Open-magnet MR defaecography compared with evacuation proctography in the diagnosis and management of patients with rectal intussusception

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether open‐magnet magnetic resonance (MR) defaecography could provide more useful clinical information than evacuation proctography (EP) alone in the evaluation of a cohort of patients with full‐thickness rectal intussusception and could assist in decisions concerning management. Methods Ten patients (4 male; median age 43, range 30–65) with symptomatic circumferential rectal intussusception diagnosed on EP, underwent open‐magnet MR defaecography. Pathologies visible with each technique were recorded and 12 parameters of anorectal configuration and morphology measured and compared. Results There was discordance in the diagnosis of rectal intussusception in three cases. In another two patients, MR defaecography demonstrated mucosal descent only. Measurements of anorectal configuration and morphology were similar between techniques; only rectal size and lateral dimensions of the rectocoele were significantly different, being smaller on MR defaecography than EP. Two patients were shown on MR defaecography to have significant bladder descent and two female patients had significant vaginal descent. Conclusion EP remains the first line investigation for the diagnosis of rectal intussusception, but may not distinguish mucosal from full‐thickness descent. MR defaecography further complements EP by giving information on movements of the whole pelvic floor, 30% of the patients studied having associated abnormal anterior and/or middle pelvic organ descent. If surgery is planned for patients with rectal intussusception, MR defaecography provides useful information regarding the presence and degree of anterior pelvic compartment descent that may need to be addressed if a good functional outcome is to be achieved.     

Clinical relevance of transperineal ultrasound compared with evacuation proctography for the evaluation of patients with obstructed defaecation

Aim Dynamic evacuation proctography (DEP) is still considered the gold standard diagnostic procedure for posterior compartment pelvic disorders. The study aimed to assess the value of dynamic transperineal ultrasound (DTPU) compared with DEP in patients with obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). Method In a prospective observational study, 54 consecutive female patients referred with symptoms of ODS between January and June 2009 were studied by clinical evaluation (including Wexner score), perineal ultrasound and defaecography. The tests were analysed by two experienced investigators unaware of the opinion of the other. Results DEP revealed a rectocoele in 35 (64%), intussusception in 27 (50%) and enterocoele in 10 (18.5%) patients. DTPU revealed a rectocoele in 32 (59%), intussusception in 23 (42%) and enterocoele in 11 (20%) patients. The degree of agreement of the two techniques calculated using the Cohen kappa method was 0.69 for rectocoele, 0.74 for intussusception and 0.86 for enterocoele. In patients with grade 2–3 rectocoele, the agreement was 0.88. There was no significant difference between the two techniques in the measurement of the anorectal angle or in the detection of dyssynergic contraction of the puborectalis. DTPU was better at identifying multiple diagnoses and associated pelvic floor alterations. Conclusion The degree of concordance between the two techniques is good. DTPU is accurate for asymptomatic patients with ODS and can be considered an alternative to DEP in the assessment of such patients.     

Pelvic floor training improves faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation despite the presence of rectal intussusception

Background

Rectal intussusception is often observed in patients with faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation. The aim of this study is to assess if pelvic floor training improves faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation in patients with rectal intussusception.

Methods

Case notes of all patients referred to Bankstown Hospital Pelvic Floor Clinic between 2013 and 2018 for the management of faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation and rectal intussusception were retrospectively reviewed using a prospectively maintained database. St Mark's faecal incontinence and Cleveland clinic constipation scores were obtained from patients before and after they underwent pelvic floor training.

Results

One hundred and thirty-one patients underwent pelvic floor training at Bankstown Hospital Pelvic Floor Clinic between 2013 and 2018. Sixty-one patients had rectal intussusception (22 low-grade and 39 high-grade). Median St Marks score improved following pelvic floor training from 8 to 1 (P < 0.001). Median Cleveland Clinic constipation score improved from 8 to 5 (P < 0.001). In patients with low grade rectal intussusception, pelvic floor training improved median St Mark's score from 3 to 0 (P = 0.003), whereas Cleveland Clinic constipation score improved from 9 to 7 (P < 0.001). In patients with high-grade rectal intussusception, pelvic floor training improved median St Mark's score from 9 to 2 (P < 0.001), whereas median Cleveland Clinic constipation score improved from 8 to 4 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pelvic floor training without biofeedback therapy improves faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation. Improvement in symptoms is unrelated to rectal intussusception observed on proctography or at examination under anaesthesia in these patients.     

Rectal intussusception and unexplained faecal incontinence: findings of a proctographic study

Background  The aetiology of faecal incontinence is multifactorial, yet there remains an approach to assessment and treatment that focusses on the sphincter. Rectal intussusception (RI) is underdiagnosed and manifests primarily as obstructed defecation. Yet greater than 50% of these patients admit to faecal incontinence on closer questioning. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of RI at evacuation proctography selectively undertaken in the evaluation of patients with faecal incontinence.
Method  Patients with faecal incontinence seen in a pelvic floor clinic were evaluated with anorectal physiology and ultrasound. Where the faecal incontinence was not fully explained by physiology and ultrasound, evacuation proctography was undertaken. Studies were classified as 'normal', 'low-grade RI' (recto-rectal), 'high-grade RI' (recto-anal) or 'anismus'.
Results  Forty patients underwent evacuation proctography (33 women, 83%). Median age was 63 years (range 34–77 years). Seven patients (17%) had a normal proctogram. Three (8%) had recto-rectal RI. Twenty-five (63%) demonstrated recto-anal RI. Five patients (12%) had anismus.
Conclusion  Recto-anal intussusception is common in patients undergoing selective evacuation proctography for investigation of faecal incontinence. The role of recto-anal intussusception in the multifactorial aetiology of faecal incontinence has been largely overlooked. Evacuation proctography should be considered as part of routine work-up of patients with faecal incontinence.     

直肠内脱垂合并盆底疝的影像学诊断

目的评价盆腔造影结合排粪造影对直肠内脱垂合并盆底疝的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析120例直肠内脱垂合并盆底疝患者的影像学表现,观察直肠型盆底疝和不含直肠型盆底疝的其他类型疝合并直肠内脱垂的类型。结果盆腔造影结合排粪造影片上,120例盆底疝有直肠型56例、间隔型27例、阴道型12例和混合型25例,而混合型中有18例直肠型盆底疝。分组结果显示,74例直肠型盆底疝均合并全层直肠套叠,盆底疝疝囊位于套叠的直肠壁环形浆膜囊袋内;46例不含直肠型盆底疝的其他类型疝均不合并全层直肠套叠。结论盆腔造影结合排粪造影能准确诊断各型盆底疝,由于直肠型盆底疝与全层直肠套叠合并出现,因此,盆腔造影结合排粪造影也能准确区分全层直肠套叠与直肠黏膜脱垂。     

Assessment of posterior compartment prolapse: a comparison of evacuation proctography and 3D transperineal ultrasound

Introduction Evacuation proctography (EP) is considered to be the gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of posterior compartment prolapse. 3D transperineal ultrasound (3DTPUS) imaging of the pelvic floor is a noninvasive investigation for detection of pelvic floor abnormalities. This study compared EP with 3DTPUS in diagnosing posterior compartment prolapse. Method In a prospective observational study, patients with symptoms related to posterior compartment prolapse participated in a standardized interview, clinical examination, 3DTPUS and EP. Both examinations were analysed separately by two experienced investigators, blinded against the clinical data and against the results of the other imaging technique. After the examinations, all patients were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire concerning their subjective experience. Results Between 2005 and 2007, 75 patients were included with a median age of 59 years (range 22–83). The Cohen’s Kappa Index for enterocole was 0.65 (good) and for rectocele it was 0.55 (moderate). The level of correlation for intussusception was fair (κ = 0.21). Conclusion This study showed moderate to good agreement between 3DTPUS and EP for detecting enterocele and rectocele.     

Predictive value of internal anal sphincter thickness for diagnosis of rectal intussusception in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine any association between a thickened internal anal sphincter (IAS) on anal endosonography and high-grade rectal intussusception on evacuation proctography in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. METHODS: Anal endosonography was performed in 20 patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and IAS thickness defined as normal or abnormal depending on age. Sphincter thickness was compared with the presence or absence of high-grade intussusception on subsequent evacuation proctography to determine any relationship between the two. RESULTS: Thirteen patients had an abnormally thick IAS, two of whom were unable to evacuate. Of the remaining 11 patients, ten showed high-grade intussusception (positive predictive value 91 per cent). Only three of seven patients with a normal IAS had high-grade intussusception (negative predictive value 57 per cent). Patients with a thick IAS were significantly more likely to have proctographic evidence of high-grade intussusception (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Sonographic findings of a thick IAS are highly predictive for high-grade rectal intussusception in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.     

肛管直肠压力测定诊断盆底失弛缓综合征的临床研究

目的通过肛管直肠压力测定研究盆底失弛缓综合征(unrelaxed pelvic floor syndrome,UPFS)的肛管直肠动力学变化。方法对天津市人民医院2006年1月至2007年8月收治的有便秘症状并经排粪造影诊断为UPFS的57例病人用肛管直肠压力测定仪行肛管直肠压力测定。以无排便功能紊乱症状的30名健康志愿者作对照组。结果与对照组相比, UPFS病人肛管静息压直肠静息压差异无统计学意义(P>005),肛管最大收缩压差异具有统计学意义(P<001),力排时直肠肛管压力差差异具有统计学意义(P<001),且此压力差为负值,引起直肠初始感觉和初始便意感觉的容积及最大耐受容积差异均有统计学意义(P<001)。结论UPFS病人存在明显的直肠感觉功能下降和盆底肌肉协调运动障碍。     

Rectal intussusception in symptomatic patients is different from that in asymptomatic volunteers

BACKGROUND: Rectal intussusception is a common finding at evacuation proctography in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Little information exists, however, as to whether intussusception morphology differs between patients with evacuatory dysfunction and healthy volunteers. METHODS: Thirty patients (19 women; median age 44 (range 21-76) years) with disordered rectal evacuation, in whom an isolated intussusception was seen on proctography, were studied. Various morphological parameters were measured, and compared with those from 11 asymptomatic controls (six women; median age 30 (range 24-38) years) found, from 31 volunteers, to have rectal intussusception. Intussusceptum thickness greater than 3 mm was designated as full thickness. Intussuscepta impeding evacuation were deemed to be occluding. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had full-thickness intussusception, compared with two controls (P = 0.003). Intussusceptum thickness was significantly greater in the symptomatic group (anterior component: P = 0.004; posterior: P = 0.011). Twenty patients in the symptomatic group, but only three subjects in the control group, had a mechanically occluding intussusception (P = 0.043), although only three patients demonstrated evacuatory dynamics outside the normal range. CONCLUSION: Rectal intussusception in patients with evacuatory dysfunction is more advanced morphologically than that seen in asymptomatic controls; it is predominantly full thickness in patients and mucosal in controls. However, caution is required when selecting patients for intervention based solely on radiological findings.     

A prospective audit of the usefulness of evacuating proctography.

Fifty-nine evacuating proctograms were performed over a 4 month period. We sought to identify how useful this technique is in diagnosing the cause of various anorectal symptoms and indicating which treatment option may be beneficial to the patient. The main reasons for referral were faecal soiling (60%) and obstructed defaecation (47%). Of the proctograms, 90% revealed some pathology. The most common abnormalities detected were rectocele (56%), rectal intussusception (39%), enterocele (19%) and rectal prolapse (12%). Of the patients, 45% were treated with an operation specific to the pathology detected on the proctogram; 29% did not require any active treatment and the remainder were managed with biofeedback conditioning or injection sclerotherapy. Evacuating proctography is of value in providing a diagnosis in patients with anorectal symptoms and thereby allowing specific treatment, operative or nonoperative, to be directed to the underlying pathology.     

盆底痉挛21例肛直肠动力学研究

目的研究盆底痉挛(pelvic floor dyssynergia,PFD)的肛管直肠动力学变化。方法对有便秘症状并经排粪造影诊断为PFD的21例患者用肛管直肠动力检测仪行肛管直肠压力测定,并测定会阴下降和直肠排空率。以无排便功能紊乱症状的12例健康志愿者作对照组。结果与对照组相比,PFD肛管静息压升高(P<0.05),力排时直肠-肛管压力差明显下降(P<0.01),且此压力差为负值,引起直肠初始感觉和初始便意感觉的容积均明显升高(P<0.01),直肠肛门抑制反射(rectal anal inhib-itory reflex,RAIR)阈值容积和直肠排空率均明显下降(P<0.01)。PFD的RIAR阈值容积与引起直肠初始感觉的容积呈正相关(P<0.01)。PFD力排时的会阴下降幅度下降(P<0.05)。结论PFD存在明显的直肠感觉功能下降和盆底肌肉协调运动障碍。     

Evidence from dynamic integrated proctography to redefine anismus.

The role of anismus in the aetiology of defective rectal evacuation was investigated by dynamic integrated proctography in 20 controls and 71 constipated patients. Normal parameters were defined and compared between 21 constipated patients with poor evacuation during proctography (< 40 per cent of contrast evacuated; group 1) and 50 who evacuated fully (> 90 per cent of contrast evacuated; group 2). Nine patients in group 1 failed to evacuate. Radiological abnormalities of the rectum were recorded in all groups but obstructed evacuation was not observed. Anismus (defined as a recruitment of puborectalis electromyogram (EMG) activity of > 50 per cent) was significantly more common in group 1 than group 2 patients (14 of 21 versus 12 of 50, P < 0.01) and present in seven of those unable to evacuate. Eight patients in group 1 failed to raise intrarectal pressure > 50 cmH2O compared with two in group 2 (P < 0.001). Six patients in group 1 demonstrated both anismus and inability to raise intrarectal pressure, which may combine to cause defective evacuation. EMG recruitment alone is insufficient to diagnose anismus. Definition should be based on three criteria: demonstration of puborectalis EMG recruitment of > 50 per cent; evidence of an adequate level of intrarectal pressure (> 50 cmH2O) on straining; and presence of defective evacuation.     

Obstructive defecation. Diagnostic methods and treatment

Obstructive defecation is observed in approximately half of all patients with functional constipation. Functional constipation has been related to alterations in intestinal motility (slow transit constipation) and to pelvic floor disorders leading to obstructive defecation associated with anatomical alterations of the pelvic floor (rectocele, posterior perineal hernia, enterocele and sigmoidocele, internal rectal intussusception, occult mucosal prolapse, solitary rectal ulcer and descending perineum syndrome), or obstructive defecation without anatomical alterations (pelvic floor dyssynergy or anismus). The diagnostic methods used (history and physical examination, colonic transit time, balloon expulsion test, proctography, anorectal manometry and electromyography) are reviewed. Conservative medical treatment and the indications for surgical treatment and its results are also discussed.     

不同体位下动态MRI排粪造影对出口梗阻型便秘病因诊断的影响（附16例报告）

目的探讨不同体位下动态MR／排粪造影对出口梗阻型便秘（OOC）病因诊断的影响。方法对16例有不同程度排便困难,并已接受x线排粪造影检查证实为OOC的患者进行动态MR／排粪造影检查。动态图像采集采用正中矢状位兀．ESTA序列连续扫描,于第1d、第3d分别取仰卧位、仰卧位＋膝髋屈曲,比较分析两种体位下MRI排粪造影诊断的结果。结果仰卧位MRI排粪造影,16例患者中,直肠前膨出6例、直肠脱垂与内套叠5例、耻骨直肠肌综合征1例、盆底疝3例、子宫后倾2例、膀胱膨出3例、子宫脱垂1例、会阴下降综合征4例;仰卧位＋膝髋屈曲位MRI排粪造影,检测出直肠前膨出7例、直肠脱垂与内套叠9例、耻骨直肠肌综合征1例、盆底疝4例、子宫后倾2例、膀胱膨出3例、直肠下降1例、会阴下降综合征7例。比较两种体位下动态MR／排粪造影OOC病因诊断的结果,仰卧＋膝髋屈位检查在直肠脱垂或套叠、会阴下降的诊断方面较单纯仰卧位具有一定的优势（P〈0．05）。结论动态MRI排粪造影能提供盆底组织器官的动静态形态影像,显示盆底结构的器质性和功能性异常;采用模拟背部垫高、膝髋屈位仰卧的模拟坐位可更真实反映出直肠脱垂或套叠、会阴下降等病理情况,提高MRI诊断成功率。     

动态磁共振成像与盆腔器官造影术诊断女性盆底功能失调的对比研究

目的采用盆底动态MRI与同步联合盆腔器官造影术对比研究女性盆底功能失调,寻找女性盆底功能失调的最佳影像学检查模式。方法对30例盆底功能失调患者分别行同步联合盆腔器官造影术(膀胱尿道造影加腹膜腔造影加阴道造影加排粪造影)和盆底动态MRI检查,比较两种影像检查结果之间的相关性。结果盆底动态MRI与同步联合盆腔器官造影术对评价膀胱颈膨出的诊断符合率为100%,其次依次是肛直肠连接异常下降(95.2%),盆底陷窝疝(86.7%)和子宫颈脱垂(85.7%)。但同步联合盆腔器官造影术检出12例直肠膨出和直肠黏膜脱垂或套叠28例(93.3%),而盆底动态MRI仅检出6例(50.0%)直肠膨出。盆底动态MRI的平均检查时间是(16±3)min。同步联合盆腔器官造影术为(34±9)min(P<0.01)。结论盆底动态MRI结合排粪造影术是全面评价女性盆底功能失调的最佳影像学检查模式。     

A novel three‐dimensional dynamic anorectal ultrasonography technique for the assessment of perineal descent,compared with defaecography

Aim The purpose of the study was to describe a novel three‐dimensional dynamic anorectal ultrasonography technique (dynamic 3‐DAUS) for assessment of perineal descent (PD) and establishment of normal range values, comparing it with defaecography. Secondarily, the study compares the ability of the two techniques to identify various pelvic floor dysfunctions. Method A prospective study was undertaken in 29 women (mean age 43 years) with obstructed defecation disorder. All patients underwent defaecography and dynamic 3‐DAUS and the results were compared. Lee kappa coefficients (K) were used. Results On defaecography, PD > 3 cm was detected in 12 patients. On dynamic 3‐DAUS, 10 of these patients had PD > 2.5 cm. Seventeen had normal PD on defaecography and PD ≤ 2.5 cm on dynamic 3‐DAUS (K 0.85). Normal relaxation was observed in 10 patients and anismus in 14 with both techniques (K 0.65). Both techniques identified five patients without rectocele, two with grade I rectocele (K 0.89 and 1.00, respectively) and 10 with grade II and nine with grade III (K 0.72 and 0.77, respectively). Rectal intussusception was identified in six patients on defaecography. These were confirmed on dynamic 3‐DAUS in addition to the identification of another seven cases indicating moderate agreement (K 0.46). Enterocele/sigmoidocele grade III was identified in one patient with both techniques, indicating substantial agreement (K 0.65). Conclusion Dynamic 3‐DAUS was shown to be a reliable technique for the assessment of PD and pelvic floor dysfunctions, identifying all disorders and confirming findings from defaecography.     

Evacuation proctography – should it be part of the assessment of all patients with faecal incontinence?

Introduction:  Evacuation Proctography (EP) is rarely incorporated into the assessment of patients with faecal incontinence (FI). Continence-restoring surgery (e.g. sphincteroplasty, ESGN) may result in the worsening or unmasking of a pre-existing rectal evacuatory disorder (RED), or precipitate a new-onset RED. This study compared the incidence of RED, diagnosed on EP, between patients with FI, with or without symptoms of RED.
Method:  A retrospective study of 250 patients with FI (mean age 53 years; range 21–83 years, F  = 213), +/­ symptoms of RED, referred for comprehensive physiological investigation. Proctographic diagnoses were classified as: normal; functional i.e. no clear anatomical cause (e.g. pelvic floor dyssynergia); mechanical (e.g. rectocoele, intussusception; deemed to obstruct evacuation) or mechanical and functional .
Results:  Seventy-three patients (29%) had isolated FI; the remaining 177 (71%) had FI combined with symptoms of RED.
 

     

18.

Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor: Where are we going?     

Tubaro A  Koelbl H  Laterza R  Khullar V  de Nunzio C 《Neurourology and urodynamics》2011,30(5):729-734

We produced a non systematic review of ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor in women with urinary incontinence (UI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We have searched the PubMed and Embase databases for the following PICO question: women; imaging; urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor, pelvic floor muscle, pelvic floor muscle training; physical examination, no imaging; diagnosis, prognosis, outcome. The production of a systematic review was deemed impossible based on the type and quality of the published evidence. Clinical research focused on the pathophysiology of the UI and POP looking relation between anatomic abnormalities, childbirth, the risk of UI or POP, the outcome of conservative treatment and reconstructive surgery. Published papers fall into the remits of diagnostic studies but often fail to comply with the recommendations of the STARD initiative. Most published evidence remains the product of a single institution effort and confirmatory studies are rarely found. Imaging studies in patients with UI did not provide evidence of any clinical benefit in the management of patients. In patients with POP, interesting correlations have been identified such as between childbirth, dimension of levator hiatus, avulsion of levator ani and risk of prolapse, but the non clinical benefit of pelvic floor imaging could still not be identified. Research on pelvic floor imaging requires a coordinated, international, multicentre effort to improve internal and external validity of imaging techniques, confirm observations published by single institutions and provide health technology assessment of imaging in the management of UI or POP patients.     

19.

Treatment options to improve anorectal function following rectal resection: a systematic review     

A. Maris  A. M. Devreese  A. D’Hoore  F. Penninckx  F. Staes 《Colorectal disease》2013,15(2):e67-e78

Aim Common problems after rectal resection are loose stools, faecal incontinence, increased frequency and evacuation difficulties, for which there are various therapeutic options. A systematic review was conducted to assess the outcome of treatment options aimed to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery. Method Publications including a therapeutic approach to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery were searched using the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Pedro, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychInfo and the Cochrane Library. The focus was on outcome parameters of symptomatic improvement of faecal incontinence, evaluation of defaecation and quality of life. Results The degree of agreement on eligibility and methodological quality between reviewers calculated with kappa was 0.85. Fifteen studies were included. Treatment options included pelvic floor re‐education (n = 7), colonic irrigation (n = 2) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (n = 6). Nine studies reported reduced incontinence scores and a decreased number of incontinent episodes. In 10 studies an improvement in resting and squeeze pressure was observed after treatment with pelvic floor re‐education or SNS. Three studies reported improved quality of life after pelvic floor re‐education. Significant improvement of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was found in three studies after SNS. Conclusion Conservative therapies such as pelvic floor re‐education and colonic irrigation can improve anorectal function. SNS might be an effective solution in selected patients. However, methodologically qualitative studies are limited and randomized controlled trials are needed to draw evidence‐based conclusions.     

20.

Electromyographic Lag Time and Opening Time: Two Novel Noninvasive Methods to Investigate Patients with Anal Outlet Obstruction and Their Response to Treatment     

Ahmed Shafik  Ismail A. Shafik  Ali A. Shafik  Olfat El Sibai 《Journal of investigative surgery》2013,26(5):307-311

Methods in use can diagnose anal outlet obstruction but not degree of obstruction. We introduced two novel noninvasive methods of diagnosing and evaluating the degree of anal outlet obstruction: pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time. Pelvic floor electromyographic lag time measured time interval between start of pelvic floor muscle relaxation and start of anal outlet flow. Opening time calculated time lapse between start of rectal contraction and start of anal outlet flow. We investigated the hypothesis that pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time can be used as investigative tools in diagnosing and evaluating degree of anal outlet obstruction. Thirty-one patients with anal outlet obstruction and 26 healthy volunteers were studied. Electromyography of external anal sphincter and anal and rectal pressures were recorded on rectal balloon distension until balloon was expelled. Pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time were measured. Mean opening time and pelvic floor electromyographic lag time of the anal outlet obstruction patients showed significant increase compared to those of healthy volunteers. Pelvic floor electromyographic lag time was longer than opening time in both patients and controls, but the difference was not significant. Biofeedback effected improvement in 24 of the 31 patients. Thus, two novel investigative tools—opening time and pelvic floor electromyographic lag time—in diagnosis of anal outlet obstruction are presented. They exhibited significant increase in anal outlet obstruction patients over the healthy volunteers. There was no significant difference between pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time readings.     

Ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor: Where are we going?

We produced a non systematic review of ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor in women with urinary incontinence (UI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We have searched the PubMed and Embase databases for the following PICO question: women; imaging; urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor, pelvic floor muscle, pelvic floor muscle training; physical examination, no imaging; diagnosis, prognosis, outcome. The production of a systematic review was deemed impossible based on the type and quality of the published evidence. Clinical research focused on the pathophysiology of the UI and POP looking relation between anatomic abnormalities, childbirth, the risk of UI or POP, the outcome of conservative treatment and reconstructive surgery. Published papers fall into the remits of diagnostic studies but often fail to comply with the recommendations of the STARD initiative. Most published evidence remains the product of a single institution effort and confirmatory studies are rarely found. Imaging studies in patients with UI did not provide evidence of any clinical benefit in the management of patients. In patients with POP, interesting correlations have been identified such as between childbirth, dimension of levator hiatus, avulsion of levator ani and risk of prolapse, but the non clinical benefit of pelvic floor imaging could still not be identified. Research on pelvic floor imaging requires a coordinated, international, multicentre effort to improve internal and external validity of imaging techniques, confirm observations published by single institutions and provide health technology assessment of imaging in the management of UI or POP patients.     

Treatment options to improve anorectal function following rectal resection: a systematic review

Aim Common problems after rectal resection are loose stools, faecal incontinence, increased frequency and evacuation difficulties, for which there are various therapeutic options. A systematic review was conducted to assess the outcome of treatment options aimed to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery. Method Publications including a therapeutic approach to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery were searched using the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Pedro, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychInfo and the Cochrane Library. The focus was on outcome parameters of symptomatic improvement of faecal incontinence, evaluation of defaecation and quality of life. Results The degree of agreement on eligibility and methodological quality between reviewers calculated with kappa was 0.85. Fifteen studies were included. Treatment options included pelvic floor re‐education (n = 7), colonic irrigation (n = 2) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (n = 6). Nine studies reported reduced incontinence scores and a decreased number of incontinent episodes. In 10 studies an improvement in resting and squeeze pressure was observed after treatment with pelvic floor re‐education or SNS. Three studies reported improved quality of life after pelvic floor re‐education. Significant improvement of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was found in three studies after SNS. Conclusion Conservative therapies such as pelvic floor re‐education and colonic irrigation can improve anorectal function. SNS might be an effective solution in selected patients. However, methodologically qualitative studies are limited and randomized controlled trials are needed to draw evidence‐based conclusions.     

Electromyographic Lag Time and Opening Time: Two Novel Noninvasive Methods to Investigate Patients with Anal Outlet Obstruction and Their Response to Treatment

Methods in use can diagnose anal outlet obstruction but not degree of obstruction. We introduced two novel noninvasive methods of diagnosing and evaluating the degree of anal outlet obstruction: pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time. Pelvic floor electromyographic lag time measured time interval between start of pelvic floor muscle relaxation and start of anal outlet flow. Opening time calculated time lapse between start of rectal contraction and start of anal outlet flow. We investigated the hypothesis that pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time can be used as investigative tools in diagnosing and evaluating degree of anal outlet obstruction. Thirty-one patients with anal outlet obstruction and 26 healthy volunteers were studied. Electromyography of external anal sphincter and anal and rectal pressures were recorded on rectal balloon distension until balloon was expelled. Pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time were measured. Mean opening time and pelvic floor electromyographic lag time of the anal outlet obstruction patients showed significant increase compared to those of healthy volunteers. Pelvic floor electromyographic lag time was longer than opening time in both patients and controls, but the difference was not significant. Biofeedback effected improvement in 24 of the 31 patients. Thus, two novel investigative tools—opening time and pelvic floor electromyographic lag time—in diagnosis of anal outlet obstruction are presented. They exhibited significant increase in anal outlet obstruction patients over the healthy volunteers. There was no significant difference between pelvic floor electromyographic lag time and opening time readings.