[Functional evaluation of the anorectal region].
Defecography is a method allowing the morphodynamic evaluation of the anorectal region. The technique we employed needs two complementary times: "phase" defecography and dynamic defecography. In our series of patients affected with severe constipation, 2 groups could be identified. Group A included those patients (mean age: 38.7 years) in whom no significant changes were observed in anorectal angle and in the distance of anorectal angle from pubococcygeal line in comparison with normal subjects (Student's t-test). Group B included those patients (mean age: 63.3 years) in whom significant reduction was observed in anorectal angle on straining, together with increased distance of anorectal angle from pubococcygeal line on squeezing in comparison with normal subjects (Student's t-test). In constipated patients narrowed anal canal was observed (60%), together with rectocele (42.6%), mucosal prolapse (27.8%), rectal prolapse (18%) and solitary ulcer (14.7%). In idiopathic incontinence patients (mean age: 63.3 years), increased distance was observed of anorectal angle from pubococcygeal line on squeezing and, in the most severe cases, even at rest, with the patient sitting (Student's t-test). In incontinent patients larger anal canal was observed (67.6%), together with rectocele (36.7%), mucosal prolapse (14.7%), and rectal prolapse (11.7%).
Pomerri
F
F
Istituto di Radiologia, Università, Padova.
Curtolo
S
S
Pittarello
F
F
Dodi
G
G
Muzzio
P C
PC
D000328:Adult; D003248:Constipation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003672:Defecation; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*