title: [Which functional diagnostic tools do German coloproctologists favour?].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We tried to evaluate the role of anorectal functional diagnostic tools according to the judgement of German coloproctologists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires concerning accuracy of different diagnostic tests were sent to 585 physicians specialized in coloproctology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  261 (44.6 %) completed forms were returned. An analysis of the answers revealed that endorectal sonography is widely (73 %) regarded as useful and reliable diagnostic tool. Though manometry is still frequently used, only 50.5 % of the coloproctologists made their decision concerning the further treatment depending on the results of this method. Other radiologic methods as defecography and colon transit time are still regularly performed, though video-defecography is not accepted by most coloproctologists. Neurological investigations as pudendal nerve terminal latency, surface-EMG and needle-EMG are exclusively applied in specialized departments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regarding the variety of diagnostic tools and its different appraisal a consensus should be defined. The usefulness of neurological examination techniques needs to be clarified before their performance can be recommended for a wide-spread routine work up.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgische Universitätsklinik Würzburg. bussen@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bussen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kraemer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sailer
authors.forename: K-H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thiede
mesh_terms: D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003107:Colorectal Surgery; D003672:Defecation; D019160:Endosonography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005762:Gastroenterology; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014741:Video Recording