Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Rectal measurements and their correlation with bowel habits: Evaluation by trans-abdominal ultrasound in children
Samaneh Shapouri1, Rahman Matani1, Ali Salahshoor2
1Pediatrics Medicine Department, Imam Ali Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
Insights
Ultrasound rectal measurements like rectal transverse diameter and anterior wall thickness correlate with childhood constipation severity and duration. These findings may help in assessing constipation and potentially reduce the need for digital rectal exams.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Childhood constipation is a prevalent issue impacting children's quality of life.
- Accurate assessment of constipation is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ultrasound-derived rectal measurements and bowel habits in children with functional constipation.
- To explore the utility of ultrasound in evaluating pediatric constipation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 children diagnosed with functional constipation.
- Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations (including digital rectal examination), and complete abdominopelvic ultrasound.
- Key ultrasound measurements were rectal transverse diameter (RTD) and rectal anterior wall thickness (RAWT), along with assessment for fecal impaction.
Main Results:
- The study included 100 children with a mean age of 7.68 years and a mean constipation duration of 15.86 months.
- Ultrasound revealed a mean RTD of 3.39 cm and RAWT of 2.77 mm, with fecal impaction present in 70% of cases.
- Rectal transverse diameter and anterior wall thickness showed positive correlations with age, constipation duration, and hard stools, and a negative correlation with defecation frequency (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Rectal measurements via ultrasound, specifically RTD and RAWT, are associated with constipation duration and stool consistency.
- Ultrasound data may offer a non-invasive alternative, potentially obviating the need for digital rectal examination in initial pediatric constipation assessments.
Aim:
Constipation is one of the most common complaints in childhood affecting the quality of life of both children and parents. This study intends to investigate rectal measurements on ultrasound and their relationship with bowel habits.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 100 children with functional constipation (FC) referred to a single hospital between 2018 and 2019 were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, a questionnaire including demographic and constipation characteristics was completed, and a physical examination including digital rectal examination (DRE) was performed. Complete abdominopelvic ultrasound was then performed. Target measurements included rectal transverse diameter (RTD), rectal anterior wall thickness (RAWT) and the presence of faecal impaction.
Results:
One hundred children with a mean age of 7.68 ± 3.30 years were present in the study. The mean duration of constipation was 15.86 ± 13.34 months. In 14% of children, painful defaecation was reported. 88% of children had some degree of faecal incontinence. According to the ultrasound findings, the mean RTD and RAWT were 3.39 ± 0.73 cm and 2.77 ± 0.68 mm, respectively, and faecal impaction was present in 70% of cases. There was a positive correlation between RTD and RAWT with age, duration of constipation and the presence of hard stools, and there was a negative correlation with frequency of defecation (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
RTD and RAWT increased with increasing constipation duration and the presence of hard stools and decreased with increasing frequency of defaecation. DRE could be omitted from the initial clinical assessment if you had access to reliable ultrasound data.
More Related Videos
07:41Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
05:45Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
Published on: April 26, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
01:22Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...