Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: Utilizing the TOpClass Classification in Clinical Practice to Provide Targeted Individualized Care.

Background & Aims: Perianal fistulation is a challenging phenotype of Crohn's disease, with significant impact on quality of life. Historically, fistulae have been classified anatomically in relation to the sphincter complex, and management guidelines have been generalized, with lack of attention to the clinical heterogenicity seen. The recent 'TOpClass classification system' for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD) addresses this issue, and classifies patients into defined groups, which provide a focus for fistula management that aligns with disease characteristics and patient goals.

Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease-Associated Anorectal and Fistula Cancers: Systematic Review and Expert Consensus.

Background & Aims: Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD)-associated anorectal and fistula cancers are rare but often devastating diagnoses. However, given the low incidence and consequent lack of data and clinical trials in the field, there is little to no guidance on screening and management of these cancers. To inform clinical practice, we developed consensus guidelines on PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers by multidisciplinary experts from the international TOpClass consortium.

One-stage implant in sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence - short-term outcome from a prospective study.

Aim: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is approved for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI) in a two-stage technique. With standardized implantation, approximately 90% of patients undergo successful Stage I operation and proceed to a permanent implant (Stage II). The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of SNM as a one-stage procedure and report the 24-week efficacy.

Efficacy of Injection of Freshly Collected Autologous Adipose Tissue Into Complex Cryptoglandular Anal Fistulas.

Background: Treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistulas with injection of autologous or allogenic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells has shown promising results. However, allogenic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are expensive and use of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells requires preceding liposuction and isolation of stem cells, time for cell culture, and laboratory facilities. Freshly collected autologous adipose tissue may be an easily available and inexpensive alternative.

Injection of freshly collected autologous adipose tissue in complicated pilonidal disease: a prospective pilot study.

Background: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a frequent disorder. Treatment failure and recurrence are common, leading to significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact and need for repeated treatment of injected autologous adipose tissue into non-healing PSD wounds and primary anal-near PSD or anal-near recurrence.

[Ulcers in vulva and perineum induced by an anti-anginal drug].

Nicorandil is a type of nicotinamide ester used for the treatment of angina and ischaemic heart disease. A 67-year-old woman was referred to a pelvic floor unit with possible vulvar cancer. She had a painful 2 × 1.

[Treatment of perianal fistulas with mesenchymal stem cells].

Treatment of perianal fistulas are challenged by insufficient healing and a high rate of relapse. Existing sphincter-sparing procedures have healing rates of around 50%. Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells of both autologous and allogenic origin and freshly collected autologous adipose tissue show both promising healing rates and few complications and may be offered to patients with complicated fistulas not suited for other treatment modalities.

Classifying perianal fistulising Crohn's disease: an expert consensus to guide decision-making in daily practice and clinical trials.

Perianal fistulising Crohn's disease is an aggressive disease phenotype that can have a substantial detrimental impact on patients' quality of life. Current biological understanding of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease remains inadequate and previous classification systems have not provided clear guidance on therapy in clinical practice nor on defining patient cohorts within clinical trials. We propose a new classification system for perianal fistulising Crohn's disease that was developed through a modified nominal group technique expert consensus process.

Molecular differences of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells between non-responders and responders in treatment of transphincteric perianal fistulas.

Background: Injection of autologous adipose tissue (AT) has recently been demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for anal fistulas. AT mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) mediate the healing process, but the relationship between molecular characteristics of AT-MSCs of the injected AT and fistula healing has not been adequately studied. Thus we aimed to characterize the molecular and functional properties of AT-MSCs isolated from autologous AT injected as a treatment of cryptogenic high transsphincteric perianal fistulas and correlate these findings to the healing process.

[Cryptoglandular anal fistulas].

Cryptoglandular anal fistulas (AF) cause recurrent anal abscesses and patients risk multiple surgeries due to low healing rates of sphincter-saving procedures. Knowledge of anal anatomy and imaging with MRI or endoanal sonography is crucial to classify AF as simple or complex depending on risk of anal incontinence after fistulotomy as summarised in this review. Fistulotomy has healing rates of > 90%, risks incontinence, and the procedure is reserved for simple fistulas.

Reprogramming Sacral Neuromodulation for Sub-Optimal Outcomes: Evidence and Recommendations for Clinical Practice.

Objectives: In some patients treated for urinary or fecal incontinence with sacral neuromodulation (SNM) persistence of symptoms, a reduction in efficacy or adverse effects of stimulation can occur. In such situations, further programming of the SNM device can help resolve problems. Infrequently hardware failure is detected.

European Society of Coloproctology guidance on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery.

This is a comprehensive and rigorous review of currently available data on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery. This guideline outlines the limitations of available data and the challenges of interpretation, followed by best possible recommendations.

Long-term anorectal function in rectal cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy and endorectal brachytherapy.

Aim: The aim was to study anorectal function in long-term survivors after combined, curatively intended, chemoradiotherapy and endorectal brachytherapy for low rectal cancer.

Methods: This was a case-control design. We compared anorectal function by anal manometry, anal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) and rectal bag distension in rectal cancer patients (RCPs) and healthy, normal subjects (NSs).

Effectiveness of infliximab treatment of complex idiopathic anal fistulas.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of infliximab treatment in patients with complex idiopathic anal fistulas refractory to standard surgical treatment.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the effects ofinfliximab treatmentin patients with complex idiopathic anal fistulas refractory to standard surgical intervention. The primary outcome was achievement of substantial clinical improvement defined as sustained, reduced inflammatory activity at perioperativeevaluation, i.

Abnormal Neuronal Response to Rectal and Anal Stimuli in Patients Treated for Distal Rectal Cancer With High-Dose Chemoradiotherapy Followed By Watchful Waiting.

Background: Watchful waiting in patients with rectal cancer with complete clinical response after chemoradiation therapy has gained increased popularity to avoid morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. Irradiation of the pelvis causes bowel dysfunction, but the effect on anorectal sensory function remains obscure in this patient category.

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the sensory pathways of the gut-brain axis in patients with rectal cancer treated solely with chemoradiation therapy (nonconventional regime/dose) compared with healthy volunteers.

Sacral Nerve Modulation Has No Effect on the Postprandial Response in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Purpose: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence of approximately 11%. Onset or worsening of symptoms following digestion is one of the characteristics of the condition. The present study aimed at evaluating the postprandial sensory and motor response before and after treatment with sacral nerve modulation.

Functional Outcome after Laparoscopic Posterior Sutured Rectopexy Versus Ventral Mesh Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse: Six-year Follow-up of a Double-blind, Randomized Single-center Study.

Background: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) for rectal prolapse has been implemented to reduce postoperative bowel symptoms. The preoperative-to-postoperative change in a double-blinded, randomized study comparing it to laparoscopic posterior sutured rectopexy (LPSR) found no significant difference between the two procedures after one year. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term functional outcomes.

Sacral nerve modulation for irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is among the most common gastrointestinal disorders, and a substantial proportion of patients have an insufficient response to treatment. In a single-blinded study, sacral nerve modulation (SNM) significantly reduced symptoms of IBS. The aim of the present double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of SNM for IBS.

Efficacy of Injection of Freshly Collected Autologous Adipose Tissue Into Perianal Fistulas in Patients With Crohn's Disease.

Background & Aims: Perianal fistulas are common in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Injections of cultured autologous and allogeneic adipose tissue-derived stem cells have been shown to heal CD-associated fistulas. Unfortunately, this treatment is time consuming and expensive.

Abnormal neuronal response to rectal and anal stimuli in patients treated with primary radiotherapy for anal cancer.

Introduction: Sphincter-sparing radiotherapy or chemoradiation (RT/CRT) have become the standard treatments for most patients with anal cancer. Unfortunately, long-term survivors often suffer from severe bowel symptoms indicating sensory dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to characterize the sensory pathways of the brain-gut axis after radiotherapy for anal cancer.

Bowel function after laparoscopic posterior sutured rectopexy versus ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse: a double-blind, randomised single-centre study.

Background: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse has been widely used over the past decade to reduce postoperative functional bowel disorders. We aimed to compare changes in functional outcome 12 months after laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy versus laparoscopic posterior sutured rectopexy in patients with rectal prolapse.

Methods: In this double-blind, randomised trial, consecutive patients aged 18 years or older at a single centre in Denmark with full-thickness rectal prolapse were randomly assigned (1:1) to either laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy or laparoscopic posterior sutured rectopexy by drawing numbers from opaque envelopes, in blocks of four for patients with or without preoperative constipation.

Ultrasound-Guided Pudendal Nerve Block at the Entrance of the Pudendal (Alcock) Canal: Description of Anatomy and Clinical Technique.

Background And Objectives: Ultrasound-guided techniques for pudendal nerve block have been described at the level of the ischial spine and transperineally. Theoretically, however, blockade of the pudendal nerve inside Alcock canal with a small local anesthetic volume would minimize the risk of sacral plexus blockade and would anesthetize all 3 branches of the pudendal nerve before they ramify in the ischioanal fossa. This technical report describes a new ultrasound-guided technique to block the pudendal nerve.

Management of patients with faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence, defined as the involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool, is a common problem affecting 0.8-8.3% of the adult population.

Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence - efficacy confirmed from a two-centre prospectively maintained database.

Introduction: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been recognised as an effective treatment for faecal incontinence. Many unresolved questions could be answered when comparing large data-series from different centres providing prospective data.

Aim: To present data, from an international two-centre SNS prospective database (SNSPD) on functional outcome and management of surgical complications in patients treated with SNS for faecal incontinence.