BACKGROUND/AIMS: Current evidence suggests the presence of motility or functional abnormalities in one area of the gastrointestinal tract increases the likelihood of abnormalities in others. However, the relationship of gastroparesis to chronic constipation (slow transit constipation and dyssynergic defecation) has been incompletely evaluated. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with chronic dyspeptic symptoms and constipation who underwent both a solid gastric emptying scintigraphy and a high-resolution anorectal manometry at our institution since January 2012. When available, X-ray defecography and radiopaque marker colonic transit studies were also reviewed. Based on the gastric emptying results, patients were classified as gastroparesis or dyspepsia with normal gastric emptying (control group). Differences in anorectal and colonic findings were then compared between groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with gastroparesis had higher prevalence of slow transit constipation by radiopaque marker study compared to those with normal emptying (64.7% vs 28.1%, P = 0.013). Additionally, patients with gastroparesis had higher rates of rectocele (88.9% vs 60.0%, P = 0.008) and intussusception (44.4% vs 12.0%, P = 0.001) compared to patients with normal emptying. There was no difference in the rate of dyssynergic defecation between those with gastroparesis vs normal emptying (41.1% vs 42.1%, P = 0.880), and no differences in anorectal manometry findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with gastroparesis had a higher rate of slow transit constipation, but equal rates of dyssynergic defecation compared to patients with normal gastric emptying. These findings argue for investigation of possible delayed colonic transit in patients with gastroparesis and vice versa.
Colon ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Defecography ; Dyspepsia ; Gastric Emptying ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Gastroparesis ; Humans ; Intussusception ; Manometry ; Pelvic Floor Disorders ; Prevalence ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Rectocele ; Retrospective Studies

Chronic constipation is a polysymptomatic heterogeneous disorder with the incidence rising in many countries, and becomes a common disease affecting the quality of life and financial burden. In China surgical guideline, the primary constipation is divided into 3 types: slow transit constipation, outlet obstructive constipation, mixed constipation. The Rome IIII( criteria is usually referred to diagnosis, considering with clinical features and patient complaints. Through detail interrogation, physical examination and various detections, the secondary causes should be excluded, and etiological treatment is worth to try. Surgery is generally recommended as the second-line therapy, and finally only few patients require operation. There are still several controversies over the choice of surgical procedures and the mode of anastomosis in patients with slow transit constipation. Common surgical procedures include total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TAC-IRA), subtotal colectomy with ileosigmoid anastomosis, ileorectal anastomosis or cecal-rectal anastomosis. Now laparoscopic operations have been widely applied to these patients, and have achieved good efficacy, and the application of robots is also under exploration. With the outlet obstructive constipation complicated pathogeny, the mechanisms currently involved include paradoxical puborectalis contraction, increased perineal descent, rectal intussusception, rectocele and rectal prolapse. In recent years, aiming at the above mechanisms, variety of surgical methods has been explored, including bilateral partial resection of puborectalis (PDPR) for paradoxical puborectalis contraction, rectal mucosa longitudinal plication plus sclerosing agent injection, procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH), rectal mucosal resection and muscle plication procedure (Delorme), stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) etc for rectal prolapse. However, there is still no long-term large sample study to prove the advantages and disadvantages of these operations, so operative procedure should be chosen according to the actual situation of the patient. With the integration of the pathogenesis and the diversification of the treatment methods, the constipation still needs the precise treatment combined with multidisciplinary support in the future.
Anastomosis, Surgical ; China ; Constipation ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Rectal Prolapse ; surgery ; Rectocele ; Rectum ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to reveal the correlation between the posterior vaginal wall and apex in pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all new patient visits to a urogynecology clinic between January 2013 and December 2015. RESULTS: Four hundred five cases were enrolled in our study. When all POP stages were included, the Bp (pelvic organ prolapse quantification point) had a moderate correlation with the C (Pearson's r=0.419; P < 0.001). Cases where Bp was stage 3 and above presented strong positive correlations with C (Spearman's ρ=0.783; P < 0.001). Cases where C was stage 3 and above presented also strong positive correlations with Bp (Spearman's ρ=0.718; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Posterior vaginal wall prolapse and apical prolapse were correlated with each other, and this correlation was more prominent as stage increased. Therefore, when admitting a patient suspected of posterior vaginal wall prolapse or apical prolapse, it is necessary to evaluate both conditions. Especially in cases more severe or equal to stage 3, it is a must to suspect both conditions as the 2 are strongly correlated.
Cystocele ; Humans ; Pelvic Organ Prolapse* ; Prolapse ; Rectocele ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Prolapse ; Vagina

Anorectal disorders are common and present with overlapping symptoms. They include several disorders with both structural and functional dysfunction(s). Because symptoms alone are poor predictors of the underlying pathophysiology, a diagnosis should only be made after evaluating symptoms and physiologic and structural abnormalities. A detailed history, a thorough physical and digital rectal examination and a systematic evaluation with high resolution and/or high definition three-dimensional (3D) anorectal manometry, 3D anal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance defecography and neurophysiology tests are essential to correctly identify these conditions. These physiological and imaging tests play a key role in facilitating a precise diagnosis and in providing a better understanding of the pathophysiology and functional anatomy. In turn, this leads to better and more comprehensive management using medical, behavioral and surgical approaches. For example, patients presenting with difficult defecation may demonstrate dyssynergic defecation and will benefit from biofeedback therapy before considering surgical treatment of coexisting anomalies such as rectoceles or intussusception. Similarly, patients with significant rectal prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction or patients with complex enteroceles and pelvic organ prolapse may benefit from combined behavioral and surgical approaches, including an open, laparoscopic, transabdominal or transanal, and/or robotic-assisted surgery. Here, we provide an update on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of selected common anorectal disorders.
Biofeedback, Psychology ; Constipation ; Defecation ; Defecography ; Diagnosis ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Humans ; Intussusception ; Manometry ; Neurophysiology ; Pelvic Floor ; Pelvic Organ Prolapse ; Rectal Diseases ; Rectal Prolapse ; Rectocele ; Ultrasonography

A rectocele with a weakened rectovaginal septum can be repaired with various surgical techniques. We performed laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall repair and rectovaginal septal reinforcement without mesh using a modified transperineal approach. A 63-year-old woman with outlet dysfunction constipation complained of lower pelvic pressure and sense of heaviness for 30 years. Initial defecography showed an anterior rectocele with a 45-mm anterior bulge and perineal descent. Laparoscopic procedures included peritoneal and rectovaginal septal dissection directed toward the perineal body, rectovaginal septal suturing, and peritoneal closure. The patient started a soft diet the following day and was discharged on the 5th postoperative day without any complications. The patient had no dyschezia or dyspareunia, and no problem with bowel function; 3-month follow-up defecography showed a decrease in bulging to 18 mm. Laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall and rectovaginal septal repair is safe and feasible for treatment of a rectocele, and enables early recovery.
Constipation ; Defecography ; Diet ; Dyspareunia ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Middle Aged ; Rectocele*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of rectal prolapse constipation balloon in single auxiliary defecation. METHODS: Forty-one patients with moderate or severe rectocele were treated with a rectocele constipation balloon through the vagina. The defecography and VAS scores were compared before and after implantation. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the anorectal angle, rectocele, and VAS scores before and after intervention in defecography (<0.01). CONCLUSIONS A single assisted defecation of the rectocelicular constipation balloon is feasible.
Constipation ; diagnosis ; Defecation ; Defecography ; instrumentation ; Female ; Humans ; Rectal Prolapse ; Rectocele

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is bulging of one or more of the pelvic organs into the vagina and triggered by multiple causes. It is a very common disorder, especially among older women. POP is characterized by protrusion of the presentation part visible by the naked eye, and problems with urination or bowel movements. POP can be diagnosed based on the onset of symptoms and a pelvic exam, and management options include medical and surgical treatment. Although medical treatment cannot correct the abnormal herniation of the pelvic structures, this can help alleviate symptoms. One of the disadvantages of surgical interventions is recurrence, and advances in surgical techniques have decreased recurrence rates of POP. Therefore, author will explain the gynecology and urology approach and treatment.
Cystocele ; Female ; Gynecological Examination ; Gynecology ; Humans ; Pelvic Organ Prolapse ; Rectocele ; Recurrence ; Urination ; Urology ; Vagina

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed using Rome III criteria. Defecography is a radiographic method used to identify anatomic abnormalities of anorectum. The present study aimed to evaluate the defecographic findings in patients with severe idiopathic chronic constipation. METHODS: One hundred patients, who complained of severe idiopathic chronic constipation with abnormal balloon expulsion test, underwent defecography after injection of barium. An analysis of radiographs was performed by an expert radiologist for the diagnosis of descending perineum syndrome, rectocele, enterocele, rectal ulcer, rectal prolapse, fecal residue of post defecation, and etc. Then, they were compared between the two sexes. RESULTS: Normal defecography was only observed in two participants. Descending perineum syndrome was the most common abnormality (73.3%). The results showed that rectocele (80.8%) and descending perineum syndrome (69.2%) were most frequent in women. In males, descending perineum syndrome and rectal prolapse were more prevalent (87% and 43.5%, respectively). Compared with men, rectocele and rectal ulcer were more frequently observed in women (p<0.001, and p=0.04, respectively), while men were more affected by descending perineum syndrome (p=0.04). In total, women had a greater incidence of abnormal defecographic findings compared with men (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Defecography can be performed to detect anatomic abnormalities in patients with severe idiopathic chronic constipation and abnormal balloon expulsion test. This technique can assist physicians in making the most suitable decision for surgical procedure.
Barium ; Constipation* ; Defecation ; Defecography ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Hernia ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Methods ; Perineum ; Rectal Prolapse ; Rectocele ; Ulcer

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) combined with perioperative pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (POPFBFT) in treating obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS).

METHODSThirty female ODS patients underwent modified STARR (resection and suture was performed in rectocele with one staple) combined with POPFBFT in Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin university from October 2013 to March 2015. Before the modified STARR, patients received a course of POPFBFT (20 min/time, 2 times/d, 10 times as a course), and another 2 courses were carried out in clinic after discharge. Efficacy evaluation included general conditions of patients, morbidity of postoperative complication, overall subjective satisfaction (excellent: without any symptoms; good: 1 to 2 times of laxatives per month and without the need of any other auxiliary defecation; fairly good: more than 3 times of laxatives per month ; poor: with no improvement; excellent, good, fairly good are defined as effective), Longo ODS score (range 0 to 40 points, the higher the score, the more severe the symptoms), gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI)(range 0 to 144 points, the lower the score, the more severe the symptoms), anorectal manometry and defecography examination. The follow-up lasted 12 months after operation (ended at April 2016).

RESULTSAverage age of 30 patients was 57(46 to 72) years and Longo ODS score of every patient was ≥9 before operation. The modified STARR was completed successfully in all the 30 patients with average operation time of 25 (18 to 34) min and average hospital stay of 6(4 to 9) d. Postoperative complications included pain(20%, 6/30), urinary retention (16.7%, 5/30), anorectal heaviness (6.7%, 2/30), and fecal urgency(26.7%, 8/30). Anaorectal heaviness and fecal urgency disappeared within 3 months. No severe complications, such as postoperative bleeding, infection, rectovaginal fistula, anastomotic dehiscence and anal incontinence were observed. The effective rate of overall subjective satisfaction was 93.3%(28/30) during the follow-up of 12 months. There was no significant difference in Longo ODS score between pre- POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre- POPFBFT: 32.95±3.22, pre-operation: 32.85±3.62, t=1.472, P=0.163). Compared with pre-POPFBFT, Longo ODS score at 1 week after operation decreased (t=4.306, P=0.000), moreover, score at 1 month after operation was lower than that at 1 week (13.05±7.49 vs. 15.00±7.17, t=7.322, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation (F=2.111, P=0.107). Likewise, there was no significant difference in GIQLI score between pre-POPFBFT and pre-operation (pre-POPFBFT: 79.39±17.14, pre-operation: 76.65±17.56, t=1.735, P=0.096). Compared with the pre-POPFBFT, GIQLI score at 1 week after operation increased (t=4.714, P=0.000), moreover, GIQLI score at 1 month after operation was higher than that at 1 week (102.26±19.24 vs 91.31±21.35, t=5.628, P=0.000), while no significant differences were found among 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation(F=1.211, P=0.313). In comparison with pre- POPFBFT, parameters of defecography examination at 12 months after operation showed obvious improvement: the rectocele decreased from (34.1±0.4) mm to (3.1±0.3) mm (t=6.847, P=0.000), anorectal angle during defecation increased from (123.8±6.7)degree to (134.7±8.5)degree, enlargement of anorectal angle during defecation increased from (29.1±3.5)degree to (37.1±5.3)degree, while no significant differences in descend of perineum, anorectal angles at rest as well as parameters of anorectal manometry were found (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONModified STARR combined with POPFBFT is safe and effective for ODS patients.

Aged ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Biofeedback, Psychology ; physiology ; Constipation ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Defecation ; Defecography ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; methods ; rehabilitation ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Middle Aged ; Operative Time ; Pain, Postoperative ; etiology ; Pelvic Floor ; physiology ; Postoperative Complications ; Quality of Life ; Rectocele ; Surgical Stapling ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Retention ; etiology

PURPOSE: Anismus is a functional disorder featuring obstructive symptoms and paradoxical contractions of the pelvic floor. This study aims to establish diagnosis agreement between physiology and radiology, associate anismus with morphological outlet obstruction, and explore the role of sphincteric pressure and rectal volumes in the radiological diagnosis of anismus. METHODS: Consecutive patients were evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging proctography/fluoroscopic defecography and anorectal physiology. Morphological radiological features were associated with physiology tests. A categorical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and agreement was assessed via the kappa coefficient. A Mann-Whitney test was used to assess rectal volumes and sphincterial pressure distributions between groups of patients. A P-value of <0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (42 female patients) underwent anorectal physiology and radiology imaging. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range, 41.5–60 years). Anismus was seen radiologically and physiologically in 18 (41.8%) and 12 patients (27.9%), respectively. The agreement between modalities was 0.298 (P = 0.04). Using physiology as a reference, radiology had positive and negative predictive values of 44% and 84%, respectively. Rectoceles, cystoceles, enteroceles and pathological pelvic floor descent were not physiologically predictive of animus (P > 0.05). The sphincterial straining pressure was 71 mmHg in the anismus group versus 12 mmHg. Radiology was likely to identify anismus when the straining pressure exceeded 50% of the resting pressure (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Radiological techniques detect pelvic morphological abnormalities, but lead to overdiagnoses of anismus. No proctographic pathological feature predicts anismus reliably. A stronger pelvic floor paradoxical contraction is associated with a greater likelihood of detection by proctography.
Defecography ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Overuse ; Pelvic Floor ; Physiology* ; Rectocele