[Language, cultural adaptation and validation of the OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptom Score) questionnaire in patients with overactive bladder]

AIM

To perform language and cultural adaptation and validation of the OABSS (Overactive Bladder Symptom Score) questionnaire among patients with overactive bladder (OAB), proposed as an effective tool for assessing the severity of symptoms and the efficiency of treatment in clinics of the Russian Federation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In accordance with the protocols for carrying out such studies, the procedure of standardized forward-backward translation of the OABSS questionnaire was performed. Further, the intermediate Russian-language version was applied to 15 patients with subsequent correction of deficiencies and approval of the final Russian-language version of the questionnaire. In total, the study group included 176 patients of both sexes with OAB symptoms who filled out the questionnaire twice (test-retest) with an interval of 10-14 days.

RESULTS

Based on the statistical analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.961), there was a significant degree of internal consistency of the sample. This fact is also supported by the very high retest reliability of the questionnaire (ICC >0.9).

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that the Russian version of the OABSS questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for subjective assessment of the severity of OAB symptoms.

[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.

[Medical rehabilitation in patients with anal incompetence after surgery for stage IV hemorrhoids]

The choice of medical rehabilitation in patients with anal incontinence is impossible without diagnostic data revealing the mechanism of fecal incontinence. The most promising are programs of comprehensive physiotherapeutic rehabilitation based on biofeedback training. The rate of anal incompetence (AI) after hemorrhoidectomy is 1.3-12.5%. However, in addition to the organic cause (surgical trauma), functional disorders of the external sphincter and pelvic floor muscles may contribute to the pathogenesis of anal incontinence, aggravating the incontinence symptoms after surgery. Therefore, these functional disorders should be diagnosed before surgery. However, medical rehabilitation programs for anal incontinence after hemorrhoidectomy are not standardized, and functional outcomes have not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of comprehensive rehabilitation in patients with AI after hemorrhoidectomy to improve quality of life after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on 46 patients (mean age 53.8±15.4 years) after hemorrhoidectomy with fecal incontinence, 13 (28.3%) males and 33 (71.7%) females. The main group included 25 patients who received comprehensive rehabilitation, including biofeedback training and tibial neuromodulation (TNM) for 15 days. The control group consisted of 21 patients who received TNM at home also for 15 days. The severity of fecal incontinence was determined using the Wexner score. The functional state of the sphincter before and after surgery was assessed using the anorectal manometry (sphincterometry) (WPM Solar, the Netherlands).

RESULTS

Comprehensive rehabilitation resulted in a statistically significant clinical improvement: a decrease in the Wexner score in both males and females. No significant differences in manometry results were observed: the anal sphincter tone increased by 16.0% in females and 10.6% in males, and contractility increased by 17.7% and 15.1%, respectively. Monotherapy with TNM in control group patients improved tone indices by 8.7% in females and 6.8% in males, and contractility by 6.2 and 5.4%, respectively, which was lower than in the main group.

CONCLUSION

Contraindications to physiotherapeutic procedures based on electrical stimulation, extracorporeal magnetic stimulation, and magnetic translumbosacral neuromodulation determine the only possible choice of medical rehabilitation, which is the combination of biofeedback training and TNM (as superior to TNM monotherapy). If out-patient medical rehabilitation is not feasible, patients are recommended to complement the home course with a specially designed set of exercises for anal incontinence treatment.

[Surgical treatment of rectovaginal fistula with vaginal rectangular flap]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal fistula closure with vaginal rectangular flap.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 61 patients with rectovaginal fistula for the period 2012-2020. Median age of patients was 35 years [31; 48]. Postpartum fictula was observed in 27 (44.2%) cases, postoperative - 10 (16.4%) patients, inflammatory - 15 (24.6%) patients, other causes - 9 (14.8%) patients. Disease recurrence occurred in 29 (47.5%) patients.

RESULTS

Median follow-up period was 36.2 [6; 64] months. Postoperative recurrence of rectovaginal fistula occurred in 19 (31.1%) patients. Length of hospital-stay ranged from 3 to 36 days (median 14 [12; 16]). We analyzed the relationship between the risk of disease recurrence and various factors, including etiology of rectovaginal fistula, localization and diameter of the fistula, intraoperative cautery, previous surgeries and preventive colostomy.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal rectangular flap is effective for rectovaginal fistula. Multivariate analysis confirmed two significant risk factors of postoperative recurrence: diameter of fistula over 5 mm and its localization in the rectum above the upper border of surgical anal canal (more than 7 mm from the dentate line).

[Stimulating electroneuromyography in the diagnosis of neurogenic disorders of the pelvic floor muscles]

The article describes the technology for detecting and studying late phenomenon in stimulating electroneuromyography in order to objectively assess the state of innervation. The standard study of the motor response (M-response), Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency testing (PNTML), using the St. Mark's electrode from the external sphincter and pelvic floor muscles provides information only about efferent innervation at the distal part of the n. pudendus. At the same time, there are sparse reports in the literature on the study of the state of the mixed-fiber pudendal nerve along its entire length from its exit from the intervertebral foramen to the distal part using the St. Mark's electrode, the method is not clearly described, which, accordingly, causes the lack of application of the technique in clinical practice. The authors of this article cite the methodology for studying the late phenomenon in the form of a mixed feedback-reflex in stimulating electroneuromyography, describing the need to consistently use both methods of its registration.

[Recommendations for the Protocol of functional examination of the anorectal zone and disorders classification: the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group consensus and Russian real-world practice]

This manuscript summarizes consensus reached by the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group (IAPWG) for the performance, terminology used, and interpretation of anorectal function testing including anorectal manometry (focused on high-resolution manometry), the rectal sensory test, and the balloon expulsion test. Based on these measurements, a classification system for disorders of anorectal function is proposed. Aim to provide information about methods of diagnosis and new classification of functional anorectal disorders to a wide range of specialists general practitioners, therapists, gastroenterologists, coloproctologists all who face the manifestations of these diseases in everyday practice and determine the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. Current paper provides agreed statements of IAPWG Consensus and comments (in italics) of Russian experts on real-world practice, mainly on methodology of examination. These comments in no way intended to detract from the provisions agreed by the international group of experts. We hope that these comments will help to improve the quality of examination based on the systematization of local experience with the use of the methods discussed and the results obtained. Key recommendations: the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group protocol for the performance of anorectal function testing recommends a standardized sequence of maneuvers to test rectoanal reflexes, anal tone and contractility, rectoanal coordination, and rectal sensation. Major findings not seen in healthy controls defined by the classification are as follows: rectoanal areflexia, anal hypotension and hypocontractility, rectal hyposensitivity, and hypersensitivity. Minor and inconclusive findings that can be present in health and require additional information prior to diagnosis include anal hypertension and dyssynergia.

[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.

Side-to-end vs. straight stapled colorectal anastomosis after low anterior resection: results of randomized clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study is to compare surgical, functional, physiologic outcomes and QOL after low anterior resection (LAR) with andside-to-end or straight colorectal anastomosis.

METHOD

Between 2012 and 2015, 86 patients with mid and low rectal tumors were enrolled into randomized trial. Wexner score, number of defecations, use of antidiarrheal medicine or laxatives, enemas, pads, episodes of nocturnal incontinence, and urgency were recorded. The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) scale was used for assessment of QOL. Anal manometry and volumetric examination were performed.

RESULTS

Six patients were excluded from the study. There was no mortality. The morbidity rate was 6 (14.6 %) for side-to-end vs. 8 (20.0 %) for straight anastomosis (p = 0.57). The median Wexner score was 5 vs. 6 (p = 0.033), 4 vs. 5 (p = 0.006), and 2 vs. 3 (p = 0.1) at 1, 3, and 6 months after stoma reversal, respectively. Side-to-end anastomosis resulted in a fewer mean numbers of bowel movements per day at the same check points of follow-up: 5.8 ± 0.14 vs. 6.4 ± 0.15 (p = 0.006), 3.7 ± 0.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.1 (p = 0.003), and 2.5 ± 0.1 vs. 3.0 ± 0.10 (p = 0.0002), correspondingly. Maximal tolerated volume was higher for side-to-end anastomosis at 3 and 6 months of follow-up: 152.0 vs. 137.8 cm(3) (p = 0.002) and 180.5 vs. 167.0 cm(3) (p = 0.006), respectively. Better FIQL score was found at 1 and 3 months in the side-to-end group.

CONCLUSION

Better functional outcomes and QOL were observed in a short period after stoma closure, but at 6 months of follow-up, the only benefit of side-to-end anastomosis was a lower number of bowel movements.

NORMAL MEASUREMENTS OF PRESSURE IN ANAL CANAL DURING SPHINCTEROMETRY ON S4402 MSM AND WMP SOLAR GI DEVICES

AIM

To assess normal measurements of pressure in anal canal during sphincterometry on S4402 MSM and WPM Solar GI devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 126 patients with colonic polyps. inclusion criteria were absence of anal incon- tinence and defecation disorders. Seventy-three patients were assessed with S4402 MSM device, Included were 28 males (mean age 56,2±10,2 years) and 45 females (mean age 54,9±13,7 years). Fifty-three subjects were assessed via WPM Solar GI device: 23 women (mean age 51,4±11,1 years) and 30 males (mean age 65,1±15,9 years).

RESULTS

Sphincterometry results using S4402 MSM device in males were as follows: mean resting pressure - 52,1+198 mm Hg; maximal resting pressure - 60,3±21,9mm Hg; mean pressure at voluntary contraction - 118,2±41,5 mm Hg and maximal pressure at voluntary contraction - 174,2±56,8 mm Hg. Corresponding values in females were 37,1±15,3 mm Hg, 43,8±15,5 mm Hg; 75,1±29,5 mm Hg and 99,1±39,7 mm Hg, respectively. Using WPM Solar GI sphincterometry the following figures were obtained in males: resting pressure - 43-61 mm Hg; maximal voluntary contraction pressure - 121-227 mm Hg; mean pressure - 106-190 mm Hg; maximal pressure with coughing test - 45-175 mm Hg; at straining minimal pressure decreased to 19-43 mm Hg (20-60%). In females the results were as follows: resting pressure - 41-63 mm Hg; maximal pressure at voluntary contraction 110-178 mm Hg; mean pressure - 88-146 mm Hg; maximal pressure at coughing test - 76-126 mm Hg, pressure decrease at straining to 28-52 mm Hg, relaxation up to 19-40%.