[Functional disorders of the rectum and pelvic floor--surgical diagnosis]

Pelvic-floor disorders present themselves as isolated entities or, often, in combination with other ano-rectal diseases. In each case, the basis for individual therapy has to be a precise diagnosis. For differentiation of pelvic-floor disorders, we use a step by step diagnostic cascade: the first step is a basic proctological evaluation, including history, scoring, inspection, palpation, proctorectoscopy and anorectal manometry. Secondary special diagnostics, such as endosonography, neurological examination, transit-time studies and defecography are also used. In special individual problems, CT scan, MRI, urological or gynecological examination complete the diagnostic route, resulting in the definite coloproctological therapy.