Conventional videodefecography: Pathologic findings according to gender and age

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pelvic Floor Disorders
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Conventional videodefecography is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Understanding variations in defecographic findings based on patient demographics is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most frequent disorders diagnosed using conventional videodefecography.
• To compare defecographic abnormalities between symptomatic patients, analyzing differences based on gender and age.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 300 conventional videodefecography studies (24 men, 266 women; mean age 57.7) over 32 months.
• Analysis of parameters including anorectal angle, pelvic floor movement, intussusceptions, incontinence, and rectocele.
• Statistical analysis using the chi-square test to compare findings between demographic groups.

Main Results:

• Normal findings were less common in women (7.5%) than men (16.7%).
• In women, rectocele (62%), descending perineum syndrome (42.8%), and intussusceptions (33.8%) were most frequent. In men, dyskinetic puborectalis syndrome (37.5%) was most common.
• Dyskinetic puborectalis syndrome was significantly more likely in men (OR 5.78), while descending perineum syndrome was more likely in women (OR 2.8).
• Age influenced perineal descent in women: younger than 50 showed increased descent during evacuation (81.8%), while older than 50 had low pelvic floor at rest (60.3%).

Conclusions:

• Videodefecographic findings for pelvic floor disorders demonstrate significant variations according to patient gender.
• Age is also a critical factor influencing the presentation of specific defecographic abnormalities, particularly in women.