MR defecography in assessing stress urinary incontinence with or without symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.

PURPOSE: Utilize magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) to analyze the primary pelvic floor dysfunctions in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and in SUI patients with asymptomatic POP. METHOD: We performed MRD in both SUI and POP subjects. As a primary analysis, the functional MR parameters were compared between the isolated POP and POP combined SUI groups. As a secondary analysis, the functional MR data were compared between the POP combined SUI and the SUI with asymptomatic POP (isolated SUI) groups. RESULTS: MRD noted the main characteristics of SUI combined moderate or severe POP, including the shorter closed urethra length (1.87 cm vs. 2.50 cm, p < 0.001), more prevalent urethral hypermobility (112.31° vs. 85.67°, p = 0.003), bladder neck funneling (48.28% vs. 20.51%, p = 0.020), lower position of vesicourethral junction (2.11 cm vs. 1.67 cm, p = 0.030), and more severe prolapse of the posterior bladder wall (6.26 cm vs. 4.35 cm, p = 0.008). The isolated SUI patients showed the shortest length of the closed urethra (1.56 cm vs. 1.87 cm, p = 0.029), a larger vesicourethral angle (153.80° vs. 107.58°, p < 0.001), the more positive bladder funneling (84.85% vs. 48.28%, p = 0.002) and a special urethral opening sign (45.45% vs. 3.45%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SUI accompanying POP primarily exhibit excessive urethral mobility and a shortened urethral closure. SUI patients with asymptomatic POP mainly show dysfunction of the urethra and bladder neck, characterized by the opening of the urethra and bladder neck and a shortened urethral closure.

Radiographic Evaluation of Ileal Pouch Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic imaging of the abdomen and pelvis plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of ileal pouch disorders with modalities including CT, MRI, contrasted pouchography, and defecography. OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review of the literature and describe applications of cross-sectional imaging, pouchography, defecography, and ultrasonography. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database. STUDY SELECTION: Relevant articles on endoscopy in ileal pouches published between January 2003 and June 2023 in English were included on the basis of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. INTERVENTION: Main abdominal and pelvic imaging modalities and their applications in the diagnosis of ileal pouch disorders were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy in characterization of ileal pouch disorders. RESULTS: CT is the test of choice for the evaluation of acute anastomotic leaks, perforation, and abscess(es). MRI of the pelvis is suitable for the assessment of chronic anastomotic leaks and their associated fistulas and sinus tracts, as well as for the penetrating phenotype of Crohn's disease of the pouch. CT enterography and magnetic resonance enterography are useful in assessing intraluminal, intramural, and extraluminal disease processes of the pouch and prepouch ileum. Water-soluble contrast pouchography is particularly useful for evaluating acute or chronic anastomotic leaks and outlines the shape and configuration of the pouch. Defecography is the key modality to evaluate structural and functional pouch inlet and outlet obstructions. Ultrasonography can be performed to assess the pouch in experienced IBD centers. LIMITATIONS: This is a qualitative, not quantitative, review of mainly case series and case reports. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominopelvic imaging, along with clinical and endoscopic evaluation, is imperative for accurately assessing structural, inflammatory, functional, and neoplastic disorders. See video from symposium .

Pubococcygeal Line Versus H-line as MR Defecography Reference for Bladder Descent.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Magnetic resonance defecography imaging techniques have been used widely to study pelvic floor function and diagnose pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the H-line to detect bladder descent compared with the current landmark, the pubococcygeal line (PCL). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent MR defecography in our medical center and were diagnosed with moderate to severe cystocele by radiological measurements were recruited. One rest image and one maximum evacuation image for each subject were used for the following measurements: bladder base perpendicular distance from the genital hiatus (GH), indicative of clinically significant bladder descent, PCL as the current radiological reference line, and the H-line, or minimal levator hiatus line, indicative of pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue support. Subjects were categorized as having clinically significant cystocele if the "bladder base" reached within 1 cm or lower of the GH (stage II or higher cystocele). A comparison was performed to assess differences and predictive capabilities of the reference lines relative to the GH measure. RESULTS: Seventy subjects were included, 30 with clinically significant bladder descent based on distance to GH. Women with bladder descent were older (64.0 ± 11.8 vs 51.2 ± 15.6, p < 0.001), had increased parity (3 [1-7] vs 2 [0-5], p = 0.009), and had a bladder that descended lower than the H-line at rest (1.9 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.003) and evacuation (-2.4 ± 1.6 vs -0.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that age, length of the H-line at evacuation, the perpendicular distances between the H-line and the lowest bladder point at rest, and the PCL to the lowest bladder point at evacuation significantly correlated with bladder descent. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to identify a measurement threshold to diagnose clinically significant cystocele for both measurements, bladder base to the H-line: -1.2 (80.0, 72.5) area under the curve (AUC) 0.82, and bladder base PCL: -3.3 (77.8, 79.5) AUC 0.86. CONCLUSION: Our data support the application of using the minimal levator hiatus plane and specifically the H-line as a reliable landmark to diagnose bladder descent using MR defecography imaging.

Analysis of factors that indicated surgery in 400 patients submitted to a complete diagnostic workup for obstructed defecation syndrome and rectal prolapse using a supervised machine learning algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Patient selection is extremely important in obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) and rectal prolapse (RP) surgery. This study assessed factors that guided the indications for ODS and RP surgery and their specific role in our decision-making process using a machine learning approach. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a long-term prospective observational study on female patients reporting symptoms of ODS who underwent a complete diagnostic workup from January 2010 to December 2021 at an academic tertiary referral center. Clinical, defecographic, and other functional tests data were assessed. A supervised machine learning algorithm using a classification tree model was performed and tested. RESULTS: A total of 400 patients were included. The factors associated with a significantly higher probability of undergoing surgery were follows: as symptoms, perineal splinting, anal or vaginal self-digitations, sensation of external RP, episodes of fecal incontinence and soiling; as physical examination features, evidence of internal and external RP, rectocele, enterocele, or anterior/middle pelvic organs prolapse; as defecographic findings, intra-anal and external RP, rectocele, incomplete rectocele emptying, enterocele, cystocele, and colpo-hysterocele. Surgery was less indicated in patients with dyssynergia, severe anxiety and depression. All these factors were included in a supervised machine learning algorithm. The model showed high accuracy on the test dataset (79%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms assessment and physical examination proved to be fundamental, but other functional tests should also be considered. By adopting a machine learning model in further ODS and RP centers, indications for surgery could be more easily and reliably identified and shared.

Comparison of Anorectal Manometry, Rectal Balloon Expulsion Test, and Defecography for Diagnosing Defecatory Disorders.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The utility of high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) for diagnosing defecatory disorders (DDs) is unclear because healthy people may have features of dyssynergia. We aimed to identify objective diagnostic criteria for DD and to ascertain the utility of HR-ARM for diagnosing DD. METHODS: Constipated patients were assessed with HR-ARM and rectal balloon expulsion time (BET), and a subset underwent defecography. Normal values were established by assessing 184 sex-matched healthy individuals. Logistic regression models evaluated the association of abnormal HR-ARM findings with prolonged BET and reduced rectal evacuation (determined by defecography). RESULTS: A total of 474 constipated individuals (420 women) underwent HR-ARM and BET, and 158 underwent defecography. BET was prolonged, suggesting a DD, for 152 patients (32%). Rectal evacuation was lower for patients with prolonged vs normal BET. A lower rectoanal gradient during evacuation, reduced anal squeeze increment, and reduced rectal sensation were independently associated with abnormal BETs; the rectoanal gradient was 36% sensitive and 85% specific for prolonged BET. A lower rectoanal gradient and prolonged BET were independently associated with reduced evacuation. Among constipated patients, the probability of reduced rectal evacuation was 14% when the gradient and BET were both normal, 45% when either was abnormal, and 75% when both variables were abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: HR-ARM, BET, and defecography findings were concordant for constipated patients, and reduced rectoanal gradient was the best HR-ARM predictor of prolonged BET or reduced rectal evacuation. Prolonged BET, reduced gradient, and reduced evacuation each independently supported a diagnosis of DD in constipated patients. We propose the terms probable DD for patients with an isolated abnormal gradient or BET and definite DD for patients with abnormal results from both tests.

MR Defecating Proctography with Emphasis on Posterior Compartment Disorders.

MR defecating proctography (MRDP) is a noninvasive examination that can be used for evaluating posterior compartment disorders. MRDP has several advantages over conventional fluoroscopic defecography. These benefits include high-contrast resolution evaluation of the deep pelvic organs, simultaneous multicompartmental assessment that is performed statically and dynamically during defecation, and lack of ionizing radiation. MRDP also provides a highly detailed anatomic evaluation of the pelvic floor supportive structures, including direct assessment of the pelvic floor musculature and indirect assessment of the endopelvic fascia. As the breadth of knowledge regarding anatomic and functional posterior compartment disorders expands, so too does the advancement of noninvasive and surgical treatment options for these conditions. High-quality MRDP examinations, with key anatomic and functional features reported, guide treatment planning. Reporting of MRDP examination findings with use of standardized terminology that emphasizes objective measurements rather than subjective grading aids consistent communication among radiologists, clinicians, and surgeons. Familiarity with commonly encountered posterior compartment pelvic floor pathologic entities that contribute to posterior compartment disorders and awareness of the essential information needed by surgeons are key to providing an optimal multidisciplinary discussion for planning pelvic floor dysfunction treatment. The authors provide an overview of the basic concepts of the MRDP acquisition technique, the anatomic abnormalities of posterior compartment pelvic floor pathologic entities associated with defecatory disorders, and recently developed interdisciplinary MRDP reporting templates and lexicons. In addition, the associated imaging findings that are key for surgical treatment guidance are highlighted. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

The added value of conventional defecography and MRI defecography in clinical decision making on treatment for posterior compartment prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Conventional defecography and MRI defecography can be requested as an additional test for diagnosing and differentiating the type of posterior compartment prolapse and/or obstructive defecation disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the added value of conventional defecography, conventional defecography and MRI defecography for clinical decision-making on treatment for patients with posterior compartment prolapse. METHODS: Four gynecologists were asked to fill in their treatment plan per patient for 32 cases for three different steps. Step 1 consisted of information on the anamnesis and physical examination (POP-Q). Step 2 consisted of Step 1, including conventional defecography (group A) or MRI defecography (group B). In Step 3, all gynecologists received the information on Step 1 including both conventional defecography and MRI defecography. Data analysis solely focused on the assessment of changes in the gynecological treatment plan of the posterior compartment. RESULTS: After Step 2 a change in treatment plan occurred in 37% and 48% of the women in groups A and B, respectively. Accordingly, after Step 3 (including all imaging data), a change in treatment plan occurred in 19% and 52% of the women in groups A and B, respectively. A change within the surgery group (when a different type of surgery was selected) was seen for a total of 11 cases in group A and 20 in group B in all steps combined. CONCLUSIONS: Both conventional defecography and MRI defecography had an large effect on the treatment plan for patients with posterior compartment prolapse. The dedicated added value of the imaging modality individually cannot be concluded yet.

Preoperative predictors of success after transvaginal rectocoele repair.

PURPOSE: Determine predictors of success for transvaginal rectocoele repair (TVRR). Primary aim is to establish predictors of successful treatment analysing patients' characteristics, baseline symptoms, pelvic floor test results and pre-operative conservative treatment. METHODS: Retrospective single institution study in a tertiary referral centre for pelvic floor disorders. 207 patients underwent TVRR for symptomatic rectocoele. Information about symptoms related to obstructive defaecation, anal incontinence and vaginal prolapse, results of pelvic floor investigations, multimodality conservative management and variation in surgical technique have been recorded. Symptom related information have been collected at surgical follow-up. RESULTS: 115 patients had residual symptoms after surgical repair of rectocoele, while 97 were symptoms free. Factors associated with residual symptoms after surgical repair are previous proctological procedures, urge AI symptoms, absence of vaginal bulge symptoms, use of transanal irrigation and having a concomitant enterocoele repair during procedure. CONCLUSION: Factors able to predict a less favourable outcome after TVRR in patients with concomitant ODS are previous proctological procedures, presence of urge AI, short anal canal length on anorectal physiology, seepage on defaecating proctography, use of transanal irrigation, absence of vaginal bulge symptoms and enterocoele repair during surgery. These information are important for a tailored decision making process and to manage patients' expectations before surgical repair.

X-ray video defaecography is superior to magnetic resonance defaecography in the imaging of defaecation disorders.

AIM: The aim of this work was to study the technical success and diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance defaecography (MRD) compared with video defaecography (VD). METHOD: Sixty four women with defaecation disorders underwent both MRD and x-ray VD over 1 year. The assessment by two radiologists in consensus was retrospective and blinded. The technical success of straining and evacuation was evaluated subjectively. The presence of enterocele, intussusception, rectocele and dyssynergic defaecation was analysed according to established criteria, with VD as the standard of reference. RESULTS: It was found that 62/64 (96.9%) VD studies were technically fully diagnostic compared with 29/64 (45.3%) for MRD. The number of partially diagnostic studies was 1/64 (1.6%) for VD versus 21/64 (32.8%) for MRD, with 1/64 (1.6%) (VD) and 14/64 (21.9%) (MRD) being nondiagnostic. Thirty enteroceles were observed by VD compared with seven in MRD with moderate agreement (κ = 0.41). Altogether 53 intussusceptions were observed by VD compared with 27 by MRD with poor agreement (κ = -0.10 and κ = 0.02 in recto-rectal and recto-anal intussusception, respectively). Moderate agreement (κ = 0.47) was observed in diagnosing rectocele, with 47 cases by VD and 29 by MRD. Dyssynergic defaecation was observed in three patients by VD and in 11 patients by MRD, with slight agreement (κ = 0.14). CONCLUSION: The technical success and diagnostic capabilities of VD are better than those of MRD. VD remains the method of choice in the imaging of defaecation disorders.

Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation.

With a worldwide prevalence of 15%, chronic constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal diagnoses made in ambulatory medicine clinics, and is a common source cause for referrals to gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the United States. Symptoms vary among patients; straining, incomplete evacuation, and a sense of anorectal blockage are just as important as decreased stool frequency. Chronic constipation is either a primary disorder (such as normal transit, slow transit, or defecatory disorders) or a secondary one (due to medications or, in rare cases, anatomic alterations). Colonic sensorimotor disturbances and pelvic floor dysfunction (such as defecatory disorders) are the most widely recognized pathogenic mechanisms. Guided by efficacy and cost, management of constipation should begin with dietary fiber supplementation and stimulant and/or osmotic laxatives, as appropriate, followed, if necessary, by intestinal secretagogues and/or prokinetic agents. Peripherally acting µ-opiate antagonists are another option for opioid-induced constipation. Anorectal tests to evaluate for defecatory disorders should be performed in patients who do not respond to over-the-counter agents. Colonic transit, followed if necessary with assessment of colonic motility with manometry and/or a barostat, can identify colonic dysmotility. Defecatory disorders often respond to biofeedback therapy. For specific patients, slow-transit constipation may necessitate a colectomy. No studies have compared inexpensive laxatives with newer drugs with different mechanisms. We review the mechanisms, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation. We discuss the importance of meticulous analyses of patient history and physical examination, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic testing, guidance for individualized treatment, and management of medically refractory patients.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS): observational case series findings on MR defecography.

OBJECTIVE: Radiological findings in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) are well described for evacuation proctography (EP) but sparse for magnetic resonance defecography (MRD). In order to rectify this, we describe the spectrum of MRD findings in patients with histologically proven SRUS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRD from twenty-eight patients (18 female; 10 males) with histologically confirmed SRUS were identified. MRD employed a 1.5-T magnet and a standardized technique with the rectal lumen filled with gel and imaged sagittally in the supine position, before, during, and after attempted rectal evacuation. A single radiologist observer with 5 years' experience in pelvic floor imaging made the anatomical and functional measurements. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (10 female) demonstrated internal rectal intussusception and 3 patients (11%) demonstrated complete external rectal prolapse. Anterior rectoceles were noted in 12 female patients (43%). Associated anterior and middle compartment weakness (evidenced by excessive descent) was observed in 18 patients (64%). Cystocele was found in 14 patients (50%) and uterine prolapse was noted in 7 patients (25%). Enterocoeles were detected in 5 patients (18%) and peritoneocoele in 5 patients (18%). None had sigmoidocoele. Sixteen patients (57%) demonstrated delayed voiding and 13 patients (46%) incomplete voiding, suggesting defecatory dyssynergia. CONCLUSION: MRD can identify and grade both rectal intussusception and dyssynergia in SRUS, and also depict associated anterior and/or middle compartment descent. Distinction between structural and functional findings has important therapeutic implications. KEY POINTS: MRD can identify and grade both rectal intussusception and dyssynergia in patients with SRUS. MRD is an acceptable substitute to evacuation proctography in assessing anorectal dysfunctions when attempting to avoid ionizing radiation. SRUS influences the pelvic floor globally. MRD depicts associated anterior and/or middle compartment prolapse.

Systematic Characterization of Defecographic Abnormalities in a Consecutive Series of 827 Patients With Chronic Constipation.

BACKGROUND: Barium defecography can assess structural and functional abnormalities in patients with chronic constipation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of individual and overlapping defecographic findings in this setting. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a university hospital tertiary GI physiology department. PATIENTS: Consecutive examinations of 827 consecutive patients presenting over a 30-month period with well-defined symptom severity (≥12 points on the Cleveland Clinic Constipation score) were included. Systematic evaluation of images with results stratified by sex is described. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six individual functional or anatomic (intussusception, rectocele, enterocele, megarectum, excessive dynamic perineal descent) defecographic observations were defined a priori, thus permitting 26 possible combinations of findings (ie, 63 abnormal types + 1 normal). RESULTS: Patients with constipation (mean symptom score = 19) were predominantly female (88%), with median age of 49 years (range, 17-98 y) . All 6 individual radiologic findings were identified with a total of 43 combinations found in the cohort; the 14 most prevalent of these accounted for >85% of patients. Only 136 patients (16.4%) had a normal defecography (34.3% males vs 13.9% females; p < 0.0001). Overall, 612 patients (74.0%) had structural (n = 508 (61.4%)) or functional (n=104 (12.6%)) abnormalities in isolation, with 79 (9.6%) others exhibiting combinations of both. Functional abnormalities in isolation were more common in males compared with females (22.5% vs11.2%; p = 0.025) as opposed to structural abnormalities (57.8% vs 85.7%; p < 0.0001). Expulsion time was longer in females compared with males (110 s (60-120 s) vs 90 s (60-120 s); p = 0.049). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its lack of multiorgan opacification. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a contemporary atlas of defecographic findings in constipation. Several individual structural and functional features have been systematically classified, with overlap greater than previously acknowledged and profound differences among sexes that carry implications for tailoring management. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552. CARACTERIZACIN SISTEMTICA DE ANOMALAS DEFECOGRFICAS EN UNA SERIE CONSECUTIVA DE PACIENTES CON ESTREIMIENTO CRNICO: ANTECEDENTES:La defecografía con bario puede evaluar anomalías estructurales y funcionales en pacientes con estreñimiento crónico.OBJETIVO:Determinar la prevalencia de hallazgos defecográficos individuales y superpuestos en este entorno.DISEÑO:Transversal.ENTORNO CLINICO:Hospital Universitario de tercer nivel, departamento de fisiología gastrointestinal.PACIENTES:Exploraciones consecutivas de 827 pacientes consecutivos que se presentaron durante un período de 30 meses con una gravedad de los síntomas bien definida (≥12 puntos en la escala de estreñimiento de la Cleveland Clinic): evaluación sistemática de imágenes con resultados estratificados por sexo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Se definieron a priori seis observaciones defecográficas individuales, funcionales o anatómicas (intususcepción, rectocele, enterocele, megarecto, descenso perineal dinámico excesivo), lo que permitió 26 combinaciones posibles de hallazgos (es decir, 63 tipos anormales + 1 normal).RESULTADOS:Los pacientes con estreñimiento (puntuación media de síntomas, 19) eran predominantemente mujeres (88%) con una edad mediana de 49 (17-98) años. Se identificaron 6 hallazgos radiológicos individuales con un total de 43 combinaciones encontradas en la cohorte; los 14 más predominantes de éstos representaron >85% de los pacientes.Solo 136 (16,4%) pacientes tuvieron una defecografía normal (34,3% hombres vs. 13,9% mujeres; P < 0,0001). En general, 612 (74,0%) pacientes tenían anomalías estructurales (n = 508 [61,4%]) o funcionales (n = 104 [12,6%]) de forma aislada, y otros 79 (9,6%) presentaban combinaciones de ambas. Las anomalías funcionales aisladas fueron más comunes en los hombres en comparación con las mujeres (22,5% vs. 11,2%, P = 0,025) en comparación con las anomalías estructurales (57,8 vs. 85,7%, P < 0,0001). El tiempo de expulsión fue mayor en las mujeres en comparación con los hombres (110 [60-120] vs. 90 [60-120] segundos; P = 0,049).LIMITACIONES:Falta de opacificación multiorgánica.CONCLUSIONES:Estos resultados proporcionan un atlas contemporáneo de hallazgos defecográficos en estreñimiento. Varias características individuales, estructurales y funcionales; se han clasificado sistemáticamente, con una superposición mayor que la reconocida anteriormente y con grandes diferencias entre los sexos que tienen implicaciones para adaptar su tratamiento. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552.

Is there any association between symptoms and findings on imaging in pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction? A prospective study.

AIM: To compare features on imaging (integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound (transperineal, transvaginal) and defaecation proctography) with bowel, bladder and vaginal symptoms in pelvic floor defaecatory dysfunction. METHOD: A prospective observational case series of 216 symptomatic women who underwent symptom severity scoring (bowel, bladder and vaginal), integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound and defaecation proctography. Anatomical (rectocele, intussusception, enterocele, cystocele) and functional (co-ordination, evacuation) features were examined. RESULTS: Irrespective of imaging modality, patients with a rectocele had higher International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) scores than patients without. On integrated total pelvic floor ultrasound, ICIQ-VS quality of life scores were higher in those with a rectocele. There was a higher International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire - Bowel Symptoms (ICIQ-BS) bowel pattern score in those with a rectocele, and a lower ICIQ-BS bowel pattern and sexual impact score in those with intussusception. Poor co-ordination was associated with increased ICIQ-BS bowel control scores and obstructed defaecation symptom scores. On defaecation proctography, ICIQ-VS symptom scores were lower in patients with poor co-ordination. CONCLUSION: Patients with a rectocele on either imaging modality may have qualitative vaginal symptoms on assessment. In patients with bowel symptoms but no vaginal symptoms, it is not possible to predict which anatomical abnormalities will be present on imaging.

Imaging modalities for the detection of posterior pelvic floor disorders in women with obstructed defaecation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) is difficulty in evacuating stools, requiring straining efforts at defaecation, having the sensation of incomplete evacuation, or the need to manually assist defaecation. This is due to a physical blockage of the faecal stream during defaecation attempts, caused by rectocele, enterocele, intussusception, anismus or pelvic floor descent. Evacuation proctography (EP) is the most common imaging technique for diagnosis of posterior pelvic floor disorders. It has been regarded as the reference standard because of extensive experience, although it has been proven not to have perfect accuracy. Moreover, EP is invasive, embarrassing and uses ionising radiation. Alternative imaging techniques addressing these issues have been developed and assessed for their accuracy. Because of varying results, leading to a lack of consensus, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature are required. OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic test accuracy of EP, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pelvic floor ultrasound for the detection of posterior pelvic floor disorders in women with ODS, using latent class analysis in the absence of a reference standard, and to assess whether MRI or ultrasound could replace EP. The secondary objective was to investigate differences in diagnostic test accuracy in relation to the use of rectal contrast, evacuation phase, patient position and cut-off values, which could influence test outcome. SEARCH METHODS: We ran an electronic search on 18 December 2019 in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, SCI, CINAHL and CPCI. Reference list, Google scholar. We also searched WHO ICTRP and clinicaltrials.gov for eligible articles. Two review authors conducted title and abstract screening and full-text assessment, resolving disagreements with a third review author. SELECTION CRITERIA: Diagnostic test accuracy and cohort studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the test accuracy of EP, and MRI or pelvic floor ultrasound, or both, for the detection of posterior pelvic floor disorders in women with ODS. We excluded case-control studies. If studies partially met the inclusion criteria, we contacted the authors for additional information. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors performed data extraction, including study characteristics, 'Risk-of-bias' assessment, sources of heterogeneity and test accuracy results. We excluded studies if test accuracy data could not be retrieved despite all efforts. We performed meta-analysis using Bayesian hierarchical latent class analysis. For the index test to qualify as a replacement test for EP, both sensitivity and specificity should be similar or higher than the historic reference standard (EP), and for a triage test either specificity or sensitivity should be similar or higher. We conducted heterogeneity analysis assessing the effect of different test conditions on test accuracy. We ran sensitivity analyses by excluding studies with high risk of bias, with concerns about applicability, or those published before 2010. We assessed the overall quality of evidence (QoE) according to GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies covering 2483 participants were included into the meta-analyses. We produced pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for all index tests for each target condition. Findings of the sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main analysis. Sensitivity of EP for diagnosis of rectocele was 98% (credible interval (CrI)94%-99%), enterocele 91%(CrI 83%-97%), intussusception 89%(CrI 79%-96%) and pelvic floor descent 98%(CrI 93%-100%); specificity for enterocele was 96%(CrI 93%-99%), intussusception 92%(CrI 86%-97%) and anismus 97%(CrI 94%-99%), all with high QoE. Moderate to low QoE showed a sensitivity for anismus of 80%(CrI 63%-94%), and specificity for rectocele of 78%(CrI 63%-90%) and pelvic floor descent 83%(CrI 59%-96%). Specificity of MRI for diagnosis of rectocele was 90% (CrI 79%-97%), enterocele 99% (CrI 96%-100%) and intussusception 97% (CrI 88%-100%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with high QoE. MRI did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Heterogeneity analysis showed that sensitivity of MRI performed with evacuation phase was higher than without for rectocele (94%, CrI 87%-98%) versus 65%, CrI 52% to 89%, and enterocele (87%, CrI 74%-95% versus 62%, CrI 51%-88%), and sensitivity of MRI without evacuation phase was significantly lower than EP. Specificity of transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) for diagnosis of rectocele was 89% (CrI 81%-96%), enterocele 98% (CrI 95%-100%) and intussusception 96% (CrI 91%-99%); sensitivity for anismus was 92% (CrI 72%-98%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with high QoE. TPUS did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Heterogeneity analysis showed that sensitivity of TPUS performed with rectal contrast was not significantly higher than without for rectocele(92%, CrI 69%-99% versus 81%, CrI 58%-95%), enterocele (90%, CrI 71%-99% versus 67%, CrI 51%-90%) and intussusception (90%, CrI 69%-98% versus 61%, CrI 51%-86%), and was lower than EP. Specificity of endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) for diagnosis of rectocele was 76% (CrI 54%-93%), enterocele 97% (CrI 80%-99%) and intussusception 93% (CrI 72%-99%); sensitivity for anismus was 84% (CrI 59%-96%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with very low to moderate QoE. EVUS did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Specificity of dynamic anal endosonography (DAE) for diagnosis of rectocele was 88% (CrI 62%-99%), enterocele 97% (CrI 75%-100%) and intussusception 93% (CrI 65%-99%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with very low to moderate QoE. DAE did not meet the criteria to replace EP. Echodefaecography (EDF) had a sensitivity of 89% (CrI 65%-98%) and specificity of 92% (CrI 72%-99%) for intussusception, meeting the criteria to replace EP but with very low QoE. Specificity of EDF for diagnosis of rectocele was 89% (CrI 60%-99%) and for enterocele 97% (CrI 87%-100%); sensitivity for anismus was 87% (CrI 72%-96%), meeting the criteria for a triage test with low to very low QoE. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In a population of women with symptoms of ODS, none of the imaging techniques met the criteria to replace EP. MRI and TPUS met the criteria of a triage test, as a positive test confirms diagnosis of rectocele, enterocele and intussusception, and a negative test rules out diagnosis of anismus. An evacuation phase increased sensitivity of MRI. Rectal contrast did not increase sensitivity of TPUS. QoE of EVUS, DAE and EDF was too low to draw conclusions. More well-designed studies are required to define their role in the diagnostic pathway of ODS.

Transvaginal peritoneocele repair with anterior levatorplasty for patients with a rectocele and an enterocele.

Enteroceles and rectoceles are often identified as the cause of a vaginal mass and pelvic discomfort. The combination of a rectocele and an enterocele as pelvic organ prolapses is not infrequent; however, there are few reports on possible simultaneous treatments of these two conditions. We report a new and simple procedure for repairing an enterocele during a transvaginal anterior levatorplasty with posterior colporrhaphy for a rectocele repair. This technique involves making an excision in the peritoneal sac, with high ligation, and attaching the uterine cervix and/or cardinal ligament to the upper most part of the approximation of the levator muscles, to reinforce and lift the deep peritoneal sac. This procedure allows for transvaginal repair of both an enterocele and a rectocele. The enterocele is visualized by applying barium to the posterior vaginal wall during defecography.

[MR Imaging Diagnostics in Proctology]. / MRI-Diagnostik in der Proktologie.

MR Imaging Diagnostics in Proctology Abstract. MR imaging is excellent for 1) the staging of rectal cancer 2) the assessment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease and 3) the performance of defecography. 1) MRI accuracy for the classification of the T- and N-stage is 75 - 95 % and 71 - 85 %, respectively. An infiltration of the mesorectal fat is easily detectable. 2) Due to the high soft-tissue contrast MRI depicts perirectal and perianal abscesses and fistulas, demonstrates the anatomical correlation to the anal sphincters and monitors the therapeutic response and the activity of the underlying disease. 3) MRI-movie-sequences allow for the demonstration of the dynamic processes during the defecography. With that technique it is possible to detect a paradox contraction of the puborectalis muscle in patients with anismus (dyskinesia) and to demonstrate a descensus of the pelvic floor, an incontinence, a rectocele or enterocele.

Anorectal Disorders: An Update.

Anorectal disorders encompass structural, neuromuscular, and functional disorders. They are common, often distressing, and in some cases debilitating, and significantly add to the health care burden. They present with multiple, overlapping symptoms that can often obscure the underlying pathology and can pose significant diagnostic and management dilemmas. A meticulous history and comprehensive digital rectal examination can provide clarity on the diagnosis, appropriate testing, and management of these conditions. Today, with the development of sophisticated diagnostic tools such as high-resolution and high-definition (3-D) anorectal manometry, 3-D anal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance defecography and imaging, and neurophysiological tests such as translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation, it is possible to more accurately define and characterize the underlying structural and functional abnormalities. In this review, we present a succinct update on the latest knowledge with regards to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of anal fissure, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, intussusception, rectocele, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, levator ani syndrome, dyssynergic defecation and fecal incontinence.

Clinical Features and Associations of Descending Perineum Syndrome in 300 Adults with Constipation in Gastroenterology Referral Practice.

BACKGROUND: Outlet obstruction constipation accounts for about 30% of chronic constipation (CC) cases in a referral practice. AIMS: To assess the proportion of patients with CC diagnosed with descending perineum syndrome (DPS) by a single gastroenterologist and to compare clinical, radiological, and associated features in DPS compared to patients with constipation. METHODS: We conducted a review of records of 300 consecutive patients evaluated for constipation by a single gastroenterologist from 2007 to 2019, including medical, surgical, and obstetrics history, digital rectal examination, anorectal manometry, defecation proctography (available in 15/23 with DPS), treatment, and follow-up. DPS was defined as > 3 cm descent of anorectal junction on imaging or estimated perineal descent on rectal examination. Logistic regression with univariate and multivariate analysis compared factors associated with DPS to non-DPS patients. RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 300 (7.7%, all female) patients had DPS; these patients were older, had more births [including more vaginal deliveries (84.2% vs. 31.2% in non-DPS, p < 0.001)], more instrumental or traumatic vaginal deliveries, more hysterectomies, more rectoceles on proctography (86.7% vs. 28.6% non-DPS, p = 0.014), lower squeeze anal sphincter pressures (p < 0.001), and lower rectal sensation (p = 0.075) than non-DPS. On univariate logistic regression, history of vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome increased the odds of developing DPS. Vaginal delivery was confirmed as a risk factor on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: DPS accounts for almost 10% of tertiary referral patients presenting with constipation. DPS is associated with age, female gender, and number of vaginal (especially traumatic) deliveries.

Descent and hypermobility of the rectum in women with obstructed defecation symptoms.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Obstructed defecation symptoms (ODS) are common in women; however, the key underlying anatomic factors remain poorly understood. We investigated rectal mobility and support defects in women with and without ODS using pelvic floor ultrasound and MR defecography. METHODS: This prospective case-control study categorized subjects based on questions 7, 8 and 14 on the PFDI-20, which asks about obstructed defecation symptoms. All subjects underwent an interview, examination and pelvic floor ultrasound, and a subset of 16 subjects underwent MR defecography. The cul de sac-to-anorectal junction distance at rest and during maximum strain was measured on ultrasound and MRI images. The 'compression ratio' was calculated by dividing the change in rectovaginal septum length by its rest length to quantify rectal folding and hypermobility during dynamic imaging and to correlate with ODS. RESULTS: Sixty-two women were recruited, 32 cases and 30 controls. There were no statistically significant differences in age, parity, BMI or stage of rectocele between groups. A threshold analysis indicated the risk of ODS was 32 times greater (OR 32.5, 95% CI 4.8-217.1, p = 0.0003) among women with a high compression ratio (≥ 14) compared with those with a low compression ratio (< 14) after controlling for age, BMI, parity, stool type and BM frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Female ODS are associated with distinct alterations in rectal mobility and support that can be clearly observed on dynamic ultrasound. The defects in rectal support were quantifiable using a compression ratio metric, and these defects strongly predicted the likelihood of symptoms; interestingly, the presence or degree of rectocele defects played no role. These findings may provide new insight into the anatomic factors underlying female ODS.

Motion of the vaginal apex during strain and defecation.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Although the main function of the suspensory ligaments of the vaginal apex is to prevent its descent toward the vaginal introitus, there remains limited information regarding its normal physiological motion. This study was aimed at quantifying the motion of the non-prolapsed vaginal apex during strain and defecation maneuvers. METHODS: This study represents a sub-analysis of a parent study that was aimed at evaluating rectal mobility with regard to obstructed defecation symptoms. Patients with normal apical vaginal support who had undergone MR defecography were entered into the study. For each patient, midsagittal images at rest, maximum strain, and maximum evacuation were utilized. The location of the cervicovaginal junction, S4-S5 intervertebral disc, sacral promontory, and hymen were identified. Vectors were calculated from each of these landmarks to the vaginal apex to compare vector angles and magnitudes across subjects. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in this study. At rest, the vagina extends from the hymen, which is inferior and posterior to the inferior symphysis pubis, to the vaginal apex at an angle of 45.2° ± 14.5° relative to the pubococcygeal line. This angle became more acute with strain and even more so during maximum evacuation (14.1° ± 9.0°, p < 0.001). Differences in the vector magnitude, although not statistically significant, showed a trend indicating shorter lengths with maximum evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: The vaginal apex is a highly mobile structure demonstrating significantly more mobility during defecation compared with strain. The data obtained contradict the general perception that the vaginal apex is relatively fixed within the pelvis of normally supported women.