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Abdominal Radiology (New York) Apr 2023We aimed to determine the anorectal physiological factors associated with rectocele formation.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to determine the anorectal physiological factors associated with rectocele formation.
METHODS
Female patients (N = 32) with severe constipation, fecal incontinence, or suspicion of rectocele, who had undergone magnetic resonance defecography and anorectal function tests between 2015 and 2021, were retrospectively included for analysis. The anorectal function tests were used to measure pressure in the anorectum during defecation. Rectocele characteristics and pelvic floor anatomy were determined with magnetic resonance defecography. Constipation severity was determined with the Agachan score. Information regarding constipation-related symptoms was collected.
RESULTS
Mean rectocele size during defecation was 2.14 ± 0.88 cm. During defecation, the mean anal sphincter pressure just before defecation was 123.70 ± 67.37 mm Hg and was associated with rectocele size (P = 0.041). The Agachan constipation score was moderately correlated with anal sphincter pressure just before defecation (r = 0.465, P = 0.022), but not with rectocele size (r = 0.276, P = 0.191). During defecation, increased anal sphincter pressure just before defecation correlated moderately and positively with straining maneuvers (r = 0.539, P = 0.007) and defecation blockage (r = 0.532, P = 0.007). Rectocele size correlated moderately and positively with the distance between the pubococcygeal line and perineum (r = 0.446, P = 0.011).
CONCLUSION
Increased anal sphincter pressure just before defecation is correlated with the rectocele size. Based on these results, it seems important to first treat the increased anal canal pressure before considering surgical rectocele repair to enhance patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Rectocele; Defecation; Defecography; Retrospective Studies; Manometry; Constipation
PubMed: 36745205
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03807-2 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Oct 2023Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a comprehensive diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with constipation, fecal incontinence, or anorectal pain; however, it is not widely... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a comprehensive diagnostic tool for evaluating patients with constipation, fecal incontinence, or anorectal pain; however, it is not widely utilized for reasons that remain unclear. The aim of this roundtable discussion was to critically examine the current clinical practices of ARM and biofeedback therapy by physicians and surgeons in both academic and community settings.
METHODS
Leaders in medical and surgical gastroenterology and physical therapy with interest in anorectal disorders were surveyed regarding practice patterns and utilization of these technologies. Subsequently, a roundtable was held to discuss survey results, explore current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges with these technologies, review the literature, and generate consensus-based recommendations.
RESULTS
ARM identifies key pathophysiological abnormalities such as dyssynergic defecation, anal sphincter weakness, or rectal sensory dysfunction, and is a critical component of biofeedback therapy, an evidence-based treatment for patients with dyssynergic defecation and fecal incontinence. Additionally, ARM has the potential to enhance health-related quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. However, it has significant barriers that include a lack of education and training of healthcare providers regarding the utility and availability of ARM and biofeedback procedures, as well as challenges with condition-specific testing protocols and interpretation. Additional barriers include understanding when to perform, where to refer, and how to use these technologies, and confusion over billing practices.
CONCLUSIONS
Overcoming these challenges with appropriate education, training, collaborative research, and evidence-based guidelines for ARM testing and biofeedback therapy could significantly enhance patient care of anorectal disorders.
Topics: Humans; Fecal Incontinence; Defecation; Quality of Life; Manometry; Constipation; Rectum; Rectal Diseases; Anal Canal; Biofeedback, Psychology
PubMed: 37302444
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.05.025 -
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 -
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Aug 2023This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effects of abdominal massage on constipation management in elderly patients with hip fractures. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effects of abdominal massage on constipation management in elderly patients with hip fractures.
METHODS
From August 2017 to December 2018, patients aged above 65 years with hip fractures (n = 88) were randomly assigned to a massage group that received a bowel massage (n = 48) or a control group that did not receive a bowel massage (n = 40). Patients in the bowel massage group received a bowel massage from a trained caregiver after breakfast at approximately 9:00 AM for an hour. On admission, 5 days after surgery, and on the day of discharge, the patient's normal and actual defecation pattern, stool consistency, and any problems with defecation were assessed through a structured interview. The questionnaire comprising the Bristol Stool Scale, patient assessment of constipation, time to defecation, medication for defecations, failure to defecate, cause of admission, admission period, and date of surgery were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed 5 days after surgery and on the day of discharge.
RESULTS
The mean age of the study cohort was 81.4 years (range, 65-99 years). The number of constipation remedies was significantly lower in the massage group than in the control group on postoperative day (POD) 5 and at discharge (9 vs. 15, = 0.049 and 6 vs. 11, = 0.039, respectively). The number of defecation failures was significantly lower in the massage group than in the control group (10 vs. 17, = 0.028) on POD 5. However, the number of defecation failures at discharge was not significantly different between the two groups ( = 0.131). The development of postoperative ileus ( = 0.271) and length of hospital stay ( = 0.576) were not different between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of constipation remedies was significantly lower in the massage group than in the control group on POD 5 and discharge, and the number of defecation failures was significantly lower in the massage group than in the control group on POD 5. Therefore, abdominal massage may be considered as an independent nursing initiative for constipation management.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Defecation; Prospective Studies; Constipation; Massage; Hip Fractures
PubMed: 37529190
DOI: 10.4055/cios22091 -
Current Opinion in Endocrinology,... Feb 2009To assess the role of serotonin and its control in the manifestations and treatment of lower functional gastrointestinal disorders. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To assess the role of serotonin and its control in the manifestations and treatment of lower functional gastrointestinal disorders.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent literature has explored several novel concepts in the association of serotonin and symptoms, alterations in tissue levels of serotonin and its reuptake protein, aspects of the genetic determinants of serotonergic function (particularly 5-HTTLPR) and its relationship to gastrointestinal motor and sensory functions, and novel serotonergic agents used in therapy of lower functional gastrointestinal disorders. The most consistent findings are the increase in plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in diarrheal diseases and reduction in constipation. The serotonin transporter in platelets has an impact on the circulating level of 5-HT. Meta-analysis shows that 5-HTTLPR genotype is not significantly associated with irritable bowel syndrome in Whites or Asians. New 5-HT3 antagonists and 5-HT4 agonists are efficacious and promise to provide relief for patients if they can pass regulatory hurdles.
SUMMARY
Although the most relevant implication for clinical practice remains the evidence that serotonergic agents are efficacious in the treatment of chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, the role of genetic control of 5-HT and its receptors is the subject of ongoing research, and is likely to enhance understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of these diseases.
Topics: Defecation; Eating; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Mood Disorders; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Agents
PubMed: 19115522
DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32831e9c8e -
PLoS Pathogens Oct 2021
Review
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Defecation; Feces; Insecta; Social Behavior
PubMed: 34710195
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009964 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Feb 2022Changes in bowel movements (BMs) are an important clinical sign in many diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the purpose of this study was to collect...
OBJECTIVES
Changes in bowel movements (BMs) are an important clinical sign in many diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the purpose of this study was to collect information on BMs and fecal scores in both apparently healthy and CKD cats. A secondary aim was to assess owner awareness of BM frequency.
METHODS
Owners were asked to complete an initial online questionnaire about their cat's health and litter box habits (including predicted BM frequency and fecal scores) and were then asked to clean the box daily for 7 days and report results (observed frequency of BMs and fecal scores) daily. Differences in BM frequency and fecal scores between apparently normal and CKD cats were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, and predicted vs observed data were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Difference in percentage of cats defecating more or less than once daily were assessed with Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS
Survey data from 124 owners of apparently healthy cats and 43 owners of CKD cats who submitted two or more days of daily observations (in addition to the initial questionnaire) were analyzed. Eighty-five percent of apparently healthy cats were observed to defecate one or more times per day and 15% defecated less than once per day. Fifty-eight percent of CKD cats defecated one or more times per day and 42% defecated less than once per day. A significantly higher percentage of CKD cats defecated less than once per day in comparison with apparently healthy cats ( <0.0001). Observed BM frequency was significantly less in CKD cats compared with healthy cats ( = 0.02). Observed fecal scores were not significantly different between healthy and CKD cats.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The observed BM frequency of cats with CKD was less than apparently healthy cats and represents a clinically important variation from normal.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Cat Diseases; Cats; Defecation; Feces; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34013812
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X211012684 -
Clinical and Translational... Dec 2019Defecation is a complex process that can be easily disturbed. Defecatory disorders may be diagnosed using specialized investigation, including anorectal manometry (ARM)... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
INTRODUCTION
Defecation is a complex process that can be easily disturbed. Defecatory disorders may be diagnosed using specialized investigation, including anorectal manometry (ARM) and the balloon expulsion test (BET). Recently, we developed a simulated stool named Fecobionics that integrates several tests and assesses pressures, orientation, and bending during evacuation. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and performance of Fecobionics for assessing defecatory physiology in normal subjects.
METHODS
Physiological expulsion parameters were assessed in an interventional study design. The 10-cm-long Fecobionics probe contained pressure sensors at the front and rear and inside a bag and 2 motion processor units. The bag was distended in the rectum of 20 presumed normal subjects (15 female/5 male) until urge to defecate. ARM-BET was also performed. Three subjects used +2 minutes to evacuate BET, and 1 subject had a high fecal incontinence score. Therefore, the normal group consisted of 16 subjects (13 female/3 male aged 25-78 years).
RESULTS
All subjects reported that Fecobionics evacuation was similar to normal defecation. Fecobionics expulsion pressure signatures demonstrated 5 phases, reflecting rectal pressure, anal relaxation, and anal passage. Preload-afterload loop diagrams demonstrated clockwise contraction cycles. The expulsion duration for BET and Fecobionics was 16 ± 2 and 23 ± 5 seconds (P > 0.2), respectively. The duration of the Fecobionics and BET expulsions was associated (P < 0.001). The change in bending of Fecobionics during defecation was 40 ± 3°.
DISCUSSION
Fecobionics obtained reliable data under physiological conditions. Agreement was found for comparable variables between ARM-BET and Fecobionics but not for other variables. The study suggests that Fecobionics is safe and effective in evaluation of key defecatory parameters.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Constipation; Defecation; Feasibility Studies; Fecal Incontinence; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Manometry; Middle Aged; Rectum; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 31800543
DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000108 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 1990Defecation may be considered as "the last taboo". The inability to defecate, or to achieve it only by digital evacuation, has never been a popular topic among patients... (Review)
Review
Defecation may be considered as "the last taboo". The inability to defecate, or to achieve it only by digital evacuation, has never been a popular topic among patients and doctors. The extensive development of tests in laboratories studying colorectal disorders during recent years, however, has made it possible to study the different parts of the mechanism for maintaining continence. Since constipation is a disorder of this mechanism, namely a disorder of rectal evacuation, application of these tests on constipated patients is logical. Certainly surgery, either colectomy or sphincter division, is not the solution, nor is the injection of muscle weakening solutions. Biofeedback, however, seems to be a logical treatment. Development of new functional tests and strategies is needed to enable a better understanding of the problem. Collaboration between surgeon and psychologist has proved valuable and is recommended.
Topics: Constipation; Defecation; Humans; Muscles; Rectum
PubMed: 2076272
DOI: 10.3109/07853899009147279 -
Pediatric Surgery International Dec 2023To investigate the correlation between postoperative feeding intolerance and defecation, with a view to carrying out prognostic assessment and timely intervention for...
PURPOSE
To investigate the correlation between postoperative feeding intolerance and defecation, with a view to carrying out prognostic assessment and timely intervention for the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function.
METHODS
The 114 neonates with congenital intestinal atresia who underwent primary anastomosis admitted to Shenzhen Children's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2022 were studied, and the patients' basic information, intraoperative conditions, postoperative feeding and defecation, and hospitalization time were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS
The risk factors for feeding intolerance after primary anastomosis for intestinal atresia are the gestational days, the time of the first postoperative defecations, the number of defecations on the previous day and the average number of defecations before feeding.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of postoperative feeding intolerance is higher in preterm infants, and pediatricians can decide the timing of breastfeeding on the basis of the patients' defecation. The focus on accurate defecation may be more meaningful in determining and predicting postoperative feeding intolerance in the infants.
Topics: Infant; Child; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Infant, Premature; Defecation; Intestinal Atresia; Retrospective Studies; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Anastomosis, Surgical
PubMed: 38133659
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05603-x