Surgical outcomes of subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic caecorectal anastomosis vs total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for intractable slow-transit constipation

Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Constipation

Functional constipation is a common clinical diagnosis that affects approximately 14% of the world's population. Non-pharmacological therapies often represent the initial steps in management and may include lifestyle adjustments or changes such as physical activity and diet. Pharmacological options have been used when the non-pharmacological approach has been ineffective. Biofeedback therapy, surgery, sacral nerve stimulation, botulinum toxin injection, and vibrating capsules can be considered in scenarios where the laxatives are ineffective. Biofeedback therapy is highly effective and safe in treating dyssynergic defecation, which affects more than half of patients with chronic constipation. This paper overviews non-pharmacological therapies for functional constipation.

Superior Rectal Artery Preservation in Laparoscopically Assisted Subtotal Colectomy and Ileorectal Anastomosis for Slow-Transit Constipation

Our previous retrospective observational study demonstrated the safety of laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA), without instances of leakage, in patients with slow-transit constipation (STC). Thus, we extended the enrollment period and enlarged the sample size to detect the differences in the postoperative complications and surgical and functional outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with and without SRA preservation. We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of patients with STC who underwent laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy between 2016 and 2020. The diagnosis of STC was based on the colonic transit and anal functional tests and barium enema to exclude secondary causes. Patients were divided into group A, which underwent surgery with SRA preservation, and group B, which underwent ligation of the SRA during surgery. Outcome assessments for both groups included the incidence of anastomotic breakdown, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, and complications. Propensity score matching allocated 34 patients to groups A and B each. Postoperative bowel function, including time to first flatus, stool, and oral intake, recovered better in group A than in group B. Anastomotic leakage, a significant postoperative complication, was less frequent in patients with SRA preservation. In conclusion, preservation of the SRA in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for STC is associated with favorable postoperative bowel function recovery and lower anastomotic leakage rates.

Comparing the short-term clinical outcomes and therapeutic effects of different colectomies in patients with refractory slow-transit constipation in eastern countries: a network meta-analysis

Surgical treatment has been widely used in patients with refractory slow transit constipation (RSTC). The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the effects of different colectomies on short-term postoperative complications and quality of life in patients with RSTC. Electronic literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, WANFANG DATA, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials databases and were searched up to December 2022. Selected to compare the short-term clinical outcomes and quality of life of the treatment of RSTC. A random-effects Bayesian NMA was conducted to assess and rank the effectiveness of different surgical modalities. This study included a total of six non-randomized controlled trials involving 336 subjects. It was found that subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (CRA) demonstrated superior effectiveness in several aspects, including reduced hospital stay (MD 0.06; 95% CI [0.02, 1.96]), shorter operative time (MD 4.75; 95% CI [0.28, 14.07]), lower constipation index (MD 0.61; 95% CI [0.04, 1.71]), improved quality of life (MD 4.42; 95% CI [0.48, 4.42]). Additionally, in terms of short-term clinical outcomes, subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoidal anastomosis (SC-ISA) procedure ranked the highest in reducing small bowel obstruction (OR 0.24; 95% CI [0.02, 0.49]), alleviating abdominal pain (OR 0.53; 95% CI [0.05, 1.14]), minimizing abdominal distension (OR 0.33; 95% CI [0.02, 0.65]), and reducing incision infection rates (OR 0.17; 95% CI [0.01, 0.33]). Furthermore, SC-ISA ranked as the best approach in terms of patient satisfaction (OR 0.66; 95% CI [0.02, 1.46]). Based on our research findings, we recommend that CRA be considered as the preferred treatment approach for patients diagnosed with RSTC.

Surgery for chronic idiopathic constipation: pediatric and adult patients - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a substantial problem in pediatric and adult patients with similar symptoms and workup; however, surgical management of these populations differs. We systematically reviewed the trends and outcomes in the surgical management of CIC in pediatric and adult populations.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov between January 1, 1995 and June 26, 2020. Clinical trials and retrospective and prospective studies of patients of any age with a diagnosis of CIC with data of at least 1 outcome of interest were selected. The interventions included surgical resection for constipation or antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedures. The outcome measures included bowel movement frequency, abdominal pain, laxative use, satisfaction, complications, and reinterventions.

RESULTS

Adult patients were most likely to undergo resection (94%), whereas pediatric patients were more likely to undergo ACE procedures (96%) as their primary surgery. Both ACE procedures and resections were noted to improve symptoms of CIC; however, ACE procedures were associated with higher complication and reintervention rates.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of CIC in pediatric and adult patients differs with pediatric patients receiving ACE procedures and adults undergoing resections. The evaluation of resections and long-term ACE data in pediatric patients should be performed to inform patients and physicians whether an ACE is an appropriate procedure despite high complication and reintervention rates or whether resections should be considered as an initial approach for CIC.

Degree of transverse colon ptosis: an alternative surrogate for evaluation of slow transit constipation

Background

Although transverse colon ptosis (TCP) is commonly diagnosed in patients with constipation, it has not attracted significant attention in the evaluation of constipation. Herein, we assessed the correlation between TCP-related radiological parameters and the severity of slow transit constipation (STC).

Methods

This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study, with participants enrolled between 2012 and 2020 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. STC was diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria and results of colonic transit test (CTT); healthy volunteers were also recruited as controls. All participants were examined using abdominal X-rays (AXRs) to acquire the radiological parameters related to TCP. Among these parameters, the degree of TCP (DTCP) was defined as the vertical distance from the top of the splenic flexure to the lowest point of the reverse colon. The Wexner Constipation Score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to assess clinical severity. After multivariable linear regression, the correlations between radiological parameters and severity of STC were investigated. We also explored the differences in radiological parameters between the operation and the conservative group.

Results

The study included 139 patients with STC and 125 healthy people in as the normal control (NC). Patients with STC probably had larger DTCPs than those in the NC group (242.27±25.86 vs. 93.00±32.57 mm; P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that TCP-related parameters were consistent with the symptom severity of STC [e.g., parameter DTCP was strongly correlated with Wexner Constipation Score, with a β coefficient (95% CI) of 8.63 (8.24-9.02), P<0.001]. Multivariable linear regression models showed that patients with a larger DTCP were more likely to undergo surgery (23.67; 95% CI: 1.40-45.94; P=0.04).

Conclusions

TCP-related parameters, especially the DTCP, may serve as novel and feasible alternative indices for the assessment of STC. However, the potential value of DTCP in assisting the evaluation of STC needs to be confirmed in study with a larger sample size.

Laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation

To investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA) and laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (SC-ACRA) on adults with slow transit constipation (STC). One hundred and three patients with STC were assigned to the TC-IRA group (n = 53) and the SC-ACRA group (n = 50). The clinical data were analyzed. The surgery was successful in all patients (100%). Significantly (P = 0.03) more patients took anti-laxatives during hospitalization in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (39.62% vs. 20.00%). Abdominal pain and distension was present in 33.96% and 32.00% patients in the TC-IRA and SC-ACRA group, respectively, which decreased insignificantly (P > 0.05) to 18.87% and 18.00% 24 months after surgery, respectively. The postoperative Wexner and gastrointestinal quality of life (GIQLI) scores were not significantly different (P > 0.05) at all times after surgery in both groups. The defecation frequency decreased in both groups, and the average defecation frequency was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (3.91 ± 1.23 vs. 3.14 ± 1.15 times/day) at 3 months. Three months after surgery, significantly (P < 0.05) fewer patients were satisfied with defecation frequency in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (29 vs. 37 patients), whereas the number of patients who were willing to choose the same procedure again was not significantly (P > 0.05) different between the two groups. The WIS score of patients was significantly (P = 0.035) higher in the TC-IRA than the SC-ACRA group (6 vs. 5) 3 months later. TC-IRA and SC-ACRA are both safe and effective for adult slow transit constipation, and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. Even though SC-ACRA has better early defecation frequency, postoperative antidiarrheal application and satisfaction, the long-term follow-up effects are similar.

Advances in surgical treatment of dolichocolon

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a common disease with an increasing incidence in recent years. Studies have shown that dolichocolon is the most common cause of STC. For patients with severe symptoms, the effect of medical treatment is unsatisfactory, and most patients need surgical treatment. Through comparison, our team found that subtotal colon colectomy is an ideal surgical method for the treatment of STC caused by dolichocolon, and the operation can significantly improve the patient's defecation. In addition, the application of laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery to subtotal colon colectomy effectively reduces postoperative complications, shortens hospital stay, and improves patient satisfaction. Future deep clinical research of STC can promote the improvement of the overall level of its diagnosis and treatment.

Analysis of Key Genes for Slow Transit Constipation Based on RNA Sequencing

Purpose

This study aims to identify key genes in slow transit constipation (STC). We also sought to explore the potential link between STC and colorectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

mRNA expression profiles were obtained by RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was explored, and differentially expressed genes common to STC and colorectal cancer were examined. Analysis of the effect of constipation and colorectal cancer common genes on the overall survival of colorectal cancer patients based on GEPIA database.

Results

Functional enrichment showed that significantly different genes are related to lymphocyte chemotaxis, positive regulation of inflammatory response, cellular response to tumor necrosis factor, extracellular region, extracellular space and chemokine activity. The hub gene for STC was found in the PPI network. In addition, AQP8 and CFD were common differential genes for STC and colorectal cancer. AQP8 affects overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings will contribute to understanding the pathology of STC at the molecular level, with the first discovery that AQP8 may be a hub gene in the transition from STC to colorectal cancer.

Cecorectal (CRA) versus ileorectal (IRA) anastomosis after colectomy for slow transit constipation (STC): a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

We conducted this meta-analysis, to compare cecorectal (CRA) and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA), regarding perioperative safety and efficacy, in patients submitted to colectomy for refractory slow transit constipation (STC).

METHODS

This study followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines. To identify all eligible records, a systematic literature search in the electronic scholar databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 5 trials and 291 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled comparisons confirmed the comparability of the two techniques regarding perioperative complications (p = 0.55). CRA was associated with a shorter operation (p = 0.0004) and hospitalization duration (p = 0.001). Although there was no difference in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction, CRA resulted in lower long-term Wexner scores (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Due to several study limitations, further large-scale RCTs are required to verify the findings of the present meta-analysis.

Role of gut microbiota in functional constipation

Functional constipation (FC) is common, yet the etiology is not clear. Accumulating evidence suggests an association between FC and abnormal gut microbiota. The relationship between the gut microbiota and the gut transit is likely bidirectional. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the impact of gut microbiota on the pathogenesis of FC. By modulating the colonic motility, secretion, and absorption, gut microbiota may contribute to the development of FC through microbial metabolic activities involving bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and methane. In support of the key roles of the gut microbiota in FC, treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and traditional Chinese medicine often result in compositional and functional changes in the gut microbiota. Further studies on the pathogenesis of FC and the therapeutic mechanism of microecological agents will provide a knowledge base for better management of FC.

Application effect of catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery for slow transit constipation: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery has been used for treating slow transit constipation (STC) widely. However, the application effect of catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery for STC are unclear. This study aims to evaluate the application effect of catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery for STC.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials of catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of STC will be searched in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and China biomedical literature database from inception to July, 2020. And Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Chinese Clinical Trials Registry will be searched to obtain more relevant studies comprehensively. Two researchers will perform data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. Statistical analysis will be conducted in RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

This study will summarize the present evidence by exploring the application effect of catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of STC.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study will provide helpful evidence for the application effect of catgut-embedding therapy combined with minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of STC, facilitating clinical practice and further scientific studies.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The private information from individuals will not publish. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/7HVZB.