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Sun G, de Haas RJ, Trzpis M, Broens PMA. A possible physiological mechanism of rectocele formation in women. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:1203-1214. [PMID: 36745205 PMCID: PMC10115871 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03807-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the anorectal physiological factors associated with rectocele formation. METHODS Female patients (N = 32) with severe constipation, fecal incontinence, or suspicion of rectocele, who had undergone magnetic resonance defecography and anorectal function tests between 2015 and 2021, were retrospectively included for analysis. The anorectal function tests were used to measure pressure in the anorectum during defecation. Rectocele characteristics and pelvic floor anatomy were determined with magnetic resonance defecography. Constipation severity was determined with the Agachan score. Information regarding constipation-related symptoms was collected. RESULTS Mean rectocele size during defecation was 2.14 ± 0.88 cm. During defecation, the mean anal sphincter pressure just before defecation was 123.70 ± 67.37 mm Hg and was associated with rectocele size (P = 0.041). The Agachan constipation score was moderately correlated with anal sphincter pressure just before defecation (r = 0.465, P = 0.022), but not with rectocele size (r = 0.276, P = 0.191). During defecation, increased anal sphincter pressure just before defecation correlated moderately and positively with straining maneuvers (r = 0.539, P = 0.007) and defecation blockage (r = 0.532, P = 0.007). Rectocele size correlated moderately and positively with the distance between the pubococcygeal line and perineum (r = 0.446, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION Increased anal sphincter pressure just before defecation is correlated with the rectocele size. Based on these results, it seems important to first treat the increased anal canal pressure before considering surgical rectocele repair to enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Sun
- Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert J de Haas
- Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Trzpis
- Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul M A Broens
- Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Functional constipation in patients with hemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 34:813-822. [PMID: 35412490 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hemorrhoids are common anorectal pathology, with high recurrence rates after surgical treatment. It is hypothesized that high straining forces during paradoxical contractions and inadequate relaxation are causally related to hemorrhoids. This review aimed to assess the coprevalence of functional constipation and dyssynergic defecation in a population with hemorrhoids. Moreover, the effects of rubber band ligation (RBL) were analyzed. Sources included Pubmed, Embase and CENTRAL . Randomized trials, cohort and case-control studies that investigated the prevalence of constipation in patients with hemorrhoids or the prevalence of hemorrhoids in patients with constipation compared to healthy subjects were included. Manometric studies were also eligible. Quality assessment was performed by using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The primary outcome was the prevalence of functional constipation or dyssynergic defecation in patients with hemorrhoids. Nineteen studies were included. Prevalence of constipation was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhoids compared to controls [OR (odds ratio), 2.09; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.27-3.44]. No significant difference in the prevalence of hemorrhoids between patients with constipation compared to controls was found (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 0.67-8.44). Anal pressures in patients with hemorrhoids were significantly higher compared to healthy controls in all manometric studies. After RBL, these pressures remained significantly higher in patients with hemorrhoids ( P = 0.001). Functional constipation, dyssynergic defecation and higher basal anal pressures are more prevalent in patients with hemorrhoids compared to controls. Improvement of therapy for functional constipation, especially dyssynergic defecation patterns, might lead to better long-term outcomes and reduce recurrence.
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van Reijn-Baggen DA, Elzevier HW, Putter H, Pelger RCM, Han-Geurts IJM. Pelvic floor physical therapy in patients with chronic anal fissure: a randomized controlled trial. Tech Coloproctol 2022; 26:571-582. [PMID: 35511322 PMCID: PMC9069957 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-022-02618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background A chronic anal fissure is a common, painful condition with great impact on daily life. The exact pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated and treatment varies. A large percentage of patients experience pelvic floor dysfunction (dyssynergia and increased pelvic floor muscle tone). The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of pelvic floor physical therapy in patients with chronic anal fissure. Methods Between December 2018 and July 2021, at the Proctos Clinic in the Netherlands, patients with chronic anal fissure and pelvic floor dysfunction were randomly assigned to an intervention group, receiving 8 weeks of pelvic floor physical therapy including electromyographic biofeedback or assigned to a control group receiving postponed pelvic floor physical therapy. The primary outcome was muscle tone at rest during electromyographic registration of the pelvic floor before and after pelvic floor physical therapy. Secondary outcomes contained healing of the fissure, pain ratings, improvement of pelvic floor function, and complaint reduction measured with a proctology-specific patient-reported outcome measurement. Endpoints were measured at 8- and 20-week follow-up. Results One hundred forty patients were included in the study, 68 men (48.6%) and 72 women (51.4%) with a mean age of 44.5 ± 11.1 (range 19–79) years. Mean resting electromyographic values of the pelvic floor in the intervention group significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment (p < 0.001) and relative to controls (mean estimated difference between groups − 1.88 µV; 95% CI, − 2.49 to − 1.27 (p < 0.001) at first follow-up and remained significant from baseline at 20-week follow-up (p < 0.001). The intervention group performed better compared to the control group on all secondary outcomes, i.e., healing of the fissure (55.7% of the patients vs 21.4% in control, pain ratings (p < 0.001), diminished dyssynergia (p < 0.001), complaint reduction (p < 0.001), and decrease of pelvic floor muscle tone (p < 0.05) at first follow-up. Conclusions The findings of this study provide strong evidence that pelvic floor physical therapy is effective in patients with chronic anal fissure and pelvic floor dysfunction and supports its recommendation as adjuvant treatment besides regular conservative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle A van Reijn-Baggen
- Department of Surgery, Proctos Clinic, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. .,Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Henk W Elzevier
- Department of Urology and Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H Putter
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rob C M Pelger
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Sun G, Trzpis M, Broens PMA. High Anal Canal Pressure and Rectal Washouts Contribute to the Decrease of Anal Basal Pressure After Botulinum Toxin Injections in Paediatric Patients With Chronic Constipation. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:819529. [PMID: 35391742 PMCID: PMC8980778 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.819529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic constipation can be treated by injecting botulinum toxin into the anal sphincter to decrease anal basal pressure. To assess the effect of botulinum toxin, we investigated the factors that contribute to changes in anal basal pressure after injection. METHODS This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. We included children with chronic constipation treated with botulinum toxin injections and measured anal basal pressure before and after each injection. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used. RESULTS We investigated 30 cases with idiopathic constipation. Their median age was 20.5 (7.75-53.25) months. Anal basal pressure decreased after injection in 20 cases. The mean decrease of anal basal pressure after injection was 18.17 ± 35.22 mmHg. The anal basal pressure change was linearly correlated with preinjection pressure (R 2 = 0.593, P < 0.001). A significant decrease of pressure was observed in patients with preinjection pressure > 70 mmHg. Preinjection anal basal pressure (β = -0.913, P < 0.001) and rectal washouts (β = -21.015, P = 0.007) contributed significantly to pressure changes. Changes in anal basal pressure were also significantly associated with patients' weights (β = 0.512, 95% CI, 0.011-1.013) and sex (β = 22.971, 95% CI, 9.205-36.736). CONCLUSIONS Botulinum toxin significantly decreases anal basal pressure when preinjection pressure is higher than 70 mmHg. In patients with severely elevated anal basal pressure, we recommend rectal washouts to promote the decrease of anal basal pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Sun
- Department of Surgery, Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Monika Trzpis
- Department of Surgery, Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Paul M A Broens
- Department of Surgery, Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Abstract
Anal fissure is a common clinical problem in children and is defined as a longitudinal tear in the anal canal. The typical presentation is painful defecation and rectal bleeding. The etiology of anal fissure is unknown, but passage of hard stools and increased internal anal sphincter pressure are considered important factors. The treatment is oriented to relieve the spasm of the internal anal sphincter, which prevents healing of the fissure. Conservative management with stool softeners, topical analgesics, and sitz baths is recommended as first-choice therapy. Surgical treatment has been replaced by nonoperative management as definitive therapy, which is associated with a marginally higher success rate than placebo. Most recent studies have focused on nonoperative treatment with glyceryl trinitrate, calcium channel blockers, or botulinum toxin injection treatment. There are a few controlled studies to compare the different nonoperative treatment options in children. Success rates vary between the studies, and there is no clear evidence about which is the optimal nonoperative treatment. A significant recurrence rate has been reported after nonoperative management of anal fissure. It is important to treat constipation to avoid recurrent tears in the anal canal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Patkova
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Wester
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Spoelstra SK, Nijhuis ER, Weijmar Schultz WCM, Georgiadis JR. Female genito-pelvic reflexes: an overview. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2018.1429593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Symen K. Spoelstra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther R. Nijhuis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nij Smellinghe Hospital, Drachten, The Netherlands
| | - Willibrord C. M. Weijmar Schultz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janniko R. Georgiadis
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Anatomy, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Spoelstra SK, Weijmar Schultz WCM, Reissing ED, Borg C, Broens PM. The distinct impact of voluntary and autonomic pelvic floor muscles on genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2018.1442568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Symen K. Spoelstra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willibrord C. M. Weijmar Schultz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke D. Reissing
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charmaine Borg
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul M.A. Broens
- Department of Surgery, Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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High-dose versus low-dose botulinum toxin in anal fissure disease. Tech Coloproctol 2017; 21:803-808. [DOI: 10.1007/s10151-017-1700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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