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Assessing Anorectal Function in Constipation and Fecal Incontinence
Alice C Jiang1, Ami Panara2, Yun Yan3
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Abstract:
Constipation and fecal incontinence are commonly encountered complaints in the gastrointestinal clinic. Assessment of anorectal function includes comprehensive history, rectal examination, and prospective stool diary or electronic App diary that accurately captures bowel symptoms, evaluation of severity, and quality of life of measure. Evaluation of a suspected patient with dyssynergic constipation includes anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, and defecography. Investigation of a suspected patient with fecal incontinence includes high-resolution anorectal manometry; anal ultrasound or MRI; and neurophysiology tests, such as translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation or pudendal nerve latency. This article provides an approach to the assessment of anorectal function.
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