Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
07:41
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
Rectal sensorimotor dysfunction in women with fecal incontinence
Christopher Andrews1, Adil E Bharucha, Barb Seide
1Clinical and Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research Program, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|September 5, 2006
Summary
Women with fecal incontinence (FI) experience altered rectal function, including reduced distensibility and prolonged perception during rectal distention. These rectoanal dysfunctions contribute to urgency and incontinence symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Urogynecology
Background:
- Rectal distension impacts rectal function, perception, and anal sphincter activity in healthy individuals.
- Rectal urgency is a primary symptom in women experiencing fecal incontinence (FI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare rectal distensibility, contractions, perception, and anal pressures during rectal distention between healthy women and those with FI.
- To determine the influence of distention rate and pattern on these parameters in both groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rectal staircases and ramp distensions (varying rates and volumes) in 21 healthy women and 51 women with FI.
- Measured rectal distensibility, contractile responses, sensory perception thresholds, perception duration, and anal pressures.
Main Results:
- The rectum demonstrated increased stiffness during rapid compared to slow distention, more pronounced in older subjects and those with FI.
- Women with FI exhibited a lower defecation desire threshold, prolonged perception duration, and reduced anal pressures and relaxation.
- Rectal contractile responses during distention differed between controls and those with FI, with a rate-dependent effect observed only in controls.
Conclusions:
- Women with FI present with rectoanal dysfunctions, including reduced rectal capacity and compliance.
- Exaggerated rate-dependent rectal distensibility reduction, altered sensory perception, and diminished anal sphincter function contribute to FI symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:26The Micturition Reflex
Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...