Comparative study between surgical and non-surgical treatment of anismus in patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation: a prospective randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
This study came to compare the results of biofeedback retraining biofeedback (BFB), botulinum toxin botulinum type A (BTX-A) injection and partial division of puborectalis (PDPR) in the treatment of anismus patients.


METHODS
Consecutive patients treated for anismus fulfilled Rome II criteria for functional constipation at our institution were evaluated for inclusion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive BFB, BTX-A injection, and PDPR. All patients underwent anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, defecography, and electromyography activity of the anal sphincter. Follow up was conducted weekly in the first month then monthly for about 1 year. Study variables included clinical improvement, patient satisfaction, and objective improvement.


RESULTS
Sixty patients with anismus were randomized and completed the study. The groups differed significantly regarding clinical improvement at 1 month (50% for BFB, 75%BTX-A injection, and 95% for PDPR, P = 0.006) and differences persisted at 1 year (30% for BFB, 35%BTX-A injection, and 70% for PDPR, P = 0.02). Constipation score of the patients significantly improved postPDPR and BTX-A injection. Manometric relaxation was achieved significantly in the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Biofeedback retraining has a limited therapeutic effect, BTX-A injection seems to be successful for temporary treatment but PDPR is found to be an effective with lower morbidity in contrast to its higher success rate in treating anismus.
Faried
Mohamed
M
Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.
El Nakeeb
Ayman
A
Youssef
Mohamed
M
Omar
Waleed
W
El Monem
Hisham Abd
HA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A