Outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection vs. biofeedback for the treatment of outlet obstruction associated with rectal intussusception and rectocele: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial

Management of patients with rectocele, multiple pelvic floor dysfunctions and obstructed defecation syndrome

CONTEXT

Management of patients with obstructed defecation syndrome is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy of clinical, clinical treatment followed by biofeedback, and surgical treatment in patients with obstructed defecation, rectocele and multiple dysfunctions evaluated with echodefecography.

METHODS

The study included 103 females aged 26-84 years with obstructed defecation, grade-II/III rectocele and multiple dysfunctions on echodefecography. Patients were distributed into three treatment groups and constipation scores were assigned. Group I: 34 (33%) patients with significant improvement of symptoms through clinical management only. Group II: 14 (14%) with improvement through clinical treatment plus biofeedback. Group III: 55 (53%) referred to surgery due to treatment failure.

RESULTS

Group I: 20 (59%) patients had grade-II rectocele, 14 (41%) grade-III. Obstructed defecation syndrome was associated with intussusception (41%), mucosal prolapse (41%), anismus (29%), enterocele (9%) or 2 dysfunctions (23%). The average constipation score decreased significantly from 11 to 5. Group II: 11 (79%) grade-II rectocele, 3 (21%) grade-III, associated with intussusception (7%), mucosal prolapse (43%), anismus (71%) or 2 dysfunctions (29%). There was significant decrease in constipation score from 13 to 6. Group III: 8 (15%) grade-II rectocele, 47 (85%) grade-III, associated with intussusception (42%), mucosal prolapse (40%) or 2 dysfunctions (32%). The constipation score remained unchanged despite clinical treatment and biofeedback. Twenty-three underwent surgery had a significantly decrease in constipation score from 12 to 4. The remaining 32 (31%) patients which 22 refused surgery, 6 had low anal pressure and 4 had slow transit.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 50% of patients with obstructed defecation, rectocele and multiple dysfunctions presented a satisfactory response to clinical treatment and/or biofeedback. Surgical repair was mainly required in patients with grade-III rectocele whose constipation scores remained high despite all efforts.

Obstructive defecation syndrome: 19 years of experience with laparoscopic resection rectopexy

BACKGROUND

In obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) combinations of morphologic alterations of the pelvic floor and the colorectum are nearly always evident. Laparoscopic resection rectopexy (LRR) aims at restoring physiological function. We present the results of 19 years of experience with this procedure in patients with ODS.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2012, 264 patients underwent LRR for ODS at our department. Perioperative and follow-up data were analyzed.

RESULTS

The female/male ratio was 25.4:1, mean age was 61.3 years (±14.3 years), and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.2 kg/m(2) (±4.2 kg/m(2)). The pathological conditions most frequently found in combination were a sigmoidocele plus a rectocele (n = 79) and a sigmoidocele plus a rectal prolapse or intussusception (n = 69). The conversion rate was 2.3 % (n = 6). The mortality rate was 0.75 % (n = 2), the rate of complications requiring surgical re-intervention was 4.3 % (n = 11), and the rate of minor complications was 19.8 % (n = 51). Follow-up data were available for 161 patients with a mean follow-up of 58.2 months (±47.1 months). Long-term results showed that 79.5 % of patients (n = 128) reported at least an improvement of symptoms. In cases of a sigmoidocele (n = 63 available for follow-up) or a rectal prolapse II°/III° (n = 72 available for follow-up), the improvement rates were 79.4 % (n = 50) and 81.9 % (n = 59), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LRR is a safe and effective procedure. Our perioperative results and long-term functional outcome strengthen the evidence regarding benefits of LRR in patients with an outlet obstruction. However, careful patient selection is essential.

[Functional proctology at the University of Pécs]

INTRODUCTION

Functional proctological investigations have been introduced at Pécs University of Sciences 15 years ago. The Pelvic Floor Multidisciplinary Team has been re-launched after many years of pause in 2010. Experience of the team in the treatment of faecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome is discussed.

PATIENTS

In the past 3 years 9 patients underwent sphincter reconstruction for faecal incontinence. The Pelvic Floor Team in the past 1.5 year consulted 31 patients with constipation, who were considered by the referee for surgical intervention. Following investigations 10 patients underwent surgery, the rest of them were treated conservatively. Seven patients underwent perineal reconstruction with mesh, three patients had ventral rectopexy with additional levatoro-pexy.

RESULTS

78% of patients operated on for faecal incontinence reported full continence, 88% improvement. We invented a new symptom score with a maximum of 20 points to evaluate results of treatment of patients with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome. Patients who underwent perineal repair were interviewed pre and postoperatively. They scored 14 ± 2.83 and 5.4 ± 4.62 points, respectively (p = 0.0075).

CONCLUSION

Functional proctological patients require a specialist approach from history taking through investigation to treatment. Majority of patients benefit from conservative treatment. Adequate patient selection is essential for successful surgical treatment. Symptom scores applied pre and postoperatively facilitate proper patient selection for various surgical methods.

Consensus statement AIGO/SICCR diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation (Part II: Treatment)

The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should increase their fibre intake through their diet or with commercial fibre. Osmotic laxatives may be effective in patients who do not respond to fibre supplements. Stimulant laxatives should be reserved for patients who do not respond to osmotic laxatives. Controlled trials have shown that serotoninergic enterokinetic agents, such as prucalopride, and prosecretory agents, such as lubiprostone, are effective in the treatment of patients with chronic constipation. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Total colectomy with ileorectostomy may be considered in patients with slow-transit constipation and inertia coli who are resistant to medical therapy and who do not have defecatory disorders, generalised motility disorders or psychological disorders. Randomised controlled trials have established the efficacy of rehabilitative treatment in dys-synergic defecation. Many surgical procedures may be used to treat obstructed defecation in patients with acquired anatomical defects, but none is considered to be the gold standard. Surgery should be reserved for selected patients with an impaired quality of life. Obstructed defecation is often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery with the placement of prostheses is replacing fascial surgery in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, but the efficacy and safety of such procedures have not yet been established.

Consensus statement AIGO/SICCR diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation (part II: treatment)

The second part of the Consensus Statement of the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Italian Society of Colo-Rectal Surgery reports on the treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation. There is no evidence that increasing fluid intake and physical activity can relieve the symptoms of chronic constipation. Patients with normal-transit constipation should increase their fibre intake through their diet or with commercial fibre. Osmotic laxatives may be effective in patients who do not respond to fibre supplements. Stimulant laxatives should be reserved for patients who do not respond to osmotic laxatives. Controlled trials have shown that serotoninergic enterokinetic agents, such as prucalopride, and prosecretory agents, such as lubiprostone, are effective in the treatment of patients with chronic constipation. Surgery is sometimes necessary. Total colectomy with ileorectostomy may be considered in patients with slow-transit constipation and inertia coli who are resistant to medical therapy and who do not have defecatory disorders, generalised motility disorders or psychological disorders. Randomised controlled trials have established the efficacy of rehabilitative treatment in dys-synergic defecation. Many surgical procedures may be used to treat obstructed defecation in patients with acquired anatomical defects, but none is considered to be the gold standard. Surgery should be reserved for selected patients with an impaired quality of life. Obstructed defecation is often associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery with the placement of prostheses is replacing fascial surgery in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, but the efficacy and safety of such procedures have not yet been established.

An assessment of enteric nervous system and estroprogestinic receptors in obstructed defecation associated with rectal intussusception

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiological basis of obstructed defecation (OD) is still incompletely understood. In particular, few or no data are available concerning the enteric nervous system (ENS) in this condition. We investigated ENS abnormalities in patients with OD, undergoing surgery, together with the presence of estrogen (α and β) and progesterone receptors, and compare the results with those obtained in controls.

METHODS

Full-thickness rectal samples were obtained from 17 patients undergoing stapled transanal rectal resection for OD associated with rectal intussusception. Samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for enteric neurons, enteric glial cells, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Data were compared with those obtained in 10 controls.

KEY RESULTS

No differences between patients and controls were found for enteric neurons, whereas (compared with controls) OD patients displayed a significant decrease of enteric glial cells in both the submucous (P = 0.0006) and the myenteric (P < 0.0001) plexus. ICC were significantly increased in patients in the submucosal surface (P < 0.0001) and the myenteric area (P < 0.0001). Concerning estroprogestinic receptors, both were present on ICC in patients and controls. Estrogen receptors α and progesterone receptors were absent on enteric neurons and enteric glial cells in patients and controls, whereas estrogen receptors β were present in all controls and in 69% of patients' enteric neurons (P = 0.18) and in 12% of patients' glial cells (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Patients with OD associated to rectal intussusception display abnormalities of the ENS and of estrogen receptors β.

Results in the long-term course after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR)

PURPOSE

Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) has recently been recommended for patients with obstructed defecation caused by rectocele and rectal wall intussusception. Our study investigates the long-term results and predictive factors for outcome.

METHODS

Between November 2002 and February 2007, 80 patients (69 females) were operated on using the STARR procedure and included in the following study. Symptoms were defined according to the ROME II criteria. Preoperative assessment included clinical examination, colonoscopy, video defecography, and dynamic MRI. Preoperatively and during follow-up visits, we evaluated the Cleveland Constipation Score (CCS) to rate the severity of outlet obstruction and the Wexner Incontinence Score to rate anal incontinence. Patients were asked to judge the outcome of the operation as improved or poor/dissatisfied. We performed a univariate analysis for 11 patient- and disease-related factors to detect an association with outcome.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 39 months (range 20-78). Major postoperative complications (one staple line insufficiency, one urosepsis, one prolonged urinary dysfunction with indwelling catheter) were found in 3.8%. The result after STARR procedure was a success in the long-term follow-up in 62 patients (77.5%), although the improvement did not persist in 15 patients (18.7%). The mean value of the CCS decreased significantly from 9.3 before surgery to 4.6 after 2 years and increased again slightly to 6.5 after 4-6 years. The Median Wexner Incontinence Score was 3.3 at baseline, but rose significantly to 6.0. However, a third of patients who reported deteriorated continence developed the symptoms 1-4 years after surgery. Of the factors investigated for the prediction of outcome, we could only identify the number of pelvic floor changes in defecography or dynamic MRI as being associated with the success of the operation.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that STARR is a safe procedure. A significant improvement of symptoms is to be expected, but this improvement may deteriorate with time. Patients' satisfaction is also associated with the occurrence of urge to defecate or incontinence. It remains difficult to predict outcome.

Difficult defecation: difficult problem assessment and management; what really helps?

Difficult defecation is a common and perhaps underrecognized cause of chronic constipation. While the history and a careful digital rectal examination are very useful for diagnosing defecatory disorders, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by anorectal tests. Anorectal manometry and a rectal balloon expulsion test generally suffice to diagnose defecatory disorders; barium or MR defecography may necessary in selected cases. Colonic transit is normal or slow in patients with defecatory disorders. Pelvic floor retraining by biofeedback therapy is superior to laxatives for managing defecatory disorders.

Resected specimen evaluation, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up after STARR procedures

AIM

To investigate stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures as surgical techniques for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) by analyzing specimen evaluation, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up.

METHODS

From January to December 2007, we have treated 30 patients. Fifteen treated with double PPH-01 staplers and 15 treated using new CCS 30 contour. Resected specimen were measured with respect to average surface and volume. All patients have been evaluated at 24 mo with clinical examination, anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Average surface in the CCS 30 group was 54.5 cm² statistically different when compared to the STARR group (36.92 cm²). The average volume in the CCS 30 group was 29.8 cc, while in the PPH-01 it was 23.8 cc and difference was statistically significant. The mean hospital stay in the CCS 30 group was 3.1 d, while in the PPH-01 group the median hospital stay was 3.4 d. As regards the long-term follow-up, an overall satisfactory rate of 83.3% (25/30) was achieved. Endoanal ultrasonography performed 1 year following surgery was considered normal in both of the studied groups. Mean resting pressure was higher than the preoperative value (67.2 mmHg in the STARR group and 65.7 mmHg in the CCS30 group vs 54.7 mmHg and 55.3 mmHg, respectively). Resting and squeezing pressures were lower in those patients not satisfied, but data are not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The STARR procedure with two PPH-01 is a safe surgical procedure to correct ODS. The new Contour CCS 30 could help to increase the amount of the resected tissue without differences in early complications, post-operative pain and in hospital stay compared to the STARR with two PPH-01 technique.

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM: To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection (STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment, and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR.

METHODS: Thirty patients (Female, 28; age: 51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception, a defecation disorder, and functional constipation were submitted for STARR. Thirty comparable patients (Female, 30; age 53 ± 13 years), who presented with symptoms of rectocele or rectal intussusception and were treated with macrogol, were assessed. Patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire at study enrollment and 38 ± 18 mo after the STARR procedure or during macrogol treatment. A responder was defined as an absence of the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional constipation. Defecography and rectoanal manometry were performed before and after the STARR procedure in 16 and 12 patients, respectively.

RESULTS: After STARR, 53% of patients were responders; during conservative treatment, 75% were responders. After STARR, 30% of the patients reported the use of laxatives, 17% had intermittent anal pain, 13% had anal leakage, 13% required digital facilitation, 6% experienced defecatory urgency, 6% experienced fecal incontinence, and 6% required re-intervention. During macrogol therapy, 23% of the patients complained of abdominal bloating and 13% of borborygmi, and 3% required digital facilitation.No preoperative symptom, defecographic, or manometric finding predicted the outcome of STARR. Post-operative defecography showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the rectal diameter and rectocele. The post-operative anorectal manometry showed that anal pressure and rectal sensitivity were not significantly modified, and that rectal compliance was reduced (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: STARR is not better and is less safe than macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders. It could be considered as an alternative therapy in patients unresponsive to macrogol.

Medium-term results of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation and symptomatic rectal-anal intussusception

AIM

Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) is an increasingly accepted treatment for obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) associated with internal rectal prolapse (IRP) and rectocoele. The aim of this study is to evaluate the medium to long-term outcomes of STARR for ODS.

METHOD

The intermediate-term results of STARR used over a 9-year period were reviewed from the analysis of a prospectively maintained database. Patients were followed for a median period of 98 (95% CI 85-112, range 5-386) weeks.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty-four (234 woman) patients of median age 54 (19-90) years underwent STARR over a 9-year period. Preoperative symptoms included pelvic pain (93%), incomplete evacuation (90%), urgency (74%), a sensation of obstruction (65%) and rectal digitation (27%). Thirteen had the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. Of 326 patients with follow-up data, 249 (76%) were followed beyond 1 year and 149 (43%) beyond 2 years. The ODS score improved [14.6 ± 5.4 pre vs 1.6 ± 3.1 post (P < 0.0001)] as did the faecal incontinence (FI) score [3.5 ± 3.3 pre vs 0.4 ± 1.3 post (P < 0.0001)]. Fifteen (4.3%) patients reported deterioration in FI, and 11 (3.2%) experienced new onset minor incontinence. Urgency was 72% at 8 weeks, 20% at 16 weeks, 11.5% at 52 weeks and 5% at 1.5 years. None of the 29 patients followed beyond 4 years reported urgency. Urgency was unrelated to sex, age or preoperative ODS symptoms (Mantel-Cox log-rank). Recurrent symptoms of ODS occurred in 4.9%. Eighty-one per cent of patients were highly satisfied with STARR and would recommend or have it again.

CONCLUSION

STARR was successful for the treatment of selected patients with ODS and IRP. Postoperative faecal urgency rapidly decreases with time. It is not possible to predict who will develop urgency.

Resected specimen evaluation, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up after STARR procedures

AIM

To investigate stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures as surgical techniques for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) by analyzing specimen evaluation, anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up.

METHODS

From January to December 2007, we have treated 30 patients. Fifteen treated with double PPH-01 staplers and 15 treated using new CCS 30 contour. Resected specimen were measured with respect to average surface and volume. All patients have been evaluated at 24 mo with clinical examination, anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Average surface in the CCS 30 group was 54.5 cm² statistically different when compared to the STARR group (36.92 cm²). The average volume in the CCS 30 group was 29.8 cc, while in the PPH-01 it was 23.8 cc and difference was statistically significant. The mean hospital stay in the CCS 30 group was 3.1 d, while in the PPH-01 group the median hospital stay was 3.4 d. As regards the long-term follow-up, an overall satisfactory rate of 83.3% (25/30) was achieved. Endoanal ultrasonography performed 1 year following surgery was considered normal in both of the studied groups. Mean resting pressure was higher than the preoperative value (67.2 mmHg in the STARR group and 65.7 mmHg in the CCS30 group vs 54.7 mmHg and 55.3 mmHg, respectively). Resting and squeezing pressures were lower in those patients not satisfied, but data are not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The STARR procedure with two PPH-01 is a safe surgical procedure to correct ODS. The new Contour CCS 30 could help to increase the amount of the resected tissue without differences in early complications, post-operative pain and in hospital stay compared to the STARR with two PPH-01 technique.

Variation of the anal resting pressure induced by postexpiratory apnea effort in patients with constipation

CONTEXT

Intestinal constipation--a common symptom among the general population--is more frequent in women. It may be secondary to an improper diet or organic or functional disturbances, such as dyskinesia of the pelvic floor. This is basically characterized by the absence of relaxation or paradoxical contraction of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter during evacuation.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze, by manometric data, the anal pressure variation at rest, during evacuation effort by using the Valsalva maneuver and forced post-expiratory apnea in subjects with secondary constipation.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients (19 females--90.4%) with a mean age of 47.5 years old (23-72) were studied. The diagnosis was performed using anorectal manometry, with a catheter containing eight channels disposed at the axial axis, measuring the proximal (1) and distal (2) portions of the anal orifice. The elevation of the pressure values in relation to the resting with the evacuation effort was present in all patients. The Agachan score was used for clinical evaluation of constipation. The variables studied were: mean anal pressure of the anal orifice for 20 seconds at rest, the effort of evacuation using Valsalva maneuver and the effort of evacuation during apnea after forced expiration, as well as the area under the curve of the manometric tracing at moments Valsalva and apnea.

RESULTS

The analysis of the mean values of the anal pressure variation at rest evidenced difference between proximal and distal channels (P = 0.007), independent of the moment and tendency to differ during moments Valsalva and apnea (P = 0.06). The mean of values of the area under the manometric tracing curve showed differences between moments Valsalva and apnea (P = 0.0008), either at the proximal portion or at the distal portion of the anal orifice.

CONCLUSION

The effort of evacuation associated with postexpiratory apnea, when compared with the effort associated with the Valsalva maneuver, provides lower elevation of anal pressure at rest by the parameter area under the curve.

Does the STARR procedure change the pelvic floor: a preoperative and postoperative study with dynamic pelvic floor MRI

BACKGROUND

Obstructed defecation syndrome is a multifactorial disorder of the defecation process. Stapled transanal rectal resection has been used to restore function in patients suffering from obstructed defecation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to use preoperative and postoperative dynamic pelvic floor MRI combined with clinical parameters to evaluate the outcome of stapled transanal rectal resection.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

A group of 140 women with obstructed defecation syndrome were evaluated.

INTERVENTION

All 140 patients were initially treated conservatively with laxatives, increased fluid intake, pelvic floor exercises, and biofeedback. Stapled transanal rectal resection was performed in 30 patients with rectocele who did not show improvement in symptoms after at least 6 months of conservative treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preoperative diagnostic workup consisted of dynamic pelvic floor MRI, clinical examination, coloscopy, and clinical scores (Cleveland Clinic constipation score, German Working group on Coloproctology continence score, and SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire). Postoperatively, patients were reevaluated at 3 months by means of dynamic pelvic floor MRI, clinical examination, and clinical scores; clinical scores were repeated at 6 months after the operation.

RESULTS

Postoperative dynamic pelvic floor MRI performed after a median of 3.4 months showed a decrease in rectocele size from 3.3 (interquartile range, 2.8-3.8) cm to 1.5 (1.2-2) cm (P < .001). The number of patients with intussusception decreased from 21 (70%) before the operation to none after the operation (P < .001). The size of cystoceles did not change. The number of patients with incomplete evacuation was significantly reduced (P < .001). With a mean follow-up of 18 ± 4 months, patients showed a significant improvement in the quality-of-life score (P < .001) but not in the continence scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Stapled transanal rectal resection is an effective treatment option for patients with obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and intussusception.

Surgical treatment for constipation in children and adults

Functional constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. In both children and adults, most patients are managed conservatively with good results. In this review, we focus on the surgical approach to constipation. Patients who lack the capacity to consistently have voluntary bowel movements may need mechanical emptying of the colon through an enema program; for them, surgery to allow for antegrade enemas, (via the appendix or using a button device) is useful. Those patients with severe constipation not responsive to intense medical treatment may be candidates for other surgical interventions, such as resection of the dysfunctional colonic segment (rectosigmoid or whole colon), or plication, -pexy, and STARR techniques for evacuatory disorders secondary to obstructive anatomical features. Permanent stomas are an option of last resort.

Anatomical and functional results after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defaecation syndrome

AIM

The STARR procedure is a surgical option for the treatment of rectocoele associated with obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of this technique in restoring anatomy and the long-term sustainability of symptom control and quality of life.

METHODS

Of 48 patients operated on from 2003 to 2007, 30 were enrolled for this prospective assessment of anatomical correction and functional improvement of ODS. Results from a standardised questionnaire concerning functional results (ODS score), faecal incontinence (Cleveland Clinic score) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) were prospectively collected. Systematic dynamic defaecography, together with anorectal physiology testing, were performed before surgery and 6 months after. 25 patients were available for long-term assessment of functional outcome (more than 4 years).

RESULTS

The mean age of the population was 57 +/- 7 years. STARR produced significant improvements in the PAC QoL (p < 0.05) and ODS score (p < .0001), but not in the incontinence score. At defaecography, correction was significant with respect to the depth (p = 0.007), perimeter (p < 0.0001) and neck (p = 0.001) of rectocoele. Anorectal physiology revealed a lower maximal tolerated rectal volume (p<.0001). After 58 months, the 25 patients showed sustained functional results and QoL. Four patients (16%) underwent further surgical procedure for pelvic floor disorders and 8 patients (32%) still required laxatives.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms the efficacy of the STARR procedure, with sustained improvement in function and QoL. However, a substantial number of patients remain symptomatic.

Disappointing long-term outcomes after stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess both short and long-term functional outcomes and the quality of life of patients treated with stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).

METHODS

Forty-six patients with ODS as a result of rectocele and/or rectal intussusceptions were treated with STARR. Data collected included demographics, OR time, pain score using a visual analog scale (VAS), and complications. The study included defecographic assessment and anal manometry [urge-to-defecate volume (UTDV) and maximum tolerable volume (MTV)], both done preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. A modified obstructed-defecation syndrome questionnaire (MODS), constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) score, and CCF continence score were all recorded preoperatively and every 6 months during follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 48.4 years. Forty-five patients had mild postoperative pain (VAS = 1-2). Only one male patient had severe pain (VAS = 7). Three patients developed stenosis at the staple line 6 months after surgery and were dilated manually. Follow-up ranged from 18 to 48 months and the median follow-up was 42 months. The recurrence rate was 6.5% after 18 months, 10.8% after 36 months, and 13% after 42 months. Significant reduction in MTV and UTDV was recorded. MODS and PAC-QOL showed significant improvement after 6 months; this improvement was maintained for 18 months and then there was a rapid decline until the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

STARR is a safe surgical procedure that effectively restores the anatomy and function of the anorectum in patients with ODS. This correction improves functional and QOL scores; however, a high rate of symptomatic recurrence and QOL score decline are expected after 18 months.

Long-term results of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructive defecation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Rectocele and distal rectal intussusception are organic causes of obstructive defecation syndrome and can be corrected surgically once conservative treatment remedies have been exhausted. Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure was introduced as a new treatment approach. This study presents the first long-term results of this procedure. PATIENTS AND PROCEDURES: A STARR procedure was performed in 14 patients (two male, 12 female, age 53 ± 12 years) between January 2003 and August 2005. The indication for surgery was a severe, conservatively treated stool evacuation disorder secondary to symptomatic rectocele and/or distal intussusception.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 68 ± 10 (49-83) months. The defecation score (0-20 points) decreased from a preoperative 13.4 ± 3.4 to 3.2 ± 2.0 after 3 months and increased slightly to 4.7 ± 3.4 by the time of the final examination. In 12 patients (85.7%), the obstructive defecation syndrome was significantly improved. These positive results were also maintained in the long-term. Five patients (38.5%) reported a slight worsening of continence in terms of urge incontinence. The most affected patients were those with preoperative normal continence. Procedure-related anal reoperations were required in two patients (14.3%).

CONCLUSION

Even in long-term, transanal rectal wall resection seems to be an effective therapy for obstructive defecation syndrome. However, it is associated with a substantial number of reoperations and in some patients with persistent urge incontinence.

Quo vadis STARR? A prospective long-term follow-up of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Functional and clinical long-term outcome after stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in patients with an isolated symptomatic rectocele are investigated. Short-term results after 1 year are comparable with the functional outcome even after 5 years. Eighty per cent of the patients were still satisfied. STARR is an alternative procedure to the conventional surgical approaches for patients with an obstructed defecation syndrome and rectocele. Several studies have reported short-term outcome after STARR, but long-term results are still missing. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical outcome after STARR with a follow-up of 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with only an isolated symptomatic rectocele due to obstructed defecation syndrome were subjected to STARR. Functional and clinical outcome was assessed by Outlet Obstruction Syndrome score (OOS score), Wexner score (WS), and Symptom Severity score (SSS score). Data were prospectively collected over 7 years.

RESULTS

The perioperative morbidity after STARR accounted for 20% (n = 4). One patient was subjected to reoperation due to perforation, two postoperative bleedings occurred, and one patient developed an increasing local granulomatous reaction at the stapler line. The median follow-up accounted for 66 months (range 60-84). Sixteen patients (80%) were satisfied with the functional outcome. The median OOS, SSS and WS score improved significantly already after 1 year in these patients and remained stable at 5-year follow-up. In contrast, four patients were classified as treatment failures since the OOS score and the SSS score showed no improvement. At 5-year follow-up, these patients remained symptomatic without improvement in OOS and SSS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The STARR procedure is an effective operation in isolated symptomatic rectoceles with regard to relief of the obstructed defecation syndrome. The short-term improvement after STARR predicts long-term outcome in obstructed defecation syndrome caused by a rectocele.

Comparative study of Contour Transtar and STARR procedure for the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS)--feasibility, morbidity and early functional results

AIM

Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) is a promising new treatment for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). It may be performed using either a double-stapling technique (PPH-STARR) or with the new Contour Transtar (CT) device. The aim of this study was to evaluate the two techniques with respect to morbidity and functional outcomes.

METHOD

Patients presenting with ODS were evaluated using standardized clinical and radiological investigations and prospectively entered into a database. A total of 150 Patients were treated with either PPH-STARR (n = 68) or CT (n = 82) and further evaluated at 12 month postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean size of the resected specimen was 27 cm(2) (SD +/-4.86 cm(2)) in the PPH-STARR group and 46 cm(2) (SD +/-10.6 cm(2)) in the CT group [P < 0.001]. Morbidity was 7.3% (n = 5) in the PPH-STARR group and 7.5% (n = 6) in the CT group. The most common complication was minor postoperative bleeding in both groups (PPH-STARR: n = 2, 2.9%; CT: n = 2, 2.4%) Overall there were no septic complications and no surgical re-interventions. There was a tendency for more postoperative pain following CT (n = 3, 3.6%) as compared with PPH-STARR (n = 1, 1.4%). Constipation Scores (CCS) were 15.50 +/- 5.71 in the PPH-STARR group and 15.70 +/- 5.84 in the CT group preoperatively and decreased significantly to 8.25 (SD +/-1.45) and 8.01 (SD +/-2.31) 12-months after surgery. Values did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Contour Transtar is as safe and effective as PPH-STARR and provides a true circumferential resection of rectal intussusception. This may benefit selected patients and result in improved long-term durability of the technique.

Assessing the safety, effectiveness, and quality of life after the STARR procedure for obstructed defecation: results of the German STARR registry

BACKGROUND

Internal rectal prolapse and rectocele are frequent clinical findings in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). However, there is still no evidence whether stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) provides a safe and effective surgical option. Therefore, the German STARR registry was initiated to assess safety, effectiveness, and quality of life.

METHODS

The German STARR registry was designed as an interventional, prospective, multicenter audit. Primary outcomes include safety (morbidity and adverse events), effectiveness (ODS, symptom severity, and incontinence scores), and quality of life (PAC-QoL and EQ-5D) documented at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Statistical evaluation was performed by an independent research organization of clinical epidemiology.

RESULTS

Complete data of 379 patients (78% females, mean age 57.8 years) were entered into the registry database. Mean operative time was 40 min, mean hospitalization was 5.5 days. A total of 103 complications and adverse events were reported in 80 patients (21.1%) including staple line complications (minor bleeding, infection, or partial dehiscence; 7.1%), major bleeding (2.9%), and postsurgical stenosis (2.1%). Comparisons of ODS and symptom severity scores (SSS) demonstrated a significant reduction in ODS score between baseline (mean 11.14) and 6 months (mean 6.43), which was maintained at 12 months (mean 6.45), and SSS at preoperative and at 6- and 12-month follow-up (13.02 vs. 7.34 vs. 6.59; paired t test, p < 0.001). Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in quality of life as judged by symptom-specific PAC-QoL and generic ED-5Q (utility and visual analog scale) scores and was not associated with an impairment of incontinence score following STARR (p > 0.05). However, 11 patients (2.9%) showed de novo incontinence, and new-onset symptoms of fecal urgency were observed in 25.3% of patients.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that STARR is a safe and effective procedure. However, conclusions are limited due to the selection and reporting bias of a registry. The problem of fecal urgency needs cautious reassessment.

Randomized controlled trial between perineal and anal repairs of rectocele in obstructed defecation

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to evaluate functional outcome of perineal repair with and without levatorplasty versus transanal repair of rectocele in obstructed defecation.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

A total of 48 multiparous women with obstructed defecation caused by a rectocele were randomly allocated to three groups: transperineal repair with levatorplasty (TPR-LP; n = 16); transperineal repair without levatorplasty (TPR; n = 16); and transanal repair (TAR; n = 16). The study included defecographic assessment, anal manometry, symptom improvement, sexual function, and score on a function questionnaire. Assessments were done preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Defecography showed significant reduction in size of rectocele in all groups. Constipation improved significantly in both groups with transperineal repair but not in the group with transanal repair. Significant reductions in mean anal resting pressure, maximum reflex volume, and urge-to-defecate volume were observed only with the transperineal approach (with and without levatorplasty). Functional score improved significantly in the transperineal groups (with levatorplasty, P < 0.001; without levatorplasty, P < 0.01), but not in the transanal group (P = 0.142). Levatorplasty added to transperineal repair significantly improved the overall functional score compared with transperineal repair alone (P < 0.01) and transanal repair TAR (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Rectocele repair appears to improve anorectal function by improving rectal urge sensitivity. Transperineal repair of rectocele is superior to transanal repair in both structural and functional outcome. Levatorplasty improves functional outcome, but potential effects on dyspareunia should be discussed with the patient.

Stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome: one-year results of the European STARR Registry

PURPOSE

Stapled transanal rectal resection is advocated for the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome. Supporting evidence for its safety and effectiveness has been lacking. To address this, the European Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection Registry was initiated in January 2006. This study was designed to analyze 12-month postoperative outcomes of this procedure using data collected in the registry.

METHODS

On May 17, 2008, data were downloaded from the Stapled Transanal Resection Registry to perform an analysis of 12-month outcomes. Data had been collected prospectively on effectiveness (symptom severity and obstructed defecation scores), quality of life, incontinence, and safety profile at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 2,838 patients were entered into the registry, of whom 2,224 had reached 12 months of follow-up. Mean age was 54.7 years. A total of 2,363 patients (83.3%) were female. A significant improvement was seen in obstructive defecation and symptom severity scores and quality of life between baseline and 12 months (obstructed defecation score: 15.8 vs. 5.8, respectively, P < 0.001; symptom severity score: 15.1 vs. 3.6, respectively, P < 0.001). Complications were reported in 36.0% and included defecatory urgency (20.0%), bleeding (5.0%), septic events (4.4%), staple line complications (3.5%), and incontinence (1.8%). One case of rectal necrosis and one case of rectovaginal fistula were reported.

CONCLUSION

Stapled transanal rectal resection produces improved function and better quality of life for patients with obstructed defecation that is maintained at 12 months of follow-up. Further investigation is required to optimize patient selection and reduce the potential complications of postoperative defecatory urgency and pain.