[Primitive ano-rectal neuralgia. Atypical cases (author's transl)]

In a new statistic concerning 245 cases of primary ano-rectal neuralgia, it can be seen that the schematic classical classification derived from Thaysen, Theile, and Bensaude must be maintained (proctalgia fugax: 45 cases; coccygodynia: 44 cases; ano-rectal neuralgia: 95 cases), partially integrating unusual cases of pruritus ani. Among the 4 principle etiologies, while not underestimating the neuropsychical and intestinal factors (constipation, laxatives), the importance of two other factors must be underlined (the urogenital factor, and particularly, the role of menopause, and important pelvic operations (33 cases) often overestimated; rachidian factors: tendomyositis (Garrigues), pseudoradicular factor. The interest of this study is to show that besides these typical cases (81,7%), a number of atypical cases exist, which have often been under-estimated. These cases can be classified in intermediary (4%), associated (10%), alternating (3,3%) cases, in the course of which the different syndromes replace each other or seem superposed. It must be underlined that the notion of these primitive ano-rectal neuralgias must be inserted in the much larger class of perineal urinary, gynecological or bone and ligament neuralgias. The classification remains opened. An etiopathogenical treatment must be installed, that rejects all regional or surgical aggressive acts when not absolutely necessary, and underlines the importance of massage, internal (levator ani), or external (Maigne's technique, attentive and repeated sessions of rachidian massage).U