Urinary complications following abdominal perineal resection

Bladder Urethral Dysfunction after Abdominoperineal Resection of the Rectum for Anorectal Cancer

We prospectively studied bladder and urethral function in 44 patients before and after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for ano-rectal cancer. The patients were investigated with the following examinations: combined cystometry and electromyography, urethral pressure profile measurement, urecholine denervation test, urine culture, urethrogram and residual urine measurement after voiding. Urodynamic results after surgery demonstrated the partial or total denervation of the detrusor muscle with bladder areflexia in the 54% of the cases, the decrease in the urethral pressure profile in the 48% of the cases, and the absence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in all cases. Urethrogram results showed a high incidence of bladder dislocation into the presacral space (36%). Urine cultures were frequently positive in 52% of the patients. Most patients (52%) had difficulty in voiding with high residual urine and/or stress incontinence (4.5%). All the patients received an early rehabilitative treatment with kinesitherapy and/or pharmacologic therapy after bladder catheter removal and after urodynamic results. The patients with neurogenic bladder with residual urine volume had satisfactory functional recovery of the activity.

Ion channels of the mammalian urethra

The mammalian urethra is a muscular tube responsible for ensuring that urine remains in the urinary bladder until urination. In order to prevent involuntary urine leakage, the urethral musculature must be capable of constricting the urethral lumen to an extent that exceeds bladder intravesicular pressure during the urine-filling phase. The main challenge in anti-incontinence treatments involves selectively-controlling the excitability of the smooth muscles in the lower urinary tract. Almost all strategies to battle urinary incontinence involve targeting the bladder and as a result, this tissue has been the focus for the majority of research and development efforts. There is now increasing recognition of the value of targeting the urethral musculature in the treatment and management of urinary incontinence. Newly-identified and characterized ion channels and pathways in the smooth muscle of the urethra provides a range of potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of urinary incontinence. This review provides a summary of the current state of knowledge of the ion channels discovered in urethral smooth muscle cells that regulate their excitability.

Stigma in patients with rectal cancer: a community study

A self-rating measure of stigma and several supplementary questions were devised in order to assess perceived stigma in a community survey of the quality of life in 420 rectal cancer patients, of whom 265 had a permanent colostomy. Half the patients felt stigmatised, higher proportions being observed among younger patients and among those with a colostomy. Feelings of stigma were associated with poor health, particularly emotional disorders, with the presence of other medical problems, and with disablement. Patients who perceived stigma made more use of medical services but were less satisfied with them, particularly with regard to communication with health professionals. Socio-economic factors, such as employment status, higher income, and higher social and housing class, did not protect patients against feeling stigmatised by cancer or by colostomy. Most patients, with or without stigma, enjoyed close relationships with intimates, but the stigmatised were more likely to have withdrawn from participation in social activities. Assessing stigma by self-rating gives information which adds to that obtained by the usual methods of assessing quality of life.

Suprapubic bladder drainage in colorectal surgery

Seventy-six consecutive patients were studied prospectively in order to assess the value of suprapubic bladder drainage following surgery of the rectum and sigmoid colon. An Argyle-Ingram catheter (ICI) was inserted after the laparotomy incision had been made and the bladder was drained continuously for 24 h after which the catheter was closed and opened only every 6 h for 10 min. The patients were invited to void at will after the first 24 h. The catheter was removed when the post-voided volume became less than 50 ml on each of two subsequent measurements. The longest period of drainage was necessary after rectal excision, while rectosigmoid resections demanded shorter periods. The catheter did not function in one patient and urethral catheterization became necessary after removal of the suprapubic catheter in 4 patients. The method of suprapubic bladder drainage is recommended because it permits spontaneous voiding, allows measurement of residual volume without urethral instrumentation, gives little discomfort to the patient and has few complications.

Bladder dysfunction after radical abdominal hysterectomy

Bladder dysfunction is a common occurrence following radical hysterectomy. We studied bladder function prospectively in 10 patients before and after radical hysterectomy. Results suggest that the hypertonic phase observed immediately postoperatively is the result of an increase in myogenic tonicity of the detrusor muscle secondary to the trauma of operation and prolonged catheter drainage. The inability of patients to urinate effectively is due to partial detrusor denervation. Combined cystometry and electromyography confirmed the presence of normal sphincter function and the absence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Prevention of postoperative bladder atony includes a careful preoperative urologic evaluation, including cystometry. Postoperative bladder care should emphasize the prevention of overdistention. Inability to empty the bladder after operation may be managed effectively by intermittent self-catheterization, Urecholine, or prolonged catheter drainage. Patients should be evaluated periodically to uncover delayed bladder decompensation.