing fissures. Conclusion The majority of patients with chronic anal fissure present an abnormally thick IAS. Clinical, manometric and endosonographic features had no association with outcome after GTN treatment.     

Early closure of fistula using neo-adjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy in locally advanced anal cancer

BackgroundLocally advanced anal cancer patients, especially with T4 disease and fistula, have a dismal prognosis. Neo-adjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy before standard chemoradiation has been shown to be promising in this setting.AimsWe are reporting results from a larger patient population.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2015, 25 consecutive patients with locally advanced anal cancer, 18 of them fistulised, received intra-arterial chemotherapy.ResultsTwenty-two of 25 patients (88%) had T4N0-3 disease and 3 (12%) T3N3. An objective tumour response was observed in 24 of 25 patients (96%): 24 partial responses and 1 with stable disease. Fistulas’ complete closure was observed in 15 of 18 patients (83.3%). Following intra-arterial chemotherapy, 23 patients underwent chemoradiation. Twenty-one of 25 patients (84%) had a complete remission 6 months after treatment completion. Amongst 22 patients followed for 3 or more years, 18 of them (81%) are colostomy free at 3 years. Five-year overall survival is 75%. Most frequent grade 3–4 toxicity of IAC was neutropenia (25%).ConclusionsNeo-adjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy combined to chemoradiation resulted in a high rate of fistulas closure and long-term control of locally advanced anal cancer. This interesting approach in the treatment of fistulised anal cancer, needs a prospective study before being considered a new standard strategy.     

LIFT术与肛瘘切开术治疗经括约肌肛瘘的近远期肛门功能变化观察

目的观察经括约肌间瘘管结扎术（LIFT）与肛瘘切开术治疗经括约肌肛瘘的近远期肛门功能变化。 方法选取深圳市南山区人民医院2015年9月至2017年2月收治的120例经括约肌肛瘘患者,随机分为观察组与对照组,每组各60例。对照组采取肛瘘切开术,观察组采取LIFT术。比较两组手术时间、创面愈合时间及术后第1 d、第3 d及第7 d的创面VAS疼痛评分,术后1个月的总治愈率、术后并发症总发生率及随访6个月的复发率,比较两组术前、术后1个月及术后6个月的肛门功能（应用盆底肌电图和肛门直肠压力测定进行评价）。 结果观察组创面愈合时间为（27.44±6.12）d,短于对照组（32.71±8.35）d（t=-3.943,P=0.000）;两组术后第1 d与第3 d的VAS疼痛评分无明显差异（P>0.05）,观察组术后第7 d的VAS疼痛评分为（2.11±0.66）分,低于对照组（3.56±0.91）分（t=-9.991,P=0.000）。观察组与对照组愈合率分别为90.00%和93.33%,复发率分别为13.33%和10.00%,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组术后并发症总发生率为3.33%,低于对照组13.33%（χ²=3.927,P=0.048）。观察组术后1个月与6个月的耻骨直肠肌、内括约肌、外括约肌运动单位电位（MUP）平均时限及肛管静息压与肛管最大收缩压与术前比较无统计学意义（P>0.05）,对照组均下降（P<0.05）;观察组术后1个月与6个月的耻骨直肠肌、内括约肌、外括约肌MUP平均时限及肛管静息压与肛管最大收缩压均高于对照组。 结论LIFT术治疗经括约肌肛瘘可减轻手术对括约肌的损伤,从而减轻患者术后疼痛、促进创面愈合,减少术后并发症,使患者近远期肛门功能得到保护。     

Open lateral internal anal sphincterotomy under local anesthesia as the gold standard in the treatment of chronic anal fissures. A prospective clinical and manometric study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissure is one of the most frequent proctological disorders in Western populations. Open lateral internal sphincterotomy is one of the therapeutic options accepted as the treatment of choice for chronic anal fissure, since it reduces the hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter (the main etiopathogenic mechanism of fissures), decreases anal pain, and allows the fissure to heal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective study of 120 patients operated on for chronic anal fissure with open sphincterotomy under local anesthesia at our Proctology Outpatient Unit from 1998 to 2001. No preoperative studies, bowel preparation, or antibiotic prophylaxis were carried out. All patients were followed up after 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and underwent an anal manometry before and after surgery. RESULTS: Early complications: 3 hematoma-ecchymosis of the wound (2.5%), 3 self-limited hemorrhage events (2.5%). No hemorrhoidal thrombosis, fistulas, or perianal abscesses occurred. Fissures recurred in nine patients (7.5%) within one year. The initial rate of incontinence of 7.5% at two months dropped down to 5% at six months. The mean resting pressure (MRP) in incontinent patients was lower than in continent patients (55 +/- 7 mmHg versus 80.7 +/- 21 mmHg). The difference in mean squeeze pressure (MSP) between incontinent patients and continent patients was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Open sphincterotomy under local anesthesia has a long-term rate of healing and a morbidity rate similar to other techniques. It may therefore be considered an effective treatment for chronic anal fissure.     

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) to treat anal fistula: early results from a prospective observational study

Background  

Ligation of the intersphincteric tract (LIFT), a novel sphincter-saving technique, has been recently described with promising results. Literature data are still scant. In this prospective observational study, we present our experience with this technique.     

Preliminary results of video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) in children

Background

Anal fistula is a common acquired anorectal disorder in children. Treatment methods that have been used are associated with inconsistent results and possible serious complications. In 2011 a minimally invasive approach, video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) was described for adult patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the first series of pediatric patients treated with VAAFT.

Methods

All patients who underwent VAAFT between August 2013 and May 2015 were included. Demographics, clinical features, preoperative imaging, surgical details, outcome, and medium-term data were prospectively collected for each patient.

Results

Thirteen procedures were performed in nine patients. The male to female ratio was 8:1, and the median age was 9.6 years. Five fistulas were idiopathic, three iatrogenic, and one associated with Crohn’s disease. Eight complete VAAFT procedures were performed. The remaining five procedures were either fistuloscopy and cutting seton placement or fistuloscopy and electrocoagulation, both without mucosal sleeve. The median length of surgery was 41 min. The median hospital stay was 24 h, and the median length of follow-up was 10 months. Resolution of the fistula was observed in all patients who underwent a complete VAAFT. In four out of five patients who underwent an incomplete procedure (without mucosal sleeve), the fistula recurred. No incontinence or soiling was reported in the medium term.

Conclusions

VAAFT proved to be feasible and safe in children. It also proved to be versatile as it could be applied to fistulas of different etiologies. The key to success seems to be an adequate mucosal sleeve. Older children and adolescents benefit most from VAAFT which is a valid alternative to available surgical procedures.

     

Anal endosonography for assessment of anal incontinence with a linear probe: relationships with clinical and manometric features

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study determined correlations of clinical and manometric features with those of anal endosonography (AES). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 1999 we examined 58 patients suffering from anal incontinence (AI) by AES using a linear probe and anorectal manometry following a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Twelve of the 58 patients (21%) had a history of anal surgery. Of the 40 women who had under-gone at least one vaginal delivery 22 (55%) sustained an obstetric tear and 12 (30%) required forceps for delivery. A perineal descent was observed in 24 of 32 women with AI (75%) and urinary incontinence in 24 of 44 (54%). An anal sphincter defect was diagnosed in 45 of the 58 patients (77%). The internal anal sphincter defects occurring in 42 patients (72%) were significantly associated with a decrease in the resting anal pressure. The external anal sphincter defects occurring in 33 patients (57%) were significantly associated with a decrease in the voluntary anal contraction. CONCLUSION: Considering AES and manometric findings, a good correlation was observed between internal sphincter defect and the resting anal pressure and between external sphincter defects and the voluntary anal contraction. AI is usually associated with a global perineal insufficiency requiring special attention in terms of both training and medical management.     

肛瘘微创平台用于治疗高位复杂性肛瘘的临床研究

目的观察肛瘘微创平台用于治疗高位复杂性肛瘘的效果,评价其临床疗效性及安全性。 方法选取2016年10月至2018年5月在南京市中医院肛肠中心就诊且符合高位复杂性肛瘘诊断标准的106名患者,利用随机数字表将患者随机分为观察组和对照组,其中观察组采用肛瘘微创平台治疗,对照组采用传统低位切开高位挂线术进行手术治疗,术后采取电话或网络随访4~30（中位数10）个月。 结果两组治愈率及安全性评价差异无统计学意义（χ²=2.37,P>0.05）,观察组及对照组愈合时间分别为（38.61±7.15）天和（51.72±9.25）天,差异有统计学意义（t=-8.02,P<0.01）。观察组术后肛管静息压及最大收缩压均大于对照组（t=5.71,7.83;P<0.05）,Wexner评分优于对照组（t=-4.40,P<0.05）。 结论肛瘘微创平台治疗高位复杂性肛瘘疗效确切,安全可靠。