Difficult defecation: difficult problem assessment and management; what really helps?

Difficult defecation is a common and perhaps underrecognized cause of chronic constipation. While the history and a careful digital rectal examination are very useful for diagnosing defecatory disorders, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by anorectal tests. Anorectal manometry and a rectal balloon expulsion test generally suffice to diagnose defecatory disorders; barium or MR defecography may necessary in selected cases. Colonic transit is normal or slow in patients with defecatory disorders. Pelvic floor retraining by biofeedback therapy is superior to laxatives for managing defecatory disorders.     

Effects of Biofeedback Therapy on Anorectal Function in Obstructive Defecation

Biofeedback therapy improves symptoms inpatients with constipation and obstructive defecation.Whether it also improves anorectal function is unclear.Our purpose was to investigate prospectively the effects of biofeedback therapy on subjective andobjective parameters of anorectal function in 25consecutive patients with obstructive defecation.Biofeedback therapy consisted of pelvic floor relaxationexercises (phase I) and neuromuscular conditioning ofrectal sensation and rectoanal coordination, with asolid state manometry system and simulated defecationmaneuvers (phase II). The number of sessions wascustomized for each patient. Clinical improvement wasassessed from the changes in anorectal manometry,balloon (50 cc) expulsion test, and the symptom andstool diaries. The number of therapy sessions varied[mean (range) = 6 (2-10)]. After therapy, whenstraining as if to defecate, the percentage analrelaxation, intrarectal pressure, and defecation indexincreased (P < 0.001). The balloon expulsion time,laxative consumption, and straining effort decreased (P< 0.001). Before therapy, 16/25 (64%) patients hadimpaired rectal sensation, and after therapy thisimproved (P < 0.001). After therapy, 15/25 (60%) patients reported 75% satisfaction with bowelhabit and 8/25 (32%) reported 50% satisfaction (P< 0.001); 15/16 (94%) patients discontinued digitaldisimpaction. Biofeedback therapy not only improves subjective but also objective parameters ofanorectal function in at least 76% of patients byrectifying the underlying pathophysiologicdisturbance(s). Sensory conditioning and customizing thenumber of sessions may offer additionalbenefits.     

Treating pelvic floor disorders of defecation: Management or cure?

Pelvic floor disorders that affect defecation consist of structural disorders (eg, rectocele) and functional disorders (eg, dyssynergic defecation). Evaluation includes a thorough history and physical examination, a careful digital rectal examination, and physiologic tests such as anorectal manometry, colonic transit study, and balloon expulsion test. Defecography and dynamic MRI may facilitate detection of structural defects. Management consists of education and counseling regarding bowel function, diet, laxatives, and behavioral therapies. Recently, several randomized, clinical trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is effective in dyssynergic defecation. Dyssynergia may also coexist in structural disorders such as solitary rectal ulcer syndrome or rectocele. Hence, before proceeding with surgery, neuromuscular training or biofeedback should be considered. Several surgical approaches, including stapled transanal rectal resection, have been advocated, but well-controlled randomized studies are lacking and their efficacy is unproven.     

Constipation of anorectal outlet obstruction: pathophysiology, evaluation and management

Constipation is a subjective symptom of various pathological conditions. Incidence of constipation fluctuates from 2 to 30% in the general population. Approximately 50% of constipated patients referred to tertiary care centers have obstructed defecation constipation. Constipation of obstructed defecation may be due to mechanical causes or functional disorders of the anorectal region. Mechanical causes are related to morphological abnormalities of the anorectum (megarectum, rectal prolapse, rectocele, enterocele, neoplasms, stenosis). Functional disorders are associated with neurological disorders and dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles or anorectal muscles (anismus, descending perineum syndrome, Hirschsprung's disease). However, this type of constipation should be differentiated by colonic slow transit constipation which, if coexists, should be managed to a second time. Assessment of patients with severe constipation includes a good history, physical examination and specialized investigations (colonic transit time, anorectal manometry, rectal balloon expulsion test, defecography, electromyography), which contribute to the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis of the cause of the obstructed defecation. Thereby, constipated patients can be given appropriate treatment for their problem, which may be conservative (bulk agents, high-fiber diet or laxatives), biofeedback training or surgery.     

Functional disorders of defecation: Evaluation and treatment

Opinion statement Functional disorders of defecation are common and often overlap with slow-transit constipation. They are comprised of functional obstructive conditions such as dyssynergic defecation, as well as structural obstructive conditions such as rectal prolapse, excessive perineal descent, and rectocele. Evaluation includes detailed history and rectal and pelvic exam together with physiologic tests such as anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography, and MRI. Treatment involves several medical, behavioral, and surgical approaches. Recently, randomized controlled trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is an effective treatment for dyssynergic defecation. Stapled transanal rectal resection appears to be a promising technique for treating defecation disorders associated with rectocele, excessive perineal descent, and mucosal intussusception, but controlled trials are lacking.     

Pathophysiology and role of biofeedback therapy in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

BACKGROUND: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a behavioral disorder whose pathophysiology is incompletely understood. Likewise, its treatment, particularly the role of biofeedback therapy (BT) is unclear. AIM: To evaluate anorectal function and morphology and to assess efficacy of BT. METHODS: Eleven patients (8f) with refractory SRUS underwent symptom assessments, anorectal manometry, defecography, balloon expulsion test, and sigmoidoscopy. Physiological tests were also performed in 15 (11f) healthy controls. Subsequently, SRUS patients underwent biofeedback treatment. Symptoms and manometry were reassessed. RESULTS: Nine (82%) patients exhibited dyssynergia ( p < 0.001). Rectal sensory thresholds were decreased (p < 0.04). After biofeedback, straining effort and stool frequency decreased ( p < 0.05), and bowel satisfaction score (VAS) improved ( p < 0.001). Digital maneuvers were discontinued by all five patients and bleeding stopped in 56%. The defecation index increased ( p < 0.05), dyssynergia normalized, and balloon expulsion time decreased ( p < 0.05). There was complete healing in 4 (36%), > or =50% healing in 2 (18%), and <50% healing in 4 (36%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: SRUS associated with excessive straining, digital disimpaction, rectal hypersensitivity, dyssynergic defecation, and prolonged evacuation. BT may improve symptoms and anorectal function and facilitate healing.     

直肠前膨出与功能性排便障碍：肛门直肠压力与感觉功能检测

背景：直肠前膨出（RC）是一种多见于女性的肛肠疾病,与功能性排便障碍（FDD）的关系目前尚不明。目的：研究伴RC的FDD患者肛门直肠压力和感觉功能的变化,探讨RC与FDD的关系。方法：选取28例伴RC的FDD患者并分为伴轻度RC的FDD组和伴中-重度RC的FDD组,设不伴RC的FDD患者作为对照。所有患者行球囊排出试验、肛门直肠压力和感觉功能检测,并按照罗马Ⅲ标准将FDD患者进一步分为排便协同失调（F3a）和排便推进不足（F3b）两种亚型。结果：除伴中-重度RC的FDD组直肠排便收缩压显著低于不伴RC的FDD组外（P〈0.05）,其余各组间直肠静息压、肛管静息压、肛管最大缩榨压、直肠排便收缩压、肛门括约肌松弛率以及初始感觉容量、产生便意容量和最大耐受容量均无明显差异。与不伴RC的FDD组相比,伴RC的FDD组中F3b亚型比例显著升高（P〈0.05）。结论：伴中-重度RC的FDD患者直肠排便收缩压明显降低,伴RC的FDD患者多表现为F3b亚型,提示RC与FDD的发病可能具有相关性。     

Defecation disorders: An important subgroup of functional constipation, its pathophysiology, evaluation and treatment with biofeedback.

Functional defecation disorders are common and affect approximately 50% of patients with chronic constipation. The etiology of functional defecation disorders is not well known, but several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been described, including failure of rectoanal coordination, paradoxical anal contraction or insufficient relaxation of anal sphincter during defecation and impairment of rectal sensation as well as secondary slowing of colonic transit. Symptoms alone are inadequate to distinguish patients with defecation disorders from those with other types of constipation. Detailed clinical evaluation and anorectal physiologic tests are required for definitive diagnosis. There is also a pathophysiological association between functional defecation disorders and other anorectal conditions such as solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. Among the various treatment modalities, biofeedback therapy has emerged as an effective and specific treatment method for functional defecation disorders. The main goals of biofeedback therapy are to relax the pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles during defecation and to improve rectoanal coordination and sensory perception. Today, it is possible to diagnose most functional disorders of defecation and either effectively treat or ameliorate symptoms in a majority of these patients.     

Effectiveness of Biofeedback Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Dyssynergic Defecation Disorder

Background: The first option to be considered in the treatment of functional defecation disorder is to correct the dyssynergia. However, limited studies exist to show the effectiveness of biofeedback.Objective: We evaluated the effect of biofeedback on the severity of constipation, quality of life, and anorectal manometry in patients with dyssynergic defecation in which the biofeedback method was applied.Methods: Effectiveness of biofeedback method on the quality of life of 24 dyssynergic defecation patients according to Rome III criteria after clinical and balloon expulsion tests (BETs) and colonic transit time was measured. Data were collected with patient identification form, Bristol Stool Chart, Constipation Quality of Life Scale forms, Visual Analogue Scale, diaphragmatic breathing exercises form, constipation diary, and constipation biofeedback monitoring form. Dyssnergic defecation cases received 6-week biofeedback training. For the same timeframe, the control group had a catheter into the rectum without any intervention.Results: Constipation severity was reduced in both groups before biofeedback to post-biofeedback (P < .05). Anal canal pressure, BET, colonic transit time, and quality of life significantly improved in biofeedback patients compared with controls.Conclusions: Biofeedback has a favorable effect on therapy and quality of life in dyssynergic defecation cases.     

Funktionsdiagnostik des Kolons und Anorektums

For evaluation of functional disturbances of the colon and anorectum, diagnostic methods are available for measurement of motor activity, anorectal sensory function and evacuation. Measurement of motor activity can be achieved by colon (mostly after colonoscopic cleaning) and anorectal manometry or by barostat measurements. Anorectal manometry and barostat measurements also enable investigation of the colorectal sensory function. Intraluminal transit can be assessed with scintigraphy or by ingestion of radiopaque markers. Defecography either by conventional X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to visualize defecation disorders. From a clinical point of view, functional disturbances of the colon and anorectum manifest themselves as chronic constipation, including defecation disorders and fecal incontinence. Both syndromes are characterized by a high prevalence and a severely disturbed quality of life. Diagnostic evaluation should be initiated if a trial therapy fails. Colonic transit time measurement, defecography, and anorectal manometry are indicated for evaluation of chronic constipation, while anorectal manometry, anal endoscopic ultrasound, sphincter electromyogram (EMG), and if necessary, investigation of diarrhea are required for fecal incontinence.     

Dyssynergic Defecation: A Treatable Cause of Persistent Symptoms When Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is in Remission

Background

Introduction of biologic agents in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased the likelihood of disease remission. Despite resolution of active inflammation, a subset of IBD patients report persistent defecatory symptoms.

Aim

To evaluate a group of patients with inflammatory bowel disease with suspected functional defecatory disorders, by use of anorectal manometric testing and subsequent biofeedback therapy.

Methods

A group of IBD patients with persistent defecatory problems despite clinical improvement were included in this study. These patients had no evidence of left-sided disease. Endoscopic and radiographic study findings and timing in relation to the manometry study were recorded. Anorectal manometry was performed by the standard protocol and included rectal sensory assessment, ability to expel a balloon, and pressure dynamics with simulated defecation.

Results

Thirty IBD patients (Crohn’s 23 patients; ulcerative colitis six patients) presented with defecatory disorders including constipation (67 %) increased stooling (10 %), and rectal urgency and/or incontinence and rectal pain (6 %). All but one patient had anorectal manometric criteria of dyssynergia (presence of anismus motor pattern and inability to expel the balloon). Of the patients who completed biofeedback therapy, 30 % had a clinically significant (≥7-point) improvement in SIBDQ score, with a reduction in health-care utilization after a six-month period (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Despite remission, some inflammatory bowel disease patients have persistent defecatory symptoms. Defecatory symptoms may not be predictive of an underlying inflammatory disorder. Lack of inflammatory activity and absence of left-sided disease should prompt investigation of functional disorders. Anorectal manometric testing and biofeedback therapy for patients with a diagnosis of dyssynergia may be a useful therapy.     

Obstructive defecation: a failure of rectoanal coordination

Objective: The pathophysiology of obstructive defecation is unclear. We investigated whether impaired rectoanal coordination causes obstructive defecation and if this dysfunction can be corrected by biofeedback therapy.
Methods: We prospectively studied 25 healthy subjects and 35 consecutive patients with constipation (>1 year) with anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test. Symptoms were assessed from diary cards. Patients found to have obstructive defecation were offered biofeedback therapy. After treatment, their defecation dynamics and symptoms were reassessed.
Results: Eighteen patients had obstructive defecation and 17 had normal defecation dynamics (nonobstructive). Five normals (20%) exhibited obstructive pattern but only one failed to expel balloon. In the obstructive group, during straining, the intrarectal pressure and defecation index were lower (   p < 0.05  ), and anal residual pressure was higher (   p < 0.01  ) when compared with the nonobstructive group or normals. After biofeedback therapy, the intrarectal pressure and defecation index increased (   p < 0.02  ) and anal residual pressure decreased (   p < 0.001  ); stool frequency, degree of straining, and bowel satisfaction scores improved (   p < 0.05  ); 67% stopped laxatives and 11 patients discontinued stooling with digitation.
Conclusion: Patients with obstructive defecation showed impaired rectal contraction, paradoxical anal contraction, or inadequate anal relaxation. These features suggest that rectoanal coordination was impaired. Biofeedback therapy rectified these pathophysiological disturbances and improved constipation.     

慢性特发性便秘患者肛门直肠测压表现及西沙必利的疗效研究

目的研究慢性特发性便秘（CIC）患者肛门直肠动力及直肠对容量刺激感觉的变化，同时观察西沙必利对CIC的疗效及对上述指标的影响。方法用肛门直肠测压法检测30例CIC患者，服用西沙必利前后的直肠动力及直肠对容量刺激感觉的变化。20名健康者作对照。结果肛门直肠括约肌最大收缩压降低（P＜0．05），引起直肠肛门抑制性反射的最小松弛容量（MRV）增大（P＜0．05），直肠内部容量刺激的排便阈值及疼痛阈值均明显增加（P＜0．01）；西沙必利10mg每日3次治疗4周可显著改善CIC患者上述异常改变（P＜0．01），增加CIC患者排便次数（P＜0．01），治疗总有效率为46，67％。结论CIC患者存在肛门直肠动力及内脏感觉异常，西沙必利可改善上述异常表现，对约半数CIC患者具有良好疗效。     

Discriminative Value of Anorectal Manometry in Clinical Practice

Guidelines recommend anorectal manometry in patients with fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. However, limited evidence supports the utility of manometric testing. We retrospectively reviewed tracings obtained between November 2005 and May 2008. A total of 298 patients (86% women; average age 52 years) were included. The main indications were incontinence (51%) and constipation (42%). Patients suffering from incontinence were older and had lower resting and squeeze pressure compared to continent patients. However, the discriminative power of manometric pressure data was poor, with low sensitivity and specificity. An abnormal straining pattern suggesting dyssynergic defecation was seen in 43% of constipated patients compared to 13% of patients with fecal incontinence. A concordance between manometric patterns and the balloon expulsion test was seen in 72%. The low sensitivity and specificity of manometric parameters does not support the routine use of anorectal manometry in patients with defecation disorders.     

Manometric assessment of anorectal function

A diagnostic test is useful if it can provide information regarding the underlying pathophysiology, confirm a clinical suspicion, or guide clinical management. In a prospective study, anorectal manometry was shown not only to confirm a clinical impression, but also to provide new information that was not detected clinically. The information obtained from these studies influenced the management and outcome of patients with defecation disorders (Table 1). These findings have been confirmed further by another study that showed colorectal physiologic tests provided a definitive diagnosis in 75% of patients with constipation, 66% of patients with incontinence, and 42% of patients with intractable anorectal pain. A systematic and careful appraisal of anorectal function can provide invaluable information that can guide treatment of patients with anorectal disorders. A more uniform method of performing these tests and interpreting the results is needed to facilitate a wider use of this technology for the assessment of patients with anorectal disorders.     

Behavioral medicine treatment in chronic constipation with paradoxical anal sphincter contraction

Nine women and five children with severe chronic constipation received behavioral medicine therapy. Before treatment, all patients had a paradoxical contraction of the external anal sphincter at defecation attempts as demonstrated with electromyography and/or anorectal manometry. An electromyographic biofeedback device connected to an anal probe was used for the training that was performed on a regular toilet seat during five 1-hour sessions. Thirteen of the patients improved considerably and could learn to defecate spontaneously, and the use of laxatives ceased or diminished. Simultaneously with improvement, the paradoxical anal contraction disappeared. The results remained after 6 months, although two of the patients had received booster sessions of biofeedback training during follow-up.This study was supported financially by the Örebro County Research Committee.     

慢性特发性便秘发病机制探讨

目的通过结肠、肛门直肠动力学的变化及心理学基础初步探讨慢性特发性便秘(CIC)可能的发病机制.方法用肛门直肠测压法检测21例CIC患者肛门直肠动力学的变化,同时进行心理测试.20名健康者作对照.CIC组中11例行远端结肠测压,9例非CIC组作对照.结果CIC患者年龄偏大(P＜0.05);肛门括约肌静息压、最大缩榨压降低(P＜0.025,P＜0.005);肛管高压带长度增加(P＜0.005);引起直肠肛门抑制反射的最小松弛容量(MVR)增加(P＜0.005),肛门括约肌松弛率下降(P＜0.025);直肠内部容量刺激的排便阈值和最大耐受量均明显增加(P＜0.005,P＜0.005);11例CIC组患者远端结肠测压结果表明收缩时间百分比、动力指数较非CIC组均明显降低(P＜0.005);CIC患者焦虑、抑郁精神心理异常倾向的出现明显高于对照组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论CIC发病机制是复杂的,结肠、肛门直肠动力学及精神心理因素均参与发病.     

Dyssynergic defecation

Dyssynergic defecation is a common clinical problem that affects half of patients with chronic constipation. In many patients, there is a significant overlap with slow transit constipation. The chief underlying pathophysiologic mechanism is a failure of rectoanal coordination. By using a combination of history, prospective stool diaries, detailed clinical evaluation, and anorectal physiologic tests, it is possible to diagnose this problem. Controlled trials are under way to evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy. Meanwhile, it is possible to treat most patients by using neuromuscular conditioning and biofeedback therapy. Further refinements in diagnostic criteria and in rehabilitation therapy programs should facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of patients with dyssynergic defecation.     

Anorectal pressure gradient and rectal compliance in fecal incontinence

To study whether anorectal pressure gradients discriminated better than standard anal manometry between patients with fecal incontinence and subjects with normal anal function, anorectal pressure gradients were measured during rectal compliance measurements in 36 patients with fecal incontinence and in 22 control subjects. Anal and rectal pressures were measured simultaneously during the rectal compliance measurements. With standard anal manometry, 75% of patients with fecal incontinence had maximal resting pressure within the normal range, and 39% had maximum squeeze pressure within the normal range. Anorectal pressure gradients did not discriminate better between fecal incontinence and normal anal function, since, depending on the parameters used, 61%–100% of the incontinent patients had anorectal pressure gradients within the normal range. Patients with fecal incontinence had lower rectal volumes than controls at constant defecation urge (median 138 ml and 181 ml, P<0.05) and at maximal tolerable volume (median 185 ml and 217 ml, P<0.05). We conclude that measurements of anorectal pressure gradients offer no advantage over standard anal manometry when comparing patients with fecal incontinence to controls. Patients with fecal incontinence have a lower rectal volume tolerability than control subjects with normal anal function. Accepted: 5 June 1998     

A prospective, randomized study comparing the effect of augmented biofeedback with sensory biofeedback alone on fecal incontinence after obstetric trauma

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare prospectively the effects of augmented biofeedback with those of sensory biofeedback alone on fecal incontinence and anorectal manometry after obstetric trauma. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of 40 females with impaired fecal continence after obstetric anal sphincter injury were recruited from a dedicated perineal clinic. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either augmented biofeedback or sensory biofeedback alone. All patients were assessed before and after twelve weeks of biofeedback training, using a fecal continence questionnaire and anorectal manometry. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 40 females recruited completed the study. Continence scores improved in both treatment groups, but the results were better for those who received augmented biofeedback. Anorectal manometry was unchanged by sensory biofeedback, whereas anal resting and squeeze pressures increased with augmented biofeedback. No change in anal vector symmetry was observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Augmented biofeedback training is superior to sensory biofeedback alone in the treatment of impaired fecal continence after obstetric trauma.This study was funded by the Irish Health Research Board, the Mater College for Education and Research, and the Friends of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.Poster presentation at the meeting of the International Continence Society, Tel Aviv, Israel, September 14 to 19, 1998.