Including video and novel parameter-height of penetration of external anal sphincter-in magnetic resonance imaging reporting of anal fistula

The main purpose of a radiologist’s expertise in evaluation of anal fistula magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is to benefit patients by decreasing the incontinence rate and increasing the healing rate.Any loss of vital information during the transfer of this data from the radiologist to the operating surgeon is unwarranted and is best prevented.In this regard,two methods are suggested.First,a short video to be attached with the standardized written report highlighting the vital parameters of the fistula.This would ensure minimum loss of information when it is conveyed from the radiologist to the operating surgeon.Second,inclusion of a new parameter,the amount of external sphincter involvement by the anal fistula.This parameter is usually not included in the MRI report.This can be evaluated as the height of penetration of the external anal sphincter(HOPE)by the fistula.The external anal sphincter plays a pivotal role in maintaining continence.This parameter(HOPE)is distinct from the‘height of internal opening’and assumes immense importance as its knowledge is paramount to prevent damage to the external anal sphincter by the surgeon during surgery.

Endoanal ultrasonography in fecal incontinence: Current and future perspectives

Fecal incontinence has a profound impact in a patient's life, impairing quality of life and carrying a substantial economic burden due to health costs. It is an underdiagnosed condition because many affected patients are reluctant to report it and also clinicians are usually not alert to it. Patient evaluation with a detailed clinical history and examination is very important to indicate the type of injury that is present. Endoanal ultrasonography is currently the gold standard for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence and is a simple, well-tolerated and non-expensive technique. Most studies revealed 100%sensitivity in identifying sphincter defect. It is better than endoanal magnetic resonance imaging for internal anal sphincter defects, equivalent for the diagnosis of external anal sphincter defects, but with a lower capacity for assessment of atrophy of this sphincter.The most common cause of fecal incontinence is anal sphincter injury related to obstetric trauma. Only a small percentage of women are diagnosed with sphincter tears immediately after vaginal delivery, but endoanal ultrasonography shows that one third of these women have occult sphincter defects. Furthermore, in patients submitted to primary repair of these tears, ultrasound revealed a high frequency of persistent sphincter defects after surgery. Three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography is currently largely used and accepted for sphincter evaluation in fecal incontinence, improving diagnostic accuracy and our knowledge of physiologic and pathological sphincters alterations. Conversely,there is currently no evidence to support the use of elastography in fecal incontinence evaluation.