A grading system of anal incontinence (AI) is described that takes into account both degree and frequency of symptoms. A, B, and C indicate AI for flatus/mucus, liquid stool, and solid stool, respectively; 1, 2, and 3 indicate occasional, weekly, and daily AI. A scoring system, ranging from 0 (continence) to 6 (severe AI, i.e., daily AI for solid stool or C3) also is reported. Three hundred thirty-five patients have been evaluated by this method in our institution: 30 percent had severe AI, graded as C3; only 9 percent had mild symptoms graded as A. Both males and females could not control diarrhea (Grade B) in 44 percent of cases. Nearly half of the 110 patients who underwent surgery had a C3 incontinence before treatment. Positive results were achieved in 75 percent of cases after surgery: e.g., AI score significantly improved from 4.2 +/- 1.6 to 1.5 +/- 1.9 (P less than 0.001) in those with AI and rectal prolapse. Most of the failures were the patients with idiopathic C3 incontinence. In conclusion, this grading and scoring system allowed a satisfactory assessment of patients' AI before and after treatment. It may also be used to achieve an objective comparison between different series.

No abstract

The aim of this prospective study is to investigate whether anal manometry is useful in orienting the surgical policy and improving the clinical and functional results following surgery for fistula-in-ano. Anal manometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively in 96 patients. The results of surgery, in terms of both fecal soiling and recurrence rate, were analyzed and compared with those of another group of 36 subjects. Some operative maneuvers, such as internal sphincterotomy, laying open of the fistula with division of striated muscle, or use of a seton, were carried out according to the preoperative sphincter pattern as shown by anal manometry in the first group. A standard procedure was followed in the control group. The recurrence rate was 3 percent in the anal manometry group and 13 percent in the control group (P less than 0.01); postoperative soiling occurred in 14 percent of patients in the anal manometry group compared with 31 percent of patients in the control group (P less than 0.001). The functional results in transsphincteric and suprasphincteric fistulas, which are usually considered at higher risk for postoperative incontinence, were better in the anal manometry group, due to greater use of the seton. No increase in recurrence rate was observed in these complex fistulas after anal manometry. Internal sphincterotomy led to a disordered continence, mainly when associated with division of striated muscle; a significant decrease in resting tone from 56 +/- 22 to 47 +/- 50 and voluntary contraction from 114 +/- 30 to 85 +/- 28 mm Hg (mean +/- S) was found after surgery in patients with soiling. In conclusion, the routine use of anal manometry may be recommended in the management of patients with fistula-in-ano as it improves the clinical and functional outcome of surgery.

The SBP has shown excellent results in terms of clinical improvement and freedom from valve-related complications, even up to 17 years after AVR and MVR. It therefore seems to be a safe option whenever a mechanical prosthesis is needed.

Since 1987, 30 patients with bladder cancer underwent cystoprostatectomy with bladder replacement via ileocecourethrostomy. Multiple transverse teniamyotomies were made in the cecum to assure a large capacity reservoir with low pressures. The particular anatomy and physiology of the cecum, short length of the intestinal segment needed and teniamyotomies are the 3 factors that have allowed for good functional and metabolic results. All patients achieved daytime continence. After 3 years of followup 67% of the patients were continent at night if they voided every 3 or 4 hours and 22% if they voided every 2 or 3 hours, while 11% experienced enuresis. Urodynamic data after 1 year showed a mean capacity of 396 ml. for the new bladder, a mean full filling pressure of 28 cm. water and a mean maximum pressure of 55 cm. water. Post-micturition residual urine volume was consistently less than 55 ml. These results indicate that the ileocecal segment can be enlarged with myotomies through the tenia to produce an adequate capacity and a low pressure bladder replacement without the need for formal detubularization.