[Questionnaire of the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology is a new tool for assessing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction]

The article presents the work of a multidisciplinary team of experts from various fields of medicine to optimize the «Questionnaire for assessing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction (QCPPD) of the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology» for use in clinical practice. The survey of respondents was conducted from June 28 to September 28, 2021. As a result of this survey, by repeatedly making edits and clarifications during communication with respondents, the final version was obtained, which allows assessing the patient's subjective sensations by the nature and localization of pelvic pain, sensitivity disorders and pelvic organ function. The main objective of this Questionnaire is to differentiate patients with neurogenic pain from a huge number of patients with chronic pelvic pain. This aspect will allow a more targeted approach to the diagnosis and pathogenetically justified treatment of patients, including after appropriate instrumental examinations. The work of a multidisciplinary team implies a higher degree of objectification and terminological accuracy of the Questionnaire under discussion. The presented version of the «Questionnaire for assessing chronic pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction (QCPPD) of the Ryzhikh National Medical Research Centre for Coloproctology» will be primarily used in coloproctological patients with pelvic pain problems and anal incontinence and obstructive defecation. Further studies will be directed to the clinical evaluation of the results of the work carried out.

[Comparative assesement of postoperative quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare quality of life in patients undergoing proctocolectomy with ileal pouch procedure and ileostomy taking into account sexual function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The comparative observational study included 138 patients with ulcerative colitis for the period 2013-2018. All patients underwent surgery with one- or two-stage formation of pelvic pouch (n=76) or ileostomy (n=62). Validated questionnaires SF-36, The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used in the study.

RESULTS

Patients with pelvic pouch were significantly younger than patients with terminal ileostomy (33.7±10.9 and 44.6±14.9 years, respectively, p<0.0001). The majority of the parameters of SF-36 questionnaire were similar in both groups. Pain syndrome intensity was the only sign demonstrating the advantage of ileostomy over pelvic pouch. However, regression analysis did not confirm the effect of surgical technique on pain severity. Orgasmic function was significantly better in men with pelvic pouch compared to ileostomy. Other indicators of sexual function were similar. According to FSFI questionnaire, women with pelvic pouch also showed significantly better results than patients with permanent ileostomy. However, multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant effect of surgical technique on sexual function in men and women. At the same time, significant negative correlation between IIEF and FSFI scores and age was revealed.

CONCLUSION

No significant influence of surgical technique on postoperative QOL was observed in patients with ulcerative colitis. Better sexual function in men and women with pelvic pouch are due to younger age rather type of surgery.

High resolution anorectal manometry. Recommendations on russian-language terminology based on interdisciplinary consensus

The aim of the paper — is to present the results of the consensus on the terminology used to describe data of high-resolution anorectal manometry.

Methods: Online survey was conducted with the help of the public platform “Google forms” with the aim to harmonize the terms, which are used to conduct high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM), to agree the conformity of the proposed Russian-language terms to those used in English-language literature, and their abbreviations.

Results: According to the aim, 56 specialists of different medical specialties who perform and use the results of HRAM in clinical practice and research were invited to participate in the survey. We received 45 answers from the respondents (42.2% coloproctologists, 22.2% gastroenterologists, 15.6% surgeons, 20% — representatives of other specialties). The response rate was 80.3%. According to the survey, 95.6% of respondents supported the need for harmonization of terms. Ten out of the 11 terms reached consensus level C1 (excellent), 1 term level of consistency was C2 (moderate). 90.9% of respondents (consensus level C1) were in favor of the appropriateness of using common abbreviations. However, the proposed abbreviations of the terms used in the conduct and description of the results of the HRAM can be accepted with reservations (in 10 cases out of 11 consensus level was C2).

Conclusions: The agreed in interdisciplinary consensus terms can be approved and recommended for the use in clinical practice and when research data are published in Russian-language scientific literature.

[Rehabilitation program for patients with low anterior resection syndrome]

Surgical treatment of rectal cancer and sphincter-preserving low anterior resection results to evacuation disorders («low anterior resection syndrome» - LARS). There are no clinical recommendations for the treatment of patients with LARS as well as a rehabilitation program for them.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a rehabilitation program for patients with low anterior resection syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The investigation was performed at 2 stages. During the first stage, 29 patients with LARS (17 (58.6%) men, mean age of the participants' 61.5±9.5 years), 12 (41.4%) women (mean age 61.2±7.8 years) were examined and received the course of conservative treatment with the use of biofeedback-therapy performed by the standard protocol. On the second stage, 17 patients (mean age 61.4±12.7 years) - 9 (52.9%) men, 8 (47.1%) women received biofeedback therapy in combination with tibial neuromodulation (TNM). Functional state of the rectum and the locking apparatus in all patients were evaluated by anorectal manometry: sphincterometry and studies of the reservoir function of the rectum before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The developed complex of rehabilitation measures led to improved treatment results for patients with rectal cancer by improving the quality of life after low anterior resection, reducing the manifestations of LARS (by 47.8%). Stable positive results of treatment were maintained in 36.4% of patients, positive dynamics from the treatment according to the LARS scale decreased slightly in 54.5%, deterioration of indicators in 3-6 months after conservative rehabilitation was registered in 9.1% of cases. At the first stage maximal squeeze pressure improvement was reached in the whole cohort (p=0.047), at the second stage these trend was seen only for women for the pressure values at rest (p=0.01) and during squeeze (p=0.025). The data obtained allowed us to recommend a repeat course of treatment to 63.6% of patients. The authors modified and optimized a special complex of physical therapy for the rehabilitation of patients both in a medical institution and at home. These exercises are aimed at improving the functional state of the pelvic floor muscles and sphincter apparatus.

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation program for patients with low anterior resection syndrome should include: 1) biofeedback therapy to improve the holding function; 2) biofeedback therapy aimed at improving the reservoir function and sensitivity of the rectum to filling; 3) tibial neuromodulation. This program may help improving the contractility of the anal sphincter and reservoir function of the rectum, as well as the appearance of the urge to defecate.

[Nerve-preserving operations in surgery of rectal cancer]

Forty-eight patients underwent surgery for rectal cancer. In all the patients total mesorectumectomy was combined with one of the types of nerves-preserving surgeries. Three groups were divided depending on types of this surgery: 1-- complete preservation of elements of autonomic nervous system (n=31), 2 -- partial preservation (n=16), 3 -- complete ablation (n=1). In 30 patients of group 1 normal urination recovered on postoperative day 2 to 4. In 2 patients of group 2 stable atony of urinary bladder was seen, and in 2 patients -- reflex ischuria. In patient of group 3 normal urination recovered on day 14 after surgery without vesical tenesmus. Long-term results were assessed in 1 to 12 months. No recurrences occurred. It is concluded that nerve-preserving surgeries improve functional results without loss of oncological radicalism.