-
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Sep 2022The contribution of the abdominal muscles to normal defecation and disturbances thereof in defecatory disorders (DDs) are unknown.
BACKGROUND & AIMS
The contribution of the abdominal muscles to normal defecation and disturbances thereof in defecatory disorders (DDs) are unknown.
METHODS
In 30 healthy and 60 constipated women with normal rectal balloon expulsion time (BET) (n = 26) or prolonged BET (ie, DD; n = 34), seated anorectal pressures (manometry) and thickness (ultrasound) of the external and internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles were measured simultaneously at rest, during hollowing, squeeze, evacuation, and a Valsalva maneuver.
RESULTS
Compared with healthy women with a normal BET, DD women had a lower rectal and greater anal pressure increase during evacuation (P ≤ .05), and more activation of the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscles during squeeze (P < .05). The change in transversus abdominis thickness during a Valsalva maneuver vs hollowing (rho = 0.5; P = .002) and separately vs evacuation (rho = 0.7; P < .0001) were correlated in DD but not in healthy women with a normal BET. A principal component (PC) analysis of anorectal pressures and muscle thicknesses during evacuation uncovered a PC (PC3) that was associated with a prolonged BET. Higher PC3 scores were associated with low rectal and high anal pressures at rest and during evacuation, thinner external oblique muscle, and thicker internal oblique muscle during evacuation. A greater PC3 score was associated with increased odds for DD vs health (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.23), and separately vs constipation with a normal BET (odds ratio, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.73-7.69).
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these findings show 3, possibly inter-related, disturbances suggestive of dyscoordination in DD: aberrant activation of abdominal muscles during squeeze in DD, dyscoordination of the abdominal muscles during various tasks in constipated women, and abdomino-anal dyscoordination.
Topics: Anal Canal; Ataxia; Constipation; Defecation; Female; Humans; Manometry; Rectum
PubMed: 34896282
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.11.040 -
Systematic Reviews Nov 2020Recent studies have shown an increase in open defecation and slippage of open defecation-free certified villages in Ethiopia, despite significant progress the country... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have shown an increase in open defecation and slippage of open defecation-free certified villages in Ethiopia, despite significant progress the country made on sanitation programs. Hence, realizing of existing facts, this study was conducted aiming at a critical review of available literature and to provide consolidated data showing the level of slippage and its associated factors in Ethiopia.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches were performed from four international databases. The search involved articles published from December 1, 2013, up to June 4, 2019. The Cochran's Q and I test statistics were used to check heterogeneity among the studies. To negotiate heterogeneity from qualitative data, we used a mixed-method approach. The researchers also conducted a publication bias assessment and sensitivity analysis. A random effect meta-analysis was employed to determine the pooled estimates of open defecation free slippage rate with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The data analysis was performed using the CMA V.3 software program.
RESULT
After screening 1382 studies, 12 studies were finally included in this systematic review. The estimated pooled rate of open defecation-free slippage in Ethiopia was 15.9% (95% CI 12.9-19.4%). The main contributing factors for open defecation-free slippage were lack of technical support, financial constraints, low-quality building materials, improper program implementation, and lack of sanitation marketing.
CONCLUSION
It was estimated that 1 out of 6 Ethiopian households engaged in open defecation after they have certified open defecation-free status, implying the low possibility of achieving sustainable development goals of 2030, which aims to ensure sanitation for all. Therefore, the government of Ethiopia and donors should better give special attention to the following options: (1) awareness for open defecation-free slippage, (2) launch a post-open defecation-free program, and (3) encourage research on pro-poor sustainable sanitation technologies.
Topics: Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Humans; Research Design; Rural Population; Sanitation
PubMed: 33143715
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01511-6 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2020Biomechatronics (bionics) is an applied science that creates interdisciplinary bonds between biology and engineering. The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is difficult... (Review)
Review
Biomechatronics (bionics) is an applied science that creates interdisciplinary bonds between biology and engineering. The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is difficult to study but has gained interest in recent decades from a bionics point of view. Ingestible capsules that record physiological variables during GI transit have been developed and used for detailed analysis of colon transit and motility. Recently, a simulated stool named Fecobionics was developed. It has the consistency and shape of normal stool. Fecobionics records a variety of parameters including pressures, bending, and shape changes. It has been used to study defecation patterns in large animals and humans, including patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence. Recently, it was applied in a canine colon model where it revealed patterns consistent with shallow waves originating from slow waves generated by the interstitial Cells of Cajal. Novel analysis such as the "rear-front" pressure diagram and quantification of defecation indices has been developed for Fecobionics. GI research has traditionally been based on experimental approaches. Mathematical modeling is a unique way to deal with the complexity. This paper describes the Fecobionics technology, related mechano-physiological modeling analyses, and outlines perspectives for future applications.
PubMed: 33202610
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7040146 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jan 2024This is a case report of two men aged 39 and 43 years with dissection of the coeliac trunk involving the splenic arteries causing splenic infarction. One case was...
This is a case report of two men aged 39 and 43 years with dissection of the coeliac trunk involving the splenic arteries causing splenic infarction. One case was associated with an increase in abdominal pressure during defaecation and the other occurred during treatment with methylphenidate. Based on the published 43 cases, risk factors include male sex, increased intraabdominal pressure or increased vascular pressure. Methylphenidate most likely increased the blood pressure, and dissections of other arteries have been described during treatment with this and the similar drug amphetamine.
Topics: Humans; Male; Amphetamine; Blood Pressure; Celiac Artery; Methylphenidate; Splenic Artery; Adult
PubMed: 38235724
DOI: 10.61409/V07230468 -
American Journal of Physiology.... Oct 2020Fecal continence is maintained by several mechanisms including anatomical factors, anorectal sensation, rectal compliance, stool consistency, anal muscle strength,... (Review)
Review
Fecal continence is maintained by several mechanisms including anatomical factors, anorectal sensation, rectal compliance, stool consistency, anal muscle strength, mobility, and psychological factors. The homeostatic balance is easily disturbed, resulting in symptoms including fecal incontinence and constipation. Current technologies for assessment of anorectal function have limitations. Overlap exist between data obtained in different patient groups, and there is lack of correlation between measurements and symptoms. This review describes a novel technology named Fecobionics for assessment of anorectal physiology. Fecobionics is a simulated stool, capable of dynamic measurements of a variety of variables during defecation in a single examination. The data facilitate novel analysis of defecatory function as well as providing the foundation for modeling studies of anorectal behavior. The advanced analysis can enhance our physiological understanding of defecation and future interdisciplinary research for unraveling defecatory function, anorectal sensory-motor disorders, and symptoms. This is a step in the direction of improved diagnosis of anorectal diseases.
Topics: Anal Canal; Biomechanical Phenomena; Defecation; Feces; Humans; Manometry; Models, Biological; Pressure; Rectum; Sensation
PubMed: 32783614
DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00242.2020 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Jan 2021
Topics: Cerebrum; Computed Tomography Angiography; Defecation; Female; Headache Disorders, Primary; Humans; Middle Aged; Vasoconstriction
PubMed: 33667187
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.201234-f -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Apr 2024Diarrhea is a very common gastrointestinal symptom, and the presence of higher concentrations of bile acid in the colon leads to bile acid diarrhea (BAD). In BAD... (Review)
Review
Diarrhea is a very common gastrointestinal symptom, and the presence of higher concentrations of bile acid in the colon leads to bile acid diarrhea (BAD). In BAD patients, a portion of bile from the small intestine that is normally controlled by enterohepatic circulation is present at a high concentration in the lumen of the large intestine, resulting in increased motility and secretion of the large intestine. The prevalence of BAD is estimated to be 1-2% of the general population, and it comprises one-third of the instances of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. The clinical symptoms of BAD include chronic diarrhea, increased frequency of defecation, urgency to defecate, fecal incontinence, and cramping abdominal pain. The pathophysiology of BAD has not yet been fully elucidated. However, recent studies have reported increased intestinal permeability, shortened intestinal transit time, and changes in the intestinal microbial community to be the possible causes of BAD. Although fecal and serum bile acid tests are widely used for diagnosis, new test methods that are non-invasive, inexpensive, and have high sensitivity and specificity are needed at various institutions to facilitate the diagnosis. The selenium homo-tauro-cholic acid (SeHCAT) test is the gold standard for BAD diagnosis and severity assessment. The validation of several other serum markers, such as 7-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (serum 7αC4) and the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) for use in clinical practice is ongoing. Although bile acid sequestrants are the mainstay of treatment, the development of drugs that are more effective and have better compliance is required. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists are showing promising results.
Topics: Humans; Diarrhea; Bile Acids and Salts
PubMed: 38659249
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.119 -
Polish Journal of Radiology 2022Dyssynergic defecation (DD) is defined as paradoxical contraction or inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles during defecation, which causes functional... (Review)
Review
Dyssynergic defecation (DD) is defined as paradoxical contraction or inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles during defecation, which causes functional constipation. Along with the anal manometry and balloon expulsion tests, magnetic resonance (MR) defecography is widely used to diagnose or rule out pelvic dyssynergia. Besides the functional abnormality, structural pathologies like rectocele, rectal intussusception, or rectal prolapse accompanying DD can also be well demonstrated by MR defecography. This examination can be an uncomfortable experience for the patient, so the imaging method and the importance of patient cooperation must be explained in detail. The defecatory phase of the examination is indispensable for evaluation, and inadequate effort should be ruled out before diagnosing DD. MR defecography provides important data for the diagnosis of DD, but optimal imaging criteria should be applied. Further tests can be suggested if patient co-operation is not sufficient or MR defecography findings are irrelevant.
PubMed: 35505854
DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2022.114866 -
Surgery Open Digestive Advance Dec 2023Fecobionics is a novel integrated technology for assessment of anorectal function. It is a defecatory test with simultaneous measurements of pressures, orientation, and...
Fecobionics is a novel integrated technology for assessment of anorectal function. It is a defecatory test with simultaneous measurements of pressures, orientation, and device angle (a proxy of the anorectal angle). Furthermore, the latest Fecobionics prototypes measure diameters (shape) using impedance planimetry during evacuation of the device. The simultaneous measurement of multiple variables in the integrated test allows new metrics to be developed including more advanced novel defecation indices, enabling mechanistic insight in the defecation process at an unprecedented level in patients with anorectal disorders including patients suffering from obstructed defecation, fecal incontinence, and low anterior resection syndrome. The device has the consistency and shape of a normal stool (type 3-4 on the Bristol Stool Form Scale). Fecobionics has been validated on the bench and in animal studies and used in clinical trials to study defecation phenotypes in normal human subjects and patients with obstructed defecation, fecal incontinence, and low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery. Subtypes have been defined, especially of patients with obstructed defecation. Furthermore, Fecobionics has been used to monitor biofeedback therapy in patients with fecal incontinence to predict the outcome of the therapy (responder versus non-responder). Most Fecobionics studies showed a closer correlation to symptoms as compared to current technologies for anorectal assessment. The present article outlines previous and ongoing work, and perspectives for future studies in proctology, including in physiological assessment of function, diagnostics, monitoring of therapy, and as a tool for biofeedback therapy.
PubMed: 38313319
DOI: 10.1016/j.soda.2023.100117