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Is the rectum a conduit or storage organ?
1Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
International Surgery
|April 1, 1997
Summary
The rectum functions as a storage organ, not just a conduit for stool. This study found palpable stool in the rectum of healthy individuals, indicating a storage role in defecation dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Physiology
Background:
- The rectum is traditionally viewed as a conduit for stool passage.
- However, the presence of stool in the rectum without the urge to defecate suggests a potential storage function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the rectum primarily acts as a conduit or a storage organ for stools.
- To understand the physiological role of the rectum in defecation.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 48 healthy volunteers.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) and air enema radiography were performed.
- Stool frequency and time since last defecation were recorded.
Main Results:
- Stool was palpable in the lower rectum via DRE in 31/48 subjects.
- Radiography confirmed stool presence in 12/16 subjects.
- Subjects with palpable stool had last defecated significantly longer ago (15.6 hours) than those with an empty rectum (5.2 hours).
Conclusions:
- The rectum serves as a storage organ in addition to being a conduit.
- This storage function is evident when stool volume is insufficient to trigger the defecation reflex or when defecation is suppressed.