Functional outcome of total anorectal reconstruction: incontinence or constipation?
OBJECTIVE
Besides incontinence, constipation is important after TAR. We aimed at evaluating their correlation and role in functional outcome.


METHODS
81 diaries in 16 patients (up to 8 years) were assessed, by a specific scoring system, regarding incontinence and evacuation. In the overall series and in three postoperative time groups, the correlation between the two items, their mean scores and relative score rates (% of the maximum possible scoring) were calculated.


RESULTS
The Spearman correlation coefficient in all assessments was -0.128. According to timing, it was: 0.468 (short term), -0.036 (mean term) and -0.69 (long term). Incontinence was more disabling than evacuation; constipation occurred more frequently. Incontinence improved over time; constipation did not substantially change.


CONCLUSIONS
Current criteria for functional assessment do not describe the true conditions after TAR and their variations over time. Profound consideration is necessary before announcing ultimate judgements on TAR.
Violi
Vincenzo
V
Clinica Chirurgica Generale e Terapia Chirurgica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Università di Parma. vincenzo.violi@unipr.it
Boselli
Adamo Stefano
AS
De Bernardinis
Massimo
M
Costi
Renato
R
Sarli
Leopoldo
L
Iusco
Domenico
D
Roncoroni
Luigi
L
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012007:Rectum / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*