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Frontiers in Surgery 2024Up to 50% of patients who undergo rectal resection suffer from various and partly severe functional problems, despite the preservation of the anal sphincter. These...
BACKGROUND
Up to 50% of patients who undergo rectal resection suffer from various and partly severe functional problems, despite the preservation of the anal sphincter. These complaints are defined as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). So far, there are no randomized clinical trials regarding the most effective treatment for LARS. Our aim is to evaluate whether transanal irrigation improves bowel function and quality of life in patients following low anterior resection compared to best supportive care.
METHODS
Patients who have undergone low anterior resection will be approached for this study. On patient's visit, complaints regarding the defecation as well as any deterioration in their overall quality of life will be assessed using questionnaires such as the Low Anterior Resection Syndromes score, Wexner score, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life (QOL) CR-29, and Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile tool. Few additional target questions will be also asked, such as "Would you recommend the treatment to anybody; did you expect the improvement following the treatment; etc." Questionnaires and scales will be filled on follow-up visits every 3 months for 1 year.
DISCUSSION
This multicenter, randomized controlled trial will lead to a better understanding of LARS treatment. Moreover, it will be a hypothesis-generating study and will inform areas needing future prospective studies.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT05920681).
PubMed: 38803549
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1384815 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Jun 2024Attention is increasingly being turned to functional outcomes as being central to colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship. The current literature may underestimate the...
AIM
Attention is increasingly being turned to functional outcomes as being central to colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship. The current literature may underestimate the impact of evacuatory dysfunction on patient satisfaction with bowel function after anterior resection (AR) for CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of post-AR symptoms of storage and evacuatory dysfunction on patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
METHOD
A cross-sectional study was performed at an Australian hospital of patients post-AR for CRC (2012-2021). The postoperative bowel function scores used were: low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), St Mark's incontinence, Cleveland Clinic constipation and Altomare obstructive defaecation syndrome scores. Eight 'storage' and 'evacuatory' dysfunction symptoms were derived. A seven-point Likert scale measured patient satisfaction. The SF36v2® measured HRQoL. Linear regression assessed the association between symptoms, patient satisfaction and HRQoL.
RESULTS
Overall, 248 patients participated (mean age 70.8 years, 57.3% male), comprising 103 with rectal cancer and 145 with sigmoid cancer. Of the symptoms that had a negative impact on patient satisfaction, six reflected evacuatory dysfunction, namely excessive straining (p < 0.001), one or more unsuccessful bowel movement attempt(s)/24 h (p < 0.001), anal/vaginal digitation (p = 0.005), regular enema use (p = 0.004), toilet revisiting (p = 0.004) and >10 min toileting (p = 0.004), and four reflected storage dysfunction, namely leaking flatus (p = 0.002), faecal urgency (p = 0.005), use of antidiarrhoeal medication (p = 0.001) and incontinence-related lifestyle alterations (p < 0.001). A total of 130 patients (53.5%) had 'no LARS', 56 (23.1%) had 'minor LARS' and 57 (23.4%) had 'major LARS'. Fifty-seven (44.5%) patients classified as having 'no LARS' had evacuatory dysfunction.
CONCLUSION
Postoperative storage and evacuatory dysfunction symptoms have an adverse impact on patient satisfaction and HRQoL post-AR. The importance of comprehensively documenting symptoms of evacuatory dysfunction is highlighted. Further research is required to develop a patient satisfaction-weighted LARS-specific HRQoL instrument.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged; Quality of Life; Syndrome; Postoperative Complications; Patient Satisfaction; Constipation; Colorectal Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Fecal Incontinence; Phenotype; Proctectomy; Australia; Aged, 80 and over; Rectal Neoplasms; Defecation; Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
PubMed: 38803003
DOI: 10.1111/codi.17034 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Microbial population structures within fecal samples are vital for disease screening, diagnosis, and gut microbiome research. The two primary methods for collecting...
INTRODUCTION
Microbial population structures within fecal samples are vital for disease screening, diagnosis, and gut microbiome research. The two primary methods for collecting feline fecal samples are: (1) using a fecal loop, which retrieves a rectal sample using a small, looped instrument, and (2) using the litter box, which collects stool directly from the litter. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different research objectives.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing were performed on the gut microbiomes of fecal samples collected using these two methods from 10 adult cats housed in the same research facility. We evaluated the influence of collection methods on feline microbiome analysis, particularly their impact on DNA extraction, metagenomic sequencing yield, microbial composition, and diversity in subsequent gut microbiome analyses. Interestingly, fecal sample collection using a fecal loop resulted in a lower yield of microbial DNA compared to the litterbox method ( = 0.004). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of host contamination ( = 0.106), virus contamination ( = 0.232), relative taxonomy abundance of top five phyla ( > 0.638), or the number of microbial genes covered ( = 0.770). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, the number of taxa identified at each taxonomic level, and the relative abundance of taxonomic units.
DISCUSSION
These two sample collection methods do not affect microbial population structures within fecal samples and collecting fecal samples directly from the litterbox within 6 hours after defecation can be considered a reliable approach for microbiome research.
PubMed: 38800749
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1337917 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2024In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections have been perceived to be high. The geographic distributions of...
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors among Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
BACKGROUND
In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections have been perceived to be high. The geographic distributions of helminths and TB overlap substantially. Parasitic infections affect the outcome of TB by changing the cell-mediated immune response to a humoral response, while infection favors the immune escape of helminths. There are limited studies on the epidemiology of intestinal parasites among presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021. The sociodemographic data and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were collected by convenient sampling technique and processed for the detection of intestinal parasites using a direct wet mount saline preparation and formal ether concentration technique. The data was coded, cleaned, and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULT
The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 25.6% (81/316); of these, 12.9% (41/316) were protozoan infections and 12.7% (40/316) were helminth infections. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being older than 36 years (AOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 1.26, 13.91; = 0.001), rural residence (AOR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.18, 9.97; < 0.001), unable to read and write (AOR = 2.62; 95%CI = 2.15, 8.43; = 0.004), and use of river water (AOR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.62, 8.21; < 0.001) were associated with intestinal parasitic infections.
CONCLUSION
The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis patients was high in the study area. Age, residence, educational status, and source of water were significant factors in IPIs among presumptive TB patients. Moreover, our findings suggest a proper health education program for good personal hygiene habits, the coloration of water, avoiding open-field defecation, and also preventative measures to avoid the acquisition of IPIs in patients with TB. Presumptive tuberculosis patients should be screened and treated accordingly. Additionally, it needs further research and recommends more assessment for intestinal parasitic infection in PTB patients.
PubMed: 38799382
DOI: 10.1155/2024/8993666 -
Pediatric Surgery International May 2024To describe the long-term bowel function of anorectal malformation (ARM) patients and explore the potential influence factors.
PURPOSE
To describe the long-term bowel function of anorectal malformation (ARM) patients and explore the potential influence factors.
METHODS
ARM patients with follow-up data > 10 years were included. Cases of cloaca, Currarino syndrome, and VACTERL syndrome were excluded. Rintala score and PedsQL 4.0 were used to assess bowel function score (BFS) and quality of life (QoL). Based on the results, patients were divided into satisfactory group with BFS ≥ 17 and unsatisfactory group with it < 17. Comparisons between the groups were made.
RESULTS
Among the 81 patients were 44 males and 37 females. Follow-up time was 138 (126,151) months. 16 (19.75%) patients had associated anomalies. 23 (28.40%) patients had reoperations, and fistula recurrence was the most common reason. BFS of the patients was 20 (18,20). QoL score was 100 (100,100), which correlated positively with BFS (r = 0.648, P < 0.001). The satisfactory and the unsatisfactory groups had 69 and 12 cases, and their BFS were 20 (20,20) and 11 (8,15) respectively, which had statistical difference (P < 0.001). Total QoL score and psycho-social health score of the unsatisfactory group were lower (P < 0.001). Only reoperations were statistically different between the groups (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Long-term (> 10 years) bowel function of ARM patients is good in this study. Defecation problems have negative impacts on QoL and mainly affects their psycho-social health. Primary anorectoplasty is extremely important. Reoperations, which are most commonly seen in recto-urethral fistula recurrence, adversely affect the outcome.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Anorectal Malformations; Quality of Life; Follow-Up Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Anal Canal; Adolescent; Infant; Rectum
PubMed: 38796646
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05731-y -
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 -
Food & Function Jun 2024The efficacy and safety of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in treating functional constipation were evaluated in a four-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial on 63... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The efficacy and safety of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in treating functional constipation were evaluated in a four-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial on 63 patients who met Rome IV criteria (34 GOS, 29 placebo group). The number of bowel movements per day and changes in the shape of bowel movements in the treatment group significantly improved compared to those in the control group after four weeks. The Patient Assessment Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire showed that satisfaction with constipation significantly increased in the treatment group. The levels of sp. and sp. significantly increased after four weeks of GOS treatment compared to those measured at baseline. No significant adverse drug reactions were identified in any indicator except for pulse rate. Thus, the prebiotic GOS can be safely used in foods and pharmaceuticals to alleviate symptoms of functional constipation by improving the intestinal flora.
Topics: Humans; Constipation; Female; Oligosaccharides; Male; Double-Blind Method; Middle Aged; Adult; Prebiotics; Quality of Life; Bifidobacterium; Treatment Outcome; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Lactobacillus; Defecation; Galactose; Young Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38787732
DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00999a -
Veterinary Sciences Apr 2024The usefulness of antibiotics in dogs with acute diarrhea (AD) is controversial. It is also unclear what effect metronidazole has on potential enteropathogens such as...
The usefulness of antibiotics in dogs with acute diarrhea (AD) is controversial. It is also unclear what effect metronidazole has on potential enteropathogens such as and . Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of metronidazole vs. a synbiotic on the clinical course and core intestinal bacteria of dogs with AD. Twenty-seven dogs with AD were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial and treated with either metronidazole (METg) or a synbiotic (SYNg; DSM 10663; NCIMB 10415/4b170). The Canine Acute Diarrhea Severity (CADS) index was recorded daily for eleven days. Bacteria were quantified using qPCR. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. A higher concentration of was observed in the METg group vs. the SYNg group on Day 6 ( < 0.0001) and Day 30 ( = 0.01). Metronidazole had no effect on was significantly lower in the METg group than in the SYNg group on Days 6 and 30 ( < 0.0001; = 0.0015). No significant differences were observed in CADS index, fecal consistency, or defecation frequency between treatment groups (except for the CADS index on one single day). In conclusion, metronidazole negatively impacts the microbiome without affecting clinical outcomes. Thus, synbiotics might be a preferred treatment option for dogs with AD.
PubMed: 38787169
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050197 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... May 2024Functional constipation is a common clinical diagnosis that affects approximately 14% of the world's population. Non-pharmacological therapies often represent the... (Review)
Review
Functional constipation is a common clinical diagnosis that affects approximately 14% of the world's population. Non-pharmacological therapies often represent the initial steps in management and may include lifestyle adjustments or changes such as physical activity and diet. Pharmacological options have been used when the non-pharmacological approach has been ineffective. Biofeedback therapy, surgery, sacral nerve stimulation, botulinum toxin injection, and vibrating capsules can be considered in scenarios where the laxatives are ineffective. Biofeedback therapy is highly effective and safe in treating dyssynergic defecation, which affects more than half of patients with chronic constipation. This paper overviews non-pharmacological therapies for functional constipation.
Topics: Constipation; Humans; Chronic Disease; Biofeedback, Psychology; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Botulinum Toxins
PubMed: 38783620
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2024.044