Colectomy for constipation: physiologic investigation is the key to success

Abnormal Upper Gastrointestinal Motility Reduces the Efficacy of Colectomy for Colonic Inertia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) dysmotility on outcomes of surgical treatment of colonic inertia (CI). This PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov through October 2023 for studies that assessed outcomes of CI patients who underwent colectomy while putting data on UGI motility in context. The primary outcome was postoperative persistence or recurrence of constipation. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, continence, and quality of life (QoL) improvements. The revised tool to assess the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions was used to assess the risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Eight studies (1991 to 2013) included data on UGI evaluation of CI patients; 12.8 to 24.3% were tested for concomitant GI dysmotility. High rates of motility abnormalities were in the small bowel (31.4%), stomach (34.1%), and esophagus (48.5%). Patients with UGI dysmotility and CI were more likely to experience constipation recurrence (OR: 10.71, 95% CI: 2.17; 52.87, P =0.004) and less likely to have postoperative QoL improvements (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04; 0.65, P =0.010) compared with patients with CI and no abnormal UGI testing. There were no differences in postoperative complications (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.64; 4.267, P =0.542) or continence (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.06; 1.47, P =0.0136) rates. Large subsets of CI patients with concomitant UGI dysmotility may be preoperatively underdiagnosed. UGI dysmotility may be associated with a higher risk of postoperative recurrence of constipation and suboptimal improvements in QoL. We recommend routine UGI evaluation before surgery for CI.

Superior Rectal Artery Preservation in Laparoscopically Assisted Subtotal Colectomy and Ileorectal Anastomosis for Slow-Transit Constipation

Our previous retrospective observational study demonstrated the safety of laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA), without instances of leakage, in patients with slow-transit constipation (STC). Thus, we extended the enrollment period and enlarged the sample size to detect the differences in the postoperative complications and surgical and functional outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with and without SRA preservation. We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of patients with STC who underwent laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy between 2016 and 2020. The diagnosis of STC was based on the colonic transit and anal functional tests and barium enema to exclude secondary causes. Patients were divided into group A, which underwent surgery with SRA preservation, and group B, which underwent ligation of the SRA during surgery. Outcome assessments for both groups included the incidence of anastomotic breakdown, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, and complications. Propensity score matching allocated 34 patients to groups A and B each. Postoperative bowel function, including time to first flatus, stool, and oral intake, recovered better in group A than in group B. Anastomotic leakage, a significant postoperative complication, was less frequent in patients with SRA preservation. In conclusion, preservation of the SRA in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for STC is associated with favorable postoperative bowel function recovery and lower anastomotic leakage rates.

Preservation of superior rectal artery in laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation

BACKGROUND

Slow transit constipation (STC) has traditionally been considered as a functional disorder. However, evidence is accumulating that suggests that most of the motility alterations in STC might be of a neuropathic etiology. If the patient does not meet the diagnosis of pelvic outlet obstruction and poorly response to conservative treatment, surgical intervention with subtotal colectomy may be effective. The most unwanted complication of the procedure is anastomotic leakage, however, preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA) may reduce its incidence.

AIM

To evaluate the preservation of the SRA in laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in STC patients.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective observational study. STC was diagnosed after a series of examinations which included a colonic transit test, anal manometry, a balloon expulsion test, and a barium enema. Eligible patients underwent laparoscopically assisted total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and were examined between January 2016 and January 2018. The operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, length of hospital days, and incidence of minor or major complications were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients (mean age, 42.6 years) who had received laparoscopic assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal artery anastomosis and preservation of the SRA. All patients were diagnosed with STC after a series of examinations. The mean operative time was 151 min and the mean blood loss was 119 mL. The mean day of first time to flatus was 3.0 d, and the mean hospital stay was 10.6 d. There were no any patients conversions to laparotomy. Post-operative minor complications including 1 wound infection and 1 case of ileus. There was no surgical mortality. No anastomosis leakage was noted in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and preservation of the SRA can significantly improve bowel function with careful patient selection. Sparing the SRA may protect against anastomosis leakage.

The Usefulness of Preoperative Evaluation for Intractable Slow Transit Constipation by Computed Tomography

Objectives:

Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the gold standard surgical procedure for patients with slow transit constipation (STC). This operation's outcomes are highly variable; however, predictors of postoperative outcomes after surgical treatment of intractable STC remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the usefulness of preoperative evaluation for intractable STC by computed tomography (CT) in predicting postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

From January 2011 to December 2018, 22 patients with intractable STC underwent laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis at the Kashiwa Hospital, Jikei University. They were divided into two groups, eighteen patients in the colonic inertia type (CI) group, and four patients in the spastic constipation type (SC) group, by preoperative CT according to specific criteria.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the mean age, gender, mean operation time, or mean intraoperative blood loss. The SC group's postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer than that of the CI group. Postoperative gastric outlet obstruction occurred in two patients (11%) who underwent distal partial gastrectomy with R-Y reconstruction after the surgery in the CI group but no patients in the SC group. Postoperative pelvic outlet obstruction occurred in all four patients who underwent ileostomy within a year after surgery in the SC group but no patients in the CI group.

Conclusions:

The outcomes of total colectomy in the treatment of intractable STC are highly variable. Preoperative evaluation for intractable STC by CT seems to be a useful predictor of postoperative outcomes.

Treatment of slow transit constipation-induced ileus during pregnancy by colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Slow transit constipation is a major cause of chronic constipation. During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels and the physical effects of an enlarged uterus could cause new onset slow transit constipation or aggravate a pre-existing constipation. The management of slow transit constipation-induced ileus during pregnancy is a medical dilemma.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 28-year-old pregnant woman presented to the emergency department with a 7-day history of worsening bloating and abdominal colic. The patient was in her third trimester (27 weeks). She had a 5-year history of constipation which had worsened with her pregnancy, and neither flatus nor stool could be passed.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on the constipation history and computed tomography, a slow transit constipation-induced ileus was confirmed.

INTERVENTIONS

As medications for the management of constipation and endoscopic efforts to remove the blockage were ineffective and the patient's symptoms worsened, Cesarean section and colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis were performed.

OUTCOMES

After the procedure, the patient recovered and defecated well. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient reported that she defecated two to three times per day without difficulty.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy can worsen pre-existing constipation and cause ileus. In cases where drug treatment is unsuccessful, colectomy, and ileorectal anastomosis may be necessary.

The feasibility of laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis in community practice for slow transit constipation

BACKGROUND

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate if slow transit constipation (STC) can be accurately diagnosed, selecting patients appropriate for surgery, and safely perform laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (CRA) with acceptable short and long-term outcomes in the setting of medically complex patients in a community practice.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed at a private community surgical practice. Cohort involved 10 patients with up to 10 years in follow-up care with a diverse range of ages, body mass index (BMI) and medical conditions. Pre-operative work-up followed a comprehensive algorithm designed to rule out organic conditions and dyssynergistic defecation. The Sitz Mark Colon Transit Study was used to confirm STC. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with CRA techniques were used in all cases. Frequency of BMs and patient satisfaction over the study period were tabulated.

RESULTS

Average post-operative length of stay (LOS) was five days. One early major post-operative complication occurred, however there were no perioperative deaths, anastomotic leaks or revisions of the original surgery after discharge from the hospital. Two patients died due to non-bowel related causes. An incisional hernia was the single long-term complication. Initial post-operative BMs averaged several per day. In the 1-5 year follow-up, BMs tapered down from 1 to 2/day with some laxative use. By the 5th to 10th year follow-up, constipation occurred with 2-3 BMs/week, all requiring an osmotic laxative. Most patients, however, were satisfied with their bowel pattern.

CONCLUSION

Surgical candidates with severe STC can be accurately diagnosed and treated with minimally invasive surgery in community practice with acceptable outcomes as compared to outcomes published in the literature.

Diagnosis and management of chronic constipation in adults

Constipation is a heterogeneous, polysymptomatic, multifactorial disease. Acute or transient constipation can be due to changes in diet, travel or stress, and secondary constipation can result from drug treatment, neurological or metabolic conditions or, rarely, colon cancer. A diagnosis of primary chronic constipation is made after exclusion of secondary causes of constipation and encompasses several overlapping subtypes. Slow-transit constipation is characterized by prolonged colonic transit in the absence of pelvic floor dysfunction. This subtype of constipation can be identified using either the radio-opaque marker test or wireless motility capsule test, and is best treated with laxatives such as polyethylene glycol or newer agents such as linaclotide or lubiprostone. If unsuccessful, subspecialist referral should be considered. Dyssynergic defecation results from impaired coordination of rectoanal and pelvic floor muscles, and causes difficulty with defecation. The condition can be identified using anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion tests and is best managed with biofeedback therapy. Opioid-induced constipation is an emerging entity, and several drugs including naloxegol, methylnaltrexone and lubiprostone are approved for its treatment. In this Review, we provide an overview of the burden and pathophysiology of chronic constipation, as well as a detailed discussion of the available diagnostic tools and treatment options.

Advancing treatment options for chronic idiopathic constipation

INTRODUCTION

Chronic constipation is a global problem affecting all ages and associated with considerable morbidity and significant financial burden for society. Though formerly defined on the basis of a single symptom, infrequent defecation; constipation is now viewed as a syndrome encompassing several complaints such as difficulty with defecation, a sense of incomplete evacuation, hard stools, abdominal discomfort and bloating.

AREAS COVERED

The expanded concept of constipation has inevitably led to a significant change in outcomes in clinical trials, as well as in patient expectations from new therapeutic interventions. The past decades have also witnessed a proliferation in therapeutic targets for new agents. Foremost among these have been novel prokinetics, a new category, prosecretory agents and innovative approaches such as inhibitors of bile salt transport. In contrast, relatively few effective therapies exist for the management of those anorectal and pelvic floor problems that result in difficult defecation.

EXPERT OPINION

Though constipation is a common and often troublesome disorder, many of those affected can resolve their symptoms with relatively simple measures. For those with more resistant symptoms a number of novel, effective and safe options now exist. Those with defecatory difficulty (anismus, pelvic floor dysfunction) continue to represent a significant management challenge.

Changes in Fecal and Colonic Mucosal Microbiota of Patients with Refractory Constipation after a Subtotal Colectomy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in gut microbiota of patients with refractory constipation 6 months after a subtotal colectomy. Feces and mucosal samples of five healthy volunteers and 17 patients with refractory constipation before and six months after subtotal colectomy were collected. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and polymerase chain reaction techniques were used for quantitative analysis of main bacterial groups and archeal methanogens. No significant differences were found in the DGGE profiles among the three groups. After subtotal colectomy, a significantly decreased similarity coefficient was observed in the fecal. The Shannon diversity indices had no significant differences among the three groups. The numbers of predominant bacteria (Bacteriodetes, Clostridium coccoides group, and Clostridium leptum group) did not significantly change in patients before and after surgery compared with healthy control subjects, and the number of total bacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteriodetes, and Clostridium leptum group bacteria in the feces decreased after surgery. However, the numbers of these bacteria remained the same in mucosa from postoperative patients. The numbers of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in feces and the number of Bifidobacteria in mucosa were significantly lower in preoperative compared with healthy control subjects and increased after the surgery. The number of methanogens in the mucosa was decreased in preoperative patients but returned to normal levels postoperatively. In conclusion, although there was no difference in the structure of the predominant bacteria between refractory constipated patients and healthy control subjects, the number of probiotics ( Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) was significantly lower in refractory constipated patients. However, subtotal colectomy can significantly normalize the number of intestinal flora.

Understanding and treating refractory constipation

Chronic constipation is a frequently encountered disorder in clinical practice. Most constipated patients benefit from standard medical approaches. However, current therapies may fail in a proportion of patients. These patients deserve better evaluation and thorough investigations before their labeling as refractory to treatment. Indeed, several cases of apparent refractoriness are actually due to misconceptions about constipation, poor basal evaluation (inability to recognize secondary causes of constipation, use of constipating drugs) or inadequate therapeutic regimens. After a careful re-evaluation that takes into account the above factors, a certain percentage of patients can be defined as being actually resistant to first-line medical treatments. These subjects should firstly undergo specific diagnostic examination to ascertain the subtype of constipation. The subsequent therapeutic approach should be then tailored according to their underlying dysfunction. Slow transit patients could benefit from a more robust medical treatment, based on stimulant laxatives (or their combination with osmotic laxatives, particularly over the short-term), enterokinetics (such as prucalopride) or secretagogues (such as lubiprostone or linaclotide). Patients complaining of obstructed defecation are less likely to show a response to medical treatment and might benefit from biofeedback, when available. When all medical treatments prove to be unsatisfactory, other approaches may be attempted in selected patients (sacral neuromodulation, local injection of botulinum toxin, anterograde continence enemas), although with largely unpredictable outcomes. A further although irreversible step is surgery (subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis or stapled transanal rectal resection), which may confer some benefit to a few patients with refractoriness to medical treatments.

Objective assessment of postoperative gastrointestinal motility in elective colonic resection using a radiopaque marker provides an evidence for the abandonment of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) has no benefit in terms of anastomotic healing, infection rate, or improvement in the postoperative course in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, and that it should be abandoned. However, the effect of MBP on postoperative gastrointestinal motility has been assessed subjectively. In this randomized trial, we objectively assessed the effect of MBP on postoperative gastrointestinal motility and mobility in elective colonic resection.

METHOD

In total, 79 patients scheduled to undergo elective colonic resection for cancer were randomized to MBP or no-MBP groups prior to surgery. All patients ingested radiopaque markers before surgery to evaluate postoperative gastrointestinal motility, objectively evaluated by the transition of the markers at postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5 and 7. The groups were then further subdivided into open and laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) groups and evaluated in terms of gastrointestinal motility and postoperative mobility.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the no-MBP and MBP groups in terms of perioperative and postoperative course. In the LAC subgroup, there was no significant difference between the no-MBP and MBP groups in terms of marker transition. However, in the open subgroup, there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the residual ratio of markers in the small intestine at POD 3 (no-MBP 35.3% vs. MBP 69.2%; p=0.041), excretion rate of markers at POD 5 (no-MBP 49.7% vs. MBP 8.8%; p=0.005), and residual ratio in the small intestine at POD 7 (no-MBP 3.1% vs. MBP 28.8%; p=0.028). Additionally, the excretion rate in the no-MBP group was significantly higher than in the MBP group at POD 7 (74.1% vs. 33.8%; p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide additional evidence to support the abandonment of MBP in elective open colonic surgery.

Surgical management of colonic inertia

For the select small number of constipated patients that cannot be managed medically, surgical options should be considered. Increases in our knowledge of colorectal physiology and experience have fostered improvements in patient evaluation and surgical management. Currently, patients with refractory colonic inertia are offered total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, often with laparoscopic techniques. With proper patient selection, the results have been excellent for resolving the frequency and quality of bowel movements. However, symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, which may be related to irritable bowel syndrome rather than the colonic inertia, may persist.

Long-term follow-up of the Jinling procedure for combined slow-transit constipation and obstructive defecation

BACKGROUND

Surgery is indicated for chronic constipation refractory to conservative therapy. The treatment of combined slow-transit constipation and obstructive defecation is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to describe the Jinling procedure and examine safety, effectiveness, and quality of life over 4 years of follow-up.

DESIGN

The study is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data in a patient registry database.

SETTINGS

This investigation was conducted at a tertiary-care gastroenterology surgical center in China.

PATIENTS

The study included 117 consecutive patients with slow-transit constipation combined with obstructive defecation treated between January 2005 and December 2007.

INTERVENTION

The Jinling procedure modifies the classic procedure of subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis by adding a new side-to-side cecorectal anastomosis to solve the coexistence of obstructive defecation and slow-transit constipation in one operation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured morbidity and mortality rates, Wexner constipation scores, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index at baseline and after 1, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients underwent the Jinling procedure, which was laparoscopically assisted in 56 patients (47.9%) and an open procedure in 61 patients (52.1%). Of the total, 72 patients (61.5%) had undergone previous surgical intervention without improvement. A total of 28 complications and adverse events were reported in 117 procedures, giving an overall morbidity rate of 23.9%; 23 patients (19.7%) had 1 or more events. Most complications were managed conservatively. A significant reduction in Wexner constipation score was observed from baseline (mean, 21.9) to 1 month (mean, 9.8), and the reduction was maintained at 48 months (mean 5.1; p < 0.001). Compared with baseline, significant overall improvements were also seen in gastrointestinal quality of life at 12, 24, and 48 months of follow-up (p < 0.01).

LIMITATIONS

This study did not include a comparison group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our clinical practice demonstrates that Jinling procedure is safe and effective for refractory slow-transit constipation associated with obstructive defecation, with minimal major complications, significant improvement of quality of life, and a high satisfaction rate after 4-year follow up.

The impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy on appendicostomy operation rates for children with chronic constipation--a single-institution experience

PURPOSE

Appendicostomy for antegrade continence enema is a minimally invasive surgical intervention that has helped many children with chronic constipation. At our institution, since 2006, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) has been trialed to treat slow-transit constipation (STC) in children. This retrospective audit aimed to determine if TES use affected appendicostomy-formation rates and to monitor changes in practice. We hypothesized that appendicostomy rates have decreased for STC but not for other indications.

METHODS

Appendicostomy-formation rate was determined for the 5 years before and after 2006. Children were identified as STC or non-STC from nuclear transit scintigraphy and patient records.

RESULTS

Since 1999, 317 children were diagnosed with STC using nuclear transit scintigraphy with 121 during 2001 to 2005 (24.2/year) and 147 during 2006 to 2010 (29.4/year). Seventy-four children had appendicostomy formation. For 2001 to 2005, appendicostomy-formation rates for STC and non-STC children were similar: 5.4 per year (n = 27) and 4.8 per year (n = 24), respectively. For 2006 to 2010, appendicostomy-formation rates were 1.2 per year (n = 6) for STC and 3.2 per year (n = 16) for non-STC (χ(2), P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Since 2006, appendicostomy-formation rates have significantly reduced in STC but not in non-STC children at our institute, coinciding with the introduction of TES as an alternative treatment for STC. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation has not been tested on non-STC children in this period.

Systematic review of abdominal surgery for chronic idiopathic constipation

AIM

Constipation is a common problem which increases in prevalence with age. Chronic constipation is complex and difficult to treat. Some patients will not respond to pharmacological therapy and therefore surgery may be considered. A systematic review of the literature was performed to determine the outcome of surgery.

METHOD

Published papers were identified by a search of The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE. They were reviewed and the data were extracted.

RESULTS

Forty-eight papers were identified, including 1443 patients. Eleven different procedures were described. There was inconsistency in reporting. In 65% of patients the mean frequency of defaecation increased from 1.1 to 19.7 evacuations per week. Where laxative usage was reported (971 patients), it was found that 88% of patients did not need them postoperatively. Early complications included ileus (0-16%), infection (0-13%) and anastomotic leakage (0-22%). Patient satisfaction and quality of life scores were high. Only 30% of studies included data on preoperative psychological assessment.

CONCLUSION

Surgery improves constipation and is associated with a higher degree of patient satisfaction, but the quality of studies was very variable. Future controlled trials should examine the ideal therapeutic approach for different patient groups.

[Guidelines for the treatment of constipation]

While constipation is a common symptom in Korea, there are no existing treatment guidelines. Although constipation may occur as a result of organic cause, there is no obstructive mucosal or structural cause in the vast majority of patients with constipation. The present paper deals with only the management of functional constipation: lifestyle changes; bulking agents and stool softeners; osmotic agents; stimulant laxatives; prokinetics; biofeedback and surgical treatments. Exercise and dietary fiber are helpful in some patients with constipation. Laxatives including bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic agents, and stimulant laxatives have been found to be more effective than placebo at relieving symptoms of constipation. New enterokinetic agents that affect peristalsis through selective interaction with 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptors can be effective in patients with constipation who cannot get adequate relief from current laxatives. Biofeedback can relieve symptoms in selected patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia. Surgical treatments can be helpful in some patients with refractory constipation.

Gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology in chronic constipation

Some patients with chronic constipation may undergo colectomy yielding tissue appropriate to diagnosis of underlying neuromuscular pathology. The analysis of such tissue has, over the past 40 years, fueled research that has explored the presence of neuropathy, myopathy and more recently changes in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). In this chapter, the data from these studies have been critically reviewed in the context of the significant methodological and interpretative issues that beset the field of gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology. On this basis, reductions in ICC appear to a consistent finding but one whose role as a primary cause of slow-transit constipation requires further evaluation. Findings indicative of significant neuropathy or myopathy are variable and in many studies subject to considerable methodological bias. Methods with practical diagnostic utility in the individual patient have rarely been employed and require further validation in respect of normative data.

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.

Surgical management of constipation

For the select small number of constipated patients who cannot be managed medically, surgical options should be considered. Increases in our knowledge of colorectal physiology and experience have fostered improvements in evaluation and surgical management of patients. Currently, patients with refractory colonic inertia are offered total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis. With proper selection of patients, the results have been excellent for resolving the frequency and quality of bowel movements. However, symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, which may be related to irritable bowel syndrome rather than the colonic inertia, may persist.

Colectomy for refractory constipation

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the type of colectomy, postoperative complications, functional results, and satisfaction in patients with constipation refractory to conservative therapy. Further, colonic transit time (CTT), faecal load (coprostasis), and colon length (redundancies) were compared between operated and non-operated patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Out of 281 patients, 30 women and 5 men underwent surgery. All patients were evaluated by clinical and physiological investigations. Forty-four randomly selected healthy persons constituted the control group.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients had at hemicolectomy, 11 patients a subtotal colectomy and 3 patients an ileostomy. Two patients had an anastomotic leak and one died. In 11 patients, further surgery was necessary, because of recurrent constipation. Abdominal pain disappeared and defecation patterns improved significantly to 1-4 per day after a colectomy with no uncontrolled diarrhoea. The mean CTT was 65.0 h for patients operated, 37.9 h in non-operated patients and 24.75 h in controls (p < 0.05). Abdominal bloating and pain and defecation parameters correlated significantly positively with CTT and faecal loading, which were significantly increased in operated patients (p < 0.05). The colon was significantly longer in operated patients compared to non-operated, which significantly increased CTT and aggravated symptoms. The histology of the removed colon revealed degenerative changes.

CONCLUSIONS

A segmental or a subtotal colectomy reduced bloating and pain and improved defecation patterns significantly. Although patient satisfaction was rather high, there are significant risks of postoperative complications and future operations. The operated patients had a significant increased CTT, faecal load and colon length, compared to non-operated patients.

Colchicine is effective for short-term treatment of slow transit constipation: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

Although colchicine has been tested in clinical trials for treatment of constipation, the index groups in those trials were composed of special patient groups with developmental neuromuscular defects or failed surgical management. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of colchicine in patients with refractory slow transit constipation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with chief complaint of chronic constipation due to slow transit consented to be included in the double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. These patients were randomly divided into two groups (each containing 30 patients) to receive either colchicine, 1 mg QD, (group A) or placebo (group B) for 2 months. At the end of the study, Knowles-Eccersly-Scot symptom (KESS, a valid technique to assist in the diagnosis and evaluation of symptoms in constipation) scores were compared between the case and control groups.

RESULTS

The mean KESS score measured at the end of 2 months was 11.67 +/- 3.91 for colchicine and 18.66 +/- 3.72 for placebo group (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This trial shows that low-dose colchicine is effective in treatment of slow transit constipation.

Chronic constipation: overview and challenges

Despite its high prevalence and cost implications, our understanding of the pathophysiology of constipation remains primitive, and available therapies have limited efficacy. The purpose of this supplement is to address critically the reasons for the current lack of understanding and to propose avenues of future research to address these deficiencies.

Sexual abuse: a strong predictor of outcomes after colectomy for slow-transit constipation

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine the impact of a history of sexual abuse on the outcomes of ileorectal anastomosis for slow-transit constipation.

METHODS

All patients undergoing subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for slow-transit constipation by a single surgeon at a university hospital from 1991 to 2006 were identified. Age, time since surgery, psychiatric diagnoses, number of previous operations, and "functional" disorders were collected. Patients were questioned about a history of anal and vaginal sexual abuse. Use of alternative healthcare practitioners and remote postoperative physician visits for abdominal symptoms were elicited.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients met study criteria, and 13 came for assessment. All were women, all were highly satisfied with the results of their surgery, and all said they would request the procedure again. Median age was 38 (range, 29-58) years, and time to follow-up was 97 (range, 25-166) months. Eleven subjects (85%) reported a current psychiatric condition being treated with psychotropic medication. Eight (62%) reported a history of sexual abuse, and seven (88%) reported both anal and vaginal abuse. Patients with a history of sexual abuse had a total of 32 operations before colectomy and 30 functional diagnoses, compared with a total of 3 operations and 3 functional diagnoses in the nonabused group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0002, respectively). Similarly, seven of eight abused patients (88%) sought additional medical care for abdominal complaints after this surgery, compared with none of five in the nonabused group (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

A history of sexual abuse should be sought in patients with slow-transit constipation, because it is a strong predictor of more functional diagnoses, more precolectomy operations, and more postcolectomy medical care for abdominal complaints.

Improvement of quality of life in children with slow transit constipation after treatment with transcutaneous electrical stimulation

BACKGROUND

Slow transit constipation (STC) causes intractable symptoms not responsive to medical treatment. Children have irregular bowel motions, colicky abdominal pain, and frequent soiling. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current (interferential therapy [IFT]) is a novel treatment of STC. This study assessed quality of life (QOL) in STC children before and after IFT treatment.

METHODS

Eligible STC children were randomized to receive either real or placebo IFT (12 sessions for 4 weeks). Questionnaires (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) were administered before and 6 weeks after treatment, with parallel parent and child self-report scales. Higher scores indicate better QOL. Holschneider and Templeton scores were also obtained. The QOL scores were compared using paired t tests.

RESULTS

Thirty-three children (21 male), with a mean age of 11.8 years (range, 7.4-16.5 years), were recruited; 16 received real IFT. Child-perceived QOL was improved after real IFT compared with baseline (81.1 vs 72.9, P = .005) but not after placebo IFT (78.1 vs 74.9, P = .120). The Holschneider score improved after real IFT (10 vs 8, P = .015) but not after placebo IFT (9 vs 8, P = .112). Parentally perceived QOL was similar after real IFT (70.1 vs 70.3, P = .927) and placebo IFT (70.2 vs 69.8, P = .899). There were no differences in Templeton scores.

CONCLUSION

Interferential therapy is a novel therapy for children with STC that improves their self-perceived QOL.

Postoperative course and long term follow up after colectomy for slow transit constipation--is surgery an appropriate approach?

OBJECTIVE

Patients with slow transit constipation who do not respond satisfactorily to common medical treatment are considered candidates for colectomy. The present observational long term study was designed to assess outcome after surgery.

METHOD

Twenty consecutive patients were treated by colectomy for slow transit constipation between 1996 and 2004. Preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed by using our institutional database. A questionnaire including validated scoring systems and questions about complications and subsequent surgical interventions was sent to all available patients.

RESULTS

Three patients (15%) died perioperatively. Median long term follow up was 84 months. Ten patients (50%) needed further operations after colectomy: Three patients (15%) had surgery during the early postoperative period, seven patients (35%) during follow up. A total of 31 operations had to be performed in these patients. Twelve patients (86%) responded to the questionnaires. Their median Wexner constipation score was 11.5 (range 8-23). Six patients fulfilled the Rome II criteria for constipation. The median Vaizey incontinence score was 7.5 (range 0-22). The median GIQLI showed 80 points (range 32-129).

CONCLUSION

Morbidity and mortality rate after colectomy were inadmissibly high. Taking into account the poor functional results, we cannot recommend colectomy for slow transit constipation.

Anorectal manovolumetry in the decision making before surgery for slow transit constipation

BACKGROUND

Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation (STC) is being challenged by other operations, such as segmental resections. The importance of preoperative anorectal physiology testing may therefore be increased. The aim of this study was to identify anorectal abnormalities in patients with STC, which may influence the surgical approach.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with STC (43 women; median age, 49 years) and 28 controls (23 women; median age, 50 years) were examined with anorectal manovolumetry. Anal pressures and rectal volumes were recorded, at stepwise rectal distension.

RESULTS

Anal resting pressure was lower in patients (median, 54 cm H(2)O; range, 22-130) than in controls (median, 68 cm H(2)O; range, 35-100) (p<0.05). Squeeze pressure tended to be lower in patients (median, 147 cm H(2)O; range, 53-382) than in controls (median, 177 cm H(2)O; range, 65-423) (p=0.09). Rectal sensory thresholds did not differ significantly between patients and controls, although 10 patients had a threshold for filling above the 95(th) percentile of controls. Rectal compliance was increased in patients in the pressure interval 5-35 cm H(2)O (p<0.05-0.01). The threshold and amplitude of the recto-anal inhibitory reflex did not differ significantly, but the recovery of resting pressure after eliciting the reflex was lower in patients than in controls in the pressure interval 10-50 cm H(2)O (p<0.05-0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients with STC deviated in some parameter. An impaired internal sphincter function and increased rectal compliance were seen. One fifth of the patients had impaired rectal sensation.

Slow-transit constipation: evaluation and treatment

Slow-transit constipation is characterized by delay in transit of stool through the colon, caused by either myopathy or neuropathy. The severity of constipation is highly variable, but may be severe enough to result in complete cessation of spontaneous bowel motions. Diagnostic tests to assess colonic transit include radiopaque marker or radioisotope studies, and intraluminal tests (colonic and small bowel manometry). Most patients with functional constipation respond to laxatives, but a small proportion are resistant to this treatment. In some patients biofeedback is helpful although the mechanism by which this works is still uncertain. Other patients are resistant to all conservative modes of therapy and require surgical intervention. Extensive clinical and physiological preoperative assessment of patients with slow colonic transit is essential before considering surgery, including an assessment of small bowel motility and identification of coexistent obstructed defecation. The psychological state of the patient should always be taken into account. When surgery is indicated, subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis is the operation of choice. Segmental colonic resection has been reported in a few patients, but methods of identifying the affected segment need to be developed further. Less invasive and reversible surgical options include laparoscopic ileostomy, antegrade colonic enema and sacral nerve stimulation.

Long-term results of subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis for isolated colonic inertia

AIM: To evaluate the results of sub total colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (STC-CRA) for isolated colonic inertia (CI).

METHODS: Fourteen patients (mean age 57.5 ± 16.5 year) underwent surgery for isolated CI between January 1986 and December 2002. The mean frequency of bowel motions with the aid of laxatives was 1.2 ± 0.6 per week. All subjects underwent colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, cinedefaecography and colonic transit time (CTT). CI was defined as diffuse markers delay on CTT without evidence of pelvic floor dysfunction. All patients underwent STC-CRA. Long-term follow-up was obtained prospectively by clinical visits between October 2005 and February 2006 at a mean of 10.5 ± 3.6 years (range 5-16 years) during which we considered the number of stool emissions, the presence of abdominal pain or digitations, the use of pain killers, laxatives and/or fibers. Patients were also asked if they were satisfied with the surgery.

RESULTS: There was no postoperative mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 21.4% (3/14). At the end of follow-up, bowel frequency was significantly (P < 0.05) increased to a mean of 4.8 ± 7.5 per day (range 1-30). One patient reported disabling diarrhea. Two patients used laxatives less than three times per month without complaining of what they called constipation. Overall, 78.5% of patients would have chosen surgery again if necessary.

CONCLUSION: STC-CRA is feasible and safe in patients with CI achieving 79% of success at a mean follow-up of 10.5 years. A prospective controlled evaluation is warranted to verify the advantages of this surgical approach in patients with CI.

Segmental colonic transit studies: comparison of a radiological and a scintigraphic method

OBJECTIVE

Colonic transit studies are used to diagnose slow transit constipation (STC) and to evaluate segmental colonic transit before segmental or subtotal colectomy. The aim of the study was to compare a single X-ray radio-opaque marker method with a scintigraphic technique to assess total and segmental colonic transit in patients with STC.

METHOD

Thirty-one female patients (median age 46 years) with severe constipation and a prolonged or borderline prolonged colonic transit time on radio-opaque marker study were included in the study. They were subsequently investigated with (111)Indium-DTPA colonic transit scintigraphy, with a median time between the investigations of 4(range 1-27) months. Normal values of healthy female controls were used for comparison.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the two methods in terms of prolonged or normal total colonic transit time. Twenty-nine of 31 female patients had a prolonged transit time only in one or two segments on the marker study. On scintigraphy, the transit time was prolonged for patients in the left (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001), but not in the right colon. With respect to prolonged or normal segmental transit time, there was a significant difference between the two methods only in the descending colon (P = 0.02). However, the results varied considerably for individual patients.

CONCLUSION

Segmental colonic delay was a common finding. The two methods gave similar results for groups of patients, except in the descending colon. The variation of the results for individuals suggests that a repeated transit test may improve the assessment of total and segmental transit.

Surgery for constipation

Patients with intractable chronic constipation should be evaluated with physiologic tests after structural disorders and extracolonic causes have been excluded. Conservative treatment options should be tried excessively. If surgery is indicated subtotal colectomy with IRA is the treatment method of choice. However, segmental resection may be a good option for isolated megasigmoid, sigmoidocele or recurrent sigmoid volvulus. In general patients with GID should not be offered any surgical options because of their anticipated poor results. Moreover, patients with psychiatric disorders should be actively discouraged from resection as they tend to have poorer prognosis. Patients must be counseled that preoperative pain and/or bloating will likely persist even if surgery normalizes bowel frequency. Patients with associated problems may be better served by having a stoma without resection as both a therapeutic maneuver and a diagnostic trial. Colectomy is no option to treat pain and/or abdominal bloating.

Audit of constipation in a gastroenterology referral center

This study was designed to assess the various subtypes of functional constipation in a referral gastrointestinal center of a Latino-American country. All patients referred for evaluation of constipation during a 10-year period were audited, and those with functional constipation according to Rome I criteria classified by physiologic tests of colonic transit, as well as tests of anorectal and pelvic floor function. More than 70% of patients with functional constipation had evidence of pelvic floor dysfunction, whereas those with slow transit and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome subtypes were less frequently represented. Even in a setting different from those most frequently reported in the literature, pelvic floor dysfunction represents the most common cause of functional constipation. Simple, physiologic testing is needed and useful for the diagnosis. This fact has therapeutic implications, especially because many such patients may benefit from biofeedback.

Is total colectomy the right choice in intractable slow-transit constipation?

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment for intractable slow-transit constipation and to establish that the importance of correct diagnosis and type of colon resection (total or segmental) is essential to achieve optimal outcome while minimizing side effects.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2004, of the 450 patients presenting with chronic constipation, we further investigated 33 patients with a diagnosis of slow-transit constipation that had not improved with medical or rehabilitative treatment. Preoperative evaluation included a daily evacuation diary compiled using Wexner score, psychologic assessment, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), radiologic investigation of colonic transit time, enema radiograph, colpo-cysto-defecography, anal manometry, and, in selected patients, colonoscopy and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. In 15 cases, the cause of constipation was colonic slow-transit (with a mean Wexner score of 22), which was always associated with dolichocolon. The other 18 patients presented outlet obstruction, and, therefore, these results are not included in the present report. The 15 patients with slow-transit constipation were submitted to total laparoscopic colectomy (2), total open colectomy (6), and left laparoscopic hemicolectomy for left colonic slow-transit (7).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 38 months. All patients except 1 presented improvement in symptoms with daily evacuations (P < .01; mean Wexner score, 6). Furthermore, results of the SF-36 test showed an improvement in the perception of physical pain, and the emotional, psychologic, and general health spheres after surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Meticulous preoperative evaluation of intractable slow-transit constipation may discriminate between the different causes of chronic constipation and thus avoid the well-known "Iceberg syndrome," which is responsible for many treatment failures.

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia

Colonic inertia is an uncommon condition, usually occurring in women in the third decade of life. Severity of symptoms may lead some patients to a surgical consultation. This is a retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia, performed by a single surgeon from August 1993 to November 2002. The mean age of the patients was 38.5 years (range 26-50 years); 93% of the patients were women. The common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (93%), bloating (100%), constipation (100%), and nausea (57%). Median duration of symptoms before surgery was 4.5 years (range 1-30 years). Subtotal colectomy was completed laparoscopically in 13 patients. There was one conversion (7%) because of adhesions. Eleven patients (78.6%) had undergone previous abdominal surgery. The mean operating room time was 153 minutes (range 113-210 minutes). The median time to full bowel action was 2 days. One patient developed postoperative small bowel obstruction that required open exploration. Complete follow-up was available for 11 patients at a median follow-up of 18 months (range 2-96 months). Ninety-one percent of the patients reported excellent satisfaction with surgery, and their bowel movement frequency changed from 1.2 (+/-0.2) per week preoperatives to 17.2 (+/-2.9) per week postoperatively (P < 0.001). Three patients (27%) continued to report abdominal pain and 3 patients (27%) continued to require laxatives postoperatively. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy provides excellent symptom relief in patients with colonic inertia who do not respond to medical measures.

Abnormality of peptide YY and pancreatic polypeptide immunoreactive cells in colonic mucosa of patients with colonic inertia

The etiopathology of colonic inertia remains unclear. Current studies show that pancreatic polypeptide-fold family members can serve as regulators of colonic motility and transit. Thus, the cells containing these peptides on colonic mucosa could be abnormal in patients with colonic inertia. We aimed to evaluate the immunocytochemical staining of peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) immunoreactive cells, and detect if alteration of these cells relates to an increase in enterochromaffin cells (EC) demonstrated by chromogranin A (CgA), in the colonic mucosa of patients with colonic inertia. Nineteen consecutive patients (18 female, 1 male; age, 43.7+/-11.5 years) who underwent subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia were assessed. The control group consisted of 15 patients (all female; age, 50.7+/-12.5 years) who underwent colonoscopic biopsies from the right and left colon for indications other than constipation, inflammatory bowel diseases, diarrhea, or neoplasm. Hollande's-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of both right and left colons were collected. Immunocytochemical staining of PYY, PP, or CgA was performed on 4-microm tissue sections with the respective primary rabbit antibody, the biotinylated secondary antibody, and enzyme-labeled streptavidin. The average number of positive cells per microscopic field (200x) was calculated. Positive cells were classified as strongly, moderately, and weakly staining. The proportion of the variously stained cells is expressed as the percentage of the entire positive cell population. On both sides of the colon, the percentages of strongly and moderately stained PYY positive cells were higher in the patient group compared to the controls (right side, 10.6 and 27.3 vs. 6.1 and 18.7%, respectively; left side, 9.4 and 23.9 vs. 6.2 and 23.1%, respectively) (P < 0.01). Furthermore, in the patients with colonic inertia, the percentages of strongly and moderately stained PYY-positive cells were higher in the right-side colon than in the left (P < 0.01). There was no difference in the number of PYY-positive cells between the patients and the controls. PP-positive cells were very rare in all specimens and were found in 7 of 19 cases (36.84%) in the right-side colon and 16 of 19 (84.21%) in the left-side colon in the patient group (P < 0.01, left vs. right). In contrast, the number of EC in the left colon of patients (16.8+/-10.2) was significantly higher than that in the right side (9.4+/-6.0) (P < 0.01) or that in the left side in the control group (10.4+/-6.0) (P < 0.05). We conclude that in the colonic mucosa of patients with colonic inertia, PYY-positive cells present with higher immunoreactivity, indicating that they may contain more hormones, especially on the right side of the colon. However, the PPY- and PP-positive cells did not relate to the increased EC. and It is therefore suggested that the altered PYY in the colonic mucosa may partially contribute to the etiopathology of colonic inertia.

Scintigraphic assessment of slow transit constipation with special reference to right- or left-sided colonic delay

OBJECTIVE

Subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation has several side-effects. The motor abnormality in some patients may be segmental which could motivate a limited resection of the colon. Therefore a diagnostic tool to identify a segmental colonic motor dysfunction is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate a scintigraphic method to assess colonic transit with special reference to right- or left-sided delay.

METHODS

Twenty-three constipated patients (19 women, mean age 50 years) with slow colonic transit on radio-opaque marker studies and 13 healthy individuals (11 women, mean age 46 years) were studied. All subjects were examined with oral (111)Indium-DTPA scintigraphy. The scintigraphic results for patients and controls were presented as geometric centre of radioactivity and percent activity over time in the right, the left and the recto-sigmoid colon. The inter-observer variation in the interpretation of the scans was also evaluated.

RESULTS

There was no difference in transit time between the groups of patients and controls in the right colon whereas the patients had a significant delay in the left colon (P < 0.05). Two patients had a marked delay in the right colon followed by relatively rapid transit in the left colon. The inter-observer correlation was good comparing the right, the left and the recto-sigmoid colon (r = 0.58-0.98, P < 0.01-0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that colonic scintigraphy with oral (111)Indium-DTPA may help to select patients for a left or, in a few cases, a right hemicolectomy for slow transit constipation.

Toward a definition of colonic inertia

Chronic constipation is a relatively frequent symptom; among its subtypes, the so called-colonic inertia represents a disease condition that is often considered for surgery. However, to date, there has been no agreement on definition of colonic inertia, and a literature review showed that this definition was given to numerous entities that differ from each other. In this paper these concepts are reviewed and a more stringent definition of colonic inertia is proposed.

Anorectal physiology in relation to clinical subgroups of patients with severe constipation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate anorectal physiology in relation to clinically defined subgroups of patients with idiopathic constipation and to analyse relationships between anorectal physiology and rectal evacuation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients with idiopathic constipation were clinically categorized as slow transit (n=19), outlet obstruction (n=52) and a group with mixed symptoms (n=29). They were examined by recording anal pressures and also rectal volumes in response to stepwise increases in rectal pressure (5-60 cm H2O). The manovolumetric results were compared with 28 sex and aged matched controls. Rectal evacuation was measured by computer-based image analysis of rectal emptying rate in defaecography.

RESULTS

The rectal pressure thresholds for filling, urge and pain did not differ between the groups but there were proportionally more patients in the slow transit and mixed group with thresholds for filling exceeding 25 cm H2O (P=0.04). In total, 18% of patients had impaired sensitivity which was associated with long duration of symptoms (P < 0.05). Patients with grossly impaired rectal sensitivity (filling threshold > 40 cm H2O) had impaired rectal evacuation (P < 0.05). The rectal compliance was increased in the slow transit and mixed group (P < 0.01-0.05) in the pressure interval 5-15 cm H2O. Anal resting and squeeze pressures did not differ between the groups although 7/19 in the slow transit group had values around the lower limit of controls. Slow wave frequency was lower in all patient groups (P < 0.001 vs. controls). Rectal evacuation was not related to sphincter function or to rectal compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical categorization of constipated patients defines groups where altered anorectal physiology is not uncommon. Constipation with symptoms of infrequent defaecation may be associated with impaired rectal sensitivity and increased rectal compliance whereas outlet obstruction symptoms are not clearly related to changes in anorectal physiology.

Colonic motor activity in slow-transit idiopathic constipation as identified by 24-h pancolonic ambulatory manometry

Colorectal motor activity in slow-transit idiopathic constipation has not been fully evaluated under physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate colorectal motor activity in chronic idiopathic constipation using 24-h ambulant pancolonic manometry. Ten healthy volunteers (six females) 19-31 years of age, and eight females 25-46 years of age with slow-transit idiopathic constipation were studied. Motor activity was measured using two custom-made silicone-coated catheters, each with five solid-state pressure transducers. Bowel preparation or sedation was not used. Frequency of high-amplitude propagated contractions was reduced in chronic idiopathic constipation, median 1.9/24 h vs 6/24 h (P = 0.01). Contractile frequency of low-amplitude complexes was reduced throughout the colon in slow-transit idiopathic constipation (P < 0.0001). The interval between contractile complexes was reduced in the transverse colon and splenic flexure (P < 0.0001). This study demonstrates that colonic motor activity is abnormal in slow-transit idiopathic constipation; decreased motor activity leads to a reduction in propulsion of intraluminal contents.

Variability in serotonin and enterochromaffin cells in patients with colonic inertia and idiopathic diarrhoea as compared to normal controls

AIM: To evaluate differences in distribution, density and staining intensity of enterochromaffin cells (EC) and serotonin cells (SC) in the colonic mucosa of patients with colonic inertia (CI), idiopathic diarrhoea (ID) and a control group. METHODS: Three groups were studied: 19 patients' colons after subtotal colectomy for CI, and 17 patients' biopsies for diarrhoea (>3 bowel movements/day) with histological findings of normal mucosa (excluding microscopic, eosinophillic and collagenous colitis). The third group included 15 patients who underwent colonoscopy and biopsy for indications other than constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhoea or neoplasm (control group). Specimen blocks were obtained in each case from the right and left colon. Immunohistochemical staining for EC and SC were done on 4 micro m sections from Hollandes fixed, paraffin embedded tissues with primary rabbit antibody against chromagranin A or serotonin, and biotynylated secondary antibody and enzyme labelled streptavidin. RESULTS: The number of EC in the mucosa of the left colon in patients with CI (16.8 +/- 10.2) and ID (19.9 +/- 9.7) were significantly higher than they were on the right side (CI: 9.4 +/- 6.0, ID: 12.1 +/- 5.3). However, there were no significant differences between the left and right sides in the control group (L: 10.3 +/- 5.3; R: 13.4 +/- 7.6). Although the quantity of EC in the left colon in both patients with CI (P < 0.05) and ID (P < 0.01) were significantly higher than in the controls, there was no significant difference between CI and ID. In both the right and left colon, the percentage of EC with low positive density was significantly higher (P < 0.01) while those cells with moderate or low staining intensity were significantly lower in patients with CI than in either patients with ID or control group. In patients with CI, the quantity of SC in the mucosa of the left colon (12.1 +/- 6.4) was higher than in the right (CI: 7.9 +/- 3.6; control 4.6 +/- 3.3; ID 4.6 +/- 2.9) (P = 0.0057). In contrast there was no significant difference in SC in either the ID or control groups. The quantity of SC in both sides of the colon was significantly higher both in patients with CI as compared to the control group (P < 0.01) and patients with CI vs. patients with ID (L = P < 0.01; R = P < 0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation between the numbers of EC and SC in patients with CI (L: r = 0.5425, P < 0.05; R: r = 0.745, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with CI, EC increases possibly due to an increase in SC. Conversely, in patients with ID, the EC increase results from peptides other than SC. Our results suggest that different aetiological factors contribute to ID and CI.

Altered serotonin immunoreactivities in the left colon of patients with colonic inertia

BACKGROUND: Serotonin is an important positive regulator of colonic motility and transit. Its quantity and distribution in the left colon could be abnormal in patients with colonic inertia (CI) and contribute to the disease. AIM: To evaluate serotonin positive cells and immuno-reactivities in the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria of the left colon from patients with CI was compared to a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent subtotal colecotomy for CI were assessed. The control group consisted of 15 patients who underwent left hemicolectomy for colonic cancer; histologically normal tissue specimens were used. Immunohistochemical staining for serotonin was performed. In the mucosa, the average number of serotonin positive cells per microscopic field (200 x ) was determined. The positively stained area (square pixels) in the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria per microscopic field (200 x ) was calculated utilizing a computer image analysis program. RESULTS: In the mucosa, both the number of serotonin positive cells and positively stained area were significantly higher in the patient group than in controls (P < 0.05). The difference in serotonin positive area in the submucosa in the CI group compared to the control group was not statistically significant. There was a very significant correlation between the serotonin positive area in the submucosa and muscularis propria in controls (r=0.65, p < 0.01), but not in patients with CI. CONCLUSION: The increased serotonin level in patients with CI may contribute to the disease or be an adaptive response to some other pathology. The lack of a positive correlation in serotonin levels between the submucosa and muscularis propria in CI patients suggests that the coordinated distribution of serotonin may be disrupted in CI.

Results after colectomy for colonic inertia: a sixteen-year experience

BACKGROUND

Colonic inertia (CI) is a disturbance of colonic motility characterized by severe constipation and abdominal pain. This study was conducted to assess the results of total abdominal colectomy (TAC) in the management of CI.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 55 patients who underwent TAC for CI was conducted.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients (87%) were female with an average age of 40; severe constipation existed 2 years prior to surgery. Symptoms included severe constipation (100%) and abdominal pain (84%); diagnostic workup included sitz marker study, anal manometry, and Gastrografin enema. In all cases, sitz marker studies were abnormal and anal manometry was normal. Histologically, no patient had absence of neuroenteric plexuses. Complications included prolonged ileus (24%) and small bowel obstruction (8%). Some 49 patients (89%) had "good" or "excellent" results and 6 patients (11%) had "poor" results. Postoperative stool frequency was 5, 4, and 3 per day at 1, 2, and 12 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TAC results in resolution of constipation in most patients. We conclude that TAC is effective treatment in patients with CI.