Video-assisted anal fistula treatment versus fistulectomy and sphincter repair in the treatment of high cryptoglandular anal fistula: a randomized clinical study

Background Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) may have a recurrence rate comparable to that of fistulectomy and sphincter repair (FSR) in the treatment of high anal fistula and with potential advantages in wound healing, functional outcome and quality of life. The aim and objectives of the study are to compare the outcome of VAAFT with that of FSR for high cryptoglandular anal fistula. Methods This was a single-centre randomized controlled trial of adults with high anal fistula comparing FSR with VAAFT. Primary outcome was fistula recurrence. Secondary outcomes were results of anal manometry, quality of life and faecal continence. A power calculation of 33 patients in each arm (1 : 1) was based on recurrence in the FSR and VAAFT groups of 5 per cent and 30 per cent respectively. Follow-up at 6 months after surgery included physical examination, MRI, anal manometry, quality-of-life assessment (RAND SF 36 questionnaire) and faecal-continence assessment (Wexner score). Results The study was terminated early due to high recurrence rates in both groups. A total of 45 patients were included. Recurrence rates were 65 per cent for VAAFT and 27 per cent for FSR, with hazard ratio 4.18 (P = 0.016). Length of the fistula was a risk factor with an association with recurrence (hazard ratio 1.8, P = 0.020). There were significant differences in quality of life in favour of FSR and in anal manometry in favour of VAAFT with a significant improvement in Wexner score in both groups. Conclusion FSR was associated with a lower recurrence rate than VAAFT in the management of complex anal fistulae in this single-centre study but the study was terminated early due to higher than predicted recurrence rate in both groups. Registration number NCT02585167 (http://www.clinicaltrials.org).

Anatomical derangements after failed PSARP: correlating MRI and operative findings

Background Redo surgery for anorectal anomalies (ARA) may be considered a special category of reconstructive surgery with less predictable outcomes. In this report, we studied anatomical derangements in a group of boys following a previously complicated PSARP procedure, in addition to the effect of reoperation on rectifying this distorted anatomy. Results The study included 27 boys who were re-operated after a previous complicated PSARP. Included cases were divided into two groups: group A (14 cases) was referred before colostomy closure with an obviously complicated primary operation, and group B (13 cases) was referred with delayed complications after colostomy closure. Pelvic MRI examinations were performed before reoperation in 19 cases. In nine of these cases, a repeat MRI examination was performed at follow-up after reoperation to study the effect of redo surgery on rectifying the distorted anatomy. Abnormal wide anorectal angle and wide pelvic hiatus were common anatomical derangements after a previously complicated PSARP. An important goal of reoperation was reconstruction of the levator ani behind the anorectum trying to create a more acute anorectal angle and a narrower pelvic hiatus. The success of this corrective step was evaluated by MRI comparing pre- and postoperative measurements that showed a favourable decrease in the values of anorectal angle and hiatal/PC ratio. Improvement of faecal continence was documented after reoperation in 8 out of 10 cases in group B. Conclusion A wide pelvic hiatus was a frequently encountered postsurgical complication after failed PSARP that has most probably resulted from poor reconstruction of the pelvic floor at time of the primary repair. Re-approximation of the split halves of levator ani in the midline behind the anorectum at reoperation can help to correct the distorted internal anatomy and improve bowel control in these cases.

Colostomy irrigation (part 2): contraindications, barriers to uptake, adherence and nurse education

Colostomy irrigation (CI) involves instillation of water via the stoma into the colon, where it stimulates peristalsis, causing expulsion of stool and water from the stoma. CI allows colostomates to regain controlled evacuation and faecal continence. The first article considered the impact of CI on colostomates' quality of life, including flatus, odour and peristomal skin health, as well as psychological wellbeing. This second article explores the potential barriers to successfully adopting CI. The uptake of CI in the UK remains relatively low. CI is contraindicated in active disease, and there is debate about whether it is suitable in colostomates with stoma-related complications and of different ages. Barriers to uptake among stoma care nurses include misconceptions about safety, physician consent and cost, as well as issues relating to commencement time and the setting and pace of postoperative education. For colostomates, barriers to adherence include short-term issues that can be resolved with nursing support, as well as the time taken to perform irrigation and changes related to older age. Many of these barriers could be overcome with robust education programmes.

P339 Pregnant women with perianal Crohn’s Disease: suggestions for the improvement of the current guideline on delivery method

Background Pregnant women with active perianal Crohn’s disease (CD), have an indication for a caesarean section according to the current ECCO guidelines. This advice is based on the assumption that vaginal delivery leads to exacerbation of perianal disease and to worsening of faecal continence. However, there is no strong evidence to support this. This study aims to examine the effects of delivery method on perianal disease progression and faecal incontinence in women with perianal CD Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 209 women were selected from a large IBD database within a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. All women are aged >18 years, have perianal CD, and have at least one child. In addition, 102 women of this cohort completed a questionnaire. Faecal continence was scored using the Vaizey-score. Descriptive analysis using SPSS and linear regression analysis were performed. The outcome was corrected for the years after delivery (median 15, range 0-55). p-values <0,05 were considered statistically significant. Results The caesarean section rate within this cohort was 27,8%, which is high when compared the general Dutch population (14%). Within the group of women who delivered at least one child vaginally (n=84), 25,5% reported an alteration of faecal continence, compared to 18,8% of the women who never had a vaginal delivery (n=18). No significant relation between mode of delivery and faecal continence was found (B 0,97 [-1,19-3,14] p 0,375). The average Vaizey-score within this cohort in women who delivered solely through caesarean section had a median Vaizey-score of 5 (range 0-12). Women who had at least one vaginal delivery had an median Vaizey-score of 7 (range 0-20). In a large study amongst the general Dutch population (n=1259) a median Vaizey-score of 11 (range 0-17) was reported. Conclusion Faecal incontinence after vaginal delivery in CD women with perianal fistula is not significantly increased. Therefore the current guideline to advice a caesarean section should be adjusted and other factors such as the location of the fistula should be taken into account. To draw solid conclusions, better registration of fistula location and objective documentation of fistula activity (using PDAI-score) and stool consistency is needed.

Colostomy irrigation (part 1): impact on quality of life

Colostomy irrigation (CI) involves instillation of water via the stoma into the colon, where it stimulates peristalsis, causing expulsion of stool and water from the stoma. CI allows colostomates to regain controlled evacuation and faecal continence. A review of the literature suggests that CI is safe and can have a positive impact on key factors affecting quality of life, including flatus, odour and peristomal skin health. CI is also convenient in avoiding the need for frequent disposal of used appliances. All of this has also been shown to improve psychological wellbeing. However, use of CI in the UK remains relatively low. This first article considers the impact of CI on colostomates' quality of life, and the second will explore the barriers to uptake.

Traumatic posterior anal injury requiring a sphincteroplasty without diversion.

The anal sphincters may be divided by direct anal trauma or by severe pelvic injuries. The preoperative clinical assessment may correlate well with intra-operative assessment. As long as about half the sphincter ring remains active there is a good chance of restoring satisfactory faecal continence following a sphincteroplasty.

Paediatric perineal injury following explosive blast: A Case Report

Perineal injury in children is uncommon. Injuries range from minor perineal skin laceration to severe injury to the genitourinary tract, anorectal region and the pelvic bone. The mechanisms of injury are usually attributed to blunt trauma, penetrating injuries like impalement injury, or sexual abuse. Perineal injury resulting from explosive blast in children is rare. The management depends on the time and mode of presentation and examination findings. Early presentation (a few hours after injury) with 1st or 2nd-degree perineal injury may benefit from debridement with primary repair of soft tissues and/or sphincters. Late presentation (days after injury) with 3rd or 4th-degree injury will require diverting colostomy or urinary diversion and wound drainage. This is a report of an unusual case of severe perineal injury in a child following explosive blast sustained while squatting close to packed explosives that got detonated. The perineal injury was initially managed with colostomy and wound drainage. The colostomy was closed after the wound had healed with good faecal continence achieved and without perineal soft tissue or anal sphincteric repair. It is concluded that severe isolated paediatric explosive blast perineal injury is rare but is amenable to surgical care.

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology of Haemorrhoids

Background: Haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a frequent anal disorder and one of the most common findings identified at colorectal clinic. This article aims to provide an overview of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of haemorrhoids and haemorrhoidal disease. Introduction: Internal haemorrhoids are vascular cushions located in the anal canal, above the dentate line and covered by columnar epithelium. They contribute to the faecal continence and to the sensitivity of the anal canal. The enlargement and/or sliding of haemorrhoidal tissue produce symptoms and complications, the so-called haemorrhoidal disease. Method: A systematic research was realized, looking at the best evidence in literature , searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and most renowned text of colorectal surgery from January 1980 to January 2020. Result: Aetiology and pathophysiology of HD are still controversial, but multifactorial. Disruption of stromal scaffolding, enlargement of vascular component, elevated anal pressure and rectal redundancy represent key events in the development and complications of the disease. Local inflammation may play also a role. Goligher’s classification remains the most widely used. A careful patient history and examination are paramount to diagnose HD, excluding other anal or colonic pathologies. Conclusion: Several aspects of etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology remain controversial. Further studies are needed to obtain a better understanding of the disease.

Seton in Treating ComplexAnorectal Fistula-Our Experience

Background : Complex anorectal fistula may be endowed by the level at which the primary tract crosses the sphincters, the presence of secondary extensions or the difficulties faced in the treatment. Existing different treatment modalities like local advancement flap, LIFT procedure, fistulotomy and use of seton. Surgeons are afraid of incontinence in treating complex anorectal fistula. The aim of treatment of anal fistula is to cure the disease avoiding faecal incontinence. Among different procedures, Seton, a thread of foreign material, passed through the fistulous track and encircling sphincter mass thereby severing the muscle gradually without allowing it to spring apart and replacing the cut by the line of fibrosis thus avoiding incontinence, is an acceptable method practiced world wide. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and share our experience with others about the result of using seton in the treatment of complex anal fistula in our setting. Method: Between January 2003 and December 2008, I have taken the 1st 100 patients underwent surgery for complex anal fistula in Colorectal Surgery Unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medial University, Dhaka. It involved initial identification and partial laying open of the fistulous tract. A tight seton is placed around the external sphincter and is not removed until the internal orifice has migrated towards the perianal skin. Results: Out of 100 patients with mean age 43 years (range 19-65 years) 6 female and rest male underwent the procedure of seton. The median follow-up was 28.6 (24-36) months. The mean time of wound healing was 9.5 weeks (range 6-15). Recurrence occurred in two patient (2%). Continence disorders of flatus and loose stool were noted in 14 patients (14%). The duration with the seton in place was 56 days (range 20-190). Conclusion: The technique shows excellent results in the treatment of complex anal fistulous with preservation of faecal continence. Journal of Surgical Sciences (2013) Vol. 17 (1) : 14-17