Management of recurrent rectal prolapse

PURPOSE: Many operations have been described for the management of rectal prolapse. Despite an overall recurrence rate of greater than 15 percent, few reviews address how to deal with this problem. This report summarizes our experience with recurrent rectal prolapse and includes suggestions for reoperative management of failed repairs from both abdominal and perineal approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (3 male) ranging in age from 22 to 92 (mean, 68) years underwent operative correction of recurrent rectal prolapse. Average time from initial operation to recurrence was 14 (range, 6–60) months. Initial operations (before recurrence) were as follows: perineal proctectomy and levatorplasty (10), anal encirclement (2), Delorme's procedure (1), and anterior resection (1). Operative procedures performed for recurrence were as follows: perineal proctectomy and levatorplasty (7), sacral rectopexy (abdominal approach; 3), anterior resection with rectopexy (2), Delorme's procedure (1), and anal encirclement (1). Average length of follow-up was 50 (range, 9–115) months. RESULTS: No further episodes of complete rectal prolapse were observed during this period. Preoperatively, three patients were noted to be incontinent to the extent that necessitated the use of perineal pads. The reoperative procedures failed to restore fecal continence in any of these three individuals. One patient died in the postoperative period after anal encirclement from an unrelated cause. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of recurrent rectal prolapse can be expected to alleviate the prolapse, but not necessarily fecal incontinence. Perineal proctectomies can be safely repeated. Resectional procedures may result in an ischemic segment between two anastomoses, unless the surgeon can resect a previous anastomosis in the repeat procedure. Nonresectional procedures such as the Delorme's procedure should be strongly considered in the management of recurrent rectal prolapse if a resectional procedure was performed initially and failed.     

Towards Successful Dissemination of Psychological First Aid: A Study of Provider Training Preferences

Dissemination of Psychological First Aid (PFA) is challenging considering the complex nature of disaster response and the various disaster mental health (DMH) trainings available. To understand challenges to dissemination in community mental health centers (CMHCs), interviews were conducted with nine DMH providers associated with CMHCs. Consensual qualitative analysis was used to analyze data. Interviews were targeted toward understanding organizational infrastructure, DMH training requirements, and training needs. Results clarified challenges to DMH training in CMHCs and factors that may promote buy-in for trainings. For example, resources are limited and thus allocated for state and federal training requirements. Therefore, including PFA in these requirements could promote adoption. Additionally, a variety of training approaches that differ in content, style, and length would be useful. To conclude, a conceptual model for ways to promote buy-in for the PFA Guide is proposed.     

Reprocessing of single-use endoscopic biopsy forceps and snares. One hospital's study.

Financial pressures imposed on hospitals by health maintenance organizations and insurers have prompted investigation into alternative procedures that reduce expenses while maintaining the high standards required for patient care. Although not necessarily mutually exclusive, these dual agendas pose a challenge for endoscopy managers charged with balancing the risks and benefits of reusable and disposable endoscopy instruments. Our endoscopy unit elected to evaluate the feasibility of reducing costs by using reprocessed single-use devices. Following the selection of a third party reprocessor and prior to using any reprocessed devices in the clinical setting, our facility decided to submit single use devices that had been used once for reprocessing and then have an independent laboratory test them for sterility. Although we followed a thorough, multi-disciplinary approach, our end result led us to conclude that the cleaning, reprocessing, and resterilization of single-use biopsy forceps and snares is a greater challenge than previously anticipated. Reprocessing of the single-use devices tested did not result in endoscopic instruments that met acceptable standards for sterility at our institution.     

Colorectal linitis plastica

Primary linitis plastica of the colon is an uncommon tumor, with only 22 cases having been previously reported. Experience with two men and one woman between 17 and 55 years of age, portraying a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from rectal bleeding to large-bowel obstruction, is reviewed. Clinical and radiologic characteristics and histologic features helpful in making the diagnosis are detailed. Though the prognosis is grim, resective surgery, including oophorectomy in women, should be undertaken. Adjuvant therapy has been disappointing.     

Fiberoptic colonoscopy: The fate of colonoscopic polypectomy sites

Summary Nine cases of colonoscopic polypectomy followed by colonic resection are reviewed. A properly performed colonoscopic polypectomy produces a mucosal defect resembling a superficial ulceration. Granulation tissue rapidly covers the area, and this, in turn, is eventually covered by normal colonic mucosal epithelium. Mural inflammation is mild and limited to the submucosa, and no demonstrable change occurs in the muscular layers.