Calibrated lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure

The Clinical Utility of Anorectal Manometry: A Review of Current Practices

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a diagnostic test that utilizes pressure sensors to dynamically measure intraluminal anal and rectal pressures, thus providing an objective evaluation of anorectal functional parameters (tone, contractility, and relaxation), coordination and reflex activity, and sensation. ARM is a useful test for numerous indications including for the assessment and management of functional anorectal disorders such as fecal incontinence, functional defecatory disorders, and functional anorectal pain, preoperative assessment of anorectal function, and in facilitating/assessing response to biofeedback training. In addition, while many functional anorectal disorders present with overlapping symptoms (ie constipation, anorectal pain), ARM allows delineation of more specific disease processes and may guide treatment more effectively. In recent years the development of advanced manometric methodologies such as high-resolution anorectal manometry has also led to improved spatial resolution of data acquisition, further increasing the potential for the expansion of ARM. However, despite its ability to provide detailed information on anorectal and pelvic floor muscle function and synergy as well as the endorsements of several national and international organizations, ARM is still infrequently utilized in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to address the current clinical applications and limitations of ARM for various disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract. In so doing, we will provide clinicians with a framework for the use of ARM in clinical practice. This review will also discuss potential barriers to widespread adoption of ARM in clinical practice and propose possible solutions to these challenges.

The comparison between the medical and the surgical management of chronic anal fissures

Introduction. Anal fissures can be defined as a tear or a break in the anoderm. Acute fissures do not exceed a 6 week-duration and can be seen as a simple tear in the anoderm along with edema, whereas chronic fissures are longer than 6 weeks. Aim. To compare the efficacy of the medical and surgical options for the treatment of chronic anal fissures and to recommend the appropriate option in terms of their symptomatic relief, healing of fissures and long-term effectiveness. Materials & Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 2 years, that is, from October 2018 to October 2020, including a follow-up period of 2 months. A total of 72 patients with chronic anal fissures were included in the study and randomized into two groups, represented by the medical management group and the surgical management group (Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS)). Results. In the case of the 36 patients with CAF (chronic anal fissure) who underwent surgical management, all 36 (100%) patients had optimal healing of the fissure at 6 weeks. In the case of the 36 patients with CAF who underwent medical management, only 32 (89%) patients had optimal healing of the fissure at 6 weeks, whereas 4 patients failed to heal even after 2 months. Conclusions. Surgical management is the preferable method for chronic anal fissures in comparison to medical management. But the medical management has a role in acting as a bridge to surgical management in patients who are not fit for surgery or do not perceive surgery as an option at the time.

Partial Division of Puborectalis Muscle with Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy: A Novel Surgical Technique for Management of Anal Hypertonia-Associated Anismus

BACKGROUND

Treatment of anismus usually starts with biofeedback therapy and injection of botulinum toxin in the puborectalis muscle (PRM). Patients refractory to conservative treatment may require surgery. The present cohort study aimed to assess a combined technique of partial division of PRM and tailored lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) in treatment of anismus.

METHODS

Patients with anismus who failed conservative treatments were assessed clinically and with high-resolution anal manometry (HRAM), EMG, defecography, and underwent combined partial division of PRM on one side and tailored LIS on the contralateral side. Main outcome measures were improvement in symptoms and quality of life, changes in HRAM and defecography postoperatively, complications, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients (61 male) of a mean age of 37 years were included to the study. In total, 89% of patients showed a significant improvement in symptoms at 12 months postoperatively. The mean modified Altomare score decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) from 16.4 ± 1.7 to 6.6 ± 1 at 12 months postoperatively. There was a significant increase in the mental and physical components of quality of life at 12 months postoperatively. The numbers of patients with positive findings of anismus in postoperative defecography, EMG, and balloon expulsion test were significantly less than before surgery. The mean total satisfaction score was 86.5 ± 8.7. Five (6.5%) patients developed minor complications.

CONCLUSION

Partial division of puborectalis muscle combined with LIS is an effective technique in the management of anal hypertonia-associated anismus with satisfactory results and low incidence of complications.

S3-Leitlinie: Analfissur

Die Analfissur ist eine der häufigsten Pathologien, welche sich dem Proktologen präsentiert. Entsprechend ist es wichtig, verlässliche Leitlinien dazu zu entwickeln. Die aktuelle Leitlinie wurde anhand eines systematischen Literaturreview von einem interdisziplinären Expertengremium diskutiert und verabschiedet.

Die akute Analfissur, soll auf Grund ihrer hohen Selbstheilungstendenz konservativ behandelt werden. Die Heilung wird am besten durch die Einnahme von Ballaststoff reicher Ernährung und einer medikamentösen Relaxation durch Kalziumkanal-Antagonisten (CCA) unterstützt. Zur Behandlung der chronischen Analfissur (CAF), soll den Patienten eine medikamentöse Behandlung zur „chemischen Sphinkterotomie“ mittels topischer CCA oder Nitraten angeboten werden. Bei Versagen dieser Therapie, kann zur Relaxation des inneren Analsphinkters Botulinumtoxin injiziert werden. Es ist belegt, dass die operativen Therapien effektiver sind. Deshalb kann eine Operation schon als primäre Therapie oder nach erfolgloser medikamentöser Therapie erfolgen. Die Fissurektomie, evtl. mit zusätzlicher Botulinumtoxin Injektion oder Lappendeckung, ist die Operation der Wahl. Obwohl die laterale Internus Sphinkterotomie die CAF effektiver heilt, bleibt diese wegen dem höheren Risiko für eine postoperative Stuhlinkontinenz eine Option für Einzelfälle.

Lateral Internal Partial Sphincterotomy Technique for Chronic Anal Fissure

Lateral internal sphincterotomy is used for the treatment of a chronic anal fissure. There is a lack of consensus for the amount of internal sphincter division necessary in the surgical treatment of an anal fissure. The anatomy of the anal sphincters and the subcutaneous partial sphincterotomy technique are presented with fresh anal canal specimen photographs. Lateral internal partial sphincterotomy is performed in 43 patients in the office between 2012 and 2013. The patients were questioned about their bowel habitus and any problem with anal control before the operation. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up by office visits and telephone calls at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. Data were collected prospectively. Forty of the patients (93 %) were pain free in 1 week after the operation. Further sphincter fibers were divided in three patients (7 %) because of the persistent pain. The most common complication was the sensation of burning (n = 9, 20.9 %) around the anus. Bleeding in three patients, itching around the anus in two patients, and incontinence to flatus in one patient were the other complications. None of the patients developed fecal incontinence in the follow-up period. Lateral internal partial sphincterotomy is a safe, effective, and reproducible technique for the management of chronic anal fissure pain.

Lateral Anal Sphincterotomy for Chronic Anal Fissures- A Comparison of Outcomes and Complications under Local Anaesthesia Versus Spinal Anaesthesia

INTRODUCTION

Fissure-in-Ano is one of the common and most painful anorectal conditions encountered in surgical practice. Inspite of several conservative treatment options, surgical treatment in the form of Lateral Anal Spincterotomy (LAS) remains the gold standard of treatment for Chronic Anal Fissures (CAF). However, LAS is often done under spinal or general anaesthesia incurring huge treatment costs and hospital stay.

AIM

To study if LAS can be treated with Local Anaesthesia (LA) thereby, reducing the costs and the anaesthetic risk to patients with no significant change in the surgical ease or clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 79 patients with chronic fissure underwent randomized allocation to two treatment arms - The first to undergo LAS under LA and the second under Spinal Anaesthesia (SA). The primary outcome variables studied were complications like post-operative pain, infections, healing rate of fissure and incontinence rates. Secondary outcome variables studied were cost, hospital stay and need for additional anaesthetic.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients underwent LAS procedure. A total of 42 patients had LA and 39 patients had SA. There was no statistically significant difference in the healing rate, pain, infection and incontinence rates between the two groups. Moreover, the LA group incurred lower cost, reduced hospital stay and reduced risk of anaesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

LAS can be satisfactorily performed under local anaesthesia with no increased risk of pain or complications, and is best suited for resource-poor surgical settings.

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease: an age-related approach in children below or above one year

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a differential diagnostic approach to Hirshchsprung's Disease (HD) on the basis of age.

METHOD

Data on 185 consecutive children with suspected HD were subjected to an age-related diagnostic approach. The patients were divided into two groups according to age (A < 1 year; B > 1 year). Children in Group A had rectal suction biopsy (RSB) and contrast enema (CE), and in Group B anorectal manometry (ARM) was performed. Patients with a normal recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) underwent bowel disimpaction and medical treatment. Only selected cases in Group B underwent RSB and CE.

RESULTS

In Group A (18 patients) CE showed a colonic transitional zone in three patients, whereas RSB led to the diagnosis of HD in nine. In Group B (167 patients) ARM was not possible in seven patients and it was normal in 140 (normal anal sphincter pressure: 83; hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter: 57). The RAIR was negative in 20 patients. RSB performed in 31 children in Group B confirmed HD in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with a neonatal onset of constipation RSB is the best diagnostic technique. Chronic constipation is rarely due to HD and ARM is a useful non-invasive screening tool.

Anal fissure

Anal fissure is a common problem, vexing to both patients and physicians. The historical mainstay of therapy has been some method of partial division of the internal anal sphincter with the serious potential complication of fecal incontinence. Nonsurgical treatment methods were therefore pursued, producing healing rates less than that seen after surgical therapy but none of the morbidity of surgery. This article summarizes accepted methods of modern medical and surgical therapy for anal fissure and offers a rationale for treatment type selection.

Treatment of chronic anal fissures and associated stenosis by autologous adipose tissue transplant: a pilot study

PURPOSE

A substantial body of recent evidence suggests that autologous adipose tissue transplant promotes healing in different lesions associated with local ischemia. We report the outcome of lipoaspirate transplant in hard-to-treat chronic anal fissures.

METHODS

Eight patients were included in this pilot study, 5 with single and 3 with multiple fissures. All had intense anal pain and had previously undergone proctologic surgery, with internal sphincterotomy performed in 6 patients. Severe stenosis was present in 3 patients and moderate stenosis in 2. Preoperative assessment included anoscopy, anorectal manometry, colonoscopy, and microbiological tests to exclude inflammatory, neoplastic, or infectious diseases. Surgical treatment consisted of transplant of purified autologous fat retrieved from the hypogastrium. Follow-up was scheduled after 1 week, at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months, and thereafter on a yearly basis.

RESULTS

All of the patients were discharged several hours after surgery. No early postoperative complication was observed. Complete healing and pain remission were achieved in 6 patients (75%), 4 of whom were treated in a single session, whereas 2 patients required 2 and 3 sessions. Anal stenosis was resolved in 4 of 5 patients (80%). The therapy was unsuccessful in 2 patients (25%). Mean follow-up was 18 months (range, 3-36 months).

CONCLUSION

Perianal autologous fat transplant can be safely performed for the treatment of complex anal fissures. It is well tolerated and offers encouraging results, although further research is warranted because of the small number of patients treated and the relatively short follow-up time.

Role of anorectal manometry in children with severe constipation

OBJECTIVE

Constipation is one of the most frequent disorders of the digestive tract in children and it can be an important problem in paediatric and surgical practice. Most of the time, the cause is psychological or because of a slowing of colonic transit, but it can be a sign of organic gastrointestinal outlet obstruction. Some patients with chronic constipation are resistant to a medical approach and they present with a severe form of constipation that needs recurrent hospital admission. Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a noninvasive procedure and it helps to explain the mechanisms of defecation disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of ARM in children with severe constipation.

METHOD

From October 2003 to October 2006, in the Paediatric Surgery Unit, 85 children - aged more than 1 year - with severe constipation were seen. The mean age was 5 years (range, 1-13). At presentation, every child had abdominal and rectal examination in order to identify abdominal distension or faecal masses. Bowel preparation with enemas was performed before ARM in patient with a rectal faecaloma. Myoelectric activity of the internal anal sphincter and resting anal tone was recorded; recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was tested to exclude Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Anal tone was considered normal until 50 cm H(2)O. When the RAIR was absent, the patient underwent rectal suction biopsies (RSB) for histology and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry. In cases of normal or high anal tone with the RAIR present, the child had bowel cleaning, medical treatment, 2- and 6-month follow-up. Children with ineffective treatment at follow-up underwent RSB. In case of HD, a laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through (ERPT) according to Georgeson's technique was performed.

RESULTS

Seventy per cent of the patients had bowel preparation before ARM. In four patients the ARM was impossible to assess because of crying. In 28 patients, the anal tone result was higher than 50 cm H(2)O and local treatment with anaesthetic agents was used for 8 weeks. Seventeen patients underwent RSB: 11 patients with RAIR absent/unclear, 4 noncooperative children and 2 patients with ineffective medical treatment at follow-up. HD was diagnosed in 2 patients and laparoscopic-assisted ERPT was performed. The remaining patients had good results at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

ARM is a noninvasive diagnostic tool to study the mechanism of defecation in children with constipation in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment. This procedure can be used in every child - aged more than 1 year - with severe constipation and assessment of the RAIR can select the cases for RSB.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of sustained inflation and rapid inflation/deflation of the intrarectal balloon upon rectoanal inhibitory reflex parameters in asymptomatic subjects

PURPOSE

The effects of rapid sustained inflation versus rapid inflation/deflation of the intrarectal balloon upon rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) parameters were evaluated in asymptomatic subjects.

METHODS

Forty asymptomatic adults were submitted to anorectal manometry with rapid or sustained inflation with 30 and 60 mL air. The average age was 27.4 years (range, 20-40). The subjects were divided into Group I (20 men) and Group II (20 women) for analysis. RAIR parameters were registered in order to compare the inflation patterns within each group, and Groups I and II were compared for each inflation pattern with regard to RAIR parameters.

RESULTS

Sustained inflation significantly increased IAS relaxation time and duration of the reflex in both groups, and IAS tone recovery time in Group I.

CONCLUSIONS

RAIR parameters are influenced by the choice of inflation pattern. Further studies are required to establish a standard intrarectal balloon inflation pattern.

Efeito da nifedipina gel 0,2% nas pressões de canal anal e na dor pós-operatória: estudo após hemorroidectomia pela técnica aberta

INTRODUÇÃO: As hemorróidas são muito freqüentes e após o seu tratamento cirúrgico tem se observado que a dor causa muito sofrimento. Várias alternativas tem sido estudadas para melhorar a dor pós-operatória dentre elas a esfincterotomia cirúrgica que pode em alguns casos causar algum grau de incontinência fecal. Por esse motivo vários estudos tem utilizado a esfincterotomia química com nifedipina, diltiazen, trinitrato de glicerina e toxina botulínica. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da nifedipina tópica nas diminuições das pressões do canal anal e consequente influência na melhora da dor pós-operatória. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Utilização da nifedipina tópica gel 0,2% (Grupo 1) e lidocaina 2% (Grupo 2) no pós operatório de hemorroidectomia aferindo as pressões no pré, primeiro, quarto e sétimo dias de pós operatório, associado de medida de dor todos os dias do pós-operatório através de tabela analógica. RESULTADOS: Os autores não encontraram diferenças em relação às pressões de canal anal mas em relação à dor referida estas foram em menor intensidade no grupo que recebeu a nifedipina. CONCLUSÕES: a nifedipina gel foi eficiente na analgesia pós-operatória, no entanto não alterou as pressões do canal anal.

A review of chronic anal fissure management

Anal fissure management has rapidly progressed in the last 15 years as our understanding of fissure pathophysiology has developed. All methods of treatment aim to reduce the anal sphincter spasm associated with chronic anal fissures. Surgical techniques have been used for over 100 years with success. Lateral internal sphincterotomy remains the surgical treatment of choice for many practitioners. Postoperative impairment of continence remains controversial. Recently, less invasive methods of treatment have been explored. Topical nitrates, calcium channel blockers and botulinum toxin are established treatments. These and other non-surgical treatments are described in this review. Various guidelines and treatment algorithms for anal fissure are also discussed.

A Study of Fecal Incontinence in Patients with Chronic Anal Fissure: Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Extent of Internal Anal Sphincter Division During Lateral Sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND

Troublesome fecal incontinence following a lateral internal sphincterotomy is often attributed to faulty surgical technique. However, it may be associated with coexisting occult sphincter defects. Whether continence is related to the extent of sphincterotomy remains debatable. The aim of the study is to identify fecal incontinence related to chronic anal fissure before and after lateral internal sphincterotomy and its relationship to the extent of internal anal sphincter division.

METHODS

One hundred eight patients with chronic anal fissure were prospectively studied before and after lateral internal sphincterotomy. A questionnaire was completed for each patient before and after surgery with regard to any degree of fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence severity index was assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score. The patients with preoperative perfect continence were randomized into two groups (46 patients in each group): Group 1 underwent traditional lateral internal sphincterotomy (up to the dentate line) and Group 2 were underwent a conservative internal anal sphincterotomy (up to the height of the fissure apex or just below it).

RESULTS

Minor degrees of incontinence were present before surgery in 16 patients (14.8%). Results of the randomized trial revealed that temporary postoperative incontinence was newly developed in 6/92 of patients (6.52 %) who did not have it before surgery. Five of the six (10.86%) were in Group 1 one (2.17%) was in Group 2 (p = 0.039). Persistent incontinence occurred in two in Group 1 (4.35%). All of them were females. All have had a history of one or more vaginal deliveries.

CONCLUSION

A mild degree of fecal incontinence may be associated with chronic anal fissure at presentation rather than as a result of internal sphincterotomy. Troublesome fecal incontinence after lateral internal sphincterotomy is uncommon. Sphincterotomy up to the dentate line provided faster pain relief and faster anal fissure healing, but it was associated with a significant postoperative alteration in fecal incontinence than was sphincterotomy up to the fissure apex. Care should be exercised in female patients with a history of previous obstetric trauma, as internal anal sphincter division may further compromise sphincter function.

Internal anal sphincterolysis for chronic anal fissure: a prospective, clinical, and manometric study

BACKGROUND

The author proposes a technique of finger fragmentation of internal anal sphincter fibers to relieve anal sphincter spasm in patients with chronic anal fissures. This prospective study evaluates the clinical and functional outcome in a group of patients with chronic anal fissures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five patients suffering from chronic anal fissure underwent the procedure termed "sphincterolysis." Anal manometry was performed prior to and at 6 and 24 months after treatment. Anal incontinence was evaluated by means of a continence score. Patients were asked to rate the level of satisfaction at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients completed the study. Symptom control was achieved in 7. 4 +/- 3 days in 91% patients whose fissures had healed when examined 4 weeks after the procedure. In 38 of these patients, pain was relieved at the time of first postoperative defecation. Recurrence of fissure was observed in 1 patient at the 6-month follow-up. Three patients had minor continence disturbances, which resolved within 6 months. Anal manometry before and after the procedure showed a significant reduction in mean resting pressure (MRP) (P < .001), while the maximum squeeze pressure before and after the treatment did not reach a statistically significant reduction. As regards satisfaction grading, 79.5% of patients were highly satisfied with the procedure, while another 16% of patients rated the procedure as good.

CONCLUSION

Internal anal sphincterolysis seems to be an effective, safe and easy procedure, which decreases anal resting pressure and achieves good symptom control with high patient satisfaction.