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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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Cariati M, Chiarello MM, Cannistra' M, Lerose MA, Brisinda G. Gastrointestinal Uses of Botulinum Toxin. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 263:185-226. [PMID: 32072269 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum toxin (BT), one of the most powerful inhibitors that prevents the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, represents an alternative therapeutic approach for "spastic" disorders of the gastrointestinal tract such as achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic anal fissures, and pelvic floor dyssynergia.BT has proven to be safe and this allows it to be a valid alternative in patients at high risk of invasive procedures but long-term efficacy in many disorders has not been observed, primarily due to its relatively short duration of action. Administration of BT has a low rate of adverse reactions and complications. However, not all patients respond to BT therapy, and large randomized controlled trials are lacking for many conditions commonly treated with BT.The local injection of BT in some conditions becomes a useful tool to decide to switch to more invasive therapies. Since 1980, the toxin has rapidly transformed from lethal poison to a safe therapeutic agent, with a significant impact on the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cariati
- Department of Surgery, "San Giovanni di Dio" Hospital, Crotone, Italy
| | | | - Marco Cannistra'
- Department of Surgery, "San Giovanni di Dio" Hospital, Crotone, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Brisinda
- Department of Surgery, "San Giovanni di Dio" Hospital, Crotone, Italy. .,Department of Surgery, "Agostino Gemelli" Hospital, Catholic School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
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Brisinda G, Sivestrini N, Bianco G, Maria G. Treatment of gastrointestinal sphincters spasms with botulinum toxin A. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1882-916. [PMID: 26035487 PMCID: PMC4488680 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7061882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Botulinum toxin A inhibits neuromuscular transmission. It has become a drug with many indications. The range of clinical applications has grown to encompass several neurological and non-neurological conditions. One of the most recent achievements in the field is the observation that botulinum toxin A provides benefit in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Although toxin blocks cholinergic nerve endings in the autonomic nervous system, it has also been shown that it does not block non-adrenergic non-cholinergic responses mediated by nitric oxide. This has promoted further interest in using botulinum toxin A as a treatment for overactive smooth muscles and sphincters. The introduction of this therapy has made the treatment of several clinical conditions easier, in the outpatient setting, at a lower cost and without permanent complications. This review presents current data on the use of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Brisinda
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Agostino Gemelli", Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Sivestrini
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Agostino Gemelli", Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Bianco
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Agostino Gemelli", Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Maria
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Agostino Gemelli", Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Biofeedback and electrostimulation: Last chance or first choice for obstructed defecation? Surgery 2015; 157:405-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Vittal H, Pasricha PF. Botulinum toxin for gastrointestinal disorders: therapy and mechanisms. Neurotox Res 2006; 9:149-59. [PMID: 16785113 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum toxin has gained widespread acceptance as a treatment option for various spastic gastrointestinal disorders such as achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic anal fissures, and pelvic floor dyssnergia, despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its use in many of these diseases. This review summarizes the trials investigating the use of BoNT since it was first utilized as a treatment in achalasia. BoNT has proven to be safe, but long-term efficacy in many disorders has not been observed, primarily due to is relatively short duration of action. BoNT may be most useful in confirming a diagnosis which can lead to a more definitive treatment modality. Furthermore, its safety profile allows it to be a useful alternative in patients who are at high risk for invasive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Vittal
- Enteric Neuromuscular Disorders and Pain (END Pain) Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, 77555-0764, USA
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Brisinda G, Maria G, Bentivoglio AR, Cadeddu F, Marniga G, Brandara F, Albanese A. Management of bladder, prostatic and pelvic floor disorders. Neurotox Res 2006; 9:161-72. [PMID: 16785114 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Since its introduction in the late 1970s for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm, botulinum toxin (BoNT) has been increasingly used in the interventional treatment of several other disorders characterized by excessive or inappropriate muscle contractions. Over the years, the number of primary clinical publications has grown exponentially, and still continues to increase. It has been shown that BoNT blocks cholinergic nerve endings in the autonomic nervous system but does not block non-adrenergic non-cholinergic responses mediated by nitric oxide (NO). The present paper reviews a number of recent clinical indications for urological and pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as overactive and neurogenic bladder, non-bacterial prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic anal fissure, or conditions associated to hyperactivity of the puborectalis muscle during straining. These indications provide a new promising palette of indications for future usage of BoNT in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brisinda
- Department of Surgery, Catholic School of Medicine, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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Thornton MJ, Lam A, King DW. Laparoscopic or transanal repair of rectocele? A retrospective matched cohort study. Dis Colon Rectum 2005; 48:792-8. [PMID: 15785902 DOI: 10.1007/s10350-004-0843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to analyze the functional and physiologic outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic rectocele repair compared to a matched cohort undergoing transanal repair. METHODS Forty patients with a rectocele who had undergone laparoscopic pelvic floor repair by a laparoscopic gynecologist were matched for age and rectocele size with 40 patients who had undergone a transanal repair by a colorectal surgeon. All patients had clinical evidence of a symptomatic rectocele. All patients were assessed postoperatively with a quality of life (SF-36) score, a modified St. Mark's continence score, a urinary dysfunction score, a Watt's sexual dysfunction score, and a linear analog patient satisfaction score. Fifteen patients in each group had also undergone preoperative and postoperative anal manometry. RESULTS At 44 months median follow-up, the transanal approach resulted in significantly more patients reporting bowel symptom alleviation (P < 0.002) and higher patient satisfaction (P < 0.003). The bowel symptom improvement was also sustained over a significantly longer period (P < 0.03). Only 11 patients (28 percent) in the laparoscopic group reported more than 50 percent improvement in their bowel symptoms compared to 25 patients (63 percent) in the transanal group. On univariate analysis of 50 percent bowel symptom improvement, a larger rectocele (P < 0.009), transanal repair (P < 0.02), and presenting with obstructive defecation rather than fecal incontinence (P < 0.03) were statistically significant. Rectocele size (P < 0.012) and treatment cohort (P < 0.006) remained significant on multivariate analysis. Postoperatively, bowel symptom alleviation correlated with patient satisfaction in both groups (P < 0.015). Although not statistically significant, five patients (13 percent) in the transanal group developed postoperative fecal incontinence, which was associated with a low maximum anal resting pressure preoperatively that was further diminished postoperatively (P > 0.06). Only one patient (3 percent) in the laparoscopic group reported a decline in fecal continence, but four patients (10 percent) reported worsening of their symptoms of obstructed defecation. Postoperative dyspareunia was reported by 24 patients in total (30 percent), with significantly more in the transanal group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The transanal repair results in a statistically greater alleviation of bowel symptoms and greater patient satisfaction scores. However, this approach may have a greater degree of functional co-morbidity than the laparoscopic rectocele repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Thornton
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, St. George Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Sutcliffe RP, Sandiford NA, Khawaja HT. From frown lines to fissures: Therapeutic uses for botulinum toxin. Int J Surg 2005; 3:141-6. [PMID: 17462275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2005.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the pharmacological mode of action of botulinum toxin (BTX) has been elucidated, its therapeutic potential has been increasingly recognised. The aims of this review were to summarize our current understanding of the pharmacological action of this agent and to review its therapeutic uses. METHODS An electronic literature search with Medline (January 1965 to December 2004) was carried out to identify articles related to the pharmacological mode of action and clinical uses for botulinum toxin using the keyword "botulinum toxin". RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Botulinum toxin A is emerging as a valuable clinical tool, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in a wide variety of disorders, and is already the treatment of choice for selected conditions. Better understanding of its modes of action may identify alternative targets for pharmacological intervention, and may allow development of longer acting drugs with lower immunogenicity. Therapeutic uses of BTX-A must be assessed systematically in prospective studies, and the clinical role of other subtypes requires evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Sutcliffe
- Department of Surgery, Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, UK.
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Brisinda G, Cadeddu F, Brandara F, Maria G. Management of defecation disorders with botulinum neurotoxin. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004; 19:1131-3; author reply 1135-6. [PMID: 15142203 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01951.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Brisinda G, Bentivoglio AR, Maria G, Albanese A. Treatment with botulinum neurotoxin of gastrointestinal smooth muscles and sphincters spasms. Mov Disord 2004; 19 Suppl 8:S146-56. [PMID: 15027068 DOI: 10.1002/mds.20070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Local injections of botulinum neurotoxin are now considered an efficacious treatment for neurological and non-neurological conditions. One of the most recent achievements in the field is the observation that botulinum neurotoxin provides benefit in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Botulinum neurotoxin inhibits contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscles and sphincters; it has also been shown that the neurotoxin blocks cholinergic nerve endings in the autonomic nervous system, but it does not block nonadrenergic responses mediated by nitric oxide. This aspect has further promoted the interest to use botulinum neurotoxin as a treatment for overactive smooth muscles, such as the anal sphincters to treat anal fissure and outlet-type constipation, or the lower esophageal sphincter to treat esophageal achalasia. Knowledge of the anatomical and functional organization of innervation of the gastrointestinal tract is a prerequisite to understanding many features of botulinum neurotoxin action on the gut and the effects of injections placed into specific sphincters. This review presents current data on the use of botulinum neurotoxin to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and summarizes recent knowledge on the pathogenesis of disorders of the gut due to a dysfunction of the enteric nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Brisinda
- Istituto di Clinica Chirurgica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Maria G, Brisinda G, Civello IM, Bentivoglio AR, Sganga G, Albanese A. Relief by botulinum toxin of voiding dysfunction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology 2003; 62:259-64; discussion 264-5. [PMID: 12893330 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-4295(03)00477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the therapeutic role of botulinum toxin injection in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. After a baseline evaluation, each participant received 4 mL of solution injected into the prostate gland. Patients in the control group received saline solution and patients in the treated group received 200 U of botulinum toxin A. The outcome of each group was evaluated by comparing the symptom scores, serum prostate-specific antigen concentration, prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, and peak urinary flow rates. RESULTS Thirty consecutive patients were enrolled. No local complications or systemic side effects were observed in any patient. After 2 months, 13 patients in the treated group and 3 in the control group had subjective symptomatic relief (P = 0.0007). In patients who received botulinum toxin, the symptom score was reduced by 65% compared with baseline values and the serum prostate-specific antigen concentration by 51% from baseline. In patients who received saline, the symptom score and serum prostate-specific antigen concentration were not significantly changed compared with the baseline values and 1-month values. Follow-up averaged 19.6 +/- 3.8 months. CONCLUSIONS Botulinum toxin injected into the prostate seems to be a promising approach for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is safe, effective, and well-tolerated. Furthermore, it is not related to the patient's willingness to complete treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Maria
- Department of Surgery, Catholic School of Medicine, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotuan Zhao
- Enteric Neuromuscular Disorders and Pain (END Pain) Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA
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Maria G, Sganga G, Civello IM, Brisinda G. Botulinum neurotoxin and other treatments for fissure-in-ano and pelvic floor disorders. Br J Surg 2002; 89:950-61. [PMID: 12153619 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2168.2002.02121.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as chronic anal fissure and pelvic floor dysfunction, has undergone re-evaluation recently. To a large extent this is due to the advent of neurochemical treatments, such as botulinum neurotoxin injections and topical nitrate ointment. METHODS AND RESULTS This review presents, inter alia, current data on the use of botulinum neurotoxin to treat lower gastrointestinal tract diseases, such as chronic anal fissure for which it promotes healing and symptom relief in up to 70 per cent of cases. This agent has also been used selectively to weaken the external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle in constipation and in Parkinson's disease. Symptomatic improvement can also be induced in anterior rectocele by botulinum neurotoxin injections. CONCLUSION Botulinum neurotoxin appears to be a safe therapy for anal fissure. It is more efficacious than nitrate application and does not require patient compliance to complete treatment. While it may also be a promising approach for the treatment of chronic constipation due to pelvic floor dysfunction, further investigation of its efficacy and safety in this role is needed before general usage can be advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maria
- Department of Surgery, Catholic School of Medicine, University Hospital 'Agostino Gemelli', Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in general, and rectoceles, in particular, will continue to grow. The objectives of this article are to review the basic anatomy and contributing factors associated with the development of rectoceles and to discuss the appropriate work-up and treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS The main themes in the current literature stress the importance of not only anatomic restoration, but also quality of life issues regarding visceral and sexual function when performing a rectocele repair. Many recent studies are also evaluating the role of preoperative adjunctive tests to better evaluate women with combined pelvic floor disorders, while others are looking at outcomes data regarding the various surgical approaches to repair a rectocele. SUMMARY With significant advancements in pelvic anatomy over the last several decades the surgical approach to treating symptomatic rectoceles has evolved from the traditional posterior colporrhaphy with levator ani plication to the defect specific rectocele repair. While anatomic and overall functional outcomes have improved, one still needs to better define the correlation between defecatory dysfunction and a rectocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Segal
- Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, USA.
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