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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment 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,...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
The Micturition Reflex01:26

The 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...
Urinary Bladder01:23

Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal01:26

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal

Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development describes the anal stage as occurring between 18 months and three years of age. During this period, children derive pleasure from controlling and releasing their bowel movements. However, they quickly learn that societal expectations impose restrictions on when and where this can happen. This stage marks a critical point where children begin to develop a sense of control and mastery over their bodily functions, as well as their broader...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...

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Chemotherapy followed by pelvic reirradiation versus chemotherapy alone as preoperative treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer (GRECCAR 15): superiority open-label phase III randomized clinical trial.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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

[Anal incontinence].

Jean-Luc Faucheron1

  • 1Unité de chirurgie colorectale, Clinique universitaire de chirurgie digestive et de l'urgence, Hôpital Albert Michallon, F-38043 Grenoble cedex 9, France. JLFaucheron@chu-grenoble.fr

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|June 17, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Anal incontinence is more common than previously thought. Diagnosis involves history, clinical exam, transrectal ultrasound, and anal manometry, guiding treatments from surgery to neuromodulation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Colorectal Surgery
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Diagnostic Imaging and Physiology

Context:

  • Anal incontinence prevalence may be underestimated in current medical literature.
  • Patient assessment relies on detailed history and physical examination.
  • Diagnostic tools are crucial for evaluating the cause and severity of anal incontinence.

Purpose:

  • To outline current diagnostic and treatment strategies for anal incontinence.
  • To emphasize the importance of atraumatic diagnostic methods.
  • To provide a treatment algorithm based on clinical findings.

Summary:

  • Anal incontinence assessment utilizes transrectal ultrasound and anal manometry for diagnosis.
  • Surgical repair is indicated for external sphincter rupture, with options for revision or replacement if initial surgery fails.

More Related Videos

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

  • Neuromodulation therapy is a key treatment for cases without obvious sphincter rupture, particularly with pudendal neuropathy.

    • Impact:

    • Improved diagnostic accuracy leading to more targeted treatments for anal incontinence.
    • Enhanced patient management through a structured approach to surgical and non-surgical interventions.
    • Potential for better outcomes in patients suffering from anal incontinence and related nerve conditions.