Charlène Brochard

Anorectal stricture in 102 patients with Crohn's disease: natural history in the era of biologics.

The natural history of nonfistulising perianal Crohns disease (PCD) remains unknown.

3D High-definition anorectal manometry: Values obtained in asymptomatic volunteers, fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. Results of a prospective multicenter study (NOMAD)

3D‐high definition anorectal manometry (3DARM) may aid the diagnosis of functional anorectal disorders, but data comparing asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects are scarce. We aimed to describe 3DARM values in asymptomatic volunteers and those with fecal incontinence (FI) or chronic constipation (CC), and identify which variables differentiate best these groups.

Long-term impact of full-thickness rectal prolapse treatment on fecal incontinence

BACKGROUND Fecal incontinence is frequently associated with rectal prolapse, but little is known about recovery after treatment of the prolapse. OBJECTIVE We therefore aimed to investigate the long-term outcome of fecal incontinence in a cohort of patients suffering from full-thickness rectal prolapse. DESIGN A database of 145 patients diagnosed with full-thickness rectal prolapse was compiled prospectively over a 7-year period (2003-2010). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients were referred to a single institution and assessed by standardized questionnaires, anorectal manometry, endosonography, and evacuation proctography. Fecal incontinence was evaluated according to the Cleveland Clinic Score; continence improvement was defined by ≥50% improvement of the Cleveland Clinic Score. RESULTS Among the population studied (134 women, 11 men; median follow-up, 38.9 months [range, 21.2-67.2]), 103 patients (71%) underwent operation for their prolapse and 42 (29%) did not. According to the Cleveland Clinic Score, 139 patients (96%) suffered from fecal incontinence before treatment and 64 (46%) reported improvement at the end of the follow-up. Pretreatment history of incontinence symptoms for >2 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% CI, 1.14-3.46; P = .015) and ventral rectopexy (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.026-3.326; P = .04) were associated with continence improvement. Patients who underwent an operative procedure other than ventral rectopexy had similar outcome as compared with nonoperated patients. Conversely, chronic pelvic pain precluded fecal incontinence improvement (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.135-0.668; P = .0017). LIMITATIONS Follow-up, returned questionnaires, and the heterogeneous reasons put forth for declining surgery may introduce some methodologic bias. CONCLUSION Fecal incontinence in patients suffering from rectal prolapse is improved when ventral rectopexy is performed compared with other operative or medical therapies.

Perianal Crohn's disease results in fewer pregnancies but is not exacerbated by vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND Despite a high prevalence of Crohns disease in women of childbearing age, disease-related factors that may impact fertility and perianal Crohns disease after delivery remain unclear. METHODS Self-administered questionnaires related to childbirth were completed by women with Crohns disease referred to a single gastroenterology unit. A survival analysis was performed for statistical purposes. RESULTS A total of 184 patients were assessed, including 63 nulliparous women. The cumulative probabilities of having a child were 30%, 51% and 72% at the ages of 25, 30 and 35 years, respectively. Women with colonic disease, prior abdominal surgery and perianal disease were less likely to experience childbirth. After a median follow-up of 165 weeks post-delivery, the cumulative probabilities of fistulizing perianal Crohns disease occurrence were 8%, 12% and 21% at 1, 2 and 5 years following childbirth, respectively. Contrary to a prior history of perianal Crohns disease and colonic location, mode of delivery was not associated with perianal fistula. An episiotomy in the group of women with prior anal lesions did not result in a higher rate of fistula recurrence. CONCLUSION Perianal Crohns disease is associated with fewer pregnancies, however perianal fistulas were less affected by obstetric events than their own natural history.

Long-term results of pneumatic dilatation for relapsing symptoms of achalasia after Heller myotomy

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of pneumatic dilatation (PD) to treat symptom recurrence after Heller myotomy (HM).

Bowel Dysfunction Related to Spina Bifida: Keep It Simple

BACKGROUND: Although care of urological disorders in spina bifida is well established, there is yet no agreement on a standardized approach to bowel dysfunction in this population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess bowel dysfunction using validated instruments and the risk factors in adults with spina bifida. DESIGN: A multidisciplinary team prospectively collected patient data, focusing on anorectal and urological symptoms. SETTINGS: The study was conducted with data from a French referral center for spina bifida. PATIENTS: A total of 228 adults with spina bifida (sex ratio men:women, 92 (40%):136 (60%)) with a median age of 34.7 years (range, 26.8–44.7 y) were assessed. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Factors associated with severe fecal incontinence (Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score ≥9) and severe bowel dysfunction (Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score ≥14) were assessed in a multivariate analysis model. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of severe fecal incontinence and severe bowel dysfunction were 60% (130/217) and 42% (71/168). Bowel dysfunction was the second most common major concern of patients after lower urinary tract dysfunction. Male sex, obesity, urinary incontinence, and a Knowles–Eccersley–Scott symptom constipation score ≥10 were independently associated with severe fecal incontinence. Patients with soft stools had significantly less severe bowel dysfunction. Neither neurologic level nor other neurologic features of spina bifida were associated with severe fecal incontinence or severe bowel dysfunction. LIMITATIONS: The recruitment of patients with spina bifida through a national referral center might have resulted in selection bias, and some data were missing especially regarding BMI and Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (21% and 26% of missing data). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rates of severe fecal incontinence and severe bowel dysfunction in adults with spina bifida were high and were adequately perceived by the patients. The present study emphasized the association of bowel dysfunction and fecal incontinence with obesity, urologic disorders, and stool consistency rather than neurologic features. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A394.

High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia: Progression to invasive cancer is not a certainty

BACKGROUND The incidences of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL) and superficially invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SISCCA) related to human papillomavirus (HPV) have increased. These lesions can progress to invasive anal cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcome with a special focus on the healing rate. METHODS Forty-six consecutive patients (M/F: 35/11; HIV+: 30) with histologically proven HSIL lesions (N=41) or SISCCA (N=5) were enrolled in a follow-up survey. RESULTS Of the 46 patients, 40 were treated by excision (n=9), electrocoagulation (n=13), topical treatment (n=2) or combined strategies (n=16). After a mean follow-up of 35 (27-43) months, only one patient progressed to an invasive cancer. Regression and healing were observed in 14 (30%) and 15 (33%) patients. The cumulative probabilities of healing were 14%, 49% and 74% after 1, 3 and 5 years. None of the current smokers healed. Heterosexual patients, sexual abstinence, patients older than 44 years old, non-smokers, patients without any past history of condyloma and those with less than 2 high-risk HPVs at baseline were more likely to heal. CONCLUSION Progression to invasive cancer is a rare event. Large, prospective cohort studies are needed to plan coherent strategies for both follow-up and treatment.

Anorectal dysfunction in patients with ulcerative colitis: impaired adaptation or enhanced perception?

Rectal disorders during ulcerative colitis (UC) drastically alter the quality of life and may result from an impairment of rectal perception and compliance. This study aims to assess anorectal disorders in patients with mild‐to‐moderate UC.

Prospective cohort study of phenotypic variation based on an anal sphincter function in adults with fecal incontinence

One‐third of patients with fecal incontinence (FI) do not have any anal dysfunction. The aim was to characterize patients with FI with normal anal function compared with patients with anal weakness.

Prevalence and characteristics of acid gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Jackhammer oesophagus

BACKGROUND An association between acid gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Jackhammer oesophagus has been suggested. AIM To assess the prevalence and characteristics of acid-GERD in Jackhammer oesophagus and the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors. METHODS Data and outcomes of patients with Jackhammer oesophagus were assessed. Two groups were compared: (i) GERD, defined by endoscopic oesophagitis or by an increase in acid exposure time or by an acid-hypersensitive oesophagus and (ii) non-GERD defined by normal oesophageal acid exposure without acid-hypersensitive oesophagus. RESULTS Among the 1994 high-resolution manometries performed, 44 Jackhammer oesophagus (2.2%) were included (sex ratio M/F: 19/25; median age: 66 [61-75] years). Nineteen patients (43.2%) had GERD, 16 (36.4%) had no GERD and 9 patients (20.4%) were undetermined. Dysphagia was the predominant symptom (37/43 (86%)). After a median follow-up of 25.3 months [9.6-31.4], dysphagia was improved in 22/36 (61.1%) patients. Dysphagia improvement as well as other symptoms improvement was not associated with GERD status or proton-pump inhibitors use. CONCLUSION The prevalence of GERD is high among patients with Jackhammer oesophagus. The rates of symptom improvement in Jackhammer oesophagus were high regardless of the use of proton-pump inhibitors treatment or of the presence of GERD.