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Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Anorectal dysfunction in adults with spina bifida and associated socio-emotional factors-a retrospective,
N de Wild1, F Herrmann2, G J F J Bos3
1Department of Surgery, Anorectal Physiology Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30 001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. n.de.wild@umcg.nl.
Study Design:
Retrospective, cross-sectional study.
Objectives:
To investigate prevalence, types, and severity of fecal incontinence (FI) and constipation in adults with spina bifida (SB), in relation to self-perception and help-seeking, and to compare findings to data from a general population reference group.
Setting:
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Netherlands.
Methods:
The 294 adults with SB registered at UMCG in 2017 were invited to participate. The Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence Questionnaire was used to assess functional outcomes for FI and constipation using Rome IV criteria. Vaizey (for FI) and Agachan (for constipation) scores were determined. Socio-demographic factors and self-perception of bowel-related problems were recorded through the questionnaire. Data were compared with an age and sex matched reference group.
Results:
The completed questionnaires of 112 (38%) responding participants were analyzed. FI and constipation were more prevalent in the study group (35% and 45%, respectively) than in the reference group (8.9% and 22%, respectively). In general, in participants with SB aperta (SBA; n = 75), FI was more severe than in participants with SB occulta (SBO; n = 37). However, severity of FI was higher in SBO participants than in the SBA group after the age of 61. Bowel problems in adults with SB were associated with worse self-perception regarding health.
Conclusions:
In adults with SB, anorectal dysfunction is often present and severe. Older persons with SBO experience more severe FI than in early age. Bowel problems should systematically and more adequately be addressed and controlled throughout adulthood in both the spina bifida groups.
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