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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

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01-11-2007 | Original Article

The efficacy and adverse effects of topical phenylephrine for anal incontinence after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer

Authors: Jun-Seok Park, Sung-Bum Kang, Duck-Woo Kim, Hyung-Wook Namgung, Hye-Lin Kim

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 11/2007

Abstract

Background

Anal incontinence is experienced by some patients with rectal cancer who received low anterior resection. This study was to examine the efficacy and adverse effects of the alpha-1 adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, which causes contraction of the internal anal sphincter and raises the resting pressure in these patients.

Patients and methods

Thirty-five patients with anal incontinence were treated with 30% phenylephrine or a placebo randomly allocated in a double-blind study. The efficacy of the drug was assessed by changes in the following standardized questionnaire scores: the fecal incontinence severity index (FISI), fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) scales, and a global efficacy question. Anal sphincter function was evaluated using anorectal manometry.

Results

Phenylephrine did not improve either the FISI score or any of the four FIQL scores. Five of 17 (29%) patients reported subjective improvement after phenylephrine compared with 4 of 12 (33%) using the placebo. The maximum resting anal pressure did not differ between baseline and after 4 weeks application of phenylephrine (30.0 to 27.3 mmHg). In the phenylephrine group, allergic dermatitis was developed in five patients and headache in two.

Conclusion

In the patients with anal incontinence after low anterior resection for rectal cancer, phenylephrine gel did not seem to be helpful in relieving symptoms with some adverse effects.

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Title: The efficacy and adverse effects of topical phenylephrine for anal incontinence after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Jun-Seok Park
Sung-Bum Kang
Duck-Woo Kim
Hyung-Wook Namgung
Hye-Lin Kim
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 11/2007
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-007-0335-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The efficacy and adverse effects of topical phenylephrine for anal incontinence after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer

Abstract

Background

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

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