PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “DEFECATION”

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.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Rectal wall contractility in response to an evoked urge to defecate in patients with obstructed defecation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine rectal sensory perception and rectal wall contractility in response to an evoked urge to defecate and to identify differences between control subjects and patients with obstructed defecation. METHODS: Twenty control patients (10 men; median age, 47 (range, 17-78) years) and 29 female patients with disabling obstructed defecation (median age, 48 (range, 18-70) years) entered the study. Under radiologic control, an infinitely compliant barostat balloon was inserted over a guide wire into the proximal part of the rectum. Additionally, a latex balloon was introduced into the distal part of the rectum. This latex balloon was inflated until an urge to defecate was experienced. Simultaneously, rectal wall contractility was assessed by measuring the variations in barostat balloon volume. These variations were expressed as percentage changes from baseline volume. RESULTS: By comparing controls and patients with obstructed defecation, a significant difference was found regarding mean distending volume required to elicit an urge to defecate (135 +/- 38 vs. 214 +/- 87 ml of air; P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). In all controls, the evocation of an urge to defecate induced a pronounced increase in rectal tone, proximal to the distal stimulating balloon. By comparing controls and patients, the increase in rectal tone was found to be significantly higher in control subjects (35 +/- 10 vs. 9 +/- 10 percent; P < 0.001). Twenty-five patients (86 percent) showed no or only minimum (<20 percent) increase in rectal tone during the perception of an urge to defecate. In 14 of these patients, the threshold for this perception was increased. Only four patients (14 percent) showed a relatively normal increase (>20 percent) in rectal tone. However, their threshold for perception was greatly increased. CONCLUSION: The assembly used in this study provides a useful tool for investigation of rectal evacuation. In all of our patients, obstructed defecation was associated with abnormal rectal sensory perception and/or altered rectal wall contractility.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Effects of biofeedback on obstructive defecation--reconditioning of the defecation reflex?

Twenty two patients with obstructive defecation were recruited for relaxation training by domiciliary self regulatory biofeedback. Each patient served as his or her own control for anorectal and proctographic assessments. Biofeedback training improved the obstructive symptoms of the patients and showed significant change in various parameters related to the obstructive defecation syndrome. As examined by isotope dynamic proctography: the defecation rate (% of evacuation/defecation time) was significantly increased (p < 0.05), the anorectal angles at rest and during attempted defecation were made more obtuse (p < 0.05), and the pelvic floor movements were made more dynamic on voluntary contraction of the anal sphincter (p < 0.03). The external anal sphincter electromyographic voltage recorded during defecation was significantly reduced (p < 0.0005) as was the surface anal plug electromyographic electrode voltage (p < 0.0001), which was associated with a greatly reduced anismus index (p < 0.0001). The rectal sensation was improved (p < 0.05), concomitantly. Biofeedback thus improves the defecation act in patients suffering from inappropriate contraction of the pelvic floor and sphincter musculature. Furthermore, this study has shown that biofeedback objectively influences the defecation reflex leading to an improved quality of higher control of bowel function.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Value of abdominal rectopexy in obstructive disorders of defecation. A prospective study using a defecation index, manometry and radiology].

A prospective clinical, manometric, electromyographic and radiological study was conducted to judge the degree of success achieved with anterior-posterior rectopexy in 18 female patients suffering from obstructed defecation and varying degrees of incontinence. Prior to being operated on, 6 of the patients showed symptoms of intussusception, 4 an internal prolapse of the anterior rectum wall, and 5 a rectocele at least 2 cm in size; all of them had significant perianal descent. The main aim of this study was more precise definition of the pre- and postoperative bowel evacuation using a defecation index. This study shows that obstructed defecation is significantly associated with a lasting feeling of needing to defecate after evacuation, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, perianal pain and necessity for manual support during defecation. The patients had a mean age of 62 (range, 38-78) years. All underwent anterior-posterior rectopexy (Ivalon or Vicryl) with posterior pelvic repair of the puborectalis muscle. In 2 patients rectopexy was combined with sigmoidectomy, in 11 cases, with left hemicolectomy, and in 2, with subtotal colectomy. The median follow-up was 40.8 months (range, 6-66 months). Postoperatively anorectal manometry showed a significant increase in the resting anal pressure and the maximum voluntary pressure (P = 0.05). Continence was improved in 10 patients (55%), 7 (39%) of whom regained normal continence. No significant change in pelvic descent or anorectal angle was observed. Only 8 patients reported a complete evacuation of the rectum postoperatively.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Electromyographic activity of the external anal sphincter muscle and the puborectal muscle in the defecation test in patients with obstructive defecation disorders].

In a prospective electromyographic and manometric study on 23 women (average age 52 years) with obstructive defecation disorder the activity of the external anal sphincter muscle and the puborectal muscle was investigated at rest and during contraction and straining. The control group consisted of 22 healthy women with an average age of 53 years. The main aim of the study was to investigate the functioning of the two muscles during simulated defecation (maximum strain) and to examine any changes in the pressure ratio in the rectum and the anal canal during this stimulation. There were no significant differences in the resting pressure, the contraction pressure and the straining pressure (in the rectum and the anal canal) between the two groups. The functioning of the puborectal muscle and the external anal sphincter muscle was largely the same in both the study group and the control group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups except in the amplitude of contraction. When we tried to list the change in the activity of the muscle as an index of anism, we were not able to objectify such a change for either the external anal sphincter muscle or the puborectal muscle. We therefore conclude that the increase in the activity of the voluntary muscle of the pelvic floor observed on electromyography during defecation does not indicate a pathologic condition but is a functional state.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Health related quality of life in disorders of defecation: the Defecation Disorder List.

BACKGROUND: Constipation and encopresis frequently cause problems with respect to emotional wellbeing, and social and family life. Instruments to measure Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in these disorders are not available. METHODS: A disease specific HRQoL instrument, the "Defecation Disorder List" (DDL) for children with constipation or functional non-retentive faecal soiling (FNRFS) was developed using accepted guidelines. For each phase of the process, different samples of patients were used. The final phase of development included 27 children. Reliability was assessed in two ways: internal consistency of domains with Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). To assess validity, comparable items and domains were correlated with Tacqol, a generic HRQoL instrument for children (TNO-AZL). RESULTS: In the final phase of the development, 27 children completed the instrument. It consisted of 37 items in four domains. The response rate was 96%. Reliability was good for all domains, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.61 to 0.76. Measures of test-retest stability were good for all four domains with ICCs ranging from 0.82 to 0.92. Validity based on comparison with the Tacqol instrument was moderate. CONCLUSION: The DDL is promising as a measure of HRQoL in childhood defecation disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

A new concept of the anatomy of the anal sphincter mechanism and the physiology of defecation. Reversion to normal defecation after combined excision operation and end colostomy for rectal cancer.

Twenty-one patients with combined excision operation for rectal cancer were subjected to electromyographic study of the levator ani muscle, the puborectalis muscle, and the external anal sphincter. Myoelectric activity of the puborectalis and levator ani muscles was detected in 12 patients, 6 of whom had normal activity of both muscles. Of the remaining six patients, there was reduced activity of the levator ani muscle in four and of the puborectalis muscle in all six. These patients underwent training and electric stimulation of these muscles. To verify the myoelectric findings, 15 specimens removed at combined excision operation were examined grossly and microscopically for the muscles removed at operation. Eight specimens were found to be free of the levator and puborectalis muscles, which indicated that these muscles were not excised. The 12 patients with myoelectrically active levator and puborectalis muscles were operated on to restore defecation by way of the normal perineal route. The technique comprises freeing of the colostomy and mobilization of the entire left side of the colon. The perineal scar is then excised and the colonic end fixed to the perineal skin and thus is controlled by the levator and puborectalis muscles. Full fecal control was achieved in seven patients and incomplete control in five. It is concluded that excision of the levator ani muscle, the puborectalis muscle, and the external anal sphincter should not be considered a standard part of the radical operation for cancer of the lower or middle third of the rectum, and that a combined excision operation has no place in the treatment of rectal cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Defecation problems: incontinence, constipation and impeded defecation; why and what can be done?].

Defaecation disorders may be subsumed in three categories: Inability to control motions = incontinence. Difficulty of evacuation = constipation [inertia coli, outlet obstruction]. Impeded defaecation: Rectocele, enterocele, intussusception. Etiology, examination and therapy are described in detail. Characteristic complaints of patients are listed and matched with probable diagnoses. Beside routine proctologic examination endosonography, estimation of transit time, endoscopy and defecography are discussed. The role of nutrition is stressed and emphasis layed on fibre and fluid intake. The advice, "take more fluid and fibres" does not help a lot, because no individual help is given. A time consuming nutrition and defaecation history has to be taken to establish nutritional support. This attention gives confidence to the patient and helps a great deal in the treatment. A checklist of the therapy of constipation and summarizing tables on different types of fibres are included. Additional conservative treatments are pelvic exercises and biofeedback training. Operative therapy is directed towards etiology of the disorder. Therefore many different methods exist and their diagnose related indication are discussed.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1995

[Health consideration and defecation tendencies of elderly people].

Elderly people (males 742, 65-91 years old; females 371, 65-84 years old) were asked to answer a questionnaire on health and defecation tendencies. 1. Ninety-four percent of the males and 95% of the females considered their food intake sufficient to maintain their health (no difference between sexes). As for their food intake requirements, 68% of the males and 70% of the females answered that they knew about them, while 9% of the males and 6% of the females answered that they did not (no difference between sexes). 2. Of those with regular defecation every day, there were more males (68%) than females (49%). Seventeen percent of the males and 35% of the females defecated from four to six times per week, while 14% of the males and 13% of the females did so less than three times per week, with the difference between sexes being significant (p < 0.001). Both males (93%) and females (92%) tended to consider that constipation could affect their health condition. When asked about defecation, 92% of males and 83% of females answered that they should do so every day. The time for defecation was between when they arose and after breakfast for 76% of the males and 53% of the females. More females (25%) than males (8%) defecated irregularly (p < 0.001, difference between sexes). 3. Of those who did not have defecate every day, the percentage for those who answered that they should do so every day was low, whereas the percentage of those who answered that regularity did not matter was high. A significant relationship between awareness and degree of defecation was found for both males and females (p < 0.001 in both sexes). Those who regularly defecated every day did so in the time between when they arose and after breakfast, while those with irregular defecation did not defecate at a set time. A relationship was found between the time of defecation and the degree of defecation (p < 0.001 in both sexes).

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Defecation flowmetry. A new study technique for evaluating the evacuation function of the rectum].

In a prospective study carried out on 78 patients with chronic constipation (31, with slow transit, 47 with obstructive defecation disorders) the evacuation function of the rectum during defecation was assessed by defecoflowmetry. These patients were compared to a control group of normal volunteers (n = 32). The following parameters were evaluated: defecation and retention volume, defecation fraction, defecation time, maximum flow, mean flow rate and time to maximum flow. As expected, there was no difference in evacuation function between the group of patients with slow transit and the control group. Significant differences, however, existed between the two types of constipation, as well as between obstructive defecation disease and controls, regarding all parameters mentioned above. Evacuation function depends neither on rectal neck pressure nor on intrarectal pressure. In patients with obstructive defecation disorders, three subgroups were discernable: one with prolonged time of defecation and satisfactory evacuation, one with prolonged time of defecation and poor evacuation, and one small group of patients who were not able to defecate. Each group is based on a different underlying pathomechanism. We conclude that changes in evacuation function of the rectum refer either to volume or to time of defecation, or to both. Changes are found only in obstructive type constipation, not in slow transit constipation. Therefore, defeconflowmetry as a dynamic procedure can be used in screening for the classification of chronic constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Balloon defecation as a predictor of outcome in children with functional constipation and encopresis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the ability to defecate a rectal balloon might predict 12-month recovery in children with functional constipation and encopresis. METHODS: We evaluated the ability to defecate within 5 minutes a 100 ml waterfilled rectal balloon by 20 healthy children and 139 children with functional constipation and encopresis. RESULTS: All healthy children and only 47% of the patients were able to defecate the balloon. Twelve months after the start of treatment, 51% of patients able to and 34% of patients unable to defecate the balloon had recovered (p < 0.03). Logistic regression revealed that the ability to defecate the balloon and a history of secondary encopresis were related to recovery (p < 0.04). Patients who were unable to defecate the balloon or who did not recover had significantly more impairment in anorectal functions than those who were able to defecate the balloon or who did recover. The ability of the balloon defecation test to predict recovery had a sensitivity of 57%, a specificity of 60%, a positive predictive value of 0.51, and a negative predictive value of 0.66. CONCLUSION: Children with functional constipation and encopresis who were able to defecate the rectal balloon were twice as likely to recover. Even though there was a clinically significant difference in the recovery rates between patients who could and those who could not defecate the balloon, calculation of predictive values showed that the balloon defecation test could not reliably predict recovery.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1990

Modulation of abnormal defecation dynamics by biofeedback treatment in chronically constipated children with encopresis.

To determine whether outcome in chronically constipated and encopretic children with abnormal defecation dynamics could be improved with biofeedback training, we randomly assigned patients, 5 to 16 years of age, to receive conventional treatment alone (n = 19) or conventional plus biofeedback treatment (n = 22) and evaluated physiologic outcome at 7 months and clinical outcome at 7 and 12 months. Eighty-six percent of patients learned normal defecation dynamics with up to six biofeedback sessions. At 7 months, 13% of conventionally treated and 77% of biofeedback-treated patients had normal defecation dynamics (p less than 0.01); one conventionally treated (5%) and 12 biofeedback-treated patients (55%) had recovered (p less than 0.01). Learning normal defecation dynamics was correlated with clinical recovery (p less than 0.01). At 7 months, 11% of patients with normal defecation dynamics after biofeedback treatment had abnormal defecation dynamics, and 71% of the biofeedback-treated patients with normal defecation dynamics recovered. At 12 months, 16% of conventionally treated and 50% of biofeedback-treated patients had recovered (p less than 0.05). Balloon defecation did not improve significantly in those who learned normal defecation dynamics. Therefore the ability to defecate balloons is apparently not dependent on the normal function of the external and sphincter and pelvic floor muscles alone. Biofeedback treatment is complementary to a good conventional therapeutic regimen in patients with abnormal defecation dynamics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The perineorectal reflex The perineorectal reflex in health and obstructed defecation.

PURPOSE: Many females with obstructed defecation apply digital pressure on their perineum to facilitate defecation. This study investigated the impact of this maneuver on rectal tone. METHODS: Forty-five female patients with obstructed defecation were studied. Thirty-four patients (76 percent) regularly applied digital pressure on their perineum to facilitate defecation. Total colonic transit time was normal in 32 patients and prolonged in 13 patients. For comparison, 17 female controls were studied. With the subject in the left lateral position, a thin, "infinitely" compliant polyethylene bag was inserted into the rectum at 10 cm from the anal canal. Rectal tone was assessed by measuring variations in bag volume with a computer-controlled electromechanical air injection system. After an adaptation period of 15 minutes, digital pressure was applied to the anterior perineum by one of the authors (WRS). In a second recording session, the tonic response of the rectum to an evoked urge to defecate was examined. RESULTS: During the application of perineal pressure, all controls showed an increase in rectal tone (mean value, 52.8+/-19 percent). In the whole patient group, this response was significantly lower (mean value, 24.2+/-19 percent; P < 0.001). Eight of these patients (18 percent) showed no response at all. None of them applied perineal pressure. In the remaining 37 patients (72 percent), the perineorectal reflex was present but was significantly lower (mean value, 29.8+/-17 percent; P < 0.001). Thirty-four of these females (92 percent) stated that they applied perineal pressure on a regular basis to facilitate their defecation. All controls showed an increase in rectal tone during an evoked urge to defecate (mean value, 37.8+/-8 percent). In the patients, this response was significantly lower (16.7+/-6 percent). Eight of these patients showed no increase in rectal tone at all. These patients were the same patients in whom the perineorectal reflex was absent. Regarding the tonic response of the rectum to perineal pressure, no difference was found between patients with a normal colonic transit time and those with a prolonged colonic transit time. CONCLUSION: Digital pressure applied on the perineum results in an increase in rectal tone. This perineorectal reflex is present, although significantly lower, in the majority of females with obstructed defecation. This observation might explain why females with obstructed defecation frequently apply perineal pressure to facilitate defecation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Abnormal defecation dynamics in chronically constipated children with encopresis.

We studied the ability to defecate water-filled balloons in 16 healthy and 37 chronically constipated children with encopresis. The act of bearing down for defecation was evaluated by measuring intra-abdominal pressure, rectal pressure, anal pressure, external anal sphincter EMG activity, and rectal sensation and rectal volume necessary to inhibit the anal sphincters. Fifteen control children and 20 constipated children were able to defecate rectal balloons. External sphincter activity decreased during the act of bearing down for defecation in 100% of controls, in 58% of constipated children able to defecate balloons, and in only 7% of patients unable to defecate balloons. Constipated children unable to defecate balloons were significantly less likely to recover after conventional laxative treatment than constipated children able to defecate balloons (P less than 0.02). Increased external sphincter activity during defecation appears to be the factor that prevents balloon expulsion in constipated children and could be the cause of their chronic fecal retention.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1998

Obstructive defecation: a failure of rectoanal coordination.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of obstructive defecation is unclear. We investigated whether impaired rectoanal coordination causes obstructive defecation and if this dysfunction can be corrected by biofeedback therapy. METHODS: We prospectively studied 25 healthy subjects and 35 consecutive patients with constipation (>1 year) with anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test. Symptoms were assessed from diary cards. Patients found to have obstructive defecation were offered biofeedback therapy. After treatment, their defecation dynamics and symptoms were reassessed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had obstructive defecation and 17 had normal defecation dynamics (nonobstructive). Five normals (20%) exhibited obstructive pattern but only one failed to expel balloon. In the obstructive group, during straining, the intrarectal pressure and defecation index were lower (p < 0.05), and anal residual pressure was higher (p < 0.01) when compared with the nonobstructive group or normals. After biofeedback therapy, the intrarectal pressure and defecation index increased (p < 0.02) and anal residual pressure decreased (p < 0.001); stool frequency, degree of straining, and bowel satisfaction scores improved (p < 0.05); 67% stopped laxatives and 11 patients discontinued stooling with digitation. CONCLUSION: Patients with obstructive defecation showed impaired rectal contraction, paradoxical anal contraction, or inadequate anal relaxation. These features suggest that rectoanal coordination was impaired. Biofeedback therapy rectified these pathophysiological disturbances and improved constipation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Reduction of wrap restraint stress-induced defecation by MKC-242, a novel benzodioxan derivative, via 5-HT1A-receptor agonist action in rats.

Effects of MKC-242 (5-[3-[((2S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino]propoxy]-1,3-b enzodioxole HC1), a novel 5-HT1A-receptor agonist, and reference compounds on wrap restraint stress-induced defecation were evaluated in rats. Wrapping restraint stress increased defecation in rats. The increase was attenuated by putative 5-HT1A-receptor agonists, MKC-242 and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The suppressive effect of MKC-242 on wrap stress-induced defecation was antagonized by prior administration of a 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist, WAY100135. MKC-242 did not affect spontaneous defecation and 5-HT-induced defecation. Diazepam and amitriptyline also significantly reduced the stress-induced defecation. However, amitriptyline showed a potent anti-cholinergic effect in the oxotremorine-induced tremor test and reduced spontaneous defecation. In contrast to MKC-242 and 8-OH-DPAT, buspirone and tandospirone tended to suppress the increase at high doses. A major metabolite of buspirone and tandospirone, 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine, antagonized the suppressive effect of MKC-242. These findings suggest that stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors reduces stress-induced defecation but not spontaneous and 5-HT-induced defecation and that MKC-242 may be useful for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Amitriptyline↗