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Anismus: a marker of multi-site functional disorders?
Michel Bouchoucha1, Ghislain Devroede, Michel Arsac
1Laboratory of Digestive Physiology, Hôpital Broussais, 96, rue Didot, 75014 Paris, France.
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|March 23, 2004
Summary
Anismus, a condition where pelvic floor muscles fail to relax during defecation, is common in functional constipation. This study found anismus is associated with increased symptom awareness and other related health issues.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
Background:
- Functional constipation is a common condition with multifactorial causes.
- Anismus, characterized by paradoxical contraction of the puborectalis muscle during attempted defecation, is a potential contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical significance and prevalence of anismus in patients presenting with functional constipation.
- To explore the association between anismus and other gastrointestinal, urinary, sexual, and psychological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 healthy controls and 93 patients with functional constipation.
- Utilized colonic transit time studies, anorectal manometry, Rome II criteria questionnaires, and visual analog scales.
Main Results:
- Anismus was identified in 40% of constipated patients via anorectal manometry.
- Constipated patients exhibited reduced rectal sensory volumes compared to controls.
- Anismus correlated with increased awareness of constipation, bloating, and pain, alongside higher frequencies of oesophageal, bowel, urinary, sexual, and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Anismus is a significant finding in a substantial portion of patients with functional constipation.
- The presence of anismus is linked to a broader spectrum of symptoms and comorbidities, suggesting a complex interplay of factors in functional bowel disorders.