Dynamic graciloplasty in children with fecal incontinence: a preliminary report

Quantitative and Neurovascular Anatomy of the Growing Gracilis Muscle in the Human Fetuses

This study is intended to obtain the algebraic growth dynamics of the gracilis in fetuses and determine the variations of neurovascular pedicle(s) of the gracilis, to aid infant surgeries. Forty fetuses (19 males and 21 females) were included in the study. Gestational mean age of the fetuses was 22.40 ± 2.67 (range, 18-28) weeks. Numerical values were obtained using a digital caliper and a digital image analysis software. Linear functions for the surface area, width, anterior, and posterior margin lengths of the gracilis were calculated, respectively, as: y = -289.307 + 20.501 × age (weeks), y = -7.113 + 0.622 × age (weeks), y = -24.421 + 3.434 × age (weeks), and y = -24.397 + 3.314 × age (weeks). In addition, length and width of the gracilis tendon were calculated as y = -6.676 + 0.934 × age (weeks) and y = -0.732 + 0.074 × age (weeks), respectively. Parameters of the gracilis had no statistically significant difference regarding side and sex (P > 0.05). In all the specimens, the gracilis was innervated by the anterior branch of the obturator nerve. Blood supply of the gracilis was identified to be derived from 1 single artery in 38 sides of total 80 (47.5%), from 2 arteries in 36 (45%) and from 3 arteries in 6 (7.5%). In 74 sides (92.5%), the nerve was superficial to the main artery, whereas in 6 sides (7.5%), it was deeper. The data of the present study could be beneficial for surgeons in infant surgeries to treat conditions such as obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis, facial palsy, or anal incontinence. Linear functions can be utilized to better evaluate the growth course of the gracilis in fetuses and to predict the dimensions thereof. Additionally, comprehending the structure and recognizing the variations of the gracilis nerves and arteries can help to protect the neurovascular pedicle(s) of the gracilis during the operations.

Neurostimulated levator augmentation--a new approach in restoring continence

PURPOSE

Restoration of continence remains a major challenge in patients after abdominoperineal rectal excision (APE) or with end-stage fecal incontinence. A new surgical technique, the neurostimulated levator augmentation, was introduced for pelvic floor augmentation using dynamic graciloplasty in order to restore anorectal angulation. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and efficiency.

METHODS

From November 2009 to March 2014, n = 17 patients underwent neurostimulated levator augmentation (n = 10 after APE, n = 5 intractable idiopathic fecal incontinence, n = 2 traumatic anal amputation). Gracilis muscle was transposed through the obturator foramen into the pelvic cavity, positioned in a U-shaped sling behind the rectum, fixed to the contralateral os pubis to restore anorectal angulation, and then conditioned by neurostimulation. Questionnaires analyzing function and quality of life were administered.

RESULTS

For neurostimulated levator augmentation, four patients suffered from complications that needed operative intervention (n = 3 wound infection, n = 1 colon perforation); three pharmacological treatment and two complications needed no further invasive intervention. One patient died due to causes unrelated to the operation, and no complication required intensive care management. Fecal incontinence in patients with idiopathic incontinence improved significantly after surgery as well as incontinence episodes, urgency, and disease-specific quality of life through all dimensions. Generic quality of life was significantly better after surgery in all patients. After median follow-up of 17 months (2-45), all but one patient would undergo the procedure again.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurostimulated levator augmentation was feasible in all patients with acceptable morbidity. It may represent a new therapeutic option in selected patients with intractable fecal incontinence.

Proktologie

Die verschiedenen Formen der anorektalen Fehlbildungen manifestieren sich mit einer Häufigkeit von 1 : 4000 Lebendgeburten. Jungen sind häufiger betroffen. Die Kloakalfehlbildung macht etwa 10 % aller anorektalen Malformationen aus.

Improvement of continence with reoperation in selected patients after surgery for anorectal malformation

PURPOSE

Fecal incontinence is a serious complication after repair of anorectal malformations. We investigated whether reoperation can improve fecal continence.

METHODS

Medical records of 41 patients (40 children and one adult; 26 male and 15 female) who underwent reoperation after previous reconstruction of an anorectal malformation were reviewed for outcomes of bowel function. Type of primary corrective surgery performed, therapeutic measures, results of physical examination and barium enema, and reoperation procedures were evaluated. A questionnaire was administered to assess stool behaviour and level of continence at follow-up three or more years after secondary operation.

RESULTS

Secondary operations in males comprised posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in 16 patients, PSARP with antegrade continent enema in one patient, antegrade continent enema alone in 6, anoplasty in one, rectosigmoid resection in 1, and definitive colostomy in 1 patient. Secondary operations in females included PSARP alone in 4 patients, PSARP with total urogenital mobilization in 4, PSARP with vaginoplasty in 2, PSARP with vaginoplasty and antegrade continent enema in 2, and PSARP with vaginourethroplasty in 3. Of 41 patients 18 (44 percent) were continent at follow-up, 21 (51 percent) were clean with use of enemas, diet, or drug therapy. One patient had a definitive colostomy. One died after kidney transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is a good option for improving incontinence in selected patients previously operated for anorectal malformations. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty is advocated to improve bowel control. Antegrade continent enema is a reliable therapeutic option to maintain clean patients with fecal incontinence.

Restoration of fecal continence after functional gluteoplasty: long-term results, technical refinements, and donor-site morbidity

PURPOSE

For patients with severe fecal incontinence, reconstruction of the anal sphincter, via gluteoplasty, may improve quality of life, but little is known about long-term functional results. We present our comprehensive experience with gluteoplasty, highlighting technical refinements, donor-site morbidity, and functional outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive patients (22 female, 3 male; mean age 42 years, range 23-65) undergoing gluteoplasty for fecal incontinence at a university teaching hospital from 1996-2004. Etiology of incontinence was as follows: obstetrical injury (n = 13), irritable bowel syndrome (n = 3), previous rectal surgery (n = 3), Crohn disease (n = 3), impalement (n = 1), rectocele (n = 1), and idiopathic (n = 1).

RESULTS

Gluteoplasty was successful in restoring fecal continence in 18 patients (72%) and was partially successful in 4 patients (16%). Two patients required permanent ostomy because of refractory incontinence. Donor-site morbidity and perirectal complications were observed in 16 patients (64%) and included dysthesias (n = 7), cellulitis (n = 5), irregular contour (n = 3), abscess (n = 2), seroma (n = 2), fistula (n = 1), but no hip dysfunction or altered gait. Mean length of follow-up was 20.6 months (range: 3-68 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high incidence of donor-site and perirectal complications, unilateral functional gluteoplasty was successful in restoring long-term fecal continence in most patients.

Development of an implantable artificial anal sphincter using a shape memory alloy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The authors created a new artificial anal sphincter using a shape memory alloy (AS-SMA) to treat fecal incontinence and evaluated its validity.

METHODS

AS-SMA consists of 2 Ti-Ni plates to sandwich the intestine and generates a pressure of 55 mm Hg at its resting position. With the electric power supply, the 2 metals bend to form an almondlike shape making a maximum gap of 33 mm between each other at the temperature of 55 degrees C. The device was attached to the colostomy in a piglet and was operated several times a day for 1 month. Fecal continence, bowel movements, and general condition of the piglet were recorded. After the experiment, tissue damage around the device was investigated.

RESULTS

Fecal continence was obtained while the device was in the resting position. When it was operated, bowel movements were observed. The bowel movements to operations ratio was 82:105 (78%). During the experiment, the animal had neither abdominal distension nor vomiting. At the autopsy, there was mild inflammation and shallow burns around the device. No compression injury was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

AS-SMA achieved fecal continence of the colostomy. With reduction of the associated side effects, it would be a potential substitute for an impaired anal sphincter.