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Journal of Gastroenterology and... Jun 2024We aimed to verify the effectiveness of electroacupuncture on postoperative ileus prevention after abdominal surgery by meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). (Review)
Review
Effectiveness of electroacupuncture on postoperative ileus prevention after abdominal surgery: A systematic review and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to verify the effectiveness of electroacupuncture on postoperative ileus prevention after abdominal surgery by meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA).
METHODS
From inception to May 14, 2024, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched. TSA was used to determine an optimal sample size and control false-positive findings. The primary outcome was the time to first defecation (hours).
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included, with 1105 participants. Meta-analysis and TSA revealed firm evidence for benefits that electroacupuncture shorted the time to first defecation (mean difference [MD] -12.73 h, I = 22%, P < 0.01), the time to first flatus (MD -7.03 h, I = 25%, P < 0.01), the time to start of sips of water (MD -12.02 h, I = 0%, P < 0.01), and the time to start of liquid diet (MD -12.97 h, I = 0%, P < 0.01) compared with usual care. While compared with sham electroacupuncture, meta-analysis and TSA also confirmed that electroacupuncture shortened the time to first defecation (MD -10.81 h, I = 31%, P = 0.02) and the time to first flatus (MD -10.81 h, I = 0%, P < 0.01). However, TSA revealed that firm evidence for benefit or futility was not reached for the length of hospital stay and the rates of postoperative prolonged ileus.
CONCLUSIONS
Electroacupuncture shortened the duration of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, and the adverse events related to electroacupuncture were minor. Further investigation of the effect of electroacupuncture on the risk of prolonged postoperative ileus is warranted in the future.
PubMed: 38943533
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16670 -
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 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2024Constipation that is prolonged and does not resolve with conventional therapeutic measures is called intractable constipation. The treatment of intractable constipation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Constipation that is prolonged and does not resolve with conventional therapeutic measures is called intractable constipation. The treatment of intractable constipation is challenging, involving pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies, as well as surgical approaches. Unresolved constipation can negatively impact quality of life, with additional implications for health systems. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify treatments that are efficacious and safe.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatments used for intractable constipation in children.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers up to 23 June 2023. We also searched reference lists of included studies for relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any pharmacological, non-pharmacological, or surgical treatment to placebo or another active comparator, in participants aged between 0 and 18 years with functional constipation who had not responded to conventional medical therapy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were symptom resolution, frequency of defecation, treatment success, and adverse events; secondary outcomes were stool consistency, painful defecation, quality of life, faecal incontinence frequency, abdominal pain, hospital admission for disimpaction, and school absence. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each primary outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
This review included 10 RCTs with 1278 children who had intractable constipation. We assessed one study as at low risk of bias across all domains. There were serious concerns about risk of bias in six studies. One study compared the injection of 160 units botulinum toxin A (n = 44) to unspecified oral stool softeners (n = 44). We are very uncertain whether botulinum toxin A injection improves treatment success (risk ratio (RR) 37.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.31 to 257.94; very low certainty evidence, downgraded due to serious concerns with risk of bias and imprecision). Frequency of defecation was reported only for the botulinum toxin A injection group (mean interval of 2.6 days). The study reported no data for the other primary outcomes. One study compared erythromycin estolate (n = 6) to placebo (n = 8). The only primary outcome reported was adverse events, which were 0 in both groups. The evidence is of very low certainty due to concerns with risk of bias and serious imprecision. One study compared 12 or 24 μg oral lubiprostone (n = 404) twice a day to placebo (n = 202) over 12 weeks. There may be little to no difference in treatment success (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.92; low certainty evidence). We also found that lubiprostone probably results in little to no difference in adverse events (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.21; moderate certainty evidence). The study reported no data for the other primary outcomes. One study compared three-weekly rectal sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and sorbitol enemas (n = 51) to 0.5 g/kg/day polyethylene glycol laxatives (n = 51) over a 52-week period. We are very uncertain whether rectal sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and sorbitol enemas improve treatment success (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.14; very low certainty evidence, downgraded due to serious concerns with risk of bias and imprecision). Results of defecation frequency per week was reported only as modelled means using a linear mixed model. The study reported no data for the other primary outcomes. One study compared biofeedback therapy (n = 12) to no intervention (n = 12). We are very uncertain whether biofeedback therapy improves symptom resolution (RR 2.50, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.79; very low certainty evidence, downgraded due to serious concerns with risk of bias and imprecision). The study reported no data for the other primary outcomes. One study compared 20 minutes of intrarectal electromotive botulinum toxin A using 2800 Hz frequency and botulinum toxin A dose 10 international units/kg (n = 30) to 10 international units/kg botulinum toxin A injection (n = 30). We are very uncertain whether intrarectal electromotive botulinum toxin A improves symptom resolution (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.22; very low certainty evidence) or if it increases the frequency of defecation (mean difference (MD) 0.00, 95% CI -1.87 to 1.87; very low certainty evidence). We are also very uncertain whether intrarectal electromotive botulinum toxin A has an improved safety profile (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.00; very low certainty evidence). The evidence for these results is of very low certainty due to serious concerns with risk of bias and imprecision. The study did not report data on treatment success. One study compared the injection of 60 units botulinum toxin A (n = 21) to myectomy of the internal anal sphincter (n = 21). We are very uncertain whether botulinum toxin A injection improves treatment success (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.34; very low certainty evidence). No adverse events were recorded. The study reported no data for the other primary outcomes. One study compared 0.04 mg/kg oral prucalopride (n = 107) once daily to placebo (n = 108) over eight weeks. Oral prucalopride probably results in little or no difference in defecation frequency (MD 0.50, 95% CI -0.06 to 1.06; moderate certainty evidence); treatment success (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.72; moderate certainty evidence); and adverse events (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.39; moderate certainty evidence). The study did not report data on symptom resolution. One study compared transcutaneous electrical stimulation to sham stimulation, and another study compared dietitian-prescribed Mediterranean diet with written instructions versus written instructions. These studies did not report any of our predefined primary outcomes.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We identified low to moderate certainty evidence that oral lubiprostone may result in little to no difference in treatment success and adverse events compared to placebo. Based on moderate certainty evidence, there is probably little or no difference between oral prucalopride and placebo in defecation frequency, treatment success, or adverse events. For all other comparisons, the certainty of the evidence for our predefined primary outcomes is very low due to serious concerns with study limitations and imprecision. Consequently, no robust conclusions could be drawn.
Topics: Humans; Constipation; Child; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Defecation; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Quality of Life; Laxatives; Infant; Bias; Lubiprostone
PubMed: 38895907
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014580.pub2 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Chewing gum, considered a form of sham feeding, has been shown to improve intestinal motor and secretory function in various types of abdominal surgery. We conducted... (Review)
Review
Effects of Postoperative Gum Chewing on Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function Following Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Chewing gum, considered a form of sham feeding, has been shown to improve intestinal motor and secretory function in various types of abdominal surgery. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the effects of postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. We performed a comprehensive literature review of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Embase, and a reference list of relevant studies from the inception to 11 March 2024, comparing postoperative gum chewing versus no gum chewing following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery regardless of indications and setting without language restriction. The primary outcome was the time to the presence of bowel sounds and the time to the first passage of flatus. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in included studies. Nine RCTs with a total of 1011 patients were included. Overall, three studies were categorized as having a low risk of bias, three had some concerns, and three exhibited a high risk of bias. The time to the presence of bowel sounds (mean difference [MD] -2.66 h, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.68 to -1.64, < 0.00001) and time to the first passage of flatus (MD -4.20 h, 95% CI -5.79 to -2.61, < 0.00001) was significantly shorter in the gum-chewing group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to the time to the first defecation (MD -6.52 h, 95% CI -15.70 to 2.66, = 0.16), time to the first postoperative mobilization (MD 24.05 min, 95% CI -38.16 to 86.26, = 0.45), postoperative ileus (MD 0.68, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.19, = 0.17), and length of hospital stay (MD -0.05 day, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.04, = 0.28). Gum chewing following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery appears to promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function, as evidenced by a reduced time to the presence of bowel sounds and the first passage of flatus.
PubMed: 38792393
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102851 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Jul 2024Shared sanitation facilities are not considered a type of basic sanitation by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), though they may be the only alternative to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Shared sanitation facilities are not considered a type of basic sanitation by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), though they may be the only alternative to open defecation in urban informal settlements. Additionally, JMP indicators for sanitation do not cover aspects related to the quality of shared sanitation, such as those outlined in the Human Right to Water and Sanitation (HRTWS) framework. Data on the prevalence of shared sanitation within informal settlement areas is limited, and there is a need to understand user preferences, experiences, and barriers to the use of shared sanitation to inform effective policy and practice. This systematic review aims to summarize the prevalence and number of households sharing sanitation in informal settlements globally, as well as user experiences and barriers to successful implementation of shared sanitation. We included studies available in English and published after January 1, 2000. We retrieved 4741 articles from seven databases and included a total of 167 relevant publications. Among included studies, 54 reported the prevalence of shared sanitation in informal settlements, and 138 studies reported on user perceptions and experiences related to shared sanitation quality. A meta-analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of shared sanitation in informal settlements globally revealed an estimated overall prevalence of 67% [95% CI: 61%-73%]. Commonly reported user preferences included cleanliness to promote continued use of shared facilities, privacy with a lockable door, facilities for menstrual hygiene management, safety and protection against violence, 24/7 access, proper lighting, and shared responsibility for facility management - which align with the HRTWS framework and represent barriers to shared sanitation use. Based on the findings of this review, we recommend including the number of households or people sharing a sanitation facility in monitoring of shared sanitation quality, locating sanitation facilities within compounds, where applicable, and promoting safety, dignity, and privacy of all users in the development of shared sanitation quality indicators.
Topics: Humans; Prevalence; Sanitation
PubMed: 38788338
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114392 -
Gastroenterology and Hepatology From... 2024A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation application methods in patients with chronic... (Review)
Review
AIM
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation application methods in patients with chronic constipation.
BACKGROUND
Posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation is a management procedure for chronic constipation.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted on Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library based on the PICO formation of the study. All randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies in which patients with chronic constipation were treated with transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) or percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) were included in this study. Two independent reviewers screened all titles, abstracts, and full texts. The selected studies' quality was assessed critically using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The data synthesis was conducted using Review Manager Software.
RESULTS
Out of 1016 records, 11 studies were included in this study. The results showed that TTNS was effective in improving constipation symptoms (SMD: -1.52, CI 95%: -2.81 to -0.22, p< 0.0001) and reducing defecation time of patients with chronic constipation (SMD: -0.86, CI 95%: -1.60 to -0.13, p= 0.17). Additionally, PTNS was found to improve the quality of life of these patients (SMD: -1.32, CI 95%: -2.05 to -0.59, p< 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Both TTNS and PTNS can be effective interventions for chronic constipation. To suggest a definitive and standard treatment plan, further research is needed to determine optimal parameters for TTNS and PTNS applications.
PubMed: 38737935
DOI: 10.22037/ghfbb.v17i1.2831 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2024This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of probiotics supplementation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of probiotics supplementation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS
We searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu (VIP) database, Wanfang Database, Sinomed (CBM), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of Science databases for eligible studies from inception to January 4th, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) comparing the effects of probiotic supplements and placebo in patients with PD. Meta-analysis was conducted with the software Review Manager 5.4. The quality assessment was performed according to Cochrane risk of bias tool.
RESULTS
A total of 11 RCTs with 756 PD patients were included in this study. We found that probiotics could increase the number of complete bowel movements (CBMs) per week and improved the scores of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL) (SMD = 0.73, 95 % CI: 0.54 to 0.92, P < 0.00001, I = 45 %; SMD = - 0.79, 95 % CI: - 1.19 to - 0.39, P < 0.001, I = 55 %, respectively) compared with the placebo group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in improving fecal traits and defecation efforts in PD patients (SMD = 0.87, 95 % CI: 0.01 to 1.74, P = 0.05, I = 94 %; SMD = 1.24, 95 % CI: - 1.58 to 4.06, P > 0.05, I = 98 %, respectively). In terms of PD composite scale scores: after treatment, there was no significant difference in Movement Disorder Society-Unified-Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Ⅲ score (MDS-UPDRSⅢ) between the probiotic group and the placebo group (SMD = - 0.09, 95 % CI: - 0.35 to 0.16, P > 0.05, I = 0 %).
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, based on the overall results of the available RCTs studies, our results suggested the potential value of probiotics in improving constipation symptoms in PD patients. Therefore, probiotics may be one of the adjuvant therapy for PD-related constipation patients. The findings of this study provide more proof supporting the effectiveness of probiotics, encouraging probiotics to be utilized alone or in combination with other therapies in clinical practice for PD patients. However, more well-designed RCTs with large sample sizes are required.
Topics: Humans; Constipation; Dietary Supplements; Parkinson Disease; Probiotics; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38705493
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103045 -
Medicine May 2024Postcholecystectomy diarrhea (PCD) is among the most distressing and well-known clinical complications of cholecystectomy. Despite various available treatment options,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Postcholecystectomy diarrhea (PCD) is among the most distressing and well-known clinical complications of cholecystectomy. Despite various available treatment options, clinical outcomes are greatly limited by unclear pathophysiological mechanisms. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for the treatment of functional diarrhea. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM for the treatment of PCD.
METHODS
Electronic database searches were conducted using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Scientific Journal Database. All RCTs on CHMs for managing patients with PCD were included. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS
The present meta-analysis included 14 RCTs published between 2009 and 2021 in China. The primary findings indicated that CHM had a higher total efficacy and cure rate as a monotherapy for PCD (P < .00001). Two trials reported the scores of the main symptoms with statistically significant differences in stool nature (P < .00001), defecation frequency (P = .002), and abdominal pain and bloating (P < .00001). In addition, CHM reduced CD3+ and CD4+ levels more effectively in terms of T lymphocyte subset determination (P < .00001). The main symptoms of PCD in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are splenic deficiency and liver stagnation. All treatments were used to strengthen the spleen and (or) soothing the liver.
CONCLUSION
CHM had a favorable effect on PCD. No adverse events were observed. Larger, high-quality RCTs are warranted to draw definitive conclusions and standardize treatment protocols.
Topics: Humans; Diarrhea; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cholecystectomy; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38701312
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038046 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Apr 2024The efficacy of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery (SILS + 1) versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for colorectal cancer treatment remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery (SILS + 1) versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for colorectal cancer treatment remains unclear. This study compares the short-term and long-term outcomes of SILS + 1 and CLS using a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHOD
Literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, drawing from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library until December 10, 2023. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan and Stata.
RESULT
The review and meta-analysis included seven studies with 1740 colorectal cancer patients. Compared to CLS, SILS + 1 showed significant improvements in operation time (WMD = - 18.33, P < 0.00001), blood loss (WMD = - 21.31, P < 0.00001), incision length (WMD = - 2.07, P < 0.00001), time to first defecation (WMD = - 14.91, P = 0.009), time to oral intake (WMD = - 11.46, P = 0.04), and time to ambulation (WMD = - 11.52, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in lymph node harvest, resection margins, complications, anastomotic leakage, hospital stay, disease-free survival, overall survival, and postoperative recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to CLS, SILS + 1 demonstrates superiority in shortening the surgical incision and promoting postoperative recovery. SILS + 1 can provide a safe and feasible alternative to CLS.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Length of Stay; Female; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38684561
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04630-x -
Ontario Health Technology Assessment... 2024Rectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the rectum, which has the primary function of temporarily storing feces, controlling defecation, and maintaining...
BACKGROUND
Rectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the rectum, which has the primary function of temporarily storing feces, controlling defecation, and maintaining continence. Surgery is the most common treatment for rectal cancer; surgical approaches include open, laparoscopic, and robotic assisted. We conducted an expedited summary of the clinical evidence for robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer, which included an evaluation of effectiveness and safety.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence to retrieve systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed the risk of bias in the included systematic reviews using AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews, version 2), and we assessed the risk of bias in the included RCT using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials, version 1. We reported the quality of the body of evidence as evaluated in the included systematic reviews according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group criteria if it was evaluated.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies in the clinical evidence review (12 systematic reviews and 1 RCT on robotic-assisted vs. laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery and 1 systematic review on robotic-assisted vs. open rectal cancer surgery). Compared with laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery may result in similar overall survival; similar rates of conversion, blood transfusion, and readmission,· reduced blood loss; shorter length of stay; and improved quality of life. Compared with open rectal cancer surgery, robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery may result in similar overall survival, reduced blood loss, and shorter length of stay.
CONCLUSIONS
Robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery may result in similar or improved clinical outcomes compared with laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Neoplasms; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38645608
DOI: No ID Found