Selective embolization can effectively alleviate bleeding symptoms in patients with anorectal hemangioma

In this manuscript,I comment on the article by Pospisilova et al published in the recent issue of the journal,in which selective embolization was used to treat anorectal hemangioma,a rare disease causing lower gastrointestinal bleeding.Anorectal hemangioma can easily be mistaken;for example,the patient in this case was previously misdiagnosed with ulcerative colitis.Choosing the appropriate tests and understanding the typical manifestations of anorectal hemangioma under colonoscopy,computerized tomography,magnetic resonance imaging and other tests are beneficial for diagnosis.The patient presented with intermittent rectal bleeding despite treatment with azathioprine and mesalazine and required blood transfusions since the degree of rectal bleeding worsened.Selective embolization successfully alleviated the patient’s bleeding symptoms and avoided the need for repeated blood transfusions.Tranexamic acid may be useful,considering that the patient still has bleeding symptoms and requires parenteral iron supplementation.

Botulinum toxin type A injection combined with biofeedback in the treatment of spastic pelvic floor syndrome

BACKGROUND Spastic pelvic floor syndrome(SPFS)is a refractory pelvic floor disease characterized by abnormal(uncoordinated)contractions of the external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle during defecation,resulting in rectal emptation and obstructive constipation.The clinical manifestations of SPFS are mainly characterized by difficult defecation,often accompanied by a sense of anal blockage and drooping.Manual defecation is usually needed during defecation.From physical examination,it is commonly observed that the patient's anal muscle tension is high,and it is difficult or even impossible to enter with his fingers.AIM To investigate the characteristics of anorectal pressure and botulinum toxin A injection combined with biofeedback in treating pelvic floor muscle spasm syndrome.METHODS Retrospective analysis of 50 patients diagnosed with pelvic floor spasm syndrome.All patients underwent pelvic floor surface electromyography assessment,anorectal dynamics examination,botulinum toxin type A injection 100 U intramuscular injection,and two cycles of biofeedback therapy.RESULTS After the botulinum toxin A injection combined with two cycles of biofeedback therapy,the patient's postoperative resting and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower than before surgery(P<0.05).Moreover,the electromyography index of the patients in the resting stage and post-resting stages was significantly lower than before surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Botulinum toxin A injection combined with biofeedback can significantly reduce pelvic floor muscle tension in treating pelvic floor muscle spasm syndrome.Anorectal manometry is an effective method to evaluate the efficacy of treatment objectively.However,randomized controlled trials are needed.

Cellular angiofibroma arising from the rectocutaneous fistula in an adult: A case report

BACKGROUND Rectocutaneous fistulae are common.The infection originates within the anal glands and subsequently extends into adjacent regions,ultimately resulting in fistula development.Cellular angiofibroma(CAF),also known as an angiomy ofibroblastoma-like tumor,is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm predominantly observed in the scrotum,perineum,and inguinal area in males and in the vulva in females.We describe the first documented case CAF that developed within a rectocutaneous fistula and manifested as a perineal mass.CASE SUMMARY In the outpatient setting,a 52-year-old male patient presented with a 2-year history of a growing perineal mass,accompanied by throbbing pain and minor scrotal abrasion.Physical examination revealed a soft,well-defined,non-tender mass at the left buttock that extended towards the perineum,without a visible opening.The initial assessment identified a soft tissue tumor,and the laboratory data were within normal ranges.Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography(CT)revealed swelling of the abscess cavity that was linked to a rectal cutaneous fistula,with a track-like lesion measuring 6 cm×0.7 cm in the left perineal region and attached to the left rectum.Rectoscope examination found no significant inner orifices.A left medial gluteal incision revealed a thick-walled mass,which was excised along with the extending tract,and curettage was performed.Histopathological examination confirmed CAF diagnosis.The patient achieved total resolution during follow-up assessments and did not require additional hospitalization.CONCLUSION CT imaging supports perineal lesion diagnosis and management.Perineal angiofibromas,even with a cutaneous fistula,can be excised transperineally.

Perianal Crohn’s disease:Still more questions than answers

In this editorial we comment on the article by Pacheco et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.We focus specifically on the burden of illness associated with perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease(PFCD)and the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the management of this condition.Evol-ving evidence has shifted the diagnostic framework for PFCD from anatomical classification systems,to one that is more nuanced and patient-focused to drive ongoing decision making.This editorial aims to reflect on these aspects to help clinicians face the challenge of PFCD in day-to-day clinical practice.

Proposal for a new classification of anorectal abscesses based on clinical characteristics and postoperative recurrence

BACKGROUND Current surgical procedures for anorectal abscesses,including incision and drainage alone or combined concurrent fistulotomy,remain controversial primarily due to the unpredictability of postoperative recurrence or the progression to anal fistula.AIM To evaluate factors that predict postoperative recurrence of anorectal abscesses and propose a new classification to guide surgical procedures.METHODS In this retrospective study,525 patients with anorectal abscesses treated by incision and drainage alone,at a tertiary general hospital from August 2012 to July 2022,were included.A new classification for anorectal abscesses based on their propensity to develop into fistulas,considering 18 other potential risk factors,was established.These factors,from electronic medical records,were screened for significance using theχ^(2)test and subsequently analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to evaluate their relationship with postoperative recurrence of anorectal abscesses.RESULTSOne year post-follow-up,the overall recurrence rate was 39%:81.0%and 23.5%for fistula-prone and non-fistulaproneabscesses,respectively.Univariateχ^(2)analysis showed significant differences in recurrence rates based onanatomical classifications and pus culture results(P<0.05).Fistula-prone abscess,≥7 days between symptomonset and surgery,chronic diarrhea,preoperative antibiotic use,and local anesthesia were risk factors for recurrence,while diabetes mellitus was protective(P<0.05).Moreover,fistula-prone abscess[odds ratio(OR)=7.651,95%CI:4.049–14.458,P<0.001],≥7 days from symptom onset to surgery(OR=2.137,95%CI:1.090–4.190,P=0.027),chronic diarrhea(OR=2.508,95%CI:1.216–5.173,P=0.013),and local anesthesia(OR=2.308,95%CI:1.313–4.059,P=0.004)were independent risk factors for postoperative anorectal abscess recurrence using multivariatelogistic regression.Body mass index≥28(OR=2.935,95%CI:1.203–7.165,P=0.018)was an independentrisk factor for postoperative recurrence of non-fistula-prone abscess.CONCLUSIONThe choice of surgical procedure for treating anorectal abscesses should follow this new classification.Prompt andthorough incision and drainage can significantly reduce postoperative recurrence.

腹腔镜辅助肛门成形术与后矢状入路肛门成形术治疗中高位先天性肛门直肠畸形的评价

先天性肛门直肠畸形（congenital anorectal malformation,ARM）是小儿最常见的消化道畸形,其发病率在新生儿中为1∶1 500~5 000。传统上根据直肠盲端与耻骨直肠肌的关系将ARM分为高位、中位和低位三类畸形,即Wingspread分型。因Wingspread分型复杂,对手术方式指导不明确,

先天性肛门直肠畸形的诊治现状和展望

先天性肛门直肠畸形（congenital anorectal malformation,ARM）是新生儿外科最常见的畸形,其治疗的历史可追溯至数世纪前[1-4]。ARM患儿经常伴有相关发育异常,如先天性心脏病、染色体异常、泌尿生殖系统异常。目前对ARM治疗的目标是在解剖上重建所有畸形、识别和治疗有关合并症及功能性后遗症,从而改善这些患儿的生活质量。多数ARM患儿在接受手术后得以生存,

先天性肛门直肠畸形病因学研究新进展

先天性肛门直肠畸形（congenital anorectal malformation,ARM）是最常见的消化道畸形之一,其全球范围内发生率为0.2‰~0.6‰,男性发病率略高于女性[1,2]。ARM是后肠在胚胎4~8周发育异常所致的一组不同表型的肠道畸形,从简单的直肠会阴瘘等低位畸形到复杂的一穴肛、直肠膀胱瘘等高位畸形,畸形的类型不同所采用的手术术式也不同,其治疗效果也不同,肛门狭窄、

先天性肛门直肠畸形的影像学检查

先天性肛门直肠畸形（congenital anorectal malformation,ARM）是一大类复杂畸形,涉及肛门直肠、神经、肌肉、骨骼,甚至泌尿、生殖道,新生儿发病率约为1/1 500~1/5 000。传统上采用Wingspread分类法,将ARM分为高位、中间位、低位[1],一般认为,位置越高的畸形,术后排便功能越差。此外,患儿相关神经、肌肉、

双侧阴部神经阻滞治疗功能性肛门直肠痛的安全性和有效性观察

功能性肛门直肠痛（functional anorectal pain,FAP）是发生在肛门直肠的、以疼痛或其他不适为主要表现的一系列症状群,是临床常见的难治性痛症。据Bharucha针对美国普通家庭成员的调查,人群整体发病率6.6%,女性多见。此类疾病病因不明、症状复杂,诊断十分困难;病变位置特殊、毗邻器官复杂,治疗十分棘手。

Differing coping mechanisms, stress level and anorectal physiology in patients with functional constipation

AIM: To investigate coping mechanisms, constipation symptoms and anorectal physiology in 80 constipated subjects and 18 controls.METHODS: Constipation was diagnosed by Rome Ⅱ criteria.Coping ability and anxiety/depression were assessed by validated questionnaires. Transit time and balloon distension test were performed.RESULTS: 34.5% patients were classified as slow transit type of constipation. The total colonic transit time (56 h vs 10 h, P＜0.0001) and rectal sensation including urge sensation (79 mL vs 63 mL, P = 0.019) and maximum tolerable volume (110 mL vs95 mL, P = 0.03) differed in patients and controls. Constipated subjects had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores and lower SF-36 scores in all categories. They also demonstrated higher scores of'monitoring' coping strategy (14+6 vs9+3, P = 0.001),which correlated with the rectal distension sensation (P = 0.005), urge sensation (P=0.002), and maximum tolerable volume (P = 0.035). The less use of blunting strategy predicted slow transit constipation in both univariate (P = 0.01) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.03).CONCLUSION: Defective or ineffective use of coping strategies may be an important etiology in functional constipation and subsequently reflected in abnormal anorectal physiology.

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding from a dieulafoy lesion proximal to the anorectal junction post-orthotopic liver transplant

A 67-year-old woman underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation for end stage liver disease secondary to chronic autoimmune hepatitis. She developed sudden massive hematochezia on post-operative day 23 with hemodynamic compromise. The source of hemorrhage was found at colonoscopy after careful irrigation and inspection to be a dieulafoy lesion situated just proximal to the anorectal junction. Hemostasis was achieved with epinephrine injection and thermal coagulation.

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.

What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders

Anorectal complaints are very common and are caused by a variety of mostly benign anorectal disorders.Many anorectal conditions may be successfully treated by primary care physicians in the outpatient setting,but patients tend not to seek medical attention due to embarrassment or fear of cancer.As a result,patients frequently present with advanced disease after experiencing significant decreases in quality of life.A number of patients with anorectal complaints are referred to gastroenterologists.However,gastroenterologists' knowledge and experience in approaching these conditions may not be sufficient.This article can serve as a guide to gastroenterologists to recognize,evaluate,and manage medically or non-surgically common benign anorectal disorders,and to identify when surgical referrals are most prudent.A review of the current literature is performed to evaluate comprehensive clinical pearls and management guidelines for each topic.Topics reviewed include hemorrhoids,anal fissures,anorectal fistulas and abscesses,and pruritus ani.

Disease that should be remembered: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease and short history

Pilonidal sinus disease has led to heated debates since it was first described in the medical literature. Although a consensus has been built on its etiology and pathogenesis, the same course has not progressed for treatment modality. This review is a short article about the process of pilonidal sinus disease from past to present. Some important points were mentioned between the years 1833, which is accepted as the milestone for the awareness of the disease, in which it was first reported until the year of 1880, in which it was given its name. Although its name has been the same for about two centuries, some other names such as "Jeep Disease" have also been used depending on the population affected by the disease. At present, it is indisputable that the disease is acquired. Large series were presented about the treatment in the last two decades. Some surgical methods were even named after the ones who first described them and they have many supporters. However, since the treatment modalities have some advantages and disadvantages and they do not have marked superiority over others, debates still continue. We hope that pilonidal sinus disease will not lose its significance and be underrated in parallel with the developments in technology and specialization in medicine.

Anorectal malignant melanomas: Retrospective experience with surgical management

AIM: To present the experience and outcomes of the surgical treatment for the patients with anorectal melanoma from the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. METHODS: Medical records of the diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up of 56 patients with anorectal melanoma who underwent surgery between 1975 and 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The factors predictive for the survival rate of these patients were identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rate of the 56 patients with anorectal melanoma was 20%, 36 patients underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) and 20 patients underwent wide local excision (WLE). The rates of local recurrence of the APR and WLE groups were 16.13% (5/36) and 68.75% (13/20), (P = 0.001), and the median survival time was 22 mo and 21 mo, respectively (P = 0.481). Univariate survival analysis demonstrated that the number of tumor and the depth of invasion had significant effects on the survival (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the number of tumor [P = 0.017, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.273-11.075] and the depth of invasion (P = 0.015, 95% CI = 1.249-7.591) were independent prognostic factors influencing the survival rate. CONCLUSION: Complete or R0 resection is the first choice of treatment for anorectal melanoma, prognosis is poor regardless of surgical approach, and early diagnosis is the key to improved survival rate for patients with anorectal melanoma.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection as excisional biopsy for anorectal malignant melanoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Anorectal malignant melanoma(AMM)is a rare disorder with an extremely poor prognosis.Although there is currently no consensus on the treatment methods for AMM,surgical procedures have been the most common treatment methods used until now.We recently encountered a case of AMM that we diagnosed using endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).To our knowledge,this is the first case of ESD for AMM,suggesting that ESD can potentially be a diagnostic and treatment method for AMM.CASE S UMA/MARY A 77-year-old woman visited our hospital with a chief complaint of anal bleeding and a palpable rectal mass.Colonoscopy revealed a 20-mm protruded lesion in the lower rectum.After obtaining biopsy specimens from the lesion,although a malignant rectal tumor was suspected,a definitive diagnosis was not made.Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed tumor invasion into the submucosal layer but not the muscular layer.Therefore,we performed an excisional biopsy using ESD.Immunohistochemical examination of the ESD-resected specimen revealed tumor cells positive for Human Melanin Black-45,Melan-A,and S-100.Moreover,the tumor cells lacked melanin pigment;thus,a diagnosis of amelanotic AMM was made.Although the AMM had massively invaded the submucosal layer and both lymphatic and venous invasion were present,we closely monitored the patient without any additional therapy on the basis of her request.Six months after ESD,local recurrence was detected,and the patient consented to wide local excision.CONCL USION It is suggested that ESD is a potential diagnostic and treatment method for AMM.

Anorectal functional outcome after repeated transanal endoscopic microsurgery

AIM： TO evaluate the status of anorectal function after repeated transanal endoscopic microsurgery （TEN）. METHODS： Twenty-one patients undergoing subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis were included. There were more than 5 large （〉 1 cm） polyps in the remaining rectum （range： 6-20 cm from the anal edge）. All patients, 19 with villous adenomas and 2 with low-grade adenocarcinomas, underwent TEM with submucosal endoscopic excision at least twice between 2005 and 2011. Anorectal manometry and a question- naire about incontinence were carried out at week 1 before operation, and at weeks 2 and 3 and 6 mo after the last operation. Anal resting pressure, maxi- mum squeeze pressure, maximum tolerable volume （MTV） and rectoanal inhibitory reflexes （RAIR） were recorded. The integrity and thickness of the internal anal sphincter （IAS） and external anal sphincter （EAS） were also evaluated by endoanal ultrasonography. We determined the physical and mental health status with SF-36 score to assess the effect of multiple TEM on patient quality of life （QoL）. RESULTS： All patients answered the questionnaire. Apart from negative RAIR in 4 patients, all of the anorectal manometric values in the 21 patients were normal before operation. Mean anal resting pressure decreased from 38±5 mmHg to 19±3 mmHg （38±5 mmHg vs 19±3 mmHg, P = 0.000） and MTV from 165± 19mLto60± 11mL（165± 19mLvs60± 11 mL, P = 0.000） at month 3 after surgery. Anal resting pressure and MTV were 37 ± 5 mmHg （38 ± 5 mmHg vs 37 ± 5 mmHg, P = 0.057） and 159 ± 19 mL （165 ± 19 mL vs 159 ± 19 mL, P = 0.071）, respectively, at month 6 after TEM. Maximal squeeze pressure de- creased from 171 ± 19 mmHg to 62 ± 12 mmHg （171 ± 19 mmHg vs 62 ± 12 mmHg, P = 0.000） at week 2 after operation, and returned to normal values by postoperative month 3 （171 ± 19 vs 166 ± 18, P = 0.051）. RAIR were absent in 4 patients preoperatively and in 12 （χ2 = 4.947, P = 0.026） patients at month 3 after surgery. PAIR was absent only in 5 patients at postoperative month 6 （χ2 = 0.141, P = 0.707）. Endo- sonography demonstrated that IAS disruption occurred in 8 patients, and 6 patients had temporary inconti- nence to flatus that was normalized by postoperative month 3. IAS thickness decreased from 1.9 ± 0.6 mm preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.4 mm （1.9 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.3 ± 0.4 mm, P = 0.000） at postoperative month 3 and increased to 1.8 ± 0.5 mm （1.9 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.8 ± 0.5 mm, P = 0.239） at postoperative month 6. EAS thickness decreased from 3.7 ± 0.6 mm preoperatively to 3.5 ± 0.3 mm （3.7 ± 0.6 mm vs 3.5 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.510） at month 3 and then increased to 3.6 ± 0.4 mm （3.7 ± 0.6 mm vs 3.6 ± 0.4 mm, P = 0.123） at month 6 after operation. Most patients had frequent stools per day and relatively high Wexner scores in a short time period. While actual fecal incontinence was exceptional, episodes of soiling were reported by 3 pa- tients. With regard to the QoL, the physical and mental health status scores （SF-36） were 56.1 and 46.2 （50 in the general population）, respectively.CONCLUSION： The anorectal function after repeated TEM is preserved. Multiple TEM procedures are useful for resection of multi-polyps in the remaining rectum.

Perineal rectosigmoidectomy for gangrenous rectal prolapse

Incarceration rarely complicates the chronically progressive form of the full thickness rectal prolapse.Even more rarely,it becomes strangulated,necessitating emergency surgery.We describe an extremely rare case of incarcerated acute rectal prolapse,without a relevant previous history or symptoms of predisposing pathology.The patient underwent emergency perineal proctosigmoidectomy,the Altemeier operation,combined with diverting loop sigmoid colostomy.The postoperative course was quite uneventful with an excellent final result after colostomy closure.The successful treatment of this patient illustrates the value of the Altemeier procedure in the difficult and unusual case scenario of bowel incarceration.

Current management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano

Fistula-in-ano is a difficult problem that physicians have struggled with for centuries.Appropriate treatment is based on 3 central tenets: (1) control of sepsis;(2) closure of the fistula;and (3) maintenance of continence.Treatment options continue to evolve-as a result,it is important to review old and new options on a regular basis to ensure that our patients are provided with up to date information and options.This paper will briefly cover some of the traditional approaches that have been used as well as some newer promising procedures.