Prospective study of the effects of postanal repair in neurogenic faecal incontinence

Brachytherapy boost after chemoradiation in anal cancer: a systematic review

Radio-chemotherapy (RCT) is the primary treatment of anal cancer (AC). However, the role and the optimal total dose of a radiation boost is still unclear. No randomized controlled trials nor systematic reviews have been performed to analyze the efficacy of brachytherapy (BRT) as boost in AC. Therefore, we performed this systematic review based on PRISMA methodology to establish the role of BRT boost in AC.

A systematic search of the bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library from the earliest possible date through January 31, 2018 was performed. At least one of the following outcomes: local control (LC), loco-regional control (LRC), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), or colostomy-free survival (CFS) had to be present for inclusion in this systematic review in patients receiving a BRT boost. Data about toxicity and sphincter function were also included.

Ten articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the studies had retrospective study design. All studies were classified to provide a level of evidence graded as 3 according to SIGN classification. Median 5-year LC/LRC, CFS, DFS, and OS were: 78.6% (range, 70.7-92.0%), 76.1% (range, 61.4-86.4%), 75.8% (range, 65.9-85.7%), and 69.4% (63.4-82.0%), respectively. The reported toxicities were acceptable.

RCT is the treatment cornerstone in AC. High-level evidences from studies on BRT boost in AC are lacking. Further studies should investigate: efficacy of BRT boost in comparison to no boost and to external beam boost, patients who can benefit from this treatment intensification, and optimal radiation dose.

Could concomitant radio-chemotherapy improve the outcomes of early-stage node negative anal canal cancer patients? A retrospective analysis of 122 patients

One hundred twenty-two early-stage anal canal cancer patients (median age: 69 years) were treated with curative radiotherapy with (70 patients) or without (52 patients) concomitant chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 65 months (range: 4-238). At multivariate analysis, concomitant chemotherapy significantly improved local control (p = .007). Local control significantly influenced all considered endpoints, except the metastases free survival. The global rates of G3-G4 acute and late toxicity were 13.1% and 8.2%, respectively, and they were not increased by concomitant chemotherapy. Finally, concomitant chemotherapy is efficacious and safe in the treatment of T1-2N0 anal canal cancer patients and should be prospectively studied.

Surgical management for fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a socially debilitating condition that can lead to social isolation, loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, and depression in an otherwise healthy person. After the appropriate clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing, medical management is initially instituted to treat fecal incontinence. Once medical management fails, there are a few surgical procedures that can be considered. This article is devoted to the various surgical options for fecal incontinence including the history, technical details, and studies demonstrating the complication and success rate.

External beam radiotherapy ± chemotherapy in the treatment of anal canal cancer: a single-institute long-term experience on 100 patients

One-hundred patients treated with curative radiotherapy (RT) ± chemotherapy (CT) for an anal canal carcinoma (T1-4N0-3M0) were retrospectively analyzed. Five- and 10-year local control (LC) rates were 73% and 67%, respectively. Acute and late G3-G4 toxicity rates were 32% and 12%, respectively. Two patients underwent a colostomy for a G4 anal toxicity. This study confirms the outcomes of RT ± CT in the treatment of anal canal cancer. Concomitant CT and LC statistically influenced Overall Survival and Colostomy-Free Survival. CT also statistically reduced the risk of nodal relapse. High rates of acute skin toxicity impose tailored volumes and techniques of irradiation.

Comparative analysis of summary scoring systems in measuring fecal incontinence

Purpose

For measuring symptoms of fecal incontinence, summary scoring systems are widely used, but rigorous psychometric validation or assessment of such systems in terms of patients' subjective perception has rarely been done to date. This study was designed to assess the correlation between each severity measure and patients' subjective perception or clinicians' clinical assessment. We attempted to compare summary scoring systems of severity measures and searched for which of them showed higher validity among them.

Methods

Consecutive patients who visited our clinic with fecal incontinence were prospectively evaluated. A total of 43 patients were included. Four summary scoring systems were chosen for comparison: the Rothenberger, Wexner, Vaizey and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index systems. They are correlated with subjective perception scores by patients, and also with clinical assessment scores by investigators.

Results

There was no significant difference between clinical scores of two investigators (paired t-test, P = 0.988). Inter-observer reliability was 0.95 (Intra-class correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 0.98). Significant correlations were proved between patients' subjective perception scores and all the summary scoring systems, and also between the mean clinical scores and all the summary scoring systems. The highest was with the Wexner scale (r = 0.66, P < 0.001) (r = 0.70, P < 0.001), and the lowest was with the Rothenberger scale (r = 0.58, P < 0.001) (r = 0.61, P < 0.001) in both correlations.

Conclusion

The Wexner scale correlates the most closely with subjective perception of severity of symptoms by patients, and also with clinical assessment by investigators. We recommend the Wexner scale among summary scoring systems as a tool for measuring fecal incontinence.

Postanal repair--do the long-term results justify the procedure?

OBJECTIVE

Early outcomes after postanal repair (PAR) demonstrated excellent results but subsequent reports showed an ever declining success rate in maintaining continence. The aim of this study was to document long-term continence after PAR and relate this to patient satisfaction and quality of life.

METHOD

Patients with neurogenic incontinence who underwent PAR from 1986 to 2002 were interviewed by telephone, utilizing a questionnaire which assessed continence, patient satisfaction, overall improvement, and quality of life.

RESULTS

One-hundred one patients from four surgeons were identified. Fifty-four patients were excluded because of loss to follow-up. Three had a stoma (two for incontinence), four had undergone a graciloplasty, leaving 57 patients (F = 53), mean duration of follow-up of 9.1 years (2.2-18.7 years). Mean CCS was 11.7 (SD 7.4). 26% (n = 15) scored none to minimal incontinence (CCS 0-5), 26% moderate (CCS 6-12), and 48% (n = 27) severe incontinence (CCS 13-24). 79% (n = 45) were satisfied with the outcome. A low CCS significantly correlated with good patient satisfaction, and was influenced by high QOL score (P < 0.0001). A high CCS significantly correlated with high bowel frequency (P = 0.0007). A favourable CCS was associated with a good QOL, a shorter duration of follow-up, and being able to distinguish flatus and stool.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with neurogenic faecal incontinence selected following anorectal physiology studies, PAR remains a useful treatment. It is associated with low morbidity and results in a satisfactory long-term subjective outcome, despite the fact that many patients have a high incontinence score.

The physiology of continence and evacuation

Continence is maintained by the coordinated function of the pelvic floor, rectum and anal sphincters. Evacuation occurs through a relaxed pelvic floor. The rectum acts to either store or expel stool both of which require cortical sensory awareness acting in conjunction with intramural and spinal reflexes that ensure timely defecation. The anal sphincters act individually and in unison in response to rectal distension and the sensation of rectal filling. Reflex relaxation of the internal anal sphincter has an additional sensory function in allowing sampling of rectal contents in the upper anal canal. Voluntary control of the external anal sphincter is key in the voluntary deferring of evacuation until a socially opportune moment. This review describes the physiological roles of each of these continence organs in order to understand the complex process of defecation.

Evolving therapy for fecal incontinence

BACKGROUND

Fecal incontinence is common and can be socially debilitating. Nonoperative management of fecal incontinence includes dietary modification, antidiarrheal medication, and biofeedback. The traditional surgical approach is sphincteroplasty if there is a defect of the external sphincter. Innovative treatment modalities have included sacral nerve stimulation, injectable implants, dynamic graciloplasty, and artificial bowel sphincter.

DISCUSSION

This review was designed to assess the various surgical options available for fecal incontinence and critically evaluate the evidence behind these procedures. The algorithm in the surgical treatment of fecal incontinence is shifting. Injectable therapy and sacral nerve stimulation are likely to be the mainstay in future treatment of moderate and severe fecal incontinence, respectively. Sphincteroplasty is limited to a small group of patients with isolated defect of the external sphincter. A stoma, although effective, can be avoided in most cases.

The physiological evaluation of operative repair for incontinence and prolapse

Women with incontinence were divided into 30 with anorectal incontinence and 63 with complete rectal prolapse. The former group comprised 14 with a sphincter disruption and the remainder with intact sphincters. After anterior sphincter repair 70% were restored to acceptable continence. Success was associated with a rise in resting and voluntary contraction pressures and improved anal sensation. Patients with prolapse underwent either anterior and posterior rectopexy, or resection rectopexy. Continence was improved in both groups. Postoperatively, 90% following resection rectopexy and 80% following anterior and posterior rectopexy were restored to acceptable continence. Postoperative defaecatory straining and incomplete evacuation were reduced, with no significant differences between the two procedures. Restoration of continence was not associated with any change in sphincter pressures. However, rectal sensory threshold and anal sensation were both improved.

Surgical approaches to anal incontinence

Primary repair of acute anal sphincter injuries by direct apposition of the severed external sphincter without tension is advisable whenever feasible. However, the majority of patients who are candidates for surgical treatment of anal incontinence will undergo a secondary repair, the type of which will depend on the underlying aetiology and the surgeon's preference and experience. The most successful of these procedures is sphincter reconstruction with or without levatoroplasty for a disrupted anal sphincter (due to surgical, obstetrical or other trauma) in the absence of underlying neurological damage. Success rates are reported at 80-90%. Post-anal repair is advocated for patients with a poorly functioning sphincter with an obtuse anorectal angle, most of whom have a neurogenic basis for their incontinence. Success rates vary from 60 to 75% of cases but long-term results have been less satisfactory. Rectal procidentia is associated with faecal incontinence in 65-75% of cases. Abdominal repair (we favour suture rectopexy with sigmoid resection) restores continence in 50-80% of such patients. Patients with persisting incontinence are candidates for post-anal repair. Anal encirclement with an elastic, Dacron-impregnated Silastic sleeve has a limited role in selected patients. For more severe incontinence, muscle transfers (gracilis, gluteus maximus, etc.) can achieve some success but continence is less than perfect. We are currently assessing the use of an artificial anal sphincter (a modification of the AMS 800 urinary sphincter). For patients who fail all therapeutic options, a stoma will provide a better lifestyle than coping with the consequences of faecal incontinence.

Perineal puborectalis sling operation for fecal incontinence: preliminary report

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the safety efficacy, and impact on quality of life of the perineal puborectalis sling operation for fecal incontinence.

METHODS

Since August 2001, we performed the perineal puborectalis sling operation on eight patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence. A specially designed polyester mesh sling was introduced along the puborectalis muscle, from a posterior perianal incision, running to a small suprapubic incision. The ends were tied together with moderate tension. Patients were evaluated with the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, the Cleveland Clinic Score of Incontinence, and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale. Manometry and defecography were performed before and six months after the operation.

RESULTS

Eight patients (7 females; mean age, 63 (range, 44-77) years) were evaluated. A wound infection developed in one patient, which subsided with antibiotics. A rectal ulcer developed in one patient, necessitating sling removal. In the remaining seven patients, the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index improved from 27 to 9, and the Cleveland Clinic Score of Incontinence improved from 13 to 5 (P < 0.05). All parameters in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale improved: lifestyle from 2.1 to 3.6; coping/behavior from 1.5 to 3.4; depression/self perception from 2.3 to 3.7; and embarrassment from 2 to 3.6 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative maximum resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure. However, the median anorectal angle on defecography after the operation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the perineal puborectalis sling operation is technically feasible, with low morbidity, and can be an effective procedure for idiopathic fecal incontinence.

Review article: Recent trends in diagnosis and treatment of faecal incontinence

The inability to control bowel discharge is not only common but extremely distressing. It has a negative impact on a patient's lifestyle, leads to a loss of self-esteem, social isolation and a diminished quality of life. Faecal incontinence is often due to multiple pathogenic mechanisms and rarely due to a single factor. Normal continence to stool is maintained by the structural and functional integrity of the anorectal unit. Consequently, disruption of the normal anatomy or physiology of the anorectal unit leads to faecal incontinence. Currently, several diagnostic tests are available that can provide an insight regarding the pathophysiology of faecal incontinence and thereby guide management. The treatment of faecal incontinence includes medical, surgical or behavioural approaches. Today, by using logical approach to management, it is possible to improve symptoms and bowel function in many of these patients.

Pathophysiology of adult fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence occurs when the normal anatomy or physiology that maintains the structure and function of the anorectal unit is disrupted. Incontinence usually results from the interplay of multiple pathogenic mechanisms and is rarely attributable to a single factor. The internal anal sphincter (IAS) provides most of the resting anal pressure and is reinforced during voluntary squeeze by the external anal sphincter (EAS), the anal mucosal folds, and the anal endovascular cushions. Disruption or weakness of the EAS can cause urge-related or diarrhea-associated fecal incontinence. Damage to the endovascular cushions may produce a poor anal "seal" and an impaired anorectal sampling reflex. The ability of the rectum to perceive the presence of stool leads to the rectoanal contractile reflex response, an essential mechanism for maintaining continence. Pudendal neuropathy can diminish rectal sensation and lead to excessive accumulation of stool, causing fecal impaction, mega-rectum, and fecal overflow. The puborectalis muscle plays an integral role in maintaining the anorectal angle. Its nerve supply is independent of the sphincter, and its precise role in maintaining continence needs to be defined. Obstetric trauma, the most common cause of anal sphincter disruption, may involve the EAS, the IAS, and the pudendal nerves, singly or in combination. It remains unclear why most women who sustain obstetric injury in their 20s or 30s typically do not present with fecal incontinence until their 50s. There is a strong need for prospective, long-term studies of sphincter function in nulliparous and multiparous women.

Measuring fecal incontinence

The measurement of fecal incontinence is challenging. Because fecal incontinence is a symptom, the subjective perception of the patient must be the foundation of any evaluation of incontinence or the impact of incontinence. The lack of a criterion standard makes testing measures for reliability and validity more difficult. Despite this, many measures are available and can be divided into three broad categories: descriptive measures that do not provide summary scores; severity measures that assess the frequency and type of incontinence; and impact measures that assess the effect of incontinence on quality of life. The strengths and weaknesses of currently available measures are presented in this review.

Trends and current issues in adult fecal incontinence (FI): Towards enhancing the quality of life for FI patients

Our goals are to review the literature on the definition and epidemiology of fecal incontinence (FI), the risk factors involved, available treatment options, and measurement of the quality of life (QOL) of patients with this condition. Articles included for review were searched following the guidelines set by Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook. FI was defined variously depending upon the duration, type, and amount of leakage. About 17 published papers were reviewed on the prevalence of FI that ranged from 1.4% to 50%. Potential risk factors included perianal injury/surgery, and fair/poor general health. QOL assessment using various grading scales provided an objective method of evaluating patients before and after treatment. Management included medical, physiotherapy, and surgical options. Through the range of various references, a clear definition of FI should be specified, which reflects its epidemiology in the various studies. These differences in definition would significantly affect its prevalence. Many risk factors have been sited but further epidemiological studies are necessary to elucidate FI. Understanding the etiology of the disease is an important initial step to provide adequate treatment of FI. QOL assessment provides objective and subjective method in the analysis of effectiveness of therapy.

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is common and socially disabling. Only a few patients with fecal incontinence present to medical practitioners. Investigative techniques have improved, and it is possible now to define accurately functional or anatomic deficits. Careful planning of treatment with the possibility of using a variety of treatment modalities is essential. Novel conservative and surgical techniques have the potential to improve the outcome for patients with fecal incontinence.

Surgical treatment of constipation and fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a disabling and distressing condition. Many patients are reluctant to discuss the condition with a physician. A thorough history, good physical examination, and detailed anorectal physiologic investigations can help in the therapeutic decision-making algorithm. Patients with isolated anterior sphincter defects are candidates for overlapping repair. In the presence of unilateral or bilateral pudendal neuropathy, the patient should be counseled preoperatively regarding a [table: see text] lower anticipation of success. If the injury occurred shortly before the planned surgery and neuropathy is present, it may be prudent to wait because neuropathy sometimes can resolve within 6 to 24 months of the injury. Pudendal nerve study may help determine surgical timing. An anterior sphincter defect combined with a rectovaginal fistula can be approached by overlapping sphincter repair and a concomitant transanal advancement flap. Patients who had undergone multiple such procedures may benefit from concomitant fecal diversion at the time of repeat sphincter repair. Patients with global or multifocal sphincter injury may be candidates for a neosphincter procedure. The stimulated graciloplasty and artificial bowel sphincter are reasonable options. In the absence of the availability of these techniques or because of financial constraints, consideration could be given to bilateral gluteoplasty or unilateral or bilateral nonstimulated graciloplasty. The postanal repair still serves a role in patients with isolated decreased resting pressures with or without neuropathy or external sphincter injury with minimal degrees of incontinence. Biofeedback and the Procon device may play a role in these patients. Lastly, fecal diversion must be considered as a means of improving the quality of life because the patient can participate in the activities of daily living without the fear of fecal incontinence.

What is the impact of fecal incontinence on quality of life?

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to determine at what point fecal incontinence affects quality of life.

METHODS

In 35 patients who had anterior sphincter repair for fecal incontinence as a result of obstetric injury, continence evaluated by the Wexner score was compared with validated quality of life tests (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey). The questionnaires were sent by mail. Thirty-two patients responded. The Wexner score (0-20) was correlated with the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey and matched with those of reference groups.

RESULTS

The mean Wexner score was 8.8, corresponding with losing stools between once a week and once a month. The mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index score was 105 (range, 48-136), which is significantly lower than the score found in a reference group of normal individuals. Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey scores were significantly lower in all six dimensions compared with the reference group. A Wexner score of 9 or higher was associated with a Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index score of less than 105, which implies that patients were less mobile in the community and were confined to their homes. A similar correlation was found between a Wexner score higher than 9 and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey.

CONCLUSIONS

A Wexner score of 9 or higher indicates a significant impairment of quality of life and can therefore be used in decision making.

Postanal repair for fecal incontinence--is it worthwhile?

PURPOSE

Patients with idiopathic or neurogenic incontinence without an isolated sphincter defect may be suitable candidates for a postanal repair. The aim of this study was to assess the results of postanal repair in patients with idiopathic or neurogenic fecal incontinence and to evaluate the role of various parameters, including preoperative physiologic testing on outcome.

METHODS

Postanal repair was offered by a single surgeon to patients meeting the following criteria: incontinence score of at least 12 of 20, absence of an isolated anterior external anal sphincter defect, and failed conservative, medical, and biofeedback management. Physiologic investigation and clinical findings of female patients who had postanal repair for fecal incontinence between 1992 and 1998 were reviewed. Physiologic investigation included anorectal manometry, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, concentric needle electromyography, and endoanal ultrasonography. Follow-up was obtained by telephone questionnaire; moreover, patients were asked to grade the outcome of their surgery as excellent or good (success) or as fair or poor (failure).

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients of median age 68 (range, 40-80) years had a mean duration of fecal incontinence before postanal repair of 6.8 (range, 0.5-22) years. Twenty patients (95 percent) were available for at least one year of follow-up. Seventeen patients (80.9 percent) had at least one prior vaginal delivery, and prior sphincteroplasty had been performed in 10 patients (47.6 percent). The morbidity and mortality rates were 5 and 0 percent, respectively. After a mean follow-up period of three (range, 1-7.5) years, seven patients (35 percent) considered surgery to be successful and had a statistically significant decrease in their incontinence score. Neither prolongation of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency nor external sphincter damage as noted on electromyography or any of the preoperative manometric parameters correlated with outcome. Furthermore, patients' ages at surgery did not correlate with the degree of postoperative improvement in continence scores nor did the duration of the patients' symptoms, number of vaginal deliveries, or a history of previous surgery for fecal incontinence.

CONCLUSION

None of the factors assessed was demonstrated to be predictive of outcome after postanal repair; moreover, the currently available preoperative testing has not altered the success rate, which remains low (35 percent). Despite the low success rate, the absence of any mortality and the low morbidity suggest that postanal repair may be a valid therapeutic approach. However, it should be offered only to selected patients with persistent, severe fecal incontinence despite an anatomically intact external anal sphincter who are not candidates for or refuse all other operative modalities.

Factors predictive of outcome after surgery for faecal incontinence

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of faecal incontinence may be categorized into procedures that either repair or augment the native sphincter mechanism or, alternatively, require construction of a neosphincter using either autologous tissue or an artificial device.

METHODS

This article reviews the currently available surgical options for the treatment of faecal incontinence, discusses factors predictive of outcome, and includes an algorithm for treatment.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Procedures such as postanal repair, direct sphincter repair and reefing are seldom used. Overlapping repair has become the operation of choice in incontinent patients with isolated anterior defects in the external anal sphincter muscle, particularly in postobstetric trauma. Pudendal neuropathy seems to be a predictive factor of success, although this is not universally accepted. Total pelvic floor repair has been offered as a recent alternative. Neosphincter procedures include a gluteoplasty, non-stimulated and stimulated unilateral or bilateral graciloplasty and artificial bowel sphincter. The success and morbidity rates with the stimulated graciloplasty and artificial bowel sphincter appear similar. The newest alternative, sacral nerve stimulation, seems promising. In the final analysis, case selection and surgical judgement are probably the most important factors influencing the success of surgery for faecal incontinence. Presented as the Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons invited lecture to the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Southport, UK, June 1999

Patient and surgeon ranking of the severity of symptoms associated with fecal incontinence: the fecal incontinence severity index

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a severity rating score for fecal incontinence, the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index.

METHODS

The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index is based on a type x frequency matrix. The matrix includes four types of leakage commonly found in the fecal incontinent population: gas, mucus, and liquid and solid stool and five frequencies: one to three times per month, once per week, twice per week, once per day, and twice per day. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index was developed using both colon and rectal surgeons and patient input for the specification of the weighting scores.

RESULTS

Surgeons and patients had very similar weightings for each of the type x frequency combinations; significant differences occurred for only 3 of the 20 different weights. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score of a group of patients with fecal incontinence (N = 118) demonstrated significant correlations with three of the four scales found in a fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index indicates that the index is a tool that can be used to assess severity of fecal incontinence. Overall, patient and surgeon ratings of severity are similar, with minor differences associated with the accidental loss of solid stool.

Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in adults: secondary repair for persistent incontinence in patients with anorectal malformations

PURPOSE

Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, regarded as a standard surgical primary repair for anorectal malformations in infancy, was evaluated for effectiveness when performed as a secondary operation for establishing continence in the adult. The purpose of this review was to evaluate our results of performing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in adult patients and to emphasize the extensive evaluation required to perform proper patient selection.

METHOD

From January 1, 1992, to December 31, 1996, eight patients with Grade 3 incontinence underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. The ages ranged from 13 to 40 (mean, 26) years.

RESULTS

All patients had diverting stomas at the time of repair and all but one had restoration of intestinal continuity. Of eight patients who underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, one failed secondary to rectal ischemia and retained a diverting stoma. Six patients had restoration of continuity. Five patients were continent and one had incontinence only to gas.

DISCUSSION

We have established that posterior sagittal anorectoplasty can effectively be used to establish continence as a secondary procedure for a select group of adult patients.

A pilot study of total pelvic floor repair or gluteus maximus transposition for postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to report pilot data comparing the morbidity and functional outcome of total pelvic floor repair with gluteus maximus transposition for women with postobstetric fecal incontinence.

METHODS

This is a prospective, randomized trial of two surgical procedures in 24 women so far. Functional assessment was performed with use of a 20-point clinical incontinence score and patient questionnaire before and after operation. The physiologic parameters, before and after operation, included resting and squeeze anal pressures, length of the high pressure zone, anal and rectal mucosal sensitivity, and pudendal nerve latency.

RESULTS

So far, 12 patients have been treated by total pelvic floor repair and 12 by gluteus maximus transposition. Of these, three patients developed wound complications after gluteus maximus transposition compared with none after total pelvic floor repair. Among these cases there was a significant overall improvement in functional score (given as mean +/- standard deviation) after both total pelvic floor repair (13.1 +/- 2.7 vs. 6.6 +/- 4.5; P < 0.001) and gluteus maximus transposition (13.8 +/- 3.8 vs. 7.7 +/- 6.1; P < 0.01), although no difference existed between the groups. There was no change in any of the physiologic measurements after either operation, and preoperative measurements did not identify patients likely to do badly.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude from these preliminary data that both total pelvic floor repair and gluteus maximus transposition significantly improve continence in women with postobstetric neuropathic fecal incontinence. Gluteus maximus transposition gives equivalent results to total pelvic floor repair. Neither procedure has any influence on anorectal physiologic parameters.

Management of colorectal-anal dysfunction

Although the majority of patients with low-grade anal incontinence and constipation should be treated medically, for some, efforts will be unsuccessful and surgical therapy will be in order. Full thickness rectal prolapse will, in all early cases, be treated surgically. This article outlines the surgical treatment options for patients with anal incontinence, rectal prolapse, and constipation. Optimal functional outcomes with surgical treatment are based on full physiologic evaluation and careful patient selection.

A clinical approach to fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the impaired ability to control gas or stool. It is a disabling and distressing condition. Its exact incidence and prevalence are unknown. It is a disorder about which patients are frequently reluctant to discuss, even with their physician. However, it is a common condition especially in older individuals, where the prevalence has been reported to approach 60%. In women, incontinence reaches 54% as a result of childbirth. Of the patients surgically treated, the female-to-male ratio is 4 to 1. In an epidemiological study to identify its community-based prevalence, the University of Illinois determined fecal incontinence existed in 2.2% of the general population. There is available treatment for fecal incontinence. Many patients improve with conservative treatment (constipating agents, antidiarrheal medications, dietary changes) or with biofeedback. For patients where conservative treatment has failed, surgical treatment (direct-apposition sphincter repair, overlapping sphincteroplasty, postanal repair, neosphincter procedures) may be successful.

Pelvic floor procedures produce no consistent changes in anatomy or physiology

PURPOSE

Postanal repair was designed to restore both anatomy and function of the anal canal in neurogenic fecal incontinence. In most series, the degree of continence is improved in fewer than 50 percent of patients. Adding anterior levatorplasty and sphincter plication (total pelvic floor repair) is claimed to improve functional results. We performed a randomized trial comparing postanal and total pelvic floor repair for neurogenic incontinence.

METHOD

Twenty female patients were studied. All had Type D incontinence (Parks and Browning). Anal manometry, defecography, and grading of the degree of continence were repeated 12 weeks after surgery to assess changes in clinical, manometric, and radiologic parameters. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and Wilcoxon's two-sample test.

RESULTS

Continence improved in eight patients. Differences among clinical, manometric, and radiologic data were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor repair procedures produce no consistent changes in anatomy or physiology. Clinical improvement is caused by creation of a local stenosis or by the placebo effect rather than by improvement of muscle function.

Postanal repair for faecal incontinence: long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

To determine the long-term outcome of postanal repair, and to assess whether the preoperative and physiological tests had any bearing on this outcome. Review included an opportunity for assessment with anal manometry and anal ultrasound.

METHOD

Review of all patients (n = 22) over a 10 year period from 1986 to 1996. Comparison was of pre-operative symptoms to symptoms at review. Correlation of outcome with pre-operative manometry and the results of manometry and ultrasound at review (n = 6) was determined.

RESULTS

Assessment was possible in 19 of the 22 patients. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 10 years (median, 8 years). Two had stomas created at 6 and 9 months and are considered failures. Seven patients considered the operation a success, in four it improved their symptoms and in six it was considered a failure. Comparison of pre- and postoperative symptoms scores found a statistically significant improvement (P = 0.0093; two-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank sum test). The outcome was not influenced by the results of pre-operative anal manometry. Anal ultrasound found five sphincter defects in six patients. Such defects did not preclude improvement from postanal repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the results showed improvement or success in only 11 (58%) of the patients this was felt to be important given that these patients may have few alternatives other than complicated procedures or a stoma. Postanal repair has a place in the management of faecal incontinence.

Functional perineal colostomy with pudendal nerve anastomosis following anorectal resection: an experimental study

BACKGROUND

The aim was to reconstruct the functional anus by using a transposed skeletal muscle with pudendal nerve anastomosis (PNA) after anorectal resection.

METHODS

Transposition of the biceps femoris muscle (BFM) with PNA around the perineal colostomy was performed in 22 dogs. In the control group (n = 11) the BFM with its own nerve was used. Evaluation was done at 3 to 5 months after the operation.

RESULTS

A contraction with evoked potential on electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve (22 of 22) and tonic electrical activity (10 of 10) were observed in the dogs with PNA but not in those without PNA. Increased electrical activity (6 of 6) and a reactive rise in the neoanal canal pressure (9 of 13) were seen just after the insertion of a microballoon in the dogs with PNA but not in those without PNA. The neoanal canal length was elongated, and the anorectal angle became acute on electrical stimulation in both groups. No difference was seen in the resting anal pressure between both groups. The pattern of actomyosin adenosine 5'-triphosphatase staining of the neosphincter with PNA converted from that of a BFM to that of the external anal sphincter. The defecatory status in the study group was better according to the evaluation of the feces on the cage floor.

CONCLUSIONS

Acceptable neoanal function was achieved through the sphincter reconstruction with PNA.

Anorectal and pelvic floor function. Relevance of continence, incontinence, and constipation

Anorectal tests need to be tailored to the presentation of the individual patient. Clearly the tests are most useful when they identify anatomic or physiologic abnormalities for which there are successful treatments. For the incontinent patient, anal manometry is the most useful test. Sphincter injuries should be repaired, whereas neurogenic incontinence is best treated initially with biofeedback. Three tests are more useful for the constipated patient: colonic transit time, degree of pelvic floor descent on straining, and balloon expulsion. Colonic inertia responds to total colectomy and pelvic floor dysfunction to biofeedback. Meanwhile, patients with irritable bowel syndrome require rereferral back to their physicians.

Bilateral gracilis neosphincter construction for treatment of faecal incontinence

Neosphincter formation with gracilis muscle is used for faecal incontinence refractory to conservative measures and after failed sphincter repair. In this study both gracilis muscles were used to create a neosphincter to determine whether this provides superior physiological and clinical results. Ten patients of median age 39 (range 18-73) years were treated. The mean resting and squeeze pressures before operation were 16 (range 0-40) and 44 (range 0-68) cmH2O respectively. The operation was covered by a defunctioning loop left iliac fossa colostomy. Nine of the ten patients have had the stoma closed and are fully continent after a mean follow-up of 24 (range 6-40) months. One patient who had an ileoanal pouch and bilateral graciloplasty has urgency of defaecation. None of the patients has to wear a pad or is taking constipating agents. All nine patients have satisfactory evacuation on isotope defaecography and are continent to artificial stool. After operation the mean resting and squeeze pressures were 78 (range 70-112) and 121 (range 90-188) cmH2O respectively. Bilateral graciloplasty provides satisfactory results for grade 4 faecal incontinence refractory to other operative and non-operative measures, and may be an alternative to stimulated dynamic graciloplasty.

Perianal injection of autologous fat for treatment of sphincteric incontinence

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of partial fecal incontinence with perianal injection of autologous fat.

METHODS

The study comprised 14 patients with partial fecal incontinence (9 women and 5 men). Ages ranged from 38 to 62 years. Fifty to 60 ml of fat were harvested from the abdominal wall and injected submucosally into the rectal neck at 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Mean follow-up was 18.6 months.

RESULTS

All patients were continent during the first two to three postinjection months. At the sixth month, patients were divided into three scores. Score 1 (complete continence) comprised three patients who are now continent for 9, 11, and 14 months postinjection, with normalization of their rectal neck pressure. Seven patients with Score 2 were incontinent to flatus and were reinjected; they are now continent (Score 1) for a mean of 13.8 months and have normal rectal neck pressure. Four patients had Score 3 (no improvement), of whom two became continent after the second injection and two after the third. They are now continent (Score 1) 6 to 16 months postinjection. Factors that contributed to failure comprised injection of unwashed fat or wrong positioning of the needle. There was no fat migration or embolism.

CONCLUSION

Perianal fat injection is effective in treatment of partial fecal incontinence. The technique is simple, easy, cost-effective, and performed on an outpatient basis.

Pelvic floor physiology in women with faecal incontinence and urinary symptoms

Anorectal manometry, balloon proctometrography, measurement of anorectal angles and videourodynamics were used to investigate 45 asymptomatic women and 13 with faecal incontinence and urinary symptoms, nine of whom also had stress urinary incontinence. The anorectal angle was measured and videourodynamics performed on 17 constipated women with urinary symptoms. Mean (s.e.m.) values obtained with anorectal manometry were lower in women with faecal incontinence and urinary symptoms than in controls (maximum resting pressure 42.5(8.1) versus 82.5(9.3) cmH2O, P = 0.001; maximum attained pressure 80.5(13.7) versus 216.2(11.2) cmH2O, P = 0.001; maximum squeeze increment 35.3(7.5) versus 141.6(10.0) cmH2O, P = 0.001), indicating a weakened puborectalis and external anal sphincter. Mean(s.e.m.) anorectal angles at rest, squeeze and strain were all significantly greater in the doubly incontinent women than in those with constipation (114(3.8) versus 93(5.9) degrees, P = 0.01; 103(2.5) versus 78(3.5) degrees, P < 0.001; 120(2.9) versus 104(4.2) degrees, P = 0.01). Urinary incontinence was worse in the doubly incontinent than in the constipated women (eight of nine versus one of eight with grade 2a or higher, P = 0.002). These results suggest that doubly incontinent women have a significantly weakened pelvic floor and that this should be taken into account before any planned surgery for urinary incontinence.

Fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a common but infrequently reported, imperfectly understood, multifactorial disease with far-reaching socioeconomic and psychological implications. Limited success with somewhat empirical surgical procedures implies that patients should be investigated fully, indications for surgery should be clear, and disability should be serious enough to demand surgical intervention. Dietary adjustments and medical treatment should be tried first. Unwelcome though it is, colostomy may be the ultimate remedy in some patients.

Long-term results of postanal repair for neurogenic faecal incontinence

Between 1984 and 1986, 54 patients underwent postanal repair for neurogenic faecal incontinence. Forty-two (41 women) were available for follow-up 5-8 (median 6.2) years after operation. Of these, 34 women attended for clinical and anorectal physiological assessment. Anal endosonography was also performed in 30 patients. In the 34 patients examined, continence categories (Browning and Parks' classification) of C (n = 12) and D (n = 22) before surgery became A (n = 2), B (n = 12), C (n = 16) and D (n = 1) at 6 months and A (n = 4), B (n = 5), C (n = 21) and D (n = 4) at 5-8 years. Nine patients therefore had continence for solids and liquids, five of whom were incontinent to flatus, in the long term. Assessment of outcome by patients revealed long-term improvement in 28 and no change in six. Two of the 34 patients assessed were housebound because of incontinence. Of the total of 54 patients, only one required a stoma. The length of the anal canal increased significantly from a preoperative median (range) of 2.0 (1.5-4.0) cm to 3.8 (1.8-5.5) cm 5-8 years after surgery. Perineal descent at rest decreased markedly. Progression of neuromuscular damage was demonstrated by prolongation of the pudendal nerve terminal motor latency from a median (range) 2.38 (1.80-3.35) ms to 2.80 (2.20-4.25) ms and increasing median (range) fibre density in the external sphincter, from 1.86 (1.76-2.40) to 3.63 (2.03-6.20). The pudendal nerve terminal latency was the only preoperative physiological variable that correlated significantly with long-term outcome (A and B 2.20 ms versus C and D 2.65 ms, P < 0.05). At long-term assessment, maximal anal squeeze pressure was the only physiological variable that correlated significantly with clinical outcome. Anal endosonography revealed a clinically undetected sphincter defect in 19 of 30 patients examined but the presence of a defect did not relate to clinical outcome.

Multiple sclerosis: assessment of colonic and anorectal function in the presence of faecal incontinence

Six females suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with symptoms of constipation and faecal incontinence were investigated using anal manometry, proctometrogram, proctography and large bowel transit time estimates (using inert markers). Results were compared to a control group (4 females, 2 males). Resting anal sphincter pressure (internal sphincter function) was reduced, but not significantly so, compared with controls (46 +/- 12.6 vs. 68 +/- 8.2 mm Hg: P < 0.1). Maximum squeeze increment pressure (external sphincter function) was significantly diminished in the patient group (13.5 +/- 4.5 vs. 82.5 +/- 12.3 mm Hg: P < 0.0001). Radiological imaging of the anorectum demonstrated an abnormal position of the pelvic floor at rest, with moderate descent in most cases during straining. Measurement of anorectal angles (puborectalis muscle function) indicated a normal angle at rest (76 +/- 10.4 degrees), but with little change on maximum contraction (74 +/- 3.5 degrees) and on straining (79 +/- 4.6 degrees). Rectal sensory parameters did not differ from controls either for minimum sensation, 44.5 +/- 5.2 vs. 30 +/- 5.8 ml (P < 0.1), or at maximum tolerable volume, 163 +/- 34.5 vs. 148 +/- 22 ml (P > 0.2). Four of six patients failed to empty 100% of simulated stool at proctography, at which the only anatomical defect was the presence of a rectocele in two patients. Large bowel transit studies revealed abnormally slow transit in 82% of patients, all of whom had delay in the distal colon. These physiological studies demonstrate that in patients with MS who had anorectal dysfunction, there is a marked impairment of external anal sphincter function with moderate changes in pelvic floor musculature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Randomized trial comparing three forms of pelvic floor repair for neuropathic faecal incontinence

A randomized controlled trial in women with neuropathic faecal incontinence compared total pelvic floor repair (n = 12) with anterior levatorplasty and sphincter plication alone (n = 12) and postanal repair alone (n = 12). Review at 6 and 24 months indicated that results were significantly better for total pelvic floor repair than either of the other procedures. Complete continence was achieved in eight of the 12 patients 2 years after total pelvic floor repair. Only total repair significantly elongated the anal canal. Both total pelvic floor repair and anterior levatorplasty improved sensation in the upper anal canal.

The anorectal angle is not a reliable parameter on defaecating proctography

Proctography is a standard method of investigating anorectal disorders. The parameters derived from this X-ray include the anorectal angle. The reproducibility of this measurement was assessed in 43 defaecating proctograms viewed by four observers on two separate occasions. Measurements were made at rest and during defaecation straining. Significant intra- and inter-observer variation was found. The anorectal angle is an inaccurate measurement, and should be interpreted with caution.

Etiology and management of fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a challenging condition of diverse etiology and devastating psychosocial impact. Multiple mechanisms may be involved in its pathophysiology, such as altered stool consistency and delivery of contents to the rectum, abnormal rectal capacity or compliance, decreased anorectal sensation, and pelvic floor or anal sphincter dysfunction. A detailed clinical history and physical examination are essential. Anorectal manometry, pudendal nerve latency studies, and electromyography are part of the standard primary evaluation. The evaluation of idiopathic fecal incontinence may require tests such as cinedefecography, spinal latencies, and anal mucosal electrosensitivity. These tests permit both objective assessment and focused therapy. Appropriate treatment options include biofeedback and sphincteroplasty. Biofeedback has resulted in 90 percent reduction in episodes of incontinence in over 60 percent of patients. Overlapping anterior sphincteroplasty has been associated with good to excellent results in 70 to 90 percent of patients. The common denominator between the medical and surgical treatment groups is the necessity of pretreatment physiologic assessment. It is the results of these tests that permit optimal therapeutic assignment. For example, pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies (PNTML) are the most important predictor factor of functional outcome. However, even the most experienced examiner's digit cannot assess PNTML. In the absence of pudendal neuropathy, sphincteroplasty is an excellent option. If neuropathy exists, however, then postanal or total pelvic floor repair remain viable surgical options for the treatment of idiopathic fecal incontinence. In the absence of an adequate sphincter muscle, encirclement procedures using synthetic materials or muscle transfer techniques might be considered. Implantation of a stimulating electrode into the gracilis neosphincter and artificial sphincter implantation are other valid alternatives. The final therapeutic option is fecal diversion. This article reviews the current status of the etiology and incidence of incontinence as well as the evaluation and treatment of this disabling condition.

Fecal incontinence: indications for repairing the anal sphincter

Incontinent patients should be comprehensively investigated by objective tests, especially manometry, continence tests, and electromyography. Manometry can be used to predict the functional outcome and to calibrate the sphincter repair. Pure anatomical defects of the anal and pelvic musculature deserve surgical correction with or without overlapping the muscle ends. If the repair is delayed it should be done after a 3 month interval. A protective colostomy has to be performed in complex cases and in cases with septic complications. Before closing the colostomy, the ano-rectal function should be assessed. Acceptable continence can be restored in the majority of the patients, the outcome depending on the extent of local defects and the severity of concomitant pelvic floor neuropathy. Skeletal muscle transposition remains an esoteric approach to be used only in selected patients; the implantation of a neuromuscular stimulator seems to be warranted. In the presence of important functional deficits, sphincter repair may create a situation where additional conservative measures become more effective. A post-anal repair may be considered 3-12 months after rectopexy or sphincter repair. Incontinence based on pure functional defects is initially treated conservatively. A post-anal repair may improve the situation in two thirds of the patients but fails to help those who need it most. Failure seems to be related to a continuing neuropathic process. A peri-anal prosthetic band implant may be a valuable alternative in such patients. A sigmoidostomy is a measure of last resort. The prevention of fecal incontinence is most important and concerns surgeons, obstetricians, and physicians.

New grading and scoring for anal incontinence. Evaluation of 335 patients

A grading system of anal incontinence (AI) is described that takes into account both degree and frequency of symptoms. A, B, and C indicate AI for flatus/mucus, liquid stool, and solid stool, respectively; 1, 2, and 3 indicate occasional, weekly, and daily AI. A scoring system, ranging from 0 (continence) to 6 (severe AI, i.e., daily AI for solid stool or C3) also is reported. Three hundred thirty-five patients have been evaluated by this method in our institution: 30 percent had severe AI, graded as C3; only 9 percent had mild symptoms graded as A. Both males and females could not control diarrhea (Grade B) in 44 percent of cases. Nearly half of the 110 patients who underwent surgery had a C3 incontinence before treatment. Positive results were achieved in 75 percent of cases after surgery: e.g., AI score significantly improved from 4.2 +/- 1.6 to 1.5 +/- 1.9 (P less than 0.001) in those with AI and rectal prolapse. Most of the failures were the patients with idiopathic C3 incontinence. In conclusion, this grading and scoring system allowed a satisfactory assessment of patients' AI before and after treatment. It may also be used to achieve an objective comparison between different series.

Viscous fluid retention: a new method for evaluating anorectal function

The ability to retain viscous fluid in the standing position was tested in 22 patients with fecal incontinence, 11 patients with constipation, and 26 control subjects. Viscous fluid was introduced into the rectum in increments of 50 ml. The examination was stopped when the patient complained of discomfort or the viscous fluid leaked. Eighteen of 22 patients with fecal incontinence leaked fluid, while none of the control subjects and only four of the constipated patients did so. Patients with fecal incontinence retained significantly less viscous fluid than did control subjects, whereas no difference was found between patients with constipation and control subjects. Rectal sensation from distention with air was tested in the patients as well as in the control group. The following volumes and pressures at each sensation were measured: 1) earliest defecation urge (EDU), 2) constant defecation urge (CDU), and 3) maximum tolerable volume (MTV). Patients with fecal incontinence had lower volumes than control subjects at all sensations, while patients with constipation had higher volumes at earliest defecation urge and at constant defecation urge. Rectal compliance was higher in patients with fecal incontinence than in control subjects, whereas patients with constipation did not differ from control subjects. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship between viscous fluid retention and the maximum tolerable volume and also between viscous fluid retention and rectal compliance. No difference in the ability to retain viscous fluid between male and female control subjects was found; regression analysis of viscous fluid retention in relation to age revealed decreasing volumes with increasing age. Day-to-day variation of the ability to retain viscous fluid was tested in eight persons, and reproducibility was found to be good.