[Defecography and determination of transit time in the diagnosis of anorectal dysfunction].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
SEARCH · PubMed Health
Results for “Defecography”
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
[The defecographic and clinical aspects of the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome].
INTRODUCTION: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a complex evacuation disorder characterized by a benign ulcerative lesion of the distal rectum; the main symptom is rectal bleeding, but mucus discharge and difficult evacuation may be associated. The clinical, endoscopic and radiologic findings of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome are evaluated in this study. The role of defecography in the diagnosis of mucosal ulceration and morphofunctional alterations such as rectal prolapse and intussusception are investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the last 5 years, 27 patients (19 women and 8 men; mean age: 38 years; range: 13-70 years) complaining of obstructed evacuation and rectal bleeding were examined with fibrosigmoidoscopy with biopsy, and defecography combined with videoproctography. Defecography was carried out sitting the patients on a defecographic chair with the pelvis in lateral projection. The images were acquired at rest, under straining, during squeezing and evacuation. RESULTS: Endoscopy and biopsy showed 21 cases of solitary ulcer (77.8%), 3 cases of multiple ulcers (11.1%), 2 cases of granular proctitis (7.4%) and 1 case of pseudopolyp of rectum (3.7%). Among anorectal dynamic alterations, only 1 case (3.7%) of large rectocele was detected at endoscopy under straining. Histo-pathological changes were compared according to Rutter and Riddel criteria; the "colitis cystica profunda" appearance was observed in 2 cases (7.4%). Defecography showed 18 cases (16.6%) of solitary ulcer, 1 case (3.7%) of multiple ulcers and 2 cases (7.4%) of granular proctitis; but it missed 3 cases (11.1%) of small solitary ulcer, 2 cases (7.4%) of small multiple ulcers, and 1 case (3.7%) of pseudopolyp. The dynamic abnormalities shown by defecography were 11 cases (40.7%) of rectal intussusception, 7 cases (25.9%) of recto-anal intussusception, 6 cases (22.2%) of external rectal prolapse and 8 cases (29.6%) of mucosal prolapse. In 16 patients (59.2%) videoprotography emphasized how the ulcer wall was the first to take part in the invagination complex. CONCLUSIONS: Double contrast barium enema represents a useful radiologic method to diagnose solitary rectal ulcer, but air insufflation and pharmacological hypotonia prevent the functional study of rectal walls. Endoscopy permits to detect mucosal ulcerations, erythema, pseudopolyps and granular proctitis; biopsy provides an accurate diagnosis. We suggest combined defecography and videoproctography as a useful tool for evaluating solitary rectal ulcer syndrome as a whole; defecography is necessary to identify associated functional abnormalities, such as rectal prolapse and intussusception, not detectable by other instrumental and radiologic investigations and considered by many authors the likely cause of the disease.
Adolescent↗
Does surgical repair of a rectocele improve rectal emptying?
PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to assess results of surgical repair of rectocele and to identify possible determinants of outcome from patient's history and preoperative defecography. Another aim was to evaluate how surgery affects rectal evacuation. METHOD: Thirty-four women with constipation and rectal emptying difficulties underwent surgery with a transanal technique. A preoperative defecography was performed in each patient. They were followed up after a median of 10 (range, 2-60) months with a questionnaire (n = 34) and a defecography (n = 31). Computer-based image analysis of defecographies was used to evaluate rectal evacuation. RESULTS: In 27 patients (79 percent), the result of surgery was good with subjectively improved emptying. The need for vaginal or perineal digitation preoperatively was related to a good result (P < 0.05), whereas a previous hysterectomy (P < 0.01) and a large rectal area on defecography (P < 0.01) related to a poor result. Preoperative use of enemas, motor stimulants, or several types of laxatives also related to a poor outcome (P < 0.05). Surgical treatment resulted in reduction of the rectocele (P < 0.001), an elevated position of the anorectal junction (P < 0.05), and improved rectal evacuation on defecographies (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair reduces the size of the rectocele and improves rectal emptying. These changes are accompanied by a symptomatic improvement in the majority of patients. Preoperative patient data and defecography may help in selecting patients for surgery.
Adult↗
[Scintigraphic assessment of the anorectal function in children with idiopathic constipation].
OBJECTIVE: The ability of the rectum to evacuate is valuable information in patients with constipation, or those who find defecation difficult. However, few published studies are available to evaluate this ability in most common examinations of anorectal function. A new, low-radiation, real-time scintigraphic technique has been used by several investigators to outline the 'neo-rectum' following ileoanal pouch anastomosis and the efficiency of rectal evacuation in adult patients with constipation. There was no similar report about the abilities of rectal evacuation in children with constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the value and reliability of isotope defecography as an objective method for evaluation of anorectal function in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation. METHODS: Twenty five patients (10 were male and 15 were female, range of age was 5 - 15 years, mean age 8.99 years) suffering from chronic idiopathic constipation and 11 normal children were assessed by isotope defecography. The radiopharmaceuticals used were rehydrated potato labelled with 200 MBq (99m)TcO(4)(-). The volume of the potato paste used in each subject was determined by prior balloon proctometrogram studies, which measured the maximum rectal capacity. The patient was seated upright on a commode, and the computer was then set for the dynamic acquisition of 3-second images over 5 min per session. Using a region of interest program on computer, the dynamic radioactivity in anorectum during defecation showed as emptying curves by computer. The half defecation time, the rectal emptying rate and the residual rate could be calculated from the rectal emptying curves. The anorectal angles were measured from the images of anorectum during resting, squeezing and evacuation. All patients underwent X-ray defecography and colonic transit time measurement simultaneously. RESULTS: The rectal emptying curves showed a prompt evacuation in normal children, but it disappeared in most of patients with idiopathic constipation. The abilities of evacuation were damaged severely in patients. In normal group the half defecation time, the rectal emptying rate and the residual rate were 1.97 +/- 0.86 minutes, 78.30% +/- 12.03% and 20.50% +/- 7.67%, respectively, whereas they were 15.16 +/- 3.67 minutes, 44.84% +/- 14.00% and 53.52% +/- 15.02%, respectively, in patients group. There were significant differences between two groups (P < 0.05). According to the results of colonic transit time there were 6 patients with slow transit constipation, 17 patients with outlet dysfunction and 2 patients with normal colonic transit time. The abilities of evacuation were more seriously impaired in patients with outlet dysfunction compared with those patients with slow transit constipation. For the isotope defecography the mean anorectal angles at resting in patient group and normal group were 109 +/- 12 degrees and 101 +/- 17 degrees. There were no significant differences in anorectal angles between patient group and normal group or by both methods of isotope defecography and X-ray defecography. The correlation coefficients for anorectal angles at resting, squeezing and evacuation were 0.87, 0.82 and 0.73, respectively. CONCLUSION: The isotope defecography can be used to evaluate the anorectal function and the ability of defecation dynamically, also it was simple and safe because of the low dose radiation involved.
Adolescent↗
FECOM: a new artificial stool for evaluating defecation.
OBJECTIVE: Traditionally, barium paste has been used for performing defecography. Because this substance is not stool-like, barium defecography may not accurately represent defecatory function. Our aim was to prospectively compare the utility of a new artificial stool, "FECOM"--a silicon-filled and barium-coated, deformable device the shape and consistency of which mimicked a normal formed stool with that of barium paste. METHODS: Defecography was performed after placing FECOM or barium paste in a random order in 12 healthy subjects (two men and 10 women). We evaluated the changes in anorectal angle, rectal morphology, rectal sensation, and the subjects' preference for a "stool-like" device. RESULTS: Anorectal angle at rest, during squeeze, cough, and straining were each greater with the FECOM when compared with the barium paste (p < 0.006). Anterior rectocele (nine), mucosal intussusception (four), and incontinence (three) were identified only with barium defecography. Nine (75%) subjects preferred FECOM to barium paste (p < 0.001) and reported that expulsion of this device mimicked more closely their stools at home (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The anorectal angle is influenced by the form and consistency of stool material and is lower with barium paste. The detection of rectocele, mucosal intussusception, and barium leakage in normal subjects during barium defecography questions the significance of these findings. FECOM appears to be a realistic alternative to barium paste for performing defecography.
Adult↗
Internal rectal intussusception seldom develops into total rectal prolapse.
PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze how often internal rectal intussusception develops into total rectal prolapse. METHODS: Repeated investigations with defecography were performed in 312 patients because of persisting symptoms. In 79 patients who had a rectal intussusception at the first defecography, results of the second defecography and the patients' records were studied. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients had not undergone any surgical treatment of rectal intussusception or rectal prolapse between the first and second defecographies. One of these patients had a rectal prolapse at the second defecography, and another developed a clinical prolapse after the second defecography. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that the risk of developing a rectal prolapse in patients with rectal intussusception is small. This risk should, therefore, not be used as an indication for surgery.
Administration, Oral↗
Diagnosis of enteroceles by dynamic anorectal endosonography.
PURPOSE: Enteroceles are herniations of the lining of the peritoneum and intestinal loops into the pouch of Douglas. They may accompany other pelvic and anorectal disorders or cause outlet obstruction. So far they are only diagnosed by defecography. We investigated the use of dynamic anorectal endosonography to detect this disorder. METHODS: Seventeen female patients with a defecation disorder were investigated by proctoscopy and endoluminal ultrasonography. In 14 patients defecography followed. Endosonography was performed using the curved array 7.5 MHz scanner directed to the ventral rectal wall. Dynamic studies were undertaken during rest and during maximal straining. The minimal distance between the inner verge of the anal canal and the peritoneal cavity was determined. RESULTS: Dynamic endosonography detected enteroceles in six patients in which the pouch of Douglas opened during straining and intestinal loops moved toward the anus. The diagnosis of enteroceles was confirmed in all patients by defecography giving a specificity of 100 percent. No enterocele was detected in the remaining eight patients with defecography, leading to a 100 percent sensitivity for endosonography. Comparing the 6 patients with enteroceles with the 11 patients without enterocele, the peritoneal-anal distances were at rest 3.9 +/- 0.5 and 3.3 +/- 0.5 cm (P < 0.05) and during straining 3.6 +/- 0.5 and 1.3 +/- 0.2 cm (P < 0.001), respectively. The change in peritoneal-anal distance was 2 +/- 0.5 cm in the enterocele group and 0.3 +/- 0.4 cm in the control group (P < 0.001). Two patients with enteroceles had complete rectal prolapse. Four patients with enteroceles underwent surgery. Postsurgical endoluminal endosonography showed closure of the pouch of Douglas. CONCLUSIONS: Enteroceles may be diagnosed by dynamic anorectal endosonography. Compared with defecography dynamic anorectal endosonography is easier to perform, less cumbersome for the patient, and bears no radiation exposure. Therefore, this new diagnostic means may be useful in first-line search for enteroceles, but further studies are needed to prove its sensitivity for screening of this disorder.
Aged↗
The accuracy of clinical examination in the diagnosis of rectal intussusception.
PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare routine clinical examination and defecography in the diagnosis of rectal intussusception in constipated patients and study relationships between rectal intussusception and symptoms. METHODS: A total of 127 consecutive patients with functional constipation were examined in the left-lateral position with rectal palpation and rectoscopy according to a protocol. An overall clinical judgment was made if the patient had intussusception, unclear finding, or no intussusception. Defecography was performed without knowledge of the results of the clinical evaluation. Symptom duration varied between 0.5 to 60 (median, 10) years. All patients fulfilled a bowel questionnaire and all had a full physiologic workup. RESULTS: A diagnosis by digital examination ( P = 0.002) and by rectoscopy ( P = 0.002) as well as the overall judgment ( P = 0.0002) was clearly related to a longer intussusception as measured by defecography. Five of six intra-anal intussusceptions were correctly assessed by clinical examination, whereas the correlation to defecography was poor in the group with short intussusceptions. Neither clinical nor defecographic diagnosis of rectal intussusception were related to the main symptoms of constipation but both were associated with a tendency toward lower anal resting pressures ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.06) and an obtuse anorectal angle (during evacuation, P = 0.01 and P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is no clear relationship between rectal intussusception and constipation. However, intussusception is related to sphincter function and may be of clinical relevance. A normal clinical examination will exclude most long intussusceptions, whereas a positive finding needs further evaluation with defecography.
Adult↗
Defecographic disorders in anal incontinent women: relation to symptoms and anal endosonographic patterns.
OBJECTIVE: The need for a defecography in incontinent women is still debatable. We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of defecographic abnormalities in incontinent women in order to determine whether any symptom or endosonographic findings could be associated with a particular defecographic pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty incontinent women (aged 30-87 years) underwent defecography and anal endosonography to look for pelvic floor descent, rectocele, intussusception, enterocele and the presence of anal sphincter defects. Other symptoms, i.e. straining at stools and pelvic pressure, were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases of external sphincter defect (12 associated with an internal defect) and 4 cases of isolated internal defect were identified. Defecography identified 25 patients with perineal descent at rest, 28 with perineal descent at straining, 30 with rectocele, 30 with intussusception and 14 with enterocele. Three defecographies were normal. In the 29 women with sphincter defects, the prevalence of defecographic abnormalities did not differ from that observed in the 21 women without sphincter defects. In women complaining of straining at stools (n=26) or idiopathic pelvic pressure (n=32), the prevalence of defecographic abnormalities did not differ from that observed in women who did not have these symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in incontinent women was similar whether associated symptoms or anal sphincter defects were present or not. When defecography has to be performed to investigate female anal incontinence, neither clinical nor endosonographic features can predict a higher diagnostic efficiency.
Aged↗
[Opaque enema and radiography of defecation in the pre- and postoperative morpho-functional evaluation of rectal neoplasms].
From November 1989 to April 1990, 16 patients with rectal cancer were examined preoperatively by means of double contrast barium enema and defecography. Double contrast barium enema was used to identify the cancer: based on the distance of cancer from anal rima, the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) less than 6 cm; 2) 6-11 cm; 3) more than 11 cm. In all patients defecography was performed at the end of barium enema to evaluate rectal wall mobility. Thus, the morphological information yielded by barium enema could be integrated with the dynamic data from defecography. The evaluation was thus possible of both longitudinal and, indirectly, transverse tumor spread. All the patients underwent surgery and radiological findings were compared with surgical ones. In those patients in whom defecography had shown rigidity of the rectal walls, extraparietal tumor spread was observed during surgical resection. Seven patients underwent anterior resection, and were subsequently examined by the same combination of barium enema and defecography. The combined use of the two methods was useful to evaluate the anastomosis and to show possible dynamic changes after surgery.
Barium Sulfate↗
Paradoxical puborectalis contraction is associated with impaired rectal evacuation.
The role of paradoxical puborectalis contraction in the aetiology of constipation and how to best diagnose this condition is controversial. The aims of this study were to investigate whether absolute or relative paradoxical electrical activity during electromyography (EMG) are related to rectal emptying and to compare EMG, defecography and digital examination in the diagnosis of paradoxical puborectalis contraction. Included in the study were 171 consecutive patients with idiopathic constipation; 136 of these cases were also classified as paradoxical or unclear or not paradoxical at digital examination. Absolute amplitudes and a strain/squeeze index were used to grade the EMG activity in the puborectalis and external sphincter muscle. Rectal evacuation was analysed by defecography with image analysis of rectal area. The results showed that 142 patients had paradoxical EMG activity during straining. There was a correlation between rectal evacuation and amplitudes (r = -0.20 to -0.03, P < 0.01) and between evacuation and index (r = -0.34 to -0.39, P < 0.0001). Forty-two patients with an index of > 50 had impaired rectal evacuation compared with those with an index < or = 50 (P < 0.0001). Thirty-three of 34 cases (n = 136) with an index of > 50 also were paradoxical at defecography whereas 19 were diagnosed digitally. In conclusion, paradoxical puborectalis contraction is associated with impaired rectal evacuation. The activity seems to be best reflected by a strain/squeeze index. The best correlation in diagnostic methods was between EMG and defecography.
Adult↗
Evacuation sonography.
BACKGROUND: Because of the drawbacks of defecography (radiation hazard and lack of standardization), a new method by introital sonography is described to assess the evacuation phenomenon in women as an alternative to contrast radiographic studies. METHODS: Ten consecutive women (mean age, 41 years; range, 33-50; mean parity, 2; range, 1-4) without evacuation disturbances (history and physical examination) nor prior pelvic surgery underwent hypoechoic contrast-enhanced evacuation sonography in the squatting position and fluoroscopic defecography, when appropriate, within a 10-minute interval. RESULTS: Both techniques gave clear images of anal neck opening and funneling. While ultrasonography underestimated anorectal junction mobility, it showed soft tissue details (flap valve) not seen at defecography. Other advantages with sonography included lack of radiation hazard and prolonged observation time. CONCLUSIONS: Evacuation sonography may be useful as an alternative to defecography for research purposes and for screening of evacuation dysfunctions in women.
Adult↗
Functional and anatomic outcome after transvaginal rectocele repair using collagen mesh: a prospective study.
PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate rectocele repair using collagen mesh. METHODS: 32 female patients underwent surgical repair using collagen mesh. Outcome was assessed in 29 patients and preoperative assessment included standardized questionnaire, clinical examination, and defecography. At the six-month follow-up, patients answered a standardized questionnaire and underwent clinical examination. At the 12-month follow-up, patients answered a standardized questionnaire, underwent clinical examination, and defecography. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 26 patients had a Stage II and 3 patients had a Stage III rectocele. At the 6-month follow-up, five patients had rectocele > or = Stage II (P < 0.001) and at the 12-month follow-up, seven patients had rectocele > or = Stage II (P < 0.001) at clinical examination. At the preoperative defecography, all patients presented a rectocele. At the 12-month defecography, 14 patients had no rectocele (P < 0.001) and 15 had a rectocele. At the six-month follow-up, there was a significant decrease in rectal emptying difficulties, need of digital support of the posterior vaginal wall at defecation, and defecation frequency. At the 12-month follow-up, symptom improvement remained, but was less pronounced. CONCLUSIONS: Rectocele repair using collagen mesh improved anatomic support, but there is a substantial risk for recurrence with unsatisfactory anatomic and functional outcome one year after surgery. Rectocele repair using mesh was not associated with an increased risk of dyspareunia. Rectocele repair using biomaterial mesh reinforcement needs further evaluation before adopted into clinical practice.
Adult↗
[Determination of total and segmental colonic transit time in constipated children].
OBJECTIVE: To determine the total and segmental colonic transit time of normal Chinese children and to explore its value in constipation in children. METHODS: The subjects involved in this study were divided into 2 groups. One group was control, which had 33 healthy children (21 males and 12 females) aged 2 - 13 years (mean 5 years). The other was constipation group, which had 25 patients (15 males and 10 females) aged 3 - 14 years (mean 7 years) with constipation according to Benninga's criteria. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of each subject. In this study the simplified method of radio opaque markers was used to determine the total gastrointestinal transit time and segmental colonic transit time of the normal and constipated children, and in part of these patients X-ray defecography was also used. RESULTS: The total gastrointestinal transit time (TGITT), right colonic transit time (RCTT), left colonic transit time (LCTT) and rectosigmoid colonic transit time (RSTT) of the normal children were 28.7 +/- 7.7 h, 7.5 +/- 3.2 h, 6.5 +/- 3.8 h and 13.4 +/- 5.6 h, respectively. In the constipated children, the TGITT, LCTT and RSTT were significantly longer than those in controls (92.2 +/- 55.5 h vs 28.7 +/- 7.7 h, P < 0.001; 16.9 +/- 12.6 h vs 6.5 +/- 3.8 h, P < 0.01; 61.5 +/- 29.0 h vs 13.4 +/- 5.6 h, P < 0.001), while the RCTT had no significant difference. X-ray defecography demonstrated one rectocele, one perineal descent syndrome and one puborectal muscle syndrome, respectively. CONCLUSION: The TGITT, RCTT, LCTT and RSTT of the normal children were 28.7 +/- 7.7 h, 7.5 +/- 3.2 h, 6.5 +/- 3.8 h and 13.4 +/- 5.6 h, respectively. With the segmental colonic transit time, constipation can be divided into four types: slow-transit constipation, outlet obstruction, mixed type and normal transit constipation. X-ray defecography can demonstrate the anatomical or dynamic abnormalities within the anorectal area, with which constipation can be further divided into different subtypes, and combined use of the gastrointestinal transit time and X-ray defecography is of clinical importance in exploration of etiology of constipation.
Adolescent↗
[The absorbed dose to the gonads in adult patients undergoing defecographic study by digital or traditional radiographic imaging].
INTRODUCTION: Doses to the gonads and skin of adult people were evaluated during the study of functional anorectal disorders with defecography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radiologic procedure relies heavily on fluoroscopy with lateral and anteroposterior projections for a mean time of 2.4 minutes; the stages of interest are recorded on a mean of 6 films. Absorbed doses to the gonads and to the skin were measured with LiF thermoluminescence dosimeters placed inside and outside the anthropomorphic "Rando" phantom. The administered doses during the different examination phases (anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy and radiography) were measured. Digital and conventional radiography were compared. RESULTS: Gonadal absorbed doses in a standard DSI examination were: 5.0 +/- .1 mGy to the right ovary, 25.2 +/- .7 mGy to the left ovary and 2.7 +/- .1 mGy to testes when at the margin of the irradiation field. Doses to gonads and skin are about 15% higher when the examination is performed with conventional radiography. DISCUSSION: The considerable radiation dose to ovaries shows that defecography can cause radiation-induced genetic effects in women younger than 40 years with a probability of the order of one thousandth of the natural incidence genetic defects. CONCLUSIONS: Defecography must be correctly indicated in fertile women, because of the relatively high absorbed dose to ovaries. In fact, the ovaries absorb about twice as many radiations during defecography than radiologic examinations of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Absorption↗
Results of rectocele repair. A prospective study.
PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the results of rectocele repair and parameters that might be useful in selecting patients for this operation. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with symptom-giving rectoceles were prospectively evaluated with a standardized questionnaire, physical examination, defecography, colon transit studies, anorectal manometry, and electrophysiology. Patients underwent posterior colporrhaphy and perineorrhaphy. They were followed postoperatively (mean, 1.0 year) with the same questionnaire, physical examination, defecography, anorectal manometry, and electrophysiology. RESULTS: Constipation had improved postoperatively in 21 of 24 constipated patients (88 percent). At postoperative follow-up 13 patients (52 percent) had no constipation symptoms, 8 (32 percent) had occasional symptoms, and 4 (16 percent) had symptoms more than once per week. Four patients with rectocele at preoperative defecography, but not at physical examination, had favorable outcomes following surgery. The majority of patients not using vaginal digitalization preoperatively had improved with respect to constipation. All patients with pathologic transit studies had various degrees of constipation postoperatively. Constipation was not improved in two of five patients with preoperative paradoxic sphincter reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Rectocele is one cause of constipation that can be treated with good results. Preoperative use of vaginal digitalization is not mandatory for a good postoperative result. Defecography is an important complement to physical examination. Patients with pathologic transit study might have a less favorable outcome of rectocele repair with respect to constipation. More studies about the significance of paradoxic sphincter reaction in these patients are indicated.
Adult↗
Selection criteria and long-term results of surgery in symptomatic rectocele.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to confirm some selection criteria for the transrectal repair of the anterior rectocele and to compare our surgical results with those reported in the literature. METHODS: From January 1992 to December 1999, 30 females (mean age 52.9 years, range 28-70 yrs) affected by anterior rectocele were prospectively evaluated with a standard questionnaire, clinical examination, proctosigmoidoscopy, colonic transit time, dynamic defecography, anal EMG, anal manometry. Then, they were submitted to transrectal repair of rectocele with anterior plication of the rectal muscular wall. Fourteen (46.6%) of them were also submitted to perineal levatorplasty. Patients were followed postoperatively (mean 25.7 months) with the same standard questionnaire, clinical examination, defecography, and manometry. Results were tested by Fisher's Exact text, Wilcoxon's test, and "t"-test. RESULTS: Rectal dyschezia, incomplete evacuation, digital help in defecating, mean stool frequency, and rectal bleeding significantly improved. After 3 months, 30% of patients had no complaints, 40% had only 1-2 episodes/month complaints, 13.3% had evacuation only using laxatives, and 16.6% were unchanged. Defecography showed a significant reduction of the rectocele in 70% of patients after 3 months. Manometric parameters were not significantly modified. Four (28.6%) out of 14 patients submitted to perineal levatorplasty complained of dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical results were comparable with those reported in the literature, with more than 80% of successful outcome. Preoperative clinical data and defecography were confirmed to be basic parameters in selecting patients for surgery. Colonic transit time, anal EMG, and anorectal manometry demonstrated to be useful to recognize conditions as slow colonic transit time, peripheral denervation, and reduced voluntary contraction that could lead to a less satisfactory outcome after surgery, and might benefit with a postoperative perineal rehabilitation by biofeedback and anal electrostimulations. The perineal levatorplasty is not suitable in young females, due to the risk of dyspareunia.
Adult↗
Transanal rectocele repair using EndoGIA: short-term results of a prospective study.
BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of symptomatic rectocele may be carried out by means of endorectal techniques. Results depend on a correct etiologic evaluation of associated diseases. We report the preliminary results of an original endorectal technique applied to selected patients. METHODS: Fifteen women (median age, 57 years; range, 38-73 years) underwent transanal rectocele resection by a 60 mm endo-GIA and subsequent plication of the anterior rectal wall. All patients had a primary isolated anterior medium sublevator rectocele with obstructed defecation symptoms. They were prospectively evaluated by questionnaire, defecation diary, clinical examination, defecography and anal manometry were performed preoperatively. All patients had less than three weekly bowel motions. Postoperative follow-up included clinical examination and symptoms questionnaire with defecation diary at one week, one month and three months; defecography was performed at three months. RESULTS: The time required to repair the rectocele was approximately 20 min. The mean time spent in hospital after the operation was 37 h. Postoperative pain was low or moderate in all cases, one patient had acute urinary retention, 11 had minor rectal bleeding, and 5 had temporary urgency. Abolition of excessive straining, feeling of incomplete evacuation, enemas and self-digitations was achieved in all patients; stool frequency at three months was 7 per week in 10 patients, 5-6 per week in 3 patients and 4-6 in 2 patients (p<0.001). Defecography at three months did not show any rectocele recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal rectocele repair with linear stapler applied in selected patients is safe and easy to perform. Short-term results are safisfactory. Complete investigations of impaired defecation and selection of patients are needed to achieve satisfactory results.
Adult↗