Evidence for pelvic floor dyssynergia in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
V P Suttor1, G M Prott, R D Hansen
1GI Investigation Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia.
Purpose:
Although functional constipation is known to often manifest concomitant features of pelvic floor dyssynergia, the nature of pelvic floor symptoms and anorectal dysfunction in non-diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome is less clear. This study aims to compare anorectal sensorimotor function and symptoms of patients who have non-diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome with those who have functional constipation.
Methods:
We studied 50 consecutive female patients referred with constipation and 2 or more symptoms of pelvic floor dyssynergia, who also satisfied Rome II criteria for either non-diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (n = 25; mean age, 47 +/- 3 y) or functional constipation (n = 25; 49 +/- 3 y). Assessments included the Rome II Integrative Questionnaire, a validated constipation questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, visual analog scores for satisfaction with bowel habit and for impact on quality of life, and a comprehensive anorectal physiology study.
Results:
Both groups displayed physiological evidence of pelvic floor dyssynergia; but patients with non-diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome exhibited a higher prevalence of abnormal balloon expulsion (P < .01) and less paradoxical anal contraction with strain (P = .045) than patients with functional constipation. These patients with irritable bowel syndrome also reported more straining to defecate (P = .04), a higher total constipation score (P = .02), lower stool frequency (P = .02), a trend toward harder stools (P = .06), and less satisfaction with bowel habit (P = .03) than patients with functional constipation.
Conclusion:
Patients with non-diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome with symptoms of pelvic floor dyssynergia exhibit overall pelvic floor dyssynergia physiology similar to that of patients with functional constipation. Certain features, however, such as abnormal balloon expulsion, may be more prominent in the patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Therapeutic modalities, such as biofeedback, that are effective in patients with functional constipation with pelvic floor dyssynergia should therefore be considered in selected patients with irritable bowel syndrome with pelvic floor dyssynergia.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
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 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:
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:26Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
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...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management