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Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) 2021Chronic diarrhea is defined as more than 3 bowel movements per day, or loose stools, or stool weight >200 g/day for at least 4 weeks. Accompanying symptoms may include...
BACKGROUND
Chronic diarrhea is defined as more than 3 bowel movements per day, or loose stools, or stool weight >200 g/day for at least 4 weeks. Accompanying symptoms may include urgency, abdominal pain, or cramps.
SUMMARY
A number of causes have to be considered, including inflammatory, neoplastic, malabsorptive, infective, vascular, and functional gastrointestinal diseases. Other causes include food intolerances, side effects of drugs, or postsurgical conditions. Diarrhea may also be symptom of a systemic disease, like diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Special patient groups, like the very elderly and immunocompromised patients, pose special challenges. This review follows a question-answer style and addresses questions raised on the intersection of primary and secondary care. What do you mean by diarrhea? Why is it important to distinguish between acute or chronic diarrhea? How shall the patient with chronic diarrhea be approached? How can history and physical exam help? How can routine laboratory tests help in categorizing diarrhea? Which additional laboratory tests may be helpful? How to proceed in undiagnosed or intractable diarrhea? What are the treatment options in patients with chronic diarrhea? Key Messages: Acute diarrhea is usually of infectious origin with the main treatment goal of preventing water and electrolyte disturbances. Chronic diarrhea is usually not of infectious origin and may be the symptom of a large number of gastrointestinal and general diseases or drug side effects. In undiagnosed or intractable diarrhea, the question shall be raised whether the appropriate tests have been performed and interpreted correctly.
Topics: Aged; Chronic Disease; Defecation; Diarrhea; Feces; Gastroenterologists; Humans; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 33588424
DOI: 10.1159/000515219 -
Cureus Nov 2023Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), that contribute to inflammation of the... (Review)
Review
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), that contribute to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, manifesting as bloody diarrhea, fecal urgency, bloating, cramping, and weight loss. IBD manifests as an exacerbation of these symptoms, which medications with high side effect profiles can manage; consequently, many novel therapies, including biologics such as ustekinumab and vedolizumab, have been developed over the years. This systematic review aims to assess the safety and efficacy of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in treating inflammatory bowel disease based on a comprehensive analysis of relevant studies. A thorough literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials, post hoc analyses, case reports, observational cohorts, and meta-analyses involving ustekinumab and vedolizumab as treatment in IBD patients. The selected studies were critically evaluated for their methodology, patient characteristics, and outcomes. The analysis involved twelve distinct studies investigating the impact of ustekinumab and vedolizumab on individuals afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The findings revealed a notable trend: ustekinumab displayed a propensity for yielding higher rates of clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Moreover, one study underscored substantial reductions in endoscopic disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who were on ustekinumab. Similarly, ustekinumab exhibited promising outcomes in CD patients, including swift ultrasound responses and the achievement of transmural remission, particularly among those who were new to biologic treatments. In line with this, vedolizumab demonstrated early and considerable symptomatic improvements when used to treat both UC and CD patients. While both biologics showed promising results in inducing and maintaining remission, cautious monitoring is warranted due to the potential adverse events observed in some cases. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to establish a comprehensive understanding of the medications' effects on IBD patients.
PubMed: 38060699
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48338 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Mar 2023Anastomosis for gastrointestinal reconstruction has been contentious after low anterior resection of rectal cancer for the past 30 years. Despite the abundance of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of complications and bowel function among different reconstruction techniques after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Anastomosis for gastrointestinal reconstruction has been contentious after low anterior resection of rectal cancer for the past 30 years. Despite the abundance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on colon J-pouch (CJP), straight colorectal anastomosis (SCA), transverse coloplast (TCP), and side-to-end anastomosis (SEA), most studies are small and lack reliable clinical evidence. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of the four anastomoses on postoperative complications, bowel function, and quality of life in rectal cancer.
METHODS
We assessed the safety and efficacy of CJP, SCA, TCP, and SEA in adult patients with rectal cancer after surgery by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases to collect RCTs from the date of establishment to May 20, 2022. Anastomotic leakage and defecation frequency were the main outcome indicators. We pooled data through a random effects model in a Bayesian framework and assessed model inconsistency using the deviance information criterion (DIC) and node-splitting method and inter-study heterogeneity using the I-squared statistics (I). The interventions were ranked according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to compare each outcome indicator.
RESULTS
Of the 474 studies initially evaluated, 29 were eligible RCTs comprising 2631 patients. Among the four anastomoses, the SEA group had the lowest incidence of anastomotic leakage, ranking first (SUCRA = 0.982), followed by the CJP group (SUCRA = 0.628). The defecation frequency in the SEA group was comparable to those in the CJP and TCP groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. In comparison, the defecation frequency in the SCA group 12 months after surgery all ranked fourth. No statistically significant differences were found among the four anastomoses in terms of anastomotic stricture, reoperation, postoperative mortality within 30 days, fecal urgency, incomplete defecation, use of antidiarrheal medication, or quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that SEA had the lowest risk of complications, comparable bowel function, and quality of life compared to the CJP and TCP, but further research is required to determine its long-term consequences. Furthermore, we should be aware that SCA is associated with a high defecation frequency.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Defecation; Anastomotic Leak; Network Meta-Analysis; Rectal Neoplasms; Rectum; Fecal Incontinence; Anastomosis, Surgical; Colon; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36899350
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02977-z -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Apr 2021Controversies on therapeutic strategy for large bowel obstruction by primary colorectal cancer mainly concern acute conditions, being essentially different from subacute... (Review)
Review
AIM
Controversies on therapeutic strategy for large bowel obstruction by primary colorectal cancer mainly concern acute conditions, being essentially different from subacute obstruction. Clearly defining acute obstruction is important for design and interpretation of studies as well as for guidelines and daily practice. This systematic review aimed to evaluate definitions of obstruction by colorectal cancer in prospective studies.
METHOD
A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria included randomized or prospective observational design, publication between 2000 and 2019, and the inclusion of patients with an obstruction caused by colorectal cancer. Provided definitions of obstruction were extracted with assessment of common elements.
RESULTS
A total of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 99 prospective observational studies were included. Obstruction was specified as acute in 28 studies, complete/emergency in five, (sub)acute or similar terms in four and unspecified in 78. Five of 16 RCTs (31%) and 37 of 99 cohort studies (37%) provided a definition. The definitions included any combination of clinical symptoms, physical signs, endoscopic features and radiological imaging findings in 25 studies. The definition was only based on clinical symptoms in 11 and radiological imaging in six studies. Definitions included a radiological component in 100% of evaluable RCTs (5/5) vs. 54% of prospective observational studies (20/37, P = 0.07).
CONCLUSION
In this systematic review, the majority of prospective studies did not define obstruction by colorectal cancer and its urgency, whereas provided definitions varied hugely. Radiological confirmation seems to be an essential component in defining acute obstruction.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Observational Studies as Topic; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 33305454
DOI: 10.1111/codi.15479 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jan 2023: At present, there is no consensus definition of mild-to-moderate disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. The objective of the present study was to... (Review)
Review
: At present, there is no consensus definition of mild-to-moderate disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. The objective of the present study was to establish a reliable definition of mild-to-moderate disease activity in adult patients with ulcerative colitis. : Twelve physicians from around the world participated in a virtual consensus meeting on 26 September 2022. All the physicians had expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. After a systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, a modified version of the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness method was applied. A total of 49 statements were identified and then anonymously rated (on a 9-point scale) as being appropriate (scores of 7 to 9), uncertain (4 to 6) or inappropriate (1 to 3). The survey results were reviewed and amended before a second round of voting. : Symptom and endoscopic-based measurements are of prime importance for assessing mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis activity in clinical trials. The experts considered that clinical activity should be assessed in terms of stool frequency, rectal bleeding and fecal urgency, whereas endoscopic activity should be evaluated with regard to the vascular pattern, bleeding, erosions and ulcers. Fecal calprotectin was considered to be a suitable disease activity marker in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Lastly, mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis should not have more than a small impact on the patient's daily activities. : The present recommendations constitute a standardized framework for defining mild-to-moderate disease activity in clinical trials in the field of ulcerative colitis.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Endoscopy; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Rectum; Remission Induction; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 36676807
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010183 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2008Total mesorectal resection (TME) has led to improved survival and reduced local recurrence in patients with rectal cancer. Straight coloanal anastomosis after TME can... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Total mesorectal resection (TME) has led to improved survival and reduced local recurrence in patients with rectal cancer. Straight coloanal anastomosis after TME can lead to problems with frequent bowel movements, fecal urgency and incontinence. The colonic J pouch, side-to-end anastomosis and transverse coloplasty have been developed as alternative surgical strategies in order to improve bowel function.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to determine which rectal reconstructive technique results in the best postoperative bowel function.
SEARCH STRATEGY
A systematic search of the literature (MEDLINE, Cancerlit, Embase and Cochrane Databases) was conducted from inception to Feb 14, 2006 by two independent investigators.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials in which patients with rectal cancer undergoing low rectal resection and coloanal anastomosis were randomized to at least two different anastomotic techniques. Furthermore, a measure of postoperative bowel function was necessary for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Studies identified for potential inclusion were independently assessed for eligibility by at least two reviewers. Data from included trials was collected using a standardized data collection form. Data was collated and qualitatively summarized for bowel function outcomes and meta-analysis statistical techniques were used to pool data on postoperative complications.
MAIN RESULTS
Of 2609 relevant studies, 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. Nine RCTs (n=473) compared straight coloanal anastomosis (SCA) to the colonic J pouch (CJP). Up to 18 months postoperatively, the CJP was superior to SCA in most studies in bowel frequency, urgency, fecal incontinence and use of antidiarrheal medication. There were too few patients with long-term bowel function outcomes to determine if this advantage continued after 18 months postop. Four RCTs (n=215) compared the side-to-end anastomosis (STE) to the CJP. These studies showed no difference in bowel function outcomes between these two techniques. Similarly, three RCTs (n=158) compared transverse coloplasty (TC) to CJP. Similarly, there were no differences in bowel function outcomes in these small studies. Overall, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications with any of the anastomotic strategies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In several randomized controlled trials, the CJP has been shown to be superior to the SCA in bowel function outcomes in patients with rectal cancer for at least 18 months after gastrointestinal continuity is re-established. The TC and STE anastomoses have been shown to have similar bowel function outcomes when compared to the CJP in small randomized controlled trials; further study is necessary to determine the role of these alternative coloanal anastomotic strategies.
Topics: Anal Canal; Anastomosis, Surgical; Colon; Colonic Pouches; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 18425933
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006040.pub2 -
International Journal of Cancer Sep 2017We asked what preoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy (PRT/PCRT) has brought to patients in terms of perioperative and long-term outcomes over the past decades. A... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
What has preoperative radio(chemo)therapy brought to localized rectal cancer patients in terms of perioperative and long-term outcomes over the past decades? A systematic review and meta-analysis based on 41,121 patients.
We asked what preoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy (PRT/PCRT) has brought to patients in terms of perioperative and long-term outcomes over the past decades. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases. All original comparative studies published in English that were related to PRT/PCRT and surgical resection and which analyzed survival, postoperative and quality of life outcomes were included. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using Stata software. Data from 106 comparative studies based on 80 different trials enrolling 41,121 patients were included in our study. Based on our overall analyses, PRT/PCRT significantly improved patients' local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), but neither overall survival (OS) nor metastasis-free survival (MFS) showed improvement. In addition, PRT significantly increased the postoperative morbidity and mortality but PCRT did not have a significant effect. Furthermore, PRT/PCRT significantly increased the risk of postoperative wound complications but not anastomotic leakage and bowel obstruction. Our comprehensive subgroup analyses further supported the aforementioned results. Meanwhile, long-term anorectal symptoms (impaired squeeze pressures, use of pads, incontinence and urgency) and erectile dysfunction were also significantly increased in patients after PRT/PCRT. The benefits of PRT/PCRT as applied over the last several decades have not been sufficient to improve OS. Metastases of primary tumor and postoperative adverse effects were the two primary obstacles for an improved OS. In fact, the greatest advantage of PRT/PCRT is still local tumor control and a significantly improved LRFS.
Topics: Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Rectal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28560805
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30805 -
Cancers Aug 2023Pelvic radiotherapy can damage surrounding tissue and organs, causing chronic conditions including bowel symptoms. We systematically identified quantitative,... (Review)
Review
Pelvic radiotherapy can damage surrounding tissue and organs, causing chronic conditions including bowel symptoms. We systematically identified quantitative, population-based studies of patient-reported bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy to synthesize evidence of symptom type, prevalence, and severity. Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsychINFO were searched from inception to September 2022. Following independent screening of titles, abstracts, and full-texts, population and study characteristics and symptom findings were extracted, and narrative synthesis was conducted. In total, 45 papers (prostate, = 39; gynecological, = 6) reporting 19 datasets were included. Studies were methodologically heterogeneous. Most frequently assessed was bowel function ('score', 26 papers, 'bother', 19 papers). Also assessed was urgency, diarrhea, bleeding, incontinence, abdominal pain, painful hemorrhoids, rectal wetness, constipation, mucous discharge, frequency, and gas. Prevalence ranged from 1% (bleeding) to 59% (anal bleeding for >12 months at any time since start of treatment). In total, 10 papers compared radiotherapy with non-cancer comparators and 24 with non-radiotherapy cancer patient groups. Symptom prevalence/severity was greater/worse in radiotherapy groups and symptoms more common/worse post-radiotherapy than pre-diagnosis/treatment. Symptom prevalence varied between studies and symptoms. This review confirms that many people experience chronic bowel symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy. Greater methodological consistency, and investigation of less-well-studied survivor populations, could better inform the provision of services and support.
PubMed: 37627064
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164037 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2010Conflicting results are reported about the contribution of maternal, obstetric and fetal characteristics to postpartum fecal incontinence (FI), which is hampering... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Conflicting results are reported about the contribution of maternal, obstetric and fetal characteristics to postpartum fecal incontinence (FI), which is hampering prevention and management of FI.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review identifying delivery-related etiological factors for postpartum FI. Search strategy. Literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, DocOnline and reference lists from 1980 up to 2009 were conducted. Selection criteria. Prospective cohort studies evaluating maternal, obstetric or fetal risk factors for postpartum FI, with a follow-up period of at least three months, were assessed. We reviewed full reports in English, German or Dutch, with anal incontinence (AI), FI, flatus incontinence, soiling, urgency and FI severity scores as reported outcomes. Data collection and analysis. Data on study characteristics, methodological quality and outcome were extracted from 31 studies according to a standardized protocol. Clinical and methodological sources of heterogeneity permitted only a qualitative analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
A third- or fourth-degree sphincter rupture was the only etiological factor strongly (AI) or moderately (flatus incontinence) associated with postpartum FI. No association with other postulated risk factors was found, for example, birth weight or instrumental delivery. The potential co-existence of different risk factors impedes the interpretation of the influence of a single delivery-related risk factor.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review, including only longitudinal studies and recognizing the importance of separating results for different outcomes, identifies that a third- or fourth-degree sphincter rupture is the only factor that is strongly (AI) or moderately (flatus incontinence) associated with postpartum FI.
Topics: Anal Canal; Delivery, Obstetric; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Flatulence; Humans; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders; Risk Factors; Rupture
PubMed: 20199348
DOI: 10.3109/00016340903576004 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2013Faecal incontinence is a debilitating problem with significant medical, social and economic implications. Treatment options include conservative, non-operative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Faecal incontinence is a debilitating problem with significant medical, social and economic implications. Treatment options include conservative, non-operative interventions (for example pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, drugs) and surgical procedures. A surgical procedure may be aimed at correcting an obvious mechanical defect, or augmenting a functionally deficient but structurally intact sphincter complex.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of surgical techniques for the treatment of faecal incontinence in adults who do not have rectal prolapse. Our aim was firstly to compare surgical management with non-surgical management and secondly, to compare the various surgical techniques.
SEARCH METHODS
Electronic searches of the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 6 March 2013), the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Specialised Register (searched 6 March 2013), CENTRAL (2013, issue 1) and EMBASE (1 January 1998 to 6 March 2013) were undertaken. The British Journal of Surgery (1 January 1995 to 6 March 2013), Colorectal Diseases (1 January 2000 to 6 March 2013) and the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum (1 January 1995 to 6 March 2013) were specifically handsearched. The proceedings of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland annual meetings held from 1999 to 2012 were perused. Reference lists of all relevant articles were searched for further trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of surgery in the management of adult faecal incontinence (other than surgery for rectal prolapse).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently selected studies from the literature, assessed the methodological quality of eligible trials and extracted data. The three primary outcome measures were change or deterioration in incontinence, failure to achieve full continence, and the presence of faecal urgency.
MAIN RESULTS
Nine trials were included with a total sample size of 264 participants. Two trials included a group managed non-surgically. One trial compared levatorplasty with anal plug electrostimulation and one compared an artificial bowel sphincter with best supportive care. The artificial bowel sphincter resulted in significant improvements in at least one primary outcome but the numbers were small. The other trial showed no difference in the primary outcome measures.Seven trials compared different surgical interventions. These included anterior levatorplasty versus postanal repair, anterior levatorplasty versus total pelvic floor repair, total pelvic floor versus postanal repair, end to end versus overlap sphincter repair, overlap repair with or without a defunctioning stoma or with or without biofeedback, and total pelvic floor repair versus repair plus internal sphincter plication and neosphincter formation versus total pelvic floor repair. Sacral nerve stimulation and injectables are considered in separate Cochrane reviews. Only one comparison had more than one trial (total pelvic floor versus postanal repair, 44 participants) and no trial showed any difference in primary outcome measures.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The review is striking for the lack of high quality randomised controlled trials on faecal incontinence surgery that have been carried out in the last 10 years. Those trials that have been carried out have focused on sacral neuromodulation and injectable bulking agents, both reported in separate reviews. The continued small number of relevant trials identified together with their small sample sizes and other methodological weaknesses limit the usefulness of this review for guiding practice. It was impossible to identify or refute clinically important differences between the alternative surgical procedures. Larger rigorous trials are still needed. However, it should be recognised that the optimal treatment regime may be a complex combination of various surgical and non-surgical therapies.
Topics: Adult; Anal Canal; Artificial Organs; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 23821339
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001757.pub4