PTQ Implants in the treatment of faecal soiling.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to W G van Gemert.
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BACKGROUND: In this study, we determined the long-term outcome of perianal fistulas treated with mucosal advancement flap (MF) or fistulotomy (FT). METHODS: One hundred three patients with perianal fistulas were treated by MF for high fistulas or FT for low fistulas and were retrospectively assessed by case-note review and examined at the out-patient clinic. The localization and time of recurrence of the fistula were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-one patients [median follow-up of 72 months (range 48-99)] were treated by an MF, and 62 patients [median follow up of 75 months (range 48-99)] were treated by FT. After 12, 48, and 72 months, the fistula had recurred in 9 (22%), 26 (63%), and 26 (63%) patients of the MF group and in 4 (7%), 16 (26%), and 24 (39%) patients of the FT group, respectively. Eighteen (69%) of the recurrences in the MF group and ten (33%) of the FT group occurred within 24 months after surgery (p=0.01). Four (15%) of the recurrences in the MF group and 13 (54%) of the recurrences in the FT group were present in a different localization (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: The success rate of both FT and MF techniques decreases with time. Recurrence appears to be caused by failure of treatment and by recurrent patient disease.
OBJECTIVE: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has been a successful treatment in urinary voiding disorders for years. A concomitant effect on bowel function was observed leading to the treatment of faecal incontinence with SNM. In this study we describe the effect of SNM on bowel frequency and (segmental) colonic transit time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with faecal incontinence who qualified for permanent SNM underwent a colon transit study before and one month after permanent implant. Patients completed a three-week bowel habits diary before and during stimulation. RESULTS: Median incontinence episodes and days per week before SNM were, 8.7 and 4.2, respectively, and both decreased significantly to 0.67 (P = 0001) and 0.5 (P = 0001) during trial screening and to 0.33 (P = 0001) and 0.33 (P = 0001) after permanent implant. The median number of bowel movements per week decreased from 14.7 (6.7-41.7) to 10.0 (3.7-22.7)(P = 0005) during trial screening and to 10.0 (6.0-24.3)(P = 0008) during permanent stimulation. Resting and squeeze pressures did not change significantly during stimulation. Segmental colonic transit time before and during stimulation for right colon, left colon and recto sigmoid were, respectively, 6 (0-25) vs 5 (0-16) hours, 2 (0-29) vs 4 (0-45) hours and 7 (28) vs 8 (0-23) hours. No significant changes were found in both segmental and total colonic transit time; 17 (1-65) vs 25 (0-67) hours. CONCLUSION: SNM in patients with fecal incontinence led to a significant decrease of bowel movements however (segmental) colonic transit time was not influenced.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the therapeutic stimulation threshold in patients with successful sacral nerve modulation for faecal incontinence. METHODS: Patients who had undergone successful permanent sacral nerve modulator implantation and had been followed up for a minimum of 3 months were included. The sensitivity threshold and motor threshold were determined and correlated with therapeutic response. Patients went home with the stimulator set at 0.6 V below the sensitivity threshold. Each week the voltage was increased by 0.2 V until the sensitivity threshold was reached. The effects on anorectal physiology and continence were recorded. RESULTS: Eight patients (seven women) with a median age of 58.5 years were included. The median follow-up was 6.3 months. The median sensibility threshold volume of rectal sensation was 50 ml, the median urge threshold volume was 140 ml and the median maximum tolerated rectal volume 240 ml. The median number of incontinence episodes and days per week affected by incontinence decreased from 5.0 and 3.8 before operation to 0.7 and 0.7 respectively after follow-up for 3 months. At anorectal manometry the median resting and stimulation anal canal pressures were 57 and 85 mmHg respectively, and remained constant over time. The therapeutic response threshold was significantly lower than the sensitivity threshold (median 1.6 versus 1.7 V; P = 0.042). The median motor threshold was 2.1 V, significantly higher than the sensitivity threshold (P = 0.009). The stimulation threshold for suboptimal therapeutic response was 1.4 V. In five of the eight patients the therapeutic response threshold was the same as the sensitivity threshold. CONCLUSION: Sacral nerve modulation can produce a therapeutic effect below the sensitivity threshold. A lower stimulation voltage increases the lifespan of the pulse generator.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a staged strategy for the treatment of complex perianal fistula. METHODS: Between January 1999 and April 2003 all consecutive patients with complex perianal fistulas were treated according to a staged strategy. Fistula tracks originating from the middle third or upper part of the anal sphincter were included. Patients were examined for recurrent fistulas and complaints of incontinence and soiling. Initial treatment consisted of a noncutting seton with or without a diverting stoma. Definitive surgical treatment consisted of an advancement flap or fistulotomy. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included (median age; 42 years, range 22-68 years). Seven had Crohn's disease without signs of rectal and anal involvement other than the fistula. At a median follow up of 22 months (range 8-52 months) in 29 (97%) patients, the wounds had healed completely; 7 (22%) patients subsequently developed a recurrent fistula and minor soiling occurred in 7 (23%) patients. CONCLUSION: Initial treatment with a seton with and without a diverting stoma minimizing inflammatory activity at the fistula site before definitive surgical treatment gave good results in this difficult group of patients.
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UNLABELLED: We describe a 6-year-old boy admitted with lethargy and somnolence. Laboratory tests showed hyperammonaemia (arterial level 186 micromol/l) and slightly elevated prothrombin time. The patient was treated with sodium benzoate, lactulose and a protein-restricted diet. This resulted in an insufficient decrease in blood ammonia levels. Metabolic investigations were unrevealing apart from a slightly elevated urinary glutamine concentration. Liver tissue showed steatosis and mildly decreased activity of N-acetylglutamate synthase suggesting partial deficiency. Treatment with N-carbamyl glutamate did not affect serum ammonia levels. Colour Doppler sonography and MR angiography demonstrated a patent ductus venosus. After surgical ligation of the ductus venosus, serum ammonia levels returned to normal and mental and motor performance improved markedly. CONCLUSION: In late onset hyperammonaemia, partial N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency and portocaval shunt should be ruled out.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of surgically induced weight loss on energy, substrate and protein metabolism of morbidly obese patients. DESIGN: A prospective, clinical intervention study of morbidly obese patients before and after surgical treatment. SUBJECTS: Eight morbidly obese patients (BMI 47.88+/-7.03). METHODS: Total energy expenditure (TEE; doubly labeled water method), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR; respiration chamber), body composition (deuterium oxide component of doubly labeled water), substrate metabolism (48 h dietary records, 48 h urine collection and gaseous exchange in the respiration chamber) and whole body protein turnover (primed-continuous infusion of L-[1-13C]-leucine) were measured before, 3 and 12 months after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). RESULTS: The TEE decreased as a result of a decreased SMR (64%) and non-SMR (36%; P=0.001). SMR as a function of fat-free mass (FFM) decreased after weight loss (P<0.05). The physical activity index (PAI), defined as TEE/SMR, was low and was not influenced by weight loss. Protein and carbohydrate oxidation decreased significantly after VBG (P<0.05), although 3 months after VBG protein oxidation did not decrease enough to prevent loss of FFM. The energy used for protein turnover was approximately 24% of SMR and did not change after weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Compensatory processes that oppose weight loss of morbidly obese patients exist, as demonstrated by the disproportional reduction of SMR, and a low PAI. Protein turnover is not a major contributor to the disproportional reduction of SMR.
BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of morbid obesity is gaining in popularity, because conservative treatment is ineffective. However, a cost-effectiveness analysis has never been performed and is the main goal of the present study. METHODS: 21 consecutive morbidly obese patients were tested before and after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Quality of life was assessed with the Nottingham Health Profile and a visual analogue scale. A prevalence-based cost-of-illness analysis of morbid obesity was performed and the cost-effectiveness of VBG assessed. RESULTS: VBG resulted in a significant weight loss and an improved quality of life. The improved quality of life combined with 3.6 life-years gained after VBG resulted in 12 quality adjusted life-years (QALY) gained in a lifelong scenario. Lifelong costs of illness of morbidly obese persons ranged from $8,304 to $9,367. Total direct costs of VBG were $5,865. The percentage of patients performing paid labor increased from 19% before VBG to 48% after VBG, resulting in an average productivity gain of $2,765 per year. In summary, the cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that surgical treatment of morbid obesity by means of VBG saves $4,004 to $3,928 per QALY (overall dominance). CONCLUSION: Because treatment of morbid obesity with VBG results in QALYs gained and less costs, there is no doubt that this procedure should be introduced or continued from a societal point of view.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether long-term weight loss after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) results in a sustained reduction of sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) as a persistent risk factor for weight regain. DESIGN: Longitudinal clinical intervention study of morbidly obese patients undergoing VBG. PATIENTS: Group I: Six patients in which body composition and SMR were measured before and at 3, 6 and 12 months after VBG. Group II (long-term effect): nine patients in which body mass (BM) was measured before VBG, and body composition and SMR were measured 98+/-30 months after VBG. MEASUREMENTS: Body composition was assessed by deuterium dilution and hydrostatic weighing. SMR was measured (SMRm) in a respiration chamber and predicted (SMRp) based on body composition. RESULTS: In group I, fat mass and fat free mass decreased significantly after VBG (P < 0.05). SMRm decreased from 11.1+/-1.8 (s.d.) MJ/d before VBG to 8.1+/-0.9 MJ/d (P < 0.05) at 12 months after VBG. In group II at a mean of 98 months after VBG, the SMRm (6.9+/-0.7 MJ/d) was lower than the preoperative value of group I (P < 0.05). SMRm was lower than SMRp at all intervals after VBG (P < 0.05). The ratio measured vs predicted SMR was in group I: 1.02+/-0.05 before VBG, 0.91+/-0.08 at 12 months after VBG (P<0.05), and in group 11: 0.94+/-0.08 at a mean of 98 months after VBG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The reduction of SMR adjusted for body composition after VBG is sustained as long as weight loss is maintained. The sustained and disproportional reduction of SMR may reflect the persistent susceptibility of the postobese to weight regain.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effects of surgically induced weight loss on the psychological functioning of morbidly obese patients. DESIGN: Comparison between preoperative and postoperative psychometric test results in a cross-sectional study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three psychometric tests were administered to 62 morbidly obese patients before and after surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 85.9+/-48.1 months. Surgical treatment resulted in a mean weight loss of 45.0+/-21.3 kg (P < 0.0001). The psychometric test results before surgery demonstrated somatisation, depression, denial of emotional stress, social incompetence and an indifferent attitude towards certain aspects of interpersonal behaviour. All psychopathology, except for somatisation, disappeared after surgical treatment. Improvement of psychological functioning was determined by weight loss and not influenced by the surgical procedure. The level of self-esteem before surgery predicted 15.4% of the outcome variance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The psychopathology before surgery is almost totally reversed after sustained, surgically induced weight loss. This suggests that the preoperative psychological disturbances are the result, rather than the cause, of morbid obesity.
The effect of surgically induced weight loss on the quality of life of morbidly obese patients was investigated in a controlled cross-sectional study. A postoperative group of 62 patients was compared with a control group of 20 preoperative patients. The Nottingham Health Profile part I (NHP-I) and part II (NHP-II) and a visual analogue scale were used for quality of life assessment. Significant differences were found on the NHP-II (P < 0.0001), the visual analogue scale (P < 0.001), and on the domains of mobility (P < 0.0001), energy (P < 0.001), and emotional reaction (P < 0.001) on the NHP-I in favor of the postoperative group. Better quality of life outcome was related to larger weight loss and shorter length of postoperative follow-up. No correlation was found between quality of life outcome and the type of surgical procedure or surgical complications. The unemployment rate was 53% for the overall postoperative group and 64% for the female postoperative group compared with 80% (P < 0.05) and 84% (NS) in the overall and female control groups, respectively. Overweight as the reason for unemployment was more frequent in the control group. The results of this study show that quality of life is better after surgically induced weight loss and is not related to the type of surgical procedure nor to surgical complications. Postoperative quality of life tends to decrease with time.
Three cases of pouch diverticula following vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity are presented. Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and etiology are discussed.
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BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients with a failed primary bariatric procedure present themselves for secondary treatment. Only a few studies have investigated critically the success of revisional surgery. In the present study, the effectiveness of revisional surgery for failed vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is analyzed: restoration of the VBG (reVBG) is compared to conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1980 to 1996, 136 consecutive morbidly obese patients underwent primary RYGB (n = 20) or VBG (n = 16). Weight loss, indications and complications after revisional surgery were registered. The rate of revisional surgery after primary and secondary bariatric procedures was estimated by means of a Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 56% of the patients will eventually require revisional surgery after initial VBG over a 12-year period compared to 12% after initial RYGB (P<0.01). After reVBG 68% will need revisional surgery over a 5-year period, while no further revisional surgery was required after conversion to a RYGB (P<0.05). Body mass index dropped significantly after reVBG or conversion to RYGB for insufficient weight loss (P<0.05), however, more revisional surgery was necessary after reVBG to achieve this result. The complication rate was comparable between reVBG and conversion to RYGB (33%). CONCLUSION: Conversion of a failed VBG to a RYGB is more effective than a reVBG, because conversion to RYGB provides satisfactory weight loss without requiring further revisional surgery.
BACKGROUND: The VBG was originally performed with a Marlex band and characterized by a satisfactory weight loss and low morbidity. The effect of the material used for the banding procedure (Marlex vs Dacron) in vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is evaluated. METHODS: In 49 consecutive obese patients treated with a VBG, a Marlex band was used in 17 patients and a Dacron band in 32 patients. Data were analyzed retrospectively with regard to the type of band, weight loss and complications. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the percentage excess weight 5 years postoperatively in favor of the Dacron group (59.2% vs 39.2%; p < 0.05) because of more band-related complications in the Marlex group. The difference in percentage excess weight disappeared 8 years postoperatively (43.3% vs 46.8%), due to the renewed weight loss of the Marlex group following reoperation. CONCLUSION: The Dacron band is superior to the Marlex band in VBG because sustained weight loss is satisfactory and morbidity is low.
In the period from May to September 1993 six patients underwent video-assisted lobectomy of the lung. Owing to the development of video optics and endoscopic devices video-assisted lobectomy is now possible; it appears to be a promising alternative to posterolateral thoracotomy. Potential advantages of this method in comparison with posterolateral thoracotomy are: less pain and improved pulmonary function in the first 24 hours postoperatively, better preservation of shoulder girdle strength and movement, shorter recovery period and hospital stay, and a better cosmetic result. Many aspects of this new technique need further prospective investigation, however.