The Pediatric Bowel Management Clinic: initial results of a multidisciplinary approach to functional constipation in children

The multifactorial nature of functional constipation in children suggests that a multidisciplinary management approach may be effective. The authors tested this hypothesis in a newly created pediatric Bowel Management Clinic (BMC). Detailed data were collected prospectively on all patients seen in the clinic over the first 16 months. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to describe the index population and to demonstrate the impact of the intervention. Satisfaction with care in the clinic was measured using the Measure of Processes of Care tool, then compared with a normative sample. One hundred fourteen patients, all previously treated unsuccessfully for constipation, were referred to a team comprised of a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, dietitian, and psychosocial nurse specialist. The mean age was 5.4 years with equal gender distribution. Between the first and last visits recorded, several variables including stool consistency and frequency, soiling frequency, abdominal pain, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding all showed statistically significant (P < .05) improvement. Qualitative data analysis showed the significant psychosocial impact of constipation on patients and their families. In the Measures of Processes of Care questionnaire, scores for the BMC were higher than normal on all scales except in provision of information. A multidisciplinary approach to functional constipation leads to both patient and parent satisfaction and significant short-term improvement. Further studies will examine the long-term impact of the clinic.     

Megacolon and megarectum in adults. Abdominal proctectomy with colo-anal anastomosis

Severe constipation in adults with megarectum may be a manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease or idiopathic megarectum. The differential diagnosis is discussed in the light of two case histories. Total abdominal proctectomy with coloanal anastomosis eliminated the aganglionic rectal segment in Hirschsprung's disease and the adynamic distal colorectum of idiopathic megarectum respectively. The surgical and functional results of a hand-sewn transanal end-to-end-anastomosis were excellent in both patients.     

Management of anorectal foreign bodies: a cause of obscure anal pain

BACKGROUND: Few patients with anorectal foreign bodies will freely admit to transanal introduction. The results of long-term follow-up in these patients have been sparse. METHODS: Data from April 1989 to April 1997 were extracted from a prospective computerized database. The clinical features and the results of a departmental management protocol for anorectal foreign bodies were analysed. In addition, long-term outcomes were obtained by telephone interview. RESULTS: Thirty patients (25 men, 5 women) with a mean age of 46 (range 16-72) years) were treated for this condition. While 10 patients (33.3%) admitted to transanal insertion, the remaining 20 (66.7%) complained of anal pain. Among the latter, the foreign body was subsequently found on routine digital rectal examination in nine patients (45%), on X-ray in nine (45%) and it was passed out unexpectedly after fleet enema in two (10%). Factors which raised suspicion for X-rays included atypical gender behaviour, lax anal sphincters and bloody or mucoid rectal discharge. Transanal recovery was successful with sedation in 12 (40%), general anaesthesia in 13 (43.3%), and laparotomy was needed in three (10%; which included one perforated bowel at presentation). There were two complications (6.7%; one minor rectal abrasion and one bronchopneumonia). There was no long-term faecal incontinence or re-impaction of foreign bodies at 63 (range 8-96) months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign bodies should be suspected in patients with obscure anal pain. Judicious transanal extraction under sedation or general anaesthesia was usually successful with minimal short- and long-term complications.     

Tropisetron in the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting over six courses of emetogenic chemotherapy

Tropisetron (Navoban") suppresses nausea and vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapy by antagonizing central and peripheral 5-HT3 receptors. In this open-label study, tropisetron was evaluated in 873 patients who were either refractory to antiemetic treatment during previous chemotherapy or at high risk of emesis as a result of current chemotherapy. The most commonly used agents alone or in combination were cyclophosphamide (35%), fluorouracil (30%), carboplatin (24%) and cisplatin (21%). The primary tumors were breast cancer (27%), lung cancer (16%), gynecological cancers (12%) and lymphoma (9%). Tropisetron was administered as a 15 min infusion prior to chemotherapy and an additional oral 5 mg dose was taken by 80% of the patients on subsequent days. During course 1, complete response to tropisetron was obtained in 64% of patients on day 1, 54% on day 2, 63% on day 3, 71% on day 4 and 77% on day 5. Very similar response rates were found for the six chemotherapy courses. There were few failures after complete and partial response, at maximum 3 and 15%, respectively. Moreover, 24-38% of those with partial response and 7-29% of those with failure could achieve a complete response during the following cycle. The treatment was well tolerated, the most frequently reported adverse events being constipation (3.7%) and headache (2.6%).     

Local treatment of tumors of the rectum with transanal endoscopic microsurgical technique

Nine patients were treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal adenomas and three for incurable malignant disease of the rectum. The techniques are presented. One early complication was seen. In the median follow-up period of 6.5 months no recurrences were seen in the adenoma group. In the palliatively resected group of rectal cancers one patient has died and two patients are alive without stomas. It is concluded that the microsurgical technique is a safe treatment modality for some patients with rectal diseases.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery: a single surgeon's experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a single surgeon's experience with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) with regard to incidence of complications, recurrence rate of benign and malignant lesions, and impact on the treatment of rectal cancer. DESIGN: Prospective tumor registry. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-three patients undergoing TEM between January 1991 and November 1996. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications, recurrence rates, and use of this technique with respect to radical operations. RESULTS: The arrival of TEM was associated with an increase in the number of operations for rectal cancer; however, the use of TEM remained constant relative to radical resections. Use of TEM resection alone is appropriate for all adenomas and cancers staged Tis and T1. Use of TEM alone is not an appropriate treatment for T2 cancers. Four patients (5%) experienced fecal soilage, which was long lasting in only 1 (1%). CONCLUSIONS: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe technique and provides improved access to lesions in the middle and upper rectum. Thus far, it has not had a significant impact in the overall treatment of rectal cancer.     

Clinicopathological profile of subacute hepatic failure

Sigmoid volvulus is an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction in children. We report two cases of sigmoid volvulus as a complication of segmental dilatation of the colon occurring in two girls (5 years old and 9 years old) previously treated for chronic constipation. In both cases the constipation had been recognised since the neonatal period mimicking a Hirschsprung's disease, a diagnosis which has been excluded after rectal biopsy. The delayed diagnosis of segmental dilatation of the sigmoid colon followed the volvulus. Segmental colonic resection resulted in both cases in the cure of the constipation.     

Extra-anal mucosectomy: laparascopic-assisted endorectal pull-through using a prolapsing technique

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The mucosectomy of the aganglionic rectal mucosa has been performed transabdominally in the Soave procedure. Recently, mucosectomy with transanal approach was reported both in the laparoscopic and the open surgical procedure. However, the operative view and working field are restricted because the dissection has to be done in the anal canal. The authors report an innovative approach, an extra-anal mucosectomy, to perform mucosectomy in the Soave procedure for Hirschspung's disease in combination with the laparoscopic-assisted prolapsing technique. METHODS: Four patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for Hirschsprung's disease with extra-anal mucosectomy between 1995 and 1997. One 10-mm and 5-mm ports were used throughout the operation. The rectum was pulled out through the anal canal to create a rectal prolapse and was divided outside the anal canal. The mucosectomy was performed in the everted rectal mucosa outside the anal canal to the level of dentate line. The colon was sutured to the anal mucosa 2 mm above the dentate line. Mean operative time was 3 hours. RESULTS: The present technique made the whole mucosectomy possible under direct observation. CONCLUSION: The extra-anal mucosectomy in conjunction with a laparoscopic-assisted prolapsing technique seems to be a safe and reliable modality in the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung's disease.     

Outbreak of systemic aspergillosis in a neonatal intensive care unit

Clinical and manometric results of Delorme's operation and sphincteroplasty were assessed retrospectively in patients undergoing this procedure for fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse. A series of 33 patients (11 males, 22 females; aged 18-83 years, mean 59) with external rectal prolapse were treated by Delorme's operation between 1989 and 1996. Mean follow-up was 39 months (range 7-84). Sphincteroplasty was associated in 12 cases with severe fecal incontinence due to striated muscle defects. Good results were achieved in 27 patients (79%); prolapse recurrence was observed in 6 (21%), the mean recurrence time being 9 months (range 1-24 months). There were no postoperative deaths. Minor complications occurred in 15 patients. Changes in preoperative and postoperative manometric patterns were as follows (mean +/- SEM): voluntary contraction from 59 +/- 6.9 to 66 +/- 7.1 mmHg (P = 0.05), resting tone from 33 +/- 5 to 32 +/- 4.3 mmHg, rectal sensation from 59 +/- 5 to 61 +/- 5.2 ml of air (n.s.). A solitary rectal ulcer syndrome was detected in five patients. The histological pattern demonstrated pathological changes in 40% of cases. Fecal incontinence was resolved in 6 of 20 cases (30%) and chronic constipation in 4 of 9 (44%). Failure (n = 3) was related primarily to postoperative sepsis. The incontinence score showed a mean improvement of 35% decreasing, from 4.5 +/- 0.39 to 2.9 +/- 0.44 after surgery (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Delorme's procedure did not lead to constipation and improved anal continence when associated with sphincteroplasty.     

Misoprostol in the treatment of chronic refractory constipation: results of a long-term open label trial

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol is known to be effective in stimulating intestinal transit both in healthy individuals and in patients with chronic constipation when evaluated in short-term trials. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of misoprostol in the long-term management of patients with chronic refractory constipation. METHODS: Eighteen patients were offered misoprostol (600-2400 microg/day) as adjunctive therapy in an open-ended, non-blinded trial. All patients were encouraged to continue the drug for a minimum of 4 weeks, after which time the effect on bowel movement patterns was evaluated and continued use of misoprostol was offered to those patients who demonstrated a clinical benefit. RESULTS: Six patients withdrew prior to 4 weeks because of side-effects. In the 12 patients who continued the treatment and were evaluated at 4 weeks, the mean interval between bowel movement frequency had decreased from a baseline of 11.25 to 4.8 days (P = 0.0004). Eight patients continued the long-term treatment, with sustained response seen in six. In a subset of patients (n = 4) the effect of single-dose misoprostol (400 microg) was evaluated compared to healthy controls (n = 5) on post-prandial segmental colonic motility. Misoprostol augmented the colonic motility response to a meal throughout the colon, and this was significantly greater in the left versus right colonic segments (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol can be effective as part of the long-term medical treatment of patients with chronic refractory constipation, but side-effects are observed at higher doses and can be a limiting factor. Part of misoprostol's action may be mediated through the augmentation of colonic motility, particularly of the left colon.     

Comparison of digital rectal examination and biopsy results with the radical prostatectomy specimen

PURPOSE: Digital rectal examination is integral to staging prostate cancer. Ultrasound guided biopsy establishes the diagnosis, and it may provide useful information regarding disease grade and extent. Treatment decisions are largely based on information gained from digital rectal examination and biopsy but this information is only useful if it correlates with the radical prostatectomy specimen and prognosis. We correlated digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy results with a detailed analysis of the radical prostatectomy specimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The accuracy of an abnormal digital rectal examination for predicting the location and extent of cancer was assessed in 89 patients thought to have clinical stage T2 disease. We evaluated 155 patients with clinical stages T1c and T2 disease to correlate the location of positive biopsies with the tumor site in the prostate. Radical prostatectomy specimens were completely sectioned at 2 mm. intervals, and tumor extent and location were recorded. RESULTS: In 85 patients a unilateral lesion was suspicious on digital rectal examination, that is stage cT2. The final pathological review revealed cancer on the suspicious side in 82 cases (96%) with tumor confined to the same lobe in only 23 (27%), bilateral disease in 59 (69%) and tumor confined to the contralateral lobe in 3 (4%). In 4 patients with a palpable bilateral abnormality a bilateral lesion was confirmed on final pathological evaluation. Digital rectal examination demonstrated a 36 and 31% incidence of extracapsular tumor extension and positive surgical margins, respectively, on the clinically benign side. In 100 patients only unilateral biopsy was positive. The final pathological evaluation revealed cancer in the biopsy positive side in 95 cases (95%) with tumor confined to the ipsilateral lobe in only 26 (26%), bilateral disease in 69 (69%) and tumor confined to the contralateral lobe in 5 (5%). In 46 of the 55 patients (84%) with bilateral positive biopsies tumor involved both sides but the pathologist did not identify cancer in both lobes in 9 (16%). While 100 patients had a unilateral negative biopsy, analysis of the prostatectomy specimen revealed carcinoma in the benign lobe in 74 (74%). Moreover, extracapsular tumor extension and a positive surgical margin were observed on the biopsy negative side in 31% of the patients. The degree to which digital rectal examination and biopsy results confirmed the final pathological evaluation was assessed using the kappa statistic, which revealed only slight agreement with each factor. The correlation of digital rectal examination and biopsy results with the location of extracapsular extension and positive margins was evaluated by the Spearman coefficient of correlation, which indicated poor agreement. When patients with unilateral versus bilateral positive biopsy were compared with respect to prognostic parameters, the difference was statistically significant for initial serum prostate specific antigen, the percentage of surface involved by tumor, biopsy and final Gleason scores, and the incidence of extracapsular extension of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Digital rectal examination and the interpretation of prostate biopsy are not accurate clinical tools for defining the location and extent of prostatic carcinoma. Bilateral positive biopsy may be useful as an adjunct to the current clinical staging system.     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery in Italy

The Italian experience with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) started in 1991. Until April, 1994, 122 patients were operated on by such a technique in six centres. The surgical protocol in the 66 patients with benign lesions was similar to that described by Buess. In contrast to the German experience, the indications of TEM for cancer have been extended to more advanced tumours and in 22 out of 56 patients with rectal carcinoma adjuvant radiation- or radiation-chemotherapy have been applied according to various protocols. In 88% of TEM for rectal tumours the operation has been carried out according to a full-thickness technique, with or without perirectal fat excision. Postoperative morbidity of TEM for adenoma was 15.8% and that of TEM for carcinoma 29.6%. There was no postoperative mortality. Local recurrence rate after TEM for adenoma was 10.5%, while that after TEM for cancer was 9.25%. No local recurrence has been reported among patients treated with a combination of TEM and adjuvant radiation treatments. The median follow-up in the 6 centres ranged between 7 and 16 months. A randomised prospective clinical trial has been planned in order to evaluate the role of transanal endoscopic microsurgery in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.     

Prevalence and pathological extent of prostate cancer in men with prostate specific antigen levels of 2.9 to 4.0 ng./ml

Various authors have recommended different values for the upper limit of normal for the monoclonal prostate specific antigen (PSA) assay (for example 4.0 ng./ml. or less by the manufacturer Hybritech or 2.8 ng./ml. or less by others). To our knowledge, no studies have examined the prevalence and pathological extent of prostate cancer detectable by needle biopsy in ambulatory volunteers with PSA levels in the range of 2.9 to 4.0 ng./ml. We evaluated 121 volunteers by rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography with PSA levels in that range. We performed ultrasound-directed needle biopsy of the prostate if abnormal findings were present on either examination. The prevalence of detectable prostate cancer in this group was 7.2% (8 of 111). All 8 patients had pathologically organ confined cancer, and only 2 had suspicious findings on rectal examination but all had abnormal or suspicious ultrasound findings. We believe that the 7.2% yield from ultrasonography and biopsy in patients with a PSA level of 2.9 to 4.0 ng./ml. is too low to justify further invasive evaluation. Rather, we recommend careful followup and monitoring of these patients with serial PSA measurements and rectal examination, and advise performance of ultrasonography and biopsy if the rectal examination becomes suspicious for cancer or the PSA level increases above 4.0 ng./ml.     

Biofeedback training in treatment of childhood constipation: a randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND: Because abnormal defaecation dynamics, which can be modified by biofeedback, are considered to be the underlying problem in constipation, biofeedback training may be a useful treatment for constipation. This treatment has mainly been studied in uncontrolled trials. We evaluated defaecation dynamics and clinical outcome in chronically constipated children in a randomised study comparing conventional treatment and conventional treatment with biofeedback training. METHODS: Patients, 5 to 16 years old, were referred to the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam by general practitioners, school doctors, paediatricians, and psychiatrists. They had to fulfil at least two of four criteria for paediatric constipation and were included if they had been treated medically for at least one month before randomisation. Patients had a medical history, abdominal and rectal examination, and anorectal manometry at the start and end of the 6-week intervention period. The conventional group received laxative treatment with additional dietary advice, toilet training, and maintenance of a diary of bowel habits. The biofeedback group received the same conventional treatment and additionally five biofeedback training sessions. During the first 3 weeks, patients visited the outpatient clinic weekly; two subsequent visits were twice monthly. FINDINGS: 94 patients were randomised to conventional treatment (CT) and 98 to conventional treatment with additional biofeedback training (CT+BF). Normal defaecation dynamics increased in the CT group from 41% to 52% (not significant) and in the CT+BF group from 38% to 86% (p = 0.001). At 6 weeks, more patients in the CT+BF group showed normal defaecation dynamics, compared to the CT group (p < 0.001). This result was unaltered by controlling for baseline status in a logistic regression model. At 1 year, successful treatment (defaecation frequency > or = 3/week, soiling and/or encopresis < 2/month, and no laxatives) was accomplished in 59% of the CT and 50% of the CT+BF group (p = 0.24). The results were maintained after 1 1/2 years follow-up. No association was found between achievement of normal defaecation dynamics and clinical outcome. INTERPRETATION: Additional biofeedback training compared to conventional therapy did not result in higher success rates in chronically constipated children. Furthermore, achievement of normal defaecation dynamics was not associated with success: abnormal defaecation dynamics seem not to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of childhood constipation. Intensive conventional laxative treatment should remain the first choice in chronically constipated children.     

Comparison of results after transanal endoscopic microsurgery and radical resection for T1 carcinoma of the rectum

BACKGROUND: We compared the results of transanal endoscopic microsurgery and radical surgery in patients with T1 carcinomas of the rectum. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study (1985-96) to compare the results obtained in 103 patients with T1 rectal carcinomas (low-risk T1, n = 80; high-risk T1; n = 23) undergoing transanal endoscopic microsurgery and radical surgical therapy. RESULTS: The complication rate in patients undergoing local excision was 3.4% (two of 58); it was 18% (eight of 45) in the group treated with radical surgery. Two of 45 patients (3.8%) died after radical resection; there were no deaths after local excision. With regard to the actuarial 5-year survival rate, no difference was observed in the group with low-risk T1 carcinoma between patients treated with local excision (79%) and those who had radical resection (81%) (p = 0.72). In patients with high-risk T1 carcinoma, lymph node metastases were identified in four of 11 patients undergoing radical resection (36%). Four of 12 patients with high-risk T1 carcinoma treated by local excision developed recurrences, whereas none of the patients undergoing primary radical surgery had a recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of low-risk T1 carcinomas is associated with a significantly lower complication rate than radical surgical therapy. There is no difference in 5-year survival between local and radical surgical therapy in patients with low-risk T1 carcinoma.     

Intolerance of cow's milk and chronic constipation in children

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal symptom of intolerance of cow's milk among children. On the basis of a prior open study, we hypothesized that intolerance of cow's milk can also cause severe perianal lesions with pain on defecation and consequent constipation in young children. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, crossover study comparing cow's milk with soy milk in 65 children (age range, 11 to 72 months) with chronic constipation (defined as having one bowel movement every 3 to 15 days). All had been referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic and had previously been treated with laxatives without success; 49 had anal fissures and perianal erythema or edema. After 15 days of observation, the patients received cow's milk or soy milk for two weeks. After a one-week washout period, the feedings were reversed. A response was defined as eight or more bowel movements during a treatment period. RESULTS: Forty-four of the 65 children (68 percent) had a response while receiving soy milk. Anal fissures and pain with defecation resolved. None of the children who received cow's milk had a response. In all 44 children with a response, the response was confirmed with a double-blind challenge with cow's milk. Children with a response had a higher frequency of coexistent rhinitis, dermatitis, or bronchospasm than those with no response (11 of 44 children vs. 1 of 21, P=0.05); they were also more likely to have anal fissures and erythema or edema at base line (40 of 44 vs. 9 of 21, P<0.001), evidence of inflammation of the rectal mucosa on biopsy (26 of 44 vs. 5 of 21, P=0.008), and signs of hypersensitivity, such as specific IgE antibodies to cow's-milk antigens (31 of 44 vs. 4 of 21, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In young children, chronic constipation can be a manifestation of intolerance of cow's milk.     

A constipation scoring system to simplify evaluation and management of constipated patients

PURPOSE: Constipation is a common complaint; however, clinical presentation varies with each individual. The aim of this study was to assess a standard scoring system for evaluation of constipated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with idiopathic constipation who were referred for anorectal physiologic testing were assessed. A subjective constipation score was calculated based on a detailed questionnaire that included over 100 constipation-related symptoms. Based on the questionnaire, scores ranged from 0 to 30, with 0 indicating normal and 30 indicating severe constipation. The constipation score was then compared with the objective findings of the physiology tests, which include colonic transit time (CTT), anal manometry (AM), cinedefecography (CD), and electromyography (EMG). Colonic inertia was defined as diffuse marker delay on CTT without evidence of paradoxical contraction on AM, CD, or EMG. Pelvic outlet obstruction was defined as paradoxical puborectalis contraction, rectal prolapse or rectoanal intussusception, rectocele, or sigmoidocele. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients (185 females and 47 males) of a mean age of 64.9 (range, 14-92) years were evaluated. All patients had a score of more than 15; on evaluation of the significance of different symptoms in the constipation score with the Pearson's linear correlation test, 8 of 18 factors were identified as significant (P < 0.05). These factors included frequency of bowel movements, painful evacuation, incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, length of time per attempt, assistance for evacuation, unsuccessful attempts for evacuation per 24 hours, and duration of constipation. All 232 patients had objective obstruction attributable to one or more of the following causes: paradoxical puborectalis contraction (81), significant rectocele or sigmoidocele (48), rectoanal intussusception (64), and rectal prolapse (9). CONCLUSION: The proposed constipation scoring system correlated well with objective physiologic findings in constipated patients to allow uniformity in assessment of the severity of constipation.     

Prevalence and predictors of a positive repeat transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy of the prostate

PURPOSE: We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for carcinoma in patients with 1 previously negative prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate needle biopsies were repeated in 130 men. Risk factors analyzed included age, pathological result of initial biopsy, inter-biopsy interval, prostate specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, PSA velocity, digital rectal examination, abnormal transrectal ultrasound and family history of prostate cancer. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients (30%) had positive biopsies for cancer. Univariate analysis revealed that PSA more than 20 ng./ml. and abnormal transrectal ultrasound were more frequent in men with positive second biopsies. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis only PSA more than 20 ng./ml. was a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio 4.48, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 20.1). We determined the incidence of carcinoma in patients who represent the lowest risk group as defined by PSA less than 10 ng./ml., PSA density less than 0.15 mg./ml./cm.3, PSA velocity less than 0.75, ng./ml. per year, no prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia plus negative transrectal ultrasound, digital rectal examination and family history. Of 21 patients who fit this cohort 5 (23.8%) had carcinoma on repeat biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: A significant false-negative rate for initial transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies exists. Baseline risk in lowest risk patients is sufficiently high such that one cannot define a subset of patients for whom repeat biopsy is unnecessary. We recommend repeat biopsy in all patients who meet the criteria for a transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy and in whom the initial biopsy is negative.     

Long-term depression of excitatory synapses in the cortex and hippocampus

During a 3-year period, 258 infants and children underwent rectal biopsy to exclude Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and related disorders; 32 (12%) were found to have HD. Major morbidity occurred in 3 (2%) of 148 patients undergoing rectal suction biopsy (RSB) and 22 (13%) of 168 suction biopsies were inadequate for diagnosis. In 102 children over 6 months of age, Storz rectal cup biopsy forceps were used with no significant morbidity and adequate biopsies were obtained in 96% of cases. Open rectal biopsy was performed in 8 patients. The RSB tube is safe and reliable, but attention to technique is important. For children over 6 months of age undergoing rectal biopsy for HD, the Storz rectal cup biopsy forceps yields superior results.