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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_615_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

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227
A
B
FIG. 2 Upright abdominal plain films demonstrating acute colonic pseudo-obstruction before (A) and after (B) placement of a decompression tube.
(From Saunders MD. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2007;21:671–687.)
Clinical and radiologic features consistent
with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction
No complications, cecal
diameter <12 cm
Supportive care
(bowel rest, fluids,
mobilization, correction of
underlying causes)
Persistent or progressive
distension
Cecal diameter >12 cm
IV neostigmine
Persistent or progressive
distension
Evidence of mechanical
obstruction, ischemia, or
perforation
Surgery
Sustained response
Daily low-dose
polyethylene glycol
Colonoscopic
decompression
Persistent or progressive
distension
Percutaneous
cecostomy
Persistent distension or
pending perforation
FIG. 3 Algorithmic approach to stepwise therapy in acute colonic pseudo-obstruction.
228 MANAGEMENT OF ACUTECOLONIC PSEUDO-OBSTRUCTION (OGILVIE’S SYNDROME)
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BOX 1 Conservative Management
1. Correct metabolic abnormalities
2. Follow CBC, electrolytes, serum lactate
3. Check stool for Clostridioides difficile
4. Decompression with nasogastric and rectal tubes
5. NPO with intravenous hydration
6. Serial imaging and physical examinations
7. Avoid opiates, anticholinergics, calcium channel blockers, and antipsychotics
is the use of neostigmine, an anticholinesterase parasympathomimetic agent. This is indicated in patients with ACPO with a cecal diameter of 12 cm who have failed conservative management. Neostigmine (2 mg) is given intravenously over a 5-minute period with constant monitoring of vital signs and electrocardiography. Patients should be supine on a bedpan as they may respond quickly with passage of gas and stool. A response will generally occur within 30 minutes. Glycopyrrolate should be available to treat bradycardia. Response to neostigmine will occur in up to 94% with the initial dose. There is a recurrence rate of about 31%. A second dose can be given no sooner than 8 hours but up to 24 hours later, which may lead to a further response of 40% to 100%. Three pla­cebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of neostigmine (Box 2).
Risk factors for neostigmine failure include male gender, younger age, electrolyte imbalance, and postsurgical status. It is recom­mended that regular administration of polyethylene glycol via naso­gastric tube may also increase the effectiveness of treatment with neostigmine.
Neostigmine has most often been administered intravenously in a bolus, but studies have shown success with subcutaneous neostig­mine or continuous infusion of 0.4 mg/h in saline over 24 hours. Subcutaneous neostigmine has been shown to result in passage of stool within a median of 29 hours. Continuous infusion of neostig­mine was associated with greater bowel diameter reduction in 24 hours, and adverse events may also be diminished by continuous infusion. In one study, subcutaneous neostigmine was found to be safe and effective. Response to a bolus infusion is more rapid.
Bradyarrhythmias may occur in 5% to 10% of patients with other potential side effects being bronchoconstriction, hypotension, agitation, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, salivation, and diaphoresis. Glycopyrrolate 0.4 mg may attenuate some of these side effects. Mechanical intestinal obstruction, urinary tract obstruction, or peritonitis are absolute contraindications. Particular care must be taken in patients with heart rates of <60 beats per minute, sys­tolic blood pressure of <90 mm Hg, reactive airway disease, recent myocardial infarction, and concomitant β-blocker use. The usage of neostigmine in the setting of pregnancy has not been studied.
Other pharmacologic agents have been used with varied response. Anecdotal reports have recommended the use of erythromycin, metoclopramide, and cisapride (not available in the United States). These drugs have yielded inconsistent results. Oral pyridostigmine, a long-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has been successful in treating some patients refractory to neostigmine. In one report, a patient was treated with methylnaltrexone, a -opioid-receptor antagonist. This is an option for treatment of patients who have been on opioid treatment. Prucalopride has also been reported to be suc­cessful. These drugs will require further studies before routine use can be considered.
COLONOSCOPIC DECOMPRESSION
When patients do not improve with either conservative management or infusion of neostigmine, endoscopic colonic decompression should be considered. The procedure should be done without prior prepa­ration to decrease the risk of perforation. The risks of colonoscopic decompression include a perforation rate of 2% and mortality of 1%. The procedure can be performed without air insufflation preferably using small amounts of CO through a large-bore suction channel. The ascending colon and cecum may not be well perfused and appear ischemic. Adequate decompres­sion can be obtained when the colonoscope is passed to the proximal transverse colon under fluoroscopic guidance. Decompression may be effective in 50% by suction of air and liquid. Most endoscopists will pass a guidewire through the accessory channel of the colonoscope and slowly withdraw the scope under fluoroscopic guidance. A decom­pression tube can then be passed over the guidewire followed by low intermittent suction with saline flushes every 4 to 6 hours to decrease obstruction of the decompression tube. Repeat colonoscopy is often required due to a recurrence rate of 40%. Randomized controlled trials are not available supporting the use of decompression tubes. The use of polyethylene glycol after endoscopic decompression is recommended. There is limited data suggesting that colonoscopic decompression is superior to neostigmine infusion. Other studies suggest that both modalities are equivalent (Box 3).
. Air and liquid stool can be aspirated
2
PERCUTANEOUS CECOSTOMY
Among patients who are at high perioperative risk and have failed conservative, pharmacologic, and endoscopic decompression, per­cutaneous cecostomy (PEC cecum) may be considered for colon decompression. PEC-cecum tubes can be placed endoscopically or through interventional radiology techniques with an excellent response rate. However, this is an invasive procedure with serious adverse events that include wound infection, bleeding, perforation, granuloma, and buried bumper necrosis. Such procedures should be managed by experts in interventional radiology and therapeutic endoscopy. Adequate studies of these procedures are lacking.
BOX 2 Neostigmine Therapy
1. 2 mg intravenously over 5 minutes with available glycopyrrolate or atropine
2. Consider 0.4 mg/h IV continuous infusion
3. Monitor EKG, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure
4. Adjust for renal failure if:
• Creatinineclearancelessthan50mL/min50%
• Creatinineclearanceoflessthan10mL/hr75%
5. Avoid if:
• Mechanical,intestinal,orurinarytractobstruction
• Bradycardialessthan60bpmorsystolicbloodpressureless
than 90 mm Hg
• Recentmyocardialinfarction
• Peritonitis
• β-Blockeruse
BOX 3 Endoscopic Decompression
1. Failure to respond to conservative management and trial of neostigmine
2. Persistent ACPO
3. Colonoscope passed to hepatic flexure or cecum
• Avoidair-limitedCO2 infusion
• Largeboresuctionofairinstool
• Guidewireplacementthroughaccessorychannelunder
uoroscopy
• Decompressiontubeplacedoverguidewire
4. Low intermittent suction
5. Flush tube with saline every 4–6 hours
6. 72-hour limit then remove tube
7. Avoid with ischemic mucosa, perforation, or peritonitis
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SURGICAL THERAPY
When the previous management options are unsuccessful, surgery should be considered. These patients have a high morbidity and mortality rate with mortality in the range of 30% to 60%. Surgery may include the placement of a cecostomy tube or subtotal colectomy and stoma formation. High mortality rates are associated with those patients with ischemic disease or perforation.
SUMMARY
ACPO presents with signs and symptoms of mechanical colonic obstruction without evidence of structural lesions. It is a motility disorder that occurs primarily in hospitalized patients with comorbid medical illness or recent surgery or trauma. Diagnosis is made by performance of cross-sectional imaging. There is a high rate of com­plications from ischemia and perforation. Close monitoring should be done with serial imaging, bowel rest, intravenous fluids, and frequent imaging studies. If colonic distention persists or progresses, pharma­cologic treatment with neostigmine should be considered followed by endoscopic colonic decompression with guided intraluminal tube
placement. Further treatment may necessitate percutaneous cecos­tomy by experienced experts followed by either laparoscopic or open surgery. Surgery for refractory ACPO carries a high mortality rate.
S u g g e S t e d R e a d i n g S
De Giorgio R, Knowles CH. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Br J Surg.
2009;96:229–239.
Frankel A, Gillespie C, Lu C-T, etal. Subcutaneous neostigmine appears safe
and effective for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie’s syndrome). ANZ J Surg. 2019;89:700–705.
Naveed M, Jamil LH, Fujii LL, et al. American society for Gastrointestinal
Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction and colonic volvulus. Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;91:228–234.
Rex DK. Colonoscopy and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Gastrointest
Endosc Clin N Am. 1997;7:499–508.
Vanek VW, Al-Salti M. Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon (Ogilvie’s
syndrome): an analysis of 400 cases. Dis Colon Rectum. 1986;29:203–210.
Vogel JD, Feingold DL, Stewart DB, et al. Clinical practice guidelines
for colonic volvulus and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. Dis Colon Rectum. 2016;59:589–600.
Management of ColonicVolvulus
Jose G. Guillem, MD, and Jonathan M. Stem, MD
INTRODUCTION
Colonic volvulus, or a twisting of the colon on its tethered mesen­teric axis, is a rare condition that accounts for less than 5% of bowel obstructions in the United States. In other regions of the world, colonic volvulus is more prevalent, accounting for up to 50% of intes­tinal obstructions. It most commonly occurs in the sigmoid colon, followed by the cecum. The transverse colon and splenic flexure are additional rare sites of occurrence.
SIGMOID VOLVULUS
Sigmoid volvulus is the most common form of colonic volvulus accounting for 50% to 90% of all cases. It is associated with signifi­cant morbidity and mortality, with mortality rates approaching 10%. There is a 2:1 male predominance as well as an association with increasing age. Patients typically present in the seventh decade of life or beyond. In addition to advancing age, many factors including diet, race, diabetes, pregnancy, and constipation/dysmotility increase one’s risk for sigmoid volvulus. Institutionalized patients as well as those with psychiatric and neurologic disorders are at a greater risk secondary to gastrointestinal dysmotility resulting from behavioral and pharmacologic factors.
Presentation is analogous to that of any large bowel obstruction: obstipation, abdominal distention, pain, and cramping. Early in the patient’s course, there is often a lack of systemic manifestations. Tachycardia, hypotension, and oliguria occur with progressive dis­ease. In more advanced cases, characterized by ischemia and perfo­ration, patients may present with peritonitis and sepsis. Diagnosis relies upon radiographic findings such as a “bent inner tube” or “omega loop,” which are noted on plain films in 60% to 75% of patients (Fig. 1). If plain films are nondiagnostic, computed tomography (CT)
will provide additional diagnostic information by demonstrating a mesenteric whirl and paucity of rectal gas (see Fig. 1). CT provides a near 100% accuracy in the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus.
Once the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus has been made, initial treatment may be operative or nonoperative depending upon the stability and examination of the patient. Initial management strate­gies aim to relieve the large bowel obstruction with either reduction of the volvulus or resection of the affected colon. Further definitive treatment is directed at the prevention of recurrence.
The initial decision point in the management of the patient with sigmoid volvulus is dictated by hemodynamic stability and physical findings. Patients who are stable, with no evidence of colonic ischemia, including fever or peritonitis, should proceed with an attempt at endo­scopic detorsion. This can be accomplished by the use of a rigid procto­scope or a flexible endoscope. Rigid proctoscopy should be performed only in the setting of a lack of access to standard flexible endoscopy, as it carries a higher risk of perforation and does not afford the ability to visually inspect colonic mucosa. Upon insertion of the endoscope, a classic “pinwheel” appearance is noted at the point of torsion of the colonic mucosa (Fig. 2). With gentle pressure and insufflation, the scope should be passed through the torsed segment. The remaining colon should be endoscopically decompressed, ultimately allowing for detorsion of the colon. Rates of successful endoscopic detorsion are variable, ranging from 55% to 94%. After detorsion, we prefer to leave a soft red-rubber catheter in the colon to allow for continued decompres­sion and prevention of a short-term recurrence of the volvulus.
After successful detorsion of the sigmoid volvulus, the focus moves to prevention of recurrence, which can occur in up to 85% to 90% of cases. Measures aimed to prevent recurrence of sigmoid vol­vuli historically consisted of two main strategies: colonic fixation and resection. There have been numerous methods of colonic fixation described; however, these are typically not recommended as many carry a significant risk of recurrence. In spite of this, there may be a role for their use in highly selected cases.
The current gold standard approach for the prevention of recur­rent sigmoid volvulus is sigmoid colon resection with primary anastomosis. Because morality rates are as high as one in three with recurrent volvulus, it is recommended that elective resection be
230 MANAGEMENT OF COLONICVOLVULUS
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BA
FIG. 1 (A) Plain film abdominal radiograph demonstrating the classic “bent inner tube” sign of sigmoid volvulus directed towards the right upper quadrant.
(B) Coronal CT image displaying a mesenteric whirl characteristic of sigmoid volvulus. (From Federle M, Lau, J. Sigmoid Volvulus. In: Imaging in Abdominal
Surgery. Elsevier; 2018, 282.)
FIG. 2 Classic pinwheel appearance of colonic mucosa visualized during
endoscopic decompression of sigmoid volvulus. (From Tang S-J, Wu R. Endoscopic decompression, detorsion, and reduction of sigmoid volvulus. Video J Encyclopedia GI Endos. 2014;2:22.)
performed during the index hospitalization. Both open and minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic techniques are acceptable. When performing an open resection, a lower midline laparotomy or Pfan­nenstiel incision will typically suffice. Resection with end colostomy and Hartmann’s pouch, as well as primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy, are additional acceptable options that may be used when severe colonic edema is encountered. In all cases of sigmoid resection, a nononcologic resection is performed, ligating the sigmoid mesentery close to the bowel. Recurrence after sigmoidectomy for vol­vulus is extremely rare. One specific setting in which recurrence rates remain high after sigmoidectomy, however, is in patients presenting with megacolon. Recurrence rates after sigmoidectomy in megacolon
are greater than 80%. In this circumstance, consideration may be given to subtotal colectomy. One caveat is that the patient’s ability to tolerate such an operation must be thoroughly considered.
In contrast to clinically stable patients, those presenting with signs of ischemia, perforation, sepsis, or evidence of shock should proceed with emergent surgical intervention as should those that fail attempted endoscopic detorsion. After initial resuscitation and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, a midline laparotomy should be per­formed with resection of the ischemic or perforated segment of bowel. Compromised bowel should not undergo detorsion before resection. In the setting of perforation, copious irrigation of the abdomen with saline is performed. After resection of the specimen, two options may be considered at the time of initial operation: primary anastomosis versus end colostomy with a Hartmann’s pouch. The decision to restore gastrointestinal continuity is dependent upon intraoperative findings and patient-specific factors. Proximal bowel dilatation, fecal contamination, and the presence of ongoing hemodynamic abnormal­ities must be weighed when deciding upon restoration of continuity. Additional patient factors such as nutritional, functional, and frailty status must be taken into account. Surgical resection in the emergent setting is associated with higher rates of mortality. This should be addressed with patients and family at the time of initial presentation.
CECAL VOLVULUS
The second most frequent type of colonic volvulus is the cecal vol­vulus, which accounts for 10% to 40% of colonic volvulus cases. In general there are two types of volvuli that can occur in the cecum. The most common is characterized by an axial twisting of the cecum and accounts for up to 90% of cases. In this type, the cecum rotates around its long axis forming a clockwise twist, leaving the cecum in the right lower quadrant. The less common type is not a true volvu­lus but rather a folding of the cecum upon itself directed toward the hepatic flexure, known as a bascule. Overall this accounts for only 10% of reported cases.
Although a mobile cecum predisposes one to volvulus, factors and conditions often noted in patients presenting with cecal vol­vulus include chronic constipation, psychiatric illness, high fiber
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FIG. 3 (A) Plain film abdominal radiograph demonstrating the classic “coffee bean” sign of cecal volvulus, with the axis directed toward the left upper
quadrant. (B) Coronal CT image revealing distended, upside-down, backward cecum with the ileocecal valve pointed lateral. (From Federle M, Lau J. Cecal
Volvulus. In: Imaging in Abdominal Surger y. Elsevier; 2018, 283.)
231
diet, chronic laxative use, pregnancy, and prior abdominal surgeries. Cecal volvulus has a slight female predominance of 1.4:1.
The presentation of cecal volvulus is variable and nonspecific. Patients may present in a chronic or acute manner. Symptoms may be mild and intermittent including dull, crampy abdominal pain and con­stipation. Other common signs and symptoms are obstipation, severe pain, and nausea/vomiting. Radiographic workup is essential in all sus­pected volvulus patients. In very few cases, plain film abdominal x-rays will be diagnostic. Plain film radiographs diagnostic of cecal volvulus will reveal a large, dilated loop of colon with a classic “coffee bean” sign pointing to the left upper quadrant (Fig. 3). Most often there will be an associated paucity of rectal gas. CT scan provides the added benefit of assessing bowel for ischemia or signs of impending ischemia. Intestinal thickening, hypoenhancement of the bowel wall, pneumatosis, and abdominal free fluid should prompt more urgent operative intervention.
Similar to sigmoid volvulus, patients presenting with signs of cecal ischemia, perforation, or shock should immediately undergo aggres­sive fluid resuscitation, administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and proceed to the operating room for emergent intervention. Surgical intervention in the emergent setting consists of an ileocolic resection or right hemicolectomy, ensuring resection of the compromised seg­ment. Primary anastomosis at the time of the initial operation will be dependent on many patient-specific factors including hemodynamics, comorbidities, fecal contamination, and local inflammatory changes.
For patients who present without signs of acute shock or perforation, surgical intervention, although not emergent, remains urgent in nature. Unlike sigmoid volvulus, endoscopic reduction is not recommend because attempts are unlikely to be successful (approximately 30% success rate) and may lead to perforation. Initial operative management consists of assessment of bowel viability. This should be done via lap­arotomy. Minimally invasive techniques are hindered by the gross dis­tension of the cecum and proximal small bowel. Upon laparotomy and inspection of the abdomen, necrosis of the cecum is a common finding necessitating resection with consideration of primary anastomosis. If no necrosis is detected, a right hemicolectomy or ileocolic resection with a side-to-side stapled anastomosis is typically performed.
In the absence of necrosis, nonresection techniques such as detorsion with or without cecostomy and cecopexy have been described in the literature. These techniques are not recom­mended, however, due to their high recurrence rates as well as high
morbidity and mortality. Both cecostomy and cecopexy are reserved for patients who are poor resection candidates due to their under­lying comorbid conditions or physiologic status. It is important to assess the quality of the bowel wall when considering these strate­gies. The fragile or edematous tissue typically associated with cecal volvulus is a poor candidate for holding suture. This can ultimately lead to complications such as leak and failure of apposition to the abdominal wall or retroperitoneum.
Rare Types of Volvulus
Sigmoid and cecal volvuli account for the majority of colonic volvulus with other types of volvuli occurring in rare instances. Transverse colon and splenic flexure volvuli account for 2% to 5% of all colonic volvu­lus cases. Typically, these occur in a younger patient population with an increased incidence in women. Similar to other forms of volvulus, predisposition to transverse colon and splenic flexure volvuli is due to conditions that elongate the colon and its mesentery. These include high fiber diet, chronic constipation, and colonic obstruction. Additionally, the loss of the traditional attachments of the colon due to abdominal surgery is associated with increased rates of splenic flexure volvulus.
Patients will present in a similar manner to other types of volvu­lus, with either acute symptoms of large bowel obstruction or more chronic and intermittent symptoms. Diagnosis is rarely made by using plain films alone. Splenic flexure volvulus is characterized by a “coffee bean” sign in the left upper quadrant on abdominal x-ray. Conversely, volvulus of the transverse colon can be characterized by an “inverted coffee bean” sign. Additionally, two distended loops of colon and a paucity of rectal gas may be visualized. CT imaging provides improved diagnostic capability and will reveal a mesenteric whirl. Oftentimes, laparotomy is required to determine the location of the whirl and volvulus. Due to the rarity of the condition, diag­nosis is delayed in many instances, leading to high mortality rates.
Treatment of these rare types of volvulus is similar to that of cecal volvulus. Endoscopic decompression should not be attempted because recurrence rates are high. The initial step in treatment is laparotomy with assessment of bowel viability. Noncompromised bowel may be detorsed before resection. The extent of the resection depends upon the location of the volvulus. Options for resection consist of extended right hemicolectomy or a segmental resection.
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Determination of primary anastomosis versus end colostomy will depend upon patient-specific factors and operative findings.
One other form of volvulus is ileosigmoid knotting, which is exceedingly rare in Western society. This occurs when a loop of ileum becomes entangled with the sigmoid colon leading to obstruc­tion. There are three major types of ileosigmoid knotting. Type 1, accounting for approximately 50% to 60% of cases, occurs when a portion of ileum encircles the sigmoid colon. Type 2 accounts for approximately 20% of cases and is characterized by wrapping of the sigmoid colon around a loop of ileum. In both type 1 and type 2, wrapping can occur in a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion. Type 3, a rare entity, consists of the ileocecal segment wrapping around the sigmoid colon. The remaining cases are of indeterminate anatomy.
Most commonly, ileosigmoid knotting occurs in males (approx­imately 80%) in the late third or fourth decade of life. The true incidence is unknown, and the majority of case reports are from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Clinical presentation consists of abdominal pain and tenderness with associated symptoms of small bowel obstruction such as distention, nausea, and emesis.
Diagnosis can be challenging as radiographic imaging will reveal dilated loops of small bowel accompanied by a distended sigmoid loop. Abdominal plain films alone are rarely diagnostic. In addition to bowel dilatation, CT imaging will reveal whirling of the ileal and sigmoid mesentery with associated medial deviation of the cecum and left colon. Ileosigmoid knotting may be confused for sigmoid volvulus on imaging prompting attempted endoscopic decompression. In these cases, endoscopic decompression will fail due to the wrapping of the mesentery, further raising the suspicion for ileosigmoid knotting.
After initial resuscitation, emergent laparotomy is indicated because clinical deterioration is often rapid due to the quick progres­sion of knotted bowel segments to ischemia. In fact, upon operative exploration, gangrenous bowel is discovered in more than 70% of cases. Operative management will vary depending on the nature of the ileosigmoid knot as well as the stability and condition of the patient. As the majority of cases present with gangrene, resection is typically per­formed. In many cases, multiple resections are necessary. In the event
that a viable sigmoid colon is encountered, resection is recommended to prevent further recurrence. The decision to perform primary anas­tomosis versus enteric diversion will depend upon many factors.
SUMMARY
Colonic volvulus is a rare entity in the United States, accounting for <5% of all intestinal obstructions. In spite of this, a high index of suspicion must be present as prompt surgical evaluation is a necessity. Clinical presentation is quite variable, ranging from chronic mild symptomatology to acute obstruction and shock. Only in the case of sigmoid volvulus is initial endoscopic decompression appropriate. Definitive treatment consists of operative intervention. Although techniques without resection are described in rare specific circum­stances, colonic resection is considered the gold standard to alleviate obstruction and prevent future recurrence. Operative decision making regarding performance of primary anastomosis must be decided on an individualized basis and is impacted by many patient-specific factors as well as surgeon experience and comfort.
S u g g e S t e d R e a d i n g S
Bruzzi M, Lefèvre JH, Desaint B, etal. Management of acute sigmoid volvu-
lus: short- and long-term results. Colorectal Dis. 2015;17(10):922–928.
Halabi WJ, Jafari MD, Kang CY, et al. Colonic volvulus in the United
States: trends, outcomes, and predictors of mortality. Ann Surg. 2014;259(2):293–301.
Kasten KR, Marcello PW, Roberts PL, etal. What are the results of colonic
volvulus surgery?. Dis Colon Rectum. 2015;58(5):502–507.
Naveed M, Jamil LH, Fujii-Lau LL, etal. American Society for Gastrointestinal
Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction and colonic volvulus. Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;91(2):228–235.
Vogel JD, Feingold DL, Stewart DB, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for
Colon Volvulus and Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction. Dis Colon Rectum. 2016;59(7):589–600.
Management of RectalProlapse
Shannon N. Radomski, MD, and Alodia Gabre-Kidan, MD, MPH
ETIOLOGY
Rectal prolapse is defined as a prolapse of either the full or partial thick­ness rectal wall through the anus beyond the anal verge. Prolapse that does not go beyond the anal verge—internal prolapse or intussuscep­tion—is managed differently and will not be discussed in this chapter.
Rectal prolapse is far more common in women than in men and has a peak incidence in the sixth or seventh decade of life. In these patients, rectal prolapse can coincide with prolapse or dysfunction of other pelvic floor organs indicating an underlying etiology of pelvic floor weakness, which in women is often from multiparity. However, rectal prolapse can also occur in men and nulliparous women sug­gesting a different etiology related to constipation and/or straining due to disordered defecation.
Although rectal prolapse relies on surgical correction as the mainstay of treatment, it is important to recognize that the causative
factors for each patient may differ, and adjunctive treatments such as pelvic floor physical therapy, consultation with urogynecologists, and bowel modifications should be employed to optimize the success of any surgical repair.
PRESENTATION
Patients with rectal prolapse can present with a number of different symptoms. Most commonly patients describe prolapse of tissue that spontaneously reduces or has to be manually reduced, rectal pressure or discomfort, bleeding, mucus drainage, constipation or inability to fully evacuate, fecal urgency, or fecal incontinence. Prolapse can be a significant source of stress for patients, and many describe limit­ing their activities to be near a bathroom or planning their days to accommodate for bowel habits.
Constipation can be both a cause of the rectal prolapse and a result of it. Disordered defecation/pelvic floor dyssynergia leads to increased straining, which can result in a prolapse, especially in patients who do not have risk factors for pelvic floor weakness. Once the prolapse becomes recurrent, it can act as a mechanical obstruc­tion making evacuation even more difficult and lead to an increase in the behaviors (straining, increased toilet time) that will worsen the prolapse. This is a point of debate as many feel that it is not the mechanical obstruction of the prolapse but the ongoing, unaddressed
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pelvic floor issues that worsen the prolapse. With chronic prolapse, fecal incontinence can also occur from the rectal prolapse stenting open the sphincter complex and allowing feces to leak. Over time, however, chronic stretch of the sphincter complex by the prolapsed segment of rectum can lead to irreversible impairment in continence. It is important to discuss this with patients before repair in order to appropriately set expectations. Surgical repair of the prolapse will address the mechanical issue but may not result in a return to their functional baseline.
EVALUATION
Any patients presenting with rectal prolapse should have a thorough pelvic floor history and physical examination. It is important to obtain a detailed history including onset of symptoms, bowel habits, prior obstetrical history, prior anorectal surgery, associated pelvic organ symptoms (urinary incontinence, frequency, prolapse, recto­cele, etc.), and colonoscopy history. Physical examination for rectal prolapse can occur in the left lateral or prone jack-knife position. External visual examination can yield important information such as presence of fecal smearing, mucus drainage, skin irritation or break­down from moisture, a patulous anus, and presence of any prolapsed tissue at rest. The patient is then asked to bear down. If the prolapse cannot be elicited with Valsalva in the left lateral or prone jack-knife positions, the patients should be asked to Valsalva in a seated position on the commode. If the prolapse still cannot be elicited, photographs of the prolapse as it occurs at home can be helpful and/or further testing such as defecography can be pursued. Hemorrhoidal prolapse is far more common than true rectal prolapse and patients often can­not distinguish between the two; thus it is important for the surgeon to visualize the prolapsed tissue themselves. Full thickness rectal prolapse appears as concentric rings/circles as the rectum telescopes out of the anus while hemorrhoidal prolapse creates radial lines from the center of the anus as the hemorrhoidal columns prolapse out. Partial thickness, or mucosal, prolapse can also occur and appears as a shorter segment of prolapsed rectum lacking the radial lines of hemorrhoidal prolapse. The treatment of mucosal prolapse differs from full thickness prolapse, thus distinguishing between the two is important to guide future interventions. It is also important to docu­ment anal sphincter tone during the examination as well as presence or absence of any associated vaginal prolapse. For patients with multicompartmental prolapse, a combined approach with a urogyne­cologist is favored to address all potential issues during one surgery as opposed to requiring the patient to undergo multiple surgeries.
MANAGEMENT/SURGICAL APPROACH
When considering repair of a rectal prolapse, there are several deci­sion points that can aid in the ultimate choice of approach. First and foremost, acutely incarcerated prolapse must be recognized because this constitutes a surgical emergency. Similar to an incarcerated hernia, the prolapsed bowel can become ischemic if not reduced in a timely fashion. Temporizing measures such as applying sugar to the mucosa of the prolapsed segment of rectum can be used in cases where the bowel is edematous but not ischemic. If the bowel still will not reduce after application of sugar, then urgent surgical repair must be considered. In the setting of acute incarceration that cannot be reduced, a perineal rectosigmoidectomy is most prudent as it ensures that all compromised rectum is excised. Abdominal approaches can be used if ischemia is not present and the rectum reduces with induction of anesthesia and relaxation of the sphincter complex. Fortunately, acute incarceration is relatively rare owing to the stretch of the sphincter over time. As the sphincter is stretched by chronic prolapse, the likelihood that it will be constricting and not allow the rectum to be reduced is lowered.
Putting emergent indications aside, the majority of rectal prolapse repairs will occur in the elective setting. The approach to repair will need to take the degree of prolapse (full thickness vs. partial
thickness), patient factors (comorbidities, prior surgery), and asso­ciated pelvic floor pathology into account. There are six widely used approaches to prolapse outlined in Figure 1, not taking into account the choice of open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches to abdominal procedures. Thiersch wire procedures will not be discussed as they are largely of historical interest with high rates of complications.
PARTIAL THICKNESS PROLAPSE
Mucosal Sleeve Resection
The first decision point is whether the patient is experiencing a partial or full thickness prolapse. Partial thickness prolapse is repaired with a perineal approach using a Delorme procedure. This is a mucosal sleeve resection, which excises the redundant mucosa and sutures it back to the anal transition zone just prox­imal to the dentate line (Fig. 2). Of note, this procedure can also be used in short segment (<5 cm) full thickness prolapse. After the patient is positioned, the rectum is retracted out to reproduce the maximum amount of prolapse. A solution of saline mixed with epinephrine is injected into the submucosal layer both to lift it off of the underlying muscular layers but also to aid with hemostasis. A circular incision is created just proximal to the dentate line with electrocautery and carried down to this submucosal layer. In a patient with full thickness prolapse, plicating sutures would then be placed through the muscularis to accordion the rectum back to the anal canal. These are typically placed in four quadrants to offset the sutures to account for the mesorectum. The redundant mucosa is then amputated, and the remaining mucosa is sutured back to the proximal resection point.
FULL THICKNESS PROLAPSE
The options for repair of full thickness prolapse are separated into abdominal or perineal approaches (see Fig. 1). Traditionally we recommend a perineal approach to elderly or frail individuals as it avoids the physiologic stress associated with a major abdominal surgery and, in patients who are unfit for general anesthesia, can be done under regional anesthesia. In fact, Altemeier was not the first person to describe this technique, but his paper in 1952 described his experience using this approach in elderly, high-risk patients and was the beginning of the association of age and comorbidities with a perineal approach. However, this dogma is challenged by the evolution of better anesthetic techniques and the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques with relatively low rates of complications and faster recovery. Still, however, for some patients with full thick­ness prolapse who may be unacceptably high risk for an abdominal approach or have had multiple prior abdominal surgeries, a perineal approach is a good option.
Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy
Unlike a Delorme procedure, a perineal rectosigmoidectomy, or Altemeier procedure, is a full thickness resection and coloanal anastomosis. Once the patient is in position, the rectum is again prolapsed out to its maximum amount and a full thickness incision is made through the rectal wall about 1 to 2 cm proximal to the dentate line. This is carried around circumferentially and the pelvis is typi­cally entered anteriorly between the rectum and vagina/prostate by dividing the peritoneal attachments to enter the pouch of Douglas. The lateral ligaments are similarly divided using an energy device to ensure hemostasis. The rectum and sigmoid colon are then prolapsed out by taking posterior attachments and vessels of the mesorectum and mesocolon until the colon cannot be prolapsed any further. The full thickness colon wall is then divided making sure to take the mesocolon at this level so as to not devascularize the segment that will become part of the anastomosis. It is important to place anchor­ing, full thickness sutures through the colon wall as it is circum­ferentially divided as it can retract back into the abdomen without
234 MANAGEMENT OF RECTALPROLAPSE
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Abdominal
Approaches
Suture
Rectopexy
Mucosal Sleeve
Resection
Rectopexy
Ventral Mesh
Rectopexy
Perineal
Approaches
Perineal
Rectosigmoidectomy
FIG. 1 Approaches to rectal prolapse.
Resection
Rectopexy
+/-
Sacrocolpopexy
Perineal
Rectosigmoidectomy
+ Levatoroplasty
FIG. 2 Mucosal sleeve resection. (A) Injection of saline mixed with epinephrine to life submucosal layer. (B) Plication of muscularis and division of redun-
dant mucosa. (C) Handsewn anastomosis. (From Doane S, Yeo C. Shackelford’s Surger y of the Alimentary Tract, Vol. 2. 2019:1097–1112.)
them. At this point, if the patient had preoperative incontinence and has a wide levator hiatus, a posterior levatorplasty can be performed with interrupted sutures to narrow the levators. This can also be performed anteriorly for very wide defects, but care must be taken
not to incorporate the anterior structures or make the opening too narrow. The coloanal anastomosis can be performed in a handsewn or stapled fashion depending on preference. For a stapled approach, the anvil of the stapler is placed in the proximal colon and a purse
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string is sewn around the anal canal through which the stapler would be placed. Some surgeons advocate for the creation of a small colonic J-pouch to act as a reservoir, but a straight coloanal anastomosis with levatorplasty is an option as well to help with incontinence as a result of chronic stretch of the sphincter complex.
Abdominal Approaches
There are two main abdominal procedures for rectal prolapse: rec­topexy or resection rectopexy. These can be accomplished via open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches, and in a resection rectopexy the surgeon would perform a sigmoid colectomy in conjunction with their chosen rectopexy technique. Centered around this deci­sion point is the debate as to whether resection rectopexy offers an advantage over rectopexy alone. Advocates of resection rectopexy argue that a redundant sigmoid colon contributes to constipation, which then leads to the prolapse. Advocates of a rectopexy alone argue that segmental resection is not an adequate operation for constipation and adding a resection increases the potential for com­plications, especially in frail patients. This was studied as one arm of the PROlapse Surgery PErineal or Rectopexy (PROSPER) trial that is still, to date, the largest randomized trial comparing approaches to rectal prolapse. In this study, there was no significant difference in recurrence between patients undergoing a resection rectopexy versus suture rectopexy alone, although the main limitation was inadequate sample size to power all comparisons.
The next decision point is in the technique used for the rectopexy.
The most common technique is a suture rectopexy, but ventral mesh rectopexy is gaining in popularity for a number of reasons that will be discussed.
Suture Rectopexy
The goal of suture rectopexy is to fully mobilize the rectum down to the levator muscles and restore its anatomic position by suturing it to the sacral promontory to allow further scarring and fibrosis to occur to fix the rectum back in place. Whether this is accomplished
in an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach depends on surgeon experience. The rectum is fully mobilized by incising the peritoneum at the sacral promontory, and this dissection is carried down to the levator muscles posteriorly. It is important to note that the surgeon should not divide lateral stalks of the rectum close to the rectal wall but rather leave peritoneal “wings” to suture back to the sacral promontory. Care must be taken to avoid injury to the hypogastric nerves when performing this posterior dissection. Once the rectum is fully mobilized, the lateral stalks are placed on tension to bring the rectum back to its anatomic position and suture it to the sacral prom­ontory on both sides with nonabsorbable suture or tacks if using a minimally invasive approach. The sutures should be placed lateral to the hypogastric nerves and medial to the ureter and, once they are tied down, should not narrow the rectum or place it at a sharp angle, which will make evacuation difficult postoperatively. Potential areas for concern postoperatively include increased constipation due to division of lateral stalks and compromise of nervous innervation running within them as well as potential for sexual dysfunction in men due to the extensive posterior mobilization with increased risk of nerve damage. Many surgeons advocate for a perineal approach to full thickness prolapse in men to avoid these areas of potential nerve damage altogether.
Ventral Mesh Rectopexy
There have been many approaches to rectal prolapse that involve the use of mesh either as a material to fix the rectum to or as a sling/wrap to return the rectum to its usual position in the pelvis. A ventral mesh rectopexy avoids the posterior dissection and division of the lateral stalks that are worrisome in a suture rectopexy and relies on an anterior fixation. Similar to a suture rectopexy, the peri­toneum is incised over the sacral promontory taking care to avoid the hypogastric nerves and iliac bifurcation. This is only performed on one side of the rectum, typically the right side. This dissection is carried down laterally and into the rectovaginal septum with a complete dissection anteriorly to the pelvic floor (Fig. 3). A strip of mesh is cut and placed into the space between the rectum and
FIG. 3 Robotic ventral mesh rectopexy. (A) Mesh being
secured in rectovaginal space. (B) Pulling mesh to sacral
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promontory. (C) Suturing into sacral promontory. (Courtesy D. Lisle.)
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vagina and sutured to the anterolateral rectal wall on either side of the rectum also incorporating a small amount of pelvic floor musculature into sutures. The mesh is then stretched to the sacral promontory and tacked or sutured to the right side of the promon­tory after it has been adequately cleared. The peritoneum that has been incised laterally is usually then sutured back to itself to cover the mesh if possible.
Advantages to ventral mesh rectopexy include lack of a poste­rior mobilization and potential autonomic nerve injury, as well as the ability to address multicompartmental prolapse in a combined approach with our female pelvic medicine and reconstructive sur­gery (FPMRS) colleagues. Potential complications include mesh erosion and/or infection, which has motivated some surgeons to use biologic mesh instead of synthetic mesh. Regardless, rates of erosion even with synthetic mesh are quite low and reported to be anywhere between 2% to 4%. There have not been many studies to determine if there is a difference between recurrence rates using biologic versus synthetic mesh, but in a recent meta-analysis by Lobb et al. of suture rectopexy versus ventral mesh rectopexy, there was no statistically significant difference in recurrence between the two groups.
Recurrent Prolapse
The complication that is an inherent risk of any rectal prolapse repair is recurrence. Data in the literature vary widely depending on the degree of prolapse present preoperatively, the approach, and patient factors. The widely accepted dogma that perineal approaches lead to higher rates of recurrence has been challenged with the results of the PROS­PER trial showing that there was no statistically significant difference in recurrence between perineal and abdominal approaches. However, this trial also showed recurrence rates between 13% and 31%. This is much higher than the averages reported in the literature, which are typically below 10% to 15% and are likely a reflection of specialization of surgeons and a multidisciplinary approach to pelvic floor dysfunction.
The most important factor to consider in the approach to a recurrent rectal prolapse is the type of repair the patient underwent previously. Every effort should be made to obtain previous operative records. The biggest mistake that can be made is to inadvertently leave behind a segment of devascularized colon. This can only happen in patients who had a previous resection via a resection rectopexy or perineal rectosigmoidectomy. In these patients, the safest approach is a rectopexy as it does not involve any further resection and potential for vascular compromise. In patients who had a previous perineal rectosigmoidectomy, a repeat perineal rectosigmoidectomy can be performed provided that their previous anastomosis is fully resected.
CONCLUSION
Rectal prolapse is a debilitating disease that can be successfully treated with a thoughtful surgical approach. Many factors including presenting symptoms, patient comorbidities, bowel function, and degree of prolapse must be considered as there is no single superior approach that will be successful for every patient. However, with the right surgical approach and technique, patients can experience a drastic improvement in their quality of life and often even a return to their preoperative functional baseline.
S u g g e S t e d R e a d i n g S
Altomare D, Pucciani F. Rectal Prolapse: Diagnosis and Clinical Management:
Springer; 2008. Bordeianou L, Paquette I, Johnson E, etal. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the
Treatment of Rectal Prolapse. Dis Colon Rectum. 2017;60(11):1121–1131. Lobb HS, Kearsey CC, Ahmed S, Rajagneshan R. Suture rectopexy ver-
sus ventral mesh rectopexy for complete full thickness rectal prolapse
and intussusception: systematic review and meta-analysis. BJS Open.
2021;5(1):zraa037. Senapati A, Gray RG, Middleton LJ, et al. PROSPER: a randomized com-
parison of surgical treatments for rectal prolapse. Colorectal Disease.
2013;15(7):858–868.
Surgical Managementof Constipation
Nathalie Mantilla, MD, and Jose R. Cintron, MD
ealthy bowel habits are those considered regular, soft formed consistency, and without the need for excessive straining.
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However, they may vary in frequency and consistency from one person to another and still be considered normal. Constipa­tion is a common condition defined by fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard stools requiring excessive straining to pass, and/or sensation of incomplete emptying after defeca­tion. Chronic constipation is classified as functional (primary) or secondary. Functional constipation subtypes are based on the etiology: slow-transit constipation (colonic dysmotility), normal transit constipation, and/or obstructed defecation syndrome (pelvic floor dysfunction, rectal hyposensitivity, organ prolapse, internal intussusception). Secondary chronic constipation may be
related to medications and/or medical conditions (neurologic or endocrine problems, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.).
Constipation affects approximately 15% of the population worldwide and is a common cause of visits to gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. Despite its benign nature, it can be quite debilitating and can significantly impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Normal defecation is a multistep physiologic process that involves various organs. Colonic mucosa and musculature play an import­ant role in stool formation through a proper balance between water absorption and bowel motility. Coordination of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles is required in the final steps of stool elimi­nation. Colonic peristalsis helps advance the stool bolus distally as it thickens inside the bowel lumen. Once feces reach the rectum, distention of the rectal wall and feedback from specialized cells in the proximal anal canal will aid distinguishing between gas, solid or liquid stools, and facilitates evacuation when socially accept­able. This process requires coordination between autonomic and somatic nervous system functions.