Implementation of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation after rectal cancer surgery: A qualitative study guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

BACKGROUND: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation (PFR) is effective in a selection of patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to prepare for successful implementation into clinical practice. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Individual interviews (n = 27) and two focus groups were conducted to synthesize the perspectives of rectal cancer patients, pelvic floor (PF) physiotherapists, and medical experts. RESULTS: Barriers were found to be the absence of guidelines about LARS treatment, underdeveloped network care, suboptimal patient information, and expectation management upfront to PFR. Financial status is frequently a barrier because insurance companies do not always reimburse PFR. Enablers were the current level of evidence for PFR, the positive relationship between patients and PF physiotherapists, and the level of self-motivation by patients. CONCLUSION: The factors identified in our study play a crucial role in ensuring a successful implementation of PFR after rectal cancer surgery.

The properties of absorbable scaffold harvested with human amniotic fluid stem cells on rat model: an innovation for pelvic reconstruction surgery.

The current practice of restoring the anatomical structure in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction includes implantation of synthetic sling, which carries potential complications. This study aimed to develop biological substitutes to improve tissue function using scaffolds as a support to the host cells, through formation of new tissue. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) were seeded on synthetic mesh-scaffold of AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM), Poly-DL-lactico-glycolic acid (PLGA) mesh (VICRYL) and Polydioxanone (PDS) meshes. In vitro study evaluates the metabolic activity of hAFSCs seeded mesh-scaffolds. In vivo study involving Sprague-Dawley rats was performed by assigning into 7 groups of sham control with fascia operation, AlloDerm implant, PDS implant, PLGA implant, AlloDerm harvest with hAFSC (AlloDerm-SC), PDS harvest with hAFSC(PDS-SC) and PLGS harvest with hAFSC (PGLA-SC). In vitro study reveals cell viability and proliferation of hAFSC on mesh scaffolds varies between meshes, with AlloDerm growing the fastest. The biomechanical properties of tissue-mesh-complex tension strength declined over time, showing highest tension strength on week-1, deteriorated similar to control group on week-12. All hAFSC-seeded mesh provides higher tension strength, compared to without. This study shed the potential of synthetic mesh as a scaffold for hAFSC for the surgical treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. Anatomical Changes after Anterior Rectal Resection.

In this editorial, the authors bring to the attention of surgeons a personal point of view with the intention of offering a series of anatomical arguments to explain the high rate of functional complications following ultralow rectal resections, resections dominated by faecal incontinence of various intensities. Having as a starting point the anatomy of the pelvic floor and the posterior perineum, the authors are concerned with the functional outcomes of the sphincter-saving anterior rectal resection, regarding the low and ultralow resection. Technically, a conservative surgery for low rectal cancer has been currently performed. If 25 years ago the abdominoperineal resection was the gold standard for rectal cancer located under 7cm from the anal verge, nowadays the preservation of the anal canal as a partner for colon anastomosis has been accomplished. Progressively, from a desire to preserve the normal passage of stool into the anal canal, as anatomically and physiologically as possible, the distal limit of resection was lowered to 2-4 cm from the anal verge and ultra-low anastomoses were created, within the anal sphincter complex. The stated goal: keep the oncological safety standard and, at the same time, avoid definitive colostomy. Starting from the normal anatomy of the pelvic floor and the anorectal segment, the authors take a look at the alterations of the visceral, muscular, and nerve structures as a consequence of the low anterior resection and, particularly, the ultralow anterior resection. A significant degree of functional outcomes regarding defecation, with the onset of marked disabilities of anal continence, the major consequence being anal incontinence (30-70%), have been noticed. The authors go under review for the main anatomical and physiological changes that accompany anterior rectal resection. Conclusions: Thus, the following questions arise: what is the lower limit of resection to avoid total fecal incontinence? Is total incontinence a greater handicap than colostomy or is it not? The answers cannot be supported by solid arguments at this time, but the need to initiate future studies dedicated to this problem emerges.

Trends and focal points in pelvic floor reconstruction for pelvic organ prolapse: A bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the current research trends and focal points in the field of pelvic floor reconstruction for the management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: To achieve this objective, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on relevant literature using the Citespace database. The analysis led to the creation of a knowledge map, offering a comprehensive overview of scientific advancements in this research area. RESULTS: The study included a total of 607 publications, revealing a consistent increase in articles addressing pelvic floor reconstruction for POP treatment. Most articles originated from the United States (317 articles), followed by Chinese scholars (40 articles). However, it is important to note that the overall number of articles remains relatively low. The organization with the highest publication frequency was the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where Matthew D. Barber leads the academic group. Barber himself has the highest number of published articles (18 articles), followed by Zhu Lan, a Chinese scholar (10 articles). Key topics with high frequency and mediated centrality include stress urinary incontinence, quality of life, impact, and age. The journal with the largest number of papers from both domestic and international researchers is INT UROGYNECOL J. The study's hotspots mainly focus on the impact of pelvic floor reconstruction on the treatment and quality of life of POP patients. The United States leads in this field, but there is a lack of cooperation between countries, institutions, and authors. Moving forward, cross-institutional, cross-national, and cross-disciplinary exchanges and cooperation should be strengthened to further advance the field of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for POP research.

Correlation between congenital pelvic floor muscle development assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative defecation.

OBJECTIVE: Children with congenital anorectal malformation (CAM) experience challenges with defecation. This study aims to assess defecation in preschool-age children with CAM and to evaluate the correlation between pelvic floor muscle developed assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postoperative defecation. METHODS: We collected clinical data and MRI results from 89 male children with CAM. The bowel function scores for children with Perineal (cutaneous) fistula, Rectourethral fistula(Prostatic or Bulbar), and Rectovesical fistula were computed. MRI scans were subjected to image analysis of the striated muscle complex (SMC). The association between pelvic floor muscle score and bowel function score was examined using the Cochran-Armitage Trend Test. RESULTS: We observed that 77.4% of the SMC scores by MRI for Perineal fistula were good. The Rectourethral fistula SMC score was 40.6% for moderate and 59.4% for poor. The SMC score for Rectovesical fistula was 100% for moderate. Furthermore, 77.4% of patients with Perineal fistula had bowel function scores (BFS) ≥ 17 points. Among those with Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula, 12.5% and 0 had BFS ≥ 17 points, respectively. An analysis of muscle development and bowel function in patients with Rectovesical fistula, Rectourethral fistula, and Perineal fistula revealed a correlation between SMC development and BFS. Subgroup analysis showed that the Perineal fistula had statistical significance; however, the Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between pelvic floor muscle development and postoperative defecation in children with Perineal fistula.

Evaluation of ChatGPT for Pelvic Floor Surgery Counseling.

IMPORTANCE: Large language models are artificial intelligence applications that can comprehend and produce human-like text and language. ChatGPT is one such model. Recent advances have increased interest in the utility of large language models in medicine. Urogynecology counseling is complex and time-consuming. Therefore, we evaluated ChatGPT as a potential adjunct for patient counseling. OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to compare the accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT responses to information in standard patient counseling leaflets regarding common urogynecological procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Seven urogynecologists compared the accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT responses to standard patient leaflets using 5-point Likert scales with a score of 3 being "equally accurate" and "equally complete," and a score of 5 being "much more accurate" and much more complete, respectively. This was repeated 3 months later to evaluate the consistency of ChatGPT. Additional analysis of the understandability and actionability was completed by 2 authors using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool. Analysis was primarily descriptive. First and second ChatGPT queries were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) accuracy was 3 (2-3) and completeness 3 (2-4) for the first ChatGPT query and 3 (3-3) and 4 (3-4), respectively, for the second query. Accuracy and completeness were significantly higher in the second query (P < 0.01). Understandability and actionability of ChatGPT responses were lower than the standard leaflets. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT is similarly accurate and complete when compared with standard patient information leaflets for common urogynecological procedures. Large language models may be a helpful adjunct to direct patient-provider counseling. Further research to determine the efficacy and patient satisfaction of ChatGPT for patient counseling is needed.

Impact of Mannitol Bladder Distension in the Intraoperative Detection of Ureteral Kinking During Pelvic Floor Surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Ureteral injuries are the most feared complications of gynecological surgery and therefore intraoperative recognition is of the utmost importance. Intraoperative cystoscopy represents the diagnostics of choice to investigate ureteral patency thanks to the direct visualization of ureteral flows after administration of infusion mediums. In this study, we aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of saline versus mannitol intraoperative cystoscopy in terms of false negatives in a large cohort of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy and high uterosacral ligament suspension for POP. Patients were divided in two groups based on the use of saline or mannitol medium for intraoperative cystoscopy. Postoperative daily control of serum creatinine was performed until discharge, as well as urinary tract imaging, in symptomatic patients. RESULTS: A total of 925 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy followed by high USL suspension for POP. Saline and mannitol medium were used in 545 patients and 380 patients respectively. Postoperative ureteral injuries were identified in 12 patients, specifically in 2% of the saline group and in 0.3% of the mannitol group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of mannitol instead of saline as a bladder distension medium was able to significantly reduce the occurrence of postoperative ureteral sequelae.

Central Sensitisation Syndrome: A Frequent Finding in Women with Pelvic Floor Symptoms Without Evident Urogenital Prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Women with central sensitisation syndrome (CSS) experience poorer subjective post-operative outcomes even after successful pelvic floor reconstruction. This study tests the hypothesis that women with pelvic floor symptoms (PFS) without relevant pelvic organ prolapse (POP), are more likely to have CSS. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to women who participated in the POP-UP study in 2017. The POP-UP study evaluated POP in 247 women 16 years after laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy. POP-Q data and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) results were used and supplemented with CSS-specific questionnaires. A Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI) score above 40 implicates CSS. Women were divided into groups based on POP beyond the hymen in relation to the PFDI-20 score. Outcomes of women with PFS and without POP (called 'group 1') were compared with the rest of the cohort (groups 2-4; women without PFS and/or with POP). RESULTS: A total of 136 women were included in the analysis. A CSI score above 40 was present in 16 out of 42 women of group 1 (37%) versus 11 out of 93 women of groups 2-4 (12%), p < 0.0001. Passive coping was more prevalent in group 1 (p = 0.039), and more deviations in somatisation, depression, anxiety and distress were found in group 1 (p values of < 0.0001, 0.018, 0.003 and 0.002 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that CSS might be more prevalent in women with PFS without relevant POP. More awareness of CSS and valid individual counselling may overcome unnecessary surgery for POP and help in setting realistic expectations.

Aversion to Mesh Use in Pelvic Floor Surgery in a Latina Population at the U.S.-Mexico Border.

IMPORTANCE: Limited studies have examined patient aversion to mesh use in pelvic surgery, especially in Latinas. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess aversion to pelvic surgery with mesh for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in a sample of Latinas on the U.S.-Mexico border. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of self-identified Latinas with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, recruited at their initial consultation visit at a single, academic urogynecology clinic. Participants completed a validated survey to assess perceptions of mesh use in pelvic surgery. Participants also completed questionnaires assessing the presence and severity of pelvic floor symptoms and level of acculturation. The primary outcome was aversion to mesh surgery, as indicated by a response of "yes" or "maybe" to the question "Based on what you already know, would you avoid surgery using mesh?" Descriptive analysis, univariate relative risk, and linear regression analysis were completed to identify characteristics associated with mesh avoidance. Significance was assessed and considered at P values <0.05. RESULTS: Ninety-six women were included. Only 6.3% had prior pelvic floor surgery using mesh. Sixty-six percent indicated that they would be likely to avoid pelvic surgery that uses mesh. Only 9.4% indicated that they obtained information regarding mesh directly from medical professionals. Levels of concern regarding the use of mesh varied widely (29.2% not worried, 19.1% somewhat worried, 16.9% very worried). Higher percentages of "more acculturated" participants indicated a desire to avoid mesh surgery (58.7% vs 27.3%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this Latina population, a majority of patients indicated an aversion to using mesh in pelvic surgery. Few patients obtained information regarding mesh directly from medical professionals, relying instead on nonmedical sources.

Quality-of-life improvements in patients after various surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the improvements in quality of life of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treated using various surgical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PUBMED, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library online databases were searched using the keywords "pelvic organ prolapse", "surgery", "PFDI-20" and "PFIQ-7" for articles published from January 2010 to December 2022 that included quality-of-life scores before and after surgery. RESULTS: Forty-nine articles were include. The mean postoperative PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores decreased by 67.50% and 76.98%, respectively, compared with those before surgery. In 76.9% of patients, this change did not decrease with increased postoperative time. The improvement rate in PFDI-20 scores after colpocleisis did not differ statistically from that after sacrocolpopexy and was significantly higher than that after other procedures. The improvement rate in PFIQ-7 scores after colpocleisis did not statistically differ from that after high uterosacral ligament suspension and was significantly higher than that after other procedures. The improvement rate in PFDI-20 scores after transvaginal mesh-based repair (TVM) did not significantly differ from that after sacrospinous ligament fixation and was significantly lower than that after other procedures except traditional vaginal wall repair. The improvement rate in PFIQ-7 scores after TVM did not significantly differ from that after new procedures and was significantly lower than that after other procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with POP. Colpocleisis may offer more advantages than those of other surgical procedures, and improvement was lower after TVM than after other procedures.

Impact of childbirth on pelvic floor dysfunction in women who have undergone previous pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of pregnancy and childbirth (vaginal delivery [VD]) or cesarean section (CS) on the recurrence of pelvic floor disorders in women who had previously undergone pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), to facilitate future evidence-based counseling. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, BJOG, Scopus, etc. were screened, from 1990 to date. Inclusion criteria included cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and case reports that reported on the primary outcome measure of the review. Exclusion criteria included studies on surgical procedures whose outcomes are unlikely to be impacted by pregnancy and childbirth or are obsolete. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Seven papers on midurethral slings (MUS; 181 women in both VD and CS groups respectively) and three papers on different hysteropexy techniques (47 and 29 women in the VD and CS groups respectively), were included in the meta-analysis. No difference was seen between the two groups regarding the recurrence of SUI in women who had previously undergone MUS surgery (OR: 1.18 [0.66, 2.09]; Z = 0.56; p = 0.58) or the recurrence of POP following hysteropexy using various apical suspension procedures (OR: 1.81 [0.04, 80.65]; Z = 0.31; p = 0.76). There are insufficient data to support meta-analyses for individual MUS sub-types or hysteropexy procedures. CONCLUSION: Current literature does not demonstrate a protective effect of CS in preventing recurrent SUI in women who had undergone MUS surgery for SUI. When hysteropexy is considered irrespective of the apical suspension procedure employed, the incidence of recurrent POP appears similar after CS and VD.

Pelvic Floor Peritoneum Closure Reduces Severe Postoperative Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients After Laparoscopic Anterior Rectal Resection.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (LAR) is a commonly performed surgery for rectal cancer patients. Pelvic floor peritoneum closure (PC), a vital procedure in conventional anterior rectal resection, is not routinely performed in LAR. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1118 consecutive patients with rectal cancer receiving LAR were included in this retrospective study. Patients were allocated into the PC group and the non-PC group. The occurrence of postoperative complications was compared between the 2 groups. Influential factors in anastomotic leakage (AL) were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics. The occurrence of postoperative complications was similar between the groups. The PC group had significantly shorter postoperative hospitalization and longer operation duration compared with the non-PC group. The occurrences of Clavien-Dindo (CD) III-IV complications, CD III-IV AL, and reoperation were significantly lower in the PC group than the non-PC group. PC and a protective ileostomy were independent protective factors for CD III-IV AL. CONCLUSION: PC could reduce the occurrence of CD III-IV complications, especially CD III-IV AL, and the rate of secondary surgery, especially in patients with a lower body mass index and patients who did not receive protective ileostomies.

Clinical Consultation Guide: Pelvic Floor Prehabilitation.

Training of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) as part of a multimodal prehabilitation program that includes cardiovascular and hip strengthening and patient education can yield patient benefits after urologic surgery. A personalized, multifaceted, holistic care plan that includes PFM training should be developed by an interdisciplinary team. Further research is needed to identify the impact of PFM prehabilitation on various urologic and surgical outcomes.

[Pelvic floor reconstruction-update 2024: prolapse-associated symptoms and their treatment]. / Rekonstruktive Beckenbodenchirurgie ­ Update 2024: prolapsassoziierte Symptome und deren Heilung.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and associated symptoms of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, obstructive micturition, defecation, and pain are frequent and a widespread disease with relevant reduction of quality of life and high costs. New insights into functional anatomy and pathophysiology of these pelvic floor dysfunctions let us recognize how ligamentous laxities/defects lead to these dysfunctions. Results of the PROpel study (ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT00638235) are shown in which a detailed observation of symptoms (patient-related outcome measures) pre- and postoperatively was performed. Ligamentous vaginal repair of POP enables symptom cure in high percentages for urinary urge incontinence (up to 82%), nocturia (up to 92%), obstructive micturition (up to 87%), fecal incontinence (58-72%), obstructive defecation (71-84%), and pain (53-90%), if caused by POP. Women with POP­Q stage 2 have similar symptom frequencies as women with POP­Q stage 3-4, and also similar cure rates of their symptoms. If good anatomical prolapse repair (in responders) was achieved, the cure rates for obstructive micturition, urinary urgency incontinence, and nocturia were significantly higher than in those women with less effective surgical repair. In the future, pelvic floor surgery should have symptom cure as the primary objective and should lead to improved quality of life. The different, currently performed techniques for POP repair have to be investigated concerning this matter.

[Current status and prospects of non-surgical treatment for fecal incontinence].

Fecal incontinence is a refractory disease in colorectal surgery. The main clinical manifestation is that patients cannot control the discharge of gas, solid or liquid feces in the rectum autonomously. It is easy to bring shame to patients and seriously affect their physical and mental health. Reducing the frequency of fecal incontinence, restoring anal sphincter function, and improving patient quality of life are important goals for treating fecal incontinence. With the development of medical technology and the improvement of treatment plans for fecal incontinence, patients with fecal incontinence usually undergo conservative treatment first, and if conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery can be chosen. Non-surgical treatment methods commonly used in clinical practice include biofeedback therapy, magnetic stimulation therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, anal sphincter training, Kegel training, and other rehabilitation treatments. This article discusses the non-surgical treatment methods for fecal incontinence, hoping to provide a choice for clinical treatment of fecal incontinence.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Evaluation.

Background and Objectives: The primary method for assessing pelvic floor defects is through physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiological technique that is useful for identifying the underlying defects of pelvic floor structures that require surgery. The primary aim of this study was to find correspondence between the clinical and radiological staging of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) before and after vaginal surgery. A secondary endpoint was to investigate, through clinical and MRI findings, whether surgery influences continence mechanisms. Finally, we reported changes in the quality of life of women who underwent surgery for prolapse. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five women with prolapse stage ≥ 2 POP-Q were recruited in this prospective study. They underwent preoperative clinical examination, MRI at rest and under the Valsalva maneuver, and quality of life questionnaires. Three months after vaginal surgery, they repeated clinical and radiological evaluation. Results: Twenty women completed the study. Both clinical and MRI evaluations showed an improvement in prolapse and symptoms after surgery. There were some discrepancies between clinical and radiological staging. MRI parameters did not show differences between pre- and postoperative values at rest; under the Valsalva maneuver, instead, the measurements changed after surgery. Continence was not worsened by the widening of the vesicourethral angle. Patients reported an improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: MRI is an accurate and objective method for defining the stage of prolapse, but clinical evaluation alone is sufficient for staging prolapse before surgery and evaluating the result at follow-up. It is an accurate method for visualizing some pelvic structures that can be compromised because of pelvic organ prolapse. MRI showed that vaginal surgery does not affect continence mechanisms.

Anorectal Anatomy Quiz: Practical Review.

Understanding anorectal and pelvic floor anatomy can be challenging but is paramount for every physician managing patients with anorectal pathology. Knowledge of anorectal anatomy is essential for managing benign, malignant, traumatic, and infectious diseases affecting the anorectum. This quiz is intended to provide a practical teaching guide for medical students, medical and surgical residents, and may serve as a review for practicing general surgeons and specialists.

Pelvic floor dysfunction after colorectal cancer treatment is related to physical and psychological health and body image: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) often occurs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), which can affect their quality of life. However, the precise factors that related to PFD in CRC patients remain elusive. The main objective of this study was to identify the variables associated with PFD following CRC treatment and establish a foundation for the development of a tailored rehabilitation plan specific to this population. METHODS: The classification of 149 patients with CRC was conducted according to the type of medical treatment they underwent. PFD was evaluated using the Urogenital Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6) and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory 8 (CRADI-8) questionnaires. The study employed the Short form 36 health survey (SF-36) and Body Image Scale (BIS) to evaluate physical and psychological health as well as body image disorders. The connection between PFD and independent variables was determined through logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of all patients, more than 50% reported experiencing dysfunction, with the highest proportion observed in the PRT (primary radiotherapy) group. The LRR/RR (robotic-assisted colorectal resection or laparoscopic colorectal resection) group revealed a significant association between high BMI (Body Mass Index) and alcohol consumption with PFD. Moreover, in the PRT group, PFD was correlated with poorer physical condition (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = [0.88-1.00]). CONCLUSIONS: PFD is a commonly complained-about issue among patients with CRC. Early intervention targeted towards these factors may aid in the alleviation of associated distress and contribute towards the individualization of CRC rehabilitation programs, consequently improving the quality of life for patients.

[Imaging of the pelvic floor (MR defecography) : The surgeon's perspective]. / Bildgebung des Beckenbodens (MR-Defäkographie) : Die Sicht der Chirurgie.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) plays a central role in diagnosing pelvic floor functional disorders by visualizing the entire pelvic floor along with pelvic organs and providing functional assessment of the defecation process. A shared understanding between radiology and surgery regarding indications and interpretation of findings is crucial for optimal utilization of MRD. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to explain the indications for MRD from a surgical perspective and elucidate the significance of radiological findings for treatment. It intends to clarify for which symptoms MRD is appropriate and which criteria should be followed for standardized results. This is prerequisite to develop interdisciplinary therapeutic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including current consensus guidelines. RESULTS: MRD can provide relevant findings in the diagnosis of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome, particularly in cases of pelvic floor descent, enterocele, intussusception, and pelvic floor dyssynergia. However, rectocele findings in MRD should be interpreted with caution in order to avoid overdiagnosis. CONCLUSION: MRD findings should never be considered in isolation but rather in conjunction with patient history, clinical examination, and symptomatology since morphology and functional complaints may not always correlate, and there is wide variance of normal values. Interdisciplinary interpretation of MRD results involving radiology, surgery, gynecology, and urology, preferably in the context of pelvic floor conferences, is recommended.