Quantitative proteomics analysis reveals the pathogenesis of obstructed defecation syndrome caused by abnormal expression of dystrophin

BACKGROUND Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)represents the most prevalent form of chronic constipation,affecting a diverse patient population,leading to numerous complications,and imposing a significant burden on healthcare resources.Most ODS patients have insufficient rectal propulsion,but the exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of ODS remains unclear.AIM To explore the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of ODS.METHODS A total of 30 pairs of rectal samples were collected from patients with ODS(ODS group)or grade IV prolapsed hemorrhoids without constipation(control group)for quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analysis.Subsequently,50 pairs of paraffin-embedded rectal specimens were selected for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies to validate the analysis results.Human intestinal smooth cell contractile function experiments and electrophysiological experiments were conducted to verify the physiological functions of target proteins.Cellular ultrastructure was detected using transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS In comparison to the control group,the expression level of dystrophin(DMD)in rectal specimens from ODS patients was markedly reduced.This finding was corroborated using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques.The diminished expression of DMD compromised the contractile function of intestinal smooth muscle cells.At the molecular level,nucleoporin protein 153 and L-type voltage-gated calcium channel were found to be overexpressed in intestinal smooth muscle cells exhibiting downregulated DMD expression.Electrophysiological experiments confirmed an excessive influx of calcium ions into these cells.Moreover,vacuolar-like structures which may be associated with excessive calcium influx were observed in the cells by transmission electron microscopy.CONCLUSION Decreased DMD expression in intestinal smooth muscle may upregulate L-type voltage-gated calcium channel expression,leading to excessive calcium influx which may cause a decrease in rectal propulsion,thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of ODS.

Consensus statement AIGO/SICCR:Diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation(partⅠ:Diagnosis)

Chronic constipation is a common and extremely troublesome disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life,and this fact is consistent with the high rate at which health care is sought for this condition.The aim of this project was to develop a consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation.The commission presents its results in a "Question-Answer" format,including a set of graded recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature and evidence-based medicine.This section represents the consensus for the diagnosis.The history includes information relating to the onset and duration of symptoms and may reveal secondary causes of constipation.The presence of alarm symptoms and risk factors requires investigation.The physical examination should assess the presence of lesions in the anal and perianal region.The evidence does not support the routine use of blood testing and colonoscopy or barium enema for constipation.Various scoring systems are available to quantify the severity of constipation;the Constipation Severity Instrument for constipation and the obstructed defecation syndrome score for obstructed defecation are the most reliable.The Constipation-Related Quality of Life is an excellent tool for evaluating the patient's quality of life.No single test provides a pathophysiological basis for constipation.Colonic transit and anorectal manometry define the pathophysiologic subtypes.Balloon expulsion is a simple screening test for defecatory disorders,but it does not define the mechanisms.Defecography detects structural abnormalities and assesses functional parameters.Magnetic resonance imaging and/or pelvic floor sonography can further complement defecography by providing information on the movement of the pelvic floor and the organs that it supports.All these investigations are indicated to differentiate between slow transit constipation and obstructed defecation because the treatments differ between these conditions.

Stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome associated with rectocele and rectal intussusception

AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR),and to analyze the outcome of the patients 12-mo after the operation.METHODS:From May 2007 to October 2008,50 female patients with rectocele and/or rectal intussusception underwent STARR.The preoperative status,perioperative and postoperative complications at baseline,3,6 and 12-mo were assessed.Data were collected prospectively from standardized questionnaires for the assessment of constipation[constipation scoring system,Longo’s obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)score system,symptom severity score],patient satisfaction (visual analogue scale),and quality of life(Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life Questionnaire).RESULTS:At a 12-mo follow-up,significant improvement in the constipation scoring system,ODS score system,symptom severity score,visual analog scale and quality of life(P<0.0001)was observed.The symptoms of constipation improved in 90%of patients at 12 mo after surgery.The self-reported definitive outcome was excellent in 15(30%)patients,fairly good in 8(16%),good in 22(44%),and poor in 5(10%).CONCLUSION:STARR can be performed safely without major morbidity.Moreover,the procedure seems to be effective for patients with obstructed defecation associated with symptomatic rectocele and rectal intussusception.

Treatment strategies in obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence

Obstructed defecation （OD） and fecal incontinence （FI） are challenging clinical problems, which are commonly encountered in the practice of colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists. These disorders sodally and psychologically distress patients and greatly impair their quality of life. The underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes are complex, often incompletely understood and cannot always be determined. As a consequence, many medical, surgical, and behavioral approaches have been described, with no panacea. Over the past decade, advances in an understanding of these disorders together with rational and similar methods of evaluation in anorectal physiology laboratories （ARP）, radiology studies, and new surgical techniques have led to promising results. In this brief review, we discuss treatment strategies and recent updates on clinical and therapeutic aspects of obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence.

Abdominal ventral rectopexy with colectomy for obstructed defecation syndrome:An alternative option for selected patients

BACKGROUND Abdominal ventral rectopexy(AVR)with colectomy is controversial in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS).Literature data on this technique for ODS are very limited.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of AVR with colectomy for selected patients with ODS.METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent AVR with colectomy for ODS were identified prospectively from 2016 to 2017 in our department.Patient demographics,perioperative surgical results,and postoperative follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed.Long-term follow-up was evaluated with standardized questionnaires.The severity of symptoms was assessed by the objective Wexner Constipation Score(WCS)and ODS Score.The quality of life was assessed by the Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score.Functional outcome was compared pre-and post-operatively for each patient.The primary outcomes were determined by the improvement in symptoms and quality of life.Secondary outcome measures were operating time,postoperative length of stay,morbidity and mortality,improvement of pelvic floor structure,and patient satisfaction.RESULTS Four patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery,and two patients underwent a laparoscopic-assisted procedure.The mean operating time for the robotic approach was 243 min(range 160–300 min),and the mean operating time for the laparoscopic approach was 230 min(range 220-240 min).The mean postoperative length of stay was 8.2 d(range 6-12 d).There was no conversion to open procedure and no postoperative mortality.No urinary retention,wound infection,prolonged ileus,pelvic infection and anastomosis leakage occurred.Six patients were followed up for 36 mo.The WCS,ODS,and Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score improved significantly postoperatively(P<0.05).The WCS and ODS scores showed the best remission and stabilization at 6 to 12 mo after surgery.There was no recurrence or novel constipation after surgery.None of the patients used laxative medication.CONCLUSION Robotic and laparoscopic-assisted ventral rectopexy with colectomy is a safe and effective procedure for selected patients with ODS.However,comprehensive preoperative evaluation and careful patient selection are essential.

Transanal surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome: Literature review and a single-center experience

Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS) is a functional disorder commonly encountered by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists, and greatly affects the quality of life of patients from both societal and psychological aspects. The underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes of ODS are complex. However, intra-rectal intussusception and rectocele are frequently found in patients with ODS and both are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ODS. With the development of evaluation methods in anorectal physiology laboratories and radiology studies, a great variety of new operative procedures, especially transanal procedures, have been invented to treat ODS. However, no procedure has been proved to be superior to others at present. Each operation has its own merits and defects. Thus, choosing appropriate transanal surgical procedures for the treatment of ODS remains a challenge for all surgeons. This review provides an introduction of the current problems and options for treatment of ODS and a detailed summary of the essential assessments needed for patient evaluation before carrying out transanal surgery. Besides, an overview of the benefits and problems of current transanal surgical procedures for treatment of ODS is summarized in this review. A report of clinical experience of some transanal surgical techniques used in the authors' center is also presented.

The Role of Acupuncture Treatment in Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

Background:Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)is a group of symptoms that are mainly caused by pelvic floor dysfunction concerning bowel symptoms.It is challenging in clinical practice.Acupuncture has advantages in the treatment of complex symptoms because of its multi-target and bi-directional regulation of the human body.Since 2500 years ago,acupuncture has been applied empirically to the treatment of constipation.Does acupuncture have any effect on ODS?Objectives:By showing the clinical thoughts,methods,and achievements of acupuncture series in ODS in recent ten years by the author’s team,and two scientific papers published in English on acupuncture treatment of chronic intractable constipation and stress urinary incontinence,it is proved that the core scheme of acupuncture treatment of defecation disorder syndrome(ODS)is flexible.In order to raise awareness of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in ODS,it can be integrated into existing practice to get opportunities for multidisciplinary cooperation and further research and development.Materials and Methods:By summarizing the diagnosis and treatment of ODS,the first-line selection of pelvic floor rehabilitation and the minimally invasive sacral neuromodulation were reviewed,and it was pointed out that there was a gap between the high demand of patients and the expectation of cost-effectiveness.Then,on the basis of modern eastern and western medical achievements,the holistic concept was introduced into the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction,and an acupuncture scheme suitable for ODS was proposed.Results:Acupuncture is based on the idea of improving the patients’central nervous system,autonomic nervous system and intestinal nervous system,and is effective in treating ODS.The acupoints were set two groups when patient in supine position,which includes ST 25(Tianshu),SP 15(Daheng),SP 14(Fujie),CV 6(Qihai),CV 4(Guanyuan),ST 36(Zusanli),ST 37(Shangjuxu);When patient is in prone position,it includes BL 20(Pishu),BL 23(Shenshu),BL 25(Dachangshu),BL 33(Zhongliao),BL 34(Xialiao),and GV 20(Baihui).The key was the technique of deep needling of the ST 25(Tianshu)and deep needling of the BL 33(Zhongliao)&BL 34(Xialiao).It needs 2-15 Hz sparse-dense wave electrical stimulation,30 minutes each time,a total of 20 times,which was a scheme that could achieve satisfactory short-term and long-term effects.Conclusion:At present,clinical and basic experimental studies have proved that acupuncture plays a role in treating ODS in a multi-target way.This is a very promising research direction of pelvic floor integrated medicine.In the future,further study on optimizing the protocol and meeting the patient’s gap individually and cost-effectively.

Prognostic and predictive value of interstitial cells of Cajal populations following stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR)in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome

Objective:The present study was designed to evaluate the functional outcome of stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR)and to examine the relationship between the population density of the interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)and the efficacy of the STARR operation in the management of obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)patients.Methods:Full-thickness rectal samples were obtained from 50 ODS patients who underwent STARR.Samples were analysed using ICC immunohistochemistry.Clinical and functional parameters obtained with defecography and anorectal manometry were compared with 20 controls.Results:ICCs were significantly decreased in patients in the submucosal(SM),intramuscular(IM)andmyenteric(MY)regions when compared with the control group(P<0.05).The mean pre-operative Cleveland Constipation Score(CCS)was 24.264.1,whilst the CCS at 1,2,3,4 and 5 years post-operatively decreased significantly(P<0.05).At 3 post-operative years,58.3%(28/48)of the patients reported a favorable outcome(CCS10).On univariate analysis,the functional results were worse in those with pre-operative digitation(P=0.017),a decreased ICC-MY cell population(P=0.067),a higher resting anal canal pressure(P=0.039)and a higher rectal sensory threshold(P=0.073).Multivariate analysis showed the decreased ICC-MY cell population was an independent predictor for low unfavorable functional outcome(odds ratio=0.097,95%confidence interval:0.012–0.766).Conclusions:STARR achieved acceptable results at the cost of a slight deterioration over amore prolonged follow-up.Patients with a decreased ICC number in the rectal specimen showed an unfavorable functional outcome where pre-operative histological assessment of a full-thickness rectal samplemight predict for the functional outcome following STARR.

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM:To prospectively assess the eff icacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection(STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment,and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR.METHODS:Thirty patients(Female,28;age:51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception,a defecation disorder,and functional constipation were submitted for STARR.Thirty comparable patients(Female,30;age 53 ± 13 years),who presented with symptoms of rectocele or rectal intussusception and were treated with macrogol,were assessed.Patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire at study enrollment and 38 ± 18 mo after the STARR procedure or during macrogol treatment.A responder was def ined as an absence of the Rome Ⅲ diagnostic criteria for functional constipation.Defecography and rectoanal manometry were performed before and after the STARR procedure in 16 and 12 patients,respectively.RESULTS:After STARR,53% of patients were responders;during conservative treatment,75% were responders.After STARR,30% of the patients reported the use of laxatives,17% had intermittent anal pain,13% had anal leakage,13% required digital facilitation,6% experienced defecatory urgency,6% experienced fecal incontinence,and 6% required re-intervention.During macrogol therapy,23% of the patients complained of abdominal bloating and 13% of borborygmi,and 3% required digital facilitation.No preoperative symptom,defecographic,or manometric finding predicted the outcome of STARR.Post-operative defecography showed a statistically significant reduction(P < 0.05) of the rectal diameter and rectocele.The postoperative anorectal manometry showed that anal pressure and rectal sensitivity were not significantly modified,and that rectal compliance was reduced(P = 0.01).CONCLUSION:STARR is not better and is less safe than macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders.It could be considered as an alternative therapy in patients unresponsive to macrogol.

Predictive factors for compliance with transanal irrigation for the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM To investigate compliance with transanal irrigation(TAI) one year after a training session and to identify predictive factors for compliance.METHODS The compliance of one hundred eight patients [87 women and 21 men; median age 55 years(range 18-83)] suffering from constipation or fecal incontinence(FI) was retrospectively assessed. The patients were trained in TAI over a four-year period at a single institution. They were classified as adopters if they continued using TAI for at least one year after beginning the treatment or as non-adopters if they stopped. Predictive factors of compliance with TAI were based on pretreatment assessments and trainingprogress. The outcomes of the entire cohort of patients who had been recruited for the TAI treatment were expressed in terms of intention-to-treat.RESULTS Forty-six of the 108(43%) trained patients continued to use TAI one year after their training session. The patients with FI had the best results, with 54.5% remaining compliant with TAI. Only one-third of the patients who complained of slow transit constipation or obstructed defecation syndrome continued TAI. There was an overall discontinuation rate of 57%. The most common reason for discontinuing TAI was the lack of efficacy(41%). However, 36% of the patients who discontinued TAI gave reasons independent of the efficacy of the treatment such as technical problems(catheter expulsion, rectal balloon bursting, instilled water leakage or retention, pain during irrigation, anal bleeding, anal fissure) while 23% said that there were too many constraints. Of the patients who reported discontinuing TAI, the only predictive factor was the progress of the training(OR = 4.9, 1.3-18.9, P = 0.02).CONCLUSION The progress of the training session was the only factor that predicted patient compliance with TAI.

Biofeedback-guided pelvic floor exercise therapy for obstructive defecation: An effective alternative

AIM: To compare biofeedback-guided pelvic floor exercise therapy (BFT) with the use of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) for the treatment of obstructive defecation.

Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR) for Obstructive Defecation Syndrome—Functional Outcome and Quality of Life after Two Years

Background: Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) has been shown to improve patients’ functional and quality of life outcomes in several studies. Although it is a safe and effective treatment for obstructive defecation syndrome, still data on long-term follow-up are missing. Methods: From January 2010 to July 2014, 46 consecutive patients undergoing STARR using the CONTOUR&reg TRANSTAR&#8482 device, shortly named TRANSTAR (transanal stapler assisted resection), were prospectively followed. Recurrence rate, quality of life (Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-Qol)) and complication were documented at baseline, 12 and 24 months after operation. Two subgroups of patients were compared to assess the impact of resection length on outcome. Results: We included 46 patients (89% female) in the study. The mean age was 65 ± 16 years and the duration of the operation was 48 ± 4 min. Total PAC-QoL score improved from 2.0 (SD 0.3) to 0.9 (1.4) after 12 months, but deteriorated to 1.2 (0.3) after 24 months (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Complications were noted in 7% of the patients: Urinary retention (2 patients), postoperative bleeding (1 patient). No major complications or mortality were seen. After one year, we had one prolapse recurrence and after 24 month we had another. There was no significant relation between the length of the specimen and the improvement of life quality. Conclusions: The STARR procedure seems to be a safe and fast therapeutic option for patients with ODS and/or rectal prolapse. It is a tailored transanal full-thickness rectal resection improving the patients’ quality of life still two years after the operation.

Current status of laparoscopic and robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for external and internal rectal prolapse

External and internal rectal prolapse with their affiliated rectocele and enterocele, are associated with debilitating symptoms such as obstructed defecation, pelvic pain and faecal incontinence. Since perineal procedures are associated with a higher recurrence rate, an abdominal approach is commonly preferred. Despite the description of greater than three hundred different procedures, thus far no clear superiority of one surgical technique has been demonstrated. Ventral mesh rectopexy(VMR) is a relatively new and promising technique to correct rectal prolapse. In contrast to the abdominal procedures of past decades, VMR avoids posterolateral rectal mobilisation and thereby minimizes the risk of postoperative constipation. Because of a perceived acceptable recurrence rate, good functional results and low mesh-related morbidity in the short to medium term, VMR has been popularized in the past decade. Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted VMR is now being progressively performed internationally and several articles and guidelines propose the procedure as the treatment of choice for rectal prolapse. In this article, an outline of the current status of laparoscopic and robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for the treatment of internal and external rectal prolapse is presented.

Resected specimen evaluation,anorectal manometry,endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up after STARR procedures

AIM:To investigate stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedures as surgical techniques for obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) by analyzing specimen evaluation,anorectal manometry,endoanal ultrasonography and clinical follow-up.METHODS:From January to December 2007,we have treated 30 patients.Fifteen treated with double PPH-01 staplers and 15 treated using new CCS 30 contour.Resected specimen were measured with respect to average surface and volume.All patients have been evaluated at 24 mo with clinical examination,anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography.RESULTS:Average surface in the CCS 30 group was 54.5 cm2 statistically different when compared to the STARR group (36.92 cm2).The average volume in the CCS 30 group was 29.8 cc,while in the PPH-01 it was23.8 cc and difference was statistically significant.The mean hospital stay in the CCS 30 group was 3.1 d,while in the PPH-01 group the median hospital stay was 3.4 d.As regards the long-term follow-up,an overall satisfactory rate of 83.3% (25/30) was achieved.Endoanal ultrasonography performed 1 year following surgery was considered normal in both of the studied groups.Mean resting pressure was higher than the preoperative value (67.2 mmHg in the STARR group and 65.7 mmHg in the CCS30 group vs 54.7 mmHg and 55.3 mmHg,respectively).Resting and squeezing pressures were lower in those patients not satisfied,but data are not statistically significant.CONCLUSION:The STARR procedure with two PPH-01 is a safe surgical procedure to correct ODS.The new Contour CCS 30 could help to increase the amount of the resected tissue without differences in early complications,post-operative pain and in hospital stay compared to the STARR with two PPH-01 technique.

Therapeutic effects of the TST36 stapler on rectocele combined with internal rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND The most common causes of outlet obstructive constipation(OOC)are rectocele and internal rectal prolapse.The surgical methods for OOC are diverse and difficult,and the postoperative complications and recurrence rate are high,which results in both physical and mental pain in patients.With the continuous deepening of the surgeon’s concept of minimally invasive surgery and continuous in-depth research on the mechanism of OOC,the treatment concepts and surgical methods are continuously improved.AIM To determine the efficacy of the TST36 stapler in the treatment of rectocele combined with internal rectal prolapse.METHODS From January 2017 to July 2019,49 female patients with rectocele and internal rectal prolapse who met the inclusion criteria were selected for treatment using the TST36 stapler.RESULTS Forty-five patients were cured,4 patients improved,and the cure rate was 92%.The postoperative obstructed defecation syndrome score,the defecation frequency score,time/straining intensity,and sensation of incomplete evacuation were significantly decreased compared with these parameters before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative anal canal resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure in patients decreased compared with before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The initial and maximum defecation thresholds after surgery were significantly lower than those before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative ratings of rectocele,resting phase,and defecation phase in these patients were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The TST36 stapler is safe and effective in treating rectocele combined with internal rectal prolapse and is worth promoting in clinical work.

Failed stapled rectal resection in a constipated patient with rectal aganglionosis

A rare case of a severely constipated patient with rectal aganglionosis is herein reported.The patient,who had no megacolon/megarectum,underwent a STARR,i.e.,stapled transanal rectal resection,for obstructed defecation,but her symptoms were not relieved.She started suffering from severe chronic proctalgia possibly due to peri-retained staples fibrosis.Intestinal transit times were normal and no megarectum/megacolon was found at barium enema.A diverting sigmoidostomy was then carried out,which was complicated by an early parastomal hernia,which affected stoma emptying.She also had a severe diverting proctitis,causing rectal bleeding,and still complained of both proctalgia and tenesmus.A deep rectal biopsy under anesthesia showed no ganglia in the rectum,whereas ganglia were present and normal in the sigmoid at the stoma site.As she refused a Duhamel procedure,an intersphincteric rectal resection and a refashioning of the stoma was scheduled.This case report shows that a complete assessment of the potential causes of constipation should be carried out prior to any surgical procedure.

Current applications of transperineal ultrasound in gastroenterology

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.

Outcomes of a modified Bresler procedure for the treatment of rectocele with rectal intussusception

Background:Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)is a condition that is frequently caused by rectocele and rectal intussusception.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified Bresler procedure for the treatment of ODS.The outcomes of this modified procedure were compared with the stapled transanal rectal resection(STARR)procedure.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical data from 76 female patients who presented with ODS between June 2014 and June 2016.The patients were divided into two treatment groups,namely Modified and STARR.Patients in the Modified group(n=36)underwent the modified Bresler procedure,which involved posterior rectal-wall resection using a circular tubular stapler with multilevel purse-string sutures.Patients in the STARR group(n=40)underwent the standard STARR procedure.We analysed post-operative complications,Wexner constipation scores(WCS),rectocele depths,and four-point post-operative satisfaction scales.Results:Patients in the Modified group exhibited shorter operative times and fewer post-operative complications(both P<0.05).At 12 months post-operatively,both the Modified and STARR groups displayed a significant improvement in the Wexner constipation score and the depth of rectocele.The post-operative WCS for the Modified group were significantly improved compared to those for the STARR group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the rectocele depth between the two groups(P>0.05).Post-operative interviews at post-operative 12 months showed that patients in the Modified group had a better satisfaction(P=0.05).Conclusions:Our modified procedure may be an effective treatment strategy for patients experiencing ODS caused by rectocele and rectal intussusception,with fewer complications and effective relief of symptoms.