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Evaluation of perineal descent by defaecography
E Skomorowska1, V Hegedüs, J Christiansen
1Department of Surgery D, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Defecography reveals that pelvic floor descent during straining, not at rest, may be an early indicator of fecal incontinence or obstructed defecation in women. Standardized techniques are crucial for accurate comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Defecation disorders, including fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation, significantly impact quality of life.
- Understanding the dynamics of the pelvic floor during defecation is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate perineal descent using defecography in healthy volunteers and patients with defecation disorders.
- To assess the relationship between pelvic floor position at rest and during straining in women with fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation.
Main Methods:
- Defecography was performed on 55 healthy volunteers, 21 women with idiopathic fecal incontinence, and 8 women with obstructed defecation.
- The study focused on patients in a sitting position to analyze morphological changes and pelvic floor dynamics during defecation.
Main Results:
- Pelvic floor position at rest and during straining showed similar patterns in women with incontinence and obstructed defecation.
- Normal resting pelvic floor position could present with significant descent during straining.
- Abnormal resting position could show normal descent during straining, suggesting increased descent during straining as an early functional sign.
Conclusions:
- Increased perineal descent during straining may be an initial indicator of defecation dysfunction, preceding resting descent.
- Establishing standardized defecography techniques is essential for reliable comparison of data across different centers.