Stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and rectal intussusception

Prevalence of Obstructed Defecation among Patients Who Underwent Hemorrhoidectomy and Correlation between Preoperative Constipation Score and Postoperative Patients' Satisfaction: A Prospective Study in Two Centers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a common but underestimated condition that may affect the outcomes after hemorrhoidectomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) among patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy and to assess the correlation between preoperative constipation score and postoperative patients' satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included adult patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy for 3rd and 4th-grade hemorrhoidal diseases. All participant patients underwent an assessment of functional OD severity by the Agachan-Wexner Constipation Scoring System. All patients were subjected to conventional hemorrhoidectomy. At 6 months postoperatively, patients were assessed again for their constipation score and postoperative patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS

The study included 120 patients (62 males and 58 females) with a mean age of 38.7 ± 12.1 years. About one-quarter of patients (24.2%) had obstructed defecation (constipation score ≥12). ODS (constipation score ≥12) was found to be significantly more among older patients, female patients, especially those with multiple pregnancies and multiple labors, and those with perineal descent. The postoperative constipation score (5.6 ± 3.3 mean ± SD) showed significant improvement (p = 0.001) compared to (9.3 ± 3.9 mean ± SD) preoperatively. Postoperative patients' satisfaction (mean 12.3 ± 3.0) at 6 months had a negative correlation with preoperative total constipation score (r = -0.035, p = 0.702).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of obstructed defecation among patients with hemorrhoids was higher than reported among the general population. High preoperative constipation scores had a negative correlation with postoperative patients' satisfaction. Routine preoperative measurement of ODS can allow the detection of this particular group of patients who require a more physical and psychological evaluation, in addition to special preoperative counseling.

Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (Starr) in the Treatment of Obstructed Defecation: A Systematic Review

Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a form of constipation that influences the quality of life in most patients and is an important health care issue. In 2004 Longo introduced a minimal invasive trans-anal approach known as Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR) in order to correct mechanical disorders such as rectocele or rectal intussusception, two conditions present in more than 90% of patients with ODS. Considering the lack of a common view around ODS and STARR procedure. the aim of our study is to review the literature about preoperative assessment, operative features and outcomes of the STARR technique for the treatment of ODS. We performed a systematic search of literature, between January 2008 and December 2020 and 24 studies were included in this review. The total number of patients treated with STARR procedure was 4,464. In conclusion STARR surgical procedure has been proven to be safe and effective in treating symptoms of ODS and improving patients Quality of Life (QoL) and should be taken in consideration in the context of a holistic and multi modal approach to this complex condition. International guidelines are needed in order to optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic process and to improve outcomes.

Laparoscopic Ventral Rectopexy for Obstructed Defecation: Functional Results and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) is gaining wider acceptance as the preferred procedure to correct internal and external rectal prolapse with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and/or fecal incontinence. The aim of our study was to analyze functional outcome and quality of life (Health-Related Quality of Life) after LVR for symptomatic internal prolapse and/or rectocele with ODS.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data on LVR for internal rectal prolapse were analyzed in 50 consecutive female patients operated between January 2011 and December 2018. In all cases, we performed a LVR according to the D'Hoore technique. Patients had ODS and internal rectal prolapse (grade 3 or 4) confirmed at the defecogram study. We registered only 1 major complication that required surgical treatment (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). The median hospital stay was 4 days [interquartile range (IQR): 2 to 5 d]. Functional results were measured with the Wexner Constipation Score and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and were analyzed before surgery and after 3, 6, or 12 months.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 16.5 months (IQR: 10 to 44.25 mo), the Wexner Total Score was significantly improved in almost all items passing from 14 (IQR: 11 to 18) to 11 (IQR: 6.25 to 14.75) after surgery (P<0.0001). Incontinence was cured in 8 of 11 patients (P=0.036). Compared with the preoperative score, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey score improved, especially for physical activity, varying from 75 to 87.5 (P=0.0156). No worsening of continence status, constipation, or sexual function was observed.

CONCLUSION

LVR appears to provide a sustained improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life, constipation, and incontinence in patients with ODS without worsening constipation with low morbidity and recurrence.

Post-operative clinical, manometric, and defecographic findings in patients undergoing unsuccessful STARR operation for obstructed defecation

AIM

To evaluate the reason for failure of STARR (stapled transanal rectal resection) operation for obstructed defecation.

METHODS

A retrospective study (June 2012-December 2017) was performed using a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent STARR operation for ODS (obstructed defecation syndrome), complaining of persisting or de novo occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Postoperative St Mark's and ODS scores were evaluated. A VAS was used to score pelvic pain. Patients' satisfaction was estimated administering the CPGAS (clinical patient grading assessment scale) questionnaire. Objective evaluation was performed by dynamic proctography and anorectal manometry.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (83.3% females) operated for ODS using STARR technique were evaluated. Median ODS score was 19 while 20 patients (22%) reported de novo fecal urgency and 4 patients a worsening of their preoperative fecal incontinence. Dynamic proctography performed in 54/90 patients showed a significant (> 3.0 cm) rectocele in 19 patients, recto-rectal intussusception in 10 patients incomplete emptying in 24 patients. When compared with internal normal standards, anorectal manometry showed decreased rectal compliance and maximum tolerable volume in patients with urgency. Nine patients reported a persistent postoperative pelvic pain (median VAS score 6).

CONCLUSION

Failure of STARR to treat ODS, documented by persisting ODS symptoms, fecal urgency, or chronic pelvic pain, is often justified by the persistence or de novo onset of alteration of the anorectal anatomy at defecation. This occurs in about half of the patients, but in 40% of the cases who complained of incomplete emptying or incontinence, anatomical abnormalities were not recognized.

Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy: Functional Outcomes after Surgery

Aims  Rectal prolapse is a debilitating and unpleasant condition adversely affecting the quality of life. Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is recognized as one of the treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes after a standardized LVMR.

Methods  A cohort of patients who underwent LVMR from 2011 to 2015 were contacted and asked to fill questionnaires about their symptoms before and after the surgery. Three questionnaires based on measurement of Wexner fecal incontinence (WFI), obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS), and Birmingham Bowel and Urinary Symptom (BBUS) scores were used to assess the changes in postoperative functional outcomes. Some additional questions were also added to further assess bowel dysfunction.

Results  There were 58 female patients with a mean age of 62.74 ± 15.20 (26–86) years in this cohort. About 70% of the patients participated in the study and returned the filled questionnaires. There was a significant overall improvement across all three scores (WFI: p  = 0.001, ODS: p  = 0.001, and BBUS: p  = 0.001). Some individual components in the scoring systems did not improve to patient's satisfaction. No perioperative complication or conversion to an open procedure was reported in this study. Three recurrences were seen in the redo cases.

Conclusion  LVMR is a promising way of dealing with rectal prolapse. A careful patient selection, appropriate preoperative workup, and a meticulous surgical technique undoubtedly transform the postoperative outcomes.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations: Results III: Rectal wall excisional procedures (Rectal Excision)

AIM

To assess the outcomes of rectal excisional procedures in adults with chronic constipation.

METHOD

Standardised methods and reporting of benefits and harms were used for all CapaCiTY reviews that closely adhered to PRISMA 2016 guidance. Main conclusions were presented as summary evidence statements with a summative Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) level.

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were identified, providing data on outcomes in 8340 patients. Average length of procedures was 44 min and length of stay (LOS) was 3 days. There was inadequate evidence to determine variations in procedural duration or LOS by type of procedure. Overall morbidity rate was 16.9% (0-61%), with lower rates observed after Contour Transtar procedure (8.9%). No mortality was reported after any procedures in a total of 5896 patients. Although inconsistently reported, good or satisfactory outcome occurred in 73-80% of patients; a reduction of 53-91% in Longo scoring system for obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) occurred in about 68-76% of patients. The most common long-term adverse outcome is faecal urgency, typically occurring in up to 10% of patients. Recurrent prolapse occurred in 4.3% of patients. Patients with at least 3 ODS symptoms together with a rectocoele with or without an intussusception, who have failed conservative management, may benefit from a rectal excisional procedure.

CONCLUSION

Rectal excisional procedures are safe with little major morbidity. It is not possible to advise which excisional technique is superior from the point of view of efficacy, peri-operative variables, or harms. Future study is required.

Functional Disorders of Constipation: Paradoxical Puborectalis Contraction and Increased Perineal Descent

Paradoxical puborectalis contraction (PPC) and increased perineal descent (IPD) are subclasses of obstructive defecation. Often these conditions coexist, which can make the evaluation, workup, and treatment difficult. After a thorough history and examination, workup begins with utilization of proven diagnostic modalities such as cinedefecography and anal manometry. Advancements in technology have increased the surgeon's diagnostic armamentarium. Biofeedback and pelvic floor therapy have proven efficacy for both conditions as first-line treatment. In circumstances where PPC is refractory to biofeedback therapy, botulinum toxin injection is recommended. Historically, pelvic floor repair has been met with suboptimal results. In IPD, surgical therapy now is directed toward the potentially attendant abnormalities such as rectoanal intussusception and rectal prolapse. When these associated abnormalities are not present, an ostomy should be considered in patients with IPD as well as medically refractory PPC.

Transanal surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome: Literature review and a single-center experience

Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a functional disorder commonly encountered by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists, and greatly affects the quality of life of patients from both societal and psychological aspects. The underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes of ODS are complex. However, intra-rectal intussusception and rectocele are frequently found in patients with ODS and both are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ODS. With the development of evaluation methods in anorectal physiology laboratories and radiology studies, a great variety of new operative procedures, especially transanal procedures, have been invented to treat ODS. However, no procedure has been proved to be superior to others at present. Each operation has its own merits and defects. Thus, choosing appropriate transanal surgical procedures for the treatment of ODS remains a challenge for all surgeons. This review provides an introduction of the current problems and options for treatment of ODS and a detailed summary of the essential assessments needed for patient evaluation before carrying out transanal surgery. Besides, an overview of the benefits and problems of current transanal surgical procedures for treatment of ODS is summarized in this review. A report of clinical experience of some transanal surgical techniques used in the authors’ center is also presented.

Impact of Rising Grades of Internal Rectal Intussusception on Fecal Continence and Symptoms of Constipation

BACKGROUND

A theory of rectal intussusception has been advanced that intrarectal intussusception, intra-anal intussusception, and external rectal prolapse are points on a continuum and are a cause of fecal incontinence and constipation.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the association among rectal intussusception, constipation, fecal incontinence, and anorectal manometry.

DESIGN

Patients undergoing defecography were studied from a prospectively maintained database and classified according to the Oxford Rectal Prolapse Grade as normal or having intra-rectal, intra-anal, or external intussusception. Patient symptoms were assessed using the Constipation Severity Index and the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index. Quality-of-life surveys were also used. Patients also underwent anorectal manometry.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a tertiary care university medical center (Massachusetts General Hospital).

PATIENTS

The study included 147 consecutive patients undergoing evaluation for evacuatory dysfunction and involved defecography, symptoms questionnaires, and anorectal physiology testing from January 2011 to December 2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Symptom severity and quality-of-life scores were measured, as well as anal manometry results.

RESULTS

Increasing Oxford grade was associated with an increase in severity of fecal incontinence (median score: normal = 23.9, intrarectal = 21.0, intra-anal = 30.0, external prolapse = 35.3; β = 4.71; p = 0.009), which persisted in a multivariable model including age (β = 2.13; p = 0.03), and decreased sphincter pressures (median mean resting pressure: normal = 75.4, intra-rectal = 69.7, intra-anal = 64.3, external prolapse = 48.3; β = -8.57; p = 0.003), which did not persist in a multivariable model. Constipation severity did not increase with rising intussusception (mean score: normal = 37.4, intrarectal = 35.0, intra-anal = 41.4, external prolapse = 32.9; p = 0.79), and balloon expulsion improved rather than worsened (normal = 47.1%, intrarectal = 60.5%, intra-anal = 82.9%, external prolapse = 93.1%; p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited because it was an observational study from a single center.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing grades of rectal intussusception are associated with increasing fecal incontinence but not constipation.

MR defecography for obstructed defecation syndrome

Patients with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) form an important subset of patients with chronic constipation. Evaluation and treatment of these patients has traditionally been difficult. Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) is a very useful tool for the evaluation of these patients. We evaluated the scans and records of 192 consecutive patients who underwent MRD at our center between January 2011 and January 2012. Abnormal descent, rectoceles, rectorectal intussusceptions, enteroceles, and spastic perineum were observed in a large number of these patients, usually in various combinations. We discuss the technique, its advantages and limitations, and the normal findings and various pathologies.

Comparing the outcomes of stapled transanal rectal resection, delorme operation and electrotherapy methods used for the treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Pathophysiology and treatment of obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) remains to be defined clearly. Rectal hidden intussusceptions and voluminous hemorrhoids may be the cause. Where conservative treatment is not effective, ODS can be treated by STARR or Delorme operation. In some patients treatment of advance hemorrhoidal disease may resolve the syndrome.

METHODS

81 females out of 183 ODS patients were selected for the treatment by Delorme, STARR or 30 mAmp electrotherapy.

RESULTS

The number of patients treated by STARR, Delorme and Electrotherapy were 34, 31 and 16, with mean postoperative pain ranking of 2.5, 3.7 and 1.5 and mean hospital stay of 2.3, and 3.2 and 1 day respectively. Mean ODS score, preoperatively compared with one-year post operation, improved from 14.5 to 5.1 (P=0.005) in STARR, 13.8 to 4.3 (P=0.006) in Delorme and 14.2 to 12.8 (P=0.725) in electrotherapy groups. The mean severity score (SS) changed from 14.2, 15.18 and 13.90 preoperatively to 3.8, 4.12 and 11.34 postoperatively in all groups respectively. The mean resting pressures decreased from 82 to 65 in STARR (P=0.006), from 87 to 63 in Delorme (P=0.005) and from 79 to 74 mmHg (P=0.797) in electrotherapy groups. Postoperative defecography showed significant reduction in the intussusception parameter in STARR and Delorme (82.4% and 88% respectively; P<0.0001), but unchanged in electrotherapy group.

CONCLUSION

STARR and Delorme are effective modalities for the treatment of patients with ODS, while STARR is simpler, less invasive and less painful. Although, electrotherapy eradicates the voluminous hemorrhoids but is ineffective in the treatment of ODS.

The effect of lifestyle modification on severity of constipation and quality of life of elders in nursing homes at Ismailia city, Egypt

Background:

Constipation has a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL). Lifestyle modification is widely accepted and recommended by experts as first-line therapy.

Aim:

This study aimed at using education on lifestyle modification to improve the QOL of the elderly in nursing homes suffering from functional constipation (FC).

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted in nursing homes in Ismailia city, Egypt. It involved 23 elderly patients suffering from FC, who were randomly selected according to the sample equation. They fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being ≥60 years age and according to Rome II criteria. Participants completed personal characteristics and lifestyle questionnaire, the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom questionnaire (PAC-SYM) to assess the severity of symptoms, and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL) to assess pre- and post-intervention. The intervention was conducted in three sessions, of 30 min each, 2 weeks apart using group discussions to educate the sample about dietary pattern, fluid intake, regular physical activity, and the use of laxatives. Statistical analysis: Data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20).

Results:

The lifestyle modification education on constipation significantly reduced the severity of symptoms as measured by PAC-SYM, including its total score and subscores (P < 0.001). It also improved the QOL of elderly suffering from constipation as measured by PAC-QOL and reduced total scores of dissatisfaction (P = 0.001) with the exception of the psychosocial subscale. It also significantly increased the satisfaction subscale of PAC-SYM (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Education on lifestyle modification leads to an improvement in the severity of the symptoms of constipation and the QOL of the elderly in nursing homes.

Surgical repair of rectocele. Comparison of transvaginal and transanal approach and personal technique

Rectocele is defined as a herniation of the rectal wall inside the vagina due to a defect of the recto-vaginal septum. It is traditionally considered a posterior compartment damage with weakness of posterior vaginal wall support resulting in a bulging of the rectum into the vaginal cavity. One of the main causes of rectal prolapse is the operative vaginal birth, although the evidence of the defect may occur after many years The treatment of rectocele is surgical, and the approach can be transperineal, transvaginal, and transanal or, in selected cases, transperitoneal through open or laparoscopic techniques. In this study we compare two transvaginal surgical techniques - i.e. the perineal body anchorage to the posterior septum and the traditional Denonvilliers' transversal suture after removing of the vaginal skin, with the mostly performed transanal procedure, the STARR - comparing the data from the literature on their results. Mean hospital stay, rectal symptoms, dyspareunia, quality of life, recurrence rate and postoperative complications have been considered. Both transvaginal and transrectal surgical techniques are effective to solve posterior compartment defect and to improve the quality of life. Vaginal approach may interfere with the sexual activity; furthermore it is associated with minimal postoperative pain than the transanal approach. Better anatomic results are assured after endovaginal surgery, while better rectal function prevail after the transanal approach. Vaginal techniques are more suitable to gynecologists, whereas the transrectal ones are usually performed by colo-proctologists or general surgeons.

Midterm outcome of stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome: A single-institution experience in China

AIM: To assess midterm results of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and predictive factors for outcome.

METHODS: From May 2007 to May 2009, 75 female patients underwent STARR and were included in the present study. Preoperative and postoperative workup consisted of standardized interview and physical examination including proctoscopy, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, and defecography. Clinical and functional results were assessed by standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation constipation scoring system (CSS), Longo’s ODS score, and symptom severity score (SSS), incontinence Wexner incontinence score (WS), quality of life Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL), and patient satisfaction visual analog scale (VAS). Data were collected prospectively at baseline, 12 and 30 mo.

RESULTS: The median follow-up was 30 mo (range, 30-46 mo). Late postoperative complications occurred in 11 (14.7%) patients. Three of these patients required procedure-related reintervention (one diverticulectomy and two excision of staple granuloma). Although the recurrence rate was 10.7%, constipation scores (CSS, ODS score and SSS) significantly improved after STARR (P < 0.0001). Significant reduction in ODS symptoms was matched by an improvement in the PAC-QOL and VAS (P < 0.0001), and the satisfaction index was excellent in 25 (33.3%) patients, good in 23 (30.7%), fairly good in 14 (18.7%), and poor in 13 (17.3%). Nevertheless, the WS increased after STARR (P = 0.0169). Incontinence was present or deteriorated in 8 (10.7%) patients; 6 (8%) of whom were new onsets. Univariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of fecal incontinence (preoperative, postoperative or new-onset incontinence; P = 0.028, 0.000, and 0.007, respectively) was associated with the success of the operation.

CONCLUSION: STARR is an acceptable procedure for the surgical correction of ODS. However, its impact on symptomatic recurrence and postoperative incontinence may be problematic.

Internal Delorme's procedure for rectal outlet obstruction

AIM

The outcome of the internal Delorme's procedure (IDP) for obstructed defaecation was assessed.

METHOD

From October 2001 to March 2009, 167 patients with obstructed defaecation associated with rectal intussusception were operated on. Patients were selected on the basis of validated constipation and continence scores, clinical examination and defaecography. Seventy-six patients were treated by the IDP alone and 91 patients were treated by the IDP with a levatorplasty. Before surgery and after a mean ± SD follow up of 3.0 ± 1.5 years, patients were assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence and Constipation Score (CCIS and CCCS), the Obstructed Defecation Score (ODS), faecal urgency and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventeen (10.2%) patients developed a postoperative complication including fissure-in-ano (4.2%), proctalgia (3.0%), suture-line dehiscence with stenosis (1.8%) and Clostridium difficile colitis (1.2%). Faecal urgency changed from 22% to 17.6% (P = 0.754). Tenesmus fell from 53.9% to 17.1% (P < 0.001). The CCCS and the ODS fell by 50% or more in 82.6% and 73.7% of the patients, respectively. The CCIS did not worsen significantly in patients who remained incontinent, and 45.7% of the previously incontinent patients regained normal continence. The CCCS decreased from 11 to 3 (P < 0.001) in the patients treated by the IDP and from 12 to 3 (P < 0.001) in the patients treated by the IDP with levatorplasty. The overall recurrence rate was 5.4%. The PAC-QoL showed a reduction of anxiety/depression and of physical and psychological discomfort (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The IDP is an effective and safe option for rectal outlet obstruction caused by rectal intussusception with excellent function and patient satisfaction.

Medical and surgical management of pelvic floor disorders affecting defecation

Pelvic floor disorders that affect stool evacuation include structural (for example, rectocele) and functional disorders (for example, dyssynergic defecation (DD)). Meticulous history, digital rectal examination (DRE), and physiological tests such as anorectal manometry, colonic transit study, balloon expulsion, and imaging studies such as anal ultrasound, defecography, and static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can facilitate an objective diagnosis and optimal treatment. Management consists of education and counseling regarding bowel function, diet, laxatives, most importantly behavioral and biofeedback therapies, and finally surgery. Randomized clinical trials have established that biofeedback therapy is effective in treating DD. Because DD may coexist with conditions such as solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) and rectocele, before considering surgery, biofeedback therapy should be tried and an accurate assessment of the entire pelvis and its function should be performed. Several surgical approaches have been advocated for the treatment of pelvic floor disorders including open, laparoscopic, and transabdominal approach, stapled transanal rectal resection, and robotic colon and rectal resections. However, there is lack of well-controlled randomized studies and the efficacy of these surgical procedures remains to be established.

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.

Clinical and functional evaluation of patients with rectocele and mucosal prolapse treated with transanal repair of rectocele and rectal mucosectomy with a single circular stapler (TRREMS)

Background

The aim of the present study was to make a preoperative and postoperative clinical and functional evaluation of patients who underwent transanal repair of rectocele and rectal mucosectomy with a single circular stapler (TRREMS procedure) as treatment for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) caused by rectocele and rectal mucosal prolapse (RMP).

Methods

This prospective study included 35 female patients, 34 multiparous and one nulliparous, with an average age of 47.5 years (range 31–67 years), rectocele grade II (n = 13/37.1%) or grade III (n = 22/62.9%), associated with RMP. The study parameters included ODS, constipation, functional continence scores and pre- and postoperative cinedefecographic findings.

Results

The average preoperative ODS score, the constipation score and the functional continence score were significantly reduced after surgery from 10.63 to 2.91 (p = 0.001), 15.23 to 4.46 (p = 0.001) and 2.77 to 1.71 (p = 0.001), respectively. Between the first and the eighth postoperative day, the average visual analog scale pain score fell from 5.23 to 1.20 (p = 0.001). Satisfaction with treatment outcome was 79.97, 86.54, 87.65 and 88.06 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Cinedefecography revealed average reductions in rectocele size from 19.23 ± 8.84 mm (3–42) to 6.68 ± 3.65 mm (range 0–7) at rest and from 34.89 ± 12.30 mm (range 20–70) to 10.94 ± 5.97 mm (range 0–25) during evacuation (both P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The TRREMS procedure is a safe and efficient technique associated with satisfactory anatomic and functional results and with a low incidence of postoperative pain and complications.