[Value of intra-anal ultrasound study for structural analysis of the continence organ--initial results]

Endorectal ultrasound gives a fairly precise anatomical view of the muscular components of the continence organ. The strength of the puborectalis and the external anal sphincter can be measured with an accuracy slightly under one millimeter and consistency can be gauged roughly. Another major use is for the diagnosis of pelvic, particularly retrorectal, processes such as abscesses, tumours or duplication. Short distances between ultrasound probe and process yield a high resolution. The procedure is quick and does not cause any radiation effects (as opposed to CT).