Injection of botulinum toxin significantly increases efficiency of fissurectomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissures

PURPOSE

While acute anal fissures can be treated with topical therapy to reduce sphincter hypertonia (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, glyceryl trinitrate, diltiazem), chronic fissures may require more invasive instrumental therapy. Currently, the golden standard remains lateral internal sphincterotomy; however, this carries the long-term risk of faecal incontinence. Fissurectomy can be a valuable alternative, but is less efficient because of absence of correction of underlying hypertonia. In this study, we aim to evaluate the additional effect of injection of botulinum toxin during fissurectomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissures.

METHODS

A single-centre retrospective analysis of 293 isolated superficial fissurectomies with or without injection of botulinum toxin was performed, with pain relief as primary endpoint.

RESULTS

The majority of patients undergoing fissurectomy were women (65%, mean age 45.0 years vs. 35% men, mean age 48.3 years), often because of ventral fissures (30% in women vs. 8% in men). Fissurectomy resulted in resolution of complaints in 81.1%, while additional injection of botulinum toxin resulted in resolution in 90.1% (p < 0.05). Complication rate was identical between the two groups, mainly (flatus) incontinence (4.5% vs 4.9% with botulinum toxin) and post-operative bleeding (1.8% vs 2.5% with botulinum toxin).

CONCLUSION

Injection of botulinum toxin significantly increases the efficiency of fissurectomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissures without additional complications.

Analgesic injection of botulinum toxin in anal fissures is efficient and can be performed safely in patients actively receiving chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Injection of botulinum toxin into the internal anal sphincter is a well-documented intervention to reduce anal hypertonia in the treatment of anal fissures. In patients receiving chemotherapy, painful anal conditions are frequent, secondary to change in bowel habits and reduced immunity. However, injection of botulinum toxin is often not offered due to fear of complications.

METHODS

In this retrospective longitudinal observational study, performed in a tertiary hospital setting, we analysed patient characteristics, outcome and complication rates of botulinum toxin injection in patients actively receiving chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were treated with 20-50 IU botulinum toxin while actively receiving chemotherapy because of intractable pain and hypertonia. The fissure was located dorsally in 69% (n = 18) and ventrally in 19% (n = 5), while in 3 patients (12%), no fissure was documented. The majority of the patients (88%, n = 23) had complete (54%, n = 14) or partial (35%, n = 9) relief of pain. In three patients, additional anal pathology developed in the weeks following botulinum toxin injection: thrombosis of grade IV haemorrhoids, perianal haematoma and an intersphincteric abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Injection of botulinum toxin in the anal sphincters is a safe and effective analgesic option in patients with anal fissure while actively receiving chemotherapy.

Impact of endoscopy system, high definition, and virtual chromoendoscopy in daily routine colonoscopy: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

To improve detection of mucosal lesions during colonoscopy a number of imaging modalities have been suggested, including high definition and virtual chromoendoscopy. Given the theoretical advantage of these new imaging techniques, we aimed to investigate their use for the detection of polyps in patients referred for colonoscopy in a large tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Demographic, endoscopic, and histological data from 1855 consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy were collected prospectively. Patients were randomly assigned to three endoscopy systems (Fujinon, Olympus, or Pentax) in combination with four modalities: conventional white-light colonoscopy (n = 505), high definition white-light colonoscopy (n = 582), virtual chromoendoscopy (n = 285) and high definition virtual chromoendoscopy (n = 483).

RESULTS

The mean adenoma detection rate (ADR) was 34.9 %, and the adenoma per colonoscopy rate (APCR) was 2.1. No significant differences were noted between the three endoscopy systems. Moreover, no differences in ADR or APCR were observed between the four imaging modalities. High definition white-light colonoscopy resulted in a significantly higher detection of sessile serrated adenomas (8.2 % vs. 3.8 %; P < 0.01) and adenocarcinomas (2.6 % vs. 0.5 %; P < 0.05) compared with the conventional procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences in ADR or APCR between different endoscopy systems, high definition, and/or virtual chromoendoscopy could be observed in routine colonoscopies in the general population. High definition endoscopy was associated with a significantly higher detection rate of serrated adenomas and adenocarcinomas.

Oesophageal biopsies are insufficient to predict final histology after endoscopic resection in early Barrett's neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic resection (ER) with or without ablation is the first choice treatment for early Barrett's neoplasia. Adequate staging is important to assure a good oncological outcome.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of pre-operative biopsies in patients who undergo ER for high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or early adenocarcinoma (EAC) in Barrett's oesophagus (BE) and the cardia.

METHODS

Between November 2005-May 2012, 142 ERs performed in 137 patients were obtained. Worst pre-ER and ER histology were compared. Upgrading/downgrading was defined as any more/less severe histological grading on the ER specimen.

RESULTS

The accuracy of pre-ER biopsies in predicting final histology was 61%. ER changed the pre-treatment diagnosis in 55 of the 142 procedures (39%) with downgrading in 23 cases (16%) and upgrading from HGD to T1a or T1b in 32 cases (23%). In the majority of upgraded cases, a visible lesion according to the Paris classification could be detected (26/32, 81%).

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic accuracy of oesophageal biopsies alone in predicting final pathology in Barrett's dysplasia is only 61%. The majority of upgraded lesions are detectable. When ablative therapy is considered in HGD Barrett's dysplasia a meticulous inspection for and removal of all small visible lesions is mandatory.

[Laparoscopic approach in the pelvic floor surgery]

Laparoscopy offers great exposure and surgical detail, reduces blood loss and the need for excessive abdominal packing and bowel manipulation making it an excellent modality to perform pelvic floor surgery. Laparoscopic repair of level I or apical vaginal prolapse may be challenging, due to the need for extensive dissection and advanced suturing skills. However it offers the efficacy of open abdominal sacrocolpopexy, such as lower recurrence rates and less dyspareunia than sacrospinous fixation, as well as the reduced morbidity of a laparoscopic approach.

Prucalopride: the evidence for its use in the treatment of chronic constipation

Introduction:

Chronic constipation is a common condition that is difficult to treat. Existing options for the treatment of patients with different subgroups of constipation are limited. A new efficacious and safe drug is needed to limit the frequently observed adverse effects induced by laxatives, to improve general wellbeing and quality of life, and to provide an alternative for enemas or even resectional surgery in patients in whom stimulant laxatives cause disabling adverse effects or fail to increase bowel movement frequency.

Aims:

The purpose of this article is to assess the current evidence supporting the use of the selective and high affinity serotonin-4 (5-HT₄) receptor agonist prucalopride in the management of chronic constipation.

Evidence review:

There are now convincing data from phase II and multicenter phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that prucalopride treatment results in a clinically meaningful increase in the number of spontaneous complete bowel movements, a reduction of perceived severity of symptoms and improved disease-related quality of life in a significant proportion of patients. There is a rapid onset of the effect and the improvement is maintained for at least 12 weeks.

Prucalopride in a dose of up to 4 mg per day appeared generally well tolerated and devoid of serious cardiac events. Adverse events, most frequently headache and nausea, are usually mild or moderate and occur mainly during the first days of treatment. Prucalopride should be used with prudence and with careful assessment of the benefit-risk ratio until more clinical and electrophysiologic data become available, because relatively few patients have been exposed to the drug for long periods of time.

Place in therapy:

Prucalopride 1–2 mg once daily may be given to patients suffering from chronic constipation for whom laxatives do not provide adequate relief of their symptoms. Patients with severe constipation and slow transit, who frequently develop tolerance to stimulant laxatives, are also eligible for prucalopride treatment.

Sacrocolpopexy using xenogenic acellular collagen in patients at increased risk for graft-related complications

AIMS

We studied the long-term anatomical and functional outcome following sacrocolpopexy for apical vaginal prolapse using xenogenic grafts in a population at increased risk for graft-related complications (GRCs).

METHODS

Twenty-two consecutive patients with symptomatic apical prolapse were scheduled for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) with porcine grafts because they were presumed to be at risk for GRC, because of pre-existing vaginal ulcerations (n = 4), concomitant vaginal prolapse repair (n = 15), total hysterectomy (n = 1), or intra-operative abdominal contamination due to accidental laceration of the vagina, bowel perforation (n = 1) or the presence of infection (n = 1). Either small intestinal submucosa (n = 8) or dermal collagen (n = 14) was used. Outcome measures were GRCs, anatomical cure (<or=Stage I at any compartment), subjective cure, impact on bowel, bladder, and sexual function measured by a standardized interview.

RESULTS

At study closure 20 (91%) patients were available for functional evaluation and 16 (73%) for anatomical evaluation at a mean follow-up period of 27.4 months. The GRC rate was 25% (n = 4) prompting reintervention in half, and including two patients with spondylodiscitis. The anatomical cure rate was 31.5%. Failures at the vault, anterior, and posterior compartments occurred in, respectively, 31%, 18.8%, and 50% of patients. The subjective cure rate was 60% and three patients (15%) underwent redo-LSC.

CONCLUSION

The strategy of using xenografts in patients at risk for GRC, did not prevent these to occur and was associated with a high anatomical and functional failure rate as well as reoperation rate.

Long-term outcome of endoscopic dilatation in patients with Crohn's disease is not affected by disease activity or medical therapy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic dilatation of Crohn's disease-related strictures is an alternative to surgical resection in selected patients. The influence of disease activity and concomitant medical therapy on long-term outcomes is largely unknown.

AIM AND METHODS

To study the long-term safety and efficacy of stricture dilatation in a single centre cohort.

RESULTS

Between 1995 and 2006, 237 dilatations where performed in 138 patients (mean age 50.6+/-13.4, 56% female) for a clinically obstructive stricture (<5 cm, 84% anastomotic). Immediate success of a first dilatation was 97% with a 5% serious complication rate. After a median follow-up of 5.8 years (IQR 3.0-8.4), recurrent obstructive symptoms led to a new dilatation in 46% or surgery in 24%. Niether elevated levels of C-reactive protein nor endoscopic disease activity predicted the need for new intervention. None of the concomitant therapies influenced the outcome.

CONCLUSION

This largest series ever reported confirms that long term efficacy of endoscopic dilatation of Crohn's disease outweighs the complication risk. Neither active disease at the time of dilatation nor medical therapy afterwards predict recurrent dilatation or surgery.

Outcome of surgery for rectovaginal fistula due to Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

This study examined the outcome of surgery for symptomatic Crohn's rectovaginal fistula (RVF) and assessed the effect of therapy with antibody against tumour necrosis factor (TNF) on healing.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with Crohn's disease underwent surgery for a RVF between January 1993 and December 2006. Outcome analysis was performed in February 2008 in relation to the surgical procedures used and the effect of anti-TNF treatment.

RESULTS

Four patients with a healed fistula still had a stoma at final follow-up for other reasons and were excluded from the analysis. Fistula closure was achieved in 81 per cent of the remaining 52 patients. Primary and secondary surgical success rates were 56 and 57 per cent respectively. The primary healing rate was similar in patients who received anti-TNF treatment before the first operation (12 of 18 patients) and those who did not (19 of 34). In univariable analysis, duration of Crohn's disease (P = 0.037) and previous extended colonic resection (P < 0.001) were significantly related to failure of primary surgery, but only the latter remained significant in multivariable analysis (P < 0.001). Late recurrence developed in four patients.

CONCLUSION

Fistula closure was achieved in most patients, but more than one operation was often required.

Medium term outcome of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with xenografts compared to synthetic grafts

PURPOSE

We compared the medium term anatomical and subjective outcome, and graft related complications after sacrocolpopexy for apical vaginal prolapse using xenogenic or polypropylene grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 50 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with porcine grafts of small intestinal submucosa (21) or dermal collagen (29). We compared these patients to 100 consecutive controls in whom polypropylene was used, and underwent surgery before (50) or after (50) the cases. The primary outcome was anatomical cure (stage I or less at any compartment). Secondary outcomes were graft related complications, subjective cure and quality of life evaluated by clinical examination, standardized interview and prolapse specific questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS

At study closure 129 (86%) patients were available for functional evaluation and 104 (67%) were available for anatomical evaluation. Mean postoperative followup (+/-33 months) and baseline characteristics except age were comparable. The overall anatomical failure rate was comparable (49% vs 34%, p = 0.053) but failures at the vault (21% vs 3%, p <0.01) and posterior compartment (36% vs 19%, p <0.05) were more frequent in the xenograft group. There were 6 reoperations including secondary laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (5) and cystocele repair (1), all confined to the xenograft group (p <0.01). Graft related complications were equally frequent (11%) in the xenograft and polypropylene groups. The reoperation rate for graft related complications was not different (xenograft 3% vs controls 11%, p = 0.20). There were no differences in functional outcome and quality of life between xenografts and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

While overall anatomical failure was comparable, sacrocolpopexy using xenograft was associated with more apical failures and reoperations for prolapse than with polypropylene without differences in functional outcome. The use of xenografts did not decrease the number of graft related complications.

Cidofovir: clinical experience and future perspectives on an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analog of cytosine in the treatment of refractory and premalignant HPV-associated anal lesions

BACKGROUND

Cidofovir, a nucleotide analog with antiviral activity against a broad range of DNA viruses including human papilloma viruses (HPV), is available off label to clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a better knowledge of pharmacology and effects when topically applied.

METHODS

After reviewing the chemistry, physiology, and animal studies, an overview of clinical studies is provided.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Cidofovir, as a result of its antiviral and antiproliferative activity and its ability to induce apoptosis, can offer a solution for the treatment of severe recurrent HPV-induced lesions. It can also be used to attempt to treat dysplastic lesions and as an adjuvant treatment. The long-lasting antiviral activity allows infrequent dosing. As a rule, cidofovir applied on the skin is well tolerated, even in long-term treatment. The dose-limiting nephrotoxicity of the drug is not a concern in patients with a glomerular filtration rate within the normal range. Cidofovir has clearly influenced the landscape of refractory and dysplastic anogenital condylomata acuminata and its use has increased over the last decade. However, further controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the role of cidofovir and its derivatives.

Medium-term anatomic and functional results of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy beyond the learning curve

BACKGROUND

Limited prospective data on the anatomic and functional outcome after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) are available in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the medium-term anatomic and functional outcome of LSC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospective consecutive series of 132 women with vaginal vault prolapse undergoing LSC between 2001 and 2006, which was after our learning curve. Patients with urodynamically proven stress incontinence (SI) underwent a concomitant tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.

INTERVENTION

Patients underwent LSC with a polypropylene implant.

MEASUREMENTS

Principal outcome measures were anatomic cure (stage 1 or lower) assessed by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) system and subjective cure and impact on quality of life measured by a standardised interview and, since its introduction in 2004, by a prolapse-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (P-QOL).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

At a mean follow-up of 12.5 mo, the anatomic cure rate for the apex was 98%. Anatomic failures elsewhere were mainly at the posterior compartment (18%). Subjective prolapse cure rate was 91.7%, and no patients required reoperation for recurrent prolapse. Symptoms of preoperative SI, urge incontinence, or constipation were cured in 43%, 46%, and 42% of patients, respectively. The rate of de novo SI was 7.3%. De novo constipation developed in 5% and de novo dyspareunia developed in 19%. Patients' quality of life improved significantly. Erosions occurred in 4.5%, all within 1 yr. A limitation of the study is that the quality-of-life assessment score became available halfway through the study, limiting the number of preoperative observations (n=36).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that LSC results in good anatomic outcome and subjective cure of prolapse symptoms at medium term. The posterior compartment was most vulnerable for recurrence.

Posterior intravaginal slingplasty with preservation of the uterus: a modified surgical technique in a young myelomeningocele patient

We report a case of uterine prolapse in a young woman, treated by posterior intravaginal slingplasty with preservation of the uterus as a feasible and safe surgical procedure. Posterior intravaginal slingplasty is commonly used to correct vaginal vault prolapse, but may be a valuable alternative to correct uterine prolapse. We compare this technique to other techniques to correct uterine prolapse.

An evidence-based treatment algorithm for anal fissure

Guidelines for the treatment of anal fissure have been published in the USA and UK but differ. Many centers follow guidelines based on local experience. In December 2005, we met with the aim of developing an evidence-based treatment algorithm for anal fissure, applicable to both primary and secondary care. This algorithm may rationalize the treatment of anal fissure in primary and secondary care settings.

Actinomycosis, a rare and unsuspected cause of anal fistulous abscess: report of three cases and review of the literature

Primary perianal actinomycosis is rare. Sporadic cases, with lesions varying in extent have been reported. The infection is caused by the bacterium Actinomyces, which often is a saprophyte. Male gender and diabetes are risk factors, but the exact pathogenic mechanism remains speculative. The diagnosis is a challenge and often delayed, with a protracted history of masses and sinuses extending into the gluteal and genital region. The treatment, a combination of surgery and antibiotics, is poorly standardized. We report three cases and compare their characteristics to those of published cases, found by a computerized literature search (1968-2002). The lesions, a simple fistula-in-ano or a mass, were diagnosed in an early stage in all three patients. The infection always spread into the scrotum. There were no risk factors other than gender, except in one patient. The diagnosis was suspected by the observation of draining sulfur granules and promptly confirmed by histology in the three cases. All patients healed with antibiotics in addition to simple surgical procedures. Treatment consisted of amoxicillin for two weeks in two cases and more extended antimicrobial treatment in the third. These findings are contrasting with the classic picture of perianal actinomycosis. It is concluded that perianal actinomycosis can occur in the absence of risk factors and that early diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion. An infection with Actinomyces should be suspected in the presence of lesions containing watery purulent material with sulfur granules. The indication for extended antibiotherapy combined with sphincter damaging surgery may need to be revised in the presence of early detection.

Small doses of the unabsorbable substance polyethylene glycol 3350 accelerate oro-caecal transit, but slow gastric emptying in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Polyethylene glycol 3350 increases stool frequency and accelerates colonic transit. Used as a laxative, it proved effective in patients with normal and slow transit. Although free of severe side effects, it may cause nausea and vomiting. The effect of this substance on upper gut transit has not been studied.

AIM

To investigate the effect of polyethylene glycol 3350 on gastric emptying and oro-caecal transit in 12 healthy subjects.

METHODS

In a randomised controlled study, isosmotic polyethylene glycol 3350 electrolyte balanced solution, in the maximal recommended dose or isosmotic electrolyte solution, was administered after breakfast and lunch on separate days. Gastric half-emptying time and oro-caecal transit time were measured using [13C]-octanoate and lactose-[13C] ureide breath tests.

RESULTS

Isosmotic polyethylene glycol 3350 electrolyte solution, as compared to isosmotic electrolyte solution, decreased oro-caecal transit time from 424+/-28 to 314+/-17 min (P = 0.001). Gastric half-emptying time was significantly increased (84+/-6 min versus 127+/-14 min; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Polyethylene glycol 3350 accelerate oro-caecal transit in healthy subjects, but also cause an important delay in gastric emptying. The delay in gastric emptying may be of clinical significance in patients who have associated gastroparesis.

Quality of life and illness costs in irritable bowel syndrome

Quality of life is reduced in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and the costs for this disease are substantial to society. During a meeting in London, UK, the IBiS club reviewed the literature on these subjects. Drawbacks and advantages with existing instruments to assess quality of life and costs were discussed and the clinical and scientific relevance of the current knowledge was assessed. A summary from the meeting is presented in this paper.

Technologies in the evaluation of irritable bowel syndrome

During a meeting in The Hague, The Netherlands, the IBiS Club evaluated the most important techniques that can be used in the investigation of irritable bowel syndrome, either in the context of scientific research or as a clinical diagnostic tool. In each of these, the relevance of findings made in irritable bowel syndrome was balanced against the applicability of the technique. The discussion of the group is summarized in this paper.

Influence of continuous isobaric rectal distension on gastric emptying and small bowel transit in young healthy women

Patients with slow transit constipation frequently have delayed gastric emptying. In animals rectal distensions inhibit gastrointestinal motility. In healthy volunteers isovolumetric rectal distensions delay upper gut transit. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of continuous isobaric rectal distension on gastric emptying and oro-cecal transit in young females. Using validated 13C octanoic and lactose-[13C] ureide breath tests gastric half-emptying time and oro-cecal transit time for a meal were measured in 12 volunteers. The tests were repeated in randomized order: during isobaric balloon distension and during sham distension. Isobaric rectal distension was applied using a polyethylene bag connected to a barostat. Intraballoon pressure was kept just below the threshold for the urge sensation. Mean gastric half-emptying time during rectal distension (92.3 +/-5.1 min) was significantly higher than during sham distension (78.8 +/- 4 min; P = 0.015). Mean oro-cecal transit time during rectal distension (391.3 +/-29.1 min) and sham distension (328.8 +/- 38.4 min) were not significantly different. In conclusion, these findings indicate that isobaric rectal distension inhibits gastric emptying, but not small bowel transit in young healthy women. Studies in patients with constipation are indicated.

Role of alimentation in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Different food items are made responsible for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, but the physiopathology of IBS remains unclear.

AIMS

During a meeting in Nice, France, experts of the European Working Team of the IBiS Club discussed selected data regarding the relationships between alimentation, food items (including fibers) and IBS symptoms.

METHODS/RESULTS

Food allergy remains a difficult diagnosis, but medical and general history, presence of general symptoms such as skin rash, and hypersensitivity tests may help in achieving a positive diagnosis. On the other hand, food intolerance is more confusing because of the subjectivity of the relationship between ingestion of certain foods and the appearance of clinical symptoms. Different food items which are commonly implicated in adverse reactions mimicking IBS were found to be stimulants for the gut, suggesting that patients with predominant diarrhea IBS have to be carefully questioned about consumption of different kinds of food (i.e., coffee, alcohol, chewing gum, soft drinks) and not only on lactose ingestion. Gas production is discussed on the basis of retention of intestinal gas as well as on malabsorption of fermentable substrates. The role of a large amount of this kind of substrate reaching the colon is suggested as a potential mechanism of IBS-type symptoms in overeating patients. Regarding the role of fiber in IBS, the expert group concluded that fibers are not inert substances and that they could trigger pain or bloating in some IBS patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite numerous reviews on this subject, it is very difficult to give general dietary advice to IBS patients, but dieteticians may have a positive role in managing such patients.

Do anal fistulas in Crohn's disease behave differently and defy Goodsall's rule more frequently than fistulas that are cryptoglandular in origin?

OBJECTIVES

The complexity of anal fistulas is different in patients with and without Crohn's disease and in men and women. This may affect the localization of the internal orifice. We compared the characteristics of anal fistulas and the accuracy of Goodsall's rule in predicting the position of the internal orifice in male and female Crohn's and non-Crohn's patients.

METHODS

A total of 191 fistula tracks in 182 consecutive patients (110 men and 72 women) were analyzed prospectively. Of the patients, 63 were diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The positions of the orifices were recorded and the accuracy of Goodsall's rule determined.

RESULTS

The distribution of fistula subtypes among Crohn's and non-Crohn's patients differed significantly (p = 0.0471). Fistulas with an anterior external opening occurred more frequently in Crohn's patients (p = 0.0350) and in women (p = 0.0030). Fistulas with a posterior external orifice were observed more frequently in non-Crohn's patients (p = 0.0350) and in men (p = 0.0028). Overall, Goodsall's rule performed less well in women compared with men (p = 0.0633). The accuracy of Goodsall's rule overall was not affected by Crohn's disease. In female non-Crohn's patients, the positive predictive value of a posterior external orifice was lower than in men (p = 0.0406).

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of fistula subtypes and the ratio of anterior and posterior external openings among Crohn's and non-Crohn's patients differ significantly. Many fistulas defy Goodsall's rule, particularly in women and when applied to fistulas with anterior external orifices. The popular rule, however, falls equally short in Crohn's and non-Crohn's fistulas.

Prucalopride is effective in patients with severe chronic constipation in whom laxatives fail to provide adequate relief. Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation (CC) is common and there is a need for more effective and better-tolerated agents that normalize bowel function without affecting secretion. Prucalopride is a novel, selective serotonin(4) receptor agonist with enterokinetic properties.

AIMS

Pilot study to compare the efficacy and tolerability of prucalopride and placebo in patients with severe CC referred to a tertiary centre.

METHODS

After 4-weeks' run in, patients were randomized to 4 weeks' once daily, double-blind treatment with either prucalopride 4 mg (n = 27) or placebo (n = 26). A 50% dose reduction after 2 weeks' treatment was possible for patients with an excessive gastrointestinal response to the study medication (severe cramps, abdominal pain, and diarrhea). Patients assessed efficacy using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and recorded bowel function in daily diaries. The investigator assessed efficacy and total gut transit time (marker study).

RESULTS

Patient VAS assessment demonstrated that prucalopride was significantly more effective than placebo in softening stools, and decreasing straining and time to first stool. Prucalopride also had a positive effect on stool frequency, feeling of complete evacuation and total gut transit time, although these differences were not statistically significant compared with placebo. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms and headache; most were mild to moderate. There were no clinically relevant effects on cardiovascular or laboratory parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily prucalopride 4 mg for 4 weeks is effective and well tolerated in patients with severe CC. It improves whole gut transit, reducing straining, softening stools and reducing time to first bowel movement.

Topical cidofovir (HPMPC) is an effective adjuvant to surgical treatment of anogenital condylomata acuminata

PURPOSE

Human papilloma virus infections of the anogenital region are very common and cause condylomata acuminata; cervical, penile, vulvar, or perianal intraepithelial neoplasia; and more rarely, invasive cancer. The currently available therapies often result in painful, extensive, slow-healing ulcerations and frequent early relapses. This study was aimed at determining the efficacy of topical application of the antiviral agent cidofovir at 1 percent.

METHODS

Twenty patients treated with coagulations were compared with 27 patients treated with cidofovir. Lesions refractory to cidofovir were cleared up with additional coagulations. The number of patients previously treated for condylomata did not differ between the two groups. Significantly more patients treated with cidofovir, however, had an impaired immune status (37 percent) compared with the patients treated with coagulations (5 percent).

RESULTS

Cidofovir alone cured the lesions in 32 percent of the patients and induced partial regression in 60 percent. However, in smokers, complete resolution of the condylomata occurred only in 16.6 percent compared with 66 percent of nonsmokers (P = 0.03). The number of coagulation sessions was much lower (P < 0.0005) in the cidofovir treated group (1 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.9 +/- 2). Furthermore, the relapse rate was significantly lower in the cidofovir group (3.7 vs. 55). All recurrences in the electrocoagulation group occurred within four months of confirmed lesion clearance. Topical applications of cidofovir 1 percent were well tolerated. Thirty-three percent of the patients reported only mild pain caused by erosive dermatitis. In contrast, coagulations caused painful ulcerations that necessitated the use of analgesics in all patients treated this way.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical applications of cidofovir, an antiviral compound with activity against human papilloma virus, is effective in the majority of patients with perianal condylomata and is a valuable adjuvant to surgical treatment of these lesions.