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International Journal of Hygiene and... Aug 2017Sanitation aims to sequester human feces and prevent exposure to fecal pathogens. More than 2.4 billion people worldwide lack access to improved sanitation facilities... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sanitation aims to sequester human feces and prevent exposure to fecal pathogens. More than 2.4 billion people worldwide lack access to improved sanitation facilities and almost one billion practice open defecation. We undertook systematic reviews and meta-analyses to compile the most recent evidence on the impact of sanitation on diarrhea, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, trachoma, schistosomiasis, and nutritional status assessed using anthropometry.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We updated previously published reviews by following their search strategy and eligibility criteria. We searched from the previous review's end date to December 31, 2015. We conducted meta-analyses to estimate pooled measures of effect using random-effects models and conducted subgroup analyses to assess impact of different levels of sanitation services and to explore sources of heterogeneity. We assessed risk of bias and quality of the evidence from intervention studies using the Liverpool Quality Appraisal Tool (LQAT) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, respectively. A total of 171 studies met the review's inclusion criteria, including 64 studies not included in the previous reviews. Overall, the evidence suggests that sanitation is protective against diarrhea, active trachoma, some STH infections, schistosomiasis, and height-for-age, with no protective effect for other anthropometric outcomes. The evidence was generally of poor quality, heterogeneity was high, and GRADE scores ranged from very low to high.
CONCLUSIONS
This review confirms positive impacts of sanitation on aspects of health. Evidence gaps remain and point to the need for research that rigorously describes sanitation implementation and type of sanitation interventions.
Topics: Diarrhea; Helminthiasis; Humans; Nutritional Status; Sanitation; Trachoma
PubMed: 28602619
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.05.007 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Sep 2021Laparoscopic surgery is the standard surgical approach for colon cancer. However, there is no standard surgery for right colectomy. Selection between total laparoscopic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Laparoscopic surgery is the standard surgical approach for colon cancer. However, there is no standard surgery for right colectomy. Selection between total laparoscopic right colectomy (TLRC) and laparoscopic-assisted right colectomy (LARC) is a topic of interest. In this systematic review, we compared the short-term outcomes of TLRC and LARC in the treatment of right colon cancer.
METHODS
We identified studies (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase) comparing TLRC and LARC up to February 2021. Surgical duration; volume of intraoperative blood loss; number of harvested lymph nodes; incision length; hospitalization duration; time to first flatus; time to first defecation; and anastomotic leakage, ileus, and wound infection were compared.
RESULTS
Thirty studies (TLRC, 1948 patients; LARC, 2369 patients) were evaluated. All studies were retrospective, except seven prospective studies, three RCTs, and three case-control studies. TLRC demonstrated lesser intraoperative blood loss volume (P < 0.01), less frequent intraoperative conversion to laparotomy (P = 0.02), shorter hospitalization duration (P < 0.01), smaller incision length (P < 0.01), shorter time to first flatus (P < 0.01) and first defecation (P < 0.01), and lesser frequent wound infection (P < 0.01) compared with LARC. The surgical duration, number of harvested lymph nodes, anastomotic leakage, and ileus were similar between TLRC and LARC (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
TLRC is associated with significantly earlier bowel recovery, lesser blood loss, smaller incision length, lower rate of conversion, shorter hospitalization duration, and lesser frequent wound infection compared with LARC.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Colectomy; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Operative Time; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34152484
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02235-4 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Apr 2017An estimated 2.4 billion people still lack access to improved sanitation and 946 million still practice open defecation. The World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
An estimated 2.4 billion people still lack access to improved sanitation and 946 million still practice open defecation. The World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned this review to assess the impact of sanitation on coverage and use, as part of its effort to develop a set of guidelines on sanitation and health.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We systematically reviewed the literature and used meta-analysis to quantitatively characterize how different sanitation interventions impact latrine coverage and use. We also assessed both qualitative and quantitative studies to understand how different structural and design characteristics of sanitation are associated with individual latrine use. A total of 64 studies met our eligibility criteria. Of 27 intervention studies that reported on household latrine coverage and provided a point estimate with confidence interval, the average increase in coverage was 14% (95% CI: 10%, 19%). The intervention types with the largest absolute increases in coverage included the Indian government's "Total Sanitation Campaign" (27%; 95% CI: 14%, 39%), latrine subsidy/provision interventions (16%; 95% CI: 8%, 24%), latrine subsidy/provision interventions that also incorporated education components (17%; 95% CI: -5%, 38%), sewerage interventions (14%; 95% CI: 1%, 28%), sanitation education interventions (14%; 95% CI: 3%, 26%), and community-led total sanitation interventions (12%; 95% CI: -2%, 27%). Of 10 intervention studies that reported on household latrine use, the average increase was 13% (95% CI: 4%, 21%). The sanitation interventions and contexts in which they were implemented varied, leading to high heterogeneity across studies. We found 24 studies that examined the association between structural and design characteristics of sanitation facilities and facility use. These studies reported that better maintenance, accessibility, privacy, facility type, cleanliness, newer latrines, and better hygiene access were all frequently associated with higher use, whereas poorer sanitation conditions were associated with lower use.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that most sanitation interventions only had a modest impact on increasing latrine coverage and use. A further understanding of how different sanitation characteristics and sanitation interventions impact coverage and use is essential in order to more effectively attain sanitation access for all, eliminate open defecation, and ultimately improve health.
Topics: Humans; India; Sanitation; Toilet Facilities
PubMed: 27825597
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.10.001 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024Although ERAS Program had some advantages in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG), its efficacy and safety remained unclear. We conducted a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The efficacy and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) Program in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Although ERAS Program had some advantages in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG), its efficacy and safety remained unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the ERAS group and the traditional care (TC) group in LDG.
METHODS
Multiple databases were retrieved from 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2023. The risk ratio (RR), standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the results.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis contained 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies, which comprised 1468 patients. Regarding efficacy, the ERAS group had significantly shorter postoperative time to first flatus (SMD = -1.29 [95% CI: -1.68, -0.90]), shorter time to first defecation (SMD = -1.26 [95% CI: -1.90, -0.61]), shorter hospital stays (SMD = -0.99 [95% CI: -1.34, -0.63]), and lower hospitalization costs (SMD = -1.17 [95% CI: -1.86, -0.48]) compared to the TC group. Furthermore, in the ERAS group, C-reactive protein levels were lower on postoperative days 1, 3 or 4, and 7; albumin levels were higher on postoperative days 3 or 4 and 7; and interleukin-6 levels were lower on postoperative days 1 and 3. Regarding safety, the overall postoperative complication rate was lower in the ERAS group (RR: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.60, 0.97]), but there was no significant difference in the individual postoperative complication rate. Other indicators were also not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The combination of ERAS Program with laparoscopy surgery was safe and effective for the perioperative management of patients with distal gastric cancer.
Topics: Humans; Enhanced Recovery After Surgery; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Postoperative Complications; Gastrectomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38279689
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2306194 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Hirschsprung disease (HD) is characterized by absent neuronal innervation of the distal colonic bowel wall and is surgically treated by removing the affected bowel... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hirschsprung disease (HD) is characterized by absent neuronal innervation of the distal colonic bowel wall and is surgically treated by removing the affected bowel segment via pull-through surgery (PT). Incomplete removal of the affected segment is called transition zone anastomosis (TZA). The current systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and clinical impact of TZA.
METHODS
Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, and Web of Sciences were searched (last search: October 2020), and studies describing histopathological examination for TZA in patients with HD were included. Data were synthesized into aggregated Event Rates (ER) of TZA using random-effects meta-analysis. The clinical impact was defined in terms of obstructive defecation problems, enterocolitis, soiling, incontinence, and the need for additional surgical procedures. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
KEY RESULTS
This systematic review included 34 studies, representing 2207 patients. After excluding series composed of only patients undergoing redo PT, the prevalence was 9% (ER = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.05-0.14, < 0.001, I = 86%). TZA occurred more often after operation techniques other than Duhamel (X = 19.21, = <0.001). Patients with TZA often had obstructive defecation problems (62%), enterocolitis (38%), soiling (28%), and fecal incontinence (24%) in follow-up periods ranging from 6 months to 13 years. Patients with TZA more often had persistent obstructive symptoms (X = 7.26, = 0.007).
CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES
TZA is associated with obstructive defecation problems and redo PT and is thus necessary to prevent.
PubMed: 37761437
DOI: 10.3390/children10091475 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Sep 2017Conventional haemorrhoidectomy is still considered the reference standard for the management of severe or recurrent haemorrhoids. Pain is reported by patients to be the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Conventional haemorrhoidectomy is still considered the reference standard for the management of severe or recurrent haemorrhoids. Pain is reported by patients to be the most common postoperative complication. Although the literature lacks a consensus on its effectiveness, metronidazole is often used to reduce postoperative pain. We have performed a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the use of metronidazole for pain relief after haemorrhoidectomy.
METHOD
A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with the PRISMA protocol using the MESH headings 'haemorrhoidectomy', 'hemorhoidectomy', 'hemorrhoidectomy', 'haemorrhoid', 'metronidazole', 'Flagyl ' 'antibiotic' and 'pain'. The search returned 421 articles of which eight were RCTs suitable for inclusion in the review with a total population of 437 patients. The outcomes of interest were postoperative pain intensity on days 1, 2 and 7 and on first defaecation as measured using a visual analogue scale.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pain for patients treated with metronidazole with a reduced mean difference for the metronidazole group on day 1 of -1.42 (95% CI: -2.14 to -0.69, P = 0.0001), on day 2 of -1.43 (95% CI: -2.45 to -0.40, P = 0.006) and on day 7 of -2.40 (95% CI: -3.10 to -1.71, P < 0.00001). Pain on first defaecation was likewise reduced with a mean difference of -1.38 (95% CI: -2.15 to -0.60, P = 0.0005). Limitations of this study include variation in the grade of haemorrhoids treated and variability in the quality of included studies.
CONCLUSION
Metronidazole is a cheap, safe and effective intervention for reducing postoperative pain following conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Analgesics; Female; Hemorrhoidectomy; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28589634
DOI: 10.1111/codi.13755 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in restoring gastrointestinal function in tumor patients receiving the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The...
Effect of acupuncture inclusion in the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on tumor patient gastrointestinal function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
INTRODUCTION
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in restoring gastrointestinal function in tumor patients receiving the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the rationality and efficacy of integrating acupuncture in the ERAS strategy to recuperate gastrointestinal function.
METHODS
We searched eleven databases for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in tumor patients treated with the ERAS protocol. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias criteria and the modified Jadad Scale. As individual symptoms, the primary outcomes were time to postoperative oral food intake, time to first flatus, time to first distension and peristaltic sound recovery time (PSRT). Pain control, adverse events, and acupoint names reported in the included studies were also investigated.
RESULTS
Of the 211 reviewed abstracts, 9 studies (702 patients) met eligibility criteria and were included in the present systematic review and meta‑analysis. Compared to control groups, acupuncture groups showed a significant reduction in time to postoperative oral food intake [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.18 to -0.35], time to first flatus (SMD=-0.81, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.48), time to first defecation (SMD=-0.91, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.41, PSRT (SMD=-0.92, 95% CI -1.93 to 0.08), and pain intensity (SMD=-0.60, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.37).The Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints were used in eight of the nine included studies. Adverse events related to acupuncture were observed in two studies, and only one case of bruising was reported.
DISCUSSION
The present systematic review and meta‑analysis suggested that acupuncture significantly improves recovery of gastrointestinal function and pain control in tumor patients receiving the ERAS protocol compared to the control group. Moreover, ST36 and ST37 were the most frequently used acupoints. Although the safety of acupuncture was poorly described in the included studies, the available data suggested that acupuncture is a safe treatment with only mild side effects. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for the inclusion of acupuncture in the ERAS protocol for tumor patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023430211.
PubMed: 37655096
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1232754 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Aug 2007Although there are defined criteria for the diagnosis of constipation, in practice, diagnostic criteria are less rigid, and in part depend on the perception of normal... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Although there are defined criteria for the diagnosis of constipation, in practice, diagnostic criteria are less rigid, and in part depend on the perception of normal bowel habit. Constipation is highly prevalent, with approximately 12 million general practitioner prescriptions for laxatives in England in 2001.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of non-drug interventions, and of other interventions, in adults with idiopathic chronic constipation? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to October 2006 (BMJ Clinical evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 42 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: arachis oil, biofeedback, bisacodyl, cascara, docusate, exercise, glycerine suppositories, glycerol, high-fibre diet, increasing fluids, ispaghula husk, lactitol, lactulose, macrogols (polyethylene glycols), magnesium salts, methylcellulose, paraffin, phosphate enemas, seed oils, senna, sodium citrate enemas, sterculia.
Topics: Adult; Biofeedback, Psychology; Bisacodyl; Constipation; Defecation; Humans; Polyethylene Glycols
PubMed: 19454117
DOI: No ID Found -
Updates in Surgery Feb 2022Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is a rather complex entity concerning mainly females and causing primarily constipation. Surgical treatment in the form of Ventral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is a rather complex entity concerning mainly females and causing primarily constipation. Surgical treatment in the form of Ventral Prosthesis Rectopexy (VPR) has been proposed and seems to have the best outcomes. However, the selection criteria of patients to undergo this kind of operation are not clear and the reported outcomes are mainly short-term and data on long-term outcomes is scarce. This study assesses new evidence on the efficacy of VPR for the treatment of ODS, specifically focusing on inclusion criteria for surgery and the long-term outcomes. A search was performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid and Cochrane databases on all studies reporting on VPR for ODS from 2000 to March 2020. No language restrictions were made. All studies on VPR were reviewed systematically. The main outcomes were intra-operative complications, conversion, procedure duration, short-term mortality and morbidity, length of stay, faecal incontinence and constipation, quality of life (QoL) score and patient satisfaction. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by three observers. Fourteen studies including 963 patients were eligible for analysis. The immediate postoperative morbidity rate was 8.9%. A significant improvement in constipation symptoms was observed in the 12-month postoperative period for ODS (p < 0.0001). Current evidence shows that VPR offers symptomatic relief to the majority of patients with ODS, improving both constipation-like symptoms and faecal incontinence for at least 1-2 years postoperatively. Some studies report on functional results after longer follow-up, showing sustainable improvement, although in a lesser extent.
Topics: Defecation; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Prostheses and Implants; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34665411
DOI: 10.1007/s13304-021-01177-2 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2021Clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture is effective for relieving abdominal pain and distension in acute pancreatitis (AP). However, there is a lack of systematic...
Clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture is effective for relieving abdominal pain and distension in acute pancreatitis (AP). However, there is a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that provide high-quality evidence of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in this context. To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for relieving abdominal pain and distension in AP. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature databases. Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture plus routine treatment (RT) vs. RT alone or RT plus sham/placebo acupuncture were included. Primary outcomes included total effectiveness rate, VAS scores for abdominal pain and distension, and time until relief of abdominal pain and distension. Secondary outcomes included time until recovery of bowel sound, time until first defecation, length of hospital stay, and APACHE II score. Nineteen eligible original studies ( = 1,503) were included. The results showed that acupuncture in combination with RT had a significant advantage in terms of increasing the total effectiveness rate [risk ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.24; = 0.001]. Acupuncture also reduced the VAS score for abdominal pain [weighted mean difference (WMD): -1.45; 95% CI: -1.71 to -1.19; < 0.0001] and the VAS score for abdominal distension (WMD: -0.71; 95% CI: -1.04 to -0.37; < 0.0001) in patients with AP. Other results also showed the efficacy of acupuncture. One study reported adverse events after acupuncture. Acupuncture in combination with RT has a better effect than RT alone for relieving abdominal pain and distension in AP. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm this result. PROSPERO CRD42019147503 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=147503).
PubMed: 34925110
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.786401