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[Radiation exposure during defecography].

The introduction of a new radiological method requires the assessment of the advantage-risk ratio. On measuring the radiation doses during defecography, skin entrance and gonadal exposure values were found to be lower than during well-known and well-established examinations of the small pelvis, such as colon enema and CT of the lower abdomen. Defecography, as a radiological tool for diagnosing the anorectal function is, therefore, also suitable for young persons.

Defecation↗

[Constipation and incontinence: significance of colonic transit time, anorectal manometry and defecography].

Constipation and fecal incontinence are frequent motives of gastroenterological consultation. An etiological diagnosis can often be suspected from the history and can be confirmed by functional testing. We here report our experience with the measurement of colonic transit time (TTC), anorectal manometry (MAR) and defecography (D). Whilst TTC was unhelpful, MAR revealed abdomino-pelvic asynchrony (anismus) in 60 constipated patients and 7 (47%) of 15 incontinent patients. Perineal descent was suspected in 25 constipated patients and confirmed by defecography, which also revealed associated static pelvic disorders. Our experience confirms the role of functional exploration in the investigation of constipation and fecal incontinence and permits a more precise therapeutic approach.

Adult↗

[Digital videoradiography applied to the study of the recto-anal region during defecography].

The authors have employed a real-time fluoroscopic computerized equipment during defecography. Digitalized images were acquired at a rate of three frames/s and then processed and became immediately available. Digital defecography was employed in 67 patients with various anorectal diseases--i.e., rectocele, descending perineum, rectal prolapse, non-relaxing puborectalis syndrome and fecal incontinence. We found time-interval difference (TID) technique especially useful for it allowed different functional phases of defecation to be depicted on a single subtracted image and an evaluation of the movements of anorectal region. The high contrast resolution of the computerized equipment demonstrated even minimal contrast medium leaks in fecal incontinence. The examination is easy and rapid to perform with a low radiation dose to the patients.

Defecation↗

Defecography.

Defecography, a dynamic imaging modality, plays an important role in the diagnosis of functional and morphologic abnormalities of the anorectal region. We have here summarized the principle and techniques as well as observations of defecography, with special emphasis on morphologic measurements, clinical relevance, and limitations. The application of MR imaging in examination of anorectal function has also been addressed.

Barium Sulfate↗

Perineal descent at defecography in women with straining at stool: a lack of specificity or predictive value for future anal incontinence?

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) whether patients complaining of straining at stool have pelvic floor descent and anal abnormalities similar to those of patients with anal incontinence and (2) whether these patients are prone to develop anal incontinence. METHODS: To answer the first question we used defecography to study perineal floor position at rest, during maximal contraction of the anal sphincter and during straining, and we performed anorectal manometry in 46 women with straining at stool but without anal incontinence at the beginning of the study, and in 46 women with idiopathic anal incontinence, matched for age. To answer the second question, we performed a 5-year follow-up study to determine whether anal incontinence had developed in those women with straining at stool. RESULTS: Perineal floor position at rest, during maximal contraction of the sphincter and during straining, resting pressure in the upper part of the anal canal, maximal amplitude and duration of the voluntary contraction were similar in the 46 women with straining at stool and the 46 women with idiopathic anal incontinence. In the follow-up study, 24 of the 46 women with straining at stool were contacted. The incidence of anal incontinence after 5 years was higher among these 24 women than in a control group of 20 women (13 out of 24 versus three out of 20, for women with straining at stool versus controls respectively; P < 0.01). The 13 patients with straining at stool who became incontinent had, at the initial investigation, a lower maximal amplitude of voluntary contraction, greater perineal descent at rest and less elevation of the pelvic floor during maximal contraction of the anal sphincter than the other women (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Women with chronic straining at stool have perineal descent at rest and during straining similar to that of incontinent women. Women with chronic straining are also prone to develop anal incontinence, suggesting that perineal descent at defecography in women with straining at stool may predict future anal incontinence.

Aged↗

[Defecography in internal invagination of the rectum].

Rectal invagination has been considered an important cause of defecation difficulties and blockade (obstructed defecation). In the present study defecographies performed on 15 patients, with previous diagnosis of rectal invagination have been reviewed. Six patients had an intra-rectal (IR) invagination, three had an intra-anal (IA) invagination, while two patients did not show a typical rectal invagination. In the present series there is a suspected radiologic recurrence of the invagination. Three patients show a tendency to rectal stenosis. Anorectal angles at rest and under straining appears higher than the ones in normal subjects, after rectopexy, anorectal angles do not appear to be significantly changed and the pelvic floor is not significantly raising post-operatively. 7 out of 10 women had a rectocele preoperatively and 4 out 9 postoperatively. In 8 patients it was possible to compare a pre to a post-operative defecography. All patients but one displayed a reduction in the ability in emptying the rectum. The fact that rectal emptying is impaired may suggest that some autonomic denervation might occur following rectal mobilization.

Adult↗

[The National Workshop on Defecography: anorectal deformities with a functional origin (prolapse, intussusception, rectocele)].

The nonoperative treatment--i.e., rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy--of mucous rectal prolapse, rectocele and intussusception is much less expensive than conventional surgery (Lit. 325,000 vs. 6,500,000, p < 0.0001 on the average). Symptom relief, however, has been reported in 0 to 57% of cases only, according to current literature. A possible cause is represented by improper management from misdiagnosis, relying on clinical findings only, overestimating mucous prolapse in 36.37% of cases and underestimating intussusception in 14.22% of cases (with respect to defecography). Defecography is a cost-effective method (average cost: Lit. 37,000) potentially reducing failure rate after the surgical repair of rectal prolapse.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

[Defecography in the diagnosis of fecal incontinence: an analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC)].

Two groups of patients with altered bowel habit and pelvic floor dysfunction, but comparable epidemiologic characteristics (i.e. n = 105 each; mean age and SD 47.3 +/- 15.8 yrs vs. 54.9 +/- 16.7 yrs; range 15-80 yrs vs. 9-88 yrs; F/M ratio 28:1 vs. 2.6:1) with the exception of the absence (or presence) of fecal incontinence, were examined with defecography, taking into account criteria other than anorectal angle values and anorectal junction mobility. At the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis a "barium leak sign", occurring either at rest or on straining was found to be a highly reliable index of fecal incontinence (specificity: 100% and 92-93%, respectively, intraobserver agreement K value = 0.82, Z = 21.58, p < 0.001). A false negative rate of 14.2% was limited to "minor" incontinence only, i.e., incontinence to gas and/or occasional staining episodes. In the search for an etiologic diagnosis, useful adjunctive criteria included (a) anal diameter > 10 mm at rest; (b) poor stop test (inability to interrupt the barium stream); (c) rectal diameter > 6.5 cm and < 4 cm (abnormally increased and reduced compliance, respectively). Defecography is a useful diagnostic tool in fecal incontinence and should precede anal endosonography, manometry and electromyography for proper therapeutic decision-making and in risk conditions, e.g., in the patients about to undergo elective pelvic surgery.

Adolescent↗

[Evacuation defecography and defecoflometry in diagnosis of chronic constipation. A prospective comparative study of 49 patients].

Chronic constipation can be divided in two large groups: slow-transit constipation, caused by pathological intestinal transit, and obstructive defecation disorder, caused by pelvic and rectal wall abnormalities. Videodefecography and defecoflowmetry are methods used to study dynamic evacuation of the rectum. Videodefecography also enables visual estimation of rectal evacuation. Defecoflowmetry allows analysis of anal and rectal pressures. Within this prospective study we utilized and compared these methods in 19 patients with slow transit and 30 patients with obstructive disease. In patients with slow transit, both investigations demonstrated a significantly higher defecation rate than in obstructive defecation disorder (slow transit: defecoflowmetry 65%, videodefecography 80%; obstructive defecation disorder: 50% and 58%). The evacuation time was pathologically prolonged in both types of constipation, with a range of 43-55 s. Rectoceles are demonstrated in 94% of cases with slow transit and in 72% with obstructive defecation disorder. Also, we often found obstructive components in slow-transit constipation patients. Normal defecography or defecoflowmetry can rule out obstructive defecation disorder. We conclude that videodefecography and defecoflowmetry are important items in the complex diagnostic regimen needed in evaluation of chronic constipation.

Adult↗

Vaginal opacification during defecography: utility of placing a folded gauze square at the introitus.

We evaluated the value of placement of a folded gauze square into the urogenital introitus to improve vaginal opacification in 90 patients who underwent defecography. Of the 50 patients who retained the gauze in the introitus, 96% demonstrated excellent or good vaginal opacification. By contrast, only 75% of the 40 patients who lost the gauze during the study were able to achieve the same level of opacification. This difference was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.002), suggesting that placement of a folded gauze square in the introitus limits loss of contrast from the vagina, which improves vaginal opacification.

Adult↗

Defecography: does parity play a role in the development of rectal prolapse?

Few studies related to parity address the changes in anorectal function in women. Since the majority of patients with rectal prolapse are women, we undertook this study to assess the role of parity in the development of rectal prolapse. We retrospectively reviewed defecography studies performed on 354 female patients over a 10-year period. Studies noting the presence of intra-anal and external rectal prolapse (full thickness protrusion of the rectum into and through the anal sphincter) were reviewed. Cases with intrarectal or hidden rectal prolapse, a condition of lesser clinical importance, were excluded. The obstetric histories of the patients with rectal prolapse (n = 27) were compared to those of patients without rectal prolapse (n = 88). There was a larger proportion of nulliparous women in the rectal prolapse group than in the group without rectal prolapse, suggesting that factors in addition to parity play a role in the development of rectal prolapse. However, parous women with rectal prolapse had delivered significantly more children (3.3) than parous women without prolapse (2.5) (P = 0.03). The exact cause of rectal prolapse remains unclear. Childbearing appears to play a limited role in its pathogenesis since nulliparous women are also at risk of developing rectal prolapse.

Defecography↗

Reproducibility of five anorectal morphologic measurements in defecography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of measuring five morphologic parameters of the anorectum in defecography (evacuation proctography). METHODS: Measurements from 42 defecographic studies were statistically analyzed. The parameters measured during resting, squeezing, and straining included two anorectal angles (posterior and axis), maximal width of the anal canal, maximal width of the rectal lumen, and size of the rectocele. RESULTS: The results demonstrated only fair interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.22-0.38) for almost all measurements of the five morphologic parameters. There were high correlations (kappa = 0.62-1.00) among most intraobserver measurements. CONCLUSION: For defecographic measurement, the five parameters we studied have relatively poor clinical value because of high inter- and intraobserver inconsistency.

Adult↗

[Dynamic MR defecography for diagnosis of combined functional disorders of the pelvic floor in proctology].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of magnetic resonance defecography in the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders were examined prospectively. MRI was performed on a 1.5 T scanner. The rectum was opacified with 200 ml of ultrasound transmission gel. A sagittal single section T2-weighted gradient echo sequence with a temporal resolution of 1.1 second was performed. Changes of the anorectal angle and the position of the pelvic organs in relation to the pubococcygeal line were registered at rest, during straining, and during evacuation of the rectum. RESULTS: Patients with obstructed defecation (n = 15) showed prolapse of the rectal mucosa (n = 5), anterior rectocele (n = 8), pelvic floor descent (n = 5), enterocele (n = 2), and anorectal dyscoordination (n = 3). Individuals with stool incontinence (n = 15) had an anterior rectocele (n = 10), pelvic floor descent (n = 11), enterocele (n = 2), prolapse of rectal mucosa (n = 1), and a puborectal insufficiency (n = 1). Urine incontinence was associated with cystocele (n = 10) or normal findings (n = 4). In patients with unspecific symptoms (n = 6), anorectal dyscoordination (n = 4) and prolapse of the rectal mucosa (n = 2) were found. MRI was superior for the detection of enteroceles, cystoceles and pelvic floor descent compared with clinical investigation. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MR imaging supplies complex information in anorectal disease and thus improves proctoscopy.

Adolescent↗

[Our concept of defecography. Methods and reproducibility of results].

Defecography is used in the Czech Republic only exceptionally. Since 1988 the authors made 402 defecographic examinations. They submit a detailed description of hitherto assembled experience and their own modification of the examination. As contrast material they use at present Micropaque susp. thickened by means of wheat bran. They administer it by means of a modified press for dough preparation. The X-rays are taken on a modified ordinary stool made from soft timber. For screening of uncovered places in the visual field they use individually placed copper plates 2 mm thick. For better evaluation of the X-rays the authors place during examination an X-ray contrasting net behind the patient. Pictures are taken at rest, during contraction, during modified Valsalva's manoeuvre and during all stages of defecation. The authors mention the most interesting pathological pictures they encountered so far--internal prolapse, levator hernia, rectocele, sphincter defect, various forms of prolapses and dyskineses of the pelvic floor. In the authors opinion the basic quantifiable parameters are the magnitude of the anorectal angles. They used the assessment method described by Mahieu, as well as the mediorectal angle which in their opinion is a reflection of the patient's somatotype and levator function. More than the absolute values of the angles they emphasize the difference of the two angles and change of the latter during contraction and defecation. In their opinion enlargement of the difference during contraction and diminution to values close to zero is normal. Converse values are according to the authors evidence of dyssynergy of the pelvic floor. Independent assessment of the angles and magnitude of the lift of the pelvic floor by three subjects are subjected to statistical analysis. They provide evidence of complete reproducibility of results of anorectal angles according to the authors' definition. The results of assessment can be used to investigate relations with parameters of anorectal manometry (AM) or transrectal sonographyy (TRS) in subsequent investigations.

Contrast Media↗

Defecography: I. Description of a new procedure and results in normal patients.

To solve frequently encountered clinical problems in the anorectal area, we have developed a simplified dynamic method of defecography. A radiopaque substance, the consistency of normal stools, is introduced into the rectum and the patient is then seated on a specially designed seat composed of superposed air chambers which, for technical reasons, are filled with water. The movements induced by evacuation of the rectum are recorded using 100-mm ampliphotography. After recording findings in 56 normal patients, we are able to define 5 criteria for "normal": increase in anorectal angulation, obliteration of the impression of the puborectal muscle, wide opening of the anal canal, total evacuation of the rectal contents, and normal resistance of the pelvic floor. The mean value of the anorectal angle (ARA) was 91.96 degrees (+/- 1.52 SEM) at rest and 136.76 degrees (+/- 1.51 SEM) during straining. The increase of ARA during straining is 44.8 degrees.

Adolescent↗

Defecography: II. Contribution to the diagnosis of defecation disorders.

Our simple method of defecography has proved to be more sensitive than clinical evaluation in the detection and description of defecation disorders. Among the different types of disorders, described on the basis of 144 abnormal defecograms, the most common are rectal intussusception (RI), intraanal rectal intussusception (IRI), external manually (EMRP) or spontaneously (ESRP) reducible prolapses, rectocele, and accentuation of the impression of the puborectalis sling (AIPR). Study of the mean values of the anorectal angle (ARA) (normal mean value = 92 degrees at rest) reveals an increase (p less than 0.05) in the ARA in IRI and ESRP and a decrease (p less than 0.05 at rest, p less than 0.001 at strain) in AIPR. The most striking observation is a highly significant increase (p less than 0.001) in the ARA associated with incontinence.

Adolescent↗

Is the volume retained after defecation a valuable parameter at defecography?

The intention of this study was to correlate the retained volume at the end of defecography to certain defecographic findings and to the sense of incomplete emptying. In 170 defecographic series, the retained barium was estimated planimetrically. No particular defecographic finding determined a higher or lower amount of remaining volume, and the sense of incomplete evacuation did not depend on the amount of retained volume. Thresholds of urge and perception on anorectal manometry did not differ between patients with and without the feeling of incomplete evacuation. A rectocele, isolated or combined with an internal prolapse, caused the retained volume to be in the lowermost part of the rectum, whereas, in the case of an isolated intussusception, the remaining volume was located in the middle or higher part of the rectum. It is concluded that defecographic findings do not in general explain incomplete emptying or the sense of incomplete emptying, but they may determine the localization of the retained volume.

Adult↗

Defecography and proctography. Results of 744 patients.

PURPOSE: Radiographic imaging of dynamic changes within the pelvic cavity and rectum during evacuation has been recognized as a valuable method of assessment. This study was designed to assess the incidence and clinical significance of defecographic findings in patients with possible evacuation disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All defecographic studies were reviewed by a single colorectal surgeon familiar with patients' histories and physical findings. RESULTS: Between July 1988 and July 1995, 744 patients (566 females and 178 males) with a mean age of 63.5 (range, 12-95) years had defecographic and proctographic examination. Four hundred forty-six (60 percent) patients were diagnosed who complained of constipation, 123 (16.5 percent) of fecal incontinence, 42 (5.6 percent) of rectal prolapse, 82 (11 percent) of rectal pain, and 51 (6.9 percent) had a combination of more than one of these diagnoses. Although 93 (12.5 percent) of these evaluations were considered normal, 61 (8 percent) revealed rectal prolapse, 191 (25.7 percent) rectocele, 82 (11 percent) sigmoidocele, and 94 (12.6 percent) intussusception; in 223 (30 percent) patients, a combination of these findings was noted. Patients with paradoxical puborectalis contraction had an extremely high frequency of constipation compared with other symptoms (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Defecography can reveal abnormalities in the majority of patients with evacuatory disorders. There was a high incidence of rectocele, sigmoidocele, and intussusception. Care must be taken not to treat patients strictly based on radiographic findings.

Aged↗