A comparison between dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and videoproctography in patients with constipation.

Purpose: This study attempts to compare the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging with that of videoproctography for the presence of rectocele, sigmoidocele, and intussusception as well as the measurement of anorectal angle and perineal descent in constipated patients.

Methods: Patients volunteering for the study and fulfilling the criteria for videoproctography to evaluate constipation were also scheduled for dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Patients undergoing videoproctography were placed in the left lateral decubitus position, after which 50 ml of liquid barium paste was introduced into the rectum.

A pilot assessment of whether external coil MRI is useful to assess evacuatory disorders.

This study assessed the value of common surface coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with evacuatory disorders including fecal incontinence and constipation. These findings were then compared with those from other standard physiological examinations and/or surgical findings. From July 1996 to June 1997, 14 consecutive patients underwent surface coil MRI for evaluation of either fecal incontinence (n=5) or constipation (n=9).

Use of bioresorbable membrane (sodium hyaluronate + carboxymethylcellulose) after controlled bowel injuries in a rabbit model.

Purpose: Patients in whom enterolysis is performed are at high risk for recurrence of adhesions and for injury during adhesiolysis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the safety of sodium hyaluronate-based bioresorbable membrane (Seprafilm) after myotomy and enterotomy.

Methods: A total of 60 rabbits underwent laparotomy with equal distribution to one of three groups: creation of either three repaired, or three unrepaired myotomies, or three repaired enterotomies.

Stimulated graciloplasty for treatment of intractable fecal incontinence: critical influence of the method of stimulation.

Introduction: Patients with end-stage fecal incontinence, in whom all standard medical and surgical treatment has failed or is not expected to be effective, can be treated by stimulated graciloplasty. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of stimulated graciloplasty by both direct nerve and intramuscular perineural stimulation techniques and to evaluate various parameters relative to outcome.

Methods: A prospective analysis of all patients who underwent this procedure was undertaken.

Is bowel confinement necessary after anorectal reconstructive surgery? A prospective, randomized, surgeon-blinded trial.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess any differences between the inclusion or omission of medical bowel confinement relative to postoperative morbidity and patient tolerance after anorectal reconstructive surgery.

Methods: Between January 1995 and February 1997 a prospective randomized trial was conducted for patients without stomas who underwent anorectal reconstructive surgery. All patients were randomly assigned either to medical bowel confinement (a clear liquid diet with loperamide 4 mg by mouth three times per day and codeine phosphate 30 mg by mouth four times per day until the third postoperative day) or to a regular diet, beginning the day of surgery.