Clinical, sonographic and manometric characteristics and impact on quality of life of fecal incontinence in 92 men referred for endoanal ultrasonography.
Anal incontinence (AI) is a frequent symptom with considerable impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, sonographic and manometric characteristics of a male population with AI.


METHODS
Endoanal ultrasonography (EAU) was performed in 92 men referred for exploration of AI. Anal incontinence severity was evaluated by the Jorge and Wexner score (JW). The gastrointestinal quality-of-life index (GIQLI) was determined in 57% of patients. Anorectal manometry was performed in 62.6% of patients.


RESULTS
The average JW score was 11+/-1. Anal incontinence had considerable impact on quality of life: average GIQLI=81+/-4. Seventeen patients presented an anal sphincter defect on EAU, 16 of whom had a history of coloproctological surgery. Prior surgery was significantly more common among patients who had a defect on ultrasonography; manometry showed significantly lower resting anal pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirms the severity of AI in a male population and its impact on quality of life. It also highlights the high prevalence of anal sphincter defects in patients with a history of anal surgery.
Leger
F
F
Fédération des Spécialités Digestives, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon Cedex, France.
Henry
L
L
Mion
F
F
Roman
S
S
Barth
X
X
Colin
C
C
Schott
A-M
AM
Damon
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D019160:Endosonography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index