Enteral resorbable diet versus standard diet in primary sphincter reconstruction: a prospective randomised trial

Aim Bowel movements after reconstructive anorectal surgery may negatively affect surgical outcome. This study was aimed to assess any differences between a standard diet (SD) and the enteral resorbable diet (ED) in terms of operative outcomes and patient tolerance after fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction. Method Adult patients undergoing elective fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction for anorectal and rectovaginal fistulas were eligible for inclusion. Patients were intraoperatively randomised to receive either the ED and peristalsis-inhibiting medication (ED) or a SD. The primary endpoint was the healing rate. Secondary endpoints included continence scores, complications and quality of life. Sample size calculation resulted in the analysis of 60 patients to detect a difference in fistula recurrence of 30% with 70% power and a 5% significance level. Results Sixty-six patients (24 women) were prospectively and randomly assigned to the ED (n = 34: 51%) or a SD (n = 32; 48%); mean age was 47 (18-74) years. The primary healing rate was 64 out of 66 patients (96%). No statistical difference in healing rate was seen between the groups. However, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the SD group (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Fistulectomy with primary sphincter reconstruction is a safe method with low complication rates. Postoperative stool behaviour has no significant influence on the healing rate but has a significant negative impact on patient satisfaction. Therefore, maintaining a standard diet seems to be preferable following reconstructive anal surgery. Trial registration The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00020524).

Fistulotomy followed by anal sphincter reconstruction – indications, benefits and pitfalls of the method

Fistula-in-ano is a disease which has challenged surgeons for centuries because of high postoperative complication rates including recurrences, and symptoms of postoperative gas and stool incontinence. The paper addresses the surgical method of fistula excision followed by sphincter reconstruction. The procedure is not new, but it has gained popularity in recent years. The primary indications for its use include complex high anal fistulas, posterior transsphincteric fistulas in patients with good baseline continence, and fistulas of “borderline” height, involving approximately 50% of the external sphincter mass. In cases of high and/or complex fistulas, the first stage of management is typically loose seton drainage to reduce the risk of infection. Prior to surgical intervention, it is important to assess the patient’s preoperative continence status. The paper presents the surgical technique of the intervention, outlines possible complications, and reviews the literature reporting the experiences of other authors who use the method. Fistulotomy followed by sphincter reconstruction is a bold surgical approach. It requires extensive experience in performing colorectal surgical procedures, and it is suitable for a selected group of patients. On account of possible complications including impaired postoperative gas and stool continence, the patient should receive appropriate information before surgery, and sign the surgical consent form. Fistulotomy followed by sphincter reconstruction is a good therapeutic option in patients with recurrent high anal fistulas unsuccessfully treated by other methods.

Anorectal malformation with didelphys uterus: Extremely rare anomaly and successful neoanal sphincter reconstruction with gracilis muscle flap

Anorectal malformation or imperforate anus is a congenital anomaly of rectum and anus. Mullerian duct anomalies are abnormal development of uterus, cervix, and vagina. Imperforate anus with double uterus is extremely rare and cannot explain by normal embryologic development. Moreover, guideline in treatment is inconclusive. We report an extremely rare case of a young adult female who presented with recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease caused by rectovaginal fistula in congenital imperforate anus and didelphys uterus, and successfully neoanal reconstruction with gracilis muscle flap. Aims for treatment are closed rectovaginal fistula, and anal sphincter reconstruction. To our best knowledge, the imperforate anus with double uterus is extremely rare anomaly. Furthermore, successfully anal sphincter reconstruction with functional gracilis muscle in the imperforate anus with double uterus has never been reported in English literature.

Gracilis Flap for Perineal Reconstruction and Functional Restoration for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence

Preoperative evaluation and management of complex perineal wounds must account for any history of previous surgery, radiation, or trauma; the size and surface area following resection or debridement; and the loss of function or structural integrity. The gracilis muscle or myocutaneous flap is a local, well-vascularized option suitable for perineal soft tissue reconstruction, particularly for moderately sized defects of the groin. The use of functional gracilis muscle for anal sphincter reconstruction may also be considered for the treatment of fecal incontinence due to significant neurologic, traumatic, or iatrogenic injury, as well as for congenital abnormalities.