ObjectiveThe stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in patients with defecation disorders is limited by the shape and capacity of the circular stapler. A new device has been recently developed, the Contour® Transtar™ stapler, in order to improve the safety and effectiveness of the STARR technique. The study has been designed to confirm this declaration.MethodFrom January to June 2007 a prospective European multicentre study of consecutive patients with defecation disorder caused by internal rectal prolapse underwent the new STARR technique. The assessment of perioperative morbidity and functional outcome after 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months was documented by different scores.ResultsIn all 75 patients, median age 64, the Transtar procedure was performed with 9% intraoperative difficulties, 7% postoperative complications and no mortality. The mean reduction of the ODS score was −15.6 (95%−CI: −17.3 to −13.8, P < 0.0001), mean reduction of SSS was −12.6 (95%−CI: −14.2 to −11.2; P < 0.0001). 41% stated improvement of their continence status by CCF score, only 4 patients (5%) had deterioration.ConclusionThe Transtar procedure is technically demanding, with good functional results similar to the conventional STARR.

Internal rectal prolapse (rectal intussusception) and rectocele are frequent clinical findings in patients suffering from refractory constipation that may be best characterized as obstructive defecation syndrome. However, there is still no clear evidence whether the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure provides a safe and effective surgical option for symptom resolution in patients with obstructive defecation syndrome, as evidence-based guidelines and functional long-term results are still missing. On the basis of the need for objective evaluation, a European group of experts was founded (Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection Pioneers). Derived from 2 meetings (October 26-28, 2006, Gouvieux, France and November 28-29, 2007, St Gallen, Switzerland) a concept for treatment options in patients suffering from obstructive defecation syndrome was developed, including a clear decision-making algorithm specifically focusing on the role of the stapled transanal rectal resection procedure based on clinical symptoms and dynamic imaging and inclusion and exclusion criteria for the stapled transanal rectal resection procedure.

SUMMARYAcquired faecal incontinence arising in the non-elderly population is a common and often devastating condition. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis in 629 patients (475 female) referred to a tertiary centre, to determine the relative importance of individual risk factors in the development of faecal incontinence, as demonstrated by abnormal results on physiological testing.Potential risk factors were identified in all but 6% of patients (7 female, 32 male). In women, the principal risk factor was childbirth (91%), and in most cases at least one vaginal delivery had met with complications such as perineal injury or the need for forceps delivery. Of the males, half had undergone anal surgery and this was the only identified risk factor in 59%. In many instances, assignment of cause was hampered by a long interval between the supposed precipitating event and the development of symptoms. Abnormalities of anorectal physiology were identified in 76% of males and 96% of females (in whom they were more commonly multiple).These findings add to evidence that occult damage to the continence mechanism, especially through vaginal delivery and anal surgery, can result in subsequent faecal incontinence, sometimes after an interval of many years.

Perineal stapled prolapse resection is a new surgical procedure for external rectal prolapse, which is easy and quick to perform. Functional results and long-term recurrence rate must be investigated further.

http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/2402050648/DC1

SNS is a highly cost-effective treatment for faecal incontinence. Options for further reduction of SNS costs include strict patient selection, treatment in an outpatient setting and using cheaper devices.

Acquired faecal incontinence arising in the non-elderly population is a common and often devastating condition. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis in 629 patients (475 female) referred to a tertiary centre, to determine the relative importance of individual risk factors in the development of faecal incontinence, as demonstrated by abnormal results on physiological testing. Potential risk factors were identified in all but 6% of patients (7 female, 32 male). In women, the principal risk factor was childbirth (91%), and in most cases at least one vaginal delivery had met with complications such as perineal injury or the need for forceps delivery. Of the males, half had undergone anal surgery and this was the only identified risk factor in 59%. In many instances, assignment of cause was hampered by a long interval between the supposed precipitating event and the development of symptoms. Abnormalities of anorectal physiology were identified in 76% of males and 96% of females (in whom they were more commonly multiple). These findings add to evidence that occult damage to the continence mechanism, especially through vaginal delivery and anal surgery, can result in subsequent faecal incontinence, sometimes after an interval of many years.

Aim The aim of this official guideline published by the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and coordinated with the German Society of Urology (DGU) and the German Society of Reproductive Medicine (DGRM) is to provide consensus-based recommendations, obtained by evaluating the relevant literature, on counseling and fertility preservation for prepubertal girls and boys as well as patients of reproductive age. Statements and recommendations for girls and women are presented below. Statements or recommendations for boys and men are not the focus of this guideline. Methods This S2k guideline was developed at the suggestion of the guideline commission of the DGGG, DGU and DGRM and represents the structured consensus of representative members from various professional associations (n = 40). Recommendations The guideline provides recommendations on counseling and fertility preservation for women and girls which take account of the patientʼs personal circumstances, the planned oncologic therapy and the individual risk profile as well as the preferred approach for selected tumor entities.