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Biomedical subjects

R K Pearl

Publications and source records attributed to R K Pearl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Bilateral gluteus maximus transposition for anal incontinence.

Seven patients (five men and two women) ranging in age from 26 to 65 years (means = 44) underwent bilateral gluteus maximus transposition for complete anal incontinence. The indications for operation were sphincter destruction secondary to multiple fistulotomies (n = 4), bilateral pudendal nerve damage (n = 2), and high imperforate anus (n = 1). The procedure is performed without the use of a diverting colostomy. The inferior portion of the origin of each gluteus maximus is detached from the sacrum and coccyx, bifurcated, and tunneled subcutaneously to encircle the anus. The ends are then sutured together to form two opposing slings of voluntary muscle. Postoperatively, six patients regained continence to solid stool, two to liquid stool as well, and only one patient in this group was able to control flatus. Although resting pressures remained unchanged, voluntary squeeze pressures were restored by this operation. In addition, rectal sensation was markedly improved, which helps make this a worthwhile procedure for properly selected patients.

Adult

Rodless end-loop stomas. Seven-year experience.

The rodless, end-loop stoma was developed as an alternative to the more traditional loop stoma to minimize patient management problems. A retrospective review of our seven-year experience in 229 patients with end-loop colostomies (135), ileocolostomies (70), and ileostomies (24) is presented. A total of 30 stoma-related complications were observed in 27 stomas, for an overall complication rate of 13.1 percent. The most common complications were skin excoriation secondary to leakage (3.5 percent), retraction (3.5 percent), partial necrosis (2.6 percent), and peristomal sepsis (1.8 percent). Mucocutaneous separation, prolapse, and stenosis were each seen in less than one percent of patients. No cases of stomal herniation, obstruction, or hemorrhage were encountered. Twelve deaths occurred, but none was attributed to stoma-related complications. The rodless, end-loop stoma is a simple and safe procedure with many advantages and a low incidence of complications.

Adolescent

Inverted U-pouch construction for restoration of function in patients with failed straight ileoanal pull-throughs.

Patients who have undergone straight ileoanal pull-through operations without a reservoir in adult life frequently have unsatisfactory results. Operative correction of this problem has been difficult. We propose a new operation that preserves the ileoanal anastomosis, constructs a reservoir, and has resulted in good restoration of bowel function in three patients. The operative procedure consists of division of the ileum 30 cm above the dentate line. The distal ileum is then folded over itself so that the point of division reaches into the pelvis, between the rectal muscular cuff and pulled-through ileum, to a point just proximal to the dentate line. The two limbs of ileum are connected using a stapler, completing the reservoir construction. The proximal divided ileum is anastomosed, end-to-side, to the pouch. A protective ileostomy that can be closed in three months is constructed.

Adult

The role of fistulography in fistula-in-ano. Report of five cases.

A retrospective review of 27 patients undergoing anal fistulography is presented. The etiology of the 27 fistulas studied are as follows: cryptoglandular infection in 18, IBD in 7 (Crohn's 6, CUC 1), iatrogenic in 1, and foreign body perforation in 1. Twenty-six fistulograms revealed either direct communication with the anus or rectum, or abscess cavities/tracts, or both. Two fistulograms revealed no radiographic evidence of fistula (one patient had two fistulograms). In 13 of the 27 patients (48 percent) information obtained from the fistulograms revealed either unexpected pathology (n = 7) or directly altered surgical management (n = 6). We conclude that anal fistulography in properly selected patients may add useful information for the definitive management of fistula-in-ano.

Adult

Island flap anoplasty for the treatment of anal stricture and mucosal ectropion.

Twenty patients with benign anal strictures and five patients with mucosal ectropion were treated with island flap anoplasty. U-shaped or diamond-shaped islands of perianal skin were created, without undermining, and advanced into the anal canal to remedy the stricture or site of ectropion. Over a postoperative follow-up period that averaged 19 months, 16 patients judged their clinical results as excellent and 7 as good. There were two failures. In all patients the skin flaps survived, even in the elderly patients. Island flap anoplasty is a simple, effective alternative to other forms of anoplasty such as Y-V advancement or S-plasty.

Adult

A comparison of simultaneous longitudinal and radial recordings of anal canal pressures.

A new anal manometry perfusion catheter is described that offers the capability of simultaneous linear longitudinal pressure measurements. The authors studied 20 control subjects with this catheter and with a four-quadrant perfusion catheter. An asymmetry of basal, squeeze, and relaxation pressures was found. The highest basal pressures were in the middle of the anal canal, regardless of quadrant orientation. Using the radial perfusion catheter, the squeeze pressure profile was consistent with a double-loop external sphincter mechanism. Using the linear perfusion catheter, the internal sphincter relaxation pressures show a greater negative deflection at the proximal portions of the sphincter, which was not achieved at points distally in the same quadrant. This implies that during reflex relaxation, pressure is maintained in the distal anal canal so that patients remain continent during sensory sampling of rectal contents. The authors believe this is the first time this same-quadrant longitudinal asymmetry of relaxation has been shown with a single rectal balloon stimulus.

Adult

Causes, presentation and survival of fifty-seven patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the male genitalia.

This analysis of our experience with 57 men with necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia was done to identify prognostic variables and to assess the results of a treatment policy of immediate and, if required, repetitive surgical debridements. The mean age of the patients was 55 years. Thirty-eight patients were alcoholics or diabetics, or both. All of the infections were of a genitourinary, anorectal or cutaneous source. Thirty-five per cent of the infections were confined to the genitalia and 65 per cent extended to the abdominal wall or thigh, or both. Forty-seven patients survived. Survival was associated significantly with a younger age, a serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of less than 50 milligrams per deciliter at presentation, the absence of a constellation of abnormalities at presentation consistent with sepsis and a decreased incidence of major complications after initial débridement (p less than 0.05 to 0.01). Survival was not associated with the extent of infection, the duration of symptoms before hospitalization, systemic risk factors, the source of infection, abnormal findings at presentation (excluding a BUN of greater than 50 milligrams per deciliter) and the bacteriologic factors of the infection. Both localized and extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the male genitalia are potentially lethal disorders that require prompt treatment.

Bacterial Infections

A three-dimensional model of the pelvic floor and anorectal anatomy.

The large number of individuals suffering from anorectal dysfunctions necessitates a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of that region. A three-dimensional model which realistically simulates the pelvic floor and anorectal region was commissioned to supplement traditional forms of instruction for medical students and residents. This paper discusses the need for and development of a life-sized and anatomically accurate prototype model appropriate for teaching and research.

Anal Canal

Colorectal trauma.

Surgical treatment of colon and rectal trauma continues to challenge physicians. Injuries to a colon or rectum filled with feces results in subsequent peritoneal contamination which will lead to severe septic complications unless dealt with promptly and correctly. The authors have reviewed the records of 242 patients with colon and rectal trauma operated on at the Cook County Trauma Unit from July 1, 1973 to December 31, 1983, to evaluate treatment results. The mechanism of trauma was penetrating in 233 of 242 patients. Most, if not all, colonic lesions were treated with either exteriorization, resection and no anastomosis, or closure and proximal colostomy. Mortality related to colonic injury was 2.5 percent. Morbidity related to colonic injury included wound infection, 6.3 percent; abscess, 2.5 percent; other, 3.3 percent. Despite the severity of the trauma, adherence to conservative principles of "no anastomosis" in the overwhelming majority of cases has resulted in low morbidity and mortality.

Adolescent

Traumatic cloaca.

Deep laceration of the perineum after an obstetric injury may result in a cloacal deformity of the anus and vagina, causing complete fecal incontinence. A surgical technique consisting of reconstruction of the perineal body (perineoplasty) with puborectalis interposition and overlapping external sphincteroplasty is described to correct the defect and restore continence. This procedure has been used on 43 patients in a 10-year period with excellent anatomic and physiologic results.

Adolescent

Flexible fiberoptic endoscopy: an introduction for illustrators.

The widespread use of flexible fiberoptic endoscopes in the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal disease has led to an increased demand for educational material in this field. This article provides basic information on the design and variety of flexible endoscopes along with practical advice on rendering endoscopic images.

Endoscopy

The protean manifestations of familial polyposis coli.

Although familial polyposis coli (FPC) is often thought to be a discrete disease with uniform clinical presentation and few therapeutic options, review of 16 families encountered in the last five years has shown that marked variation in the clinical manifestations of the syndrome is the rule rather than the exception. Thirty one percent of propositi had negative family histories, 67 percent of observed cancers were in the rectum, three individuals from three families developed cancer under the age of 20. In another family the only cancer was in a 67-year-old patient. Polyp growth rate varied tremendously among individuals and over time within individuals, rectal polyps did not regress after subtotal colectomy, and three patients developed rectal cancer after subtotal colectomy (18 percent). Fifty percent of propositi had cancer on presentation, while only 18 percent of screened family members had cancer. The only extracolonic tumors seen were gastroduodenal polyps and retroperitoneal desmoids in three families. The mode of inheritance of FPC causes this variation and treatment is best tailored to the individual and his family rather than uniformly applied to all patients with FPC.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli

Stomas.

The construction of intestinal stomas is a major part of a surgical procedure. A stoma should be formed by a surgeon who is not only technically skilled but also understands the potential metabolic and mechanical problems associated with an ileostomy or colostomy. Because of many of the complications are preventable, careful preoperative planning by the surgeon in conjunction with an enterostomal therapist is important to minimize the incidence of technical complications and to help prepare the patient psychologically for life with a stoma. When a complication does arise, it should be recognized promptly and dealt with appropriately.

Abdominal Muscles

Perineal proctectomy, posterior rectopexy, and postanal levator repair for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

This report describes a one-stage perineal operation for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse aimed at restoration of anal continence in addition to resection of the prolapsed segment of rectum. This procedure was performed on 25 patients, most of whom were elderly or debilitated, over the past three years without local or systemic complications. Significant improvement in continence was seen in 88 percent of the patients within four weeks of operation, and in the remainder of the patients, within three months postoperatively.

Aged

Serious complications of sulfasalazine.

Whereas minor side effects of sulfasalazine are common, serious adverse reactions to this drug generally are considered rare. However, this report discusses three major complications of sulfasalazine that occurred within the past three years, one resulting in the death of a patient. As more patients with inflammatory bowel disease are being managed by physicians of various disciplines, it is important to become familiar with the potentially dangerous side effects of all medications prescribed. For this reason, a brief review of the pharmacology, clinical use, and toxicity of sulfasalazine is presented.

Absorption