[Value of endoanal sonography in the assessment of faecal incontinence].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the value of endoanal ultrasound (EUS) in comparison to anal manometry and operative findings in patients suffering from faecal incontinence. Patient history, localisation of sphincter defects and therapeutic modalities were analysed.


METHODS
Over a 3-years period, 92 patients with faecal incontinence were investigated by endoanal ultrasound. Results were compared with anal manometry in 81 cases.


RESULTS
At EUS, 27 patients (29 %) showed no sphincter defect, 18 (20 %) had an isolated internal sphincter defect, 13 (14 %) an isolated defect of the external sphincter and 34 (37 %) presented with a combined internal/external sphincter defect. Manometry correlated in 30 % with endoanal ultrasound. Compared with surgery, endoanal ultrasound was correct in 100 % and manometry in only 54 %. An obstetric trauma was most frequently related to faecal incontinence.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoanal ultrasound is a very sensitive method for localizing anal sphincter defects and is mandatory in the assessment of patients with faecal incontinence.
Maier
A
A
Univ. Klinik f. Radiodiagnostik, Wien, Germany.
Fuchsjäger
M
M
Alt
J
J
Herbst
F
F
Schima
W
W
Lechner
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D019160:Endosonography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity