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Related Experiment Videos

Anorectal function in elderly patients with fecal impaction.

N W Read, L Abouzekry, M G Read

    Gastroenterology
    |November 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    Elderly patients with fecal impaction show impaired rectal sensation and contractions, similar to spinal cord injury patients. This suggests neurological factors may contribute to severe constipation in the elderly.

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    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Geriatrics
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Fecal impaction is a common and debilitating condition in the elderly.
    • The underlying mechanisms contributing to fecal impaction in this population are not fully understood.
    • Previous studies suggest potential neurological involvement in severe constipation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate rectal sensory perception and motor function in elderly patients with fecal impaction.
    • To compare these functions with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
    • To explore potential similarities with neurological conditions affecting rectal function.

    Main Methods:

    • Manometric investigations and other rectal function tests were performed on 55 elderly patients with fecal impaction and 36 elderly controls.

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  • Evaluated maximum basal and squeeze sphincter pressures.
  • Assessed rectal distention volumes for sensory perception (balloon, pain, defecation urge) and rectal contractions.

    • Main Results:

    • Sphincter pressures were similar between impacted patients and controls.
    • Impacted patients required larger rectal volumes to perceive stimuli and generate contractions.
    • Rectal pressures during distention were lower in impacted patients, who also had impaired anal and perianal sensation.

    Conclusions:

    • Elderly patients with fecal impaction exhibit diminished rectal sensitivity and impaired rectal motor responses.
    • These functional deficits are comparable to those observed in individuals with low spinal cord injuries.
    • Findings suggest that neurological dysfunction may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of fecal impaction in the elderly.