Treatment of benign rectal stricture caused by repeated anal insertion by endoscopy and balloon dilation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Benign rectal strictures can be categorized as primary (disease-related) and secondary (surgical anastomosis-related). Secondary strictures arise from surgical complications, whereas primary strictures have diverse etiologies, including various inflammatory conditions. Benign strictures are usually managed by surgery and endoscopy. We present an unusual etiology of benign rectal stricture caused by the repeated insertion of foreign objects into the rectum for sexual purposes, resulting in rectal injury and subsequent chronic inflammation.

CASE SUMMARY

A 53-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic of the Colorectal Surgery Department with symptoms of chronic constipation and bloody stools. The patient previously experienced rectal injury due to foreign object insertion for sexual purposes. Colonoscopy revealed benign circumferential narrowing of the rectum. He underwent treatment by endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation and follow-up as an outpatient for 4 months. A colonoscopy at the end of the follow-up period revealed no evidence of rectal stricture relapse.

CONCLUSION

A history of rectal injury, followed by chronic inflammation, should be considered in patients with benign rectal strictures. Management with endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation can prevent the need for surgical resection of benign rectal strictures.

Incidence of Rectal Injury After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context

Rectal injury (RI) is a dreaded complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), increasing the risk of early postoperative complications, such as bleeding and severe infection/sepsis, and late sequelae, such as a rectourethral fistula (RUF). Considering its traditionally low incidence, uncertainty remains as to predisposing risk factors and management.

Objective

To examine the incidence of RI after RP in contemporary series and to propose a pragmatic algorithm for its management.

Evidence acquisition

A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline and Scopus databases. Studies reporting data on RI incidence were selected. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the differential incidence by age, surgical approach, salvage RP after radiation therapy, and previous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related surgery.

Evidence synthesis

Eighty-eight, mostly retrospective noncomparative, studies were selected. The meta-analysis obtained a pooled RI incidence of 0.58% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.73) in contemporary series with significant across-study heterogeneity (I² = 100%, p < 0.00001). The highest RI incidence was found in patients undergoing open RP (1.25%; 95% CI 0.66-2.38) and laparoscopic RP (1.25%; 95% CI 0.75-2.08) followed by perineal RP (0.19%; 95% CI 0-276.95) and robotic RP (0.08%; 95% CI 0.02-0.31). Age ≥60 yr (0.56%; 95% CI 0.37-06) and salvage RP after radiation therapy (6.01%; 95% CI 3.99-9.05), but not previous BPH-related surgery (4.08%, 95% CI 0.92-18.20), were also associated with an increased RI incidence. Intraoperative versus postoperative RI detection was associated with a significantly decreased risk of severe postoperative complications (such as sepsis and bleeding) and subsequent formation of a RUF.

Conclusions

RI is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication following RP. RI incidence was higher in patients ≥60 yr of age, and in those who underwent open/laparoscopic approach or salvage RP after radiation therapy. Intraoperative RI detection and repair apparently constitute the single most critical step to significantly decrease the risk of major postoperative complications and subsequent RUF formation. Conversely, intraoperatively undetected RI can lead more often to severe infective complications and RUF, the management of which remains poorly standardised and requires complex procedures.

Patient summary

Accidental rectum tear is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication in men undergoing prostate removal for cancer. It occurs more often in patients aged 60 yr or older as well as in those who underwent prostate removal via an open/laparoscopic approach and/or prostate removal after radiation therapy for recurrent disease. Prompt identification and repair of this condition during the initial operation are the key to reduce further complications such as the formation of an abnormal opening between the rectum and the urinary tract.

Severe anorectal injury secondary to jet ski accident: An important and increasing mechanism of injury

Introduction

Traumatic injuries from jet ski-related accidents have increased in incidence over the past few decades. Anorectal injuries are uncommon but typically arise from high-speed jet ski accidents. We present a case of a severe anorectal injury from a fall off the back of an accelerating jet ski.

Case report

This case reports on the presentation, operative findings and management of a 22-year-old female with major internal and external anal sphincter disruption sustained via an unusual traumatic mechanism. Operative findings identified a complete internal and external anal sphincter disruption at the 1 and 7 O'clock positions and extra-peritoneal rectal perforation. Washout, suture repair and an end-colostomy were performed.

Conclusion

Understanding the potential severity of injury from the insult mechanism is paramount to triaging and managing trauma patients. Although this case describes an inconspicuous mechanism, the resulting trauma is significant and should prompt consideration in future cases. In addition, the article describes an approach to the repair of such injuries and the difficult decision relating to the role and type of defunctioning colostomy to protect any possible missed injuries in a complex traumatic environment, and in the protection of the anorectal repair.

Extraperitoneal rectal trauma in a patient with multiple gunshot wounds: A case report and literature review

Penetrating rectal trauma is an uncommon presentation, particularly in centres with low rates of trauma, and requires a high index of suspicion to identify and treat. Management of penetrating rectal trauma has evolved over several decades and previously included proximal diversion, distal rectal washout, and presacral drainage as the primary surgical maneuvers to reduce mortality. Recently, a more conservative approach has been adopted, as the applicability of combat experience to the civilian setting has been questioned. In this report, a case of extraperitoneal rectal injury in a patient with multiple gunshot wounds provides a backdrop for literature review and discussion of the modern diagnostic and management approaches to penetrating rectal trauma.

Nrf2 alleviates radiation-induced rectal injury by inhibiting of necroptosis

Radiation-induced rectal injury is one of the common side effects of pelvic radiation therapy. This study aimed to explore the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in this process. In vivo, knockout (KO) of Nrf2 led to aggravated radiation-induced histological changes in the rectums. In vitro, interference or overexpression of Nrf2 resulted in enhanced or reduced radiosensitivity in human intestinal epithelial crypts (HIEC) cells, respectively. A potential relationship between Nrf2 and necroptosis was identified using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and western blotting (WB), which showed that necroptosis-related proteins were negatively correlated with Nrf2. Upon treatment with necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), the increased radiosensitivity, decreased cell viability, increased γH2AX foci formation, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in Nrf2-interfered HIEC cells were alleviated. A significant recovery in morphological alterations was also observed in Nrf2 KO mice administered with Nec-1. Taken together, our results highlight the important protective effect of Nrf2 in radiation-induced rectal injury through the inhibition of necroptosis, and the physiological significance of necroptosis in radiation-induced rectal injury.

Injury and treatment patterns of ballistic pelvic fractures by anatomic location

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic ballistic injuries threaten critical gastrointestinal, vascular, and urinary structures. We report the treatment patterns and injury profiles of ballistic pelvic fractures and the association between location of ballistic fractures of the pelvis and visceral injuries.

METHODS

A prospectively collected database at an academic level I trauma center was reviewed for clinical and radiographic data on patients who sustained one or more ballistic fractures of the pelvis. Main outcomes compared included: procedures with orthopedic surgery, emergent surgery, concomitant intrapelvic injuries, and mortality.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were included. Eight patients (9.3%) underwent surgical debridement with orthopedic surgery, no ballistic pelvic fractures required surgical stabilization. The anatomical locations of ballistic pelvic fractures included: 10 (14.7%) anterior ring, 13 (19.1%) posterior ring, 27 (39.7%) anterior column, and 18 (20.9%) posterior column. There was a statistically significant association between anterior ring and rectal injury. The association between anterior ring injury and bladder injury approached significance.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series included 86 patients with a ballistic fracture of the pelvis, none requiring pelvic ring surgical stabilization. The unpatterned behavior of these injuries demands a high suspicion for visceral injury, with special attention to the rectum and bladder in the setting of anterior ring involvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Surgical management of a patient with traumatic tension pneumorachis: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION

Pneumorachis is a rare underdiagnosed phenomenon in which air enters the spinal canal mostly following injury to the respiratory system.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We presented a rare case of pneumorachis associated with neurological deficits following traumatic compressed air insufflation to the rectum. A 44-year-old, male, construction laborer presented to the accident and emergency department with a history of insufflation by compressed air through his rectum, as a prank by his workmates. Imaging studies revealed pneumoperitoneum and the exploratory laparotomy showed perforation of the sigmoid colon as well as a serosal tear of the transverse colon. Resection of the sigmoid by GI staplers was done. The patient remained unwell even after surgical management and massive transfusion and eventually succumbed to his injuries on the second day in the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Our case suggests that pneumorachis should be considered one of the various causes for sublesional post-traumatic neurological deficits and mortality.

Rectal Injury After Foreign Body Insertion: Secondary Analysis From the AAST Contemporary Management of Rectal Injuries Study Group

BACKGROUND

Retained rectal foreign bodies are a common but incompletely studied problem. This study defined the epidemiology, injury severity, and outcomes after rectal injuries following foreign body insertion.

METHODS

Twenty-two level I trauma centers retrospectively identified all patients sustaining a rectal injury in this AAST multi-institutional trial (2005-2014). Only patients injured by foreign body insertion were included in this secondary analysis. Exclusion criteria were death before rectal injury management or ≤48 h of admission. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were collected. Study groups were defined as partial thickness (AAST grade I) versus full thickness (AAST grades II-V) injuries. Subgroup analysis was performed by management strategy (nonoperative versus operative).

RESULTS

After exclusions, 33 patients were identified. Mean age was 41 y (range 18-57), and 85% (n = 28) were male. Eleven (33%) had full thickness injuries and 22 (67%) had partial thickness injuries, of which 14 (64%) were managed nonoperatively and 8 (36%) operatively (proximal diversion alone [n = 3, 14%]; direct repair with proximal diversion [n = 2, 9%]; laparotomy without rectal intervention [n = 2, 9%]; and direct repair alone [n = 1, 5%]). Subgroup analysis of outcomes after partial thickness injury demonstrated significantly shorter hospital length of stay (2 ± 1; 2 [1-5] versus 5 ± 2; 4 [2-8] d, P = 0.0001) after nonoperative versus operative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Although partial thickness rectal injuries do not require intervention, difficulty excluding full thickness injuries led some surgeons in this series to manage partial thickness injuries operatively. This was associated with significantly longer hospital length of stay. Therefore, we recommend nonoperative management after a retained rectal foreign body unless full thickness injury is conclusively identified.

FAK alleviates radiation-induced rectal injury by decreasing apoptosis

Radiation-induced rectal injury is closely related with radiotherapy efficiency. Here, we investigated the effect of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in radiation-induced rectal injury. Peripheral blood samples of patients with rectal cancer were collected prior to radiotherapy. Differentially expressed genes and copy number variations (CNVs) were analyzed by microarray analysis. The CTCAE v3.0 toxicity grades were used to assess acute rectal injury. The radiosensitivity of human intestinal epithelial crypt (HIEC) cells were assayed by colony formation, mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry and western blotting. The rectums of C57BL/6 mice were X-irradiated locally with a single dose of 15 Gy. The effect of FAK on radiation-induced injury was investigated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). FAK mRNA level was inversely correlated with rectal injury severity in patient samples. A CNV amplification located on chromosome 8 was closely related with FAK. Further functional assays revealed increased levels of γH2AX expression and apoptosis-related proteins in FAK-silenced HIEC cells. The ratio of TUNEL, cl-caspase-3, cyto-c and bax/bcl-2 expression in the rectum mucosa treated with a FAK inhibitor increased significantly. These results demonstrated that FAK reduced radiation-induced rectal injury by decreasing apoptosis.

Fecal continence following complex anorectal trauma in children

BACKGROUND

Complex injuries involving the anus and rectum are uncommon in children. We sought to examine long-term fecal continence following repair of these injuries.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review using our trauma registry from 2003 to 2012 of children with traumatic injuries to the anus or rectum at a level I pediatric trauma center. Patients with an injury requiring surgical repair that involved the anal sphincters and/or rectum were selected for a detailed review.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (21/13,149 activations, 0.2%) who had an injury to the anus (n=9), rectum (n=8), or destructive injury to both the anus and rectum (n=4) were identified. Eleven (52%) patients were male, and the median age at time of injury was 9 (range 1-14) years. Penetrating trauma accounted for 48% of injuries. Three (14%) patients had accompanying injury to the urinary tract, and 6 (60%) females had vaginal injuries. All patients with an injury involving the rectum and destructive anal injuries were managed with fecal diversion. No patient with an isolated anal injury underwent fecal diversion. Four (19%) patients developed wound infections. The majority (90%) of patients were continent at last follow-up. One patient who sustained a gunshot injury to the pelvis with sacral nerve involvement is incontinent, but remains artificially clean on an intense bowel management program with enemas, and one patient with a destructive crush injury still has a colostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

With anatomic reconstruction of the anal sphincter mechanism, most patients with traumatic anorectal injuries will experience long-term fecal continence. Follow-up is needed as occasionally these patients, specifically those with nerve or crush injury, may require a formal bowel management program.

Rectal foreign bodies: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Rectal foreign bodies (RFB) present the modern surgeon with a difficult management dilemma, as the type of object, host anatomy, time from insertion, associated injuries and amount of local contamination may vary widely. Reluctance to seek medical help and to provide details about the incident often makes diagnosis difficult. Management of these patients may be challenging, as presentation is usually delayed after multiple attempts at removal by the patients themselves have proven unsuccessful.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In this article we report the case of a male who presented with a large ovoid rectal object wedged into his pelvis. As we were unable to extract the object with routine transanal and laparotomy approach, we performed a pubic symphysiotomy that helped widen the pelvic inlet and allow transanal extraction.

DISCUSSION

We review currently available literature on RFB and propose an evaluation and management algorithm of patients that present with RFB.

CONCLUSION

Management of patients with rectal foreign bodies can be challenging and a systematic approach should be employed. The majority of cases can be successfully managed conservatively, but occasional surgical intervention is warranted. If large objects, tightly wedged in the pelvis cannot be removed with laparotomy, pubic symphysiotomy should be considered.