Anorectal dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients: A pilot study on the effect of an individualized rehabilitation approach

BACKGROUND: Anorectal dysfunction (ARD), especially bowel incontinence, frequently compromises the quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The effect of rehabilitation procedures has not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of an individualized rehabilitation approach on bowel incontinence and anorectal pressures. METHODS: MS patients with ARD underwent 6-months of individually targeted biofeedback rehabilitation. High resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) and St. Mark’s Fecal Incontinence Scores (SMIS) were completed prior to rehabilitation, after 10 weeks of supervised physiotherapy, and after 3 months of self-treatment. RESULTS: Ten patients (50%) completed the study. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated significant improvement in the SMIS questionnaire over time [14.00 baseline vs. 9.70 after supervised physiotherapy vs. 9.30 after self-treatment (p = 0.005)]. No significant improvements over time were noted in any HRAM readings: maximal pressure [49.85 mmHg baseline vs. 57.60 after supervised physiotherapy vs. 60.88 after self-treatment (p = 0.58)], pressure endurance [36.41 vs. 46.89 vs. 49.95 (p = 0.53)], resting pressure [55.83, vs 52.69 vs. 51.84 (p = 0.704)], or area under the curve [230.0 vs. 520.8 vs. 501.9 (p = 0.16)]. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed individualized rehabilitation program supports a positive overall effect on anorectal dysfunction in MS patients.

Effect of Biofeedback Therapy during Temporary Stoma Period in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Background: This prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effect of biofeedback therapy (BFT) during temporary stoma period to prevent defecation dysfunction after sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS). Methods: Following SPS with temporary stoma, patients were divided according to whether (BFT group) or not (Control group) they received BFT. BFT was performed once or twice a week during the temporary stoma period. Kegel exercise were advised to all the patients. Subjective defecation symptoms were evaluated according to Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) as primary outcome at 12 months postoperatively. Manometric data of five time-points were also analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients in the BFT group and 23 patients in the control group received anorectal physiologic testing. The incidence of CCIS of more than 9 points, which is the primary end point in this study, was not statistically different between BFT group and control group (p = 1.000). The liquid stool incontinence in the BFT group showed a better tendency (p = 0.06) at 12 months post-SPS. Time-dependent serial changes in maximal sensory threshold (Max RST) was significantly different between the BFT and control groups (p = 0.048). Also, the change of mean resting pressure (MRP) tended to be more stable in the BFT group (p = 0.074). Conclusions: The BFT in the period of temporary stoma may be related to liquid stool incontinence at 12 months post-SPS and lead to stable MRP and better Max RST. Therefore, BFT during temporary stoma might be helpful for preventing and minimizing defecation dysfunction in high risk patients after SPS, NCT01661829).

Cerebrospinal Fluid

The total volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles and subarachnoid space is about 150 mL. The absorption of CSF is directly linked to intracranial pressure. In steady states, the rate of CSF absorption equals CSF formation, and the normal resting pressure of CSF is typically between 150 and 180 mm H2O (reference range, 65-200 mm H2O [5-15 mm Hg]). The most common cause of error in measurement of CSF pressure is failure to position the patient properly (the correct position is lateral decubitus; the right atrial pressure serves as the reference [0 mm H2O]).

Mathematical Modeling of Blood Flow to Evaluate the Hemodynamic Significance of Peripheral Vascular Lesions

Background: Evaluating the severity of peripheral artery lesions is challenging. Image-based blood flow modeling from peripheral Computed Tomographic Angiography (pCTA) may provide a non-invasive method to determine the hemodynamic significance of lesions. This pilot study evaluates the performance of pCTA-based blood flow modeling in diagnosing functionally significant peripheral lesions in comparison with Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Methods: Ten patients undergoing DSA and pCTA were included. The peripheral arteries were divided into 8 segments per extremity and stenosis severity was graded by visual estimation from DSA. Each segment was graded 0 to IV (normal, mildly-stenotic, moderately-stenotic, severely-stenotic, occluded) or non-evaluable. Independent from DSA review, a Resting Pressure Drop (RPD) and an Exercise Pressure Drop (ExPD) for each segment was calculated from pCTA-based blood flow modeling. A functionally significant (FS) lesion was defined as grade III or IV by DSA and RPD > 5 mmHg from pCTA-based modeling. Analysis was repeated with an ExPD > 20 mmHg. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated for RPD > 5 mmHg and ExPD > 20 mmHg using DSA as the standard. Results: Mean age was 52±16 years, 4 patients were male, 8 patients presented with critical limb ischemia, mean ankle brachial index was 0.60±0.29, and 66 arterial segments were available for both assessment methods. Twenty-two segments had FS lesions by DSA. Using an RPD > 5 mmHg, sensitivity was 80%, specificity was 85% and accuracy was 79%. Using an ExPD > 20 mmHg, sensitivity was 84%, specificity was 89% and accuracy was 88%. Conclusion: Use of a resting pressure drop > 5 mmHg and an exercise pressure drop > 20 mmHg, measured by blood flow modeling from CT angiography, can accurately identify functionally significant stenosis in patients with peripheral vascular disease. This information motivates the need for a larger-scale prospective imaging trial to further validate this novel non-invasive approach.

The Impact of Bariatric Procedures on Esophageal Motility

Bariatric operations may cause or cure gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The comprehension of esophageal motility following different types of bariatric procedures may help understand the relationship between GERD and bariatric surgery. This review focused on the impact of bariatric procedures on esophageal motility. We found that lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure is increased after adjustable gastric banding; is unaltered or decreased after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; and is decreased after sleeve gastrectomy. Lower esophageal sphincter relaxation may be abnormal after all these procedures. Esophageal body contractility is worsened after sleeve gastrectomy.

Functional Changes of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter in Gastroesophageal Reflux

Introduction The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a muscular structure located at the transition from the pharynx to the esophagus, with the cricopharyngeal muscle as the most important component. During gastroesophageal reflux, the pressure in the UES elevates, which is apparently a protective mechanism to prevent esophagopharyngeal reflux and airway aspiration. In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there may be functional changes in the UES. Objective The objective of the present review was to determine UES functional changes in GERD. Data Synthesis In healthy individuals, gastroesophageal reflux causes an increase in the UES pressure. This response of the sphincter is at least partially impaired in patients with GERD. In the disease, the UES has a reduced length and decreased resting pressure. However, other publications found that in chronic gastroesophageal reflux the basal sphincter pressure increase, differences which may be consequent to the measurement method or to disease severity. The UES opening during swallowing has a smaller diameter, and the bolus transit time through the sphincter is longer. Conclusion The UES of patients with GERD does not open as expected and the bolus flow through the sphincter is longer. This behavior may be associated with dysphagia, a frequent complaint in patients with GERD.

O27 The diameter of an anorectal physiology catheter in the anal canal influences the results

Introduction Conventional “catheter-based” anorectal physiology systems may influence anal canal pressures by stretching the sphincters thereby increasing tension. Anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) is a “catheter-less” technique as the flexible thin catheter does not distort the anal canal. The aim of this study was to explore whether the size of rigid tube in the anal canal had any effect on tension. Method Participants with no anorectal dysfunction were included. Baseline resting/squeeze AAR measurements were recorded, then repeated with a 6 mm and 10 mm rigid tube placed along-side the AAR catheter. This process was repeated for anorectal manometry (ARM) and Opening pressure (AAR) and mean resting pressure (MRP) were used to calculate tension (pressure (mmHg) x radius (mm)). Result 9 participants were included (7 female/2male) with median age 22 years (21–31 years). Tension at rest (no additional tube) for AAR and ARM was 14 and 135 N/m respectively and 33 and 238 N/m during squeeze. Tension increased in a linear fashion, for both resting and squeeze, as the size of additional rigid tube increased. The largest increase in tension from baseline AAR and ARM measurements was recorded with the 10 mm additional tube (1,807% and 102% respectively). Conclusion The thin AAR catheter exerted the lowest tension at baseline. A large increase in tension was observed as the size of tube increased and therefore the diameter of catheter used in the assessment of anal physiology will affect the results. ARM measurements carried out by devices of different diameter will not be comparable. Take-home Message The diameter of the anorectal physiology catheter in the anal canal influences the results.

Anorectal Manometry on Children: A Moroccan Series and Literature Review

Introduction and objectives: Anorectal manometry is a test that evaluates the function of the rectum,but also the anus. It is useful for the diagnosis of several conditions like fecal incontinence and constipation.In children these tests are being increasingly used for all ages.The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of anorectal manometry in children and to report our experience. Material and Methods:Over a period of four years, 273children that underwent anorectal manometry were included in the study,their data and tests results were analyzed. Results:Out of 273 patients included,68,5% were boys and 31,5% were girls.The mean age was 9 years.154patients(51,6%) had Fecal incontinence(Group1),75children(27,5%) had chronic constipation(Group2),and both of them(Group3) were reported in 37children(13,6%).An awake manometry was performed in 248children(91%) however this test under sedation allowed us the exclusion of Hirschsprung’s disease in 21children(84%).In group1, 25%patients had bad anal contraction.In groupe3, 21,6%children had bad anal contraction.The statistical analysis showed a significant difference in age(p=0.022) and resting pressure(p=0.050) between the three groups.Children with fecal incontinence had a higher rate of dyssynergy,80.2% and 83.8% in groups 1 and 3 respectively compared to 60.4% in patients with chronic constipation(p=0,852) Conclusion:The gold standard for the exploration of children’s terminal constipation and encopresis is the anorectal manometry.It is an important tool to establish diagnosis.In our study, this test allow the exclusion of Hirschsprung’s disease in infants with constipation, in other hand we found a higher rate of dyssynergy in children with fecal incontinence(80%) which had allow us to propose a biofeedback therapy.

Comparison of Fissurectomy and Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy in the Surgical Management of Chronic Anal Fissure

Background: The anal fissure is a small spilt in the distal anoderm, and it most commonly occurs in the posterior midline of anal canal. Anal fissure causes severe sharp pain on defecation, occasionally accompanied by streak of blood on outside of stool or blood on toilet tissue. Fissures are classified as acute or chronic, acute fissure usually heal spontaneously within six weeks. Fissurectomy had been used as separate technique in the treatment of chronic anal fissure with favorable result. Parallel inside sphincterotomy produces an enduring fall of anal resting pressure, that reestablish mucosal perfusion bringing about recuperating, yet genuine drive component is obscure, and the instrument that travel from intense to constant gap stay dark. This study is design to assess the outcome between two groups, than better modality of the two could be chosen. Objective: To compare fissurectomy and lateral internal sphincterotomy in the management of chronic anal fissure. Patient and Methods: The Randomized controlled trial was conducted during 18-02-2015 to 17-08-2015 at Department of surgery,Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Hyderabad. A total of 218 patients with chronic anal fissure were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group A were underwent fissurectomy and patients group B was underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy. Surgery was performed and patients were followed for 8 weeks on regular basis and satisfactory out comes was noted. Information along with demographics was entered in the proforma. Results: Rate of satisfactory outcome was significantly high in group B as compare to group A [92.66% vs. 76.15%; p=0.001]. Conclusion: Subcutaneous sidelong internal sphincterotomy is a significant surgery for patients with persistent anal fissure. It is compelling and safe, offers fast help of torment, and advances early gap mending without being gone to by any significant complexities.

Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of a Nifedipine and Lidocaine Fixed Combination in the Form of Rectal Cream: Two Decades Data Analysis

The creation of medicines' fixed combinations from compounds with complementary effects is one of the most popular directions in modern pharmacology and pharmaceutics. In case of nifedipine and lidocaine fixed combination such approach is quite obvious. The present review article is devoted to the analysis of clinical and non-clinical studies results on the assessment of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these medicines. Although the oral route is the most convenient for drug administration, there are a number of circumstances where this is not possible from either a clinical or pharmaceutical perspective. In these cases, the rectal route may represent a practical alternative and can be used to administer drugs for both local and systemic actions. Research data of last decades suggested that nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, could be effective in reducing anal resting pressure and in healing chronic anal fissure and acute thrombosed hemorrhoids. Another component of fixed combination lidocaine is a local anesthetic usually used to relieve pain of anal fissures and symptomatic hemorrhoids. In combinations lidocaine and nifedipine have complementary actions. Analysis of all available studies (during last 2 decades) which were aimed to investigate pharmacokinetic characteristics of a nifedipine and lidocaine fixed combination in the form of rectal cream showed that following topical application, the active ingredients nifedipine and lidocaine are absorbed into the bloodstream in only small quantities that have no major implications for the safety of the product, and systemic absorption, if any, was incomparably lower than absorption following per os administration of the two active ingredients.