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Current Status and Role of Artificial Intelligence in Anorectal Diseases and Pelvic Floor Disorders.JSLS : Journal of the Society of... 2024Anorectal diseases and pelvic floor disorders are prevalent among the general population. Patients may present with overlapping symptoms, delaying diagnosis, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Anorectal diseases and pelvic floor disorders are prevalent among the general population. Patients may present with overlapping symptoms, delaying diagnosis, and lowering quality of life. Treating physicians encounter numerous challenges attributed to the complex nature of pelvic anatomy, limitations of diagnostic techniques, and lack of available resources. This article is an overview of the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling the difficulties of managing benign anorectal disorders and pelvic floor disorders.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched the PubMed database to identify all potentially relevant studies published from January 2000 to August 2023. Search queries were built using the following terms: AI, machine learning, deep learning, benign anorectal disease, pelvic floor disorder, fecal incontinence, obstructive defecation, anal fistula, rectal prolapse, and anorectal manometry. Malignant anorectal articles and abstracts were excluded. Data from selected articles were analyzed.
RESULTS
139 articles were found, 15 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common AI module was convolutional neural network. researchers were able to develop AI modules to optimize imaging studies for pelvis, fistula, and abscess anatomy, facilitated anorectal manometry interpretation, and improved high-definition anoscope use. None of the modules were validated in an external cohort.
CONCLUSION
There is potential for AI to enhance the management of pelvic floor and benign anorectal diseases. Ongoing research necessitates the use of multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration between physicians and AI programmers to tackle pressing challenges.
Topics: Humans; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Artificial Intelligence; Rectal Diseases; Anus Diseases; Manometry; Fecal Incontinence
PubMed: 38910957
DOI: 10.4293/JSLS.2024.00007 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Sep 2017Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic modalities to treat anogenital warts (AGWs), but this treatment was not clearly established in the recent... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cryotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic modalities to treat anogenital warts (AGWs), but this treatment was not clearly established in the recent international recommendations.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy versus other AGW treatments.
METHODS
Through a systematic search of 12 electronic databases, we identified 11 randomized controlled trials, screened from database inception through October 2016, that met the inclusion criteria (including immunocompetent adults with AGWs receiving cryotherapy in 1 of the comparison groups). Primary endpoint was complete clearance of AGW. Risk-for-bias assessment was based on Cochrane Handbook recommendations. Meta-analyses used Review Manager v5.3 software.
RESULTS
Cryotherapy efficacy did not appear to differ from that of trichloroacetic acid, podophyllin, or imiquimod. Electrosurgery was weakly associated with better AGW clearance than cryotherapy (risk ratio [RR] 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.99). Cryotherapy was associated with more immediate low-level adverse events (erythema, stinging, or irritation; RR 3.02, 95% CI 1.38-6.61) and immediate pain requiring oral analgesics (RR 2.11, 95% CI 1.07-4.17) but fewer erosions (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.90).
LIMITATIONS
All but 1 randomized-controlled trial had a high risk for bias.
CONCLUSION
With low-level quality of the evidence, cryotherapy is an acceptable first-line therapy to treat AGWs.
Topics: Anus Diseases; Condylomata Acuminata; Cryotherapy; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Genital Diseases, Male; Humans; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28651824
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.04.012 -
Journal of Primary Care & Community... Oct 2017The purpose of this review was to explore the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, its associated factors, and the facilitators of and barriers to HPV... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this review was to explore the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, its associated factors, and the facilitators of and barriers to HPV vaccination among adolescents.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted through 5 electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, and PsycInfo from January 2006 to March 2015 for studies examining the uptake, awareness, knowledge, acceptability, and intention of adolescents with regard to HPV vaccination.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies were identified and included. The HPV vaccination uptake rate (at least 1 dose) varied significantly among countries, ranging from 2.4% to 94.4%. Scotland achieved the highest uptake of all the studies included in this review, while Hong Kong had the lowest, at 2.4% to 9.1%. This review also showed that adolescents had limited awareness and knowledge of HPV infections and vaccines, even 10 years after the vaccine had become available.
CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that barriers to the uptake of the vaccine should be addressed, and that school-based sexual health education of HPV infection and vaccine promotion should be reinforced.
Topics: Adolescent; Anus Neoplasms; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hong Kong; Humans; Intention; Male; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Risk Factors; Scotland; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaccination Coverage
PubMed: 29161946
DOI: 10.1177/2150131917742299 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2018Chronic anal fissures (CAF) are common and associated with reduced quality of life. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is frequently carried out but carries a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chronic anal fissures (CAF) are common and associated with reduced quality of life. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is frequently carried out but carries a significant risk of anal incontinence. Anal advancement flap (AAF) has been advocated as an alternative, 'sphincter-preserving' procedure. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of both techniques in the treatment of CAF.
METHODS
The online databases of PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to January 2017. All studies that investigated and reported outcomes of LIS and AAF for treatment of CAF were included. The primary outcome measure was anal incontinence while secondary outcomes included unhealed fissure and wound complication rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates.
RESULTS
Four studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 2 retrospective studies) describing 300 patients (150 LIS, 150 AAF) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. There was significant clinical heterogeneity among the trials. On random effects analysis, AAF was associated with a significantly lower rate of anal incontinence compared to LIS (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.36, p = .002). However, there were no statistically significant differences in unhealed fissure (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 0.25 to 19.33, p = .47) or wound complication rates (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.50 to 4.99 p = .51) between AAF and LIS.
CONCLUSIONS
AAF is associated with less incontinence, but similar wound complications as well as a similar rate of unhealed fissures compared to LIS. However, further well-executed, multi-centre randomized trials are required to provide stronger evidence.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Chronic Disease; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy; Male; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29233787
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.12.002 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Sep 2023To evaluate the effect of different surgical methods in the treatment of high complex anal fistula by systematic review and network meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of different surgical methods in the treatment of high complex anal fistula by systematic review and network meta-analysis.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, VIP were searched from the date of database construction to May 23, 2023.
RESULTS
Among the 48 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 4205 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. Incision thread-drawing counter-drainage procedure (ITCP) in improving the effective rate, the cure rate; reduce the recurrence rate, reduce the anal canal damage has a huge advantage. Directional line-hanging method (DLM) is optimal for safety and postoperative pain relief. Directional line-hanging method (ITSS) protect the optimal anal function after surgery. Sphincter preserving thread-hanging method (SPTM) has a significant advantage in accelerating wound healing time. Main tube incision combined with thread-hanging branch tube drainage (MIBD) is second only to incision thread-drawing counter-drainage procedure (ITCP) in improving effective rate, cure rate, reducing recurrence rate and reduce complication rate.
CONCLUSION
In general, different thread-drawing surgery methods have good clinical effect for the treatment of high complex anal fistula. In general, these methods provide evidence-based medical evidence for early treatment in terms of improving clinical efficacy, relieving anal pain and reducing wound healing time. However, there are differences in the number of included literature studies, and further verification by large-sample, high-quality, multicenter RCTS is still needed in the next stage.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Drainage; Anal Canal; Anus Diseases; Rectal Fistula; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37707561
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04519-1 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Oct 2015Temporary faecal diversion is sometimes used for management of refractory perianal Crohn's disease (CD) with variable success. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Temporary faecal diversion is sometimes used for management of refractory perianal Crohn's disease (CD) with variable success.
AIMS
To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness, long-term outcomes and factors associated with success of temporary faecal diversion for perianal CD.
METHODS
Through a systematic literature review through 15 July 2015, we identified 16 cohort studies (556 patients) reporting outcomes after temporary faecal diversion. We estimated pooled rates [with 95% confidence interval (CI)] of early clinical response, attempted and successful restoration of bowel continuity after temporary faecal diversion (without symptomatic relapse), and rates of re-diversion (in patients with attempted restoration) and proctectomy (with or without colectomy and end-ileostomy). We identified factors associated with successful restoration of bowel continuity.
RESULTS
On meta-analysis, 63.8% (95% CI: 54.1-72.5) of patients had early clinical response after faecal diversion for refractory perianal CD. Restoration of bowel continuity was attempted in 34.5% (95% CI: 27.0-42.8) of patients, and was successful in only 16.6% (95% CI: 11.8-22.9). Of those in whom restoration was attempted, 26.5% (95% CI: 14.1-44.2) required re-diversion because of severe relapse. Overall, 41.6% (95% CI: 32.6-51.2) of patients required proctectomy after failure of temporary faecal diversion. There was no difference in the successful restoration of bowel continuity after temporary faecal diversion in the pre-biological or biological era (13.7% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.60), in part due to selection bias. Absence of rectal involvement was the most consistent factor associated with restoration of bowel continuity.
CONCLUSIONS
Temporary faecal diversion may improve symptoms in approximately two-thirds of patients with refractory perianal Crohn's disease, but bowel restoration is successful in only 17% of patients.
Topics: Anus Diseases; Colectomy; Crohn Disease; Feces; Humans; Ileostomy; Proctocolectomy, Restorative; Recurrence
PubMed: 26264359
DOI: 10.1111/apt.13356 -
Cancer Cytopathology Jul 2018Anal cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing over the past decade. Although the incidence in the general population remains low, it is much higher in certain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Anal cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing over the past decade. Although the incidence in the general population remains low, it is much higher in certain subgroups, including those living with human immunodeficiency virus and men who have sex with men. Approximately 90% of anal squamous cell cancers are caused by infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV). Given the common etiology between anal and cervical carcinogenesis, screening for anal cancer has been proposed in certain high-risk populations using strategies adapted from cervical cancer prevention. In this review, the authors discuss important differences in anal and cervical cancer regarding the populations at risk, disease natural history, and clinical procedures and outcomes that need to be considered when evaluating strategies for anal cancer screening. They also performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the performance of anal cytology, anal HPV testing, and various biomarkers for the detection of anal precancers and cancers. The implications of these performance estimates are summarized in the context of risk-based screening and management of anal precancers, and important research gaps are highlighted that need to be addressed to fully understand the benefits and harms of anal cancer screening. Cancer Cytopathol 2018. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Topics: Anus Neoplasms; Biomarkers; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cytodiagnosis; Early Detection of Cancer; Humans; Incidence; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Prognosis
PubMed: 29797691
DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22018 -
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) 2023Topical treatments and botulinum toxin injections are valid options for the management of patients with chronic anal fissures (CAF), but little is known about the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Topical treatments and botulinum toxin injections are valid options for the management of patients with chronic anal fissures (CAF), but little is known about the efficacy of these techniques in long-term follow-up. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness, given to clinical outcomes, of medical treatments with calcium antagonists, nitroglycerin, and botulinum toxin on CAF treatment in adults.
METHOD
A systemic review and meta-analysis developed according to PRISMA [PLoS Med. 2009 Jul 21;6(7):e1000100; BMJ. 2010 Mar 23;340:c332] and registered in PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42020120386). A systematic literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized control trials that compared medical treatment were identified; publications had to have a clinical definition of CAF with at least one of the following signs or symptoms: visible sphincter fibers at the base of the fissure, anal papillae, sentinel piles, and indurated margins. The symptoms had to be chronic for at least 4 weeks. Data were independently extracted for each study, and a meta-analysis was drawn using fixed- and random-effects models.
RESULTS
17 randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. Diltiazem showed a superior effect compared with glycerin (RR = 1.16 [95% CI = 1.05-1.30]; I2 = 18%) and with fewer adverse effects (RR = 0.13 [95% CI = 0.04-0.042]; I2 = 87%). Similar results were evidenced with the use of nifedipine compared with lidocaine (RR = 4.53 [95% CI = 2.99-6.86]; I2 = 28%). Botulinum toxin did not show statistically significant differences compared to glycerin (RR = 0.81 [95% CI = 0.02-29.36]; I2 = 93%) or isosorbide dinitrate (RR = 1.45 [95% CI = 0.32-6.54]; I2 = 85%). Regarding recurrence, nifedipine was superior to lidocaine (RR = 0.18 [95% CI = 0.08-0.44]; I2 = 31%).
CONCLUSIONS
Calcium channel blockers performed well regarding the healing of CAF when compared to others in long-term follow-up. The superiority of botulinum toxin was not evidenced compared to topical treatments. More studies are needed to better assess recurrence rates.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Fissure in Ano; Nifedipine; Glycerol; Treatment Outcome; Nitroglycerin; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 36646066
DOI: 10.1159/000528222 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Jan 2023Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are treated with sphincter-preserving radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy, achieving excellent oncologic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are treated with sphincter-preserving radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy, achieving excellent oncologic outcomes. Patients, however, may experience treatment-related morbidity including sexual dysfunction. The objective of this systematic review was to review the literature on sexual dysfunction in female patients treated for anal cancer and to identify knowledge gaps.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO prior to initiation. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. There were no restrictions on the study time period. Studies were limited to English. All study designs were included except review articles, letters to the editor, and case reports with less than ten patients.
RESULTS
In total, 1801 studies were retrieved and 19 met the inclusion criteria, including: 13 cross-sectional surveys, 3 prospective studies, 1 longitudinal intervention study, 1 retrospective chart review, 1 case control study. Sexual function was assessed using the female sexual functioning index (FSFI), EORTC-QLQ-CR30 and -CR38; response rates were low (<50 % in most studies). Sexual dysfunction was reported by up to 85 % of women; the most common symptoms being dyspareunia (17-65 %), vaginal dryness (22-88 %), and loss of libido (38-95 %). Gastrointestinal issues, such as bowel problems, and body image concerns additionally affected sexual function and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Sexual dysfunction is a common issue affecting most female patients treated for anal cancer and there is a paucity of evidence on the management of this important survivorship issue. There is additionally a lack of ethnic, economic, and educational diversity and there are no studies addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals - future studies should make a concerted effort to include a diverse patient population.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Case-Control Studies; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Anus Neoplasms; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 36481383
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.109437 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases Feb 2018Data on carcinogenicity of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in the anus are needed to inform anal cancer prevention through vaccination and screening. This is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Data on carcinogenicity of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in the anus are needed to inform anal cancer prevention through vaccination and screening. This is particularly the case for people infected with HIV, who are at an increased risk of anal cancer.
METHODS
We did a systematic review of studies published from January, 1986, to July, 2017, in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library on anal HPV infection, without any language restrictions. Eligible studies reported type-specific HPV prevalence by strata of cytopathological or histopathological anal diagnosis, sex, and HIV status. Data requests were made to authors when necessary. We did a meta-analysis of type-specific HPV prevalence across the full spectrum of anal diagnoses, from normal cytology to anal cancer. We assessed the main outcome of type-specific HPV prevalence ratios [PR], calculated across strata of anal diagnoses, gender, or HIV status, by use of generalised linear models.
FINDINGS
95 studies were identified from the search, published between 1992-2017, from which 18 646 individuals fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the analyses: 8534 people with normal cytology, 5730 with low-grade lesions, 2024 with high-grade lesions, and 2358 with anal cancer. HPV prevalence varied in normal cytology from 42% in HIV-negative women to 76% in HIV-positive men and, for each diagnosis, was higher in individuals who were HIV positive than those who were HIV negative. HPV16 positivity increased with diagnosis severity, being the only HPV type accounting for more HPV infection in anal cancer than normal cytology, both in individuals who were HIV negative (PR 5·0, 95% CI 3·8-6·6, p<0·0001) and those who were HIV positive (2·3, 1·9-2·7, p<0·0001). HPV16 positivity increased even between high-grade lesions and anal cancer, whereas other high-risk HPV types accounted for high proportions of low-grade or high-grade lesions but their prevalence decreased in anal cancer. However, HPV16 was less frequent in HIV-positive than HIV-negative anal cancer, both in men (PR 0·8, 95% CI 0·7-0·9, p<0·0001) and women (0·8, 0·6-1·0, p=0·063), and in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative high-grade lesions in women (0·6, 0·5-0·9, p=0·0077). Type-specific attribution of the non-HPV16 fraction of HIV-positive anal cancer is hindered by a high prevalence of multiple HPV infections.
INTERPRETATION
HPV16 is by far the most carcinogenic HPV type in the anus, with enrichment of HPV16 even from high-grade lesions to anal cancer, both in individuals who are HIV negative and those who are HIV positive. Nevertheless, the fraction of anal cancer attributable to HPV16 is smaller in the HIV-positive population.
FUNDING
International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Topics: Anal Canal; Anus Neoplasms; Female; Genotype; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Prevalence
PubMed: 29158102
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30653-9