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Eric G Weiss

Publications and source records attributed to Eric G Weiss.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Not all inflammation in the right lower quadrant is appendicitis: a case report of Escherichia coli O157:H7 with a review of the literature.

Although significant work has been presented on this subject in pediatric, infectious disease, and epidemiologic literature, there is a noteworthy lack of information on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in any surgical journals. As this disease can present with signs and symptoms often ascribed to the acute abdomen, it is imperative that the general surgeon, pediatric surgeon, and colorectal surgeon are all familiar with this infection and its clinical ramifications. A case report followed by a review of the literature is presented.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Outcome of patients with indeterminate colitis undergoing a double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with indeterminate colitis undergoing double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of demographic, disease-related, and outcome variables of all patients undergoing double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis from August 1988 to January 2000 was undertaken. All patients were evaluated using the validated American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, those who had undergone pouch revision or had S-configured pouches, and patients with a follow-up of less than three months were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-five patients underwent the double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis; of these 303 patients were included for analysis. The mean duration of follow-up was 40 months. Fifty-six (18.1 percent) had a preoperative diagnosis of indeterminate colitis. Postoperatively, indeterminate colitis was diagnosed in 13 (4.3 percent), mucosal ulcerative colitis in 285 (94 percent), and Crohn's disease in 5 (1.6 percent). The overall complication rate was 37.7 percent, 60 percent, and (30.7) percent in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis, respectively. Postoperative hemorrhage, abscess, and fistula occurred in 2.4 percent, 6.3 percent, and 3.9 percent, respectively, in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis, and 0 percent, 15.3 percent, and 7.7 percent, respectively, in patients with indeterminate colitis. Small-bowel obstruction occurred in 8.5 percent, 20 percent, and 7.7 percent of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis, respectively. Pouchitis occurred in 4.6 percent of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis but in none of the patients with indeterminate colitis. Dysplasia of the anal transition zone was seen in one patient each with mucosal ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis. These patients had consistent follow-up and neither showed any sign of evolution to neoplastic disease. None of the patients with indeterminate colitis had a postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease during the follow-up period. Functional outcome was comparable in all three patient groups. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the double-stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with indeterminate colitis is similar to that of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis. Therefore, it is a safe option in patients with indeterminate colitis.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2004

The association between late-onset fecal incontinence and obstetric anal sphincter defects.

HYPOTHESIS: Endoanal ultrasonographic results have demonstrated that clinically occult anal sphincter damage during vaginal delivery is common. This may or may not be associated with postpartum fecal incontinence (FI). Bayesian meta-analysis of the literature revealed that at least two thirds of obstetric sphincter disruptions are asymptomatic in the postpartum period. Women with postpartum asymptomatic sphincter damage may be at increased risk for FI with aging compared with those without sphincter injury. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: After excluding patients with other possible causes of FI, the histories of 124 consecutive women with late-onset FI after vaginal delivery were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endoanal ultrasonographic findings, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment, and anal manometric results. RESULTS: Eighty-eight women (71%) with a median of 3 vaginal deliveries had sphincter defects on endoanal ultrasonographic results. The mean incontinence score, squeeze and resting pressures, median age at last delivery, and median duration of FI were not significantly different between patients with and without sphincter defects. Pudendal neuropathy was more frequent in patients without sphincter defects (10 [30.3%], left side; 12 [36.4%], right side) than in patients with sphincter defects (12 [14.3%] and 16 [19.3%], respectively), with the difference nearly reaching statistical significance (P =.054 and P =.059, respectively). The median age at onset of FI in patients with a sphincter defect was 61.5 years vs 68.0 years in those without a sphincter defect, which was not statistically significant (P =.08). CONCLUSION: Analysis of the current patient population revealed that 88 women (71%) with late-onset FI after vaginal delivery had an anatomical sphincter defect. Thus, FI related to anal sphincter defects is likely to occur even in an elderly population who had experienced vaginal deliveries earlier in life.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

New surgical options for fecal incontinence in patients with imperforate anus.

INTRODUCTION: Anorectal malformations are among the various etiologic factors causing fecal incontinence. Patients with imperforate anus are difficult to treat, specifically those with high lesions. The artificial bowel sphincter and electrically stimulated gracilis neosphincter are two relatively new techniques that have been used for the treatment of patients with severe refractory fecal incontinence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of these technologies in the treatment of patients with chronic fecal incontinence due to imperforate anus. METHODS: All patients with imperforate anus who had fecal incontinence and underwent either the artificial bowel sphincter procedure or the gracilis neosphincter procedure between February 1995 and December 2000 were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative incontinence score (Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Score; 0 = perfect continence; 20 = complete incontinence), quality of life, (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, 29 items forming 4 scales), and manometric sphincter pressure results were compared. RESULTS: Eleven patients had artificial bowel sphincter and five had the gracilis neosphincter (one nonstimulated) procedure. There were 11 males and 5 females of a mean age of 25.3 (range, 15-45) years. The mean follow-up time was 1.7 years (5 months to 5.7 years). Eight (50 percent) complications occurred in six patients, including three with fecal impaction (all artificial bowel sphincter), three with device migration (two gracilis neosphincter, one artificial bowel sphincter), and two patients with concomitant wound infection (one gracilis neosphincter, one artificial bowel sphincter); no patients had the devices explanted. Fourteen patients had manometric data (10 artificial bowel sphincter and 4 gracilis neosphincter) available. The overall incontinence score decreased from a preoperative mean of 18.5 to a postoperative mean of 7.5 in the artificial bowel sphincter group (P < 0.01) and from 17.4 to 9.4 in the gracilis neosphincter group (P = 0.06). All four Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scales increased in both the artificial bowel sphincter (lifestyle and depression/self-perception, P = 0.02; coping/behavior and embarrassment, P = 0.03) and the gracilis neosphincter (lifestyle and coping, P = 0.06; depression and embarrassment, P = 0.05) patients. As well, the mean resting and squeeze pressures increased with both techniques (artificial bowel sphincter: P = 0.008 and P = 0.02, respectively; gracilis neosphincter: P = 0.4 and P = 0.1, respectively). All results were statistically significant in the artificial bowel sphincter group. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial bowel sphincter and gracilis neosphincter are efficient methods to treat patients with imperforate anus. These techniques should be considered for patients with imperforate anus and severe fecal incontinence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The efficacy of a nerve stimulator (CaverMap) to enhance autonomic nerve identification and confirm nerve preservation during total mesorectal excision.

PURPOSE: Sexual dysfunction after total mesorectal excision may be caused by injury to the autonomic nerves. During surgery, nerve identification is not always achieved, and, to date, there has been no method to objectively confirm nerve preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a nerve-stimulating device (CaverMap) to assist in the intraoperative identification of the autonomic nerves during total mesorectal excision, and objectively confirm nerve preservation after proctectomy is completed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sexually active consecutive male patients undergoing total mesorectal excision were prospectively enrolled in this study. During pelvic dissection, the surgeon attempted to localize the hypogastric and cavernous nerves. CaverMap was used to confirm these findings and to facilitate the identification in cases of uncertainty. At the completion of proctectomy, the nerves were restimulated to ensure preservation. Factors that could affect the surgeon's ability to localize the nerves and CaverMap to confirm this were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine male patients with a median age of 58 years were enrolled in this study. An attempt to visualize the hypogastric nerves during dissection was made in 26 patients; the surgeon was able to identify the nerves in 19 (73 percent) patients. CaverMap successfully identified the nerves in six of the seven remaining patients, and failed to identify them in only one case. An attempt to localize the cavernous nerves during dissection was made in 13 patients, of which localization was successful in 8 (61.5 percent) patients. CaverMap improved the identification rate in four of the remaining five patients. After proctectomy, CaverMap successfully confirmed the preservation of both hypogastric and cavernous nerves in 27 of 29 (93 percent) patients. A history of previous surgery statistically correlated with failure to identify the hypogastric nerves by the surgeon (P = 0.005). There were no adverse events related to use of the device. CONCLUSION: CaverMap may be a useful tool to facilitate identification of the pelvic autonomic nerves during total mesorectal excision and to objectively confirm nerve preservation.

Autonomic Pathways↗
PubMed2003

Safety and effectiveness of temperature-controlled radio-frequency energy delivery to the anal canal (Secca procedure) for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

PURPOSE: This multicenter study evaluated the safety and efficacy of radio-frequency energy delivery to the anal canal for the treatment of fecal incontinence. METHODS: Fifty patients at five centers were enrolled. All reported fecal incontinence at least once per week for three months, and medical and/or surgical management failed to help their symptoms. At baseline and at six months, patients completed questionnaires (Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score (0-20), fecal incontinence-related quality of life, Short Form-36, and visual analog scale) and underwent anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing. On an outpatient basis using local anesthesia, radio-frequency energy was delivered via an anoscopic device with multiple needle electrodes (Secca system) to create thermal lesions deep to the mucosa of the anal canal. RESULTS: Forty-three females and seven males (aged 61.1 +/- 13.4 (mean +/- standard deviation); range, 30-80 years) were treated. Mean duration of fecal incontinence was 14.9 years. Treatment time was 37 +/- 9 minutes. At six months, the mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score improved from 14.5 to 11.1 (P < 0.0001). All parameters in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scales were improved (lifestyle (from 2.5-3.1; P < 0.0001); coping (from 1.9-2.4; P < 0.0001), depression (from 2.8-3.3; P = 0.0004); embarrassment (from 1.9-2.5; P < 0.0001)). Responders, as assessed by a systematic referenced analog scale, reported a median 70 percent resolution of symptoms. The mean Short Form-36 social function improved from 64.3 to 76 (P = 0.003). There were no changes in endoanal ultrasound or pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment, or in anal manometry. Complications included mucosal ulceration (one superficial, one with underlying muscle injury) and delayed bleeding (n = 1). CONCLUSION: This multicenter trial demonstrates that radio-frequency energy can be safely delivered to the lower rectum and anal canal. The Secca procedure significantly improved the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score and the overall quality of life for most patients having undergone the procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Recovery of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex after restorative proctocolectomy: does it correlate with nocturnal continence?

PURPOSE: The rectoanal inhibitory reflex has an important role in fecal sampling and discrimination of rectal contents. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of rectoanal inhibitory reflex after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for mucosal ulcerative colitis. METHODS: The medical records of 345 patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis from September 1988 to May 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred patients who underwent double-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and had anorectal physiology testing within 3 months before surgery as well as after ileostomy closure (mean, 23.1; range, 3-77 months) were analyzed. Anorectal physiology testing included detecting the presence of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, sensory threshold volume, and rectal or pouch capacity and compliance. Parameters to determine incontinence included daytime and nocturnal bowel movement frequency, nocturnal spotting, status of continence for solid or liquid stool, gas, use of pads, and lifestyle alteration were surveyed in 62 of the 100 patients at a mean of 3.9 (range, 1-9.1) years to determine the incontinence score. RESULTS: Whereas the rectoanal inhibitory reflex was noted in 96 (96 percent) patients before surgery, it was found in only 53 (53 percent) after ileostomy closure (P < 0.0001). Incontinence status data was available in only 62 of the 100 patients (32 RAIR-positive; 30 RAIR-negative). There were no significant differences between the rectoanal inhibitory reflex-positive and the rectoanal inhibitory reflex-negative groups relative to the interval between surgery and manometry (22 vs 25 months), postoperative threshold sensation volume (32 vs 31 ml), postoperative compliance (19 vs 12 cm H(2)O/ml), postoperative capacity (85 66 ml), daytime/nighttime stool frequency (6.2/2 vs 5.5/1.5), or postoperative incontinence score (3.9 vs 1.8). However, there were significant differences relative to the incidence of nocturnal soiling (12/30 (40 percent) 23/32 (72 percent), P = 0.0012) favoring the presence of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. CONCLUSION: Preservation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex correlated with a decrease in the incidence of nocturnal soiling after double-stapled ileoanal reservoir construction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Determinants of recurrence after sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgery-associated variables on recurrence rates after sigmoid resection for diverticulitis. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis between 1992 and 2000 at two tertiary referral centers were followed up for recurrent disease as the primary end point. Recurrence after surgery was defined as left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis, with consistent CT and/or contrast enema findings on admission and after six weeks. A logistic regression of the following variables was undertaken: patient demographics, duration of preoperative symptoms, previous admissions and abdominal surgery, surgical access (laparoscopic or open), postoperative complications, splenic flexure mobilization, anastomotic technique (handsewn or stapled), specimen length, inflammation at proximal resection margin, and anastomotic level (colosigmoid or colorectal). The last three variables were defined by the pathologist. Anastomosis level was based on muscle layer configuration (taeniae coli) at the distal resection margin. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six patients (105 females) with a mean age of 60.4 (standard deviation, +/- 10) years were available for follow-up at 67 +/- 30 (range, 11-130) months. The median duration of preoperative symptoms was 18 (range, 12-120) months. All but one (99 percent) patient had at least one admission before surgery. One hundred forty (59 percent) and 96 (41 percent) patients underwent laparoscopic or open resection, respectively. The conversion rate was 13 percent (18 patients) in the former group and the 30-day complication rate was 23 percent, with 0.4 percent 30-day mortality and a 2.1 percent reoperation rate. The splenic flexure was mobilized in 109 patients (47 percent). Anastomoses were fashioned by stapler in 171 patients (73 percent) and were to the rectum in 143 patients (72 percent). Specimen length was 17.9 +/- 5.9 (range, 9-47) cm with inflammation at the proximal margin in 30 patients (14 percent). Twelve (5 percent) patients developed a recurrence at a mean of 78 +/- 25 (range, 34-109) months with reoperation in one (0.4 percent). The level of anastomosis was the only predictor of recurrence in regression analysis (P = 0.033). Patients with colosigmoid anastomosis had a four times higher risk of having a recurrence compared with patients with colorectal anastomosis (odds ratio, 95 percent confidence interval = 1.12, 14.96). CONCLUSION: Colorectal (rather than colosigmoid) anastomosis was the single predictor of lower recurrence rates after elective sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Fibrin glue sealing in the treatment of perineal fistulas.

PURPOSE: The surgical management of complex perineal fistulas, such as high transsphincteric and suprasphincteric fistulas, or those associated with Crohn's disease, radiotherapy, surgical trauma, or cavity or a secondary tract, is associated with the risk of sphincter injury and significant discomfort. Fibrin glue may close fistula tracts without muscle division. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of fibrin glue sealing in treatment of perineal fistulas. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients in whom fibrin glue was used for the treatment of perineal fistula was performed. Patients were contacted by telephone to establish follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients underwent injection of fibrin glue for complex perineal fistulas. Twenty-four patients had fibrin glue injection as the principal treatment for the perineal fistula, and 13 had fibrin glue in conjunction with an endorectal advancement flap. The fistula was of cryptoglandular origin in 16 (42 percent) cases and associated with Crohn's disease and trauma in 7 (19 percent) and 14 (38 percent) patients, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 12.1 months, healing occurred in only 15 (41 percent) patients. The healing rate was 33 percent when fibrin glue was the principal treatment, and 54 percent when used with an endorectal advancement flap. Fistulas of noncryptoglandular origin had a higher success rate, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no morbidity associated with the injection of fibrin glue. CONCLUSION: In this study, fibrin glue had moderate success in the definitive treatment of perineal fistulas. However, 33 percent of the patients in whom fibrin glue was the only treatment used were able to avoid more extensive surgery. Fibrin glue is associated with minimal risk, therefore its application should be considered in patients with complex anal fistulas.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed2003

Histologic analysis of the irradiated anal sphincter.

PURPOSE: There is accumulating evidence, both quantitative and qualitative, that pelvic irradiation adversely affects anorectal function. However, histologic evidence of sphincter injury has not been demonstrated. This study was designed to perform histologic assessment of collagen deposition and nerve alteration in the internal anal sphincters of rectal cancer patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection after adjuvant chemoradiation therapy and to correlate the degree of histologic changes with the time interval between chemoradiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection. METHODS: Anal canal specimens were prospectively collected in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection. Representative slides were cut transversely at the level of the dentate line. Using trichrome and S-100 protein staining, a single pathologist blinded to the patients' treatment assessed collagen deposition and nerve fiber densities in the internal anal sphincter, respectively. RESULTS: Twelve patients received radiation for rectal cancer (chemoradiotherapy group) and six were treated by surgery alone, including four patients with rectal cancer (1 leiomyosarcoma) and two with Crohn's disease (control group). There was a trend toward increased fibrosis (replacement of >10 percent of normal structures by collagen) and nerve density in the chemoradiotherapy group compared with the control group (P = 0.08 and P = 0.05, respectively). Nerve density significantly increased as chemoradiotherapy to abdominoperineal resection interval increased (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic irradiation results in damage to the myenteric plexus of the internal anal sphincter of patients with rectal cancer; these alterations seem to be time-dependent. A trend toward increased collagen deposition also was observed. Together, these results provide a morphologic basis, which concurs to previously described physiologic and clinical alterations in the anal sphincter of patients irradiated for rectal cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Colorectal cancer screening: do they practice what they preach?

INTRODUCTION: Compliance for voluntary colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reported by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is>85%. This high rate is assumed to be the result of heightened awareness of CRC. The purpose of the present paper was to determine if observed participation rates in the USA are the result of increased awareness of CRC alone. METHODS: Postal survey of Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia (CSSA). RESULTS: A response rate of 65% (52\80) was observed. As in the ASCRS, the majority of members support screening (94%); but 4% (2\52) reported that they do not advocate CRC screening, which was lower than that observed in the ASCRS survey (P = 0.03). A total of 94% support screening of baseline risk (BLR) patients at age 50 or less. Support was similar for annual fecal occult blood testing (FOBT; CSSA 54% vs ASCRS 56%, P = NS) for patients with BLR, but much less support for colonoscopy every 10 years (CSq10) was observed (CSSA 31% vs ASCRS 68%, P < 0.01). Similar to the ASCRS, CS every 5 years (CSq5) was the most common strategy advocated to patients with a family history of polyps (CSSA 75% vs ASCRS 78%, P = NS) and cancer (CSSA 94% vs ASCRS 94%, P = NS), respectively. A total of 25% (13\52) of CSSA members report participating in CRC screening, compared to the 55% reported by the ASCRS (P < 0.01). As in the ASCRS, CSq5 (69%) was the most common form of screening undergone. None of the CSSA members were being screened with more than one test, compared to the 46% reported by the ASCRS (P < 0.01). Of those who had not been screened, 82%(31\38) reported that they do plan to undergo CRC screening compared to 99% reported by the ASCRS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Screening compliance is significantly higher in the ASCRS than in the CSSA. Awareness of CRC is not the only obstacle to improving screening compliance.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2003

Recurrence rates at minimum 5-year follow-up: laparoscopic versus open sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.

The aim of the study was to compare the impact of surgical access to sigmoid resection on recurrence rates in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis of the sigmoid (UDS) at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Recurrence after surgery was defined as left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leucocytosis with consistent CT and enema findings on admission and at 6 weeks, respectively. Outcome measures included splenic flexure mobilization, specimen length, inflammation at proximal resection margin, and presence of teniae coli at distal resection margin. Seventy-nine patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid resection (LSR) were compared with 79 matched controls with open sigmoid resection (OSR) operated on at 2 institutions during the same period. Patients were well matched for age, gender, body mass index, ASA grading, and symptoms duration, but not for follow-up length (81.9 versus 86.9 months, P = 0.046). Differences in rates of splenic flexure mobilization (19 versus 41, P < 0.001), specimen length (16.1 versus 18.3 cm, P = 0.048), inflammation at proximal resection margin (21 versus 4, P < 0.001), and teniae coli at distal resection margin (4 versus 53, P < 0.001) did not show an impact on recurrence rates when comparison was made between LSR and OSR. Three LSR patients and 7 OSR patients had 1 recurrence (P = 0.19). There were no significant differences in rates of flexure mobilization, specimen length, and rates of inflammation present at proximal resection margin in 10 recurring and 145 non-recurring patients. The rate of teniae coli present at distal resection margin was significantly increased in recurring patients (7 versus 43, P = 0.03). Median time of recurrence after surgery was 29 (range 18-74) months. Two of 11 recurrences occurred after 5 years. Surgical access to sigmoid resection for UDS is unlikely to have an impact on recurrence rates provided that the oral bowel end is anastomosed to the proximal rectum rather than to the distal sigmoid.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Gracilis muscle transposition for iatrogenic rectourethral fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of gracilis muscle transposition in the treatment of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Iatrogenic rectourethral fistula poses a rare but challenging complication of treatment for prostate cancer. A variety of procedures have been described to treat this condition, none of which has gained acceptance as the procedure of choice. The aim of this study was to review the authors' experience with gracilis muscle transposition in the treatment of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent gracilis muscle transposition for iatrogenic rectourethral fistula was performed, and follow-up was established by telephone interview. Successful repair was defined as absence of a fistula after reversal of fecal and urinary diversions. RESULTS: Eleven men, mean age of 62 years, underwent 12 gracilis muscle transpositions for rectourethral fistula between 1996 and 2001. Six patients had a history of pelvic radiotherapy, and five patients had previous failed attempts to repair the fistula. In nine patients, the fistula healed following gracilis muscle transposition. One patient developed a rectocutaneous fistula that healed with fibrin glue injection, and one developed perineal sepsis requiring debridement of the transposed gracilis. This patient underwent a second gracilis transposition, which uneventfully healed. Overall, all of the patients had closure of their diverting stomas and maintained healed rectourethral fistulas. There were no intraoperative complications, and the only long-term complication of this procedure was mild medial thigh numbness in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Gracilis muscle transposition is an effective surgical treatment for iatrogenic rectourethral fistula. It is associated with low morbidity and a high success rate.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Trends in preparation for colorectal surgery: survey of the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

The utility of antibiotic and mechanical preparation for colorectal surgery is controversial, and numerous different regimens are used. The aim of this study was to detect trends in preparation for surgery among American colon and rectal surgeons. Members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons practicing in the United States were surveyed with a postal questionnaire regarding their routine preparations for colon and rectal surgery. Five hundred fifteen (40%) of the 1295 questionnaires sent were returned. Eighty-one per cent of the respondents had completed an accredited colorectal training program, and the average experience in practice was 13.7 (+/- 8.7) years. Half of the surgeons felt that prophylactic oral antibiotic is essential, 41 per cent felt it was doubtful, and 10 per cent considered oral prophylaxis unnecessary. Despite these statements 75 per cent of the surgeons routinely utilized oral antibiotics (96% of them used a combination of two drugs), 11 per cent used them selectively, and only 13 per cent omitted oral prophylaxis from their practice. Similarly although the usefulness of intravenous antibiotics was questioned by 11 per cent of the surgeons 98 per cent routinely used them. The average number of postoperative doses was two (+/- 1.9). Although 10 per cent of the surgeons questioned the importance of mechanical preparation more than 99 per cent routinely used it. Forty-seven per cent of the surgeons used sodium phosphate, 32 per cent used polyethylene glycol, and 14 per cent alternated between these two options. We conclude that although the use of oral antibiotic prophylaxis for colorectal surgery is controversial among surgeons it is still routinely practiced by 75 per cent. Intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis and mechanical cleansing, however, are still a dogma and almost invariably used. There is a trend toward the use of a shorter course of postoperative intravenous antibiotics and the use of sodium phosphate for mechanical cleansing.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2002

How consistent is the anal transitional zone in the double-stapled ileoanal reservoir?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The double-stapled ileoanal reservoir (DSIAR) has become a preferred method for ileal pouch anal anastomosis in restorative proctocolectomy. This investigation assessed the relative ratio of epithelial tissue types within the anal transition zone after a DSIAR and reviewed functional physiological differences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 138 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with a DSIAR for mucosal ulcerative colitis were stratified into two groups according to histological evidence of epithelium types in the distal excised rectal donut. In group I a squamous or a squamous mixed with columnar epithelium was present (n=40) whereas in group II only columnar epithelium was seen (n=98). Anal physiological parameters were measured by anal manometry preoperatively, prior to ileostomy closure, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: None of the preoperative resting and squeeze pressure parameters showed a significant difference between the two groups. Postoperative mean and maximal resting pressures were significantly decreased in both groups. Postoperative mean and maximum squeeze pressures were decreased in group I. Postoperative mean length of the high-pressure zone tended to be decreased in both groups. The decrease in rectoanal inhibitory reflex was significant in both groups. Postoperative functional parameters measured as maximal tolerable volume and compliance were significantly improved from preoperative values in both groups. CONCLUSION: The tissue type in the anal transitional zone after DSIAR has a wide variability at a similar level (height) of the anastomosis. However, these different epithelial types were not associated with substantial physiological functional differences. Thus, if technically feasible, it is desirable for DSIAR to construct the anastomosis as close to the dentate line as possible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Previous sphincter repair does not affect the outcome of repeat repair.

PURPOSE: As many as 60 percent of patients present with recurrent symptoms of fecal incontinence after anterior overlapping anal sphincter repair. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of repeat overlapping anal sphincter repair. METHODS: All female patients with obstetric sphincter damage who underwent anterior overlapping sphincter repair between November 1988 and June 2000 were reviewed. All patients were preoperatively assessed by anorectal manometry, electromyography, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency; manometry was repeated during follow-up. Preoperative endoanal ultrasonography was available only after 1990. Clinical outcome was assessed according to the Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Score. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one patients were available for analysis, 115 without previous surgery and 36 after at least one previous sphincter repair. The median follow-up was 13 (range, 1-64) months and 20 (range, 2-96) months, respectively. The median incontinence score improved from 18 to 5 (P < 0.0001) in patients without previous repair and from 17.5 to 7 (P < 0.0001) in patients after previous repair. In the former group, the outcome was good in 67 (58 percent) patients, adequate in 19 (16.5 percent), and poor in 29 (25.5 percent). In the group with previous sphincter repair, the outcome was good in 18 patients (50 percent), adequate in 4 (11 percent), and poor in 14 (39 percent; P = 0.2646). The mean resting pressure increased from 20 (range, 3-43) mmHg to 24 (range, 10-44) mmHg and from 27 (range, 4-56) mmHg to 32 (range, 16-45) mmHg, respectively. The mean squeeze pressure increased from 60 (range, 23-63) mmHg to 67 (range, 33-114) mmHg and from 54 (range, 25-90) mmHg to 70 (range, 34-95) mmHg, respectively. CONCLUSION: Previous sphincter repair does not affect clinical outcome. Repeat anterior overlapping sphincter repair yields a significant improvement in the continence score and should be considered as the treatment of choice in patients with fecal incontinence who have had previous sphincter repair and residual anterior sphincter damage.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Endorectal advancement flap: are there predictors of failure?

PURPOSE: The management of complex perianal fistulas with endorectal advancement flap is aimed at avoiding the risk of sphincter injury associated with traditional surgical methods. Long-term follow-up is required to assess the recurrence and continence outcomes of this procedure. The aim of this study was to review our experience with endorectal advancement flap in the treatment of complex perianal fistulas and to define the predictors of successful healing. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent endorectal advancement flap for complex perianal fistulas between 1988 and 2000 was performed. Follow-up was established by telephone interview. RESULTS: One hundred six consecutive endorectal advancement flap procedures were performed on 94 patients (94.4 percent). There were 56 females (59.6 percent). Mean age was 41.6 (range, 18-76) years. Cryptoglandular disease was the most common cause of fistula (n = 41, 43.6 percent), followed by Crohn's disease (n = 28, 29.8 percent). At a mean follow-up of 40.3 (range, 1-149) months, the procedure was successful in 56 (59.6 percent) of 94 patients. Twelve patients underwent repeat surgery with the same technique because of initial failure, 8 of whom eventually healed. Crohn's disease was associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate (57.1 percent) when compared with fistulas in patients without Crohn's disease (33.3 percent, P< 0.04). Prior attempts at repair of the fistula were not associated with less favorable outcome of the procedure (P = 0.5). Recurrence was not associated with the type of fistula, origin, preoperative steroid use, postoperative bowel confinement, use of postoperative antibiotics, or creation of a diverting stoma. The median time to recurrence was 8 (range, 1-156) weeks; there was no postoperative mortality. Two patients had postoperative bleeding, one requiring resuture of the flap on the first postoperative day. Recurrences were observed in 15.7 percent of the patients 3 or more years after the repair. In 8 patients (9 percent), continence deteriorated after the endorectal advancement flap, a more common finding in patients who had undergone previous surgical repairs (P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The success rate of endorectal advancement flap for complex perianal fistulas is modest. Failure is mainly correlated with the presence of Crohn's disease.

Adolescent↗