Update on the Pathophysiology and Management of Anorectal Disorders

( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ),( Satish S. C. Rao ) 대한간학회 2018 Gut and Liver Vol.12 No.4

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. (Gut Liver 2018;12:375-384)

JNM : How to Interpret a Functional or Motility Test ; Technique of Functional and Motility Test; How to Perform Antroduodenal Manometry

( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ),( Sutep Gonlachanvit ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2013 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.19 No.3

Antroduodenal manometry is one of the methods to evaluate stomach and duodenal motility. This test is a valuable diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal motility disorders especially small intestinal pseudo-obstruction which is difficult to make definite diagnosis by clinical manifestations or radiologic findings. Manometric findings that have no evidence of mechanical obstruction and suggestive of pseudo-obstruction with neuropathy or myopathy can avoid unnecessary surgery and the treatment can be directly targeted. Moreover, among patients who have clinically suspected small intestinal pseudo-obstruction but with normal manometric findings, the alternative diagnosis including psychiatric disorder or other organic disease should be considered. The application of this test to the patients with functional gastrointestinal symptoms especially to find the association of motor abnormalities to the symptom has less impressive yield. Antroduodenal manometry is now readily available only in some tertiary care centers. The aim of this review is to describe the antroduodenal manometry technique, interpretation and clinical utility. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 19:395-404)

The Therapeutic and Diagnostic Value of 2-week High Dose Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment in Overlapping Non-erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Functional Dyspepsia Patients

( Chatchai Kriengkirakul ),( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ),( Sutep Gonlachanvit ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2012 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.18 No.2

Background/Aims To evaluate the value of a 2-week high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment on patients with overlapping non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods Sixty overlapping NERD and FD patients with symptom onset > 3 months prior underwent 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring studies. All patients received rabeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. for 2 weeks. The reflux and dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated using a symptom questionnaire with 4-point Likert scales before and at the end of treatment. A positive PPI test was defined as score improvement in ≥ 50% from the baseline in the typical reflux symptoms. Results The prevalence of each reflux and dyspeptic symptom did not differ significantly between patients with positive and negative pH tests. After the PPI treatment, epigastric burning, acid regurgitation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and chest discomfort scores were significantly improved compared to pretreatment values (P < 0.05), whereas postprandial abdominal fullness, early satiation, belching and food regurgitation were not. The proportion of patients who responded to the PPI treatment did not differ significantly between patients with positive and negative pH tests. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of 2-week high dose rabeprazole treatment for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease were 47%, 38%, 50%, 35% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions The two-week high dose PPI treatment was not effective for early satiation, postprandial abdominal fullness, regurgitation or belching symptoms in patients with overlapping NERD and FD. Acid exposure in the distal esophagus could not predict the response of symptoms to PPI. In addition, the 2-week PPI test provided limited value for gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnosis in patients with overlapping NERD and FD.

Prediction of Delayed Colonic Transit Using Bristol Stool Form and Stool Frequency in Eastern Constipated Patients: A Difference From the West

( Veeravich Jaruvongvanich ),( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ),( Sutep Gonlachanvit ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2017 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.23 No.4

Background/Aims The correlation between the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) and colonic transit time (CTT) has been reported in Western populations. Our study aims to study the relationship between BSFS, stool frequency, and CTT in Eastern patients with chronic constipation. Methods A total of 144 chronic functional constipation patients underwent colonic transit study by using radio-opaque markers, anorectal manometry, and balloon expulsion test. Stool diary including stool forms and frequency was recorded. Delayed CTT was defined as the retention of more than 20.0% of radio-opaque markers in the colon on day 5. Results Twenty-five patients (17.4%) had delayed colonic transit. Mean 5-day BSFS (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34-0.79; P = 0.021) and stool frequency (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.44-0.83; P = 0.002) were independently associated with delayed CTT by logistic regression analysis. Mean 5-day BSFS (area under the curve [AUC], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.84; P < 0.001) and stool frequency (AUC, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.87; P < 0.001) fairly predicted delayed CTT. The optimal mean 5-day BSFS of ≤ 3 provided 68.0% sensitivity, 69.7% specificity, and 69.4% accuracy, and the optimal stool frequency ≤ 2 bowel movements in 5 days provided 64.0% sensitivity, 83.1% specificity, and 84.0% accuracy for predicting delayed CTT. Conclusions Both stool form and frequency were significantly associated with delayed CTT. Stool frequency ≤ 2 and BSFS 1-3 rather than BSFS 1-2 that was used in the Westerners could be used as surrogate for delayed CTT in Eastern patients with constipation. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017;23:561-568)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Characteristics in Supragastric Belching Patients With Positive Versus Negative pH Monitoring: An Evidence of Secondary Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease From Excessive Belching

Suriya Keeratichananont,Tanisa Patcharatrakul,Sutep Gonlachanvit 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.3

Background/AimsA high prevalence of GERD has been reported in patients with supragastric belching. We aim to evaluate reflux characteristics and explore the temporal relationship between supragastric belches (SGBs) and reflux episodes in GERD patients with excessive belching. MethodsTwenty-four hour esophageal pH-impedance monitoring was analyzed. Reflux episodes were classified into: refluxes preceded by SGBs, followed by SGBs, and lone refluxes. Reflux characteristics were compared between patients with pH-positive (pH+) and pH-negative(pH–). ResultsForty-six patients (34 Female, age 47 ± 13 years) were included. Fifteen patients (32.6%) had pH+. Almost half (48.1 ± 21.0%) of refluxes were preceded by SGBs. The number of SGBs significantly correlated with the number of reflux episodes preceded by SGBs (r = 0.43, P < 0.05) and % time pH < 4 at the distal esophagus (r = 0.41, P < 0.05). Patients with pH+ had significantly more SGBs and reflux episodes preceded by SGBs/day than pH– patients (P < 0.05). The difference in the number of refluxes between pH+ and pH– patients was caused by reflux episodes preceded by SGBs, but not lone refluxes and refluxes followed by SGBs. The proportion of SGBs followed by reflux/total SGBs was similar between patients with pH+ and pH– (P > 0.05). Reflux episodes preceded by SGBs and followed by SGBs extended more proximal and had longer bolus and acid contact time than lone refluxes (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIn patients with GERD and SGB, the number of SGBs positively correlates with the number of reflux episodes preceded by SGBs. Identifying and managing SGB may be beneficial and more likely to improve GERD.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation

( Satish S C Rao ),( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2016 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.22 No.3

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioral problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. A detailed history, prospective stool diaries, and a careful digital rectal examination will not only identify the nature of bowel dysfunction, but also raise the index of suspicion for this evacuation disorder. Anorectal physiology tests and balloon expulsion test are essential for a diagnosis. Newer techniques such as high-resolution manometry and magnetic resonance defecography can provide mechanistic insights. Recently, randomized controlled trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is more effective than laxatives and other modalities, both in the short term and long term, without side effects. Also, symptom improvements correlated with changes in underlying pathophysiology. Biofeedback therapy has been recommended as the first-line of treatment for dyssynergic defecation. Here, we provide an overview of the burden of illness and pathophysiology of dyssynergic defecation, and how to diagnose and treat this condition with biofeedback therapy. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016;22:423-435)

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey of Gastroparesis in Asia by Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association

( Tadayuki Oshima ),( Kewin T H Siah ),( Yong Sung Kim ),( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ),( Chien-lin Chen ),( Sanjiv Mahadeva ),( Hyojin Park ),( Min-hu Chen ),( Ching-liang Lu ),( Xiaohua Hou ),( Duc T Qua 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회(구 대한소화관운동학회) 2021 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.27 No.1

Background/Aims Gastroparesis is identified as a subject that is understudied in Asia. The scientific committee of the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association performed a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices survey on gastroparesis among doctors in Asia. Methods The questionnaire was created and developed through a literature review of current gastroparesis works of literature by the scientific committee of Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association. Results A total of 490 doctors from across Asia (including Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam) participated in the survey. Gastroparesis is a significant gastrointestinal condition. However, a substantial proportion of respondents was unable to give the correct definition and accurate diagnostic test. The main reason for lack of interest in diagnosing gastroparesis was “the lack of reliable diagnostic tests” (46.8%) or “a lack of effective treatment” (41.5%). Only 41.7% of respondents had access to gastric emptying scintigraphy. Most doctors had never diagnosed gastroparesis at all (25.2%) or diagnosed fewer than 5 patients a year (52.1%). Conclusions Gastroparesis can be challenging to diagnose due to the lack of instrument, standardized method, and paucity of research data on normative value, risk factors, and treatment studies in Asian patients. Future strategies should concentrate on how to disseminate the latest knowledge of gastroparesis in Asia. In particular, there is an urgent need to estimate the magnitude of the problems in high risk and idiopathic patients as well as a standardized diagnostic procedure in Asia. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021;27:46-54)

Spot Hydrogen Breath Test for Predicting Response to Low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols Dietary Advice in Patients With Bloating

Pochara Somvanapanich,Panyavee Pitisuttithum,Jarongkorn Sirimongkolkasem,Pakkapon Rattanachaisit,Sureeporn Jangsirikul,Tanisa Patcharatrakul,Sutep Gonlachanvit 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.4

Background/AimsAn increase in postprandial intestinal gas plays a role in bloating symptoms. We aim to study the utility of spot breath hydrogen (H2) level in predicting the response to a low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) diet. MethodsPatients with functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed by Rome IV criteria with bothersome bloating for > 6 months were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed 7-day food diaries and collected a breath sample 2 hours after their usual lunch at baseline and 4 weeks after low FODMAPs dietary advice by a dietitian. The responder was defined as an improvement of ≥ 30% bloating scores in the fourth week. ResultsThirty-eight patients (32 female, 52.6 ± 13.8 years; 22 irritable bowel syndrome) completed the study. Twenty-one patients (55%) were classified as responders. Baseline global gastrointestinal symptoms, bloating, abdominal pain scores, and numbers of high FODMAPs items were similar between responders and non-responders. Both groups significantly decreased high FODMAPs items intake with similar numbers at the follow-up. The area under the curve for predicting low FODMAPs responsiveness using baseline H2 levels was 0.692 (95%CI, 0.51-0.86; P < 0.05), with the best cutoff at 8 parts per million (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 82.4%). 66% of responders had baseline H2 level > 8 parts per million vs 17% of non-responders (P < 0.05). The baseline spot hydrogen level in responders was 9.5 (3.3-17.3) vs 4.5 (3.3-6.3) in non-responders (P < 0.05). ConclusionsA higher baseline breath hydrogen level was associated with bloating improvement after low FODMAPs dietary advice. A spot breath test after lunch, a simple point-of-care test, is possibly helpful in managing patients with bloating.

Special Article : Primary Care Management of Chronic Constipation in Asia; The ANMA Chronic Constipation Tool

( Kok-Ann Gwee ),( Uday C Ghoshal ),( Sutep Gonlachanvit ),( Andrew Seng Boon Chua ),( Seung-Jae Myung ),( Shaman Rajindrajith ),( Tanisa Patcharatrakul ),( Myung-Gyu Choi ),( Justin C Y Wu ),( Min-Hu 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2013 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.19 No.2

Chronic constipation (CC) may impact on quality of life. There is substantial patient dissatisfaction; possible reasons are failure to recognize underlying constipation, inappropriate dietary advice and inadequate treatment. The aim of these practical guidelines intended for primary care physicians, and which are based on Asian perspectives, is to provide an approach to CC that is relevant to the existing health-care infrastructure. Physicians should not rely on infrequent bowel movements to diagnose CC as many patients have one or more bowel movement a day. More commonly, patients present with hard stool, straining, incomplete feeling, bloating and other dyspeptic symptoms. Physicians should consider CC in these situations and when patients are found to use laxative containing supplements. In the absence of alarm features physicians may start with a 2-4 week therapeutic trial of available pharmacological agents including osmotic, stimulant and enterokinetic agents. Where safe to do so, physicians should consider regular (as opposed to on demand dosing), combination treatment and continuous treatment for at least 4 weeks. If patients do not achieve satisfactory response, they should be referred to tertiary centers for physiological evaluation of colonic transit and pelvic floor function. Surgical referral is a last resort, which should be considered only after a thorough physiological and psychological evaluation.