Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
Useful parameters helping proctologists to identify patients with defaecatory disorders that may be treated with
L Brusciano1, P Limongelli, G del Genio
1First Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. luigibrusciano@tin.it
Background:
No studies have specifically reported on the use of a diagnostic tool based on physiatric assessment of constipated or incontinent patients
Methods:
Sixty-seven constipated and 37 incontinent patients were submitted to a standard protocol based on proctologic examination, clinico-physiatric assessment (puborectalis contraction, pubococcygeal test, perineal defence reflex, muscular synergies, postural examination) and instrumental evaluation (anorectal manometry, anal US and dynamic defaecography). Patients were offered pelvic floor rehabilitation (thoraco-abdominoperineal muscle coordination training, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and volumetric rehabilitation).
Results:
After rehabilitation treatment, decreases of Wexner constipation score (p=0.0001) and Pescatori incontinence score (p=0.0001) were observed.
Conclusion:
This diagnostic protocol might improve the selection of patients with defaecatory disorders amenable for rehabilitation treatment.
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