Fecal incontinence is a common condition that can significantly impact patients’quality of life.Obstetric anal sphincter injury and anorectal surgeries are common etiologies.Endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometr...Fecal incontinence is a common condition that can significantly impact patients’quality of life.Obstetric anal sphincter injury and anorectal surgeries are common etiologies.Endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry are important diagnostic tools for evaluating patients.There are various treatment options,including diet,lifestyle modifications,drugs,biofeedback therapy,tibial and sacral nerve neuromodulation therapy,and surgery.In this editorial,we will discuss current controversies and novel approaches to fecal incontinence.Screening for asymptomatic anal sphincter defects after obstetric anal sphincter injury and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is not generally recommended,but may be helpful in selected patients.The Garg incontinence score is a new score that includes the assessment of solid,liquid,flatus,mucous,stress and urge fecal incontinence.Novel tests such as translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation and novel therapies such as translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy are promising diagnostic and treatment options,for both fecal incontinence and neuropathy.Home biofeedback therapy can overcome some limitations of the office-based therapy.Skeletal muscle-derived cell implantation of the external anal sphincter has been further studied as a possible treatment option.Sacral neuromodulation may be useful in scleroderma,congenital fecal incontinence and inflammatory bowel disease but merits further study.展开更多
Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life,including their mental health.It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat.Patients often...Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life,including their mental health.It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat.Patients often delay seeking medical attention,since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation.Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes,such as anorectal diseases,cancer(anal or colorectal),dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases,fungal infections and systemic diseases.If patients are referred for a colonoscopy,this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area.Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin,one of the most commonly used being the Washington classi-fication.A proper digital anorectal examination is important,as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses.Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies,and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report.Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided.The treatment normally consists of a triple approach:proper hygiene,elimination of irritants,and skin care and protection.Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments,including steroids,capsaicin,tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.展开更多
Rubber band ligation is one of the most important, costeffective and commonly used treatments for internal hemorrhoids. Different technical approaches were developed mainly to improve efficacy and safety. The techniqu...Rubber band ligation is one of the most important, costeffective and commonly used treatments for internal hemorrhoids. Different technical approaches were developed mainly to improve efficacy and safety. The technique can be employed using an endoscope with forward-view or retroflexion or without an endoscope, using a suction elastic band ligator or a forceps ligator. Single or multiple ligations can be performed in a single session. Local anaesthetic after ligation can also be used to reduce the post-procedure pain. Mild bleeding, pain, vasovagal symptoms, slippage of bands, priapism, difficulty in urination, anal fissure, and chronic longitudinal ulcers are normally considered minor complications, more frequently encountered. Massive bleeding, thrombosed hemorrhoids, severe pain, urinary retention needing catheterization, pelvic sepsis and death are uncommon major complications. Mild pain after rubber band ligation is the most common complication with a high frequency in some studies. Secondary bleeding normally occurs 10 to 14 d after banding and patients taking anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulant medication have a higher risk, with some reports of massive life-threatening haemorrhage. Several infectious complications have also been reported including pelvic sepsis, Fournier's gangrene, liver abscesses, tetanus and bacterial endocarditis. To date, seven deaths due to these infectious complications were described. Early recognition and immediate treatment of complications are fundamental for a favourable prognosis.展开更多
Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is characterized by the presence of multiple small nodules, normally between between 2 and 10 mm in diameter, distributed along the small intestine(more often...Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is characterized by the presence of multiple small nodules, normally between between 2 and 10 mm in diameter, distributed along the small intestine(more often), stomach, large intestine, or rectum. The patho-genesis is largely unknown. It can occur in all age groups, but primarily in children and can affect adults with or without immunodeficiency. Some patients have an associated disease, namely, common variable immu-nodeficiency, selective IgA deficiency, Giardia infection, or, more rarely, human immunodeficiency virus infec-tion, celiac disease, or Helicobacter pylori infection. Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia generally presents as an asymptomatic disease, but it may cause gastrointes-tinal symptoms like abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bleeding or intestinal obstruction. A diagnosis is made at endoscopy or contrast barium studies and should be confirmed by histology. Its histological characteristics include markedly hyperplasic, mitotically active germi-nal centers and well-defined lymphocyte mantles found in the lamina propria and/or in the superficial submu-cosa, distributed in a diffuse or focal form. Treatment is directed towards associated conditions because the disorder itself generally requires no intervention. Nodu-lar lymphoid hyperplasia is a risk factor for both intes-tinal and, very rarely, extraintestinal lymphoma. Someauthors recommend surveillance, however, the duration and intervals are undefined.展开更多
Fecal incontinence has a profound impact in a patient's life, impairing quality of life and carrying a substantial economic burden due to health costs. It is an underdiagnosed condition because many affected patie...Fecal incontinence has a profound impact in a patient's life, impairing quality of life and carrying a substantial economic burden due to health costs. It is an underdiagnosed condition because many affected patients are reluctant to report it and also clinicians are usually not alert to it. Patient evaluation with a detailed clinical history and examination is very important to indicate the type of injury that is present. Endoanal ultrasonography is currently the gold standard for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence and is a simple, well-tolerated and non-expensive technique. Most studies revealed 100%sensitivity in identifying sphincter defect. It is better than endoanal magnetic resonance imaging for internal anal sphincter defects, equivalent for the diagnosis of external anal sphincter defects, but with a lower capacity for assessment of atrophy of this sphincter.The most common cause of fecal incontinence is anal sphincter injury related to obstetric trauma. Only a small percentage of women are diagnosed with sphincter tears immediately after vaginal delivery, but endoanal ultrasonography shows that one third of these women have occult sphincter defects. Furthermore, in patients submitted to primary repair of these tears, ultrasound revealed a high frequency of persistent sphincter defects after surgery. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography is currently largely used and accepted for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence, improving diagnostic accuracy and our knowledge of physiologic and pathological sphincters alterations. Conversely,there is currently no evidence to support the use of elastography in fecal incontinence evaluation.展开更多
Transperineal ultrasound is an inexpensive,safe and painless technique that dynamically and non-invasively evaluates the anorectal area.It has multiple indications,mainly in urology,gynaecology,surgery and gastroenter...Transperineal ultrasound is an inexpensive,safe and painless technique that dynamically and non-invasively evaluates the anorectal area.It has multiple indications,mainly in urology,gynaecology,surgery and gastroenterology,with increased use in the last decade.It is performed with conventional probes,positioned directly above the anus,and may capture images of the anal canal,rectum,puborectalis muscle(posterior compartment),vagina,uterus,(central compartment),urethra and urinary bladder(anterior compartment).Evacuatory disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction,like rectoceles,enteroceles,rectoanal intussusception,pelvic floor dyssynergy can be diagnosed using this technique.It makes a dynamic evaluation of the interaction between pelvic viscera and pelvic floor musculature,with images obtained at rest,straining and sustained squeezing.This technique is an accurate examination for detecting,classifying and following of perianal inflammatory disease.It can also be used to sonographically guide drainage of deep pelvic abscesses,mainly in patients who cannot undergo conventional drainage.Transperineal ultrasound correctly evaluates sphincters in patients with fecal incontinence,postpartum and also following surgical repair of obstetric tears.There are also some studies referring to its role in anal stenosis,for the measurement of the anal cushions in haemorrhoids and in chronic anal pain.展开更多
High-resolution anoscopy(HRA) is a procedure where patients with an increased risk of anal cancer, like men who have sex with men, human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals, transplant patients and women with ...High-resolution anoscopy(HRA) is a procedure where patients with an increased risk of anal cancer, like men who have sex with men, human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals, transplant patients and women with a history of lower genital tract neoplasia, with abnormal anal cytology results, are submitted to anal and perianal visualization under magnification. This willallow for a better detection of anal high-grade lesions that can be treated, in an effort to prevent anal cancer. Anal cancer screening follows the same principles that cervical cancer screening. During this procedure, an anoscope is inserted and a colposcope is used to examine systematically the squamocolumnar junction, the transformation zone and the perianal skin. Initially the observation is done with no staining and then with the application of acetic acid and Lugol's iodine solution, allowing for better lesion identification and characterization. Any suspicious lesion seen should be carefully evaluated and biopsied. Without HRA only a small percentage of suspicious lesions are identified. High-grade lesions that are detected can be ablated under HRA. This is a challenging exam to perform, with a long learning curve and the number of clinicians performing it is limited, although the growing number of patients that need to been screened. Specific equipment is required, with these patients ideally been followed by a multidisciplinary team, in a reference centre. HRA remains unfamiliar for many gastroenterologists.展开更多
文摘Fecal incontinence is a common condition that can significantly impact patients’quality of life.Obstetric anal sphincter injury and anorectal surgeries are common etiologies.Endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry are important diagnostic tools for evaluating patients.There are various treatment options,including diet,lifestyle modifications,drugs,biofeedback therapy,tibial and sacral nerve neuromodulation therapy,and surgery.In this editorial,we will discuss current controversies and novel approaches to fecal incontinence.Screening for asymptomatic anal sphincter defects after obstetric anal sphincter injury and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is not generally recommended,but may be helpful in selected patients.The Garg incontinence score is a new score that includes the assessment of solid,liquid,flatus,mucous,stress and urge fecal incontinence.Novel tests such as translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation and novel therapies such as translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy are promising diagnostic and treatment options,for both fecal incontinence and neuropathy.Home biofeedback therapy can overcome some limitations of the office-based therapy.Skeletal muscle-derived cell implantation of the external anal sphincter has been further studied as a possible treatment option.Sacral neuromodulation may be useful in scleroderma,congenital fecal incontinence and inflammatory bowel disease but merits further study.
文摘Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life,including their mental health.It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat.Patients often delay seeking medical attention,since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation.Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes,such as anorectal diseases,cancer(anal or colorectal),dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases,fungal infections and systemic diseases.If patients are referred for a colonoscopy,this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area.Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin,one of the most commonly used being the Washington classi-fication.A proper digital anorectal examination is important,as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses.Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies,and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report.Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided.The treatment normally consists of a triple approach:proper hygiene,elimination of irritants,and skin care and protection.Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments,including steroids,capsaicin,tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.
文摘Rubber band ligation is one of the most important, costeffective and commonly used treatments for internal hemorrhoids. Different technical approaches were developed mainly to improve efficacy and safety. The technique can be employed using an endoscope with forward-view or retroflexion or without an endoscope, using a suction elastic band ligator or a forceps ligator. Single or multiple ligations can be performed in a single session. Local anaesthetic after ligation can also be used to reduce the post-procedure pain. Mild bleeding, pain, vasovagal symptoms, slippage of bands, priapism, difficulty in urination, anal fissure, and chronic longitudinal ulcers are normally considered minor complications, more frequently encountered. Massive bleeding, thrombosed hemorrhoids, severe pain, urinary retention needing catheterization, pelvic sepsis and death are uncommon major complications. Mild pain after rubber band ligation is the most common complication with a high frequency in some studies. Secondary bleeding normally occurs 10 to 14 d after banding and patients taking anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulant medication have a higher risk, with some reports of massive life-threatening haemorrhage. Several infectious complications have also been reported including pelvic sepsis, Fournier's gangrene, liver abscesses, tetanus and bacterial endocarditis. To date, seven deaths due to these infectious complications were described. Early recognition and immediate treatment of complications are fundamental for a favourable prognosis.
文摘Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is characterized by the presence of multiple small nodules, normally between between 2 and 10 mm in diameter, distributed along the small intestine(more often), stomach, large intestine, or rectum. The patho-genesis is largely unknown. It can occur in all age groups, but primarily in children and can affect adults with or without immunodeficiency. Some patients have an associated disease, namely, common variable immu-nodeficiency, selective IgA deficiency, Giardia infection, or, more rarely, human immunodeficiency virus infec-tion, celiac disease, or Helicobacter pylori infection. Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia generally presents as an asymptomatic disease, but it may cause gastrointes-tinal symptoms like abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bleeding or intestinal obstruction. A diagnosis is made at endoscopy or contrast barium studies and should be confirmed by histology. Its histological characteristics include markedly hyperplasic, mitotically active germi-nal centers and well-defined lymphocyte mantles found in the lamina propria and/or in the superficial submu-cosa, distributed in a diffuse or focal form. Treatment is directed towards associated conditions because the disorder itself generally requires no intervention. Nodu-lar lymphoid hyperplasia is a risk factor for both intes-tinal and, very rarely, extraintestinal lymphoma. Someauthors recommend surveillance, however, the duration and intervals are undefined.
文摘Fecal incontinence has a profound impact in a patient's life, impairing quality of life and carrying a substantial economic burden due to health costs. It is an underdiagnosed condition because many affected patients are reluctant to report it and also clinicians are usually not alert to it. Patient evaluation with a detailed clinical history and examination is very important to indicate the type of injury that is present. Endoanal ultrasonography is currently the gold standard for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence and is a simple, well-tolerated and non-expensive technique. Most studies revealed 100%sensitivity in identifying sphincter defect. It is better than endoanal magnetic resonance imaging for internal anal sphincter defects, equivalent for the diagnosis of external anal sphincter defects, but with a lower capacity for assessment of atrophy of this sphincter.The most common cause of fecal incontinence is anal sphincter injury related to obstetric trauma. Only a small percentage of women are diagnosed with sphincter tears immediately after vaginal delivery, but endoanal ultrasonography shows that one third of these women have occult sphincter defects. Furthermore, in patients submitted to primary repair of these tears, ultrasound revealed a high frequency of persistent sphincter defects after surgery. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography is currently largely used and accepted for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence, improving diagnostic accuracy and our knowledge of physiologic and pathological sphincters alterations. Conversely,there is currently no evidence to support the use of elastography in fecal incontinence evaluation.
文摘Transperineal ultrasound is an inexpensive,safe and painless technique that dynamically and non-invasively evaluates the anorectal area.It has multiple indications,mainly in urology,gynaecology,surgery and gastroenterology,with increased use in the last decade.It is performed with conventional probes,positioned directly above the anus,and may capture images of the anal canal,rectum,puborectalis muscle(posterior compartment),vagina,uterus,(central compartment),urethra and urinary bladder(anterior compartment).Evacuatory disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction,like rectoceles,enteroceles,rectoanal intussusception,pelvic floor dyssynergy can be diagnosed using this technique.It makes a dynamic evaluation of the interaction between pelvic viscera and pelvic floor musculature,with images obtained at rest,straining and sustained squeezing.This technique is an accurate examination for detecting,classifying and following of perianal inflammatory disease.It can also be used to sonographically guide drainage of deep pelvic abscesses,mainly in patients who cannot undergo conventional drainage.Transperineal ultrasound correctly evaluates sphincters in patients with fecal incontinence,postpartum and also following surgical repair of obstetric tears.There are also some studies referring to its role in anal stenosis,for the measurement of the anal cushions in haemorrhoids and in chronic anal pain.
文摘High-resolution anoscopy(HRA) is a procedure where patients with an increased risk of anal cancer, like men who have sex with men, human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals, transplant patients and women with a history of lower genital tract neoplasia, with abnormal anal cytology results, are submitted to anal and perianal visualization under magnification. This willallow for a better detection of anal high-grade lesions that can be treated, in an effort to prevent anal cancer. Anal cancer screening follows the same principles that cervical cancer screening. During this procedure, an anoscope is inserted and a colposcope is used to examine systematically the squamocolumnar junction, the transformation zone and the perianal skin. Initially the observation is done with no staining and then with the application of acetic acid and Lugol's iodine solution, allowing for better lesion identification and characterization. Any suspicious lesion seen should be carefully evaluated and biopsied. Without HRA only a small percentage of suspicious lesions are identified. High-grade lesions that are detected can be ablated under HRA. This is a challenging exam to perform, with a long learning curve and the number of clinicians performing it is limited, although the growing number of patients that need to been screened. Specific equipment is required, with these patients ideally been followed by a multidisciplinary team, in a reference centre. HRA remains unfamiliar for many gastroenterologists.
