Pediatric stirrups for anorectal surgery

A stirrup system to facilitate anorectal operation in a pediatric patient is described.     

Ulcerative disease of the anorectum in the HIV+ patient

Ulcerative processes are the most disabling of anal diseases in HIV+ patients. The spectrum ranges from benign fissures to invasive ulcerative processes. It is important to recognize their salient features in order to effectuate proper management. Since 1989, 74 HIV+ patients with ulcerative anal disease were evaluated. Of 33 patients with benign fissures, 13 had sphincterotomy, with symptomatic relief in 12 and healing in 11. Ten had improvement with standard conservative treatment, and 10 did not return for re-evaluation. Of 41 patients with idiopathic anal ulcers, 34 underwent operative evaluation, biopsy, viral culture, and debridement. Thirty had significant pain relief, and 17 showed variable evidence of healing. Four patients with intractable pain had injection of Depo-Medrol ^® (The Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI) into the bed of the ulcer with significant pain relief. One patient was diverted. We propose that anal ulcerative disease be classified as benign lesions and therefore treated as if the patient were HIV negative. In those patients with HIV-associated anal ulcers, evaluation under anesthesia, biopsy, culture, and debridement should be performed and therapy directed against any neoplastic or viral agents found. Those patients with no identifiable agents may be helped with aggressive debridement or intralesional steroid therapy. This approach allows safe and effective treatment in most patients.Presented at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, San Francisco, California, June 7 to 12, 1992.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus and HIV infection

We retrospectively reviewed six patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection treated between 1985 and 1988. All six patients were homosexual men. Five patients had AIDS and one was HIV-positive. The most common symptoms and signs were pain (n=5), mass (n =5), and bleeding (n=5). The average tumor size was 3.2 cm with a range of 1–10 cm. Five tumors were located in the anal canal and one at the anodermal junction. One patient was treated with biopsy alone, one with local excision, one with wide local excision and radiation therapy, and two with diverting colostomy. The average follow-up was 8 months. Of the five AIDS patients, two died, one was transferred to a hospice facility, one was lost to follow-up, and one remains alive 1 year following treatment. The HIV-positive patient died secondary to metastatic SCCA. This group of patients raises the question of a possible association between HIV and SCCA.     

Perineal manifestations of HIV infection

Individuals who are seropositive for the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) frequently have disorders affecting the anorectum, yet little has been reported on this subject. We reviewed our initial experience with patients with HIV referred to the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Forty patients (age range, 19–45 years; mean, 32.2 years) were seen between 1985 and 1989. The mean duration of symptoms was six months (range, one week to six years). In 25 patients (63 percent), more than one anorectal condition was identified. Condylomata were seen in 21 patients (52 percent), and in 11 these were associated with other pathologies. Fistulas and/or abscesses were identified in 15 patients (37 percent). Three had a watering-can perineum, all without any identifiable predisposing factors. Nineteen patients had symptomatic hemorrhoids (seven), fissures (17), and/or perianal herpes infections (five), usually in combination with other lesions (89 percent). Three individuals developed neoplastic processes. Rectal disease was discovered in addition in nine patients. This included nonspecific proctitis in four, a rectal mass in four (polyps, two; rectal diverticulum, one; and Kaposi's sarcoma, one), and a nonspecific rectal ulcer in one. Four patients had other symptoms, including diarrhea, incontinence, soiling, frequency, and/or urgency, always in combination with other anal disorders. Seventy-one operative procedures were performed in 31 patients (78 percent). Only six (8 percent) of these were for diagnosis and biopsy alone. Mean follow-up was 15.5 months in the 23 patients followed for greater than one month. Only 6 of 23 (26 percent) had resolution of their problem. Nine (39 percent) developed new perianal conditions. Anorectal disorders are often seen in patients infected with HIV. They may be aggressive, cause significant morbidity, and be difficult to resolve.Read in part at the meeting of the American Gastroenterologic Association, San Antonio, Texas, May 12 to 18, 1990.     

Surgical treatment of cytomegalovirus enterocolitis in severe human immunodeficiency virus infection

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe our experiences of surgical removal of inflamed bowel in cytomegalovirus enterocolitis. METHODS: Eight homosexual males with a mean age of 41 years (range, 29–59 years) and a mean CD4 count of 21×10 ⁶/1 (1–60× 10⁶/1)with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection and severe cytomegalovirus enterocolitis were treated with ileocecal resection (4 patients) or right-sided hemicolectomy (4 patients). Symptoms were lower abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fever, and weight loss, unrelieved by anticytomegalovirus therapy. Radiologic examination showed that ulcerative inflammation was limited to the right colon and terminal ileum. Microscopic examination confirmed the cytomegalovirus enterocolitis. Intermittent cytomegalovirus treatment, usually with foscarnet for 10 to 14 days every 4 to 6 weeks was given postoperatively. RESULTS: Two minor postoperative complications occurred: a lesser wound infection and a moderate bleeding from the abdominal wound edges. One patient died after three weeks because of gastrointestinal bleeding from an ulcerating Kaposi's sarcoma lesion and another patient died from unrelated causes three weeks after discharge from the hospital. The remaining 6 patients experienced complete or partial palliation of the abdominal symptoms for a mean of 14 months (range, 5–35 months) until death or the end of observation time. One patient is still alive two years after the operation. The overall mean survival was 12 months (range, 0.5–35 months). Recurrent or persistent symptoms and/or signs of cytomegalovirus enterocolitis occurred in four patients after a mean of seven months. CONCLUSION: Resection of inflamed bowel combined with postoperative anticytomegalovirus treatment leads to excellent palliation and a relatively favorable survival in AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus enterocolitis.     

Role of the seton in the management of anorectal fistulas

PURPOSE: To identify the incidence of major fecal incontinence and recurrence after staged fistulotomy using a seton. METHODS: A five-year retrospective chart review of 116 patients (70 males and 46 females) ranging in age from 18 to 81 years (mean, 42 years), in whom setons were placed as part of a surgical procedure for anorectal fistulas, was carried out. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 61 months (mean, 23 months). RESULTS: Setons were employed to identify and promote fibrosis around a complex anorectal fistula as part of a staged fistulotomy in 65 patients (56 percent). Other indications for seton placement included 24 women with anteriorly situated high transsphincteric fistulas (21 percent) and three patients with massive anorectal sepsis (floating, freestanding anus) (2.5 percent). In addition, setons were used to preclude premature skin closure and promote controlled long-term fistula drainage in 21 patients with severe anorectal Crohn's disease (18 percent) and in three patients with AIDS (2.5 percent). Major fecal incontinence (requiring the use of a perineal pad) occurred in five patients (5 percent), and recurrent fistulas were noted in three (3 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Staged fistulotomy using a seton is a safe and effective method of treating high or complicated anorectal fistulas.     

Unsuspected sphincter defects shown by anal endosonography after anorectal surgery

PURPOSE: Anorectal surgery can lead to fecal soiling and incontinence. Whether surgery changes the anatomy and causes symptoms is unknown. Anatomic changes can be visualized by anal endosonography. METHODS: We studied 50 patients after hemorrhoidectomy (24), fistulectomy (18), and internal sphincterotomy (8). Symptoms were assessed, and anal endosonography, anal manometry, mucosal electrosensitivity, and neurophysiologic tests were performed. RESULTS: In 23 (46 percent) patients, a defect of the anal sphincter was found (13 patients had an internal sphincter defect, 1 had an external sphincter defect, and 9 had a combined sphincter defect), 3 after hemorrhoidectomy, 13 after fistulectomy, and 7 after internal sphincterotomy. Seven patients had symptoms, and they all had a sphincter defect. In the other 16 of 23 patients (70 percent), the sphincter defect did not produce symptoms. An internal sphincter defect lowered maximum basal pressure and shortened sphincter length. CONCLUSION: Anal endosonography can reveal sphincter defects after anorectal surgery. Seventy percent of the patients in this group had no complaints; therefore, defects were unsuspected. This has clinical implications in the evaluation of patients with fecal incontinence.Read in part at the meeting of The British Society for Gastroenterology, Warwick, United Kingdom, September 15 to 17, 1993.     

Anorectal surgery in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

PURPOSE: Anorectal disease is commonly found in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of anorectal disease, its surgical treatment, clinical outcome, and its relation to immune status. METHODS: Medical records of all HIV-infected patients with anorectal pathology that required surgical treatment from January 1984 to January 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into five different groups: common anorectal pathology (hemorrhoids, polyps, Group A); condylomata acuminata (Group B); perianal sepsis (abscesses, fistulas, Group C); anorectal ulcers (Group D); malignancies (Group E). RESULTS: Eighty-three patients needed 204 surgical consultations (13 percent conservative, 87 percent operative) for 170 anorectal diseases. Fifty-one patients had multiple anorectal pathology. Operative intervention resulted in adequate wound healing and symptom relief in 59 percent of patients, adequate wound healing without relief of symptoms in 24 percent of patients, and disturbed wound healing in 17 percent of patients. Disturbed wound healing was related to type of anorectal disease (P <0.001) and to preoperative CD4 ⁺-lymphocyte counts (P <0.01). Disturbed wound healing and most insufficient immune status were encountered in Groups C, D, and E. Within these groups low CD4 ⁺-lymphocyte counts were a risk factor for disturbed wound healing (P=0.004). Median postoperative survival was highest (4.7 years) in Group A, lowest (0.6 years) in Groups D and E, and related to type of anorectal disease (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of anorectal disease is complex. Type of anorectal disease is strongly related to immune status, wound healing, and postoperative survival.     

Surgical management of anal condylomata in the HIV-positive patient

A retrospective review of 677 patients who tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus, evaluated from January 1986 to February 1988, demonstrated 119 patients (18 percent) with anal condylomata. Demographics of these patients were similar to the total human immunodeficiency virus group; ages ranged from 19 to 86 years (mean, 25 years). Ninety-four percent of patients were men, 62 percent were white, 30 percent were black, and 10 percent were other races, primarily Hispanic. Ten percent of the patients admitted to homosexual activity and 2 percent admitted to intravenous drug abuse. Sixty percent of the population had another sexually transmitted illness. The majority of patients were in early Walter Reed Classes (Stage I or II). With follow-up of 4 to 26 months (mean=12 months), the recurrence rate for anal condylomata was 26 percent after local treatment with podophyllin and 4 percent after fulguration and excision. There were no operative complications. Our study confirmed that anal condylomata and sexually transmitted diseases are common in patients who test positive for the human immunodeficiency virus and that patients who test positive for the human immunodeficiency virus with early Walter Reed stages can be expected to do well with appropriate therapy.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Toronto, Canada, June 11 to 16, 1989.The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense.     

Should HIV status alter indications for hemorrhoidectomy?

PURPOSE: There is a widespread belief that performing hemorrhoidectomy on a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an invitation for disaster. Aim of this study was to compare morbidity of hemorrhoidectomy in HIV-positive (HIV+) with HIV-negative (HIV–) patients. METHODS: Charts of 27 HIV+ and 30 HIV–male patients less than age 50 years who underwent hemorrhoidectomy were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age of the 57 study group patients was 38 years. Open hemorrhoidectomy was performed in 26 patients (46 percent), and a closed technique was used in 31 patients (54 percent). HIV+ and HIV–patient groups were well matched to all preoperative and intraoperative variables. Mean T-cell helper count in the HIV+ patient group was 301 (range, 9–1,040) cells/l. There were no deaths, and complications were seen in 15 patients (26 percent). There was no difference in overall complication rates between HIV+ and HIV–patient groups. Urinary retention was seen in ten patients (18 percent), three of whom were HIV+ (11 percent) vs. seven of whom were HIV -(23 percent) (P=not significant). Although no patient required reoperation for bleeding, postoperative hemorrhage was seen in three patients (1 HIV+, 2 HIV -). None of the patients developed fecal incontinence. Mean time to complete wound healing was 6.8 (range, 4–12) weeks for HIV+ patients vs. 6.6 (range, 4–14) weeks for HIV–patients (P=not significant). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that HIV status of a patient should not alter indications for surgical management of hemorrhoidal disease.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, May 7 to 12, 1995.     

Intestinal perforation due to cytomegalovirus infection in patients with AIDS

Intestinal perforation due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with AIDS is the most common life-threatening condition requiring emergency celiotomy in these patients. The authors describe a patient with AIDS with intestinal perforation due to CMV infection, and review 14 additional cases reported in the English-language surgical literature. The diagnostic triad of pneumoperitoneum on x-ray, evidence or history of CMV infection, and AIDS occurred in 70 percent of patients. The most common site of intestinal perforation was the colon (53 percent), followed in frequency by the distal ileum (40 percent) and appendix (7 percent); perforation usually occurred between the distal ileum and splenic flexure of the colon. Colonoscopy, rather than sigmoidoscopy, is recommended as a screening examination in patients with AIDS suspected of having colonic uleration due to CMV infection. Multiple biopsies of ulcerated tissue should be obtained. Gross and microscopic analyses of involved intestinal tissue reveal the characteristic findings of ulceration and CMV infection. Despite aggressive therapy, the operative mortality rate in patients with AIDS with intestinal perforation due to CMV infection was 54 percent and the overall mortality rate was 87 percent. Postoperative complications occurred in most patients and consisted mainly of systemic sepsis and pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii infection. An increased awareness of this syndrome by physicians frequently called on to manage patients with AIDS is recommended.     

Colonoscopy in patients with benign anorectal disease

A prospective study was performed to determine the incidence of colorectal neoplasia and inflammatory bowel disease in patients with benign anorectal disease. Over a three-year period, 102 consecutive patients who presented with hemorrhoids, fissure, fistula-in-ano, anorectal abscess, and anal condylomata and who did not have gastrointestinal symptoms underwent colonoscopy. The mean age of all patients was 535 years; males outnumbered females 1.61. No patient was found to have inflammatory bowel disease. Ten of 102 (9.8 percent) were found to have a neoplastic lesion (nine adenomas and one adenocarcinoma). Patients found to have a neoplastic lesion tended to be older (61 years vs.52.7 years; P =0.06). Neoplasia was found in 4 of 21 (19 percent) with a family history of colorectal cancer and in 6 of 81 (7.4 percent) without a family history (P =0.24). Patients presenting with outlet-type bleeding were not found to have a higher detection of neoplasia. The specific type of anorectal disease present was not associated with an increased risk for colorectal neoplasia. Our study suggests that benign anorectal disease and colorectal neoplasia may coexist. Anorectal disease is not predictive of neoplasia. The decision to perform colonoscopy should be based on age, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other risk factors.     

Low Hartmann's procedure for severe anorectal Crohn's disease

Perineal wounds often fail to heal following proctectomy for Crohn's disease. Twenty-five patients with severe anorectal Crohn's disease and perineal fistulas, necessitating excisional surgery, underwent a low Hartmann's procedure in lieu of a standard proctectomy. Fifteen of the 25 (60 percent) patients had a completely healed perineum and required no further surgical therapy. Although perineal disease persisted in the other 10 patients, their perinea were much improved compared with the initial presentation. Following a low Hartmann's procedure, the rectal stump becomes atrophic and anoperineal disease regresses, thereby permitting subsequent perineal proctectomy in less inflamed tissues. Since only a 3-cm to 5-cm cuff of rectum was retained from the initial surgery, a perineal intersphincteric approach could be employed and no abdominal dissection was necessary. Of the 10 patients who subsequently underwent perineal proctectomies, three patients still have an unhealed perineum. Twenty-two of the 25 (88 percent) patients have a completely healed perineum (mean follow-up period, 69.1 months). No attempt was made to establish intestinal continuity in any of the 25 patients. We conclude that the problem of the unhealed perineal wound can be averted with this approach, thereby reducing the long-term morbidity to the patient.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Boston, Massachusetts, May 12 to 17, 1991.     

Anal sphincter repair improves anorectal function and endosonographic image

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of anal sphincter repair on fecal continence in relation to anal endosonography and anal manometry. METHODS: Eighteen patients (7 male, 11 female) with anal sphincter defects and complaints of fecal incontinence (5), soiling (= liquid discharge; 3), or both (10) were studied before and after sphincter repair with endosonography and anal manometry. Complaints were the result of obstetric trauma (7), surgical trauma (7), both (3), and other trauma (1). Five patients had previous surgery. Preoperative endosonography showed a defect of both sphincters in nine patients, a defect of the external anal sphincter in five patients, and a defect of the internal anal sphincter in four patients. An overlapping sphincter repair was performed. RESULTS: Postoperatively and subjectively (S; patient's view), 13 (72 percent) patients became continent or improved; in 5 (28 percent) patients the complaints were unaltered. Objectively (O) (incontinence or soiling frequency), these figures were 12 (67 percent) and 6 (33 percent). Postoperative endosonographic images improved in 14 (78 percent) patients; defects of the sphincters (almost) disappeared (4) or were smaller (10). In the other four patients, images were unchanged. In two patients, overlapping of the muscle was clearly visible with anal endosonography. Clinical result (subjective (S) and objective (O)) of sphincter repair correlated with changes in anal endosonography (S,r=0.64,P <0.004; O,r=0.51,P=0.03) and anal manometry (S,r=0.54,P=0.038; O,r=0.44,P=0.09 (not significant)) and not with pudendal nerve latency. CONCLUSION: In 78 percent of our patients, endosonographic sphincter defect had diminished or disappeared after sphincter repair. There was a good correlation between clinical effect of sphincter repair and changes with anal endosonography and anal manometry. Postoperative persistent incontinence is attributable to remaining sphincter defects. Anal endosonography should be performed as a routine procedure in patients with fecal incontinence or soiling, also after failed surgery.Presented at the meeting of the American Gastroenterology Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 15 to 18, 1994.     

Abdominal and anorectal surgery and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome in heterosexual intravenous drug users

Over a period of seven years, 474 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex were admitted on 782 occasions to the St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, New Jersey. Abdominal surgery was performed on 16 (3.4 percent) patients, 14 (88 percent) of whom were heterosexual intravenous drug users. Anorectal surgery was performed on 20 (4.2 percent), 14 (70 percent) of whom were intravenous drug users. Intravenous drug users undergoing abdominal surgery had the same types of surgical abdominal conditions that occur in the general population. None required surgery for complications secondary to cytomegalovirus, visceral lymphoma, or visceral Kaposi's sarcoma. The postoperative morbidity rate was 72 percent. The postoperative mortality rate (30 day) was 0 percent. No intravenous drug users who underwent anorectal surgery had associated anorectal malignancies or infectious diseases. Five of six homosexual patients had either an anorectal malignancy or an associated anorectal infectious disease. Anorectal wounds did not heal within one month in one third of the intravenous drug users. The rate of wound healing was inversely related to the white blood cell count. One third of the intravenous drug users undergoing anorectal surgery were dead within six months.Read at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Toronto, Canada, June 11 to 16, 1989.     

Computer-generated profiles of the anal canal in patients with anal fissure

PURPOSE: The pathophysiology of anal fissure remains poorly understood. This study examines manometric findings in patients with anal fissure with use of a computer-assisted system, which helps to standardize manometric performance as well as generating longitudinal and cross-sectional profiles of the anal canal. METHODS: Water-perfused, eight-channel, computer-assisted manometry was performed on 12 patients with chronic anal fissure and compared with 12 age-matched and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: Mean maximum average resting pressure (MARP) was 120.5 mmHg in patients and 82.6 mmHg in controls (P =0.0005). Pain was felt during manometry in six patients. In these patients, MARP was 123.2 mmHg, and, in the other six patients, MARP was 117.8 mmHg. Sphincter length was 4.72 cm, and the high pressure zone or that part of the sphincter with pressure more than 50 percent of MARP) was 2.78 cm in length. The high pressure zone/sphincter length ratio was 58 percent compared with 48 percent in controls. Longitudinal profile was bell shaped. Elevated pressures were not confined to the site of the fissure. Cross-sectional analysis showed higher anterior pressures in the distal sphincter. Utraslow waves were seen in as many as 91 percent of patients and 73 percent of controls. However, ultraslow wave amplitude was 31 mmHg in patients and 15 mmHg in controls (P =0.03). The rectoanal reflex was normal; overshoot was not seen. CONCLUSIONS: The primary abnormality in fissure is persistent hypertonia affecting the entire internal sphincter, unrelated to pain. Cross-sectional pressure profiles may explain the predilection of fissures to occur in the posterior midline; other factors must prevent chronic fissures from healing.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Chicago, linois, May 2 to 7, 1993.     

Clinical classification of perianal Crohn's disease

Assessment of the efficacy of therapeutic approaches to anal lesions of Crohn's disease is frustrated by the lack of precise definition of its various manifestations. A classification that is clinical and based on anatomic and pathologic aspects is presented; it has been derived from a 20-year prospective study of anal Crohn's disease in Cardiff. Conceptually, the classification is analogous to the TNM system for cancer. The main classification (U.F.S.) defines the presence of Ulceration, Fistula/abscess, and Stricture, qualified by numeric values reflecting severity (0=not present, 1=limited clinical impact, and 2 =severe). A subsidiary classification (A.P.D.) defines Associated conditions, Proximal intestinal involvement, and Disease activity. In addition, the classification may be used in a detailed form for research or comparative purposes or in a simple form defining only the dominant lesions for routine clinical use. General use of the classification would make it possible to compare in detail incidence, management, and results of treatment in different centers.     

Biofeedback is effective treatment for levator ani syndrome

PURPOSE: The effects of biofeedback (BF) on pain relief and anorectal physiology in patients with levator ani syndrome (LAS) were prospectively studied. METHOD: Sixteen consecutive patients (9 men, 7 women; mean age, 50.1 (range, 39–66) years) with LAS were treated with BF from July 1993 to October 1995. Mean duration of pain was 32.5 (standard error of the mean, 6.7) months. All underwent a full course of BF using a manometric balloon technique. Mean follow-up was 12.8 (standard error of the mean, 2.6) months. Pain score and anorectal physiology tests were administered prospectively by an independent observer before and after BF. RESULTS: After BF, the pain score was significantly improved (before BF: median, 8 (range, 6–10); after BF: median, 2 (range, 1–4);P < 0.02). Analgesic requirements were also significantly reduced (all 16 patients needed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) before BF; only two patients needed NSAID after BF;P <0.03). There were no significant changes to the anorectal physiology parameters after BF. To date, there have been no side effects or regressions. CONCLUSION: Although BF had a negligible effect on anorectal physiologic measurements in LAS, it was effective in pain relief, with no side effects.     

Anorectal surgery in the HIV+ patient: Update

Anorectal surgery in HIV ⁺ patients historicially has been viewed with a great deal of nihilism. Advances in medical therapy and better understanding of unique pathophysiologic processes have afforded the colorectal surgeon the ability to treat better and sometimes cure the anorectal complications of AIDS. We present a series of 75 consecutive surgical procedures (1-year accrual) on HIV ⁺ (40) and CDC AIDS (22) patients. Surgical procedures, perioperative T cell counts, and outcome will be presented; 53 percent of procedures resulted in complete healing of anal wounds; 30 percent resulted in partial healing with symptomatic relief; 17 percent resulted in symptomatic relief or tissue diagnosis without appreciable wound healing. The healing rate was significantly higher in the HIV ⁺ group (69 percent) compared to the AIDS group (26 percent). Perioperative T cell counts did not have predictive value on outcome. No patients suffered significant unexpected morbidity, mortality, or incontinence. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of several disease processes unique to HIV ⁺ patients and data from our ongoing investigation using RNA hybridization are presented.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St. Louis, Missouri, April 29 to May 4, 1990.