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O'Connor A, Byrne CM, Vasant DH, Sharma A, Liao D, Klarskov N, Kiff ES, Telford K. Current and future perspectives on the utility of provocative tests of anal sphincter function: A state-of-the-art summary. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022:e14496. [PMID: 36377815 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maintenance of fecal continence depends upon coordinated interactions between the pelvic floor, anorectum, and anal sphincter complex orchestrated by central and peripheral neural activities. The current techniques to objectively measure anorectal function rely on fixed diameter catheters placed inside the anal canal with a rectal balloon to obtain measurements of anal resting and squeeze function, and rectal compliance. Until recently it had not been possible to measure the distensibility of the anal canal, or in other words its ability to resist opening against an increasing pressure, which has been proposed as the main determinant of a biological sphincter's function. Anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) and the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) are two novel, provocative techniques that dynamically assess the anal sphincter complex under volume-controlled distension. In doing so, both provide information on the viscoelastic properties of the anal canal and offer new insights into its function. PURPOSE This review details the current and potential future applications of AAR and FLIP and highlights the unanswered questions relevant to these new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O'Connor
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline M Byrne
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dipesh H Vasant
- Neurogastroenterology Unit, Gastroenterology, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Abhiram Sharma
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Donghua Liao
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Niels Klarskov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Edward S Kiff
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Karen Telford
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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2
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Fang J, Ye J, Huang Q, Lin Y, Weng Y, Wang M, Chen Y, Lu Y, Zhang R. Risk factors of pelvic floor muscle strength in south Chinese women: a retrospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:624. [PMID: 35933360 PMCID: PMC9356495 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength using surface electromyography and risk factors for pelvic floor muscle strength in the early postpartum period. Methods This retrospective study included 21,302 participants who visited Fujian
Maternity and Child Health Hospital from September 2019 to February 2022. All participants
were assessed by
medical professionals for general information and surface electromyography. Results Univariate analysis indicated that age was inversely related to tonic and endurance contractions. In contrast, all the other variables, including education level, body mass index, neonatal weight, and number of fetuses, had a positive impact on rapid, tonic, and endurance contractions. Likewise, parity was also positively associated with rapid contractions. In addition, compared with vaginal delivery, cesarean section delivery had a protective effect on the amplitude of the three types of contractions. Stepwise regression analysis showed that both age and neonatal weight had a negative linear relationship with the amplitude of rapid, tonic and endurance contractions. In contrast, the amplitude of rapid, tonic and endurance contractions significantly increased as body mass index, parity (≤ 3), education level and gestational weight gain (endurance contractions only) increased. Participants with cesarean section delivery showed positive effects on rapid, tonic, and endurance contractions compared to participants with vaginal delivery. Conclusions We found that age, neonatal weight, vaginal delivery, episiotomy, and forceps delivery were risk factors for pelvic floor muscle strength; in contrast, body mass index, parity (≤ 3) and gestational weight gain had a positive relationship with pelvic floor muscle strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqi Fang
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajia Ye
- Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian, 350000, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Huang
- College of Environment and Public Health, Xiamen Huaxia University, Xiamen Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilin Weng
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronghua Zhang
- Department of Women's Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Rehabilitation Assessment, Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350000, People's Republic of China.
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Mittal RK, Tuttle LJ. Anorectal Anatomy and Function. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2022; 51:1-23. [PMID: 35135656 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Anatomy of pelvic floor muscles has long been controversial. Novel imaging modalities, such as three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound imaging, MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging, have revealed unique myoarchitecture of the external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle. High-resolution anal manometry, high-definition anal manometry, and functional luminal imaging probe are important new tools to assess anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle function. Increased understanding of the structure and function of anal sphincter complex/pelvic floor muscle has improved the ability to diagnose patients with pelvic floor disorders. New therapeutic modalities to treat anal/fecal incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders will emerge in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder K Mittal
- Department of Medicine/Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, ACTRI, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0061, La Jolla, CA 92093-0990, USA.
| | - Lori J Tuttle
- Department of Medicine/Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, USA; San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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4
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Banasiuk M, Dobrowolska ME, Skowrońska B, Konys J, Banaszkiewicz A. Comparison of Anorectal Function as Measured with High-Resolution and High-Definition Anorectal Manometry. Dig Dis 2021; 40:448-457. [PMID: 34515101 DOI: 10.1159/000518357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anorectal manometry (ARM) provides comprehensive assessment of pressure activity in the rectum and anal canal. Absolute pressure values might depend on the catheter used. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to compare the results obtained by different anorectal catheters in children with functional anorectal disorders. METHODS Children diagnosed with functional defecation disorders based on the Rome IV criteria were prospectively enrolled. ARM was performed in the supine position successively using 2 different probes in each patient in random order. Resting, squeeze pressures, and bear-down maneuver variables obtained by high-resolution (2-dimensional [2D]) and high-definition (3-dimensional [3D]) catheters were compared. RESULTS We prospectively included 100 children {mean age 7.5 [standard deviation (SD) ± 4.3] years; 62 boys}. Mean resting pressures were significantly higher when measured with the 3D than with the 2D catheter (71 [SD ± 19.4] vs. 65 [SD ± 20.1] mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.000). Intrarectal pressure measured by 3D and 2D catheters was similar (35 vs. 39 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.761), but the percent of anal relaxation appeared to be higher for the 3D than for the 2D probe (12 vs. 5%, respectively; p = 0.002). Dyssynergic defecation (DD) was diagnosed in 41/71 patients (57.7%) using the 3D probe and in 51/71 children (71.8%) using the 2D probe (p = 0.044). Cohen's kappa showed only fair agreement between the catheters (κ = 0.40) in diagnosis of DD. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated significantly different values of pressures obtained with different types of catheters. Normal ranges for conventional manometry cannot be applied to high-resolution systems, and results obtained by different types of manometry cannot be compared without adjustments (NCT02812823).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Banasiuk
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Barbara Skowrońska
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Konys
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Banaszkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Tai JW, Sorkhi SR, Trivedi I, Sakamoto K, Albo M, Bhargava V, Rajasekaran MR. Evaluation of Age- and Radical-Prostatectomy Related Changes in Male Pelvic Floor Anatomy Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 3-Dimensional Reconstruction. World J Mens Health 2020; 39:566-575. [PMID: 32648374 PMCID: PMC8255398 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Puborectalis muscles (PRM) and ischiocavernosus muscles (ICM) play important roles in urinary continence and male erectile functions. Understanding of anatomy and surgical-injury related changes to these muscles is critical to monitor changes in continence or erectile function. Anatomical description of these muscles has undergone revisions because these conclusions were derived from cadavers. Our objectives were to: (i) elucidate male pelvic muscles by in-vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of these images and (ii) compare PRM and ICM thickness in healthy volunteers and symptomatic patients. Materials and Methods Healthy young male (mean age, 25 years; n=5), older male (age, 65–70 years; n=5), and post-prostatectomy patients with erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence (age, 65–70 years; n=5) were scanned on a 3T-magnetic resonance scanner. Images were acquired from slices above urinary bladder base to urethra entry into penis. Pelvic bone, bladder/urethra, corpus cavernosum, ICM, PRM, and prostate were segmented. 3-D models of each structure were generated and assembled into composite images, and ICM and PRM thicknesses were calculated. Results We successfully reconstructed 3-D male pelvic floor anatomy including ICM, PRM, bladder, urethra, bulbospongiosus, corpus cavernosa, prostate and bones from the two groups. We documented significant reduction in PRM and ICM thickness in older men. Conclusions This is perhaps the first 3-D reconstruction of male pelvic floor structures based on in-vivo MRI in healthy and symptomatic patients. Observed reduction in PRM and ICM thickness is possibly due to age-related atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse W Tai
- Department of Urology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Samuel R Sorkhi
- Department of Urology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ishika Trivedi
- Department of Urology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kyoko Sakamoto
- Department of Urology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael Albo
- Department of Urology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Valmik Bhargava
- Division of Cardiology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mahadevan Raj Rajasekaran
- Department of Urology, San Diego VA Healthcare System & University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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6
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Zifan A, Sun C, Gourcerol G, Leroi AM, Mittal RK. Endoflip vs high-definition manometry in the assessment of fecal incontinence: A data-driven unsupervised comparison. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30:e13462. [PMID: 30216661 PMCID: PMC6249043 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND How much anal sphincter dysfunction contributes to fecal incontinence (FI) is not clear. High-definition anorectal manometry (HDAM) and functional luminal imaging probe (Endoflip) are two new techniques to study anal sphincter function. AIMS The goal was to compare the diagnostic utility of HDAM and Endoflip using optimal feature(s) in each modality for FI diagnosis. METHODS Blinded classification was carried out on 70 female subjects (32 FI & 38 controls), using 3 prominent machine-learning clustering techniques, with 3 distance metrics. For HDAM, descriptive statistics, shape, and textural features characterizing the spatial relationship of pixels in the HDAM high-pressure zone, and for Endoflip, permutations of pressure and CSA combinations (ie, multiplication, division, or individually) at rest and squeeze were tested. RESULTS Intramodality: (a) Endoflip: Best clustering was obtained using the combination of the ratio of CSA over pressure at 40 and 50 mL at rest, which had significantly better specificity (P < 0.001) than using only pressure at 50 mL, no difference in sensitivity (P = 0.68). (b) HDAM: clustering using textural information at rest had significantly higher specificity compared to using only the maximal pressure at rest (P < 0.001). Intermodality: Clustering results using optimal features were not significantly different with respect to sensitivity or specificity (P > 0.05). Optimal Endoflip feature set differed significantly in specificity compared to HDAM maximal pressure at both rest (P < 0.001) and squeeze (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Defective anal closure function is fairly sensitive and highly specific in diagnosing FI. Using optimal feature sets, HDAM and Endoflip perform in a similar fashion in diagnosing FI, but are not complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Zifan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, LA Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, LA Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Guillaume Gourcerol
- INSERM U1073, Service de Physiologie Digestive, CHU Rouen, INSERM CIC 1404 Rouen, F-76000
| | - Anne M Leroi
- INSERM U1073, Service de Physiologie Digestive, CHU Rouen, INSERM CIC 1404 Rouen, F-76000
| | - Ravinder K Mittal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, LA Jolla, CA, USA
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7
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Tuttle LJ, Zifan A, Sun C, Swartz J, Roalkvam S, Mittal RK. Measuring length-tension function of the anal sphincters and puborectalis muscle using the functional luminal imaging probe. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2018; 315:G781-G787. [PMID: 30160982 PMCID: PMC6293252 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00414.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) has been used to measure the distensibility of the anal canal. We hypothesized that with increasing distension of the anal canal with FLIP there will be an increase in length of the anal sphincter muscle allowing measurement of the length-tension function of anal sphincter and puborectalis muscles (PRM). We studied 14 healthy nulliparous women. A custom-designed FLIP bag (30-mm diameter) was placed in the vagina and then in the anal canal, distended in 10-ml steps with volumes ranging from 30 to 90 ml. At each volume, subject performed maximal voluntary squeezes. Length-tension measurements were also made with a manometric probe system. Tension was calculated (pressure × radius) in Newtons per meter using a custom software program. Peak tensions at different FLIP volumes were compared with the manometric data. No change in the luminal CSA was noted at low fluid volumes; the sphincter muscles were able to fully collapse the FLIP bag within the anal canal/vagina even at rest. At larger volumes, with each squeeze there was an increase in the bag pressure and reduction in the cross-sectional area, which represents concentric contraction of the muscle. Both rest and squeeze tension increased with the increase in volume in the anal as well as vaginal canal indicating that the external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscles produce more tension when lengthened. FLIP device, which has been used to describe the distensibility of the anal canal can also provide information on the length-tension function of the anal sphincters and PRM. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) has been used to describe the distensibility of the anal canal. This report is the first to describe the use of the FLIP in the vaginal canal and the anal canal to provide information on the length-tension function of the anal sphincter and puborectalis muscles, which may provide clinicians with additional information regarding the active components of muscle contraction involved in the anal closure function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori J. Tuttle
- 1Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Ali Zifan
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Catherine Sun
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Jessica Swartz
- 1Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Sophia Roalkvam
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Ravinder K. Mittal
- 2Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
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8
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Brusa T, Abler D, Tutuian R, Gingert C, Heverhagen JT, Adamina M, Brügger LE, Büchler P. Anatomy and mechanical properties of the anal sphincter muscles in healthy senior volunteers. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30. [PMID: 29542838 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large proportion of age-related fecal incontinence is attributed to weakness or degeneration of the muscles composing the anal continence organ. However, the individual role of these muscles and their functional interplay remain poorly understood. METHODS This study employs a novel technique based on the combination of MR imaging and FLIP measurements (MR-FLIP) to obtain anatomical and mechanical information simultaneously. Unlike previous methods used to assess the mechanics of the continence organ, MR-FLIP allows inter-individual comparisons and statistical analysis of the sphincter morpho-mechanical parameters. The anatomy as well as voluntary and involuntary mechanical properties of the anal continence organ were characterized in 20 healthy senior volunteers. RESULTS Results showed that the external anal sphincter (EAS) forms a funnel-like shape with wall thickness increasing by a factor of 2.5 from distal (6 ± 0 mm) to proximal (15 ± 3 mm). Both voluntary and involuntary mechanical properties in this region correlate strongly with the thickness of the muscle. The positions of least compliance and maximal orifice closing were both located toward the proximal EAS end. In addition, maximal contraction during squeeze maneuvers was reached after 2 s, but high muscle fatigue was measured during a 7 s holding phase, corresponding to about 60% loss of the energy produced by the muscles during the contraction phase. CONCLUSIONS This work reports baseline parameters describing the morpho-mechanical condition of the sphincter muscle of healthy elderly volunteers. New parameters were also proposed to quantify the active properties of the muscles based on the mechanical energy associated with muscle contraction and fatigue. This information could be used to assess patients suffering from AI or for the design of novel implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brusa
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics (ISTB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Abler
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics (ISTB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - R Tutuian
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Gingert
- Clinic for Visceral- and Thoracic Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health, Department of Human Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - J T Heverhagen
- University Institute of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Adamina
- Clinic for Visceral- and Thoracic Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - L E Brügger
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - P Büchler
- Institute for Surgical Technology and Biomechanics (ISTB), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Taurin S, Almomen AA, Pollak T, Kim SJ, Maxwell J, Peterson CM, Owen SC, Janát-Amsbury MM. Thermosensitive hydrogels a versatile concept adapted to vaginal drug delivery. J Drug Target 2017; 26:533-550. [PMID: 29096548 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1400551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal drug delivery represents an attractive strategy for local and systemic delivery of drugs otherwise poorly absorbed after oral administration. The rather dense vascular network, mucus permeability and the physiological phenomenon of the uterine first-pass effect can all be exploited for therapeutic benefit. However, several physiological factors such as an acidic pH, constant secretion, and turnover of mucus as well as varying thickness of the vaginal epithelium can impact sustained drug delivery. In recent years, polymers have been designed to tackle challenges mentioned above. In particular, thermosensitive hydrogels hold great promise due to their stability, biocompatibility, adhesion properties and adjustable drug release kinetics. Here, we discuss the physiological and anatomical uniqueness of the vaginal environment and how it impacts the safe and efficient vaginal delivery and also reviewed several thermosensitive hydrogels deemed suitable for vaginal drug delivery by addressing specific characteristics, which are essential to engage the vaginal environment successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Taurin
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology , University of Utah Health Sciences , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Aliyah A Almomen
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology , University of Utah Health Sciences , Salt Lake City , UT , USA.,b Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Tatianna Pollak
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology , University of Utah Health Sciences , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Sun Jin Kim
- b Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - John Maxwell
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology , University of Utah Health Sciences , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - C Matthew Peterson
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology , University of Utah Health Science Center , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Shawn C Owen
- b Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA.,d Department of Bioengineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Margit M Janát-Amsbury
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology , University of Utah Health Sciences , Salt Lake City , UT , USA.,b Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA.,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology , University of Utah Health Science Center , Salt Lake City , UT , USA.,d Department of Bioengineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
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