A randomized prospective trial with 108 patients undergoing anorectal surgery was conducted comparing the use of Urecholine orally or subcutaneously to no treatment controls. There was no difference in postoperative urinary retention rates and caudal or general anesthesia, nor was there an earlier postoperative bowel movement with Urecholine. The volume of intravenous fluids significantly affected retention rates.

Experience with a new silicone prosthesis in the modified Thiersch operation for rectal procidentia in 16 extremely poor-risk patients is presented. The technique of implantation, structural details of the prosthesis, and the clinical results are described. The use of a new silicone prosthesis in the modified Thiersch procedure is a viable alternative in this group of patients. Surgical technique is a primary determining factor in preventing complications.

This retrospective study examines the value of an air contrast barium enema examination in detecting proximal neoplasia in the patient presenting with benign anorectal disease as determined by history, physical examination, rigid, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. In 428 of these patients, the roentgenographic studies showed proximal colonic cancer or polyps in less than 1 percent of patients reviewed. In addition, a review of 402 patients with known colon and rectal cancer were surveyed using the same criteria for diagnosis, and less than 1 percent were misinterpreted as having benign anorectal disease.