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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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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.
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Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
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Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

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Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
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Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

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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.
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Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
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Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
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Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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Rectal prolapse traumatizes rectal neuromuscular microstructure explaining persistent rectal dysfunction.

Matthias Kraemer1, Werner Paulus2, David Kara3

  • 1Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Coloproctology, St. Barbara-Klinik, Hamm, Germany. mkraemer@barbaraklinik.de.

International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|September 8, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Internal rectal prolapse causes significant neuromuscular defects in the rectal wall, worsening obstruction and evacuation issues. These age-related changes are likely irreversible, contributing to chronic constipation and incontinence.

Keywords:
MegarectumObstructed defecationRectal dysfunctionRectal hyposensitivityRectal inertiaRectal prolapse

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Internal rectal prolapse is a common condition associated with aging.
  • It leads to physical obstruction and defecation disorders.
  • Progressive rectal distortion may cause secondary rectal wall defects, worsening dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively detect and quantify neurologic and histopathologic changes in the rectal wall of patients with internal rectal prolapse.

Main Methods:

  • Examined rectal wall specimens from 100 patients undergoing stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR).
  • Performed histopathologic and neuropathologic assessments, including immunohistochemistry.
  • Correlated clinical and demographic data with pathologic findings.

Main Results:

  • Severity of prolapse and perineal descent correlated significantly with age.
  • Muscular and neuronal defects were found in 94% and 90% of specimens, respectively.
  • Only 4% of specimens were free of significant structural defects.

Conclusions:

  • Rectal prolapse causes neuromuscular defects due to shearing forces and ischemia, creating a vicious cycle of obstruction.
  • Internal rectal prolapse can be viewed as a degenerative disorder due to its correlation with age.
  • Neural and motor defects in the rectal wall are likely irreversible, contributing to chronic constipation and incontinence.