PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Joe J Tjandra

Publications and source records attributed to Joe J Tjandra.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

How could management of rectoceles be optimized?

A posterior vaginal wall prolapse, also known as a rectocele, is a common condition and is an outpouching of the posterior vaginal wall and anterior rectal wall into the lumen of the vagina.1-5 Although more common in parous women, rectoceles of over 1 cm in size have been demonstrated in over 40% of nulliparous women. As rectoceles may be asymptomatic, their true prevalence is not clear. Many women with rectoceles present to their gynaecologist who may not ascertain any anorectal symptoms or perform a rectal examination. Conversely, colorectal surgeons often disregard a vaginal examination.6 Conventionally, gynaecologists have managed rectoceles, but increasingly colorectal surgeons are involved because of the prevalence of anorectal symptoms. There are many surgical techniques for the management of a symptomatic rectocele. There is, however, little data to suggest which is the most effective technique, or whether specific techniques are more appropriate in certain circumstances.7

Constipation↗

Colonic epithelial atrophy induced by a fibre-free diet in rats is reversed by minimal amounts of luminal butyrate, but only in the short term.

BACKGROUND: Luminal butyrate may be trophic to the colonic epithelium, but this effect is poorly characterized. The aim of the present study was to define the dose-response, time-course, site-specificity and the dependence on background diet of the effects of butyrate on epithelial proliferation in normal distal colon, using an in vivo rat model of colonic substrate delivery. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, maintained on a fibre-free diet, had butyrate infused twice daily into the colonic lumen via polyethylene tubes placed at laparotomy. Varying dose levels (0-80 micro mol/d; 4 d), site (caecal vs distal colonic), duration of infusions (1-5 weeks; 80 micro mol/d), or dietary fibre intake were investigated. Epithelial proliferative indices were assessed stathmokinetically. RESULTS: Four-day infusions of butyrate led to a progressive trophic effect (cells/crypt column increased from 37.9 +/- 1.6 at 0 micro mol/d to 44.7 +/- 1.2 at 80 micro mol/d) on fibre-deprived colonic mucosa, related linearly to the daily butyrate dose (P < 0.001, linear regression). This effect was mediated by increases in the number and proportion of mitoses, related to the square of the butyrate dose (P < 0.001 in each case, polynomial regression). Butyrate (80 micro mol/d) was associated with significantly higher cellularity (59.9 +/- 1.4) and mitotic activity (4.9 +/- 0.6) per crypt column compared to vehicle controls (50.3 +/- 1.6 and 0.9 +/- 0.2, respectively; P < 0.05, t-tests), at 1 and 3 weeks, but not at 5 weeks. Butyrate had similar effects on distal colonic crypt cellularity (62.0 +/- 1.5) when delivered caecally, but in rats fed a fibre-containing diet, colonic crypt cellularity (55.3 +/- 3.2) was similar to baseline (59.6 +/- 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Trophic effects of butyrate are concentration-dependent and occur at low doses in the short term, but are not sustained over longer periods. They are seen only in a fibre-deprived state and appear to be independent of the site of administration.

Animals↗

Anatomy of the pudendal nerve and its terminal branches: a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: This study documents the anatomy of the pudendal nerve, which has a major role in maintaining faecal continence. Unexpected faecal incontinence can develop following perineal surgery even when the anal sphincters are not damaged. In addition, injury to the pudendal nerve might be encountered during pelvic procedures such as a sacrospinous colpopexy. METHODS: An anatomical study on 28 cadavers was conducted to examine the course of the pudendal nerve and its branches in the perineum. RESULTS: In five of the 28 cadavers dissected (four male, one female), a nerve plexus was found within the ischiorectal fossa in close proximity to the anal sphincters. The plexus received contributions from interconnecting branches of the inferior rectal and perineal nerves to innervate the external anal sphincter. In 11 of the 28 cadavers (five female, six male) an additional nerve arose from the medial aspect of the pudendal nerve at the level of the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments. This nerve continued distally and gave several branches to the perineum and the levator ani muscle. CONCLUSION: A sound knowledge of the anatomical variations of the pudendal nerve and its branches is essential for all surgeons operating in the perineal region.

Aged↗