[Female dyschesia, functional associations and pelvic disorders]

Although the usual methods of exploring anorectal disorders give information on specific aspects of defecation, they do not take into account the related effect of disorders involving the pelvic contents including the genital and urinary tract. We therefore used physical examination and global imaging to demonstrate the effect of urinary and genital anomalies in female patients with dyschesia.

A prospective study was conducted in 50 consecutive female patients (age range 21-83) who consulted for dyschesia. The following protocol was used. History taking included a search for urinary and gynaecology surgery or medical treatment and the number of pregnancies and instrumental deliveries as well as a precise scoring of defecation disorders. The general physical examination included a search for signs of prolapsus or ulcerations. A rectocolpocystogram was performed in all patients.

There were 7 patients under 40 years of age, 25 from 41 to 61 years and 18 over 61. Urinary incontinence was the most frequent functional complaint (80%). In 92% of the patients, the rectocolpocystogram revealed associated anatomic anomalies. Dynamic stimulation was associated with cervicocystoptosis (72%), hysteroptosis (50%) and rectocele (66%).

Female dyschesia is a complex phenomena involving the anatomic status of the urinary, genital and anorectal tracts. Therapeutic management should be based on a complete examination including an evaluation of the pelvic contents and the perineum.