To explore the pathogenesis of anterior resection syndrome by magnetic resonance imaging rectal defecography

BACKGROUND Over 90%of rectal cancer patients develop low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)after sphincter-preserving resection.The current globally recognized evaluation method has many drawbacks and its subjectivity is too strong,which hinders the research and treatment of LARS.AIM To evaluate the anorectal function after colorectal cancer surgery by quantifying the index of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)defecography,and pathogenesis of LARS.METHODS We evaluated 34 patients using the standard LARS score,and a new LARS evaluation index was established using the dynamic images of MRI defecography to verify the LARS score.RESULTS In the LARS score model,there were 10(29.41%)mild and 24(70.58%)severe cases of LARS.The comparison of defecation rate between the two groups was 29.36±14.17%versus 46.83±18.62%(P=0.004);and MRI-rectal compliance(MRI-RC)score was 3.63±1.96 versus 7.0±3.21(P=0.001).Severe and mild LARS had significant differences using the two evaluation methods.There was a significant negative correlation between LARS and MRI-RC score(P<0.001),and they had a negative correlation with defecation rate(P=0.028).CONCLUSION MRI defecography and standard LARS score can both be used as an evaluation index to study the pathogenesis of LARS.

Dynamic magnetic resonance defecography in 10 asymptomatic volunteers

AIM: Evaluation of the wide range of normal findings in asymptomatic women undergoing dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) defecography. METHODS: MR defecography of 10 healthy female volunteers (median age: 31 years) without previous pregnancies or history of surgery were evaluated. The rectum was filled with 180 mL gadolinium ultrasound gel mixture. MR defecography was performed in the supine position. The pelvic floor was visualized with a dynamic T2-weighted sagittal plane where all relevant pelvic floor organs were acquired during defecation. The volunteers were instructed to relax and then to perform straining maneuvers to empty the rectum. The pubococcygeal line (PCGL) was used as the line of reference. The movement of pelvic floor organs was measured as the vertical distance to this reference line. Data were recorded in the resting position as well as during the defecation process with maximal straining. Examinations were performed and evaluated by two experienced abdominal radiologists without knowledge of patient history. RESULTS: Average position of the anorectal junction was located at -5.3 mm at rest and -29.9 mm during straining. The anorectal angle widened significantly from 93° at rest to 109° during defecation. A rectocele was diagnosed in eight out of 10 volunteers showing an average diameter of 25.9 mm. The bladder base was located at a position of +23 mm at rest and descended to -8.1 mm during defecation in relation to the PCGL. The bladder base moved below the PCGL in six out of 10 volunteers, which was formally defined as a cystocele. The uterocervical junction was located at an average level of +43.1 mm at rest and at +7.9 mm during straining. The uterocervical junction of three volunteers fell below the PCGL; described formally as uterocervical prolapse. CONCLUSION: Based on the range of standard values in asymptomatic volunteers, MR defecography values for pathological changes have to be re-evaluated.

Significance of defecography and the role of rectocele in constipated patients

Backround: Chronic constipation is a common, chronic and frequent problem of the general population. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of defecography in diagnosing the etiology of constipation and the relation between constipation and rectocele. Material-method: We have investigated 250 patients who have been admitted to our general surgery out-patient clinic with complaint of constipation using Rome III criteria and diagnostic defecography. Results: Out of 250 patients who were evaluated with defecography only 24 had normal findings. 136 patients were found to have rectocele. Conclusion: We propose that rectocele is an important etiology of constipation, and defecography should be considered early in the diagnosis of rectocele.

Consensus statement AIGO/SICCR:Diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation(partⅠ:Diagnosis)

Chronic constipation is a common and extremely troublesome disorder that significantly reduces the quality of life,and this fact is consistent with the high rate at which health care is sought for this condition.The aim of this project was to develop a consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation and obstructed defecation.The commission presents its results in a "Question-Answer" format,including a set of graded recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature and evidence-based medicine.This section represents the consensus for the diagnosis.The history includes information relating to the onset and duration of symptoms and may reveal secondary causes of constipation.The presence of alarm symptoms and risk factors requires investigation.The physical examination should assess the presence of lesions in the anal and perianal region.The evidence does not support the routine use of blood testing and colonoscopy or barium enema for constipation.Various scoring systems are available to quantify the severity of constipation;the Constipation Severity Instrument for constipation and the obstructed defecation syndrome score for obstructed defecation are the most reliable.The Constipation-Related Quality of Life is an excellent tool for evaluating the patient's quality of life.No single test provides a pathophysiological basis for constipation.Colonic transit and anorectal manometry define the pathophysiologic subtypes.Balloon expulsion is a simple screening test for defecatory disorders,but it does not define the mechanisms.Defecography detects structural abnormalities and assesses functional parameters.Magnetic resonance imaging and/or pelvic floor sonography can further complement defecography by providing information on the movement of the pelvic floor and the organs that it supports.All these investigations are indicated to differentiate between slow transit constipation and obstructed defecation because the treatments differ between these conditions.

Gender influence on defecographic abnormalities in patients with posterior pelvic floor disorders

AIM:To compare defecographic abnormalities in symptomatic men and women and to analyze differences between men and age-and symptom-matched women.METHODS:Sixty-six men(mean age:55.4 years,range:20-81 years) who complained of constipation and/or fecal incontinence and/or pelvic pain underwent defecography after intake of a barium meal.Radiographs were analyzed for the diagnosis of rectocele,enterocele,intussusception and perineal descent.They were compared with age-and symptom-matched women(n = 198) who underwent defecography during the same period.RESULTS:Normal defecography was observed in 22.7% of men vs 5.5% of women(P < 0.001).Defecography in men compared with women showed 4.5%vs 44.4%(P < 0.001) rectocele,and 10.6% vs 29.8%(P < 0.001) enterocele,respectively.No difference was observed for the diagnosis of intussusception(57.6% vs 44.9%).Perineal descent at rest was more frequent in women(P < 0.005).CONCLUSION:For the same complaint,diagnosis of defecographic abnormalities was different in men than in women:rectocele,enterocele and perineal descent at rest were observed less frequently in men than in women.

Obseruation on the morphological changes of pelvic floor and theirclinical significance during internal rectal prolapse with defeco pelvicography

In order to distinguish rectal rnucosal prolapse (RMP) from full thickness rectal intassusception(FTRI ). 66 patients with internal rectal prolapse and 36 normal controls were studied with defecopelvicography. Anorectal angle,level of pelvic floor and other indices were measured. It was found that 41patients with RMP had no changes of the peritoneal cul-de-sac of pelvic floor and 25 patients with FTRI hadabnormal descent of the peritoneal cul-de-sac of pelvic floor. which formed the internal herniated sac of therectal wall. It is believed that defeco-pelvicography is a reliable method to distinguish RMP from FTRI,anddemonstrate coexistent internal herniated sac of the rectal wall. Our findings are helpful to plan proper management of internal rectal prolapse.