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Techniques in Coloproctology Oct 2022Most patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (pfCD) present with complex types of perianal fistulas and need repetitive repair operations, resulting in a high... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (pfCD) present with complex types of perianal fistulas and need repetitive repair operations, resulting in a high risk of sphincter injury. Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™) is a novel sphincter-saving technique that obliterates the fistula tract with a photothermal effect. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FiLaC in pfCD.
METHODS
This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Wanfang Data were searched for published articles from January 2000 to June 2021. The clinicaltrials.gov website was searched for completed or ongoing trials on pfCD and FiLaC™. The references of each article were also searched for eligible data. The main outcome was the primary healing rate of the FiLaC™ procedure. Additionally, fecal incontinence was analyzed as the secondary outcome to evaluate the safety of FiLaC™.
RESULTS
Six studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. All studies were published within the past 6 years and came from European countries. There were 50 pfCD patients recruited, and 31 patients' fistulas were healed after FiLaC™. The pooled primary healing rate was 68% (95% CI 53.0-84.0%, I = 27%, p = 0.23). There was no major fecal incontinence after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that FiLaC™ may be an effective and safe procedure for pfCD patients. However, the evidence is poor and there is a need for more high-quality prospective controlled studies with long-term follow-up before this minimally invasive technique is recommended for surgical treatment of pfCD.
Topics: Crohn Disease; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Lasers; Prospective Studies; Rectal Fistula; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35962294
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-022-02682-1 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jul 2022The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature by conducting a systematic review to assess the possible effects of nerve-sparing segmental resection and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature by conducting a systematic review to assess the possible effects of nerve-sparing segmental resection and conventional bowel resection on postoperative complications for the treatment of colorectal endometriosis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Pubmed, Clinical Trials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched from 1997 to 2021 in order to perform a systematic review. Studies including patients undergoing segmental resection for colorectal endometriosis including adequate follow-up, data on postoperative complications and postoperative sequelae were enrolled in this review. Selected articles were evaluated and divided in two groups: Nerve-sparing resection (NSR), and conventional segmental resection not otherwise specified (SRNOS). Within the NSRs, studies mentioning preservation of the rectal artery supply (artery and nerve-sparing SR - ANSR) and not reporting preservation of the artery supply (NSR not otherwise specified - NSRNOS) were further analyzed.
PROSPERO ID
CRD42021250974.
RESULTS
A total of 7549 patients from 63 studies were included in the data analysis. Forty-three of these publications did not mention the preservation or the removal of the hypogastric nerve plexus, or main rectal artery supply and were summarized as SRNOS. The remaining 22 studies were listed under the NSR group. The mean size of the resected deep endometriosis lesions and patients' body mass index were comparable between SRNOS and NSR. A mean of 3.6% (0-16.6) and 2.3% (0-10.5%) of rectovaginal fistula development was reported in patients who underwent SRNOS and NSR, respectively. Anastomotic leakage rates varied from 0% to 8.6% (mean 1.7 ± 2%) in SRNOS compared with 0% to 8% (mean 1.7 ± 2%) in patients undergoing NSR. Urinary retention (4.5% and 4.9%) and long-term bladder catheterization (4.9% and 5.6%) were frequently reported in SRNOS and NSR. There was insufficient information about pain or the recurrence rates for women undergoing SRNOS and NSR.
CONCLUSIONS
Current data describe the outcomes of different segmental resection techniques. However, the data are inhomogeneous and not sufficient to reach a conclusion regarding a possible advantage of one technique over the other.
Topics: Colorectal Neoplasms; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35661342
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14379 -
Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied... Oct 2022Our aim was to review the current knowledge of the role of fluorescence imaging for intraoperative intestinal assessment in gynecological surgery. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to review the current knowledge of the role of fluorescence imaging for intraoperative intestinal assessment in gynecological surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A computer-based systematic review was performed from 2000 to 2020. All articles describing the use of indocyanine green (ICG) applied to bowel assessments in gynecology or endometriosis surgery were considered for review.
RESULTS
ICG is an effective tool for assessing bowel vascularization, potentially preventing anastomotic leakage and recto-vaginal fistula and can therefore be useful for endometriosis surgery or bowel assessment in gynecological oncology procedures. Real-time characterization of the hypovascular pattern of endometriotic nodules has been associated with a larger nodule size and lower microvessel density, helping surgeons choose the best transecting line and the most appropriate technique. ICG angiography allows for a laparoscopic and intrarectal bowel assessment, which can act as a double check of bowel perfusion, enabling the assessment of mucosa vascularization. ICG fluorescence can guide intraoperative decision-making after intestinal anastomosis, discoid resection, and rectal shaving, preventing anastomotic leakage and postoperative recto-vaginal fistula in low anterior resections.
CONCLUSIONS
ICG angiography provides a better intestinal assessment. Larger, prospective, randomized controlled studies are needed to validate the technique and confirm these encouraging results.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Anastomotic Leak; Endometriosis; Female; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Laparoscopy; Optical Imaging; Prospective Studies; Vaginal Fistula
PubMed: 35442833
DOI: 10.1080/13645706.2022.2064715 -
Techniques in Coloproctology Oct 2022Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) has gained increasing acceptance as a sphincter-sparing procedure for treating complex anorectal fistulas (CAF), but no... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) has gained increasing acceptance as a sphincter-sparing procedure for treating complex anorectal fistulas (CAF), but no unequivocal conclusions can yet be drawn regarding its ultimate effectiveness. We reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VAAFT in CAF patients.
METHODS
The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42021279085). A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2021 with no restriction on language based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We used the keywords video-assisted surgery, video-assisted anal fistula treatment, and complex anorectal fistula to identify relevant studies.
RESULTS
Fourteen trials (7 prospective and 7 retrospective) with a total of 1201 patients (mean age 43.5 years) were included. The median follow-up duration was 16.5(8-48) months. Pooled analysis showed that the rates of success, recurrence and postoperative complication across the studies were 83% (95% CI 81-85%, I = 37.9%), 16% (95% CI 14-18%, I = 4.8%), 11% (95% CI 7-15%, I = 72.1%), respectively. The postoperative Jorge-Wexner score used to assess the level of anal incontinence was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.9-1.27, I = 74.6%). The internal opening detection rate was 97.6% (95% CI 96.1-99.6%, I = 48.2%). Recurrence rates varied according to the closure method of internal opening from 21.4% after using staplers, 18.7% after suturing, to 23.5% after advancement flap. The hospital stay was 3.15 days (95% CI 2.96-3.35, I = 49.7%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the risk of heterogeneity in the urine retention group was higher compared with that of the overall group and that retrospective studies may be the source of heterogeneity for postoperative anal incontinence. r . Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the pooled results. Begg's and Egger's tests showed no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
According to the available evidence, VAAFT may be a valuable alternative to fistulotomy or seton in treating CAF and has the additional long-term benefits of reducing anal incontinence and surgical morbidity, permitting earlier healing and accelerated rehabilitation.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Organ Sparing Treatments; Prospective Studies; Rectal Fistula; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Video-Assisted Surgery
PubMed: 35347492
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-022-02614-z -
BMC Gastroenterology Jan 2022Crohn's disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and anovaginal fistulas (AVFs) are rare, debilitating conditions that present a substantial disease and...
BACKGROUND
Crohn's disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and anovaginal fistulas (AVFs) are rare, debilitating conditions that present a substantial disease and treatment burden for women. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the burden of Crohn's-related RVF and AVF, summarizing evidence from observational studies and highlighting knowledge gaps.
METHODS
This SLR identified articles in PubMed and Embase that provide data and insight into the patient experience and disease burden of Crohn's-related RVF and AVF. Two trained reviewers used pre-specified eligibility criteria to identify studies for inclusion and evaluate risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies.
RESULTS
Of the 582 records identified, 316 full-text articles were assessed, and 16 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and were included. Few epidemiology studies were identified, with one study estimating the prevalence of RVF to be 2.3% in females with Crohn's disease. Seven of 12 treatment pattern studies reported that patients had or required additional procedures before and/or after the intervention of interest, demonstrating a substantial treatment burden. Seven of 11 studies assessing clinical outcomes reported fistula healing rates between 50 and 75%, with varying estimates based on population and intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
This SLR reports the high disease and treatment burden of Crohn's-related RVF and AVF and identifies multiple evidence gaps in this field. The literature lacks robust, generalizable data, and demonstrates a compelling need for substantial, novel research into these rare and debilitating sequelae of CD. Registration The PROSPERO registration number for the protocol for this systematic literature review is CRD42020177732.
Topics: Cost of Illness; Crohn Disease; Female; Humans; Prevalence; Rectovaginal Fistula; Rectum
PubMed: 35090384
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-02079-8 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Sep 2022The purpose of this study is to describe all published studies of single-stage procedures for anorectal malformations and to perform a meta-analysis of studies that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to describe all published studies of single-stage procedures for anorectal malformations and to perform a meta-analysis of studies that compared single-stage to staged procedures.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in Pubmed, Medline, Embase and CENTRAL. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan and expressed as forest plots with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 537 patients. The majority (70%) of patients included in this meta-analysis had either perineal or vestibular fistulas. Surgical site infection (SSI) was defined as any reported infection involving the neoanus (both superficial infection and dehiscence) and occurred in 51 of the 291 patients who underwent single-stage procedures, and 26 of the 244 patients who underwent staged procedure. Meta-analysis showed a 2.2 times higher risk of surgical site infection (SSI) amongst patients who undergo single-stage procedures (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.26, 3.92). Six of the 293 patients (2%) who underwent single-stage procedures required a rescue ostomy for wound dehiscence. In LMIC the risk of wound dehiscence was three-fold higher in single-stage (36/202) compared to staged procedures (12/126) (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.42, 6.63). In HIC there was no evidence of an increased risk of wound dehiscence in patients who underwent a single-stage (15/91) compared to a staged procedure (14/118) (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.65, 3.51). There is no evidence of a difference between single-stage versus staged procedures with regards to functional outcomes including voluntary bowel movements (79/90 versus 111/128), soiling (24/165 versus 20/203) or constipation (27/90 versus 36/128).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review provides further evidence that single-stage procedures for selected patients with anorectal malformations are safe. Whilst there is evidence of an increased risk of SSI, this did not translate to a significant difference in long-term functional outcomes.
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE
Level II.
Topics: Anorectal Malformations; Constipation; Humans; Perineum; Rectal Fistula; Surgical Wound Infection
PubMed: 35063254
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.12.024 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Oct 2022To systematically evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating anal fistula. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating anal fistula.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and case-control studies published before June 2021 on evaluating the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating anal fistula. References of the journals were manually searched for relevant studies. Literature search, screening, data extraction, and bias assessment were carried out by two researcher independently. Stata13.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used for statistical analysis of the cure rate and recurrence rate of anal fistula.
RESULTS
A total of 6 case-control studies and 3 RCTs involving 289 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled cure rate of all studies was 65% (95% CI 0.53-0.77), p = 0.000, and the pooled recurrence rate of all studies was 12% (95% CI 0.08-0.17).
CONCLUSION
Platelet-rich plasma is safe and effective in treating anal fistula and should be promoted and further studied in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Rectal Fistula; Case-Control Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35049123
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14760 -
Journal of Endourology Jun 2022MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) uses real-time MR thermometry feedback to target prostate disease. We systematically review the literature to...
MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) uses real-time MR thermometry feedback to target prostate disease. We systematically review the literature to synthesize efficacy, functional, and safety outcomes and assess the influence of planned ablation fraction on outcome. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2021 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies reporting at least one efficacy, functional, or safety outcome after a single TULSA treatment were included. The relationship of freedom from salvage treatment and potency preservation with planned ablation volume was modeled. Two hundred twenty-four patients were treated in 10 studies with up to a 5-year follow-up, mainly for primary localized prostate cancer (PCa) plus smaller cohorts with recurrent PCa, and locally advanced PCa (LAPC). The prostate-specific antigen decline from baseline up to 2 years, including focal to whole-gland ablation plans, was 54% to 97%. The rate of salvage treatment after one TULSA treatment for primary PCa was 7% to 17%. Continence and potency preservation were from 92% to 100% and from 75% to 98%. Urinary symptoms were stable in men with good voiding function at baseline, and 85% of men with concurrent PCa and lower urinary tract symptoms met the criteria for improvement. Symptom relief in a small cohort of men with LAPC was observed. Grade III adverse events were incurred by 13/224 men (6%), with no rectal injury/fistula or Grade IV complication. The planned ablation fraction was linearly related to salvage-free survival. The relationship between potency preservation and planned ablation fraction followed a sigmoid curve. As an alternative to conventional treatments, TULSA is safe and effective for prostate tissue ablation in men with primary PCa. There is also evidence that TULSA delivers effective relief of urinary symptoms while treating PCa in a single, low-morbidity procedure. The likelihood of freedom from additional treatment or potency preservation is associated with the planned ablation fraction.
Topics: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Transurethral Resection of Prostate
PubMed: 35029127
DOI: 10.1089/end.2021.0866 -
BMJ Open Gastroenterology Dec 2021Perianal Crohn's disease (pCD) is a debilitating complication affecting up to 30% of Crohn's disease (CD) population, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Perianal Crohn's disease (pCD) is a debilitating complication affecting up to 30% of Crohn's disease (CD) population, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and decreased quality of life. Despite the growing armamentarium of medications for luminal CD, their efficacy in pCD remains poorly studied.
AIM
To determine the efficacy of ustekinumab, a biologic approved for luminal CD, in pCD through a retrospective cohort study and systematic review.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study on patients with CD with active perianal fistulae treated with ustekinumab from September 2013 to August 2019 was performed to determine perianal fistula response and remission at 6 and 12 months after ustekinumab induction. A systematic review was performed to further establish rates of fistula response and remission with ustekinumab.
RESULTS
At 6 months, 48.1% (13/27) patients achieved fistula response with none achieving fistula remission on provider exam, and 59.3% (16/27) achieved patient-reported symptomatic improvement with 3.7% (1/27) achieving symptomatic remission. At 1 year, on provider exam, 55.6% (5/9) had fistula response with none achieving fistula remission, and 100% (9/9) had symptomatic improvement with 22.2% (2/9) achieving symptomatic remission. There were no major safety signals during 1-year follow-up. The systematic review of 25 studies found 44% (92/209) of patients with active perianal fistulas had a clinical response within 6 months of follow-up, and 53.9% (85/152) of patients with 12 months of follow-up achieved clinical response.
CONCLUSION
Ustekinumab presents a safe and effective therapy for treatment of pCD. Prospective, randomised trials are needed to further elucidate long-term efficacy of ustekinumab for pCD.
Topics: Crohn Disease; Humans; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Rectal Fistula; Retrospective Studies; Ustekinumab
PubMed: 34920992
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000702 -
The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology... Nov 2021Anal fistula is a relatively common anorectal disease. An accurate assessment of the main anal fistula type and the anatomy of the internal opening before surgery is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Anal fistula is a relatively common anorectal disease. An accurate assessment of the main anal fistula type and the anatomy of the internal opening before surgery is necessary to obtain the best surgical results. Whether three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) should be used as the first-line diagnostic tool for anal fistula is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of the published literature on 3D-EAUS and anal fistula, and compare the results of 3D-EAUS and surgery to evaluate the diagnostic value of 3D-EAUS for anal fistula.
METHODS
An online search of databases in English included PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. After the diagnostic accuracy of 3D-EAUS of all anal fistula types was integrated, a single-group rate meta-analysis was performed; we analyzed 3D-EAUS separately for the diagnosis of different anal fistula types, and conducted a meta-analysis of test accuracy. The analysis combined sensitivity, specificity, and the respective 95% CI, to draw a summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC), and estimate the area under curve (AUC).
RESULTS
Based on the inclusion criteria, we selected 8 studies covering 1057 cases of anal fistula and 548 cases of internal opening. The meta-analysis data show that 3D-EAUS has a total accuracy rate of 91% (95% CI, 88-94%). It has high sensitivity and specificity for different anal fistula classifications. The SROC curves for anal fistula internal openings were plotted, and the AUC was calculated to be 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83-0.89).
CONCLUSIONS
3D-EAUS can be used as the first-line diagnostic tool for anal fistula, because it has a high diagnostic accuracy for most anal fistulas. However, due to the insufficient diagnostic accuracy of 3D-EAUS for complex fistulas, 3D-EAUS combined with MRI examination can be used to more accurately detect the secondary extension of complex fistulas, so as to describe the complete anatomy of the fistula in more detail.
Topics: Endosonography; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Rectal Fistula; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34872892
DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2021.20750