Evaluation of normal subjects by defecographic technique

A simple method of defecation radiography using video recording of evacuation of a suspension of radiopaque barium sulfate in ten normal volunteers to establish physiologic parameters is described. Clinical perineal descent and defecographic measurement have been performed. The anorectal angle (ARA) was, on the average, 90.00 +/- 4.76 degrees (SEM) at rest and 111.00 +/- 5.02 degrees (SEM) during evacuation. The width of the anal canal (W) was, on the average, 1.29 +/- 0.13 cm (SEM). The duration of sphincteric relaxation (SRT) was, on the average, 4.50 +/- 1.04 sec (SEM), with a total average evacuation time (TET) of 12.00 +/- 3.54 sec (SEM). The authors confirm the effectiveness of defecographic techniques and recommend the standardization of the method to have an unequivocal interpretation of the obtained data.