Defecography. Results of investigations in 2,816 patients

Characterization of obstructive defecation from a structural and a functional perspective

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Defecation disorders can occur as a consequence of functional or structural anorectal dysfunctions during voiding. The aims of this study is to assess the prevalence of structural (SDD) vs functional (FDD) defecation disorders among patients with clinical complaints of obstructive defecation (OD) and their relationship with patients' expulsive capacity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 588 patients with OD studied between 2012 and 2020 with evacuation defecography (ED), and anorectal manometry (ARM) in a subgroup of 294.

RESULTS

90.3% patients were women, age was 58.5±12.4 years. Most (83.7%) had SDD (43.7% rectocele, 45.3% prolapse, 19.3% enterocele, and 8.5% megarectum), all SDD being more prevalent in women except for megarectum. Functional assessments showed: (a) absence of rectification of anorectal angle in 51% of patients and poor pelvic descent in 31.6% at ED and (b) dyssynergic defecation in 89.9%, hypertonic IAS in 44%, and 33.3% rectal hyposensitivity, at ARM. Overall, 46.4% of patients were categorized as pure SDD, 37.3% a combination of SDD+FDD, and 16.3% as having pure FDD. Rectal emptying was impaired in 66.2% of SDD, 71.3% of FDD and in 78% of patients with both (p=0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of SDD in middle-aged women with complaints of OD. Incomplete rectal emptying was more prevalent in FDD than in SDD although FDD and SDD frequently coexist. We recommend a stepwise therapeutic approach always starting with therapy directed to improve FDD and relaxation of striated pelvic floor muscles.

A novel perspective on constipation secondary to sigmoidocele: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Sigmoidocele, which is a type of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), is a peritoneal hernia of the pelvic floor that has been seldom studied individually. This study investigated the anatomic characteristics of sigmoidocele based on imaging features.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort population comprised adult patients with ODS who underwent defecography between December 2017 and July 2020. Sigmoidocele was classified based on existing criteria. Novel radiological parameters including the vertical distance descended by the sigmoid colon from rest to maximum straining (RMS) and from the inferior border of the sigmoid colon to the superior border of the rectum at maximum straining (MSR) were measured.

RESULTS

Among 275 patients with sigmoidocele, 251 (91.6%) were female. The mean age was 51.53±12.99 years. We classified 26, 205, and 44 cases as grades I, II, and III, respectively. Patients with more severe sigmoidocele had greater sigmoid colon mobility (RMS: 19.13±8.54 mm, 34.45±14.51 mm, and 48.70±20.05 mm for grades I, II, and III, respectively; p < 0.001) and more pronounced compression of the rectum by the sigmoid colon at maximum straining (MSR: 35.23±8.44 mm, 26.33±13.29 mm, and 15.18±18.00 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). We regrouped the patients based on sigmoid colon alignment. Type L patients had the most severe constipation.

CONCLUSION

Our study presents a novel sigmoidocele classification. The anatomic appearance and location of the herniated sigmoid colon observed using fluoroscopy during defecation may help improve the clinical awareness of ODS caused by sigmoidocele.

Dyssynergic Defecation in Chronically Constipated Children in Korea

Purpose

Dyssynergic defecation (DSD) is one of the important causes of chronic constipation in children. We aimed to analyze the clinical features, diagnostic test results, and treatments for DSD in children.

Methods

Children diagnosed with DSD using fluoroscopic defecography were enrolled in this study. Clinical data, including the results of colon transit time (CTT) test and biofeedback (BF) therapy, were collected from medical records retrospectively.

Results

Nineteen children were enrolled. The median age was 9 years (6-18 years), the median frequency of bowel movement was 1/7 days (1-10 days), the median duration of constipation was 7.0 years (2-18 years), the median age of onset of constipation was 2.5 years (1-11 years). In the CTT test, outlet obstruction type was noted in 10/18 (55.6%), slow transit type in 5/18 (27.8%), and normal transit in 1/18 (5.6%). The median CTT was 52 hours (40-142 hours). Initial medical therapy was performed with the polyethylene glycol 4000, and the response was good in 9/19 (47.4%), fair in 9/19 (47.4%), and poor in 1/19 (5.0%). BF was performed in 8/19, with good results in 6/8 (75.0%) children and failure in 2/8 (25.0%) children. After long-term medical therapy (11/19), 3/5 showed good response with medication alone, 6/8 showed good response with BF and medication combined.

Conclusion

DSD should be considered as a cause of chronic constipation in children, especially in those with abnormal CTT test results. BF combined with medical therapy is effective even with age-limited cooperation.

A possible physiological mechanism of rectocele formation in women

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the anorectal physiological factors associated with rectocele formation.

METHODS

Female patients (N = 32) with severe constipation, fecal incontinence, or suspicion of rectocele, who had undergone magnetic resonance defecography and anorectal function tests between 2015 and 2021, were retrospectively included for analysis. The anorectal function tests were used to measure pressure in the anorectum during defecation. Rectocele characteristics and pelvic floor anatomy were determined with magnetic resonance defecography. Constipation severity was determined with the Agachan score. Information regarding constipation-related symptoms was collected.

RESULTS

Mean rectocele size during defecation was 2.14 ± 0.88 cm. During defecation, the mean anal sphincter pressure just before defecation was 123.70 ± 67.37 mm Hg and was associated with rectocele size (P = 0.041). The Agachan constipation score was moderately correlated with anal sphincter pressure just before defecation (r = 0.465, P = 0.022), but not with rectocele size (r = 0.276, P = 0.191). During defecation, increased anal sphincter pressure just before defecation correlated moderately and positively with straining maneuvers (r = 0.539, P = 0.007) and defecation blockage (r = 0.532, P = 0.007). Rectocele size correlated moderately and positively with the distance between the pubococcygeal line and perineum (r = 0.446, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Increased anal sphincter pressure just before defecation is correlated with the rectocele size. Based on these results, it seems important to first treat the increased anal canal pressure before considering surgical rectocele repair to enhance patient outcomes.

Total pelvic floor ultrasound can reliably predict long-term treatment outcomes for patients with pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction

AIM

Integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound (TPFUS) may provide an alternative to defaecation proctography (DP) in decision making and treatment planning for patients with pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction (PFDD). This study evaluates the use of TPUS as a screening tool, and its likelihood to predict long-term treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Two blinded clinicians reviewed 100 women who had historically presented to a tertiary referral colorectal unit with PFDD from October 2014 to April 2015. The clinical history of the patients together with TPFUS or DP results were used to decide on main impression, treatment plan, likelihood of surgery and certainty of plan. These were compared to the actual treatment received six months later and again after a median follow-up of 68 months (range 48-84).

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients were treated with biofeedback only and 18 also underwent surgery. There were no complications in any of the patients who had surgery. When compared with the actual treatment received, 99 of the 100 of the TPFUS group would have been treated appropriately. The number of false positives for surgical treatment was lower with TPFUS compared to DP. Clinician confidence in the overall decision was significantly higher after review with DP.

CONCLUSIONS

TPFUS is a reliable assessment tool for PFDD. It can identify patients who can go straight to biofeedback and is just as good as DP at predicting likelihood of surgery. We might be able to rely on TPFUS more significantly in the future, even for surgical planning.

Effect of posture on anorectal manometric measurements in female patients with fecal incontinence and rectoanal intussusception

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the influence of erect position on anorectal manometry in patients with rectoanal intussusception (RAI).

METHODS

This was a single center prospective observational study. Eighty female patients with fecal incontinence (FI) who underwent defecography between 1st January 2016 and 30th April 2022 were included. The effect of posture on commonly measured parameters during manometry was assessed in the left-lateral and erect positions. The severity of FI was assessed using FI Severity Index (FISI).

RESULTS

Defecography showed that 30 patients had circumferential RAI (CRAI), and 50 had non-CRAI. There were no significant differences in age, parity, FI type, and FISI scores between the groups. However, FISI scores were significantly lower in 51 patients with passive FI than 12 patients with mixed FI type [21 (8-38) vs. 32 (8-43), P = 0.007]. Endo-anal ultrasound showed no significant difference in the incidence of sphincter defects between the groups. Maximum squeeze pressure was significantly lower in the erect position than in the left-lateral position in the CRAI patients [119 cm H₂O (59‒454 cm H₂O) vs. 145 cm H₂O (65‒604 cm H₂O), P = 0.006] however, this finding was not observed in the non-CRAI group and the subgroup of anterior RAI patients. In either group, maximum resting pressure, defecation desire volume, and maximum tolerated volume were significantly higher, while anal canal length was significantly shorter in the erect position than in the left-lateral position, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Voluntary contraction in female FI patients with CRAI was suppressed in the erect position.

Rectocele: Incidental or important? Observe or operate? Contemporary diagnosis and management in the multidisciplinary era

BACKGROUND

More common in older women than younger women, rectoceles may be secondary to pelvic floor weakness and/or pelvic floor dysfunction with impaired rectal evacuation. Rectoceles may be small (<2 cm), medium (2-4 cm), or large (>4 cm). Arguably, large rectoceles are more likely to be associated with symptoms (e.g., difficult defecation). It can be challenging to ascertain the extent to which a rectocele is secondary to pelvic floor dysfunction and/or whether a rectocele, rather than associated pelvic floor dysfunction, is responsible for symptoms. Surgical repair should be considered when initial treatment measures (e.g., bowel modifying agents and pelvic floor biofeedback therapy) are unsuccessful.

PURPOSE

We summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of rectoceles, with an emphasis on outcomes after surgical repair. This review accompanies a retrospective analysis of outcomes after multidisciplinary, transvaginal rectocele repair procedures undertaken by three colorectal surgeons in 215 patients at a large teaching hospital in the UK. A majority of patients had a large rectocele. Some patients also underwent an anterior levatorplasty and/or an enterocele repair. All patients were jointly assessed, and some patients underwent surgery by colorectal and urogynecologic surgeons. In this cohort, the perioperative data, efficacy, and harms outcomes are comparable with historical data predominantly derived from retrospective series in which patients had a good outcome (67%-78%), symptoms of difficult defecation improved (30%-50%), and patients had a recurrent rectocele 2 years after surgery (17%). Building on these data, prospective studies that rigorously evaluate outcomes after surgical repair are necessary.

Systematic Characterization of Defecographic Abnormalities in a Consecutive Series of 827 Patients With Chronic Constipation

BACKGROUND

Barium defecography can assess structural and functional abnormalities in patients with chronic constipation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of individual and overlapping defecographic findings in this setting.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a university hospital tertiary GI physiology department.

PATIENTS

Consecutive examinations of 827 consecutive patients presenting over a 30-month period with well-defined symptom severity (≥12 points on the Cleveland Clinic Constipation score) were included. Systematic evaluation of images with results stratified by sex is described.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Six individual functional or anatomic (intussusception, rectocele, enterocele, megarectum, excessive dynamic perineal descent) defecographic observations were defined a priori, thus permitting 26 possible combinations of findings (ie, 63 abnormal types + 1 normal).

RESULTS

Patients with constipation (mean symptom score = 19) were predominantly female (88%), with median age of 49 years (range, 17-98 y) . All 6 individual radiologic findings were identified with a total of 43 combinations found in the cohort; the 14 most prevalent of these accounted for >85% of patients. Only 136 patients (16.4%) had a normal defecography (34.3% males vs 13.9% females; p < 0.0001). Overall, 612 patients (74.0%) had structural (n = 508 (61.4%)) or functional (n=104 (12.6%)) abnormalities in isolation, with 79 (9.6%) others exhibiting combinations of both. Functional abnormalities in isolation were more common in males compared with females (22.5% vs11.2%; p = 0.025) as opposed to structural abnormalities (57.8% vs 85.7%; p < 0.0001). Expulsion time was longer in females compared with males (110 s (60-120 s) vs 90 s (60-120 s); p = 0.049).

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its lack of multiorgan opacification.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide a contemporary atlas of defecographic findings in constipation. Several individual structural and functional features have been systematically classified, with overlap greater than previously acknowledged and profound differences among sexes that carry implications for tailoring management. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552.

CARACTERIZACIN SISTEMTICA DE ANOMALAS DEFECOGRFICAS EN UNA SERIE CONSECUTIVA DE PACIENTES CON ESTREIMIENTO CRNICO

ANTECEDENTES:La defecografía con bario puede evaluar anomalías estructurales y funcionales en pacientes con estreñimiento crónico.OBJETIVO:Determinar la prevalencia de hallazgos defecográficos individuales y superpuestos en este entorno.DISEÑO:Transversal.ENTORNO CLINICO:Hospital Universitario de tercer nivel, departamento de fisiología gastrointestinal.PACIENTES:Exploraciones consecutivas de 827 pacientes consecutivos que se presentaron durante un período de 30 meses con una gravedad de los síntomas bien definida (≥12 puntos en la escala de estreñimiento de la Cleveland Clinic): evaluación sistemática de imágenes con resultados estratificados por sexo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Se definieron a priori seis observaciones defecográficas individuales, funcionales o anatómicas (intususcepción, rectocele, enterocele, megarecto, descenso perineal dinámico excesivo), lo que permitió 26 combinaciones posibles de hallazgos (es decir, 63 tipos anormales + 1 normal).RESULTADOS:Los pacientes con estreñimiento (puntuación media de síntomas, 19) eran predominantemente mujeres (88%) con una edad mediana de 49 (17-98) años. Se identificaron 6 hallazgos radiológicos individuales con un total de 43 combinaciones encontradas en la cohorte; los 14 más predominantes de éstos representaron >85% de los pacientes.Solo 136 (16,4%) pacientes tuvieron una defecografía normal (34,3% hombres vs. 13,9% mujeres; P < 0,0001). En general, 612 (74,0%) pacientes tenían anomalías estructurales (n = 508 [61,4%]) o funcionales (n = 104 [12,6%]) de forma aislada, y otros 79 (9,6%) presentaban combinaciones de ambas. Las anomalías funcionales aisladas fueron más comunes en los hombres en comparación con las mujeres (22,5% vs. 11,2%, P = 0,025) en comparación con las anomalías estructurales (57,8 vs. 85,7%, P < 0,0001). El tiempo de expulsión fue mayor en las mujeres en comparación con los hombres (110 [60-120] vs. 90 [60-120] segundos; P = 0,049).LIMITACIONES:Falta de opacificación multiorgánica.CONCLUSIONES:Estos resultados proporcionan un atlas contemporáneo de hallazgos defecográficos en estreñimiento. Varias características individuales, estructurales y funcionales; se han clasificado sistemáticamente, con una superposición mayor que la reconocida anteriormente y con grandes diferencias entre los sexos que tienen implicaciones para adaptar su tratamiento. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552.

Long-term annual functional outcome after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectoanal intussusception and/or rectocele: evaluation of sustained improvement

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term annual functional results and quality of life (QOL) after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) for rectoanal intussusception (RAI) and/or rectocele.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The study was conducted on patients who underwent LVR for RAI and/or rectocele at our institution between February 2012 and July 2015. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), Constipation Scoring System (CSS), and QOL instruments (i.e., 36-item Short-form Health Survey [SF-36], Patient Assessment of Constipation-QOL [PAC-QOL] scale, and Fecal Incontinence-QOL [FIQL]) were administered before and annually after surgery. The sustainability of substantial symptom improvement (reduction of at least 50% in CSS or FISI scores) postoperatively was evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (median age 76 [range 60-93] years, 48 women [94%]) were analyzed. No mortality or major morbidity occurred. After a median follow-up of 60 months (range 12-84 months), no mesh-related complications occurred. The median CSS and FISI scores were significantly reduced at 1 year and remained significantly reduced for 7 years. In patients who reported symptom scores ≥ 3 times postoperatively, sustained improvement of constipation and fecal incontinence was found in about 50% (18/38) and 75% (26/35) of relevant patients, respectively. All PAC-QOL and FIQL scales significantly improved over time for 5 years. Of the SF-36 scales, four showed significant improvement at 1 year but none was significantly improved after 3 years, except for the social functioning scale.

CONCLUSIONS

LVR for RAI and/or rectocele was associated with low morbidity and long-term improvement in symptom-specific QOL. The sustainability of postoperative improvement in fecal incontinence was satisfactory, and that in constipation was fair.

Imaging modalities for the detection of posterior pelvic floor disorders in women with obstructed defaecation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) is difficulty in evacuating stools, requiring straining efforts at defaecation, having the sensation of incomplete evacuation, or the need to manually assist defaecation. This is due to a physical blockage of the faecal stream during defaecation attempts, caused by rectocele, enterocele, intussusception, anismus or pelvic floor descent. Evacuation proctography (EP) is the most common imaging technique for diagnosis of posterior pelvic floor disorders. It has been regarded as the reference standard because of extensive experience, although it has been proven not to have perfect accuracy. Moreover, EP is invasive, embarrassing and uses ionising radiation. Alternative imaging techniques addressing these issues have been developed and assessed for their accuracy. Because of varying results, leading to a lack of consensus, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature are required.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic test accuracy of EP, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic floor ultrasound for the detection of posterior pelvic floor disorders in women with ODS, using latent class analysis in the absence of a reference standard, and to assess whether MRI or ultrasound could replace EP. The secondary objective was to investigate differences in diagnostic test accuracy in relation to the use of rectal contrast, evacuation phase, patient position and cut-off values, which could influence test outcome.

SEARCH METHODS

We ran an electronic search on 18 December 2019 in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, SCI, CINAHL and CPCI. Reference list, Google scholar. We also searched WHO ICTRP and clinicaltrials.gov for eligible articles. Two review authors conducted title and abstract screening and full-text assessment, resolving disagreements with a third review author.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Diagnostic test accuracy and cohort studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the test accuracy of EP, and MRI or pelvic floor ultrasound, or both, for the detection of posterior pelvic floor disorders in women with ODS. We excluded case-control studies. If studies partially met the inclusion criteria, we contacted the authors for additional information.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors performed data extraction, including study characteristics, 'Risk-of-bias' assessment, sources of heterogeneity and test accuracy results. We excluded studies if test accuracy data could not be retrieved despite all efforts. We performed meta-analysis using Bayesian hierarchical latent class analysis. For the index test to qualify as a replacement test for EP, both sensitivity and specificity should be similar or higher than the historic reference standard (EP), and for a triage test either specificity or sensitivity should be similar or higher. We conducted heterogeneity analysis assessing the effect of different test conditions on test accuracy. We ran sensitivity analyses by excluding studies with high risk of bias, with concerns about applicability, or those published before 2010. We assessed the overall quality of evidence (QoE) according to GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies covering 2483 participants were included into the meta-analyses. We produced pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for all index tests for each target condition. Findings of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main analysis. Sensitivity of EP for diagnosis of rectocele was 98% (credible interval (CrI)94%-99%), enterocele 91%(CrI 83%-97%), intussusception 89%(CrI 79%-96%) and pelvic floor descent 98%(CrI 93%-100%); specificity for enterocele was 96%(CrI 93%-99%), intussusception 92%(CrI 86%-97%) and anismus 97%(CrI 94%-99%), all with high QoE. Moderate to low QoE showed a sensitivity for anismus of 80%(CrI 63%-94%), and specificity for rectocele of 78%(CrI 63%-90%) and pelvic floor descent 83%(CrI 59%-96%). Specificity of MRI for diagnosis of rectocele was 90% (CrI 79%-97%), enterocele 99% (CrI 96%-100%) and intussusception 97% (CrI 88%-100%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with high QoE. MRI did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Heterogeneity analysis showed that sensitivity of MRI performed with evacuation phase was higher than without for rectocele (94%, CrI 87%-98%) versus 65%, CrI 52% to 89%, and enterocele (87%, CrI 74%-95% versus 62%, CrI 51%-88%), and sensitivity of MRI without evacuation phase was significantly lower than EP. Specificity of transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) for diagnosis of rectocele was 89% (CrI 81%-96%), enterocele 98% (CrI 95%-100%) and intussusception 96% (CrI 91%-99%); sensitivity for anismus was 92% (CrI 72%-98%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with high QoE. TPUS did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Heterogeneity analysis showed that sensitivity of TPUS performed with rectal contrast was not significantly higher than without for rectocele(92%, CrI 69%-99% versus 81%, CrI 58%-95%), enterocele (90%, CrI 71%-99% versus 67%, CrI 51%-90%) and intussusception (90%, CrI 69%-98% versus 61%, CrI 51%-86%), and was lower than EP. Specificity of endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) for diagnosis of rectocele was 76% (CrI 54%-93%), enterocele 97% (CrI 80%-99%) and intussusception 93% (CrI 72%-99%); sensitivity for anismus was 84% (CrI 59%-96%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with very low to moderate QoE. EVUS did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Specificity of dynamic anal endosonography (DAE) for diagnosis of rectocele was 88% (CrI 62%-99%), enterocele 97% (CrI 75%-100%) and intussusception 93% (CrI 65%-99%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with very low to moderate QoE. DAE did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Echodefaecography (EDF) had a sensitivity of 89% (CrI 65%-98%) and specificity of 92% (CrI 72%-99%) for intussusception, meeting the criteria to replace EP but with very low QoE. Specificity of EDF for diagnosis of rectocele was 89% (CrI 60%-99%) and for enterocele 97% (CrI 87%-100%); sensitivity for anismus was 87% (CrI 72%-96%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with low to very low QoE.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In a population of women with symptoms of ODS, none of the imaging techniques met the criteria to replace EP. MRI and TPUS met the criteria of a triage test, as a positive test confirms diagnosis of rectocele, enterocele and intussusception, and a negative test rules out diagnosis of anismus. An evacuation phase increased sensitivity of MRI. Rectal contrast did not increase sensitivity of TPUS. QoE of EVUS, DAE and EDF was too low to draw conclusions. More well-designed studies are required to define their role in the diagnostic pathway of ODS.

Chronic constipation in adults: Contemporary perspectives and clinical challenges. 1: Epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical associations, pathophysiology and investigation

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation is a prevalent disorder that affects patients' quality of life and consumes resources in healthcare systems worldwide. In clinical practice, it is still considered a challenge as clinicians frequently are unsure as to which treatments to use and when. Over a decade ago, a Neurogastroenterology & Motility journal supplement devoted to the investigation and management of constipation was published (2009; 21 (Suppl.2)). This included seven articles, disseminating all themes covered during a preceding 2-day meeting held in London, entitled "Current perspectives in chronic constipation: a scientific and clinical symposium." In October 2018, the 3rd London Masterclass, entitled "Contemporary management of constipation" was held, again over 2 days. All faculty members were invited to author two new review articles, which represent a collective synthesis of talks presented and discussions held during this meeting.

PURPOSE

This article represents the first of these reviews, addressing epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical associations, pathophysiology, and investigation. Clearly, not all aspects of the condition can be covered in adequate detail; hence, there is a focus on particular "hot topics" and themes that are of contemporary interest. The second review addresses management of chronic constipation, covering behavioral, conservative, medical, and surgical therapies.

Functional Constipation: Individualising Assessment and Treatment

Chronic constipation is one of the five most common symptoms seen by gastroenterologist. In the absence of alarm symptoms, a confident symptom-based diagnosis can often be made using the Rome criteria. Three different subtypes have been identified to date: normal transit constipation, defaecatory disorders and slow transit constipation. Differentiation between these subtypes can be made through functional testing using tests such as anorectal manometry with balloon expulsion and a radio-opaque marker test. In general, patients are initially advised to increase their fluid and fibre intake. When these general lifestyle recommendations do not improve patients' symptoms, a step-wise and add-on treatment approach should be applied. This review summarises the diagnostic criteria to differentiate functional constipation from other causes of chronic constipation. In addition, current drug treatment options, including discussion of new therapeutic targets are discussed. Further, practical treatment approaches (choice and dosing), include discussion of combination/augmentation, treatment failure (adherence/expectations), and relapse prevention are mentioned. Finally, treatment and management of pain and bloating aspects are included.

Factors Predicting the Presence of Concomitant Enterocele and Rectocele in Female Patients With External Rectal Prolapse

Purpose

External rectal prolapse (ERP) is frequently associated with other pelvic disorders, such as enterocele, rectocele, and perineal descent. Evacuation proctography makes it possible to visualize the development of such anatomical abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify the variables that would predict associated abnormalities in patients with ERP.

Methods

Between February 2010 and August 2019, 124 female patients with ERP, who were evaluated using proctography were included in this study. Enterocele was diagnosed when the extension of the loop of the small bowel was located between the vagina and rectum. A significant rectocele was defined as >20 mm in diameter. Multivariate analysis was used to establish which morphological parameters best predicted the presence of enterocele or rectocele.

Results

Sixty-five patients had ERP alone, while 59 patients (47.6%) had additional findings on proctography. The most frequently associated abnormality was enterocele with 48 of the patients (38.7%) having this condition. Rectocele was detected in 17 of the 124 patients (13.7%). The median length of the ERP was 30 mm (range, 7 to 147 mm). The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that a history of hysterectomy and the length of the ERP were significantly associated with the presence of enterocele. The analysis showed that the longer the prolapse, the higher the incidence of enterocele. A history of hysterectomy was also significantly associated with the presence of rectocele.

Conclusion

Patients with ERP often have associated anatomical abnormalities and should be investigated thoroughly before planning surgical treatment.

Is there any association between symptoms and findings on imaging in pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction? A prospective study

AIM

To compare features on imaging (integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound (transperineal, transvaginal) and defaecation proctography) with bowel, bladder and vaginal symptoms in pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction.

METHOD

A prospective observational case series of 216 symptomatic women who underwent symptom severity scoring (bowel, bladder and vaginal), integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound and defaecation proctography. Anatomical (rectocele, intussusception, enterocele, cystocele) and functional (co-ordination, evacuation) features were examined.

RESULTS

Irrespective of imaging modality, patients with a rectocele had higher International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) scores than patients without. On integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound, ICIQ-VS quality of life scores were higher in those with a rectocele. There was a higher International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Bowel Symptoms (ICIQ-BS) bowel pattern score in those with a rectocele, and a lower ICIQ-BS bowel pattern and sexual impact score in those with intussusception. Poor co-ordination was associated with increased ICIQ-BS bowel control scores and obstructed defaecation symptom scores. On defaecation proctography, ICIQ-VS symptom scores were lower in patients with poor co-ordination.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a rectocele on either imaging modality may have qualitative vaginal symptoms on assessment. In patients with bowel symptoms but no vaginal symptoms, it is not possible to predict which anatomical abnormalities will be present on imaging.

Very long-term outcome after resection rectopexy for internal rectal intussusception

BACKGROUND

Both at short- and long-term follow-up we have reported major improvement of the symptom of constipation in patients treated with resection rectopexy for internal rectal intussusception (IRI). The aim was to study whether this improvement also persisted in a cohort of these patients after very long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Observational and mainly prospective study of a cohort of 13 out of 48 patients with IRI who initially had ligament-preserving resection rectopexy with suture by laparoscopic (n = 11) or open (n = 2) technique. Outcome measures were morbidity, scores for constipation and anal incontinence, patients' report and HRQL.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of the 48 initial patients (27%) reported data at very long-term follow-up. Months from preoperatively to short-, long- and very long-term follow-up were median 6, 76 and 159, respectively. Corresponding mean (95% CI) constipation scores were 11.5 (8.3-14.7), 4.2 (1.7-6.6) (p < .001), 5.3 (3.6-7.0) (p < .05) and 13.6 (8.2-19.0). Number of constipated patients were (score ≥ 10) were 8, 1, 0, 1 and 9, respectively. Scores for anal incontinence were 6.1 (2.4-11.4), 5.8 (2.0-9.5), 4.9 (0.9-9.0) and 7.9 (4.3-11.5), respectively. HRQL life was reduced for bodily pain, social functioning, mental health and general health perception. Percentage patients reporting symptomatic improvement were 100, 70 and 53, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IRI have a symptomatic relief for more than 6 years after resection rectopexy. The operation did not inflict permanent patient sequela. Motivated patients must be informed about very long-term deterioration of symptomatic relief.

Does the presence of a true radiological rectocele increase the likelihood of symptoms of prolapse?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Posterior compartment prolapse is commonly due to a 'true' rectocele, i.e., a diverticulum of the rectal ampulla. This condition is associated with symptoms of obstructed defecation and may contribute to prolapse symptoms. We tested the hypothesis: 'A true rectocele is an independent predictor of symptoms of prolapse.'

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a urogynecology unit for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction between September 2011 and June 2016. Assessment included a structured interview, POP-Q examination and 4D TLUS. Ultrasound volume data were acquired on Valsalva. Offline measurements were performed by analysis of stored volume data sets at a later date, blinded to all clinical data.

RESULTS

One hundred six patients were excluded because of incomplete data. Of the remainder, Bp was the most distal point on POP-Q in 348. Statistical analysis was performed on this cohort. Mean age was 60 (33-86) years and mean BMI 31 (18-55) kg/m². One hundred fifty-three patients (44%) presented with symptoms of prolapse; 272 were diagnosed with a true rectocele on TLUS. Bp on POP-Q and true rectocele on TLUS were both significantly associated with prolapse symptoms; however, on multivariate analysis the latter became nonsignificant (p = 0.059). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed that the presence of a true rectocele on TLUS did not contribute significantly to symptoms of prolapse (AUC 0.66 for model with rectocele, AUC 0.65 without).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a true rectocele on TLUS does not seem to contribute substantially to the manifestation of clinical symptoms of prolapse.

Transvaginal peritoneocele repair with anterior levatorplasty for patients with a rectocele and an enterocele

Enteroceles and rectoceles are often identified as the cause of a vaginal mass and pelvic discomfort. The combination of a rectocele and an enterocele as pelvic organ prolapses is not infrequent; however, there are few reports on possible simultaneous treatments of these two conditions. We report a new and simple procedure for repairing an enterocele during a transvaginal anterior levatorplasty with posterior colporrhaphy for a rectocele repair. This technique involves making an excision in the peritoneal sac, with high ligation, and attaching the uterine cervix and/or cardinal ligament to the upper most part of the approximation of the levator muscles, to reinforce and lift the deep peritoneal sac. This procedure allows for transvaginal repair of both an enterocele and a rectocele. The enterocele is visualized by applying barium to the posterior vaginal wall during defecography.

Value of Fluoroscopic Defecography in Constipated Children With Abnormal Colon Transit Time Test Results

Background/Aims

Colon transit time (CTT) test is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating colon transit function. Fluoroscopic defecography (FD) is a dynamic radiologic test to assess anorectal function. The aim is to evaluate the value of FD in constipated children with abnormal CTT test results.

Methods

Fifty-one children (27 girls) with a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.2 years who met Rome III criteria for constipation and older than 5 years with abnormal CTT test results underwent FD.

Results

Of 51 children, 27 (52.9%) showed positive findings on FD, including pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) (10/27, 37.0%), structural abnormality (15/27, 55.6%) (rectocele 53.3%, intussusception 33.3%, and both 13.4%), and both PFD and rectocele (2/27, 7.4%). In terms of CTT test subtype, of 35 children who had outlet obstruction type in CTT test, 19 (54.2%) had positive findings, including PFD (8/19, 42.1%), structural abnormality (9/19, 47.4%) (rectocele 55.6%, intussusception 22.2%, and both 22.2%), and both PFD and rectocele (2/19, 10.5%). Of the 16 children who had slow transit type of CTT test, 8 (50.0%) had positive findings, including PFD (2/8, 25.0%) and structural abnormality (6/8, 75.0%). Of the 6 children who had structural abnormality, 3 (50.0%) had rectocele and 3 (50.0%) had intussusception. For the 2 children (2/16, 12.5%) who had PFD, puborectalis muscle relax failure was found on FD. Puborectalis muscle relax failure was treated with biofeedback and medication. In the minor abnormalities, medication continued without additional therapeutic modalities.

Conclusions

FD was valuable for both diagnoses of underlying causes and interpretation of CTT test results in children with abnormal CTT test results. Therefore, this study suggests that FD and CTT tests should be incorporated into logical thinking for constipation in children.

Absence of a rectocele may be correlated with reduced internal anal sphincter function in patients with rectal intussusception and fecal incontinence

PURPOSE

Fecal incontinence (FI) is common in patients with rectal intussusception (RI), although the mechanism behind its formation is unclear. Recent data indicate that a reduction in internal sphincter tone may cause FI, which becomes notable with increasing RI levels. However, the roles of other anatomical abnormalities in anal function remain unclear. This study assessed the relationships between various pelvic floor abnormalities and anal sphincter function in patients with RI and FI.

METHODS

Data for patients with RI, collected in a prospective pelvic floor database, were assessed retrospectively. All women with FI, without anal sphincter defect, were included. Data on anorectal physiology and evacuation proctography were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 397 patients with RI, 85, who had predominantly passive FI, met the inclusion criteria. Maximum resting pressure (MRP) was significantly lower in patients with rectoanal intussusception (RAI) than in those with rectorectal intussusception (RRI) [51.1 (17.9-145.8) vs. 70.7 (34.7-240.6) cmH₂O, P = 0.007]. Moreover, MRP was significantly lower in RI patients without rectocele than in RI patients with rectocele [50.1 (17.9-111.0) vs. 69.9 (34.7-240.6) cmH₂O, P < 0.0001]. Regression analysis showed that RAI rather than RRI and RI without rectocele rather than RI with rectocele were predictive of decreased MRP. However, no variable was significantly associated with decreased maximum squeeze pressure on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In addition to an advanced level of intussusception, the absence of a rectocele may be correlated with reduced internal anal sphincter function in patients with RI and FI.

Theoretical tools to analyze anorectal mechanophysiological data generated by the Fecobionics device

A mechanical approach is needed for understanding anorectal function and defecation. Fecal continence is achieved by several interacting mechanisms including anatomical factors, anorectal sensation, rectal compliance, stool consistency, anal muscle strength, motility, and psychological factors. The balance is easily disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as fecal incontinence and constipation. Novel technologies have been developed in recent years for studying anorectal function. Especially the Fecobionics device, a simulated feces, has gained attention recently. This facilitates new analysis of anorectal mechanical function. In this study a theoretical model is developed to analyze anorectal mechanophysiological data generated by the Fecobionics device. Theoretical approaches can enhance future interdisciplinary research for unraveling defecatory function, sensory-motor disorders and symptoms. This is a step in the direction of personalized treatment for gastrointestinal disorders based on optimized subtyping of anorectal disorders.

Short term outcome of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal and complex pelvic organ prolapse: case series

Objectives

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is a technique gaining more recognition for the management of pelvic floor disorders, such as external rectal prolapse (ERP), high grade internal rectal prolapse (IRP) and rectocele. LVMR also allows correction of coexisted pelvic organ prolapse. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and functional outcome of LVMR for rectal and complex pelvic organ prolapse.

Material and Methods

All patients who underwent LVMR from February 2014 to October 2017 were included into the study. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Surgical complications and functional results in terms of fecal incontinence (measured with the Wexner Incontinence Score= WIS) and constipation (measured with the Wexner Constipation Score= WCS) were analyzed.

Results

Thirty (4 males) patients underwent LVMR. Seventeen (56.6%) patients had complex pelvic organ prolapse according to MRI findings. Median operative time and postoperative stay were 110 minutes and 4 days, respectively. No mesh-related complication and recurrence were observed. Before surgery, 21 (70%) patients had complained about symptoms of obstructed defecation. WCS decreased significantly from median 19 to 6 (p <0.001). Preoperative median WIS of 9 patients was 14 and went down to 6 postoperatively (p= 0.008). WCS significantly improved after LVMR in patients with symptomatic rectocele combined with enterocele or sigmoidocele (p= 0.005), and significant improvement was also observed in patients with symptomatic rectocele combined with gynecologic organ prolapse, preoperative median WCS was 18 and the postoperative value fell to 8 (p= 0.005).

Conclusion

LVMR is an effective surgical option for rectal and complex pelvic organ prolapse with short-term follow-up.

Three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry in functional anorectal disorders: results from a large observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to describe the results of 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry (3DHRAM) in a large cohort of patients with functional anorectal disorders.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective study, all consecutive patients referred for investigation of fecal incontinence (FI) or dyssynergic defecation (DD) underwent 3DHRAM. The parameters analyzed were usual manometric data, repartition of dyssynergic patterns, and the prevalence of a new "muscular subtype classification" underlying dyssynergia, anal sphincter defects, and pelvic floor disorders.

RESULTS

Final analyses were performed in 1477 patients with a mean age 54 ± 16 years; 825 patients suffered from DD, and 652 patients suffered from FI. Among these patients, 86% met the diagnostic criteria for dyssynergia. Type II dyssynergia was the most frequently observed (56%) in women and men suffering from FI and in women with DD. Type I was the most frequently observed in men with DD (49%). Regarding the muscle type subgroups, combined puborectalis muscle involvement with an external anal sphincter profile was the most frequently observed. The global prevalence of rectal intussusception and excessive perineal descent were 12% and 21%, respectively. Type III dyssynergia was more frequently associated with pelvic floor disorders than were other types of dyssynergia (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This large cohort study provides reference values for 3DHRAM in patients with functional anorectal disorders. Further studies are necessary to assess the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in healthy volunteers and to develop new scores and classifications including all of these new parameters.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: defecography should be a first-line diagnostic modality in patients with refractory constipation

BACKGROUND

Defecography is considered the reference standard for the assessment of pelvic floor anatomy and function in patients with a refractory evacuation disorder. However, the overlap of radiologically significant findings seen in patients with chronic constipation (CC) and healthy volunteers is poorly defined.

AIM

To systematically review rates of structural and functional abnormalities diagnosed by barium defecography and/or magnetic resonance imaging defecography (MRID) in patients with symptoms of CC and in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Electronic searches of major databases were performed without date restrictions.

RESULTS

From a total of 1760 records identified, 175 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. 63 studies were included providing data on outcomes of 7519 barium defecographies and 668 MRIDs in patients with CC, and 225 barium defecographies and 50 MRIDs in healthy volunteers. Pathological high-grade (Oxford III and IV) intussuscepta and large (>4 cm) rectoceles were diagnosed in 23.7% (95% CI: 16.8-31.4) and 15.9% (10.4-22.2) of patients, respectively. Enterocele and perineal descent were observed in 16.8% (12.7-21.4) and 44.4% (36.2-52.7) of patients, respectively. Barium defecography detected more intussuscepta than MRID (OR: 1.52 [1.12-2.14]; P = 0.009]). Normative data for both barium defecography and MRID structural and functional parameters were limited, particularly for MRID (only one eligible study).

CONCLUSIONS

Pathological structural abnormalities, as well as functional abnormalities, are common in patients with chronic constipation. Since structural abnormalities cannot be evaluated using nonimaging test modalities (balloon expulsion and anorectal manometry), defecography should be considered the first-line diagnostic test if resources allow.

Rectal intussusception and external rectal prolapse are common at proctography in patients with mucus discharge

OBJECTIVES

Although various pelvic floor abnormalities are recognized to cause mucus discharge (MD), little is known about the exact distribution and frequency of diseases causing MD in evacuatory disorders. This study aimed to identify the most common diseases at evacuation proctography in patients with MD.

METHODS

Patients seen with symptoms of evacuatory disorder underwent proctography. Data for patients with MD who were not associated with fecal incontinence (FI) were prospectively entered into a database and analyzed retrospectively. The degree of MD was documented using FI Severity Index.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were included for analysis. Forty-nine (79%) had rectal intussusception (RI) or external rectal prolapse (ERP). Of those with RI, MD was observed more in patients with recto-anal intussusception (n = 22) than those with recto-rectal intussusception (n = 8). Of the 39 patients who were not associated with hemorrhoids or mucosal prolapse, 31 (79%) had RI or ERP. Meanwhile, of 582 patients who underwent proctography, 301 had RI and 96 had ERP. MD without FI was present in 13% (40/301) patients with RI and 9% (9/96) with ERP. Surgery was performed in 21 patients, and MD was cured in 20 (95%) postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

RI and ERP were common at proctography in patients with MD.

Rectoanal intussusception is very common in patients with fecal incontinence

Objectives: Fecal incontinence (FI) is a multifactorial disorder, the etiology of which is not fully understood. Recent data have shown the significance of rectoanal intussusception (RAI) in the evaluation of FI. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of RAI in patients with FI. Methods: Between June 2010 and February 2016, 74 patients, who were evaluated using evacuation proctography, anorectal manometry, ultrasound, and incontinence scores, were included in this study. RAI was diagnosed when the apex of the rectal intussusception (RI) impinged on the internal anal orifice or was intra-anal, based on the images taken during maximal straining defecation at evacuation proctography. The characteristics of RAI patients were further analyzed. Results: There were 59 women (80%) and 15 men, with a median age of 74 (52-93) years. Sixty patients (81%) had RI, and 56 (76%) showed RAI. The incidence of RAI among the 32 patients with FI alone and the 42 patients with FI and symptoms of obstructed defecation (OD) was 72% (23/32) and 79% (33/42), respectively. The incidence of RAI was not significantly different between the patients with normal manometry (maximum resting pressure [MRP] ≥55 cmH₂O and maximum squeeze pressure [MSP] ≥150 cmH₂O, n=26) and those with subnormal manometry (MRP <55 cmH₂O and/or MSP <150 cmH₂O, n=48). Conclusion: RAI is common in patients with FI. Evacuation proctography should be taken into account as a part of the regular study of FI patients.

Outcomes of laparoscopic management of multicompartmental pelvic organ prolapse

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is an increasing medical problem with complex diagnostics and controversial surgical management. It causes a series of dysfunctions in the gynecological, urinary, and anorectal organs. Numerous procedures have been proposed to treat these conditions, but in recent years, ventral mesh rectocolposacropexy (VMRCS) has emerged as the procedure of choice for the surgical treatment of POP, especially by a laparoscopic approach. This surgical technique limits the risk of autonomic nerve damage, and the colpopexy allows the correction of concomitant prolapse of the middle compartment. However, symptoms derived from anterior compartment prolapse remain a major morbidity and sometimes require an additional procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laparoscopic prosthetic rectocolposacropexy (LRCS) and colposacropexy (LCS) procedures performed to manage combined multicompartmental POP.

METHODS

Between November 2008 and December 2017, 38 patients with symptomatic POP underwent rectocolposacropexy (RCS) or colposacropexy (CS) by a laparoscopic approach. Demographics, mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and functional outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The median operating time was 200 min (IQR 160-220). Additional simultaneous surgery for POP was performed in nine cases: five suburethral slings and four hysterectomies were performed. No mortality was recorded. The conversion rate was 7.89%. There were two intraoperative complications (5.26%): one enterotomy and one urinary bladder tear. Late complications occurred in 5.26% of cases. After a mean follow-up of 20 months, constipation was completely resolved or improved in 83.33% of patients, urinary stress incontinence was resolved or improved in 52.94%, and gynecological symptomatology was resolved or improved in 93.75%. The recurrence rate was 5.26%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic mesh rectocolposacropexy and colposacropexy are safe and effective techniques associated with very low morbidity. In the medium term, they provide good results for POP and associated symptoms, but urinary symptomology has a worse outcome.

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy in patients with fecal incontinence associated with rectoanal intussusception: prospective evaluation of clinical, physiological and morphological changes

BACKGROUND

Physiological changes after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) in patients with rectoanal intussusception (RAI) remain unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate physiological and morphological changes after LVR for RAI, and to study clinical outcomes following LVR with special reference to fecal incontinence (FI).

METHODS

The study was conducted on patients who had LVR for RAI between February 2012 and December 2016 at our institution Patients with RAI and FI were included in the study. Patients with RAI and obstructed defecation and those with RAI and neurologic FI were not included. The patients had anorectal manometry preoperatively, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Defecography was performed before and 6 months after the procedure. FI was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI).

RESULTS

There were 34 patients (median age 77 years (range 60-93) years). Thirty-two patients (94%) were female and the median number of vaginal deliveries was 2 (range 0-5). Neither maximum resting pressure nor maximum squeeze pressure increased postoperatively. There was an overall increase in both defecatory desire volume (median preoperative 75 ml vs. 90 ml at 12 months; p = 0.002) and maximum tolerated volume (median preoperative 145 ml vs.175 ml at 12 months; p = 0.002). Postoperatively, RAI was eliminated in all patients but one, although 13 had residual rectorectal intussusception found at defecography. There was an overall reduction in both rectocele size (median preop 29 mm vs. postop 10 mm; p = 0.008) and pelvic floor descent (median preop 26 mm vs. postop 20 mm; p = 0.005). Twelve months after surgery, a reduction of at least 50% was observed in the FISI score for 31 incontinent patients (91%).

CONCLUSIONS

LVR for RAI produced adequate improvement of FI, and successful anatomical correction of RAI was confirmed by postoperative proctography. Postoperative increase in the rectal volume may have a positive effect on continence.

Proctographic findings and symptoms in patients with anterior rectoanal intussusception

OBJECTIVES

Rectoanal intussusception (RAI) is a common finding on defecography in patients with defecation disorders. This study aimed to compare the proctographic findings and symptoms between patients with anterior RAI and those with circular RAI.

METHODS

We included 208 patients who were diagnosed as having RAI on defecography. Anorectal function was evaluated using Constipation Scoring System (CSS) and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI).

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients had anterior RAI and 184 had circular RAI. While the anterior intussusception descent or pelvic floor descent was significantly smaller in patients with anterior RAI than those with circular RAI [14.3 vs. 18.5 mm, p=0.004; 12.4 vs. 21.6 mm, p=0.005], there were no significant differences in incidences of obstructed defecation (OD) and fecal incontinence (FI) between the groups. Sixteen patients with anterior RAI and 137 patients with circular RAI had OD. There was no significant difference in the CSS scores between the groups. Twelve patients with anterior RAI and 108 patients with circular RAI had FI. No significant difference in the FISI scores between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one tenth of the whole RAI was anterior in location, and symptoms in patients with anterior RAI were similar to those with circular RAI.

Diagnosis and Management of Anorectal Disorders in the Primary Care Setting

Anorectal disorders are very common among a wide population of patients. Because patients may be embarrassed about the anatomic location of their symptoms, they may present to care late in the course of their illness. Care should be taken to validate patient concerns and normalize fears. This article discusses the diagnoses and management of common anorectal disorders among patients presenting to a primary care physician.

Accuracy of Four Imaging Techniques for Diagnosis of Posterior Pelvic Floor Disorders

OBJECTIVE

To establish the diagnostic test accuracy of evacuation proctography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transperineal ultrasonography, and endovaginal ultrasonography for detecting posterior pelvic floor disorders (rectocele, enterocele, intussusception, and anismus) in women with obstructed defecation syndrome and secondarily to identify the most patient-friendly imaging technique.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 131 women with symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome underwent evacuation proctogram, MRI, and transperineal and endovaginal ultrasonography. Images were analyzed by two blinded observers. In the absence of a reference standard, latent class analysis was used to assess diagnostic test accuracy of multiple tests with area under the curve (AUC) as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were interobserver agreement calculated as Cohen's κ and patient acceptability using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

No significant differences in diagnostic accuracy were found among the imaging techniques for all the target conditions. Estimates of diagnostic test accuracy were highest for rectocele using MRI (AUC 0.79) or transperineal ultrasonography (AUC 0.85), for enterocele using transperineal (AUC 0.73) or endovaginal ultrasonography (AUC 0.87), for intussusception using evacuation proctography (AUC 0.76) or endovaginal ultrasonography (AUC 0.77), and for anismus using endovaginal (AUC 0.95) or transperineal ultrasonography (AUC 0.78). Interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of rectocele (κ 0.53-0.72), enterocele (κ 0.54-0.94) and anismus (κ 0.43-0.81) was moderate to excellent, but poor to fair for intussusception (κ -0.03 to 0.37) with all techniques. Patient acceptability was better for transperineal and endovaginal ultrasonography as compared with MRI and evacuation proctography (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Evacuation proctography, MRI, and transperineal and endovaginal ultrasonography were shown to have similar diagnostic test accuracy. Evacuation proctography is not the best available imaging technique. There is no one optimal test for the diagnosis of all posterior pelvic floor disorders. Because transperineal and endovaginal ultrasonography have good test accuracy and patient acceptability, we suggest these could be used for initial assessment of obstructed defecation syndrome.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02239302.

Defecographic Findings in Patients with Severe Idiopathic Chronic Constipation

Background/Aims

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed using Rome III criteria. Defecography is a radiographic method used to identify anatomic abnormalities of anorectum. The present study aimed to evaluate the defecographic findings in patients with severe idiopathic chronic constipation.

Methods

One hundred patients, who complained of severe idiopathic chronic constipation with abnormal balloon expulsion test, underwent defecography after injection of barium. An analysis of radiographs was performed by an expert radiologist for the diagnosis of descending perineum syndrome, rectocele, enterocele, rectal ulcer, rectal prolapse, fecal residue of post defecation, and etc. Then, they were compared between the two sexes.

Results

Normal defecography was only observed in two participants. Descending perineum syndrome was the most common abnormality (73.3%). The results showed that rectocele (80.8%) and descending perineum syndrome (69.2%) were most frequent in women. In males, descending perineum syndrome and rectal prolapse were more prevalent (87% and 43.5%, respectively). Compared with men, rectocele and rectal ulcer were more frequently observed in women (p<0.001, and p=0.04, respectively), while men were more affected by descending perineum syndrome (p=0.04). In total, women had a greater incidence of abnormal defecographic findings compared with men (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Defecography can be performed to detect anatomic abnormalities in patients with severe idiopathic chronic constipation and abnormal balloon expulsion test. This technique can assist physicians in making the most suitable decision for surgical procedure.

Value and limits of stapled transanal rectal repair for obstructed defecation syndrome: 10 years-experience with 450 cases

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

In the late's 90' a new surgical treatment, the stapled trans-anal rectal resection (STARR) was born to treat obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). In this study we retrospectively analyze a series of 450 cases that underwent STARR in 10 years.

METHODS

Between January 2001 to December 2011, 450 patients, diagnosed with ODS syndrome caused by rectocele or intussusception, underwent to STARR procedure. The presence of rectocele and/or intussusception was verified by dynamic defecography. The preoperative evaluation was completed with anorectal manometry and colonoscopy. Follow-up visits were scheduled 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 years, 3 years and 5 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 30,2 min. In 408 cases (90.7%) hospital discharge occurred 24 hours after surgery. Among postoperative complications urinary retention was observed in 35 patients (7.8%). Five (1.1%) patients presented an early rectal bleeding and 8 (1.8%) patients presented a late bleeding. In 5 (1.1%) patients a stable pelvic hematoma was found. Six (1.3%) patients presented pelvic sepsis due to subperitoneal perforation. An asymptomatic partial dehiscence of stapler row occurred in 19 patients (4.2%).125 patients (27.8%) reported defecation urgency that completely vanished at 3 months follow-up in 83 patients (66,4%) and in further 42 patients (33,6%) at 6-months. The average preoperative ODS score was 14.1; 3.1 at one year; 4.3 at 3 years and 6.4 after five years.

CONCLUSIONS

In expert hands, with right indications, STARR procedure is safe with good results in terms of improvement of the ODS score.

Comparative study of magnetic resonance defaecography and evacuation proctography in the evaluation of obstructed defaecation

AIM

Obstructed defaecation syndrome is a common condition of multifactorial aetiology and requires specialized evaluation. Accurate and reproducible pelvic floor imaging is imperative for multidisciplinary decision-making. Evacuation proctography (EP) and magnetic resonance defaecography (MRD) are the main imaging modalities used to assess dynamic pelvic floor function. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the findings and acceptability of MRD and EP in the same cohort of patients.

METHOD

This was a prospective comparative study of MRD vs EP in 55 patients with obstructed defaecation syndrome in a single National Health Service Foundation Trust.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were recruited and underwent both EP and MRD. Detection rates for rectocoele were similar (82% vs 73%, P = 0.227), but EP revealed a significantly higher number of trapping rectocoeles compared to MRD (75% vs 31%, P < 0.001). EP detected more rectal intussusceptions than MRD (56% vs 35%, P = 0.023). MRD appeared to underestimate the size of the identified rectocoele, although it detected a significant number of anatomical abnormalities in the middle and anterior pelvic compartment not seen on EP (1.8% enterocoele, 9% peritoneocoele and 20% cystocoele). Patients achieved higher rates of expulsion of rectal contrast during EP compared to MRD, but this difference was not significant (76% vs 64% in MRD, P = 0.092). Of the two studies, patients preferred MRD.

CONCLUSIONS

MRD provides a global assessment of pelvic floor function and anatomical abnormality. MRD is better tolerated by patients but it is not as sensitive as EP in detecting trapping rectocoeles and intussusceptions.

Rectal intussusception: can high resolution three-dimensional ano-rectal manometry compete with conventional defecography?

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry (3DHRAM), used for exploring anorectal disorders, was recently developed, providing interesting topographic data for the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders such as excessive perineal descent. The aim of our study was to define a diagnostic strategy based on selected 3DHRAM parameters to identify rectal intussusceptions (RI), considering conventional defecography (CD) as the gold standard.

METHODS

All patients referred to our center in the previous 6 months for 3DHRAM to explore fecal incontinence or constipation, and who previously achieved CD, were eligible. 3DHRAM results were obtained for all classical parameters and the presence of a narrow band of high pressure in the anal canal during attempted defecation, which was recently found to be associated with RI in some studies. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for various 3DHRAM criterion in order to propose a diagnostic strategy for RI.

KEY RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (66%) presented with RI on CD. On 3DHRAM, according to our diagnostic strategy, the most relevant manometric criterion for the diagnosis of RI was the association of an anterior additional high-pressure area and an excessive perineal descent, with a positive predictive value of 100% [81.5-100], a specificity of 100% [75.3-100] and a sensibility of 69.2% [48.2-85.7].

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

In this study, 3DHRAM was used to diagnose RI, and we confirmed its use in the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders. Further studies will be necessary to define classifications for these new anatomic data from 3DHRAM.

Integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound in pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction

AIM

Imaging for pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction includes defaecation proctography. Integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound (transvaginal, transperineal, endoanal) may be an alternative. This study assesses ultrasound accuracy for the detection of rectocele, intussusception, enterocele and dyssynergy compared with defaecation proctography, and determines if ultrasound can predict symptoms and findings on proctography. Treatment is examined.

METHOD

Images of 323 women who underwent integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound and defaecation proctography between 2011 and 2014 were blindly reviewed. The size and grade of rectocele, enterocele, intussusception and dyssynergy were noted on both, using proctography as the gold standard. Barium trapping in a rectocele or a functionally significant enterocele was noted on proctography. Demographics and Obstructive Defaecation Symptom scores were collated.

RESULTS

The positive predictive value of ultrasound was 73% for rectocele, 79% for intussusception and 91% for enterocele. The negative predictive value for dyssynergy was 99%. Agreement was moderate for rectocele and intussusception, good for enterocele and fair for dyssynergy. The majority of rectoceles that required surgery (59/61) and caused barium trapping (85/89) were detected on ultrasound. A rectocele seen on both transvaginal and transperineal scanning was more likely to require surgery than if seen with only one mode (P = 0.0001). If there was intussusception on ultrasound the patient was more likely to have surgery (P = 0.03). An enterocele visualized on ultrasound was likely to be functionally significant on proctography (P = 0.02). There was, however, no association between findings on imaging and symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound provides a useful screening tool for women with defaecatory dysfunction such that defaecatory imaging can avoided in some.

Functional Disorders: Rectoanal Intussusception

Rectoanal intussusception is an invagination of the rectal wall into the lumen of the rectum. Patients may present with constipation, incomplete evacuation, incontinence, or may be asymptomatic. Defecography has been the gold standard for detection. Magnetic resonance imaging defecography and dynamic anal endosonography are alternatives to conventional defecography. However, both methods are not as sensitive as conventional defecography. Treatment options range from conservative/medical treatment such as biofeedback to surgical procedures such as Delorme, rectopexy, and stapled transanal rectal resection. Recent studies conducted after a trial of failed nonoperative management show adequate results with operations performed for rectal intussusception with or without rectocele if other causes of constipation are not present.

Correlation Between Echodefecography and 3-Dimensional Vaginal Ultrasonography in the Detection of Perineal Descent in Women With Constipation Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Defecography is an established method of evaluating dynamic anorectal dysfunction, but conventional defecography does not allow for visualization of anatomic structures.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of dynamic 3-dimensional endovaginal ultrasonography for evaluating perineal descent in comparison with echodefecography (3-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography) and to study the relationship between perineal descent and symptoms and anatomic/functional abnormalities of the pelvic floor.

DESIGN

This was a prospective study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a large university tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Consecutive female patients were eligible if they had pelvic floor dysfunction, obstructed defecation symptoms, and a score >6 on the Cleveland Clinic Florida Constipation Scale.

INTERVENTIONS

Each patient underwent both echodefecography and dynamic 3-dimensional endovaginal ultrasonography to evaluate posterior pelvic floor dysfunction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Normal perineal descent was defined on echodefecography as puborectalis muscle displacement ≤2.5 cm; excessive perineal descent was defined as displacement >2.5 cm.

RESULTS

Of 61 women, 29 (48%) had normal perineal descent; 32 (52%) had excessive perineal descent. Endovaginal ultrasonography identified 27 of the 29 patients in the normal group as having anorectal junction displacement ≤1 cm (mean = 0.6 cm; range, 0.1-1.0 cm) and a mean anorectal junction position of 0.6 cm (range, 0-2.3 cm) above the symphysis pubis during the Valsalva maneuver and correctly identified 30 of the 32 patients in the excessive perineal descent group. The κ statistic showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.86) between the 2 methods for categorization into the normal and excessive perineal descent groups. Perineal descent was not related to fecal or urinary incontinence or anatomic and functional factors (sphincter defects, pubovisceral muscle defects, levator hiatus area, grade II or III rectocele, intussusception, or anismus).

LIMITATIONS

The study did not include a control group without symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional endovaginal ultrasonography is a reliable technique for assessment of perineal descent. Using this technique, excessive perineal descent can be defined as displacement of the anorectal junction >1 cm and/or its position below the symphysis pubis on Valsalva maneuver.

Anterior intussusception descent during defecation is correlated with the severity of fecal incontinence in patients with rectoanal intussusception

BACKGROUND

Rectoanal intussusception (RAI) is a common finding on evacuation proctography in patients with defecation disorders. However, it remains unclear whether intussusception morphology affects the severity of fecal incontinence (FI). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of morphology during defecation on the severity of FI in patients with RAI.

METHODS

We included 80 patients with FI who were diagnosed as having RAI on evacuation proctography. Various morphological parameters were measured, and the level of RAI was divided by the extent of descent onto (level I) or into (level II) the anal sphincter. FI symptoms were documented using the FI Severity Index (FISI).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients had level I and 52 had level II RAI. The mean (range) FISI score was 24.0 (8-47). FISI scores tended to be significantly higher in level II than in level I [26.3 (10-47) vs. 21.8 (8-42); p = 0.05]. The mean anterior intussusception descent was significantly greater in level II than in level I [24.2 (9.2-39.5) vs. 17.7 (7.8-39.4) mm; p < 0.0001]. Regression analysis showed that anterior intussusception descent was predictive of increased FISI scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of FI may be affected by anterior intussusception descent in patients with RAI.

Descending perineum syndrome: a review of the presentation, diagnosis, and management

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Defecatory dysfunction is a relatively common and challenging problem among women and one that practicing pelvic reconstructive surgeons and gynecologists deal with frequently. A subset of defecatory dysfunction includes obstructed defecation, which can have multiple causes, one of which is descending perineum syndrome (DPS).

METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of DPS.

RESULTS

Although DPS has been described in the literature for many decades, it is still uncommonly diagnosed and difficult to manage. A high index of suspicion combined with physical examination consistent with excess perineal descent, patient symptom assessment, and imaging in the form of defecography are required for the diagnosis to be accurately made. Primary management options of DPS include conservative measures consisting of bowel regimens and biofeedback. Although various surgical approaches have been described in limited case series, no compelling evidence can be demonstrated at this point to support surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of DPS is essential for the practicing pelvic reconstructive surgeon to make a timely diagnosis, avoid harmful treatments, and initiate therapy early on.

New-onset rectoanal intussusception may not result in symptomatic improvement after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for external rectal prolapse

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess defecatory function in patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) for external rectal prolapse (ERP).

METHODS

Thirty-one patients who underwent evacuation proctography 6 months postoperatively were assessed. Preoperative proctography had been performed in 21 patients of these patients. Defecatory function was evaluated using the constipation scoring system (CSS) and fecal incontinence severity index (FISI).

RESULTS

The findings of postoperative proctography revealed no full-thickness ERP in any patient, although in 10 patients the ERP was replaced by rectoanal intussusception (RAI). Of the 31 patients, 30 presented with fecal incontinence preoperatively. Ten of 30 had new-onset RAI. Six months postoperatively, a reduction of at least 50 % in the FISI score of the patients with new-onset RAI tended to be significantly smaller than in the patients without RAI (6/10 vs. 18/20, p = 0.141). Seventeen patients presented with obstructed defecation preoperatively. Seven of them had new-onset RAI. Six months postoperatively, a reduction of at least 50 % in their CSS score in the patients with new-onset RAI was significantly smaller than in patients without RAI (0/7 vs. 8/10, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Evacuation proctography showed new-onset RAI in some patients with ERP who underwent LVR, which was associated with a lack of symptomatic improvement.

Diagnosis and treatment of faecal incontinence: Consensus statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery and the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists

Faecal incontinence is a common and disturbing condition, which leads to impaired quality of life and huge social and economic costs. Although recent studies have identified novel diagnostic modalities and therapeutic options, the best diagnostic and therapeutic approach is not yet completely known and shared among experts in this field. The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery and the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists selected a pool of experts to constitute a joint committee on the basis of their experience in treating pelvic floor disorders. The aim was to develop a position paper on the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of faecal incontinence, to provide practical recommendations for a cost-effective diagnostic work-up and a tailored treatment strategy. The recommendations were defined and graded on the basis of levels of evidence in accordance with the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and were based on currently published scientific evidence. Each statement was drafted through constant communication and evaluation conducted both online and during face-to-face working meetings. A brief recommendation at the end of each paragraph allows clinicians to find concise responses to each diagnostic and therapeutic issue.

Safety of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy in the elderly: results from a nationwide database

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is an established procedure in the treatment of posterior pelvic organ prolapse. It is still unclear whether this procedure can be performed safely in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effects of age on the outcome of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy performed for patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

DESIGN

This study was a retrospective cohort analysis with data from a national registry.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in a tertiary care setting.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral rectopexy were identified from discharge summaries. Patients were stratified according to age, including patients <70 (group A) and ≥ 70 (group B) years old.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Variables analyzed included sex, age, diagnosis, associated pelvic organ prolapse, comorbidities, length of stay, complications (Clavien-Dindo scale), and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 4303 patients (98.2% women) who underwent a laparoscopic ventral rectopexy, 1263 (29.4%) were >70 years old (mean age, 76.2 ± 5.0 years). Main diagnoses were vaginal vault prolapse (53.0% [group A] vs 47.0% [group B]; p value not significant) and rectal prolapse (17.7 vs 26.8%; p value not significant). Comorbidity was significantly increased in group B (mean length of stay, 5.6 ± 3.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.8 days; p < 0.001) and minor complications (8.4% vs 5.0%; p < 0.001) were significantly increased in group B, whereas major complications were not different (group A, 0.7%; group B, 0.9%; p = 0.40) after univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis found no significant differences between groups. The subgroup analysis of patients >80 years old (n = 299) showed no differences. Each group had 1 postoperative mortality.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the study include its retrospective design, lack of prestudy power calculation, possible inaccuracy of an administrative database, and selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy appears to be safe in select elderly patients.