Usefulness of Anorectal Manometry for Diagnosing Continence Problems After a Low Anterior Resection

Effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on anorectal function assessed with anorectal manometry: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Improvement in oncological survival for rectal cancer increases attention to anorectal dysfunction. Diagnostic questionnaires can evaluate quality of life but are subjective and dependent on patients' compliance. Anorectal manometry can objectively assess the continence mechanism and identify functional sphincter weakness and rectal compliance. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is presumed to affect anorectal function. We aim to assess anorectal function in rectal cancer patients who undergo total mesorectal excision, with or without neoadjuvant chemoradiation, using anorectal manometry measurements.

METHOD

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies comparing perioperative anorectal manometry between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and upfront surgery for rectal cancers. Primary outcomes were resting pressure, squeeze pressure, sensory threshold volume and maximal tolerable volume.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in the systematic review, of which seven were included for metanalysis. 155 patients (45.3%) had neoadjuvant chemoradiation before definitive surgery, and 187 (54.6%) underwent upfront surgery. Most patients were male (238 vs. 118). The standardized mean difference of mean resting pressure, mean and maximum squeeze pressure, maximum resting pressure, sensory threshold volume, and maximal tolerable volume favored the upfront surgery group but without statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Currently available evidence on anorectal manometry protocols failed to show any statistically significant differences in functional outcomes between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and upfront surgery. Further large-scale prospective studies with standardized neoadjuvant chemoradiation and anorectal manometry protocols are needed to validate these findings.

Long term persistence and risk factors for anorectal symptoms following low anterior resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer is commonly treated by chemoradiation therapy, followed by the low anterior resection anal sphincter-preserving surgery, with a temporary protecting ileostomy. After reversal of the stoma a condition known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) can occur characterized by a combination of symptoms such as urgent bowel movements, lack of control over bowel movements, and difficulty fully emptying the bowels. These symptoms have a significant negative impact on the quality of life for individuals who have survived the cancer. Currently, there is limited available data regarding the presence, risk factors, and effects of treatment for these symptoms during long-term follow-up.

AIMS

To evaluate long term outcomes of low anterior resection surgery and its correlation to baseline anorectal manometry (ARM) parameters and physiotherapy with anorectal biofeedback (BF) treatment.

METHODS

One hundred fifteen patients (74 males, age 63 ± 11) who underwent low anterior resection surgery for rectal cancer were included in the study. Following surgery, patients were managed by surgical and oncologic team, with more symptomatic LARS patients referred for further evaluation and treatment by gastroenterologists. At follow up, patients were contacted and offered participation in a long term follow up by answering symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires.

RESULTS

80 (70%) patients agreed to participate in the long term follow up study (median 4 years from stoma reversal, range 1-8). Mean time from surgery to stoma closure was 6 ± 4 months. At long term follow up, mean LARS score was 30 (SD 11), with 55 (69%) patients classified as major LARS (score > 30). Presence of major LARS was associated with longer time from surgery to stoma reversal (6.8 vs. 4.8 months; p = 0.03) and with adjuvant chemotherapy (38% vs. 8%; p = 0.01). Patients initially referred for ARM and BF were more likely to suffer from major LARS at long term follow up (64% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients who underwent perioperative ARM (n = 36), higher maximal squeeze pressure, higher maximal incremental squeeze pressure and higher rectal pressure on push were all associated with better long-term outcomes of QOL parameters (p < 0.05 for all). 21(54%) of patients referred to ARM were treated with BF, but long term outcomes for these patients were not different from those who did not perform BF.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients continue to experience severe symptoms and a decline in their quality of life even 4 years after undergoing low anterior resection surgery. Prolonged time until stoma reversal and adjuvant chemotherapy emerged as the primary risk factors for a negative prognosis. It is important to note that referring patients for anorectal physiology testing alone tended to predict poorer long-term outcomes, indicating the presence of selection bias. However, certain measurable manometric parameters could potentially aid in identifying patients who are at a higher risk of experiencing unfavorable functional outcomes. There is a critical need to enhance current treatment options for this patient group.

Optimizing the Utility of Anorectal Manometry for Diagnosis and Therapy: A Roundtable Review and Recommendations

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a comprehensive diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with constipation, fecal incontinence, or anorectal pain; however, it is not widely utilized for reasons that remain unclear. The aim of this roundtable discussion was to critically examine the current clinical practices of ARM and biofeedback therapy by physicians and surgeons in both academic and community settings.

METHODS

Leaders in medical and surgical gastroenterology and physical therapy with interest in anorectal disorders were surveyed regarding practice patterns and utilization of these technologies. Subsequently, a roundtable was held to discuss survey results, explore current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges with these technologies, review the literature, and generate consensus-based recommendations.

RESULTS

ARM identifies key pathophysiological abnormalities such as dyssynergic defecation, anal sphincter weakness, or rectal sensory dysfunction, and is a critical component of biofeedback therapy, an evidence-based treatment for patients with dyssynergic defecation and fecal incontinence. Additionally, ARM has the potential to enhance health-related quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. However, it has significant barriers that include a lack of education and training of healthcare providers regarding the utility and availability of ARM and biofeedback procedures, as well as challenges with condition-specific testing protocols and interpretation. Additional barriers include understanding when to perform, where to refer, and how to use these technologies, and confusion over billing practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Overcoming these challenges with appropriate education, training, collaborative research, and evidence-based guidelines for ARM testing and biofeedback therapy could significantly enhance patient care of anorectal disorders.

Should anorectal manometry be routine before stoma reversal in patients after an intersphincteric resection?

INTRODUCTION

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is sometimes performed before ostomy reversal in patients with an intersphincteric resection (ISR) to predict bowel function. However, no clinical predictive data exist regarding its utility.

METHODS

The single-centre, retrospective data of ISR patients who had an ARM prior to ostomy reversal, and bowel functional assessment with the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and Wexner incontinence scores at least 6 months after reversal, were considered. Correlation statistics were performed with each of the manometric parameters and functional outcome categories.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients were included. The median basal and squeeze pressures were 41 and 100 mmHg, respectively. Any LARS (score ≥20) and major incontinence (score ≥11) was observed in 51.7% and 16.9%, respectively. None of the manometric parameters (median basal or maximum squeeze pressure, anal canal length, volume at urge and the ability to expel) correlated with LARS or incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Anorectal manometry (ARM) before ostomy reversal to predict bowel function at 6 months or beyond was not helpful in patients with an ISR and diverting stoma. No manometric parameter correlated with the LARS or Wexner incontinence scores.

Effects of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for anorectal function in locally advanced rectal cancer patients: a study protocol for a prospective, observational, controlled, multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and total mesorectal excision are standard treatment regimen for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This sphincter-saving treatment strategy may be accompanied by a series of anorectal functional disorders. Yet, prospective studies that dynamically evaluating the respective roles of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery on anorectal function are lacking.

PATIENTS/DESIGN

The study is a prospective, observational, controlled, multicentre study. After screening for eligibility and obtaining informed consent, a total of 402 LARC patients undergoing NCRT followed by surgery, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, or surgery only would be included in the trial. The primary outcome measure is the average resting pressure of anal sphincter. The secondary outcome measures are maximum anal sphincter contraction pressure, Wexner continence score and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Evaluations will be carried out at the following stages: baseline (T1), after radiotherapy or chemotherapy (before surgery, T2), after surgery (before closing the temporary stoma, T3), and at follow-up visits (every 3 to 6 months, T4, T5……). Follow-up for each patient will be at least 2 years.

DISCUSSION

We expect the program to provide more information of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy on anorectal function, and to optimize the treatment strategy to reduce anorectal dysfunction for LARC patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05671809). Registered on 26 December 2022.

Clinical impact of the triple-layered circular stapler for reducing the anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery: Porcine model and multicenter retrospective cohort analysis

Aim

To investigate the impact of the triple-layered circular stapler compared with the double-layered circular stapler on anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

The bursting pressure was compared between porcine ileocolic anastomoses created using a double- or triple-layered stapler. We also retrospectively analyzed the incidence of severe anastomotic leakage in 194 patients who underwent colorectal anastomosis using a double- or triple-layered circular stapler during rectal cancer resection performed in two cancer centers between January 2015 and April 2021.

Results

In the porcine model, the bursting pressure was higher in anastomoses created using the triple-layered stapler than the double-layered stapler (end-to-end anastomosis: 26.4 ± 6.2 mm Hg vs 14.5 ± 4.3 mm Hg, P = .0031; side-to-side anastomosis: 27.7 ± 5.0 mm Hg vs 18.0 ± 2.9 mm Hg, P = .0275). Intersectional leakage occurred in 41% and 83% of anastomoses created using the triple- or double-layered stapler, respectively (P = .0821). In the clinical cohort, the double- and triple-layered stapler was used in 153 and 41 patients, respectively. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was lower for anastomoses created using the triple-layered stapler vs the double-layered stapler (0.0% vs 5.8%, P = .0362). In multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage were female sex (odds ratio: 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.90, P = .0354) and triple-layered stapler usage (odds ratio: 0.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.96, P = .0465).

Conclusion

Anastomoses created using a triple-layered circular stapler had high bursting pressure, which might contribute to a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery.

Functional outcomes after sphincter-preserving surgeries for low-lying rectal cancer: A review

Sphincter preservation and organ restoration during rectal cancer surgery avoids permanent stoma creation and diminishes psychosocial damages. However, decreased rectal volumes and sphincter dysfunction—including pelvic nerve damage—results in low anterior resection syndrome, as well as urinary and sexual dysfunction after rectal resection. Bowel habit changes such as fecal incontinence, fecal urgency, frequent bowel movements, clustered stools, and difficulties in bowel emptying can be treated using medications, pelvic floor rehabilitation, sacral neuromodulation, or neorectal reservoir reconstruction. Pelvic nerve damage resulting from superior and inferior hypogastric plexi during sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery can induce urologic and sexual dysfunctions. Preoperative voiding difficulty, perioperative blood loss, and autonomic nerve injury are considered independent risk factors for postoperative urinary dysfunction. Retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, female dyspareunia, and vaginal dryness are manifestations of sexual dysfunction resulting from autonomic nerve injury during rectal cancer surgery. Multifactorial causes for functional outcomes after sphincter- preserving surgeries are considered to improve patient’s quality of life with acceptable oncologic outcomes in the treatment of rectal cancer patients.

Assessment of defecation function after sphincter-saving resection for mid to low rectal cancer: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Patients with mid-to low-rectal cancer can have various dysfunctions of defecation after sphincter-saving resection. Defecation dysfunction can manifest as incontinence, urgency, or frequent bowel movements, and is called low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This study aimed to examine LARS score and objective anorectal function indices in Chinese patients receiving sphincter-saving surgery for mid-to low-rectal cancer.

METHOD

This was a single-center cross-sectional study of patients undergoing sphincter-saving resection for low- or mid-rectal cancer and had restoration of trans-anal defecation for at least 1 month seen between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics, and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score and high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) were used to assess defecation function. Multivariable analysis was used to identify variables significantly associated with defecation dysfunction.

RESULTS

146 patients completed and returned the questionnaires. 25 healthy adults also participated as control group for the anorectal manometry. Approximately 76% of patients developed LARS after surgery, of which 35.6% had major LARS. In these patients, anorectal manometry indices including initial rectal sensory capacity and rectal fecal sensory capacity, were significantly lower than normal. Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative chemo-radiotherapy and the tumor inferior margins being close to the dentate line, especially 2-5 cm, were independent risk factors for defecation dysfunction after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Defecation dysfunction is a frequent occurrence after sphincter-saving resection for mid- and low-rectal cancer. Preoperative chemo-radiotherapy and a shorter tumor inferior margins distance to the dentate line are independent factors for defecation dysfunction.

Long-Term Anorectal Manometry Outcomes After Laparoscopic and Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

Background: During transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), sustained dilation of the anal canal occurs, which can cause anatomical and functional damage to the sphincter complex. This study aimed to analyze the impact of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME) and TaTME in anorectal sphincter function. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted comparing two cohorts of patients who underwent LaTME or TaTME for rectal cancer. The two groups were paired for comparison based on age, gender, and distance of the neoplasm to the anal margin. The anorectal function was assessed by manometry before surgery and at least 6 months after primary intervention or stoma closure. The intestinal function was assessed using the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Results: Twenty-two patients were included. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups except for the time between surgery and testing. A decrease in the mean resting and squeeze pressures between pre- and postoperative manometry was observed in both the treatment groups, the difference being only significant in the squeeze pressure values (TaTME P = .003; LaTME P = .004). After surgery, squeeze pressure reduction correlated with a worsening of the LARS point count (rho 0.587; P = .004). The time elapsed since surgery was negatively correlated with the LARS point count (rho -0.696; P = .001) and the difference between pre- and postoperative mean squeeze pressures (rho -0.499; P = .018). Conclusion: Manometric findings after TME are comparable between the laparoscopic and the transanal approach. Deterioration of both anal sphincter function and LARS improves with time after surgery.

Predictors of permanent stoma creation in patients with mid or low rectal cancer: results of a multicentre cohort study with preoperative evaluation of anal function

AIM

Preoperative factors predictive of permanent stoma creation were investigated in a long-term follow-up of patients with mid or low rectal cancer.

METHOD

We included patients who underwent radical resection for mid or low rectal cancer with available data for preoperative anal function measured by manometry and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index questionnaire between January 2005 and December 2015 in three tertiary referral hospitals. A permanent stoma was defined as a stoma present until the patient's last follow-up visit or death. Preoperative factors that predicted permanent stoma creation were analysed.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 57.4 months (range 12-143 months), a permanent stoma was created in 144/577 (25.0%) patients, including 89 (15.4%) who underwent abdominoperineal resection, one (0.2%) who underwent Hartmann's operation without reversal, 15 (2.6%) with a diverting ileostomy at the time of initial sphincter-preserving surgery without undergoing stoma reversal, and 39 (6.8%) who underwent permanent ileostomy formation after sphincter-preserving surgery. Patients with permanent stoma creation had a shorter tumour distance from the anal verge (P < 0.001), larger tumour size (P = 0.020) and higher preoperative Faecal Incontinence Severity Index score (P = 0.020). On multivariable analysis, tumour distance from the anal verge predicted permanent stoma formation (relative risk 0.53 per centimetre increase; 95% confidence interval 0.46-0.60; P < 0.001) but preoperative anal function did not.

CONCLUSION

Tumour distance from the anal verge was the only preoperative determinant of permanent stoma creation in rectal cancer patients. These data may help mid and low rectal cancer patients understand the need for permanent stoma.

Manometric assessment of anorectal function after transanal total mesorectal excision

BACKGROUND

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is common following surgery for mid and low rectal cancer. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) involves intraoperative stretching of the anal sphincter while an anal single port is placed, which can potentially further disturb anorectal function. The aim of our study was to systematically assess anal function after TaTME using anorectal manometry and questionnaires.

METHODS

Patients who had TaTME for rectal cancer at our institution were prospectively assessed by means of anorectal manometry and the standard LARS score. The primary endpoint was the resting pressure to assess internal sphincter damage and the secondary endpoints were squeeze pressure to assess external anal sphincter and analysis of correlation between LARS score and these two manometry parameters. Patients who had laparoscopic TME (LaTME) served as a control group.

RESULTS

Out of 81 patients invited to participate 48 accepted. There were 36 in theTaTMEgroup, and 12 in the LaTMEgroup. The mean follow-up time from the index operation date to the assessment date was 41.34 months (± SD 24.834). The mean resting pressure did not differ significantly between the groups (36.44 mmHg ± 18.514 and 36.58 mmHg ± 13.318 in the TaTME and LaTME groups, respectively, p = 0.981). The mean squeeze pressure was also comparable (125.00 mmHg ± 66.141 and 111.83 mmHg ± 51.111 in the TaTME and LaTME groups, respectively, p = 0.533). The mean LARS score was comparable and showed comparable results. The analysis of correlation between LARS score and manometry parameters showed no significant associations between resting or squeeze pressure and L:ARS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Following TME surgery, the resting and squeeze pressures of the anal sphincter measured by manometry were generally decreased, with no differences between the transanal and laparoscopic approaches.

Preoperative incremental maximum squeeze pressure as a predictor of fecal incontinence after very low anterior resection for low rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Very low anterior resection (VLAR) is performed widely, but some patients are left with fecal incontinence (FI), which compromises their quality of life (QOL) severely. This study sought to identify the predictive factors of postoperative FI after VLAR, which remain unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated the anorectal manometry data of patients who underwent VLAR to identify the risk factors for postoperative FI among the various clinicopathological factors and manometric characteristics. FI and QOL were analyzed using the Wexner score and EORTC QLQ-C30, respectively.

RESULTS

The subjects of this study were 40 patients who underwent VLAR for low rectal cancer between April, 2015 and May, 2018. There were 11 (27%) patients in the major-FI group and 29 (73%) in the minor-FI group. Multivariate analysis revealed that low preoperative incremental maximum squeeze pressure (iMSP) was an independent risk factor for postoperative major-FI. Postoperative QOL tended to be worse in the major-FI group.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative low iMSP increases the risk of major-FI and impaired QOL after VLAR. This highlights the importance of performing preoperative anorectal manometry to evaluate the patient's anal function as well as to select the most appropriate operative procedure and early multifaceted treatment such as medication, rehabilitation, and biofeedback for postoperative FI.

Postoperative Bowel Function After Anal Sphincter-Preserving Rectal Cancer Surgery: Risks Factors, Diagnostic Modalities, and Management

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) refers to a disturbance of bowel function that commonly manifests within 1 month after rectal cancer surgery. A low level of anastomosis and chemoradiotherapy have been consistently found to be risk factors for developing LARS. Thorough history taking and physical examination with adjunctive procedures are essential when evaluating patients with LARS. Anorectal manometry, fecoflowmetry, and validated questionnaires are important tools for assessing the quality of life of patients with LARS. Conservative management (medical, physiotherapy, transanal irrigation), invasive procedures (neuromodulation), and multimodal therapy are the mainstay of treatment for patients with LARS. A stoma could be considered when other treatment modalities have failed. An initial meticulous surgical procedure for rectal cancer, creation of a neorectal reservoir during anastomosis, and proper exercise of the anal sphincter muscle (Kegel’s maneuver) are essential to combat LARS. Pretreatment counseling is a crucial step for patients who have risk factors for developing LARS.

Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation for Bowel Dysfunction After Intersphincteric Resection for Lower Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) for patients with bowel dysfunction after intersphincteric resection (ISR) and to compare the treatment response to that of patients after low anterior resection (LAR).

METHODS

Thirty patients with postoperative bowel dysfunction for more than 6 months were enrolled and treated with PFR for 6 months.

RESULTS

In the ISR group, significant improvements in the number of bowel movements and the use of antidiarrheal medications were observed, but no significant improvement was observed in the Wexner score (WS) and the fecal incontinence severity index (FISI). Meanwhile, in the LAR group, WS and FISI were better post-treatment than pre-treatment (WS: 10.7-5.7; p = 0.01, FISI: 28-11; p = 0.01). In the assessment of fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL), only the Coping/Behavior category was improved in the ISR group (1.56 before, 2.16 after PFR; p = 0.01), while all four categories were improved significantly in the LAR group. The anorectal manometric examination showed no significant increase in sphincter pressure and the tolerable volume in patients after ISR.

CONCLUSIONS

PFR improved several clinical symptoms of patients after ISR. Compared with patients after LAR, patients after ISR showed an insufficient response to PFR in improving fecal incontinence. Considering the result of the generalized assessment of the quality of life scale, PFR may offer a therapeutic effect for several symptoms of patients after ISR.