[Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: Aetiology, Diagnostic Assessment and Therapeutic Options]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) presents with defecation difficulties, often challenging to distinguish from irritable bowel syndrome or slow transit constipation.
• Morphological disorders, such as rectal intussusception and anterior rectocele, are common in ODS, particularly among female patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for obstructed defecation syndrome.
• To highlight the role of MR defecography in diagnosing morphological pathologies associated with ODS.

Main Methods:

• Review of patient history and basic proctological examinations.
• Utilization of MR defecography as a key diagnostic tool.
• Discussion of conservative and surgical treatment options.

Main Results:

• Differential diagnosis of ODS from other functional bowel disorders can be difficult.
• MR defecography is crucial for identifying morphological abnormalities in ODS.
• Both conservative management and surgical interventions (transabdominal and transanal) are considered.

Conclusions:

• ODS is a benign condition where conservative treatment is the primary approach.
• Surgical intervention is indicated for morphological disorders after conservative treatment failure.
• Effective management of ODS remains a challenge due to its multifactorial etiology and varied symptoms.