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Anal Sphincter Complex (anal + sphincter_complex)
Selected AbstractsB002 Sacral Nerve Modulation for Faecal Incontinence: Repaired Anal Sphincter Complex Versus Anal Sphincter DefectCOLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 2006J. Melenhorst Objective, Sacral nerve modulation (SNM) for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI) was originally performed with an intact anal sphincter. Two groups of patients were analysed to investigate whether SNM is as effective in patients with FI associated with an anal sphincter defect as in patients with FI after an anal repair (AR). Method, Group A was initially treated with an AR resulting in an anatomically intact anal sphincter. They were treated with SNM because of persisting or recurring FI. Group B consisted of patients with a defect in the sphincter primarily treated with SNM. The follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. Results, Group A consisted of 20 patients. The mean number of incontinence episodes decreased significantly with SNM (P = 0.018). There was no significant difference in resting and squeeze pressures during SNM. Group B consisted of 20 women. The size of the defect in the anal sphincter varied between 17% and 33%. The mean number of incontinence episodes decreased significantly with SNM (P = 0.012). Again there was no significant change in the resting and squeeze pressures. Comparison between group A and B revealed no statistical difference. Conclusion, Faecal incontinence associated with an anal sphincter defect of <33% of the circumference can be treated primarily with SNM. [source] Correlation between gross anatomical topography, sectional sheet plastination, microscopic anatomy and endoanal sonography of the anal sphincter complex in human malesJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2009S. Al-Ali Abstract This study elucidates the structure of the anal sphincter complex (ASC) and correlates the individual layers, namely the external anal sphincter (EAS), conjoint longitudinal muscle (CLM) and internal anal sphincter (IAS), with their ultrasonographic images. Eighteen male cadavers, with an average age of 72 years (range 62,82 years), were used in this study. Multiple methods were used including gross dissection, coronal and axial sheet plastination, different histological staining techniques and endoanal sonography. The EAS was a continuous layer but with different relations, an upper part (corresponding to the deep and superficial parts in the traditional description) and a lower (subcutaneous) part that was located distal to the IAS, and was the only muscle encircling the anal orifice below the IAS. The CLM was a fibro-fatty-muscular layer occupying the intersphincteric space and was continuous superiorly with the longitudinal muscle layer of the rectum. In its middle and lower parts it consisted of collagen and elastic fibres with fatty tissue filling the spaces between the fibrous septa. The IAS was a markedly thickened extension of the terminal circular smooth muscle layer of the rectum and it terminated proximal to the lower part of the EAS. On endoanal sonography, the EAS appeared as an irregular hyperechoic band; CLM was poorly represented by a thin irregular hyperechoic line and IAS was represented by a hypoechoic band. Data on the measurements of the thickness of the ASC layers are presented and vary between dissection and sonographic imaging. The layers of the ASC were precisely identified in situ, in sections, in isolated dissected specimens and the same structures were correlated with their sonographic appearance. The results of the measurements of ASC components in this study on male cadavers were variable, suggesting that these should be used with caution in diagnostic and management settings. [source] The anatomy of the perineal membrane: its relationship to injury in childbirth and episiotomyAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Christopher N Hudson ABSTRACT Background Episiotomy during childbirth, intended to protect the anal sphincter, may fail to do so. Furthermore damage to the anal sphincter complex may occur without complete perineal tear. We hypothesise that these particular injuries may occur due to posterior displacement of the anus leading to distraction of the anal sphincter complex from an anterior attachment to the perineal membrane. However, the anatomical basis for this has not been well defined. Objective To investigate the relationship between the anal sphincter and the perineal membrane. Materials and methods High-resolution MRI scans of a female cadaver perineum were performed. The imaging findings were correlated with the anatomical structure identified on dissection and histological examination. Results The perineal membrane was easily identified on MR imaging. Fibres from the perineal membrane could be seen to attach to the anal sphincter complex at the apex of the perineal body. This was confirmed on histological examination and was a deeper layer than that of the decussation of the superficial transverse perineal muscle with the superficial part of the external anal sphincter. Conclusion The upper ano-rectal canal and apex of the perineal body have demonstrable attachment to the free margin of the perineal membrane postero-lateral to the lower vagina. This attachment would resist posterior displacement of the anal canal. [source] Risk factors for third degree perineal ruptures during deliveryBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2001J.W. de Leeuw Objective To determine risk factors for the occurrence of third degree perineal tears during vaginal delivery. Design A population-based observational study. Population All 284,783 vaginal deliveries in 1994 and 1995 recorded in the Dutch National Obstetric Database were included in the study. Methods Third degree perineal rupture was defined as any rupture involving the anal sphincter muscles. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors. Main outcome measures An overall rate of third degree perineal ruptures of 1.94% was found. High fetal birthweight, long duration of the second stage of delivery and primiparity were associated with an elevated risk of anal sphincter damage. Mediolateral episiotomy appeared to protect strongly against damage to the anal sphincter complex during delivery (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.20,0.23). All types of assisted vaginal delivery were associated with third degree perineal ruptures, with forceps delivery (OR: 3.33, 95%-CI: 2.97,3.74) carrying the largest risk of all assisted vaginal deliveries. Use of forceps combined with other types of assisted vaginal delivery appeared to increase the risk even further. Conclusions Mediolateral episiotomy protects strongly against the occurrence of third degree perineal ruptures and may thus serve as a primary method of prevention of faecal incontinence. Forceps delivery is a stronger risk factor for third degree perineal tears than vacuum extraction. If the obstetric situation permits use of either instrument, the vacuum extractor should be the instrument of choice with respect to the prevention of faecal incontinence. [source] Temporal endosonographic evaluation of anal sphincter integrity after primary repair for obstetric ruptures: a case for specific training of obstetriciansCOLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 7Online 2010P. Pronk Abstract Objective, To evaluate primary repaired obstetric lesions of the anal sphincter complex on anal endo-ultrasound within a few days and 8 weeks after primary repair and to investigate in this way the influence of suboptimal woundhealing on the final anatomical result. Furthermore to investigate the relation between faecal incontinence and sphincter defects. Design, A prospective cohort study. Setting, The obstetric clinic and coloproctology outpatient clinic of the Zaans Medical Centre in Zaandam, the Netherlands. Subjects, A cohort of 32 consecutive women with primary surgically repaired 3B, 3C or 4th degree anal sphincter defect after vaginal delivery. Main outcome measures, Appearance of the anal sphincter complex on anal endo-ultrasound within a few days week and 8 weeks after primary surgical repair, i.e. first and second ultrasound, respectively. Evaluation of anal continence, using the Vaizey incontinence score, at second ultrasound. Results, No major wound breakdown was seen and four women had superficial, skin related wound problems. Twenty-eight women (87.5%) had a repaired external anal sphincter on the first and the second ultrasound. Of four external anal sphincter defects on first ultrasound one defect was not present on second ultrasound. The internal sphincter showed a defect on first ultrasound in 11 women and this was still present in 10 on second ultrasound. A total of 11 women had a persisting anal sphincter defect (external, internal or in combination). Mean Vaizey scores were significantly higher in women with a persisting sphincter defect (EAS, IAS or in combination) than in women with no sphincter defects, 2.3 and 0.4 respectively (95% CI 0.1,3.6, P = 0.04). Conclusion, Anal endo-ultrasound may be used for early evaluation of surgical repair of anal sphincter lesions after vaginal delivery. Persisting defects in the anal sphincters, in this series not because of major wound breakdown, can be explained by inadequate surgical repair. [source] |