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。     

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.     

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.     

Therapie der Stuhlinkontinenz bei älteren Patienten: Untersuchung zur Wirksamkeit eines Biofeedback-Heimtrainingsprogramms

The increased prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence is one of the most important factors in the loss of independence and mobility in the elderly population. It is also one of the major reasons for elderly people to give up their household and move into a nursing home. Anorectal biofeedback therapy is a very effective treatment for fecal incontinence. However, due to the increased immobility of elderly people, ambulatory biofeedback training programs which require the participants to leave their homes and travel to the next available outpatient clinic on a regular basis, especially when depending on public transportation, may prove particularly difficult for elderly, incontinent subjects. Supervised home biofeedback training programs may offer an alternative for those patients, who are motivated enough and not mentally impaired. Two different age groups of women (between 49 and 63; and between 65 and 78 years old) suffering from fecal incontinence due to external anal sphincter impairment, received a supervised home biofeedback program, after extensive anorectal diagnostics including manometry. The program focused on improving voluntary sphincter contraction. After an average of 9 months, anorectal manometry was repeated, and anal resting and squeeze pressure as well as minimal rectal perception threshold were determined. There was no effect on anal resting pressure and rectal perception. However, anal maximum squeeze pressure as well as squeeze pressure over 10 s was substantially increased with no difference between the age groups. CONCLUSION: Supervised home biofeedback for sphincter insufficiency was effective in improving the voluntary contraction of the anorectum in both age groups. Therefore, biofeedback home training programs may offer an alternative to ambulatory programs for those individuals, who are not mobile enough to regularly attend an outpatient clinic.     

Abnormal rectoanal function in children recovered from chronic constipation and encopresis

It is unknown if abnormal anal sphincter function as assessed by anorectal manometry is still present years after resolution of chronic constipation and encopresis. Twenty healthy controls, 12 children with constipation but no encopresis, and 20 children with chronic constipation and encopresis underwent anorectal manometric testing, using intraluminal pressure transducers and a balloon for rectal distention. Anorectal measurements were repeated in the 20 constipated and encopretic children 2.5-4 yr after treatment began; 11 children had recovered for at least 1 yr. The mean values of anal resting tone and of anal pull-through pressure were lower in the constipated and encopretic children than in the 20 control children (p less than 0.003). Percent relaxation of the rectosphincteric reflex after rectal distention of 30 and 60 ml was lower in constipated children with and without encopresis than in controls (p less than 0.003), whereas the means of rectosphincteric reflex threshold were comparable in the three groups of children. Three years after initiation of treatment with milk of magnesia, high-fiber diet, and bowel training techniques, the mean values of anal resting tone, anal pull-through pressure, and percent relaxation of rectosphincteric reflex remained significantly lower in both recovered and nonrecovered constipated and encopretic patients compared with controls. It was suggested that the underlying cause of chronic constipation is the decreased ability of the internal anal sphincter to relax with rectal distention, and the hypotonia of the anal canal is responsible for the encopresis. Abnormal anorectal functions were still present years after cessation of treatment and recovery and put the recovered patient at risk for recurrence of chronic constipation and encopresis.     

功能性便秘患者直肠肛门压力变化

目的研究功能性便秘患者直肠肛门运动功能,探讨该疾病发生的可能机制。方法测定了35例慢性功能性便秘患者和11例正常对照者的直肠肛门压力及排便功能。结果①直肠静息压、肛门括约肌静息压及其最大缩窄压等在功能性便秘患者和正常人之间无显著差异(P>0.05);②肛管高压带长度在功能性便秘患者显著高于正常人(P<0.0005);③功能性便秘患者直肠壶腹部的感觉阈值和最大耐受量显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05),直肠最大顺应性显著低于正常对照组(P<0.0005),引起直肠肛门抑制反射的直肠扩张容量在便秘组显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05),肛门松弛率在便秘组显著低于正常对照组(P<0.05);④功能性便秘患者排便时肛门内外括约肌松弛反射均障碍,尤以外括约肌明显。结论功能性便秘患者存在直肠肛门运动功能障碍,这在其发病机制中起重要作用。     

帕金森病伴便秘与功能性便秘的直肠肛门测压特点分析

 目的观察帕金森病(PD)伴便秘患者与功能性便秘(FC)患者的直肠肛门动力和感觉功能及其异同。方法顺序纳入男性PD伴便秘患者15例及男性FC患者45例,均经全结肠镜或结肠钡灌肠除外肠道器质性疾病。经直肠肛门测压,分析患者直肠肛门动力参数及感觉参数,将排便障碍患者进一步分为排便协同障碍(F3a)及排便推进力不足(F3b)两种亚型。结果PD伴便秘组年龄(70±11)岁,FC组年龄为(68±11)岁,差异无统计学意义。PD伴便秘组直肠静息压较FC组偏高[9.0(4.0,15.0)mmHg比6.0(3.0,9.5)mmHg,1mmHg=0.133kPa],但差异无统计学意义(P=0.082);两组肛管静息压的差异无统计学意义[(51.2±17.2)mmHg比(59.7±20.4)mmHg,P=0.152]。缩紧肛门时,PD伴便秘组的肛管最大缩榨压及持续缩榨曲线下面积均显著低于FC组[(136.9±43.8)mmHg比(183.0±62.1)mmHg,P=0.010;(823.5±635.7)mmHg·s比(1392.4±939.9)mmHg·s,P=0.033]。模拟排便时,PD伴便秘组的直肠力排压及肛管力排剩余压也明显低于FC组[22.0(15.0,30.0)mmHg比42.0(31.0,55.0)mmHg,P=0.000;(46.3±23.3)mmHg比(77.9±35.1)mmHg,P=0.002];两组力排时的直肠肛管压差均为负值,异于正常排便压差,但两组间差异无统计学意义。PD伴便秘患者排便障碍以F3b型为主(10/15);FC组中以F3a型多见[46.7%(21/45)];但两组的排便障碍类型构成比的差异无统计学意义(P=0.120)。PD伴便秘患者及FC患者的直肠扩张初始感觉阈值分别为(91.3±56.9)ml与(67.2±38.9)ml,均高于正常参考值,但两组间差异尚无统计学意义(P=0.074)。结论PD伴便秘患者及FC患者均存在直肠肛门动力和感觉异常。与FC患者相比,PD伴便秘患者的缩肛及力排的重要参数值明显降低,且测压分型以F3b型为主,感觉阈值有升高趋势。上述指标可作为PD伴便秘患者直肠肛门测压的特征参数,对PD发病机制的理解及其与相关疾病的鉴别可起重要作用。     

Utility of a combined test of anorectal manometry, electromyography, and sensation in determining the mechanism of ''idiopathic'' faecal incontinence.

Combined tests of anorectal manometry, sphincter electromyography and rectal sensation were carried out in 302 patients with faecal incontinence (235 women, 67 men). The results obtained were compared with 65 normal subjects (35 women, 30 men). A mechanism for incontinence was identified in all and the majority of patients had more than one abnormality. Two hundred and seventy eight patients (92%) had a weak external anal sphincter, 185 of these (67%, mostly women) also showed abnormal perineal descent, and 14 women showed clinical evidence of sphincter damage as a result of obstetric trauma. Ten per cent of patients with impaired external anal sphincter contraction showed associated evidence of spinal disease (impaired rectal sensation plus attenuated or enhanced reflex external anal sphincter activity). Unlike the other groups, the 'spinal' group contained equal numbers of men and women. Ninety seven patients (32%) had evidence of a weak internal anal sphincter. The external sphincter was also very weak and 92% of these patients also had perineal descent. Eighty two patients (27%) showed an unstable internal sphincter, characterised by prolonged 'spontaneous' anal relaxation under resting conditions and an abnormal reduction in anal pressure after conscious contraction of the sphincter or an increase in intraabdominal pressure. One hundred and forty two patients (47%) had a hypersensitive rectum associated with enhanced anorectal responses to rectal distension. All these patients had an abnormally weak external sphincter, suggesting that the hypersensitive or 'irritable' rectum should not be regarded as a cause of faecal incontinence unless accompanied by external sphincter weakness. Twenty four patients (8%) showed a normal basal and squeeze pressures and impaired rectal sensation; six showed giant rectal contractions during rectal distension. The results show that idiopathic faecal incontinence is not caused by a single abnormality, and it is suggested that combined anorectal manometry, electromyography, and sensory testing is a useful technique to identify the causes of faecal incontinence and provide a basis for appropriate treatment.     

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.     

The relationship of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency to squeeze pressure in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: With the advent of transanal ultrasonography it has been possible to identify those incontinent patients without sphincter defects. The majority of these patients are now thought to have neurogenic fecal incontinence secondary to pudendal neuropathy. They have been found to have reduced anal sphincter pressures and increased pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies. The aim of this study was to determine whether in those incontinent patients who do not have a sphincter defect, prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency correlates with anal manometry, in particular maximum squeeze pressure. METHODS: Sixty-six incontinent patients were studied with transanal ultrasonography, anorectal manometry, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. Twenty-seven continent controls had anorectal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency measured. RESULTS: Maximum resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure were significantly lower in the group of incontinent patients with bilateral prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (median maximum resting pressure = 26.5 mmHg; median maximum squeeze pressure = 60 mmHg) when compared with incontinent patients with normal bilateral pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies (median maximum resting pressure = 46 mmHg; median maximum squeeze pressure = 79 mmHg; maximum resting pressure P = 0.004; and maximum squeeze pressure P = 0.04). In incontinent patients with no sphincter defects no correlation between pudendal nerve terminal motor latency and maximum squeeze pressure was found (r = -0.109, P = 0.48) and maximum squeeze pressure did not correlate with bilateral or unilateral prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (r = -0.148, P = 0.56 and r = 0.355, P = 0.19 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence damage to the pelvic floor is more complex than damage to the pudendal nerve alone. Although increased pudendal nerve terminal motor latency may indicate that neuropathy is present, in patients with neuropathic fecal incontinence, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency does not correlate with maximum squeeze pressure. Normal pudendal nerve terminal motor latency does not exclude weakness of the pelvic floor.     

Anal endosonography and manometry

PURPOSE: Correlations between anal sphincter function as assessed by anorectal manometry and anal sphincter anatomy measured by endoluminal ultrasound have been reported in the literature both for patients and for healthy individuals but have not been confirmed by other authors. METHODS: For a larger series of patients (152 consecutive patients, mean age 54.1±15.5 years; female:male ratio, 11141) with anorectal dysfunctions such as incontinence (n=92), constipation (n=37), and other symptoms (n=23), diagnostic work-up included conventional multilumen anorectal manometry to evaluate internal sphincter pressure at rest, maximum external sphincter squeeze pressure during contraction, and endoanal sonography to determine anal sphincter integrity and to measure dorsal, left lateral, and right lateral diameter of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) muscles. RESULTS: Maximum squeeze pressure was significantly correlated to muscle thickness of the EAS(P =0.001). No association was found between resting pressure and IAS diameter. Women had significantly lower resting and squeeze pressures than men(P =0.008 and P =0.003, respectively), but age-related changes of function were only found for resting pressure. Endosonographic values of IAS and EAS did not differ between genders but were significantly correlated with age(P =0.008 and P =0.02, respectively). Because all correlations were rather weak, they only can explain a small portion of data variance. CONCLUSION: Anal manometry and anal ultrasound, therefore, are of complementary value and are both indicated in adequate clinical problems.Supported by a grant from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, En 50/10, Bonn, Germany.     

Rectoanal inhibition and rectocele: physiology versus categorization

Some authors divide rectoceles into those with chronic evacuatory difficulty and normal genital position (type 1) and those with associated pelvic organ prolapse (type 2). This study assessed whether there are physiological differences between these two clinical rectocele types. Female patients were assessed by conventional anorectal manometry, vector manometry, parametric assessment of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), and defecography. Subjects included 33 volunteer controls without anorectal disease, 14 patients with type I rectocele, and 26 patients with type II rectocele. Significant differences were noted for resting pressure measurements (maximal resting anal pressure and vector volume) between rectocele types and between type I patients and controls. Significant differences were noted for squeeze parameters (maximal squeeze pressure and vector volume) only between rectocele types. There were minimal differences in parameters of the RAIR, with a reduced slope of inhibition in the proximal sphincter for both rectocele groups and a reduced maximal inhibitory pressure in the intermediate and distal sphincter of type 1 rectocele patients. There were no differences in transient excitation of the pressure wave during the RAIR reflex to account for pressure variations with no measured differences in rectocele depth (type 1, 2.87 +/- 0.7 cm; type 2, 2.84 +/- 1.4 cm) There are few physiological differences between the different clinical categories of rectocele patients based on the presence or absence of associated genital prolapse.     

Anorectal physiology and transit in patients with disorders of thyroid metabolism

BACKGROUND: Data on anorectal physiology in patients with disordered thyroid metabolism are lacking. This prospective study was performed to evaluate anorectal physiology in patients with either hyperthyroidism and diarrhoea, or hypothyroidism and constipation in order to assess slow transit in hypothyroid patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with hypothyroidism and constipation (24 females, median age 59 years, range 23-80) and 20 patients with hyperthyroidism and diarrhoea (12 females, median age 46 years, range 36-62) were evaluated by anal manometry, rectal balloon sensation and whole-gut transit markers. Data were compared with anorectal physiology and whole-gut transit in 22 healthy controls (13 females, median age 51 years, range 24-65). RESULTS: In the hypothyroid patients, maximum resting pressure (MRP) and maximum squeeze pressure (MSP) were similar to controls (patients, median MRP 55 mmHg (18-98); controls, median MRP 41 mmHg (20-105) and patients, median MSP 83 mmHg (39-400); controls, median MSP 88 mmHg (30-230); P > 0.05 for both resting and squeeze pressures). In hyperthyroid patients, median MRP and MSP were significantly lower than controls (patients, MRP 33 mmHg (8-69); controls MRP 41 mmHg (20-105) P = 0.04 and patients, MSP 60 mmHg (26-104); controls, MSP 88 mmHg (30-230); P = 0.03). Threshold sensation for impending evacuation in hypothyroid patients was significantly higher than controls, while in hyperthyroid patients, threshold sensation was significantly lower compared with controls. Maximum tolerable rectal volumes in hypothyroid patients was significantly lower compared with controls, while no significant difference was found between maximum tolerable rectal volumes in hyperthyroid patients and controls. Prevalence of delayed whole-gut transit in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients was similar to controls. Furthermore, 33% of hypothyroid patients and 40% of hyperthyroid patients experienced symptoms of bowel dysfunction prior to the onset of their thyroid disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with altered thyroid function and bowel dysfunction demonstrated abnormalities of anal manometry and rectal sensation.     

Anal Sphincter Damage After Vaginal Delivery

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the relationship of anal endosonography and manometry to anorectal complaints in the evaluation of females a long time after vaginal delivery complicated by anal sphincter damage. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with anal sphincter damage after delivery, 22 with and 12 without anorectal complaints, and 12 controls without anorectal complaints underwent anal endosonography, manometry, and rectal sensitivity testing. Complaints were assessed by questionnaire, with a median follow-up of 19 years. RESULTS: Median maximum anal resting pressures were significantly lower in patients with anal sphincter damage with complaints (31 mmHg) than in controls (52 mmHg; P < 0.001). Median maximum anal squeeze pressures were significantly lower in patients with (55 mmHg) and without (69 mmHg) complaints than in controls (112 mmHg; P < 0.001 for both). Maximum anal resting pressures were significantly lower in patients with anorectal complaints after anal sphincter damage than in patients without complaints (P = 0.02). Results of anal manometry showed a large overlap between all groups. Rectal sensitivity showed no significant differences between the three groups. Persisting sphincter defects, shown by anal endosonography, were significantly more present in patients with anal sphincter damage after delivery with (86 percent) and without (67 percent) complaints than in controls (8 percent; P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). No differences in the number of echocardiographically proven sphincter defects were found between patients with or without anorectal complaints after anal sphincter damage CONCLUSIONS: Echographically proven sphincter defects are strongly associated with a history of anal sphincter damage during delivery. Sphincter defects are present in the majority of patients with anorectal complaints. Anal manometry provides little additional therapeutic information when performed after anal endosonography in patients with anorectal complaints after anal sphincter damage during delivery.     

External anal sphincter function in spinal patients

Six patients with complete transection of the spinal cord and six healthy volunteers were examined by using anorectal manometry together with electromyographic (EMG) recording of the external anal sphincter composed of striated muscle. Anal pressure and EMG activity of the external anal sphincter were continuously recorded at rest and during gradual rectal distention (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ml) by means of an air-filled balloon eliciting a rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) at the upper part, and an inflation reflex (IR) at the lower part of the anal canal. All patients and controls had a RAIR for each rectal distention volume. A relationship between the duration of the RAIR and the rectal distention volume was present in controls only. In controls the IR was present for each rectal distention volume, whereas it was present in only one patient for a 40-ml volume. During the resting period, all controls showed continuous tonic EMG activity of the external anal sphincter, but after 30 minutes all the patients showed a decrease and ultimately in five cases a disappearance of the tonic EMG activity of the external anal sphincter. In spinal patients, the presence or absence of EMG activity of the external anal sphincter did not modify the anal canal pressure. These results indicate that: 1) the tonic EMG activity of the external anal sphincter seems to be under the control of supraspinal structures, because in spinal patients it disappears in the absence of sensitive inputs toward the spinal cord; 2) the absence of EMG activity at rest indicates that the external anal sphincter is not implicated in the RAIR disturbances observed in spinal patients; 3) the IR is not a spinal reflex but is under voluntary control, because it is not present in spinal humans; 4) in spinal humans the tonic EMG activity of the external anal sphincter does not play a role in the maintenance of the anal pressure at rest.     

High-resolution manometry in the evaluation of anorectal disorders: a simultaneous comparison with water-perfused manometry

INTRODUCTION: High-resolution manometry (HRM) combined with novel interpretive software allows for the interpolation of manometric recordings into highly detailed topographical plots of intraluminal pressure events relative to time and location. To date, HRM has been used primarily in the study of esophageal disorders and has been shown to provide greater physiologic resolving power compared with standard manometric techniques. This preliminary feasibility study is the first report evaluating HRM and simultaneously performed water-perfused manometry (WPM) in patients referred for anorectal manometry (ARM). METHODS: Consecutive patients referred for ARM underwent simultaneous WPM and HRM. WPM was performed using a 6-cm sleeve assembly with side-holes spaced at 3-cm intervals. HRM was performed using the ManoScan system (Sierra Scientific Instruments, Los Angeles, CA) consisting of a 36-channel catheter with sensors spaced at 1-cm intervals. Space-time pressure data were displayed in topographic form using ManoView analysis software that is part of the ManoScan system. Measurements of anal sphincter pressure at rest, during voluntary contraction, and during 40-mL rectal balloon distension were compared. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were studied. Indications for manometry were constipation (19), incontinence (7), and fecal soilage (3). Simultaneously recorded resting, squeeze, and relaxation pressures showed the two methods to be significantly correlated although anal sphincter pressures recorded by HRM tended to be higher than those recorded with WPM. HRM provided greater resolution of the intraluminal pressure environment of the anorectum. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary observations demonstrate that anorectal HRM highly correlated with WPM measurements and provided greater anatomic detail.     

Influence of Intravenous Propofol Sedation on Anorectal Manometry in Healthy Adults

BackgroundWe aimed to determine whether conscious sedation by propofol could affect anorectal manometry.MethodsEighteen healthy subjects underwent anorectal manometry at baseline and during conscious sedation by propofol. sedation levels were monitored by auditory-evoked potentials.ResultsAll subjects showed a normal rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) before conscious sedation. During conscious sedation, the resting anal sphincter pressure was significantly lower compared with that before conscious sedation (15 ± 2 versus 42 ± 4 mm Hg, P < 0.001). RAIR was present in all subjects during conscious sedation. There was no difference in threshold volume inducing RAIR before and during conscious sedation (P = NS). The level of auditory-evoked potentials did not correlate well with any of the anorectal parameters.ConclusionsPropofol significantly reduces the resting anal sphincter pressure without affecting RAIR. The inability to obtain useful data in anorectal sensation and sphincter pressure might limit the utility of propofol as a sedation agent for performing anorectal manometry.     

肠易激综合征患者直肠肛门动力学研究

为了研究肠易激综合征患者肛门运动功能，我们测定了５０例ＩＢＳ患者在１１例正常人直肠肛门压力衣排便功能；发现：（１）直肠静息压，肛门括约肌静息压及其最大缩窄压在ＩＢＳ腹泻组，便秘组及正常对照组组均无显著差异。（２）肛管高压带长度在ＩＢＳ腹泻组及便秘组均显著高于正常对照组。（３）直肠壶腹部的感觉阈值，最大耐受量等，在ＩＢＳ腹泻组均显著低于正常对照组。（４）ＩＢＳ便秘组感觉阈值与正常对照组差异，但其最大     

Chronic effects of pelvic radiation therapy on anorectal function

PURPOSE: The long-term effect of 4,500 cGy of preoperative radiation on anorectal function has not been prospectively evaluated. METHODS: Anal manometry was performed on 20 patients with rectal carcinoma before and four weeks after receiving 4,500 cGy of external radiotherapy. Four patients underwent proctectomies, three died, and three refused follow-up. Ten patients were available for long-term follow-up and underwent anal manometry at 14 to 42 (average, 35.5) months after initial radiotherapy. RESULTS: No significant difference in mean maximum squeeze or resting pressures was found after radiation therapy. The sphincter profile and minimum sensory threshold were unchanged. The rectoanal inhibitory reflex was present in all patients. Nine patients reported normal anal function. One patient who was incontinent before treatment remained incontinent. CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiation therapy has a minimal chronic effect on anorectal function. Incontinence after sphincter-saving operations for rectal cancer should not be attributed to preoperative radiation therapy.     

Increased anal resting pressure and rectal sensitivity in crohn’s disease

Anal pathology occurs in 20 to 80 percent of patients with Crohn’s disease in which abscesses, fistulas, and fissures account for considerable morbidity. The etiology is not clearly defined, but altered anorectal pressures may play a role. This study was designed to investigate anorectal physiologic conditions in patients with Crohn’s disease compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty patients with Crohn’s disease located in the ileum (n = 9) or the colon (n = 11) without macroscopic proctitis or perianal disease were included. All were subjected to rectal examination, anorectal manometry, manovolumetry, and rectoscopy. Comparison was made with a reference group of 173 healthy controls of whom 128 underwent anorectal manometry, 29 manovolumetry, and 16 both examinations. RESULTS: Maximum resting pressure and resting pressure area were higher in patients than in controls (P = 0.017 and P = 0.011, respectively), whereas maximum squeeze pressure and squeeze pressure area were similar. Rectal sensitivity was increased in patients expressed as lower values both for volume and pressure for urge (P = 0.013 and P = 0.014, respectively) as well as maximum tolerable pressure (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how patients with Crohn’s disease without macroscopic proctitis have increased anal pressures in conjunction with increased rectal sensitivity. This may contribute to later development of anal pathology, because increased intra-anal pressures may compromise anal circulation, causing fissures, and also discharging of fecal matter into the perirectal tracts, which may have a role in infection and fistula development.