Referral for anorectal function evaluation: therapeutic implications and reassurance.

AIM: To determine the impact of anorectal function evaluation (AFE) on patients and referring specialists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In one year, 135 patients were referred for AFE, which consisted of proctoscopy, anal manometry, rectal compliance, anal sensitivity measurement and anal endosonography. Questionnaires were sent to the patients and referring specialists. RESULTS: In 70% of the 135 patients there was total agreement about the referring and final diagnosis. The response rate of the patients was 78% (n = 100) and that of the specialists was 91% (n = 117). The experience with regard to pain and embarrassment during AFE was good. Of the women, 13% preferred a female investigator. Fifty-nine patients answered that they had received one or more treatments after referral: surgery (n = 32), medication (n = 16), diet (n = 5), physiotherapy (n = 1) or a combination of the above (n = 5). Of the 41 patients who did not receive another treatment, 29 were reassured and 12 did not experience any benefit from the visit, thus bringing the total benefit of the referral to 88%. The anorectal complaints before AFE and at follow-up improved significantly in the treated group (P < 0.0001). The advice given was followed by the referring specialist in 98 cases (84%). The quality of the advice given was considered good in 98 (84%). The opportunity of referral for AFE was considered useful in 108 cases (93%). In 71 patients, information from both the specialist and the patient was obtained. Three patients had therapies that were not advised and 19 patients did not follow the advice (mainly dietary). In the 135 patients, AFE changed the management in 34 patients (25%). In the other 101 patients, endosonography was of value in determining the size of sphincter defects or the fistula tracks. CONCLUSION: AFE was well tolerated and changed the management in 25% of patients. Additional advice and reassurance were given in many patients; only 12% of patients claimed to have no benefit from the referral. Anal endosonography seems the most valuable test.     

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     

肛瘘患者手术前后肛管直肠动力学研究

目的利用肛管直肠测压技术,评价和分析肛瘘患者手术前后肛管直肠功能的变化。方法用肛管直肠测压方法对20例正常对照者,67例肛瘘患者,22例多次手术后患者进行肛管长度、肛管静息压、肛管最大收缩压、直肠压、直肠黏膜感觉功能检测。分别将正常对照组与肛瘘组、对照组与经手术组、肛瘘组与经手术组进行比较,分析肛管直肠功能的变化。结果肛瘘患者肛管静息压力及最大收缩压力大于正常人群(P<0.05),手术组和肛瘘组比较,肛管功能长度变短(P<0.05),肛管静息压力及收缩压力降低(P<0.05),直肠黏膜敏感性增加(P<0.05),与正常对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论肛管压力的增加可能是肛瘘产生的一个病因之一,肛瘘患者多次手术以后,可能会造成肛门括约肌的损伤,从而影响肛管功能,临床应将肛管直肠测压技术推广应用于肛瘘患者手术前后肛门功能的评估。     

Critical reappraisal of anorectal function tests in patients with faecal incontinence who have failed conservative treatment

Objective

Anorectal function tests are often performed in patients with faecal incontinence who have failed conservative treatment. This study was aimed to establish the additive value of performing anorectal function tests in these patients in selecting them for surgery.

Patients and methods

Between 2003 and 2009, all referred patients with faecal incontinence were assessed by a questionnaire, anorectal manometry and anal endosonography. Patients with diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, pouches or rectal carcinoma were excluded.

Results

In total, 218 patients were evaluated. Of these, 107 (49%) patients had no sphincter defects, 71 (33%) had small defects and 40 (18%) had large defects. Anorectal manometry could not differentiate between patients with and without sphincter defects. Patients with sphincter defects were only found to have a significantly shorter sphincter length and reduced rectal capacity compared to patients without sphincter defects. Forty-three patients (20%) had a normal anal pressures ≥40?mmHg. Seventeen patients (8%) had also a dyssynergic pelvic floor both on clinical examination and anorectal manometry. Fifteen patients (7%) had a reduced rectal capacity between 65 and 100?ml. There was no difference in anal pressures or the presence of sphincter defects in these patients compared to patients with a rectal capacity >150?ml. There was no correlation between anorectal manometry, endosonography and faecal incontinence severity scores.

Conclusion

In patients with faecal incontinence who have failed conservative treatment, only anal endosonography can reveal sphincter defects. Anorectal manometry should be reserved for patients eligible for surgery to exclude those with suspected dyssynergic floor or reduced rectal capacity.     

Anorectal sphincter function and rectal barostat study in patients following transanal endoscopic microsurgery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study evaluated the effect of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) on anorectal sphincter functions and determined the risk factors for anorectal dysfunctions (including incontinence). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study group of 33 patients with small, mobile rectal tumors (adenoma and carcinoma) located up to 12 cm from the anal verge underwent anorectal motility studies (using pull-through anorectal manometry and rectal barostat) and endoanal ultrasound prior to surgery and 3 weeks and 6 months after TEM; controls were 20 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Resting and squeeze anal pressures were reduced 3 weeks after TEM. Resting anal pressure remained reduced 6 months after surgery; the changes were related to low preoperative levels and to the internal anal sphincter defects rather than to the procedure duration or the type of surgery. High-pressure zone length and vector volume were decreased 3 weeks after TEM and restored 6 months later. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex, reflex sphincter contraction, rectoanal pressure gradients, threshold and maximal tolerable volume of rectal sensitivity, and compliance were significantly changed 3 weeks after TEM; only rectal wall compliance remained low at 6 months. The rectoanal inhibitory reflex, reflex sphincter contraction, rectal sensitivity, and compliance were related to the extent and type of excision (partial or full thickness). Anal ultrasound revealed internal anal sphincter defects in 29% of patients studied 3 weeks after TEM. Only 76% of patients were fully continent. Disturbed anorectal function (including partial fecal incontinence) was observed in up to 50% of patients at 3 weeks. Partial and moderate anorectal dysfunction was found in 21% patients 6 months after surgery. The main risk factors of anorectal dysfunctions following TEM included: postoperative internal anal sphincter defects, low preoperative resting anal pressure, disturbed rectoanal coordination, extent (>50% of wall circumference) and the depth (full thickness) of tumor excision. CONCLUSION: TEM has a relevant but temporary effect on anorectal motility. As a result of TEM procedures 21% of the patients had disturbed anorectal functions, mostly due to the extent or depth of tumor excision (influencing rectal compliance and rectoanal coordination), and to the sphincter defects lowering resting anal pressure. Preoperative anorectal motility studies and anal ultrasound allow the identification of patients with the risk of postoperative anorectal dysfunctions.     

不同性别功能性便秘患者肛门直肠动力和感觉功能异同点分析

背景：性别为功能性便秘（FC）患者肛门直肠感觉运动功能研究的重要混杂因素。目的：分析不同性别FC患者的肛门直肠动力和感觉功能及其异同点。方法：纳入271例符合罗马Ⅲ标准和研究要求的FC患者以及24例健康对照者。所有入组者接受肛门直肠测压,FC患者按测压结果分型,分析不同性别健康对照者之间、同性别FC患者与健康对照者之间动力、感觉参数和测压分型的差异。结果：与健康女性相比,健康男性肛管缩榨压显著增高（P〈0.05）,引出直肠肛门抑制反射（RAIR）的最小松弛容量（MRV）和排便窘迫阈值显著降低（P〈0.05）。男、女性FC患者力排时肛管剩余压均显著高于同性别健康对照者（P〈0.05）,男性FC患者引出RAIR的MRV、排便窘迫阈值、最大耐受容量显著高于健康男性（P〈0.05）,女性FC患者直肠感觉参数与健康女性无明显差异。男性FC患者测压分型以肛门痉挛型比例最高（65.1%）,女性FC患者依次为肛门痉挛型（38.9%）、直肠无力型（31.4%）和正常型（25.9%）。结论：男、女性FC患者的肛门直肠动力和感觉功能存在明显差异。两者排便时均可见肛门括约肌反常收缩,以男性更为常见;此外,男性患者存在直肠敏感性降低而女性患者存在结直肠动力不足。     

Rationale for medical or surgical therapy in anal incontinence

Seventy patients with anal incontinence referred to a colorectal service over a two-year period were evaluated and treated. In each case, a comprehensive history and physical examination as well as anal manometry were performed. Anorectal angle measurement was done when indicated. Patients were separated into groups of the four major causes of incontinence: 1) external/internal sphincter dysfunction, 2) puborectalis and anorectal angle, 3) alterations in rectal compliance, and 4) sensory deficits. Treatment was dictated by categorization of the patients. All patients were followed for a minimum of one year and, with the exception of patients with profound sensory loss, each believed that their symptoms had decreased substantially, enabling them to return to normal occupational and social activities.     

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

Background Anal incontinence is experienced by some patients with rectal cancer who received low anterior resection. This study was to examine the efficacy and adverse effects of the alpha-1 adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, which causes contraction of the internal anal sphincter and raises the resting pressure in these patients. Patients and methods Thirty-five patients with anal incontinence were treated with 30% phenylephrine or a placebo randomly allocated in a double-blind study. The efficacy of the drug was assessed by changes in the following standardized questionnaire scores: the fecal incontinence severity index (FISI), fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) scales, and a global efficacy question. Anal sphincter function was evaluated using anorectal manometry. Results Phenylephrine did not improve either the FISI score or any of the four FIQL scores. Five of 17 (29%) patients reported subjective improvement after phenylephrine compared with 4 of 12 (33%) using the placebo. The maximum resting anal pressure did not differ between baseline and after 4 weeks application of phenylephrine (30.0 to 27.3 mmHg). In the phenylephrine group, allergic dermatitis was developed in five patients and headache in two. Conclusion In the patients with anal incontinence after low anterior resection for rectal cancer, phenylephrine gel did not seem to be helpful in relieving symptoms with some adverse effects.     

Anal inspection and digital rectal examination compared to anorectal physiology tests and endoanal ultrasonography in evaluating fecal incontinence

Background Anal inspection and digital rectal examination are routinely performed in fecal incontinent patients but it is not clear to what extent they contribute to the diagnostic work-up. We examined if and how findings of anal inspection and rectal examination are associated with anorectal function tests and endoanal ultrasonography. Methods A cohort of fecal incontinent patients (n=312, 90% females; mean age 59) prospectively underwent anal inspection and rectal examination. Findings were compared with results of anorectal function tests and endoanal ultrasonography. Results Absent, decreased and normal resting and squeeze pressures at rectal examination correlated to some extent with mean (±SD) manometric findings: mean resting pressure 41.3 (±20), 43.8 (±20) and 61.6 (±23) Hg (p<0.001); incremental squeeze pressure 20.6 (±20), 38.4 (±31) and 62.4 (±34) Hg (p<0.001). External anal sphincter defects at rectal examination were confirmed with endoanal ultrasonography for defects <90 degrees in 36% (37/103); for defects between 90-150 degrees in 61% (20/33); for defects between 150-270 degrees in 100% (6/6). Patients with anal scar tissue at anal inspection had lower incremental squeeze pressures (p=0.04); patients with a gaping anus had lower resting pressures (p=0.013) at anorectal manometry. All other findings were not related to any anorectal function test or endoanal ultrasonography. Conclusions Anal inspection and digital rectal examination can give accurate information about internal and external anal sphincter function but are inaccurate for determining external anal sphincter defects <90 degrees. Therefore, a sufficient diagnostic work-up should comprise at least rectal examination, anal inspection and endoanal ultrasonography.     

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM:To prospectively assess the eff icacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection(STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment,and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR.METHODS:Thirty patients(Female,28;age:51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception,a defecation disorder,and functional constipation were submitted for STARR.Thirty comparable patients(Female,30;age 53 ± 13 years),who presented with sympto...     

Ambulatory manometric recording of anorectal activity

PURPOSE: Ambulatory anorectal manometry is usually analyzed by computer analysis only. An in-depth analysis with visual assessment of the recordings combined with computer analysis is presented. METHODS: Recordings of 20 to 24 hours in length were performed on ten healthy subjects. Spontaneous anal canal relaxations were analyzed and related to changes in rectal pressure and any reported rectal sensation. Pressure variations in the anorectum, including the rectal motor complex, were studied. RESULTS: In the awake subject the frequency of anal canal relaxations was 14.5 to 18.7/hour, and the frequency was 4.3/hour while asleep. They can be divided into two different subtypes. The amplitude of the pressure fall was 26 to 29 mmHg, but diminished during sleep to 19 mmHg. The duration of each relaxation was 16 to 19 seconds. Passage of flatus and the sensation of flatus in the rectum occurs 1.5 and 1.2 times per hour, respectively, usually with simultaneous anal canal relaxation. The frequency of rectal motor complexes in the midrectum was 0.4/hour and in the lower rectum was 0.7/hour; the duration was 10.3 and 5.8 minutes, respectively, with no nocturnal variation. The complexes could not be related to anorectal events. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides supplementary knowledge of anorectal physiology, particularly of anal canal relaxation, and proposes a more detailed method for evaluation of data obtained by ambulatory anorectal manometry.     

Relationship between symptoms and disordered continence mechanisms in women with idiopathic faecal incontinence

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anal sphincter weakness and rectal sensory disturbances contribute to faecal incontinence (FI). Our aims were to investigate the relationship between symptoms, risk factors, and disordered anorectal and pelvic floor functions in FI. METHODS: In 52 women with "idiopathic" FI and 21 age matched asymptomatic women, we assessed symptoms by standardised questionnaire, anal pressures by manometry, anal sphincter appearance by endoanal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pelvic floor motion by dynamic MRI, and rectal compliance and sensation by a barostat. RESULTS: The prevalence of anal sphincter injury (by imaging), reduced anal resting pressure (35% of FI), and reduced squeeze pressures (73% of FI) was higher in FI compared with controls. Puborectalis atrophy (by MRI) was associated (p<0.05) with FI and with impaired anorectal motion during pelvic floor contraction. Volume and pressure thresholds for the desire to defecate were lower, indicating rectal hypersensitivity, in FI. The rectal volume at maximum tolerated pressure (that is, rectal capacity) was reduced in 25% of FI; this volume was associated with the symptom of urge FI (p<0.01) and rectal hypersensitivity (p = 0.02). A combination of predictors (age, body mass index, symptoms, obstetric history, and anal sphincter appearance) explained a substantial proportion of the interindividual variation in anal squeeze pressure (45%) and rectal capacity (35%). CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic FI in women is a multifactorial disorder resulting from one or more of the following: a disordered pelvic barrier (anal sphincters and puborectalis), or rectal capacity or sensation.     

Rectoanal motility in Crohn's disease patients

PURPOSE: It has been documented that Crohn's disease affects anorectal function when anorectal manifestations of the disease are present. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of histologic lesions in rectal biopsy affected anorectal motility in patients with Crohn's disease but no evidence of macroscopic anorectal involvement. METHODS: Forty-one patients with documented Crohn's disease were included in the study. Twenty-one of them had no endoscopic or histologic lesions in the rectum, and 20 patients had a positive histology for Crohn's disease on rectal biopsy, with or without macroscopic or endoscopic involvement of the anorectum. All patients underwent a standard anorectal manometry, with an eight-channel, water-perfused catheter. RESULTS: Patients with positive rectal biopsy but no evidence of endoscopic rectal involvement had lower anal resting and squeeze pressures (76±16 standard deviationvs. 86±19 standard deviationP=0.002; 152±56 standard deviationvs. 192±52 standard deviationP<0.001, respectively), and a lower sphincter and high-pressure zone length (2.8±0.8 standard deviationvs. 3.2±0.8 standard deviationP=0.006; 1.7±0.6 standard deviationvs. 2±0.6 standard deviationP=0.005, respectively) compared with patients with negative rectal histology. Also, slow and ultra slow wave amplitude and ultra slow wave frequency were significantly lower (10±6 standard deviationvs. 13±7 standard deviationP=0.04; 17±16 standard deviationvs. 34±24 SDP=0.004; 0.9±0.8 standard deviationvs. 1.3±0.6 standard deviationP=0.05, respectively), rectal sensation more affected, and rectal compliance significantly reduced (7.4±1 standard deviationvs. 11.1±2.2 standard deviationP<0.001) in the former group of patients. Simultaneous presence of endoscopic and histologic lesions in the rectum was associated with further impairment of the anorectal function. CONCLUSION: Microscopic presence alone of Crohn's disease in the rectum appears to induce anorectal motility disorders. The synchronous presence of endoscopic rectal and macroscopic anal involvement is associated with further deterioration of anorectal function.     

Clinical, anorectal manometry and surface electromyography in the study of patients with fecal incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: to demonstrate the role of the clinical, anorectal manometry and surface electromyography in the assessment of patients with fecal incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ninety-three patients with fecal incontinence are retrospectively reviewed and the data obtained from the directed clinical history, physical examination of the anal region, digital rectal examination, anorectal manometry and surface electromyography are analyzed. A treatment was administered in accordance with the alterations encountered and the results evaluated at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: fecal incontinence was predominant (91.4%) in women age 59.7+/-11. A background of obstetric risks (48.2%) was frequent in women. Also, 73.1% of the patients presented diarrhea. The anorectal manometry (ARM) demonstrated some alterations in 90.3% of the patients, whereas a hypotonic sphincter was the most common finding (85.7%). Rectal sensitivity or distensibility alterations were present in the rest of the patients. In 79.2% ofthe cases, hypotonic sphincter was associated with rectal sensitivity or distensibility alterations. In 65.2% of patients with hypotonic external anal sphincter, damage of the pudendal nerve was found and therefore biofeedback was indicated in 41.9% of them. CONCLUSIONS: the clinical study of the patients, together with the anorectal manometry and surface electromyography enables the identification of the cause of FI and its treatment. These studies demonstrate that in most cases the origin of the incontinence is due to multiple etiologies, however the treatment of some of the factors involved frequently improves the symptomatology.     

Rectal sensorimotor dysfunction in patients with urge faecal incontinence: evidence from prolonged manometric studies

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although external anal sphincter dysfunction is the major cause of urge faecal incontinence, approximately 50% of such patients have evidence of rectal hypersensitivity and report exaggerated stool frequency and urgency. The contribution of rectosigmoid contractile activity to the pathophysiology of this condition is unclear, and thus the relations between symptoms, rectal sensation, and rectosigmoid motor function were investigated. METHODS: Fifty two consecutive patients with urge faecal incontinence, referred to a tertiary surgical centre, and 24 volunteers, underwent comprehensive anorectal physiological investigation, including prolonged rectosigmoid manometry. Patients were classified on the basis of balloon distension thresholds into those with rectal hypersensitivity (n = 27) and those with normal rectal sensation (n = 25). Automated quantitative analysis of overall rectosigmoid contractile activities and, specifically, high amplitude contractions and rectal motor complex activity was performed. RESULTS: External anal sphincter dysfunction was similar in both patient groups. Overall, phasic activity and high amplitude contraction frequency were greater, and rectal motor complex variables significantly altered, in those with rectal hypersensitivity. Symptoms, more prevalent in the rectal hypersensitivity group, were also more often associated with rectosigmoid contractile events. For individuals, reduced compliance and increased rectal motor complex frequency were only observed in patients with rectal hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a subset of patients with urge faecal incontinence-namely, those with rectal hypersensitivity-who demonstrated increased symptoms, enhanced perception, reduced compliance, and exaggerated rectosigmoid motor activity. Comprehensive assessment of rectosigmoid sensorimotor function, in addition to evaluation of anal function, should be considered in the investigation of patients with urge faecal incontinence.     

Clinical and manometric results of endorectal advancement flaps for complex anal fistula

Backgrounds and aim Endorectal advancement flap repair is a well-recognized method for the treatment of complex anorectal fistula. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the clinical and functional results of endorectal advancement flaps for complex anorectal fistula and to identify factors that affect outcome. Materials and methods A prospective study of 56 patients was performed. Clinical and functional results were studied using the Wexner continence scale and anal manometry before and after surgery. Factors associated with recurrence and incontinence were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results Sixty endorectal flaps were constructed in 56 patients. Mean age was 49 years (range 24–74). The fistula was of cryptoglandular origin in 91.1% cases. Mean follow-up was 43.8 months. The technique was repeated in four patients because of recurrence (7.1%), with subsequent healing in all cases. There were significant reductions in maximum resting pressure 3 months after surgery (83.6±33.2 vs 45.6±18.3, p<0.001) and maximum squeeze pressure (208.8±91.5 vs 169.5±75, p<0.001). Before surgery, five patients (8.9%) reported incontinence symptoms. After surgery, 78.6% patients had normal continence, seven patients (12.5%) complained of minor incontinence, and five (9%) had major continence disturbances. None of the variables studied (age, sex, previous fistula surgery, rectovaginal fistula, and Crohn’s disease) affected the outcome of the procedure in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Endorectal advancement flap repair is an effective technique for complex anal fistula, with a low recurrence rate (7.1%). Patients (21.4%) reported disturbed anal continence. It is still not possible to identify factors that are predictive of failure or incontinence.     

The effect of loperamide on anorectal function in normal healthy men.

Loperamide improves anorectal functioning in patients with diarrhea and incontinence. Loperamide reduces sensitivity of the recto-anal inhibitory reflex and increases internal anal sphincter tone. Additionally, it has an effect on rectal compliance in incontinent patients with diarrhea. We studied the effect of loperamide versus placebo at different distances from the anal verge in 18 healthy male volunteers, using standard anorectal manometry was a double-blind, two-factorial design. We found that the recto-anal inhibitory reflex is most pronounced when stimulated in regions close to the anal canal and that distention stimuli are also perceived best in that region. Both effects are counteracted by loperamide. We found no effect on internal sphincter tone or rectal compliance. These results imply a gradient of sensitivity for rectal perception and the recto-anal inhibitory reflex in healthy volunteers. Loperamide action on both mechanisms suggests a common mediator for both effects.     

Relation Between Anal Electrosensitivity and Rectal Filling Sensation and the Influence of Age

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of age and sex on the rectal filling sensation and anal electrosensitivity and to explore the relation between anal electrosensitivity and the parameters of the rectal filling sensation.METHODS Anal mucosal electrosensitivity and anorectal manometry, including the rectal filling sensation test were performed in 19 control subjects; 10 were younger than 60 years and 9 were older than that. Altogether, there were 11 men and 8 women. RESULTS Anal electrosensitivity did not differ between the two age groups. Women had a significantly lower electrosensitivity 4 and 5 cm from the anal verge than men, as well as a significantly shorter anal high-pressure zone. The rectal filling sensation did not differ between sexes. In the older age group, the rectal volumes required to induce filling sensations were smaller than those observed in the younger age group, but rectal pressures were comparable; as a consequence, rectal compliance was lower in older subjects. Anal electrosensitivity at different anal levels did not correlate with the rectal volume or pressure parameters of successive rectal filling sensations. The pressure recorded in the proximal anal canal at the consecutive rectal filling sensations strongly correlated with the rectal balloon pressure needed to elicit them.CONCLUSIONS The zones of high anal electrosensitivity and high pressure seem to coincide. The fact that both are shorter in females did not influence the parameters of the rectal filling sensation. Lower rectal volumes but comparable rectal pressures were needed to induce the rectal filling sensation in the older age group. Rectal sensation did not correlate with anal electrosensitivity, probably because the receptors are not stimulated by the type of anal stimulation used or because different receptors are involved. Hence, the rectal filling sensation test cannot be replaced by the simpler anal electrosensitivity test.     

Anorectal manometry in patients with chronic constipation: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Constipation is a common complaint, but its clinical presentation varies with each individual. The aim of this study was to evaluate anorectal physiology in a prospective group of patients with chronic constipation. METHODOLOGY: A total of 24 consecutive patients with constipation underwent solid-state anorectal manometry. Fifteen healthy controls were also studied. The anorectal parameters included resting and squeeze sphincter pressure, sensory thresholds in response to balloon distension, compliance of rectum, and rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR). RESULTS: The rectal sensitivity for urge and pain did not differ between the groups, but the threshold volume for first sensation was higher in patients with constipation (p < 0.05). There was no group difference in the volume threshold for RAIR. However, the prevalence of impaired RAIR was higher in constipated patients. Anal pressure was lower in patients for maximal squeeze (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the anal sphincter length and resting pressure in patients (r = 0.51, p = 0.03) and healthy controls (r = 0.72, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Constipated patients are characterized by impaired rectal sensitivity and decreased anal sphincter contractile pressure. Anorectal manometry is helpful for diagnosing anorectal dysfunction in patients with chronic constipation.     

Prospective evaluation of anorectal function after total mesorectal excision for rectal carcinoma with or without preoperative radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE: Anorectal function is greatly disturbed after rectal surgery with or without radiotherapy (RT). To clarify the underlying mechanisms, we designed a prospective study to evaluate the effect of RT and surgery on anorectal function and clinical outcome of patients with a rectal carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with a rectal carcinoma participated in this study. They filled out a symptom questionnaire and underwent anal manometry, anal and rectal mucosal electrosensitivity testing, and a rectal barostat, before surgery, 4 and 12 months postoperatively. Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up, 14 underwent surgery alone (total mesorectal excision [TME]), and seven also received RT (RT + TME). RESULTS: Functional outcome was disappointing in both groups, with at 4 months a significantly higher defecation frequency after RT + TME as compared with TME. Anal sphincter function and rectal sensitivity to pressure-controlled distention were not affected by either treatment. Rectal compliance, however, was significantly reduced after RT + TME at 4 and 1 2 months, resulting in lower rectal volumes at the thresholds for first sensation and desire to defecate. Rectal but not anal mucosal electrosensitivity was higher after TME + RT. CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal function after rectal surgery with or without RT is greatly hampered because of a decreased rectal compliance. After 12 months, partial improvement is shown, especially in the absence of RT.