[Diagnosis and treatment of colonic and anorectal hemorrhages]

In lower gastrointestinal bleeding, the first step is the exclusion of an upper gastrointestinal cause, responsible in 15 to 20% of cases, and the assessment of the severity of blood loss, so that an adequate resuscitation can be rapidly performed. Eighty percent of these bleeding episodes stop spontaneously; among these, 25% recurs, sometimes severely. When bleeding episode stops, it is essential to repeat the examinations to find out the cause of bleeding. The therapy may be endoscopic, radiologic, surgical or medical. For patients who require an emergent surgical procedure, intraoperative endoscopic techniques can be helpful. In 95% of cases, the source of bleeding is the colon or the rectum: the most common causes are diverticular disease, in particular from the right colon, colorectal tumours, angiodysplasia and colitis, but there are some simple causes easy to diagnose such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures and thermometric ulcerations.

Anorectal disorders. Five common causes of pain, itching, and bleeding

Hemorrhoids are a common source of anorectal symptoms, which are determined by their size. A helpful measure in small hemorrhoids is a high-fiber diet; in moderate lesions, ligature therapy is effective. Surgery should be reserved for large hemorrhoids. Anal fissures, probably caused by trauma to the anal canal during defecation, may persist because of a cycle of hard stools, pain, and reflex spasm. A high-fiber diet and sitz baths relieve acute fissures. Lateral partial internal sphincterotomy is usually effective when they become chronic. Perianal abscess is often caused by acute infection of the anal glands; fistula is the result of chronic infection. Swelling and induration may be present. Pain is throbbing and continuous, and perianal examination may require use of an anesthetic. Incision and drainage with follow-up to ensure resolution of infection is required. Pruritus ani may result from several contributing conditions or may be idiopathic. Restoration of dry, intact perianal skin is the treatment goal. Patients should be taught gentle hygiene and drying methods and advised to avoid caffeine or other dietary items that seem to exacerbate symptoms. Condylomata acuminata cause bleeding and pain if allowed to progress. Biopsy should be considered in patients at risk of dysplasia. Repeated application of caustic topical agents may help small lesions. Large, extensive, and persistent lesions require surgical ablation.

[Obstruction: a rare complication of congenital giant blue nevus]

BACKGROUND

The blue nevus is an acquired or congenital dermal melanosis, usually small in size. It is sometimes giant and responsible for complications.

CASE REPORT

A newborn had a large infiltrated blue news located on buttocks, lombosacral and perianal areas. He was admitted at the age of 3 weeks for an intestinal obstruction which was due to an impassable anal stenosis secondary to the infiltrated nevus. The tumor was excised twice, completed by plastic surgery at the age of 10 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This rare congenital giant blue nevus was responsible for an unreported intestinal obstruction. The risk of malignant transformation was another reason for complete excision.

Surgery for anal lesions in HIV-infected patients

Anorectal manifestations are commonplace in patients with HIV infection. However, standardized or rational treatment of these conditions has not been proposed and many patients are denied adequate treatment based on fear of complications. This review looks critically at the available literature to draw conclusions about treatment, results and complications of surgery for anorectal problems in these patients.

Highly destructive perianal disease in children with Crohn's disease

The perianal complications of Crohn's disease (CD) seen in children and adolescents include skin tags, anal fissures, fistulae, and abscesses. While these lesions are often chronic and variably responsive to medical therapy, only rarely are they severely destructive. In this report, we characterize the frequency, severity, and clinical course of a highly destructive form of perianal disease (HDPD) that we have noted in a number of children and adolescents with Crohn's disease. A database containing records from 350 children with inflammatory bowel disease was reviewed to identify all children with CD treated between 1970 and 1993. For each, the occurrence or absence of significant perianal pathology, including fistula, abscess, and HDPD, was determined. Pertinent clinical details were recorded for all patients. In addition, the clinical characteristics of those children with HDPD were compiled, and the courses of those with HDPD characterized. A search of the database identified 230 children and adolescents with CD followed for a total of 1,518 patient years. Sixty-seven of these patients (29% of the CD population) had significant perianal pathology. This included 6 with HDPD, 8 with complicated fistulae [rectourethroperineal (1), rectovaginal (1), rectolabial (2), and multiple communicating perineal (4)], and 53 with simple perianal fistulae or abscesses. All six with HDPD had deeply destructive perineal ulcerations, marked undermining of the perineal and perirectal tissues, and copious exudate, and often there was a deeply cleaved or fileted perineum on separating the buttocks. Two children with HDPD had fecal incontinence.

Course of Crohn's disease during pregnancy and its effect on pregnancy outcome: a retrospective review

The purpose of our study was to review the effects of Crohn's disease on pregnancy outcomes. Over a 6-year period, we identified 17 women with pregnancies complicated by Crohn's disease. The mean age of the women was 26 years, with a mean age of diagnosis at 17 years. Crohn's disease worsened only slightly during the pregnancy. Exacerbations of diarrhea were the main problems. Weight gain, unadjusted for gestational age at delivery, was 18 pounds. Three babies had low birthweight; two were both premature and growth retarded. One woman with active disease and no prenatal care had a fetal death at 30 weeks' gestation with subsequent disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among women with active perianal disease, one was delivered vaginally without exacerbation of symptoms. Four women with histories of perianal disease had prophylactic primary elective cesarean sections to avoid worsening of symptoms. Three of these women developed recurrent perianal disease despite the abdominal delivery. One of these developed an abdominal fistula trait in the wound. Our findings suggest that active disease at the onset of pregnancy tends to remain active, and quiescent disease tends to remain quiescent. Mode of delivery in our series was not protective against perineal disease. Although our series is small, it suggests that delivery may occur vaginally, with operative delivery reserved for obstetric indications.

Malignant retrorectal teratoma presenting as an infected perianal sinus

Retrorectal teratomas are rare tumours arising in the presacral space. We report a case of malignant retrorectal teratoma which presented as an infected perianal sinus. The patient was treated with abdominoperineal resection.

Twenty-year review of the surgical management of perianal Crohn's disease

PURPOSE

A retrospective analysis of 48 patients treated over a 20-year period (March 1973-April 1993) was undertaken to assess the results of our practice of early surgical intervention in suppurative complications of perianal Crohn's disease.

METHODS

All patients were either seen in the office within the last six months or contacted by phone.

RESULTS

The average age of our patients was 30 years at initial diagnosis. Thirty-four patients (71 percent) initially presented with intestinal disease and four (8 percent) with only perianal disease. Thirteen patients (27 percent) initially presented with simultaneous intestinal and perianal disease. The various fistulas at initial presentation included 8 intersphincteric (17 percent), 14 transphincteric (29 percent), 11 complex or multiple (23 percent), 5 rectovaginal (10 percent), and 2 unclassified, for a total of 40 patients. Eight patients (17 percent) presented with only an abscess. Eighty five percent of our patients healed after their first procedure, with an average time to heal of 2.8 months. Thirteen (27 percent) patients had recurrences after initial healing of their wounds. The mean time to recurrence after healing was 5.25 years. Fifty-four percent of our recurrences (7 patients) were treated by incision and drainage of an abscess only. Seven of 13 recurrences healed after the second procedure (54 percent), and 5 of 6 healed after a third procedure (83 percent). Only seven (14 percent) of our patients underwent a proctocolectomy during the study period, through September, 1993. Our overall probability of avoiding proctectomy and healing perineal wounds of 86 percent is consistent with published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Early aggressive surgical management of suppurative complications of perianal Crohn's disease before complex management problems ensue results in a high incidence of healing and a low risk of subsequent proctectomy.

Prevalence of benign anorectal disease in a randomly selected population

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of benign anorectal diseases (BAD) in the general population has been difficult to establish, either because the individual diseases themselves were difficult to characterize in surveys or because of bias in the selection of the survey population. Reported herein is a prevalence survey of BAD symptoms and treatment history of a sample of the general population, selected by random digit dialing.

METHOD

A survey instrument that inquired into symptoms of BAD, BAD treatment history, and health-seeking behaviors was administered by telephone interview with 102 individuals, between the ages of 21 and 65 of both genders and all races, chosen by random digit dialing in the Joliet, Illinois area. For selected variables (gender, education level, obesity, previous BAD treatment, fiber supplementation, time for defecation and reading during defecation all related to BAD symptoms) odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 102 individuals, 9 had been previously treated for hemorrhoids, 4 by surgery, and 5 medically. Twenty individuals currently have BAD symptoms, six of these have multiple symptoms frequently, implying established BAD, and four of these have been previously treated for hemorrhoids. Seven of eight individuals with rectal bleeding in the past year have not sought medical evaluation. Of the associations tested, statistical significance was found only between female gender and BAD symptoms (odds ratio = 4.6; 95 percent confidence interval = 1.3-20.4).

CONCLUSIONS

History of hemorrhoidal treatment and current BAD symptomatology are highly prevalent in a randomly selected population, and 80 percent of the subjects with symptoms of BAD have not consulted a physician regarding BAD. Some previously held correlates of hemorrhoidal symptoms, such as obesity and extended time for defecation, showed no apparent association with hemorrhoid treatment history or current BAD symptoms. The best predictors of current BAD symptoms were female gender (odds ratio = 4.6; 95 percent confidence interval = 1.3-20.4) and previous hemorrhoid treatment (odds ratio = 3.9; 95 percent confidence interval = 0.7-20).

Contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate

278 consecutive patients with suspected contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European standard series and gold sodium thiosulfate (0.5% pet.): 13 patients (4.6%) had a positive allergic response to gold sodium thiosulfate (GST). All of these patients were female, with a mean age of 37 years. The most frequent site of eczema in these patients was the head and neck (62%). A seborrhoeic distribution of eczema was common. 46% had involvement of the limbs, 15% had a perianal or perivulval rash. The mean duration of eczema in this group of patients was 15.8 months. 54% of patients allergic to gold were also allergic to nickel. Biopsy of positive patch test reactions to GST were consistent with allergic contact dermatitis.

[Diabetic ketoacidosis as the first manifestation of acromegaly]

Diabetes mellitus is a frequent manifestation in patients with acromegaly and it can show up even before the latter manifests. Typically, the diabetes mellitus in these patients does not tend to develop ketosis. We present the case of a patient hospitalized due to diabetic ketoacidosis associated to a perianal abscess. Diabetes mellitus type I was rejected and the presence of insulin-resistance was verified. She required insulin therapy just for three months. The clinical, hormonal and radiological evaluation showed, three years latter, the presence of a hypophyseal tumor producing growth hormone. After performing a trans-sphenoidal adenomectomy, the insulin-therapy could be removed with a normal glycemic profile. This case of acromegaly demonstrates the relationship between growth hormone and glucose metabolism. It can be considered that the ketoacidosis was the first manifestation of the acromegaly, which is exceptional.

Usual therapy improves perianal Crohn's disease as measured by a new disease activity index. McMaster IBD Study Group

Troublesome perianal disease occurs in approximately 35% of patients with Crohn's disease, yet conventional disease activity indices do not reflect the severity of this feature. To assess the degree of impairment and response to therapy, we identified five simple elements and graded each on a 5-point Likert scale in 37 patients at 124 visits. At each visit a Crohn's Disease (CDAI) or Simple Activity Index (HBDAI), Perianal Disease Activity Index (PDAI), and treatment were recorded. The PDAI was validated against physician (MDGA) and patient (PGA) global assessments, and treatment was prescribed for the perianal disease. Measurement error was evaluated in 19 patients who were clinically stable at two consecutive visits. The ability of the PDAI to detect important clinical change was tested in 20 subjects exhibiting a change on PGA at consecutive visits. There were strong correlations between PDAI, MDGA, and PGA scores at all visits (R = 0.66-0.72; p < 0.001), whereas the CDAI and HBDAI correlated poorly with PDAI (R < 0.23). Physicians prescribed more aggressive therapy for higher PDAI scores (r = 0.53). Mean PDAI scores between visits in clinically stable subjects were not significantly different [5.58 +/- 2.79 (initial); 5.42 +/- 2.55 (follow-up); p = 0.63]. PDAI significantly improved between visits when the perianal disease had improved (PDAI score difference 3.05 +/- 2.96; P = .0002). We conclude that the PDAI is simple and clinically useful for patient management. It should now be assessed in a clinical trial.

Disease conditions of canine anal sacs

The literature about the anal sacs of healthy dogs and the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of anal sac impaction and sacculitis are reviewed. Knowledge about the physiological role of the anal sacs is still confusing. The colour and consistency of the anal sac contents are variable in healthy dogs and there are no pathognomonic signs of anal sac impaction or sacculitis. The wide variation in macroscopic detail of anal sac secretions may give rise to misinterpretation and thus overdiagnosis of sacculitis. Other diseases such as vaginitis, flea allergy, atopy, proctitis, parasites and perianal fistulae can lead to similar signs and must be eliminated from the differential diagnosis before the anal sacs are incited as the cause of the signs. Further research is necessary on the morphological, physical and biochemical aspects of the anal sacs and their secretions to define more precise criteria for the diagnosis of impaction and sacculitis. It is imperative that controlled therapeutic trials should be performed, and such studies are indispensable for the rational therapy of anal sac disease.

Tolerance to different toilet paper preparations: toxicological and allergological aspects

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN

A controlled open trial was performed in 40 individuals suffering from chronic perianal eczema. Various toilet paper preparations representing the conventional type made of pure cellulose, the recycled and the moist type were investigated using the patch test as were allergens possibly related to toilet paper. In addition, a chronic use test and a repeated rubbing test were performed with a conventional and a recycled toilet paper preparation.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients could be evaluated in full. A variety of reactions were seen in the patch test, most of which were of the allergic type. Allergens included many different chemical entities, e.g. preservatives used in moist toilet paper such as Kathon CG and Euxyl K 400. In a volunteer allergic to Euxyl K 400, allergy to the moist toilet paper regularly used by him was established. After discontinuation of its application, perianal dermatitis disappeared. In the repeated rubbing test at the forearm, 10 volunteers showed a reaction with the recycled paper preparation while no such reaction was seen upon the application of the conventional type of toilet paper. The validity of these findings was corroborated by corresponding results in the use test.

CONCLUSION

There is clearly a potential for allergic reactions to components of moist toilet paper and reactions to recycled toilet paper presumably irritant by nature. These irritant reactions are probably caused by the rough texture of current paper types and do not reflect the presence of potentially toxic ingredients such as metal salts.

Anovaginal fistulae

Anovaginal fistulae are an uncommon type of anal fistulous disease. The symptoms can be minimal but frequently are disabling. Obstetric injury is the most common cause, but many other disease states can produce this communication. It is important to completely evaluate the patient before any consideration is given to surgical correction. This includes evaluation of the function of the anal sphincter, involvement of any other organ systems, and tissue diagnosis if the cause is uncertain. It is also important to delay surgical correction until any inflammation and infection have subsided. Many different surgical procedures have been reported in the literature for repair of these fistulae, most with success rates of at least 75%. It is important to remember the physiologic high-pressure zone in the anal canal when planning surgical correction. Fistulae secondary to inflammatory bowel disease have a markedly reduced success rate, and the presence of anal Crohn's disease should be suspected, especially when a previous surgical repair has failed. Medical management should be used either to heal the fistula nonoperatively or to improve the surgical result. Finally, some fistulae secondary to neoplasia, radiation, anastomotic leaks, or inflammatory bowel disease require diversion of the fecal stream either as an adjunct to repair or as definitive treatment. Proper preoperative evaluation of the patient and selection of the operation provide the optimum result.

[A case of tuberculous anal fistulae complicated by pulmonary tuberculous]

Tuberculous involvement of the anus is very rare at present as the result of BCG-Vaccination and improvement of public health. We report a juvenile case of tuberculous anal fistulae complicated to pulmonary tuberculosis. A 22-year-old male was admitted with symptoms of 13 month- history of intermittent anal pain, low grade fever and cough. Chest X-ray showed bilateral middle zone infiltrates with cavitation. Perianal inspection revealed a large ulcer with purulent exudate and a few fistulae. Sputum smears showed acid fast bacilli. A biopsied specimen of perianal fistulae showed granulomatous lesions with central necrosis, epitheloid cells and multi-nucleated giant cells. With three-drug antituberculous regimen, his symptoms resolved, radiographic infiltrates improved, and the perianal fistulae were cured. It was speculated that the tuberculous anal fistulae in this case were caused by the dissemination from the pulmonary focus via the hematogeneous and lymphogeneous routes, because any tuberculous lesion was not detected in the gastrointestinal tract and rectum.

Problems after ileo-pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. How can we prevent it? What can we do?

During the last 10 years (1982-1992) 370 patients have had a pelvic pouch constructed in the Colorectal Unit at the Department of Surgery II, Sahlgrenska Hospital. The complications and the eventual outcome in 307 patients (median follow-up 5.5 years ranging from 1.5 to 11 years) have been analysed. The overall complication rate was 22%. Anastomotic leaks, anal ulcerations or fissures and strictures (13%) and small bowel obstruction (5%) were the most common followed by ileostomy-related complications (2%). Re-laparatomy was required in 10%. Most anastomosis-related complications were successfully managed by prolonged ileostomy diversion combined with local procedures. The anastomotic leaks all proved to be radiologically healed at the time of ileostomy closure. Three of 16 patients who had had radiological leaks developed complications subsequently, but all could be successfully managed. In contrast, 6 of 15 patients in whom clinical leaks healed initially developed complications that eventually resulted in failure. The overall late complication rate was 22%. The most common complications were anastomotic stricturing (4%), small bowel obstruction (5%) and poor pouch function (pelvic pain, high evacuation frequency and other functional imperfections) (6%). Anal abscess, fistula or pouch-vaginal fistula were uncommon, however. While laying open of simple anal fistula and dilation of stenosis during anaesthesia were sometimes successful, re-laparotomy with redo of the pouch-anal anastomosis was needed for successful treatment of grossly fibrotic strictures, complex pouch-vaginal fistulae and poorly functioning pouches.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)