Advances in surgical techniques and treatment concept have allowed more patients with low rectal cancer to preserve sphincter without sacrificing survival benefit. However, postoperative dysfunctions such as fecal incontinence, frequency, urgency, and clustering often occur in patients with low rectal cancer. The main surgical procedures for low rectal cancer include low anterior rectum resection (LAR), intersphincteric resection (ISR), coloanal anastomosis (Parks) and so on. The incidence of major LARS after LAR is up to 84.6%. The postoperative function of ISR is even worse than LAR. Moreover, the greater the extent of resection ISR surgery, the worse the postoperative function. There are few studies on the function of Parks procedure. Current evidence suggests that the short-term function of Parks procedure is inferior to LAR, but function can gradually recovered over time. Colorectal surgeons have attempted to improve postoperative defecation by modifying bowel reconstructions. Current evidence suggests that J pouch or end-to-side anastomosis during LAR does not reduce the incidence of defecation disorders. Pouch reconstruction during ISR cannot reduce the incidence of severe LARS either. In general, the protection of postoperative defecation function in patients with low rectal cancer still has a long way to go.
Anal Canal/surgery* ; Anastomosis, Surgical/adverse effects* ; Defecation ; Fecal Incontinence/etiology* ; Humans ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; Rectal Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective: To understand the current status of diagnosis and treatment regarding the protection of defecation function in Chinese surgeons performing sphincter-preserving resections (SPR) for rectal cancer in order to discover the problems existing in the function protection during SPR and provide support and reference for the standardized clinical management of rectal cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed. Colorectal surgeons who obtained the medical qualifications and volunteered to participate in this study were included, and respondents with incomplete information were excluded. From October 18 to 22, 2020, randomized sampling was conducted among Chinese colorectal surgeons from Chinese Association of Colorectal Surgeons, Chinese Colorectal Cancer Committee, Chinese Sexology Association Anal functional Surgery Committee and National Health Commission Capacity Building and Continuing Education Committee. The questionnaire included basic information of the respondents, assessment of defecation function before SPR, intraoperative details, postoperative follow-up, evaluation and intervention of patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Observation indicator: results of the questionnaire survey. Result: A total of 231 questionnaires were collected, and 230 were effective, with an effective rate of 99.6%. Among these participants, 217 (94.3%) were males; 107 (46.5%) had medical doctor degrees; 129 (56.1%) were national commission members in colorectal surgery; 137 (59.6%) performed more than 50 SPR operations per year; 211 (91.7%) assessed defection function by auxiliary examinations before SPR. Rigid sigmoidoscopy (n=116, 55.0%) and anorectal manometer (n=81, 38.4%) were the most commonly used method. Among the 230 respondents, 64.8% (n=149) of surgeons used 2D laparoscopy for SPR surgery most commonly, and 51.3% (n=118) of surgeons performed direct colorectal anastomosis for reconstruction, and 98.3% (n=226) used staplers during anastomosis. All the surgeons indicated that they would follow up patients after SPR, and outpatient clinic was the most common method (84.4%, 184/230). When LARS occurred, 50.0% (115/230) of surgeons chose defecation function scale and 78.7% (181/230) actively provided guidance and intervention for patients. Conclusions: Chinese colorectal surgeons still have shortcomings in the protection of defecation function during SPR for rectal cancer. They do not make enough preoperative functional evaluation and postoperative functional recovery estimate for patients. The knowledge and use of defecation function scales and interventions on LARS are expected to be standardized.
Anal Canal/surgery* ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Defecation ; Humans ; Male ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control* ; Rectal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Surgeons ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Syndrome

Introduction: Yakult contains Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS). It has several protective effects on our digestive system which include preventing diarrhoea and improving constipation. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of a single dose of Yakult on whole gut transit time (WGTT) among young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 73 students who did not have any gastrointestinal disorder was performed. Subjects were given 4 carbon pills as a visual indicator to measure their WGTT in the normal setting of their usual activities. They then repeated measurement while consuming one dose of commercially available Yakult and 4 carbon pills (visual indicator). In the 2 settings, subjects were instructed to consume carbon pills and carbon pills with Yakult within 1 hour after bowel motion. Results: The WGTT decreased in 48 of the 73 subjects (65.8%) after consuming Yakult. The mean WGTT was reduced by 4.4±14.6 hours. There was no significant effect of Yakult on the form of stools. Conclusion Yakult which contains Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) is well known for helping in digestion and preventing constipation. A single dose of Yakult produces a reduction in the WGTT.
Defecation ; Constipation

The significant increase in the incidence of benign anal diseases is related to the fast-paced life style, the change of dietary structure, the increase of work pressure and social psychological factors. Surgery is one of the most important treatments for benign anal diseases, while perioperative defecation management is closely related to the efficacy of surgery. In current clinical practice, there is no consensus on the management of perioperative defecation for benign anal diseases. Hence a discussion was held by the Professional Committee of Colorectal Diseases of Chinese Society of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, concerning the causes of perioperative defecation difficulties in perioperative anal benign diseases, the importance and specific strategy of defecation management. A consensus was consequently formed, aiming to provide a guideline for the clinical practice.
Anal Canal/surgery* ; Anus Diseases/surgery* ; China ; Consensus ; Defecation ; Humans ; Perioperative Care ; Perioperative Period

Child ; Colon ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Fecal Incontinence ; Humans ; Male ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Retrospective Studies ; Soil

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, a number of studies have reported that the gut microbiota could contribute to human conditions, including obesity, inflammation, cancer development, and behavior. We hypothesized that the composition and distribution of gut microbiota are different according to stool frequency, and attempted to identify the association between gut microbiota and stool frequency. METHODS: We collected fecal samples from healthy individuals divided into 3 groups according to stool frequency: group 1, a small number of defecation (≤2 times/wk); group 2, normal defecation (1 time/day or 1 time/2 day); and group 3, a large number of defecation (≥2–3 times/day). We evaluated the composition and distribution of the gut microbiota in each group via 16S rRNA-based taxonomic profiling of the fecal samples. RESULTS: Fecal samples were collected from a total of 60 individuals (31 men and 29 women, aged 34.1±5.88 years), and each group comprised 20 individuals. The microbial richness of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 3 and tended to decrease with increasing number of defecation (P<0.05). The biological community composition was fairly different according to the number of defecation, and Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio was higher in group 1 than in the other groups. Moreover, we found specific strains at the family and genus levels in groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio and the abundance of Bifidobacterium were different according to the stool frequency, and specific bacteria were identified in the subjects with large and small numbers of defecation, respectively. These findings suggest that stool frequency might be associated with the richness and community composition of the gut microbiota.
Bacteria ; Bacteroidetes ; Bifidobacterium ; Biota ; Defecation ; Feces ; Female ; Firmicutes ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Male ; Obesity

PURPOSE: Nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) includes medical and instrumental techniques. We aimed to compare the efficacy of the most frequently used nonsurgical strategies, either alone or in combination, applied in an ambulatory setting.METHODS: Patients who received nonsurgical treatment for HD by proctology appointment at the Gastroenterology Department of Braga Hospital were evaluated. Isolated rubber band ligation (RBL) and a combination of RBL with a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) were the 2 most frequently used strategies. Symptoms of HD (bleeding, pruritus, pain at rest, pain at defecation and prolapse) were assessed at days 0, 7, and 28 by using a severity grading scale (0 to 4/5). A Global Symptom score was constructed to assess the overall severity and compare the overall improvements of the HD symptoms between the 2 most frequently used strategies.RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent the combined treatment (RBL + MPFF group) and 25 the RBL treatment (RBL group). A comparison of the 2 treatment groups showed significant improvements in the combined treatment group in terms of bleeding at days 7 (P = 0.001) and 28 (P = 0.002) and in the pruritus intensity during the first week (P < 0.001). A trend toward clinical benefit was also verified in the combined treatment group for all other HD symptoms (pain at rest, pain at defecation and prolapse).CONCLUSION: A combined treatment approach with MPFF and RBL significantly reduced the intensity of bleeding during the first month and the pruritus during the first week.
Cohort Studies ; Colorectal Surgery ; Defecation ; Flavonoids ; Gastroenterology ; Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhoids ; Humans ; Ligation ; Pruritus ; Rubber

PURPOSE: Whether subtotal or total colectomy with primary anastomosis (PA) is safer than Hartmann procedure (HP) for left-sided colon cancer obstruction or perforation remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity, mortality, and defecation frequency between PA and HP for left-sided colon cancer obstruction or perforation.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 54 patients from January 2014 to February 2018 who underwent emergency surgery due to left-sided colon cancer obstruction or perforation.RESULTS: PA was carried out in 20 patients while HP was performed for 34 patients. Thirty-day mortality did not show significant difference between the two groups (15.0% vs. 14.7%, P=1.000). No anastomotic leakage occurred in PA group while three (8.8%) cases of stump leakage occurred in HP group. Stoma repair was performed for 13 cases (44.8%) and stoma reformation was performed for one case in HP group (7.7%). Stoma related complications occurred in five cases (17.24%). For patients after stoma repair, defecation frequency at 3 months after operation was 2.91±2.88 times per day in PA group and 2.86±2.63 times per day in HP group. At 1 year after operation, defecation frequency was changed to 1.40±1.12 times per day in PA group and 1.17±0.39 times per day in HP group.CONCLUSION: Primary ileosigmoid or ileorectal anastomosis for left-sided colon cancer obstruction or perforation is safe, and shows similar outcome of defecation frequency compared to HP.
Anastomotic Leak ; Colectomy ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Defecation ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Mortality ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Probiotics are expected to confer benefits on patients with constipation, but how probiotics act on constipated patients with variable stool consistencies remains unclear. We investigated the effect of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on constipation-related symptoms, especially stool consistency, of constipated patients. METHODS: Constipated patients meeting the Rome III criteria were divided into 3 groups according to the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS): hard (hard stool [HS], BSFS < 3), normal (normal stool [NS], ≤ 3 BSFS ≤ 4), and soft (soft stool [SS], 4 < BSFS ≤ 5) stools. Subjects in each group consumed a probiotic beverage containing 1010 colony-forming units of LcS daily for 28 days. RESULTS: LcS intervention significantly alleviated constipation-related symptoms and increased defecation frequency in all subjects. Four weeks of LcS supplementation softened the hard stools in HS, hardened the soft stools in SS, and did not alter the ideal stool consistency in NS. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were highest in SS, followed by NS and HS. LcS intervention increased the stool SCFA levels in HS but reduced or did not alter the levels in NS and SS. LcS intervention increased the Pseudobutyrivibrio and Roseburia abundances in HS and decreased the Pseudobutyrivibrio abundance in SS. CONCLUSIONS: LcS supplementation improved the constipation-related symptoms in constipated subjects. Differences in baseline stool consistency could result in different anti-constipation effects of LcS intervention. LcS balanced the stool consistency—softened the HS and hardened the SS. These effects could be associated with modulation of the gut microbiota and SCFA production.
Beverages ; China ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Fatty Acids, Volatile ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; Lactobacillus casei ; Lactobacillus ; Probiotics ; Stem Cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although symptoms related to the pelvic floor, such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), are common in patients with chronic constipation (CC), its impact is not clear. Our aims were to investigate the following (1) compare pelvic floor symptom related dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and functional constipation (FC), and (2) symptom correlation with findings on anorectal manometry (ARM) and balloon expulsion test. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with CC undergoing ARM. IBS-C and FC were diagnosed by Rome III criteria. Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used to measure pelvic floor symptom distress. Constipation Severity Scale was used to assess constipation severity. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients underwent ARM (64 FC, 43 IBS-C). The overall PFDI-20 score in IBS-C was higher compared with FC patients (118.0 vs 79.2, P = 0.001). In those with IBS-C, POP, LUTS, and colorectal symptoms subscales were all higher compared with FC patients (P < 0.05 for each). On multivariable regression, IBS-C (P = 0.001) and higher constipation severity (P = 0.001) were both independently associated with higher PFDI scores. ARM parameters and abnormal balloon expulsion test did not correlate with PFDI scores. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with FC patients, those with IBS-C have significantly higher distress from pelvic floor specific symptoms including POP and LUTS. Higher abdominal pain among IBS-C patients did not entirely explain these findings. A diagnosis of IBS-C and higher constipation severity correlated with PFDI-20 scores, but dyssynergia did not.
Abdominal Pain ; Arm ; Ataxia ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Manometry ; Pelvic Floor ; Pelvic Organ Prolapse ; Retrospective Studies