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Little is known about the long-term functional outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy.The aim of this study was to examine ileoanal pouch outcomes 20 and 30 years postoperatively.This is a retrospective case series.This study was conducted at a tertiary care referral center.Patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy between 1980 and 1994 were identified. Those with ≥20 years of in-person follow-up were included.Pouch function, pouchitis, anal stricture, and pouch failure rates were analyzed.A total of 203 patients had ≥20 years of follow-up. Of those, 71 had ≥30 years of follow-up. Initial diagnoses included ulcerative colitis (83%), indeterminate colitis (9%), familial adenomatous polyposis (4%), and Crohn's disease (3%). Twenty-one percent of those with ulcerative or indeterminate colitis later transitioned to Crohn's disease. Mean daily stool frequency was 7 (IQR 6-8), 38% experienced seepage, 31% had anal stenosis, 47% experienced pouchitis, and 18% had pouch failure. Over time, stool frequency increased in 41% of patients, stayed the same in 43%, and decreased in 16%. Patients older than 50 years at the time of construction had more daily bowel movements (median 8 vs 6; p = 0.02) and more seepage (77% vs 35%; p = 0.005) than those younger than 50 years. Patients with Crohn's disease had higher stool frequency (median 8 vs 6; p0.001) and higher rates of anal stenosis (44% vs 26%; p = 0.02), pouchitis (70% vs 40%; p0.001), and pouch failure (38% vs 12%; p0.001) compared to non-Crohn's patients. Patients with ≥30 years of follow-up had similar function as those with 20-30 years of follow-up.This was a retrospective, single-institution study. Only 35% of pouches created during the study period had20 years of follow-up.Most patients maintain reasonably good function and retain their pouches after 20 years. Over time, stool frequency and seepage increase. Older age and Crohn's disease are associated with worse outcomes. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B801.ANTECEDENTES:se sabe poco sobre los resultados funcionales a largo plazo de la proctocolectomía restauradora.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar los resultados del reservorio ileoanal 20 y 30 años después de la operación.DISEÑO:Serie de casos retrospectiva.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Centro de referencia de atención terciariaPACIENTES:Se identificaron pacientes que se sometieron a proctocolectomía restauradora entre 1980 y 1994. Se incluyeron aquellos con ≥20 años de seguimiento en persona.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Se analizaron la función, inflamación, tasas de falla del reservorio y estenosis anal.RESULTADOS:Un total de 203 pacientes tuvieron ≥20 años de seguimiento. De ellos, 71 tenían ≥30 años de seguimiento. Los diagnósticos iniciales incluyeron colitis ulcerosa (83%), colitis indeterminada (9%), poliposis adenomatosa familiar (4%) y enfermedad de Crohn (3%). El 21% de las personas con colitis ulcerosa o indeterminada pasaron posteriormente a la enfermedad de Crohn. La frecuencia promedio de las deposiciones diarias fue de 7 (rango intercuartil 6-8), el 38% experimentó filtración, el 31% tuvo estenosis anal, el 47% experimentó pouchitis y el 18% tuvo falla del reservorio. Con el tiempo, la frecuencia de las deposiciones aumentó en el 41% de los pacientes, se mantuvo igual en el 43% y disminuyó en el 16%. Los pacientes mayores de 50 años en el momento de la construcción tenían más evacuaciones intestinales diarias (media 8 vs 6, p = 0,02) y más filtraciones (77% vs 35%, p = 0,005) que los menores de 50 años. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn tenían mayor frecuencia de deposiciones (media 8 vs 6, p0,001) y tasas más altas de estenosis anal (44% vs 26%, p = 0,02), inflamacion (70% vs 40%, p0,001) y falla del reservorio (38% frente a 12%, p0,001) en comparación con pacientes que tenian enfermedad de Crohn. Los pacientes con ≥30 años de seguimiento tuvieron una función similar a aquellos con 20-30 años de seguimiento.LIMITACIONES:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo de una sola institución. Solo el 35% de los reservorios creados durante el período de estudio tuvieron más de 20 años de seguimiento.CONCLUSIONES:La mayoría de los pacientes mantienen una función razonablemente buena y conservan el reservorio después de 20 años. Con el tiempo, la frecuencia de las deposiciones y la filtración aumentan. La vejez y la enfermedad de Crohn se asocian con peores resultados. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B801. (Traducción - Dr. Ingrid Melo).

Background Anorectal stricturing is a particularly morbid manifestation of Crohn's disease resulting in a diminished quality of life related to pain, incontinence, and recurrent operative interventions. Objective To determine the role of medical therapy, endoscopic dilation, and surgical intervention for the treatment of isolated anorectal stricturing. Data sources An organized search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Collected Reviews was performed from January 1, 1990 through May 1, 2020. Study selection Full text papers which included management of isolated anorectal strictures in the setting of Crohn's disease. Intervention(s) Medical and surgical management. Main outcome measures Symptomatic relief, need for proctocolectomy. Results Our search identified a total of 553 papers; after exclusion based on title (n = 430) and abstract (n = 47), 76 underwent full text review with 65 relevant to the management of anorectal strictures. A summary of the retrospective reports suggests that medical therapy can help control luminal inflammation, but fibrosis may ultimately set in resulting in a need for endoscopic or surgical intervention. Surgical options are limited in the anal canal due to inflammation and ulceration and concomitant perianal fistulizing disease. While fecal diversion can provide symptomatic relief, successful restoration of intestinal continuity remains uncommon and most patients ultimately undergo a total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy. Limitations Limited literature published, all retrospective in nature. Conclusions Despite significant advances in medical and surgical therapy in Crohn's disease over the last decades, there is clearly an unmet need in the management of anorectal strictures in Crohn's disease.

International audience; BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The natural history of perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD) remains poorly described and is mainly based on retrospective studies from referral centres. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, outcomes and predictors of the onset of PCD. METHODS: All incident cases of patients diagnosed with possible CD were prospectively registered from 1994 to 1997 in Brittany, a limited area in France. At diagnosis, the clinical features of perianal disease were recorded. All patient charts were reviewed from the diagnosis to the last clinic visit in 2015. RESULTS: Among the 272 out of 331 incident CD patients followed up, 51 (18.7%) patients had PCD at diagnosis. After a mean follow-up of 12.8 years, 93 (34%) patients developed PCD. The cumulative probabilities of perianal CD occurrence were 22%, 29%, and 32% after 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively. The cumulative probabilities of anal ulceration were 14%, and 19% after 1 year and 10 years, respectively. Extraintestinal manifestations were associated with the occurrence of anal ulceration. The cumulative probabilities of fistulizing PCD were 11%, 16%, and 19% after 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively. Extraintestinal manifestations, rectal involvement and anal ulceration were predictors of fistulizing PCD. The cumulative probability of developing anal stricture was 4% after 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: PCD is frequently observed during CD, in approximately one-third of patients. These data underline the need for targeted therapeutic research on primary perianal lesions (proctitis, anal ulceration) to avoid the onset of fistulizing perianal disease.

Background Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are major congenital malformations occurring in female children in approximately 1 out of every 4000–5000 births. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) was introduced for their treatment in early 1980s by Pena and Devries. However, anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP) was first introduced by Okada as a modification of the previous technique. Purpose The aim of this study was to report our experience and the long-term follow-up results of 594 female patients with anorectal malformations treated by anterior sagittal anorectoplasty (ASARP) in a single center over 22 years. We chose this approach as the incision is smaller, with minimal cutting of the external sphincter and easier dissection of the vagina and rectum. The type of our study was retrospective study. Results The study included 594 patients; 342 of them were less than 1 year old. About 526 patients had rectovestibular fistula, anterior perineal anus in 55 patients, anocutaneous fistula in 6 patients and rectovaginal fistula in 7 patients. All of these patients had been subjected to ASARP technique which had been done in one stage without proceeding colostomy in about 470 cases and in staged fashion with a protective colostomy in 124 patients. Postoperative follow up revealed that four patients (0.7%) developed anal retraction, 30 patients (5%) developed anal stricture, 20 patients (3.4%) had rectal prolapse and 40 patients (6.7%) developed anterior anal migration. Constipation was observed in 161 patients (27%) by the end of 1st postoperative year reduced to 41 patients (7%) after one year. 474 patients were assessed for continence by Kelly's continence score and 453 patients showed good result, 16 patients showed fair result and about 5 patients had poor continence outcome. Conclusion Anterior sagittal anorectoplasty is a procedure with optimal functional outcome especially at if done at an early age in one stage without preliminary colostomy.

Laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) is considered to benefit the patients with vesico-prostatic fistula. The aim of this study is to present the details of our LAARP technique for improving the short- and long-term outcomes in the patients with high and intermediate types of anorectal malformations (ARMs). 330 patients with high-type (174 cases) and intermediate-type (156 cases) anorectal malformation (aged 8 days to 15 years) underwent LAARP from 2001 to 2019. LAARP was performed for full mobilization and resection of the dilated rectum, intra-rectal closure of the fistula, visualization, and enlargement of the center of the longitudinal muscle tube (LMT) from pelvic and perineal aspects. LAARP was performed in all patients and no patient was converted to open procedure. The urethral diverticulum was found in three patients (1.02%, 3/294) according to postoperative protocol voiding cystourethrogram but was not associated with any symptoms such as urinary tract infection and dysuria. Rectal prolapse requiring surgical intervention developed in 25 (7.6%) of 330 patients. Anal stricture occurred in three patients and re-do anoplasty was performed 5 months after LAARP. Anal retraction occurred in two patients and re-pull-through was conducted at 5 and 6 days, respectively, after LAARP. 228 patients who were older than 3 years were followed up. The median follow-up period was 5.8 years (range 3–15 years). 217 patients (95.2%) had voluntary bowel movements; 202 patients (88.6%) were free from soiling or with grade 1 soiling; 30 patients (13.6%) and 25 patients (11.3%) suffered from grade 1 and grade 2 constipation, respectively, while no patient had grade 3 constipation. Our experience demonstrates that the LAARP has advantages on rectal mobilization and resection, intra-rectal fistula closure and accurate tunnel formation in the LMT with minimal trauma. The improvement of the short-term and long-term outcomes after LAARP has been shown not only for high-type ARM but also for intermediate-type ARM.

OBJECTIVE Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for laterally spreading tumors (LST) involving the dentate line (LST-DL) is challenging because of the specific anatomical features of the anorectum. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD for LST-DL. METHODS Consecutive patients with LST-DL who had undergone ESD at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2015 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, and complications, pathological characteristics, and tumor recurrence were analyzed and compared with those of LST in the rectum not involving the dentate line (LST-NDL). RESULTS Altogether 49 patients with LST-DL (median age 63 years; 39 women; median lesion size 57 mm; median follow-up period of 24 months) and 96 patients with LST-NDL (median age 67 years; 31 women; median lesion size 47 mm; median follow-up period of 31 months) were enrolled. En bloc resection (93.9% [46/49] vs 94.8% [91/96]) and en bloc R0 resection rates (83.7% [41/49] vs 88.5% [85/96]), respectively, for LST-DL and LST-NDL, with no significant differences. However, ESD for LST-DL had a longer procedure time (77 min vs 54 min, P = 0.02), a greater postprocedural perianal pain rate (28.6% vs 0%, P

Introduction Acquired skin-level strictures following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and some rare cases of congenital anal stenosis can be managed using a Heineke–Mikulicz like anoplasty (HMA). We hypothesized that this procedure was an effective, safe, and durable outpatient procedure in select patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent HMA for skin level strictures following PSARP or for certain congenital anal stenoses from 2014 to 2017. Results Twenty-eight patients (19 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 5.8 years (range 0.5–24.4) underwent HMA. Twenty-six had a prior PSARP, of which 18 were redo, and 8 were primary procedures. Two patients had congenital skin level anal stenosis. The mean follow up was 1.0 years (range 0.4–2.9). The average preprocedure anal size was Hegar 8, which after HMA increased 8 Hegar sizes to 16 (95% CI 7–9, p Conclusion HMA is a safe procedure for skin-level anal strictures following PSARP (primary and redo) and can also be used in some rare cases of congenital anal stenosis. Long-term follow up to determine the restricture rate is ongoing. A plan to do an HMA if a stricture develops may offer an alternative to routine anal dilations, particularly after a redo PSARP in an older child. Type of study Case series. Level of evidence Level IV.

Background Crohn's disease is a relative contraindication to IPAA due to perceived increased rates of pouch failure. Objective This study aimed to determine pouch functional outcomes and failure rates in patients with a known preoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Data sources A database search was performed in Ovid Medline In-Process & Other NonIndexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Study selection The published human studies that reported short-term postoperative outcomes and/or long-term outcomes following IPAA in adult (≥18 years of age) Crohn's disease populations were selected. Intervention Ileal pouch anal anastomoses were constructed in patients who had Crohn's disease diagnosed preoperatively or through proctocolectomy pathology. Main outcomes measures The primary outcomes measured were long-term functional outcomes (to maximal date of follow-up) and the pouch failure rate. Results Of 7019 records reviewed, 6 full articles were included in the analysis. Rates of pelvic sepsis, small-bowel obstruction, pouchitis, anal stricture, and chronic sinus tract were 13%, 3%, 31%, 18%, and 28%. Rates of incontinence, urgency, pad usage in the day, pad usage at night, and need for antidiarrheals were 24%, 21%, 19%, 20%, and 28%, and mean 24-hour stool frequency was 6.3 bowel movements at a mean 69 months of follow-up. The overall pouch failure rate was 15%; no risk factors for pouch failure were identified. Limitations This investigation was limited by the small number of studies with significant study heterogeneity. Conclusion In patients with known preoperative Crohn's disease, IPAA construction is feasible with functional outcomes equivalent to patients with ulcerative colitis, but, even in highly selected patients with Crohn's disease, pouch failure rates remain higher than in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Introduction Short-term international medical service trips (MSTs) provide specialized care in resource-constrained countries. There are limited data on immediate and long-term reported outcomes following specialty MST. We hypothesized that dedicated collaborative MST team and host institution produce outcomes and results comparable to those of high-income settings. Our primary aim was to analyze the long-term surgical and functional outcomes of our specialty-specific MSTs following five years of annual MST in Honduras. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective analysis of 56 children who underwent colorectal and pelvic reconstructive operations between 2014 and 2018. Demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, type of repair, long-term complications, and functional bowel and bladder results were recorded. Results We included a total of 56 children, 47 with ARM and 9 with HD, with a median age of 43.5 months (17–355) at the time of surgery. 25% (22) of the patients were lost to follow-up. Fecal continence was achieved by 23 (60%) patients 5 years (n = 11). Complications included constipation in 18 (42.9%) children with ARM and in 1 (12.5%) with HD. Eleven (19.6%) patients required revisional surgery for skin level anal stricture. Seventy-five percent of the patients with pediatric colorectal disorders attending the MST were compliant with continued long-term follow-up. Conclusion We were able to demonstrate that with organized, dedicated site and surgeon, results achieved can be comparable to those in the high-income countries (HICs). We conclude that this type of specialized care is feasible and beneficial for affected pediatric colorectal patients in resource-limited settings, when a strong partnership with a system of preoperative assessments and peri- and postoperative care can be established. Level of evidence Level IV (retrospective cohort study).

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal complications in inflammatory bowel disease indicate active inflammation and typically result in the intensification of therapy. AIM: To analyse whether the rates of intestinal complications were associated with age at disease onset. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 1506 individuals with Crohn's disease (CD) and 1201 individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) were obtained from the Swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort study database, classified into groups on the basis of age at diagnosis ( 40 years of age), and retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: In CD patients, the rates of stricturing (29.1-36.2%), abdominal penetrating disease (11.9-18.2%), resectional surgery (17.9-29.8%) and perianal disease (14.7-34.0%) were correlated with disease duration, but not age at diagnosis. However, paediatric-onset CD was associated with higher rates of multiple, rectal and anal strictures and earlier colon surgery. In addition, perianal disease occurred earlier, required earlier surgical intervention, and was more often combined with stricturing and penetrating disease. Finally, anal fissures were more prevalent among younger patients. In UC patients, the rates of progression or extension of disease (0-25.8%) and colectomy (3.0-8.7%) were dependent on disease duration, but not age at disease onset. Paediatric-onset disease was associated with a higher rate of extensive colitis at diagnosis and earlier progression or extension of disease, and nonsurgically treated patients with the youngest ages at onset more frequently required antitumour necrosis factor-α treatments. CONCLUSION: The higher rates of intestinal complications, including those of the small and large bowel and in the anal region, in paediatric-onset CD patients point towards a level of inflammation that is more difficult to control. Similar findings were also evident in UC patients.

For decades, paediatric surgeons have employed the standard posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) approach to deal with patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). In recent years, we noted an apparent increase in the incidence of anal stricture after surgical repair of ARM following the introduction of laparoscopic pull-through and techniques aiming to preserve the internal sphincter—the internal sphincter sparing approach (ISSA). We decided to analyse our data to find out if these new trends had added to the problem of post-operative strictures. All patients with ARM at our institution from January 2000 to December 2015 were identified. A retrospective case note review was carried out. Data collected included patient demographics, type of ARM, operative details, and post-operative outcomes. 114 patients were identified. Ten patients were excluded. Of the remaining 104 children, 48 (46%) were female. Median age was 8.3 (range 1.2–16.8) years. Types of ARM were as follows: perineal fistula (15 patients), anterior stenotic anus (12), imperforate anus without fistula (10), vestibular fistula (32), rectourethral (bulbar) fistula (11), rectourethral (prostatic) fistula (14), rectovesical fistula (7), and cloaca (3). Twenty-seven patients with a perineal fistula or anterior stenotic anus underwent perineal procedures that were variably described by the different operating surgeons. The majority (15 patients) had an anoplasty, 5 had anal transposition, 5 had limited PSARP, and 2 patients had ISSA. Two patients with a cloacal anomaly underwent open cloacal reconstruction. Of the remaining 75 patients, 45 had a PSARP approach, 6 had a laparoscopic-assisted pull-through, and 18 had ISSA. Four girls with vestibular fistula had anal transposition and two boys with imperforate anus without fistula had anoplasty. 15 (14%) children developed anal stricture. Stricture incidence differed according to operation type. PSARP was the most commonly performed procedure, with only 6% developing a stricture. In contrast, 30% of ISSA patients and 50% of children who had laparoscopic pull-through developed a stricture. Strictures also occurred in 11 and 12% of children having anal transposition and anoplasty, respectively. The laparoscopic-assisted pull-through involves tunnelling the sphincter muscle complex. We found that often the tunnels were not wide enough, resulting in narrowing not just at the ano-cutaneous junction but also at the deeper level. 50% developed strictures. We have modified our technique by ensuring that the tunnels are generous enough to allow the rectum to be pulled through without any resistance. ISSA unfortunately resulted in 30% of our patients developing strictures. This approach, started in 2004, was, therefore, abandoned in 2013. The standard Pena’s PSARP, with or without a laparotomy, has stood the test of time. Any modification of this approach must be carefully thought through and audited meticulously. Strictures can cause significant morbidity, which may need several revisions, and the resulting redo anoplasties run the risk of sphincter damage, ironically which the newer modifications of ISSA were trying to conserve.

PurposeRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) effectively treats esophageal high-grade dysplasia, but its efficacy in treating anal canal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) is unsubstantiated. This prospective study assessed the safety and efficacy of applying hemi-circumferential RFA to anal canal HSIL.MethodsTwenty-one HIV-negative participants with HSIL occupying ≤half the anal canal circumference were treated with hemi-circumferential anal canal RFA. Participants were assessed every 3months for 12months with high-resolution anoscopy; recurrence in the treatment zone was re-treated with focal RFA.ResultsTwenty-one participants with a mean of 1.7 lesions (range 1-4) enrolled and completed the trial. Six (29%) participants had recurrent HSIL within the treated hemi-circumference within 1year. Four participants (19%) had persistence of an index lesion at 3months. One (2.9%) index HSIL persisted again at 12months. No participants had more than two RFA treatments. KM curve-predicted HSIL-free survival within the treatment zone at 1year was 76% (95% CI 52-89%). Comparing the first 7 and last 14 participants, the predicted 1-year HSIL-free survivals are 43% (95% CI 10-73%) and 93% (95% CI 59-99%), respectively (p=0.008), suggesting a learning curve with the treating physician. Multivariable analysis showed decreased recurrence in the last 14 participants (HR 0.02; 95% CI 0.001-0.63) while increasing BMI increased recurrence (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.01). No participants had device or procedure-related serious adverse events, anal stricture, or heavy bleeding.ConclusionsHemi-circumferential RFA yielded a high rate of anal HSIL eradication in HIV-negative patients at 1year with minimal adverse events. Lesion persistence was probably related to incomplete initial ablation.

Introduction Attempting to decrease iatrogenic injuries and preventable harm, safety initiatives have become a priority in surgery. For adult hepatobiliary surgery, it has become common to study and consider “error traps” or common pitfalls that exist for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Extending this work to children, we have attempted to apply some of these initiatives by identifying error traps common to the care of patients born with anorectal malformations (ARM). Methods Five error traps were identified based on a retrospective analysis of operative records and radiographic studies from 398 re operative ARM cases performed by the authors. Once identified, the authors constructed a specific safety plan for each trap to promote a culture that will hopefully prevent ARM iatrogenic injuries. Results The identified error traps are: 1) creation of a colostomy too distal in the sigmoid colon, 2) inaccurate distal colostogram and definition of the patient's preoperative anatomy 3) absence of a Foley catheter during the repair of an ARM in males and the hazards of separating the anterior rectal wall from the genito-urinary (GU) tract 4) mismanagement of a post-operative anal stricture following an ARM reconstructive procedure 5) limited or unstructured follow up of these patients. For each of the five traps the authors present suggestions for their avoidance. Conclusion The repair on an anorectal malformation is an elective procedure and while not completely avoidable, there should be little tolerance for iatrogenic injury and preventable harm. A culture of safety should be followed, beginning with a recognition of the common error traps associated with ARM procedures.

Although postoperative strictures after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the rectum are relatively rare, some rectal lesions require resection involving the anal canal, which is a narrow tract comprising squamous epithelium. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have investigated narrow anal canals when evaluating post-ESD strictures. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of resections involving the anal canal on postoperative stricture development. Between April 2005 and October 2017, 707 rectal lesions were treated with ESD. We retrospectively investigated 102 lesions that required ≥ 75% circumferential resection. Risk factors for post-ESD stricture and, among patients with strictures, obstructive symptoms, and number of dilation therapies required were investigated. Post-ESD stricture occurred in 18 of 102 patients (17.6%). In the multivariate analysis, circumferential resection ≥ 90% and ESD involving the anal canal (ESD-IAC) were risk factors for postoperative strictures (P ≤ 0.0001 and 0.0115, respectively). Among the patients with strictures, obstructive symptoms were significantly related to anal strictures compared to rectal strictures (100% vs. 27.2%, P = 0.0041). Furthermore, the number of dilation therapies required was significantly greater among patients with anal strictures compared to those with rectal strictures (6.5 times vs. 2.7 times, P = 0.0263). Not only circumferential resection ≥ 90% but also ESD-IAC was a significant risk factor for the stricture after rectal ESD. Furthermore, anal strictures were associated with a significantly higher frequency of obstructive symptoms and larger number of required dilation therapies than were rectal strictures.

Background and aims Faecal diversion [FD] can be proposed in patients with refractory anoperineal Crohn's disease [APCD]. This study aimed to assess long-term results of this strategy, following the advent of the anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] era. Methods All patients who underwent FD for refractory APCD between 2005 and 2017 were included, excluding patients with a history of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A multivariate analysis regarding absence of stoma reversal [SR] was performed. Results A total of 65 consecutive patients who underwent FD for APCD (comprising anoperineal fistula [n = 40, 62%], rectovaginal fistula [n = 21, 32%], fissures and/or ulceration [n = 9, 14%], and/or anal stricture [n = 5, 8%]) were included. At the time of FD, 34 patients [52%] presented with small bowel Crohn's disease [CD] involvement, 29 [45%] with colonic involvement, and 19 [29%] with rectal involvement. Following FD, 54 patients [83%] were treated with anti-TNF therapy, prescribed for isolated APCD [n = 10, 15%] or luminal CD with APCD [n = 44, 68%]. After a mean follow-up of 49 ± 29 [7-120] months, SR was not possible in 32 patients [49%], including 17 patients [26%] requiring a subsequent proctectomy with abdominoperineal excision. In multivariate analysis, rectal CD involvement was the only independent factor associated with a reduced rate of SR (odds ratio: 4.0 [1.153-14.000]; p = 0.029), and anti-TNF therapy had no impact on SR rate. Conclusions FD can be performed in selected patients with refractory APCD, to avoid abdominoperineal resection. However, this strategy should be proposed with caution in patients presenting with rectal CD involvement. Anti-TNF therapy has no impact on SR rate.

The transanal endorectal pull-through (TERPT) procedure, the latest advancement in the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung's disease, has replaced most other surgical techniques in the last decade.Between October 2002 and March 2014, a total of 22 patients diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease underwent a one-stage TERPT operation.Resected segments included the rectosigmoid (seven patients), the descending colon (10 patients), and the transverse colon (five patients). The minimum length of the resected segments was 15 cm and the maximum length was 65 cm. The mean length was 39.18 ± 12.05 cm. Following surgery, the start of oral ingestion was 1-8 days (mean 3 ± 1.69 days) and the hospital stay after the operation lasted 4-11 days (mean 7.04 ± 2.05 days). The mean follow-up period was 48 ± 6 months (range of 24-166 months). Out of 22 patients, three patients had an anal stricture, which responded to anal dilatations; three patients had an enterocolitis episode that required hospitalization; two patients experienced constipation; and two patients had incontinence/soiling.Our data suggest that the TERPT operation can be safely performed in terms of long-term complications.

Background Anal dilatation is performed after repair of anorectal malformations(ARMs) and is vital in prevention of anal stricture formation. The ideal protocol utilizes Hegar dilators. In our setup, few parents will acquire Hegar dilators for home based anal dilatation but majority will use fingers as an alternative. The basis of this study was to determine the effectiveness of digital anal dilatations in preventing anal strictures. Materials and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) which recruited children post ARM repair undergoing digital anal dilatation. The diameters of the digits used for anal dilatation were assessed for adequacy using the desired anal size as a reference point. The main outcome variable was the presence of anal strictures. Data were entered in a data collection sheet and analyzed by use of SPSS (V.21.0 Chicago, Illinois). Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to ascertain association among variables. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 50 patients with ARM post repair were recruited in the study. The rate of occurrence of anal stricture was 22%. Among the participants with anal strictures, only 27% were compliant to the dilatation regimen while 73% reported noncompliance. The mean diameter(mm) of the dilating digits at the level of the middle phalanx was Index finger (15.4 ± 0.58), middle finger (15.2 ± 0.61), ring finger (14.2 ± 0.71), small finger (12.5 ± 0.91) and thumb (17.6 ± 0.78). 46% of the participants were dilated with appropriately sized digits. The remainder had dilatations done with larger (22%) or smaller digits (32%). Notably, anal strictures occurred in participants who were dilated with inappropriately sized digits (P = 0.001). Conclusion Digital anal dilatation is safe and effective as a mode of anal dilation in the setting of compliance to a strict dilatation protocol, daily frequency of dilations and use of appropriately sized digits. Owing to the variability in the finger size, we recommend that digits be calibrated and education given to the caregivers on the use of the appropriately sized digit. Level of evidence Treatment study. Level III.

Purpose Children with perianal Crohn's disease (PCD) are a unique and diverse patient population. The purpose of this study was to describe the spectrum of disease and role of surgery. Methods A retrospective chart review of all children having at least one surgical intervention for PCD over 10years was performed. Results Fifty-seven patients (63% male) aged 0.5–17 (median 13) years were identified. Perianal disease consisted of skin tags (49%), superficial fistulae (49%), deep fistulae (37%), superficial abscesses (68%), deep abscesses (9%), skin breakdown (19%), and anal strictures (7%). 84% received anti-TNF therapy, with 27% treated with a second anti-TNF medication. Minor surgical procedures, commonly done during anti-TNF therapy, included abscess drainage (67%) and seton placement (33%). Major surgical procedures, done almost exclusively after anti-TNF failure, included defunctioning ileostomy (23%) and subtotal colectomy (9%). Follow-up ranged from 7 to 160 (median 54) months. Conclusions Pediatric PCD has a wide range of disease severity. Minor surgery provides adequate drainage before and during anti-TNF therapy, while major surgery plays a role in medically refractory disease. Appropriate surgical intervention remains an important part of the treatment paradigm.

Background Hemorrhoidectomy is considered the gold standard and the most effective and definitive treatment for grades 3 or 4 hemorrhoids, and Milligan-Morgan's and Ferguson's procedures are the most widely used techniques throughout the world. The aim of the study was to present our surgical technique using LigasureTM vessel sealing, focus on technical aspects and surgical tricks showing our results with a huge number of patients and a long-term follow-up. Methods Between June 2001 and June 2014 at the University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, 1000 patients were selected to underwent LigasureTM hemorrhoidectomy for III and IV degree hemorrhoids. Age range 19-80 years, ASA I-II-III. Operating time, postoperative pain score, hospital stay, early and late postoperative complications, wound healing time and time to return to normal activities were assessed. Patients were followed-up at one week, one month, six, and twelve months after the operation and after 60 months they responded to the follow-up telephone interview and replied to the questionnaire. Results One-thousand patients were undergone LigasureTM hemorrhoidectomy. The mean follow-up was 7 years and 110 (11%) patients was lost from the follow-up after the first postoperative month. Among early postoperative complications, 21 patients (2.1%) has urinary retention treated with a urinary catheter and removed before the discharge. 3 (0.3%) patients had a minor bleeding that required a package of hemostatic absorbable sponge, as late complications, in 35 patients (4%) anal fissure due to hard stool, an incomplete healing was observed in 11 patients (1.1%) after the first month. Three transphincteric anal fistulas (0.3%) were collected and four perianal abscess (0.4%) were observed during the first month of the follow-up and they required a delayed surgical treatment. At the end of the seven years of follow-up 70 recurrences (7.8%) and 35 anal stenosis (4%) were detected. Conclusions If technical guidelines are respected rigorously and the device is applied correctly, feared late complications, such as impaired fecal continence, anal stricture and postoperative pain can be minimized.

We describe a technique for the management of prolapsing hemorrhoids, with the aim to minimize the risk of anal stricture and rectovaginal fistula and to reduce the impact of the stapling technique on rectal compliance. This modified procedure was successfully applied in China, and preliminary data showed promising outcomes (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A117).

Background Our aim is to report the outcomes of hemorrhoidectomy performed via LigaSure™ with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Methods A total of 666 patients underwent hemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic prolapsed hemorrhoids (grade III and IV) via LigaSure between June 2006 and June 2008. Patient demographic and operative data were collected and analyzed. Results The mean patient age was 45.4 ± 11.1 years (x ± SD; range, 22–77), and approximately 72% had grade III hemorrhoids. All procedures were performed without complications. The operative time was 18.7 ± 4.1 minutes (range, 9–43), and hospital stay was 1.5 ± 0.6 days (range, 1–4). There was no immediate postoperative bleeding or other procedure-related complications. Twelve (1.8%) patients required urinary catheterization for a maximum of 1 day, and 21 (3.2%) patients had delayed postoperative bleeding. Most cases of bleeding resolved spontaneously; 3 patients (0.4%) required reoperation. A total of 645 patients (96.6%) responded to a follow-up telephone interview at a mean of 36 months (range, 24–49) after hemorrhoidectomy. After 1 year postoperatively, 2 patients received additional excisions for residual skin tags, 1 was treated for an anal stricture, 1 was treated for an anal fistula, and 3 were treated for anal fissures. Minor incontinence (flatus) was present in 11 (1.7%) patients, and 13 (2.0%) experienced mild bleeding caused by residual hemorrhoids; 1 patient underwent rubber-band ligation, and the others were successfully treated medically. No recurrent prolapse or persistent anal pain occurred during the follow-up period. The overall recurrence rate at 2-years follow-up was 3.1%. Conclusion The long-term recurrence rate after hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure is low and comparable with conventional hemorrhoidectomy.

Introduction A significant number of internationally adopted children have congenital birth defects. As a specialist center for colorectal diagnoses, we evaluate such children with an anorectal malformation (ARM) and have found that a significant number need a reoperation. Knowledge of the common complications following ARM surgery has led us to develop treatment algorithms for patients with unknown past medical and surgical history, a situation typically encountered in the adopted population. Methods The results of investigations, indications, and rate of reoperation were assessed for adopted children with an ARM evaluated between 2014 and 2016. Results 56 patients (28 males) were identified. 76.8% required reoperative surgery. Mislocation of the anus outside the sphincter complex was seen in 50% of males and 39.3% of females. Anal stricture, rectal prolapse, retained vaginal septum, and a strictured vaginal introitus were also common. Conclusion The reoperative surgery rate in the internationally adopted child with an ARM is high. Complete, systematic evaluation of these children is required to identify complications following initial repair. Development of mechanisms to improve the primary surgical care these children receive is needed.

Introduction We introduced a modification of the Heineke-Mikulicz technique to treat intractable skin level anal strictures post posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). The aim of this article is to describe the technique and outcome in a series of patients. Methods This was a retrospective evaluation of patients who had Heineke-Mikulicz like stricturoplasty performed for a post PSARP skin level stricture over a one-year period. Results Five patients who were operated using the technique were reviewed. All had severe anal strictures that could admit Hegar dilator sizes 6 to 9 at 16months to 5years after PSARP. All underwent routine dilatations, which became increasingly painful. As an alternative to continued dilatations, an operative procedure was offered. The surgery was done as a day case and lasted 10 to 30min. The anus at the end of the procedure could comfortably accept a Hegar dilator size 14 to 17. None of the patients had a colostomy after the procedure and there were no complications. Conclusions The Heineke-Mikulicz like stricturoplasty is a simple surgical procedure that can be done in an ambulatory setting to treat children with intractable skin level anal stricture if this develops following definitive surgery for anorectal malformations.

Background and Objective Anal cancer and preneoplastic anal lesions (anal intraepithelial neoplasia, AIN) rising especially in men having sex with men (MSM). There are no widely accepted treatment standards for AIN. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the systemic sensitizer meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (mTHPC) has the potential to treat the anal area even when the exact borders of the preneoplastic anal lesion cannot easily be visualized. Study Design/Materials and Methods In this prospective intervention study, 15 HIV-positive MSM with AIN 3 were treated in 25 PDT-sessions using mTHPC intravenously administered at drug doses of 0.075–0.15 mg ml−1 and illumination at 48 hours. The illumination was performed using a custom made applicator using either red light (652 nm) to a measured intended fluence of 10 and 20 J cm−2 and green light (532 nm) to a measured intended fluence of 105, 210, and 340 J cm−2. Red and green illuminations were performed at a (green) equivalent fluence rate of 105 mW cm−2. Results Initial complete response was seen in 7/25 (28%) of treatments and another 4/25 (16%) initial partial responses. After an average 8 months, recurrences were detected in 7/11 (64%) of sessions that initially showed response. A total 4/25 (16%) showed persistent complete response 6–15 months after green light illumination. Red light illuminations caused more significant side effects combined with no persistent complete response. Reported side effects were intense pain, bloody and purulent rectal discharge, and anal stricture formation, in one patient. Conclusion The results show that the use of systemic mTHPC is partially effective for the treatment of AIN 3. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 637–644, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

BACKGROUND Excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH) is the major surgical option for high-grade symptomatic hemorrhoids, but it has some shortcomings, especially postoperative pain. This study was performed to assess the effect of lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) in patients undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS A systematic literature search (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, Springer Link, Ovid Journals, and EBSCO) was performed to identify all eligible articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until July 7, 2017 comparing EH combined with LIS (experimental group) with EH only (control group) were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative pain. RESULTS Ten RCTs involving 1560 patients were identified for inclusion. The pooled analysis revealed that patients undergoing EH and LIS were associated with lower pain score [standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.14 to -0.36; z = 3.76; P = .0002] and resting anal pressure [odds ratio (OR), -17.19; 95% CI, -25.66 to -8.72; z = 3.98; P

Nonfistulizing perianal lesions, including ulcerations, strictures, and anal carcinoma, are frequently observed in Crohn's disease. Their clinical course remains poorly known. The management of these lesions is difficult because none of the treatments used is evidence-based. Ulcerations may be symptomatic in up to 85% of patients. Most ulcerations heal spontaneously but may also progress to anal stenosis or fistula/abscess. Topical treatments only improve symptoms, while complete healing can occur in patients with perianal ulcerations receiving infliximab therapy. Half of all patients with anal strictures will require permanent fecal diversion. Dilatation for symptomatic strictures should be performed on a highly selective basis in the absence of active rectal disease in order to avoid infectious complications. Anorectal strictures associated with rectal lesions should first be managed with medical therapy. Skin tags are usually painless and may hide other perianal lesions. Anal cancer is uncommon. Its treatment is similar to that recommended for anal cancer occurring in non-Crohn's disease patients. After reviewing the classification, clinical features, and epidemiology of each type of nonfistulizing perianal lesion (ulceration, stricture, skin tags, and anal cancer), we discuss the efficacy of medical treatment and surgery. This review article may help physicians in decision-making when managing potentially disabling lesions.

The posterior trans-sphincteric approach to treat different lesions of the rectum has been known since the last century. Although there are many advantages to this procedure, it has never been widely accepted because many surgeons fear its potential postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to reevaluate the role of this conventional approach to surgery of the rectum from the authors’ 16 years experience. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records of 102 patients with mid- to low-lying rectal neoplastic disease treated by a single surgeon using a posterior trans-sphincteric approach to the rectum at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China, between August 1990 and August 2006. The Williams incontinence scale of every patient was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively and the results were analyzed. Forty men and 62 women with a median age of 55.5 years (range = 21–87 years) underwent this approach. Their preoperative anal continence was assessed as grade 1 in 98 and grade 2 in 4. Indications for surgery were rectal villous adenoma in 36, early rectal carcinoma in 43, advanced rectal carcinoma in 10, and rectal submucosal neoplastic disease in 13. The median operating time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 75 min (range = 40–180 min), 60 ml (range = 0–300 ml), and 8 days (range = 7–60 days), respectively. All 102 rectal neoplastic diseases achieved complete excision (partial rectectomy in 96, segmental rectectomy in 6), and the resection margins were all clear. Three patients (2.9%) developed postoperative wound infection, and 4 patients (3.9%) developed fecal fistula. Thirty-three patients (32.4%) developed postoperative initial incontinence to flatus (n = 26) or liquid stool (n = 7) within 1 week. Three months after the operation, 94 patients (92.2%) achieved grade 1 continence and only 8 patients (7.8%) had occasional episodes of flatus incontinence. No patient developed postoperative anal stricture. There was no operation-related mortality. Three patients (2.9%) developed local tumor recurrence during median follow-up of 76.8 months (range = 10–192 months). The posterior trans-sphincteric approach is suitable for mid- to low-lying rectal lesions amenable to treatment using local therapy.

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is associated with complications in a significant number of patients, including ileal-anal separation, anal stricture, pouchitis, pelvic sepsis, and small bowel obstruction. In most cases, these complications may be successfully treated using either medical or surgical therapy and do not result in long-term pouch dysfunction. Important preventative measures include accrual of experience or creation of a team with experienced surgical leadership and scrupulous selection of patients who have no features of Crohn's disease. Despite these precautions, 5% to 15% of patients will develop chronic pouch dysfunction and pouch failure requiring diversion with or without excision of the pouch. Medical measures, such as antibiotics, immunomodulators, and biologic agents, and surgical measures such as advancement flap anoplasty may be attempted to salvage pouch function and are successful in more than 50% of cases. Indeterminate colitis does not preclude IPAA; however, Crohn's colitis is absolute contraindication for same. Patients who require colectomy and are suspected for any reason to have CD may undergo ileorectal anastomosis with preservation of anorectal continence and excellent functional results.

In 1989, Sauer introduced a technique to treat patients with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) where he preserved the ileo-cecal valve and the right hemicolon to retain water and electrolyte absorption. This report examines the long-term outcome of patients who underwent this technique. All TCA patients treated between 1981 and 2005 according to Sauer were invited in 2013 to participate in a questionnaire survey to assess their long-term outcome focusing on bowel function and quality of life (QoL), using standardized scores. Of eight TCA patients (2 females, 6 males), seven participated in the follow-up survey (median follow-up time 13.5 years (range 8–31.6). Early postoperative complications involving bouts of enterocolitis in 3 and anal strictures in 5 patients ceased with age. Bowel movements ranged from median 3–4 times a day (range 1–8). Bowel-function score (BFS) was reduced in 6 patients (median 16 points, range 8–19, max 20), who also reported soiling incidences with the need for night-time protective aids in two. QoL assessment, however, documented a good outcome with a median score of 10 points (range 7–13, max 13). This long-term investigation of TCA patients treated according to Sauer’s technique documented a good QoL despite a reduced BFS.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are rarely seen in adults, since majority of cases are corrected in infancy or childhood. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of patients who underwent definitive surgery to correct their ARM in adulthood, and to discuss the outcomes of surgery (morbidity, mortality, and function). This retrospective study included patients 18 years old and above, managed surgically by the Division of Colorectal Surgery at the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila, from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2012. Data from the Integrated Surgical Information System and the patients’ hospital records were used to fill out a Data Collection Form. Frequencies and percentages were then computed. Eight patients were included in the study. The most common reason for consult was recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI, 25%). One patient had an imperforate anus (IA) without a fistula, and 1 patient had IA with rectal atresia, and the 6 had an IA with a fistula. All but one (87.5%) of the patients had undergone a prior diversion in infancy or childhood. Definitive surgical procedures included posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in 3 patients, anal transposition in 2 patients, laparotomy with colocutaneous anastomosis in two patients, and laparotomy and PSARP in 1 patient. There were 3 cases (37.5%) of postoperative complications. These complications included ureteral injury, enterocutaneous fistula, anal stricture, rectal stricture, rectovesical fistula, and recurrent rectourethral fistula. There was no reported mortality. Five patients already had their stomas reversed at the time of this writing. Our results showed that the rarity of the disease, limited surgical experience, and a technically challenging anatomy make the management of ARMs that persist into adulthood a formidable undertaking.

Purpose In this study, functional results with regard to fecal continence levels and other parameters were studied in 22 patients with congenital pouch colon associated with anorectal agenesis (CPC) more than 3 years old who had undergone definitive pull-through surgery 1 to 13 years earlier. An attempt was made to formulate treatment protocols for management of fecal incontinence and other problems associated with CPC. Methods The study sample consisted of 14 males and 8 females. Three of the 8 female patients had had a cloacal malformation. The medical records of the patients were scrutinized and they were classified into 4 subtypes based on the length of normal colon proximal to the colonic pouch. The patients were further categorized into 3 groups based on the terminal bowel that had been pulled-through, namely, the ileum or colon proximal to the colonic pouch or a tubularized segment of the colonic pouch. The somatic growth of the patients was studied. Clinical assessment of fecal continence was performed by the Kelly and the Kiesewetter and Chang scoring systems. A computed tomographic scan of the pelvis with a barium enema was performed to assess the terminal bowel and its placement as well as the bony and muscular anatomy of the pelvis. The urinary system was assessed by a clinical history as well as by abdominal ultrasound and a micturating cystourethrogram. Various treatment modalities including dietary modifications, drugs, and enemas were instituted in patients with poor continence levels, and the response to treatment studied. Results Thirteen patients (59.2%), all with an ileal pull-through, had height and weight less than 50% of that expected for their ages. Overall fecal continence was “poor” in 17 patients and “fair” in only 5 patients. Patients with pull-through of either ileum or normal colon often had very frequent passage of liquid or semisolid stools, whereas the 4 patients with pull-through of tubularized colon had infrequent passage of semisolid stools with abdominal distension and bloating. One of these 4 patients had massive colonic redilatation necessitating surgical correction. Mucosal prolapse and perineal excoriations were frequent findings. Ultrasonography and micturating cystourethrogram showed hydroureteronephrosis and vesicoureteric reflux in 5 patients. Radiologic assessment revealed that there were no significant sacral abnormalities and the striated sphincteric musculature was well developed, although the levator ani was thinner than normal in 15 patients (68%). The bowel was very well placed in the sphincteric complex in 19 patients (86%). In 7 of the 13 patients who had pull-through of normal ileum or colon, some improvement in continence levels was seen 3 to 6 months after institution of dietary measures, loperamide, and saline-water enemas. Two of 3 patients with pull-through of tubularized colon improved to some extent with colonic washouts alone. Overall, quality of life was poor in the 22 patients. Conclusions Despite the fact that the sacrum is usually normal, the sphincteric musculature well developed, and the terminal bowel well placed without any anal strictures, long-term prognosis with regard to fecal continence, growth and development, and quality of life appears to be dismal for all subtypes of CPC, irrespective of the type of definitive surgery performed. Corrective measures also appear to be of limited value. Various newer management modalities for management of fecal incontinence may be considered, but in several patients a permanent abdominal stoma may be a more practical solution.

Introduction To report our experience with the anterior, transanal, transsphincteric, sagittal approach in the correction of rectourinary fistula secondary to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Technical Considerations Of the first 110 laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomies performed from December 2001 to February 2004, 9 (8%) were complicated by rectal injury. Of the nine rectal lesions, seven were diagnosed intraoperatively and the rectal defects closed laparoscopically. Primary repair failed in 1 of the 7 patients. In 2 other patients, the rectal injuries were missed intraoperatively, and a rectourinary fistula later developed. Rectourinary fistula was confirmed in these 3 patients by cystoscopy and digital rectal examination. The procedure chosen for repair was the anterior sagittal transrectal anal approach. The time from diagnosis to fistula repair was 1 to 3 months. Fistula repair was successful in all patients. The mean follow-up was 12 to 24 months. No patient presented with fecal incontinence or anal strictures. Postprostatectomy urinary continence was not affected by the procedure. Conclusions The transsphincteric transanal surgical approach provides many advantages for the repair of acquired urethrorectal fistulas after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. It allows for good surgical exposure and fistula tract identification and ensures good access to well-vascularized tissue. This surgical technique is simple, effective, reproducible, and associated with minimal morbidity.

Summary Objectives The aim of this retrospective multicentric study was to assess the complications of the Longo technique for the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease. Methods From March 1999 to April 2003, 550 patients underwent a stapled hemorrhoidectomy following Longo's technique in 12 surgical units in the Rhone-Alpes Region. The operative indications were the same as for conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Complications were divided into early or late complications depending on whether they occurred before or after the 7th day. For each patient, the most serious complication was retained for analysis. Results One hundred and five patients (19%), mean age 51 years, experienced complications. The early complications were bleeding (1.8%), severe anal pain (2.3%), urinary retention (0.9%) and sepsis (0.5%). Late complications were chronic anal pain (1.6%), suture dehiscence (1.6%), anal stricture (1.6%), anal fissure (0.9%), external thrombosis (0.9%), fistulae and intramural abscesses (0.9%), anal incontinence (0.3%), haemorrhoidal disease symptoms persistence or recurrence (3.2%). Strictures were successfully dilated, fissures were treated by sphincterotomy, external thromboses were excised and fistulae were laid open. Most of the recurrences were treated with the Milligan-Morgan hemorroidectomy technique. Conclusion Complications may occur after stapled hemorrhoidopexy, some are particularly serious, especially bleeding and sepsis.

The aim of this study was to review outcomes after surgical treatment of total colonic Hirschsprung's disease (TCH).Twenty-five records of patients with TCH treated between 1974 and 2002 were reviewed. Follow-up data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Objective functional outcome was assessed using a scoring system.Twenty patients had aganglionosis of the colon and distal ileum, 5 of whom had a more extensive condition. One of these 5 patients underwent an endorectal pull-through (ERPT), 1 underwent intestinal transplantation, and 3 died. Four of the remaining 20 patients underwent a primary ERPT, 16 received a stoma as neonates followed by ERPT in 12, and a Martin-Duhamel procedure or Swenson's operation in 3 (median age, 10.5 months); 1 remains with an ostomy. Postoperative complications included enterocolitis (55%), anal stricture (25%), and perineal excoriation (20%). Mean follow-up were 17.5 years (+/-11.1 years). Eighty-nine percent were free of recurrent enterocolitis. Frequency of bowel movements is 1 to 5 per day in 82% of the patients, 18% have 6 or more bowel movements per day. Occasional soiling is noted in 40% (one third of those requiring nighttime diapers). Overall functional outcome was good in 83%. Those patients with the longest follow-up periods had the best stooling scores (P = .04).Surgical treatment of TCH is associated with a number of complications including recurrent enterocolitis and anal strictures. Long-term outcome is quite favorable.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is gaining increasing acceptance as a treatment option for primary and secondary liver tumors with minimal morbidity. The purpose of this study is to see if adding a colorectal procedure to RFA increases the risk of hepatic abscess. Of the 310 patients with 1,080 primary and secondary liver tumors undergoing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 16 patients underwent RFA in combination with various colorectal procedures. Data were collected prospectively. The concomitant procedures included loop ileostomy closures in 6 patients; laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy in 3 patients; laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection in 2 patients; and open transverse colectomy, open anterior resection, open low anterior resection, open loop transverse colostomy formation, and anal stricture dilatation in 1 patient each. Mean +/- SD hospital stay was 2.9 +/- 1.7 days. There was no mortality, and the only complication was the development of a right flank abscess after laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy that was treated with percutaneous drainage. Although patients undergoing laparoscopic RFA in combination with a clean-contaminated procedure could be at high risk for secondary infection of ablated foci, this was not observed. This approach is safe and does not impair recovery from either procedure. These data support the concept that RFA may be safely used with concomitant colon resections to treat liver metastases that may be resectable but are associated with increased morbidity if resected synchronously.

Background/purpose The aim of this study was to assess and correlate functional outcomes and surgical results with health-related quality of life after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in pediatric patients. Methods Functional outcome was determined by questionnaire and telephone interview. Surgical results were determined by retrospective chart review. Results Data were gathered from 26 patients (mean age at IPAA, 12 years; mean follow-up, 3.7 years). Diagnoses were ulcerative colitis in 18, indeterminate colitis in 4, and familial polyposis in 4. Indications for IPAA included intractability, medication toxicity, growth delay, and cancer prophylaxis. Short-term complications (5 patients; 19%) included partial small bowel obstruction, stomal revision, pouch abscess, and negative exploration. Long-term complications (8 patients; 31%) were chronic pouchitis and anal stricture. The average number of stools per 24 hours was 3.9. No incontinence was reported; dietary restrictions were negligible. Although there were minimal differences from population norms, parental anxiety remained high. Chronic pouchitis correlated negatively with physical summary score. Nocturnal stooling negatively affected psychosocial quality of life. Conclusions Pediatric IPAA resulted in excellent bowel health. Quality of life, physical function, mental health, and self-esteem were equivalent to those of healthy children. These data may help families and physicians make informed surgical decisions.

Anal strictures with fibrotic induration have been shown to develop in up to 50% of all patients with Crohn's disease (CD) with anal ulceration. We evaluate the technical feasibility, safety and long-term efficacy of bougie dilation for a subgroup of patients with symptomatic Crohn's-related fibrotic anal strictures. Bougie dilation is simple to perform, relatively inexpensive and has a low risk of complications.

Background/Purpose: Children with a type I/II congenital pouch colon (CPC) malformation associated with imperforate anus usually are treated by subtotal excision of the colonic pouch, tubularization of the remaining portion, and pull-through of the tubularized colon during definitive surgery. The authors report 3 patients treated in this fashion who presented 2 to 10½ years later with massive redilatation of the previously tubularized colon and enterocolitis Methods: There were no anal strictures or malpositioning of the pulled through bowel. Contrast enema showed massive redilatation of the colonic pouch. Near-total excision of the redilated pouch with anastomosis of normal proximal ileum/colon with the retained distal portion of the pouch was performed by the abdominal approach. Results: Anastomotic leaks occurred in 2 patients but were treated successfully. Postoperatively, the patients had relief from their abdominal symptoms and improvement in fecal continence. Conclusions: The colonic pouch in CPC has a marked tendency to undergo redilatation, even after tubularization. The surgical procedure described here for the treatment of these patients appears to be satisfactory. J Pediatr Surg 37:1376-1379. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

SummaryBackground The natural history of nonfistulising perianal Crohn's disease (PCD) remains unknown. Aim To assess the long-term outcome of anorectal strictures. Methods All outcomes of PCD patients with anorectal stricture followed in a single unit from 2005 to 2013 were reviewed, as well as subsequent therapeutic management. Cumulative incidence of stricture healing (disappearance of the anal stricture) was estimated using a Kaplan–Meier method and factor associated with an unfavourable course (persistent stricture S2, persistent stoma or proctectomy) with nonparametric test. Results A total of 102 patients (M/F: 37/65) were included. The duration of CD at diagnosis was 8.9 years. After a median follow-up period of 2.8 years, 52 of the 88 followed patients (59%) achieved anorectal stricture healing. Two patients (2%) developed anal adenocarcinoma. Female gender [HR 2.05 (1.1–4.03), P = 0.0221], disease duration of CD of less than 10 years [HR 1.94 (1.01–3.63), P = 0.0271], and anal fistula at stricture diagnosis [HR 2.36 (1.21–5.05), P = 0.0106) were significantly associated with anorectal stricture healing in a multivariate analysis model. Twenty-eight patients (32%) had an unfavourable course at the end of follow-up. Gender and introduction or optimisation of TNFα antagonist treatment decreased the risk of unfavourable course in multivariate analysis. Conversely, the Luminal B2 phenotype at CD diagnosis was the only factor associated with unfavourable course. Conclusions Anorectal stricture does not imply a nonreversible and complicated condition related to severe perianal Crohn's disease. However, both the diagnosis of cancer and sepsis drainage remain challenging in this situation.

Background Trans-umbilical colostomy (TUC) has been previously created in patients with Hirschsprung's disease and intermediate anorectal malformation (ARM), but not in patients with high-ARM. The purposes of this study were to assess the feasibility, safety, complications and cosmetic results of TUC in a divided fashion, and subsequently stoma closure and laparoscopic assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) were simultaneously completed by using the colostomy site for a laparoscopic port in high-ARM patients. Methods Twenty male patients with high-ARMs were chosen for this two-stage procedure. The first-stage consisted of creating the TUC in double-barreled fashion colostomy with a high chimney at the umbilicus, and the loop was divided at the same time, in such a way that the two diverting ends were located at the umbilical incision with the distal end half closed and slightly higher than proximal end. In the second-stage, 3 to 7months later, the stoma was closed through a peristomal skin incision followed by end-to-end anastomosis and simultaneously LAARP was performed by placing a laparoscopic port at the umbilicus, which was previously the colonostomy site. Umbilical wound closure was performed in a semi-opened fashion to create a deep umbilicus. Results TUC and LAARP were successfully performed in 20 patients. Four cases with bladder neck fistulas and 16 cases with prostatic urethra fistulas were found. Postoperative complications were rectal mucosal prolapsed in three cases, anal stricture in two cases and wound dehiscence in one case. Neither umbilical ring narrowing, parastomal hernia nor obstructive symptoms was observed. Neither umbilical nor perineal wound infection was observed. Stoma care was easily carried-out by attaching stoma bag. Healing of umbilical wounds after the second-stage was excellent. Early functional stooling outcome were satisfactory. Conclusions The umbilicus may be an alternative stoma site for double-barreled colostomy in high-ARM patients. The two-stage laparoscopic approaches for high-ARM, TUC and stoma closure with simultaneously LAARP are both technically feasible and safe with excellent cosmetic result.

Transanal mucosectomy of the aganglionic segment of colon is a critical step in minimally invasive surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of patients undergoing transanal mucosectomy.From January 1979 to November 1998, 26 patients (ages 25 days to 17 years) underwent transanal mucosectomy for Hirschsprung's disease. Seventeen (65%) had partial transanal mucosectomy (PTM; 1979 to 1998) and 9 (35%) complete transanal mucosectomy (CTM; 1995 to 1998). In PTM, a 2- to 3-cm mucosal dissection was begun 1 cm above the dentate line in conjunction with transabdominal endorectal dissection (modified Soave). In CTM, the entire mucosal dissection was performed transanally as part of a laparoscopically assisted Soave procedure. Results were obtained by chart review and personal communication. Patients were assessed clinically for continence where age appropriate (3 years) and for development of constipation, postoperative enterocolitis, and anal stricture.One of 16 (6.2%) of the PTM group was incontinent versus none (4 patients) in the CTM group. Five of 17 (29.4%) of the PTM group were constipated versus 4 of 9 (44.4%) in the CTM group (t test, P = not significant). Postoperative enterocolitis developed in 4 of 17 (23.5%) of the PTM group versus 6 of 9 (66.6%) in the CTM group (t test, P.05). Three of 6 (50%) of the CTM group versus none in the PTM group required hospitalization for bowel rest, rectal washouts, and antibiotics. All patients were well at the time of the report. Anal stricture was not seen in either group.Constipation and postoperative enterocolitis are a significant feature of transanal mucosectomy for Hirschsprung's disease deserving close surveillance, especially in patients in whom the entire mucosal dissection was performed transanally. Continence appears to be satisfactorily preserved from these preliminary results.

Circumferential excisional hemorrhoidectomy (CEH) enables the surgeon to remove the encircling hemorrhoids completely. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of CEH with that of Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy (FH) for end-stage hemorrhoids. Between February 1998 and December 2011, a prospective randomized trial was conducted with 688 patients who presented with end-stage hemorrhoids and underwent FH or CEH at our center. The patient demographics, mean operative times, lengths of hospital stay, and cumulative rates of postoperative complications were similar in the study groups. Significant differences were revealed in the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage (9 vs. 0 patients in the FH and CEH groups, respectively; p = 0.002) and in the tendency to form anal stricture (15 vs. 32 patients in the FH and CEH groups, respectively; p = 0.02). However, all cases of anal strictures were easily managed by digital dilatations. At a mean follow-up of 7.4 (range, 1–14) years, accessible patients from the CEH group remained symptom free, whereas 126 of 308 patients in the FH group indicated that they had recurrent hemorrhoidal symptoms. Without increasing postoperative complications, CEH demonstrates an advantage compared with FH, with regard to reducing the rate of recurrence to 0 through complete hemorrhoid removal.

Importance There is an assumption that patients treated with 3-stage procedures for active ulcerative colitis are undergoing a safer surgical approach and thus spared the complications associated with a 2-stage procedure. However, there is a paucity of data addressing the validity of this assumption, and the optimal staging approach for patients traditionally considered at high risk for anastomotic leak remains unclear. Objectives To identify factors associated with 3- vs 2-stage procedures and to determine their impact on surgical outcomes. Design Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent 2-stage or 3-stage ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery for active ulcerative colitis due to failure of medical management over a 10.5-year period (September 1, 2000, to March 30, 2011). The mean (SEM) follow-up was 5.15 (0.24) years (range, 0.26-11.09 years). Setting Single large academic medical center. Patients One hundred forty-four patients treated with 3- or 2-stage IPAA surgery for active ulcerative colitis. Among these patients, 77 were male and 67 were female. The mean (SEM) age was 34.6 (1.0) years (range, 11-67 years). Of the 144 patients, 116 (80.6%) had a 2-stage procedure and 28 (19.4%) had a 3-stage procedure. Interventions Two-stage vs 3-stage IPAA procedures for active ulcerative colitis. Main Outcomes and Measures Factors leading to decision for 3-stage procedure, postoperative outcomes with 3-stage vs 2-stage procedures, and risks for complications in patients undergoing 3-stage vs 2-stage procedures. Results Of 144 patients, only 19.4% had a 3-stage procedure. Decision to perform a 3-stage vs 2-stage procedure was affected by emergent status ( P P = .04) but not by age, sex, body mass index, use of steroids, or use of anti–tumor necrosis factor agents. For patients with 2-stage procedures, multivariate regression revealed that the number of perioperative complications was affected by surgeon experience ( P = .02) but not by emergent status, use of steroids, or use of anti–tumor necrosis factor agents. Two-stage procedures were associated with more perioperative complications on univariate analysis ( P = .05), but multivariate regression suggested that this difference was due to surgeon experience ( P = .02) rather than to creation of an IPAA at the first operation ( P = .55). Importantly, 2-stage procedures did not change the risk of anastomotic leak when all operations were taken into account (odds ratio = 1.09; P = .94). In the long term (mean [SEM], 5.2 [0.2] years), patients who underwent 2-stage surgery had a lower risk of anal stricture (odds ratio = 8.21; P = .01) and no differences in fistula or abscess formation or in pouch failure. Conclusions and Relevance In patients with active ulcerative colitis, use of steroids and anti–tumor necrosis factor agents alone do not appear to justify the decision to avoid IPAA creation at the first operation provided that it is performed by a high-volume inflammatory bowel disease surgeon.

A 20-year-old man presented with skin lesions on his forearms and legs that had started to appear at 3 years of age. On exposure to the sun, his skin became red. He suffered from dysphagia and dysdefecation. His parents’ marriage was not consanguineous, and they were well. His five brothers and sister were also well. He stated that one of his aunt's sons and his uncle's son had the same lesions, but we were unable to examine them. Physical examination revealed a reticulated pattern of atrophy, pigmentation, erythema, and telangiectasia on the neck (Fig. 1), shoulders, popliteal fossa, and limbs. Atrophic lesions were also present on the extensor aspects of the elbow and knees, and on the dorsum of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of both hands (Fig. 2). Oral mucosal examination showed leukokeratosis on the dorsum and sides of the tongue. There was mild hyperkeratosis on the dorsum of the feet and hands. Sclerodactyly of the hands and feet was also present. The patient had no fingerprints. The nails were thickened and rough, and had longitudinal and transverse ridges. Hairs on the legs, forearms, and trunk were sparse. There was no splenomegaly or genital abnormalities. Figure 1. Patient's neck showing reticulated, hyperpigmented, and atrophic skin lesions and telangiectasias Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 2. Thin and atrophic skin of the dorsum of the hands and dystrophic fingernails Download figure to PowerPoint Laboratory tests were as follows (normal values in parentheses): white blood count, 10,000/mm3 (4000–10,000/mm3), with 66% neutrophils and 34% lymphocytes; red blood cell count, 5.68 × 106/µL; hemoglobin, 10.6 mg/dL; hematocrit, 35.4%; mean corpuscular volume, 62.2 fL; platelet count, 419 × 103/µL; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 4 mm/h (0–13 mm/h); vitamin B12, 285 pg/mL (211–911 pg/mL); folic acid, 6.4 ng/mL (1.1–20 ng/mL); ferritin, 3.7 ng/mL (22–322 ng/mL). There was mild anisocytosis, microcytosis, and hypochromic anemia in a peripheral blood smear. Liver transaminase levels were normal. There was a mild monoclonal gammopathy, with a serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) of 1630 mg/dL (normal, 751–1560 mg/dL) and a C3 of 155 mg/dL (normal, 79.2–152 mg/dL). The IgM and IgA levels were normal. Chest X-ray was normal, and there was no evidence of abnormal calcification on skull X-ray. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy demonstrated a stricture at the upper esophageal sphincter. Esophagography clearly revealed an esophageal stricture at the proximal esophagus (Fig. 3). Sigmoidoscopy could not be performed because of the significant anal stricture, nor could a digital rectal examination. Figure 3. Esophagographic image demonstrating an esophageal stricture at the proximal esophagus Download figure to PowerPoint Histopathology of a biopsy specimen from the skin of the shoulder showed flattening of the epidermis, a mild infiltrate of chronic inflammatory cells and melanophages, and dilated capillaries in the dermis.

Introduction:Anal condylomata acuminata was a well-known disease in ancient times but in recent years there has been a rapidly increasing number of people who suffer from this disease. The main cause of this disease is infection of human papilloma virus (HPV) which occurs through sexual contact.Currently there are three different ways to treat anal condylomata. Small changes of anal condylomata can be treated with local therapeutic agents, but the best results of treatment of extensive changes are obtained by surgical techniques.Material/Methods:The study group consisted of 30 patients with diagnosed extensive anal condylomata who underwent surgery in Mikolaj Pirogow High Specialized Hospital in Lodz. The survey was conducted from 2007 to 2011. Patients had been directed to the surgical ward by general surgeons and practitioners, proctologists and urologists. The diagnosis was made after proctological assessment in the knee-chest position.Results:All patients underwent surgery and had complete macroscopic electroexcision of anal condylomata. In the research group there was no mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 (13.3�20patients – postoperative bleeding. Strong pain was present in 14 (46.7�20patients but only in the postoperative period. During postoperative follow-up there was no observed infection in the anal region or recurrence of disease. In the operated group there were no observed cosmetic deformations of the anus and/or the anal canal, narrow anal canal or functional fecal incontinence symptoms.Conclusions:Surgical treatment of anal condylomata is an effective and safe method for the patient. In our research there were no serious postoperative complications or recurrence of the disease during the follow-up period.

Background: Some perianal diseases such as Paget disease and Bowen disease are extensive and require a wide circumferential excision including the entire anoderm of the anal canal. Methods: We describe a technique of V-Y island flaps to cover the large perianal defects and the denuded anal canal. It is important to excise the base of the flaps in order to fit them into the anal canal. Results: There were 10 women and 5 men with an average age of 54 years (range 32 to 77). The mean follow-up was 45 months (range 6 to 92). The underlying pathology included various kinds of neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases. There were no major complications such as flap loss or infection. Most complications were minor, including superficial wound separation, flap hematoma, and anal stricture. Although initially all patients had some degree of incontinence for gas and liquid stool or discharge, none of them had significant fecal incontinence at the time of last follow-up. A diverting ileostomy or colostomy was created in 5 patients. Its role was not clear but it did help in the management of the wounds and minimized the pain.

Background We describe our 20-year experience with a posterior transrectal approach (York-Mason procedure) to treat recto-urinary fistula (RUF). Most RUFs are secondary to lower urinary or intestinal tract surgery. Spontaneous closure is infrequent, and operative treatment is often mandatory. Several surgical approaches have been proposed. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 14 patients presenting with RUF in our Department between 1988 and 2010. In 10 patients, RUFs developed after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP); in the other 4 patients, RUFs resulted after other surgical interventions. All patients were treated with the York-Mason approach. A temporary colostomy and suprapubic cystostomy were performed in all patients except one. Results All patients were treated successfully. After fistulectomy, colostomies were closed after 4 mo, and patients reported fecal continence and no postoperative anal strictures. The colostomy was left in place permanently in 1 patient due to the simultaneous presence of Crohn’s disease, in another with ulcerative rectocolitis, and in a third scheduled for adjuvant radiotherapy for relapse after RRP. In 1 patient, daily medications were essential because of wound infection. In the patient with Crohn’s disease, the fistula recurred 11 years after first repair. Two patients died of metastatic prostate cancer 1 year after repair of the RUF. Conclusion The posterior sagittal transrectal approach allows easy access and good surgical exposure, facilitating identification of the fistulous tract. In our opinion, the York-Mason approach guarantees the greatest success rate with the least morbidity.

Contains fulltext : 88206.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Usually, anorectal malformations (ARM) are treated in 2 or 3 stages for fear of disturbed wound healing and subsequent damage to the anal sphincter complex. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, advantages, and follow-up of an anterior or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in low-type ARM (rectoperineal or rectovestibular), performed without colostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective collection of data regarding demographics, VACTERL (Vertebral-, Anal-, Cardiac-, Tracheo-Esophageal-, Renal-, Limb malformations) screening, perioperative measurements, surgeons, and complications. RESULTS: In 35 consecutive children (13 boys, 22 girls), repair of a low-type ARM was performed without colostomy. There were 13 boys and 10 girls with a rectoperineal and 12 girls with a rectovestibular fistula. The median age at operation was 4 months (range, 0-73 months); 34% being performed in the newborn period. Seventeen children had one or more other congenital anomaly. Preoperatively, all patients had rectal washouts with oral and rectal neomycin, and perioperative antibiotics, either 24 h (prophylaxis) or for 2 to 5 days. An anterior or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty was performed. Postoperatively, 9 children had no enteral feeding and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). All children had postoperative anal dilatations according to the Pena scheme. Two children (both with rectoperineal fistula) had a wound abscess; in the first child (with renal insufficiency), a colostomy was performed and in the other child a successful correction of the anoplasty was done. In 7 children (4 rectoperineal, 3 rectovestibular fistulae), the anus eventually healed after minor wound dehiscence. There was 1 anal stricture, after a median follow up of 14 months (range, 1-84 mo). After therapeutic antibiotics (2-5 days), 11% (2/18) had some degree of wound infection, versus 41% (7/17) after either no antibiotics or after prophylactic antibiotics (24 hours). Patients with TPN did not seem to profit with regard to wound healing and one patient experienced a central line related sepsis. At last follow-up, 12 children needed regular laxatives and/or enemas. Anal dilatations were well accepted above 6 months, and a trend was seen towards less need for laxatives when dilatations were continued longer. CONCLUSION: Repair of a low-type ARM without colostomy, with therapeutic antibiotics, and followed by a long period of postoperative anal dilatations has low morbidity and good outcome, which does not seem to be improved with TPN. 01 juli 2010