Physiotherapy for Prevention and Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Women—Systematic Review of Methods

Fecal incontinence (FI) affects approximately 0.25–6% of the population, both men and women. The most common causes of FI are damage to/weakness of the anal sphincter muscle and/or pelvic floor muscles, as well as neurological changes in the central or peripheral nervous system. The purpose of this study is to report the results of a systematic review of the possibilities and effectiveness of physiotherapy techniques for the prevention and treatment of FI in women. For this purpose, the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for 2000–2020. A total of 22 publications qualified for detailed analysis. The studies showed that biofeedback (BF), anal sphincter muscle exercises, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), and electrostimulation (ES) are effective in relieving FI symptoms, as reflected in the International Continence Society recommendations (BF: level A; PFMT and ES: level B). Research has confirmed that physiotherapy, by improving muscle strength, endurance, and anal sensation, is beneficial in the prevention of FI, both as an independent method of conservative treatment or in pre/post-surgery treatment. Moreover, it can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. In conclusion, physiotherapy (in particular, BF, PFMT, or ES, as effective methods) should be one of the key elements in the comprehensive therapy of patients with FI.

Age-related external anal sphincter muscle dysfunction and fibrosis: possible role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Studies show an age-related increase in the prevalence of anal incontinence and sphincter muscle atrophy. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been recently recognized as the major molecular pathway involved in age-related skeletal muscle atrophy and fibrosis. The goals of our study were to 1) evaluate the impact of normal aging on external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle length-tension (L-T) function and morphology and 2) specifically examine the role of Wnt signaling pathways in anal sphincter muscle fibrosis. New Zealand White female rabbits [6 young (6 mo of age) and 6 old (36 mo of age)] were anesthetized, and anal canal pressure was measured to determine the L-T function of EAS. Animals were killed at the end of the study, and the anal canal was harvested and processed for histochemical studies (Masson trichrome stain for muscle/connective tissue) as well as for molecular markers for fibrosis and atrophy [collagen I, β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), atrogin-1, and muscle-specific RING finger protein-1 (MuRF-1)]. The L-T was significantly impaired in older animals compared with young animals. Anal canal sections stained with trichrome showed a significant decrease in the muscle content (52% in old compared with 70% in young) and an increase in the connective tissue/collagen content in the old animals. An increased protein and mRNA expression of all the fibrosis markers was seen in the older animals. Aging EAS muscle exhibits impairment of function and increase in connective tissue. Upregulation of atrophy and profibrogenic proteins with aging may be the reason for the age-related decrease in anal sphincter muscle thickness and function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our studies using a female rabbit model show age-related alterations in the structure and function of the external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle. We used endoluminal ultrasound to measure age-related changes in EAS muscle thickness. We employed Western blot and quantitative PCR to demonstrate age-related changes in the levels of important fibrogenic as well as atrophy markers. Our findings may have significant clinical implications, i.e., use of specific antagonists to prevent age-related EAS muscle dysfunction.

LAPAROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED ANORECTOPLASTY AND THE USE OF THE BIPOLAR DEVICE TO SEAL THE RECTAL URINARY FISTULA

ABSTRACT Background: The anorectal anomalies consist in a complex group of birth defects. Laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty improved visualization of the rectal fistula and the ability to place the pull-through segment within the elevator muscle complex with minimal dissection. There is no consensus on how the fistula should be managed. Aim: To evaluate the laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty and the treatment of the rectal urinary fistula by a bipolar sealing device. Method: It was performed according to the original description by Georgeson1. Was used 10 mm infraumbilical access portal for 30º optics. The pneumoperitoneum was established with pressure 8-10 cm H2O. Two additional trocars of 5 mm were placed on the right and left of the umbilicus. The dissection started on peritoneal reflection using Ligasure(r). With the reduction in the diameter of the distal rectum was identified the fistula to the urinary tract. The location of the new anus was defined by the location of the external anal sphincter muscle complex, using electro muscle stimulator externally. Finally, it was made an anastomosis between the rectum and the new location of the anus. A Foley urethral probe was left for seven days. Results: Seven males were operated, six with rectoprostatic and one with rectovesical fistula. The follow-up period ranged from one to four years. The last two patients operated underwent bipolar sealing of the fistula between the rectum and urethra without sutures or surgical ligation. No evidence of urethral leaks was identified. Conclusion: There are benefits of the laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty for the treatment of anorectal anomaly. The use of a bipolar energy source that seals the rectal urinary fistula has provided a significant decrease in the operating time and made the procedure be more elegant.