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Updated: Jul 9, 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
Imaging of obstructed defecation
A Ganeshan1, E M Anderson, S Upponi
1Radiology Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Clinical Radiology
|December 11, 2007
Summary
Constipation, often caused by impaired colonic transit or obstructed defecation, can be diagnosed using various imaging techniques. This article details common methods for identifying structural causes and illustrates abnormal findings in obstructive defecation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal issue in Western countries.
- It stems from impaired colonic transit or obstructed defecation.
- Diagnostic imaging is crucial for differentiating structural from functional constipation causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe common imaging techniques used in diagnosing structural causes of constipation.
- To present illustrations of abnormal defecographic findings in patients with obstructive defecation.
Main Methods:
- Review of common imaging modalities for constipation.
- Focus on techniques for diagnosing structural abnormalities.
- Inclusion of defecographic findings in obstructive defecation.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of imaging techniques for structural constipation.
- Illustrations of abnormal defecographic findings provided.
- Emphasis on distinguishing structural from functional causes.
Conclusions:
- Imaging is essential for diagnosing the structural causes of constipation.
- Defecography is a key tool for evaluating obstructive defecation.
- Accurate diagnosis aids in appropriate patient management.
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