Creation and validation of a new tool for the monitoring efficacy of neurogenic bowel dysfunction treatment on response: the MENTOR tool.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Objectives: A tool to help decision-making tool for Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) in individuals with SCI is needed. We present a project to create and validate a new tool, the Monitoring Efficacy of NBD Treatment On Response (MENTOR), and to determine its level of concordance with decisions made by experienced clinicians in the field.

Colonic transit, high-resolution anorectal manometry and MRI defecography study of constipation in Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Despite clinical relevance and potential role on the disease pathogenesis, underlying mechanisms of constipation in Parkinson's disease (PD) remain poorly understood. A systematic assessment using complementary physiological investigations was performed to elucidate constipation pathophysiology in order to improve its symptomatic management.

Methods: PD patients with constipation were evaluated with clinical questionnaires, colonic transit, high-resolution anorectal manometry and MRI defecography.

Adherence with a low-FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: are eating disorders the missing link?

Objectives: The low-FODMAP diet has emerged as an option for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This diet is very restrictive, and compliance is usually low. Preliminary findings suggest an association between eating disorders (EDs) and the risk of developing IBS.

Long-term efficacy and safety of transanal irrigation in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the commonest disabling neurological disease in young adults. A majority of patients experience bowel dysfunction, reporting a wide spectrum of bowel symptoms that significantly negatively impact social activities and emotional state. Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a method of managing such bowel symptoms.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the loco-regional staging of patients with rectal cancer.

The prognosis of rectal cancer (RC) is strictly related to both T and N stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. RC staging is crucial for choosing the best multimodal therapy: patients with high risk locally advanced RC (LARC) undergo surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (NAT); those with low risk LARC are operated on after a preoperative short-course radiation therapy; finally, surgery alone is recommended only for early RC. Several imaging methods are used for staging patients with RC: computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).