Constipation is a common functional problem of the digestive system and may occur secondary to diet, drugs, endocrine diseases, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, psychiatric disorders, or gastrointestinal obstruction. When there is no secondary cause, constipation is diagnosed as functional constipation. The first steps that should be taken to relieve symptoms are diet and lifestyle modifications, and if unsuccessful, laxative therapy should be initiated. If a patient does not respond to laxative therapy, diagnostic anorectal physiological tests are performed, though they are not routinely recommended. However, these tests may be considered earlier in patients strongly suspected to have a defecatory disorder. The revised guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation will undoubtedly aid the individualized management of chronic constipation in clinical practice.
Biofeedback, Psychology ; Constipation ; Diagnosis ; Diet ; Digestive System ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Endocrine System Diseases ; Humans ; Laxatives ; Life Style ; Metabolic Diseases

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of machine learning methods that combine data on age and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels for predicting prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 943 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy at Chungnam National University Hospital between 2014 and 2018 because of elevated PSA levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination and/or TRUS findings. We retrospectively reviewed the patients’ medical records, analyzed the prediction rate of prostate cancer, and identified 20 feature importances that could be compared with biopsy results using 5 different algorithms, viz., logistic regression (LR), support vector machine, random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting, and light gradient boosting machine. RESULTS: Overall, the cancer detection rate was 41.8%. In patients younger than 75 years and with a PSA level less than 20 ng/mL, the best prediction model for prostate cancer detection was RF among the machine learning methods based on LR analysis. The PSA density was the highest scored feature importances in the same patient group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the prediction rate of prostate cancer using machine learning methods not inferior to that using LR and that these methods may increase the detection rate for prostate cancer and reduce unnecessary prostate biopsy, as they take into consideration feature importances affecting the prediction rate for prostate cancer.
Biopsy ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Forests ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Machine Learning ; Medical Records ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Retrospective Studies ; Support Vector Machine ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: Although the height of a rectal tumor above the anal verge (tumor height) partly determines the treatment strategy, no practical standard exists for reporting this. We aimed to demonstrate the differences in tumor height according to the diagnostic modality used for its measurement. METHODS: We identified 100 patients with rectal cancers located within 15 cm of the anal verge who had recorded tumor heights measured by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), colonoscopy, and digital rectal examination (DRE). Tumor height measured by using MRI was compared with those measured by using DRE and colonoscopy to assess reporting inconsistencies. Factors associated with differences in tumor height among the modalities were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean tumor heights were 77.8 ± 3.3, 52.9 ± 2.3, and 68.9 ± 3.1 mm when measured by using MRI, DRE, and colonoscopy, respectively (P < 0.001). Agreement among the 3 modalities in terms of tumor sublocation within the rectum was found in only 39% of the patients. In the univariate and the multivariate analyses, clinical stage showed a possible association with concordance among modalities, but age, sex, and luminal location of the tumor were not associated with differences among modalities. CONCLUSION: The heights of rectal cancer differed according to the diagnostic modality. Tumor height has implications for rectal cancer’s surgical planning and for interpreting comparative studies. Hence, a consensus is needed for measuring and reporting tumor height.
Colonoscopy ; Consensus ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multivariate Analysis ; Phenobarbital ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Rectum

PURPOSE: The response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer can be assessed using digital rectal examination, endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Precise assessment of clinical complete response (CR) after CRT is essential when deciding between optimizing surgery or organ-preserving treatment. The objectives of this study were to correlate the CR finding in endoscopy and MRI with pathologic CR and to determine the appropriate approach for combining endoscopy and MRI to predict the pathologic CR in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 102 patients with rectal cancer who underwent endoscopy and MRI at 2–4 weeks after CRT. We assigned a confidence level (1–4) for the endoscopic and MRI assessments. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed based on the endoscopy, MRI, and combination method findings. Diagnostic modalities were compared using the likelihood ratios. RESULTS: Of 102 patients, 17 (16.7%) had a CR. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the prediction CR of endoscopy with biopsy were 85.3%, 52.9%, and 91.8%, while those of MRI were 91.2%, 70.6%, and 95.3%, and those of combined endoscopy and MRI were 89.2%, 52.9%, and 96.5%, respectively. No significant differences were noted in the sensitivity and specificity of any each modality. The prediction rate for CR of the combination method was 92.6% after the posttest probability test. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that combining the interpretation of endoscopy with biopsy and MRI could provide a good prediction rate for CR in patients with rectal cancer after CRT.
Biopsy ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Cohort Studies ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Methods ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common cancer diagnosed among men in the United States and the fifth most common cancer among men in Korea. Unfortunately, the early stages of CaP may have no symptoms. Thus, early detection is very important and physicians managing voiding dysfunction must have awareness about CaP. The traditional tests used for early detection of CaP are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination. However, a high PSA level is not specific for CaP. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, urinary tract infection, and urinary retention can all cause a high PSA level. Thus, no test shows sufficient accuracy to truly be useful for screening men for CaP. A prostate biopsy is the only method that yields a definitive diagnosis of CaP; however, this test is invasive and uncomfortable. Recently, new biomarkers for CaP detection have been proposed to improve the accuracy of the PSA test. In this review, we summarize our knowledge of various new biomarkers, including PSA-associated biomarkers (the prostate health index and 4Kscore), molecular biomarkers (PCA3, TMPRSS2: ERG fusion gene, and various miRNAs), and proteomics-associated biomarkers, and the ways in which they may improve the detection rate of CaP. Accordingly, this review can raise awareness about CaP to physicians managing voiding dysfunction and be a good reference for them.
Biomarkers ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Methods ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Prostatitis ; United States ; Urinary Retention ; Urinary Tract Infections

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the awareness and application of ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in real-world practices and assessed differences between pediatric gastroenterologists (PGs) and general pediatricians. METHODS: A total of 239 (47.8%) out of 500 nationwide pediatricians answered a questionnaire for diagnosis and management of pediatric FC; 60 were PGs (75% of total PGs in Korea). RESULTS: A total of 16.6% of pediatricians were aware of the exact ROME IV criteria. Perianal examination and digital rectal examination were practiced less, with a higher tendency among PGs (P < 0.001). Treatment duration was longer among PGs for > 6 months (63.8%) than < 3 months among general pediatricians (59.2%, P < 0.001). Fecal disimpaction and rectal enema were practiced among 78.8% and 58.5% of pediatricians, respectively. High dose medication for initial treatment phase was prescribed by 70.7% of pediatricians, primarily within the first 2 weeks (48.3%). The most commonly prescribed medications in children aged > 1-year were lactulose (59.1%), followed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 (17.7%), and probiotics (11.8%). Prescription priority significantly differed between PGs and general pediatricians; lactulose or PEG 4000 were most commonly prescribed by PGs (89.7%), and lactulose or probiotics (75.7%) were prescribed by general pediatricians (P < 0.001). For patients aged < 1-year, lactulose (41.6%) and changing formula (31.7%) were commonly prescribed. Most participants recommended diet modification, and PGs more frequently used defecation diary (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Discrepancies between actual practice and Rome IV criteria and between PGs and general pediatricians were observed. This survey may help construct practice guidelines and educational programs for pediatric FC.
Child ; Colonic Diseases, Functional ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Diagnosis ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Enema ; Food Habits ; Humans ; Lactulose ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Prescriptions ; Probiotics

PURPOSE: The efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for men with postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is controversial and the mechanism for its possible effect remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bladder neck (BN) displacement, as a proxy for puborectal muscle activation, and continence outcomes after RARP. METHODS: Data were extracted from the South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative database for men undergoing RARP by high volume surgeons who attended preoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training between 2012 and 2015. Instructions were to contract the PFM as if stopping the flow of urine. BN displacement was measured with 2-dimensional transperineal ultrasound, without digital rectal examination. Urinary continence status was assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26. Data were analysed using logistic regression and mixed effects linear modelling. Confounding variables considered were baseline continence, age at diagnosis, margin status, nerve sparing procedures and pathological stage. RESULTS: Of 671 eligible men, 358 met the inclusion criteria and were available for analysis, with 136 complete datasets at 12-month follow-up. While BN movement was associated with preoperative continence, there was no significant effect of BN displacement on the change in urinary continence at 12 months postprostatectomy (P=0.81) or on the influence of time on continence over 3–12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Continence outcomes were not associated with BN displacement, produced by activity of the puborectal portion of the levator ani muscle, at 3, 6, or 12 months after RARP. These results suggest that the puborectal muscle does not play a role in the recovery of continence after RARP and may help to explain the negative findings of many studies of PFMT for PPI.
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Dataset ; Diagnosis ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Neck ; Pelvic Floor ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Proxy ; Surgeons ; Ultrasonography* ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Incontinence

Anorectal disorders are common and present with overlapping symptoms. They include several disorders with both structural and functional dysfunction(s). Because symptoms alone are poor predictors of the underlying pathophysiology, a diagnosis should only be made after evaluating symptoms and physiologic and structural abnormalities. A detailed history, a thorough physical and digital rectal examination and a systematic evaluation with high resolution and/or high definition three-dimensional (3D) anorectal manometry, 3D anal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance defecography and neurophysiology tests are essential to correctly identify these conditions. These physiological and imaging tests play a key role in facilitating a precise diagnosis and in providing a better understanding of the pathophysiology and functional anatomy. In turn, this leads to better and more comprehensive management using medical, behavioral and surgical approaches. For example, patients presenting with difficult defecation may demonstrate dyssynergic defecation and will benefit from biofeedback therapy before considering surgical treatment of coexisting anomalies such as rectoceles or intussusception. Similarly, patients with significant rectal prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction or patients with complex enteroceles and pelvic organ prolapse may benefit from combined behavioral and surgical approaches, including an open, laparoscopic, transabdominal or transanal, and/or robotic-assisted surgery. Here, we provide an update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of selected common anorectal disorders.
Biofeedback, Psychology ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Defecography ; Diagnosis ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Humans ; Intussusception ; Manometry ; Neurophysiology ; Pelvic Floor ; Pelvic Organ Prolapse ; Rectal Diseases ; Rectal Prolapse ; Rectocele ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to confirm the detection rate of transperineal biopsy after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and compared it to that of transrectal biopsy. We also examined the role of mpMRI and the rate of complications for each method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we analyzed 147 patients who underwent mpMRI before prostate biopsy because of elevated serum prostate-specific antigen and/or abnormal digital rectal examination findings at Korea University Hospital, Seoul, Korea from March 2017 to April 2018. Regions on the mpMRI that were suggestive of prostate cancer were categorized according to the Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v2). For transperineal biopsy, a 20-core saturation biopsy was performed by MRI-TRUS cognitive or fusion techniques and a 12-core biopsy was performed in transrectal biopsy. RESULTS: Sixty-three and 84 patients were enrolled in transperineal group and transrectal group, respectively. The overall detection rate of prostate cancer in transperineal group was 27% higher than that in transrectal group. Classification according to PI-RADS score revealed a significant increase in detection rate in all patients, as the PI-RADS score increased. Frequency of complications using the Clavien-Dindo classifications revealed no significant differences in the total complications rate, but two patients in transrectal group received intensive care unit care due to urosepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that transperineal biopsy is superior to transrectal biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer. From the complication point of view, this study confirmed that there were fewer severe complications in transperineal biopsy.
Biopsy ; Classification ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Humans ; Information Systems ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Methods ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul

Objective: The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial risk calculator (PCPT-RC) is an online tool for assessing the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) based on age, race, serum PSA, biopsy history, family history, and other factors. This study aimed to investigate the value, sensitivity and specificity of the PCPT-RC 2.0 in assessing the risk of PCa in the Chinese high-risk population. METHODS: This study included 622 patients with the high risk of PCa characterized by high serum PSA (PSA >3 μg/L) or abnormality in digital rectal examination or imaging of the prostate. According to the results of prostate biopsy, we divided the patients into a PCa and a non-PCa group and used the PCPT-RC 2.0 for evaluation of all the cases followed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: PCa was detected in 264 (42.4%) of the 622 patients, including 126 cases of high-grade malignancy. Compared with the non-PCa group, the PCa patients showed a significantly older age (［68.40 ± 7.30］ vs ［72.80 ± 7.20］ yr, P <0.001), higher serum PSA level (［11.20 ± 7.76］ vs ［15.06 ± 10.65］, P <0.001), and higher PCPT risk score (［37.0 ± 10.8］% vs ［44.4 ± 12.6］%, P <0.001). The PCPT risk score exhibited a greater area under the ROC curve than the level of serum PSA in evaluating the risk of PCa (0.67 vs 0.61, P <0.05), but no statistically significant difference between the two in predicting the risk of high-grade malignancy (0.67 vs 0.66, P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS The PCPT risk score is valuable in predicting the risk of PCa in China, which may play a better role than the serum PSA level in screening PCa and avoid unnecessary prostate biopsy, though its advantage is not so obvious in identifying high-grade malignancy. A prediction tool needs to be established for evaluating the risk of PCa in the Chinese population.
Age Factors ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biopsy ; China ; Continental Population Groups ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; prevention & control ; ROC Curve ; Risk Assessment ; methods ; Risk Factors