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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 -
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 Permanente Journal 2017Atypical defecation habits are common and distressing for children and families and can have a major impact on quality of life. Often, no underlying factor can be... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Atypical defecation habits are common and distressing for children and families and can have a major impact on quality of life. Often, no underlying factor can be identified, and the defecation disorder is considered functional. Current interventions are not successful for up to 50% of children. We suggest this high failure rate may be caused by lack of consistency in descriptors of behavioral indicators for functional defecation problems. Most investigations and descriptors focus on general behavior. There are fewer reports concerning defecation-specific behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a thorough inventory of defecation-specific behaviors, providing a more informed foundation for assessment and intervention.
DESIGN
A systematic review of six common databases was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations. Reference lists of retained articles were screened for additional studies.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Content analysis was used to classify defecation-specific behaviors into 17 categories.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 2677 articles; 98 peer-reviewed publications were retained for full-text review, and 67 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Although there is inconsistency in reported diagnostic criteria, stool withholding and manifesting pain on defecation are the most commonly reported defecation-specific behaviors. In the studies that included children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the defecation-specific behaviors were not unique to the diagnostic group.
CONCLUSION
Consistent use of established diagnostic criteria, along with use of behaviors identified through this review, lay a foundation for more effective interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child Behavior; Child, Preschool; Constipation; Defecation; Encopresis; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Toilet Training
PubMed: 29035187
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/17-047 -
Gut and Liver Jul 2018Anorectal disorders are common and present with overlapping symptoms. They include several disorders with both structural and functional dysfunction(s). Because symptoms... (Review)
Review
Anorectal disorders are common and present with overlapping symptoms. They include several disorders with both structural and functional dysfunction(s). Because symptoms alone are poor predictors of the underlying pathophysiology, a diagnosis should only be made after evaluating symptoms and physiologic and structural abnormalities. A detailed history, a thorough physical and digital rectal examination and a systematic evaluation with high resolution and/or high definition three-dimensional (3D) anorectal manometry, 3D anal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance defecography and neurophysiology tests are essential to correctly identify these conditions. These physiological and imaging tests play a key role in facilitating a precise diagnosis and in providing a better understanding of the pathophysiology and functional anatomy. In turn, this leads to better and more comprehensive management using medical, behavioral and surgical approaches. For example, patients presenting with difficult defecation may demonstrate dyssynergic defecation and will benefit from biofeedback therapy before considering surgical treatment of coexisting anomalies such as rectoceles or intussusception. Similarly, patients with significant rectal prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction or patients with complex enteroceles and pelvic organ prolapse may benefit from combined behavioral and surgical approaches, including an open, laparoscopic, transabdominal or transanal, and/or robotic-assisted surgery. Here, we provide an update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of selected common anorectal disorders.
Topics: Anal Canal; Defecation; Defecography; Digital Rectal Examination; Disease Management; Humans; Rectal Diseases
PubMed: 29050194
DOI: 10.5009/gnl17172 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Sep 2023
The Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence Questionnaire: the long way of an organized and methodical translation of Dutch to English, English to Chinese, and back to English and Dutch versions.
Topics: Humans; Constipation; Defecation; Fecal Incontinence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Translations; Language
PubMed: 37355807
DOI: 10.21037/apm-23-361 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) 2013We herein report the case of a 39-year-old man with recurrent asthma exacerbations preceded by abdominal cramps with the urge to defecate. The patient had a history of...
We herein report the case of a 39-year-old man with recurrent asthma exacerbations preceded by abdominal cramps with the urge to defecate. The patient had a history of near-fatal asthma associated with these gastrointestinal symptoms starting five years before his admission. He stated that, even when his daily asthma symptoms were under control, he suffered from attacks, especially when he had a strong urge to defecate. Although the contribution of increased parasympathetic tone to the onset of bronchospasms was likely, anticholinergics were not effective. Instead, the patient's symptoms successfully improved following the prophylactic use of laxatives, which might therefore be an appropriate therapeutic option for this type of asthma.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Bronchial Spasm; Bronchodilator Agents; Cholinergic Antagonists; Constipation; Defecation; Dexamethasone; Emergencies; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Laxatives; Male; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Postoperative Complications; Stomach Rupture
PubMed: 23503411
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.8943 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Nov 2006Dyssynergic defecation is one of the most common forms of functional constipation both in children and adults; it is defined by incomplete evacuation of fecal material... (Review)
Review
Dyssynergic defecation is one of the most common forms of functional constipation both in children and adults; it is defined by incomplete evacuation of fecal material from the rectum due to paradoxical contraction or failure to relax pelvic floor muscles when straining to defecate. This is believed to be a behavioral disorder because there are no associated morphological or neurological abnormalities, and consequently biofeedback training has been recommended for treatment. Biofeedback involves the use of pressure measurements or averaged electromyographic activity within the anal canal to teach patients how to relax pelvic floor muscles when straining to defecate. This is often combined with teaching the patient more appropriate techniques for straining (increasing intra-abdominal pressure) and having the patient practice defecating a water filled balloon. In adults, randomized controlled trials show that this form of biofeedback is more effective than laxatives, general muscle relaxation exercises (described as sham biofeedback), and drugs to relax skeletal muscles. Moreover, its effectiveness is specific to patients who have dyssynergic defecation and not slow transit constipation. However, in children, no clear superiority for biofeedback compared to laxatives has been demonstrated. Based on three randomized controlled studies in the last two years, biofeedback appears to be the preferred treatment for dyssynergic defecation in adults.
Topics: Adult; Ataxia; Biofeedback, Psychology; Child; Constipation; Defecation; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 17131466
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i44.7069 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024The beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on gut microbiota diversity are well documented, however, its impact on clinical bowel health and defecation patterns are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on gut microbiota diversity are well documented, however, its impact on clinical bowel health and defecation patterns are less well understood. Vegetarian diets have been associated with a higher bowel movement (BM) frequency as well as softer stools in cross-sectional studies. The effects of the de-novo adoption of a vegan diet on bowel health, however, have never been investigated in a randomized-controlled trial.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study examined bowel health and defecation patterns in relation to diet and nutrient intake in a young and healthy sample of = 65 physically-active German university students who were randomly assigned to either a vegan or a meat-rich diet for eight weeks. Bowel health assessment included the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS). Nutrient intake was assessed using weighed food diaries. The study was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00031541).
RESULTS
Weekly BM frequency slightly increased in vegans, whereas it remained unaltered in participants assigned to a meat-rich diet. Fiber intake increased significantly in vegans (34.89 (18.46) g/d) whereas it decreased in those assigned to the meat-rich group (22.79 (12.5) g/d). No significant intergroup differences in BSFS and CCFIS patterns were observed. Adoption of a vegan diet neither resulted in a transient increase in abdominal discomfort nor in a decreased gastrointestinal quality of life, which was comparable across the diet groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The short-term adoption of a vegan diet did not negatively affect markers of bowel health in this study.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Vegan; Defecation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Quality of Life; Diet; Eating
PubMed: 38327148
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2305693 -
Gastroenterology Apr 2022Diagnostic tests for defecatory disorders (DDs) asynchronously measure anorectal pressures and evacuation and show limited agreement; thus, abdominopelvic-rectoanal...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Diagnostic tests for defecatory disorders (DDs) asynchronously measure anorectal pressures and evacuation and show limited agreement; thus, abdominopelvic-rectoanal coordination in normal defecation and DDs is poorly characterized. We aimed to investigate anorectal pressures, anorectal and abdominal motion, and evacuation simultaneously in healthy and constipated women.
METHODS
Abdominal wall and anorectal motion, anorectal pressures, and rectal evacuation were measured simultaneously with supine magnetic resonance defecography and anorectal manometry. Evacuators were defined as those who attained at least 25% rectal evacuation. Supervised (logistic regression and random forest algorithm) and unsupervised (k-means cluster) analyses identified abdominal and anorectal variables that predicted evacuation.
RESULTS
We evaluated 28 healthy and 26 constipated women (evacuators comprised 19 healthy participants and 8 patients). Defecation was initiated by abdominal wall expansion that was coordinated with anorectal descent, increased rectal and anal pressure, and then anal relaxation and rectal evacuation. Compared with evacuators, nonevacuators had lower anal diameters during simulated defecation, rectal pressure, anorectal junction descent, and abdominopelvic-rectoanal coordination (P < .05). Unsupervised cluster analysis identified 3 clusters that were associated with evacuator status (P < .01), that is, 10 evacuators (83%), 16 evacuators (73%), and 1 evacuator (5%) in clusters 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Each cluster had distinct characteristics (eg, maximum abdominosacral distance, rectal pressure, anorectal junction descent, anal diameter) and correlates that were more (clusters 1-2) or less (cluster 3) conducive to evacuation. Cluster 2 had 16 evacuators (73%) and intermediate characteristics (eg, lower anal resting pressure and relaxation during evacuation; P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Women with DDs and a modest proportion of healthy women had specific patterns of anorectal dysfunction, including inadequate rectal pressurization, anal relaxation, and abdominopelvic-rectoanal coordination. These observations may guide individualized therapy for DDs in the future.
Topics: Anal Canal; Constipation; Defecation; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Manometry; Rectum
PubMed: 34951994
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.257 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Aug 2007Although there are defined criteria for the diagnosis of constipation, in practice, diagnostic criteria are less rigid, and in part depend on the perception of normal... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Although there are defined criteria for the diagnosis of constipation, in practice, diagnostic criteria are less rigid, and in part depend on the perception of normal bowel habit. Constipation is highly prevalent, with approximately 12 million general practitioner prescriptions for laxatives in England in 2001.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of non-drug interventions, and of other interventions, in adults with idiopathic chronic constipation? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to October 2006 (BMJ Clinical evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 42 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: arachis oil, biofeedback, bisacodyl, cascara, docusate, exercise, glycerine suppositories, glycerol, high-fibre diet, increasing fluids, ispaghula husk, lactitol, lactulose, macrogols (polyethylene glycols), magnesium salts, methylcellulose, paraffin, phosphate enemas, seed oils, senna, sodium citrate enemas, sterculia.
Topics: Adult; Biofeedback, Psychology; Bisacodyl; Constipation; Defecation; Humans; Polyethylene Glycols
PubMed: 19454117
DOI: No ID Found