[Myostimulating effect of comprehensive application of general magnetotherapy, fractional CO2 laser, electro-myostimulation and special complex of exercise in patients with rectoceleal after open-peconstructure]. / Miostimuliruyushchii effekt kompleksnogo primeneniya obshchei magnitoterapii, fraktsionnogo CO2-lazera, elektromiostimulyatsii i spetsial'nogo kompleksa LFK u patsientok s rektotsele posle rekonstruktivno-plasticheskikh operatsii.

The article presents data on the treatment of 200 women of childbearing, peri - and menopausal age with rectocele of II-III degree, which were divided into 4 groups comparable in clinical and functional characteristics: 1-50 patients who, after surgical treatment of rectocele, underwent a complex consisting of a course of General magnetic therapy, 2 intra-vascular procedures of fractional microablative CO2 laser therapy, electromyostimulation with the pelvic floor muscles and a special complex of therapeutic physical education; comparison 1, which included 50 patients who underwent the above-mentioned complex of rehabilitation measures without General magnetotherapy; comparison of 2-50 patients after surgical treatment of rectocele, who in the late postoperative period (one month after the operation) underwent a set of rehabilitation measures, including a course of electromyostimulation with the biological connection of the pelvic floor muscles, consisting of 10 daily procedures and a special complex of physical therapy and a control group - 50 patients after surgical treatment of rectocele, who in the late postoperative period were treated with symptomatic therapy, including painkillers and antispasmodics, which served as a background for all other groups. As a result of the research, it was found that the developed rehabilitation complexes have a pronounced myostimulating effect, and can be recommended for wide use in rehabilitation programs for postoperative management of patients with rectocele.

The relationship between obstructed defecation and true rectocele in patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of true rectocele and obstructed defecation (OD) in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), to investigate the correlation between true rectocele and OD, and to understand the diagnostic value of translabial ultrasound (TLUS) in the diagnosis of true rectocele. The patients who scheduled for POP surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previous reconstructive pelvic surgery or repair of rectocele were excluded. Birmingham Bowel and Urinary symptoms questionnaires and Longo's obstructed defecation syndrome scoring system were used to assess the bowel symptoms of patients. TLUS was used to evaluate anatomical defects. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant, and confidence intervals were set at 95%. 279 patients were included into this study. The prevalence rate of OD was 43%, and the average value of ODS score was 6.67. 17% patients presented straining at stool, 33% presented incomplete emptying, 13% presented digitations, and 12% required laxatives or enema. The prevalence rate of true rectocele was 23%. Defecation symptoms were significantly correlated with age, levator-ani hiatus, levator-ani muscle injury and true rectocele. Logistic regression showed that true rectocele and increased levator-ani hiatus were independent risk factors of OD. True rectocele was significantly correlated with straining at stool, digitation, incomplete emptying and requirement of laxatives or enema.In POP patients, the prevalence rate of true rectocele and OD was 23% and 43%, respectively. True rectocele was related to OD. TLUS was a valuable approach in anatomical evaluation of POP.

Long-term comparison of physiologic anorectal changes and recurrence between transanal repair and transanal repair with posterior colporrhaphy in rectocele.

BACKGROUND: Rectocele is often associated with chronic constipation. Various surgical techniques have been described to repair rectoceles, but the results vary. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of transanal repair (TAR) and transanal repair with posterior colporrhaphy (TAR + PC). METHODS: While 44 patients underwent TAR, 49 patients underwent TAR + PC for surgical repair of rectocele. Patients were followed up 3 months post-surgery for anorectal physiological changes. From the entire cohort of patients who underwent the surgical repair, 22 patients who underwent TAR and 25 patients who underwent TAR + PC agreed to participate in the 3-year post-treatment check-up. RESULTS: Out of the 22 patients who underwent TAR, 3 patients (13.6%) scored more than 15 on the constipation scoring system (CSS), while 1 out of 25 patients who underwent TAR + PC scored more than 15 on the CSS 3 months post-treatment, which is considered as recurrence (p = 0.237). With 7 patients from the TAR group (31.8%) and 2 patients from the TAR + PC group (8.0%) showing recurrence of rectocele at 3-year post-treatment follow-up, this study found that TAR + PC had a much lower rate of recurrence than TAR. Furthermore, TAR + PC was found to be more effective than TAR in terms of rectal sensation, sensory threshold (p = 0.001), and early defecation urge (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: TAR + PC can help alleviate some symptoms by restoring the rectal sensation and improving the rectovaginal septum. It can be inferred that the addition of a simple treatment method can lead to a lower rate of recurrence.

Long-term subjective, clinical and sonographic outcomes after native-tissue and mesh-augmented posterior colporrhaphy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our primary objective was to describe long-term outcomes after posterior colporrhaphy with and without mesh augmentation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 93 patients after posterior colporrhaphy (native tissue in 39 and synthetic mesh augmented in 54). The indication was symptoms of prolapse with clinical posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Mesh augmentation and concomitant prolapse operations were performed at the surgeon's discretion. Patients underwent interview, clinical examination and 4D pelvic floor ultrasound. Imaging analysis was done with the reviewer blinded against all other data. Generalized linear modeling was used to compare groups with logistic regression for binary and linear regression for continuous outcomes. RESULTS: Patients were seen on average 5.3 years after surgery and described persistent symptoms of prolapse in 32% and of obstructed defecation in 33%. Clinical recurrence (Bp ≥ -1) was seen in 20%, while sonographic recurrence (rectal ampulla descent to ≥ 15 mm below the symphysis pubis) was noted in 12%. A true rectocele was diagnosed in 33% of patients. No major differences in outcomes were found between those who underwent native tissue and those who had a mesh-augmented repair. CONCLUSIONS: Mesh augmentation was not superior to native tissue posterior colporrhaphy, and both were only moderately effective in eliminating a true rectocele and symptoms of obstructed defecation 5 years after reconstructive surgery.

Resección rectal por vía perineal mediante engrapadora lineal: experiencia inicial de una nueva técnica para el tratamiento del rectocele anterior / Rectal resection perineally via a linear stapler: initial experience of a new technique for the treatment of the anterior rectocele

Introducción: Analizar los resultados a corto y mediano plazo del tratamiento del rectocele anterior mediante la resección rectal transperineal con engrapadora lineal y refuerzo del tabique rectovaginal con malla. Prospectivo de casos consecutivos. Pacientes y método: Entre 01 de abril de 2008 y 31 de Marzo de 2010, 12 pacientes fueron tratados en nuestra institución por presentar diagnóstico de Rectocele Anterior. Los pacientes fueron evaluados por cirujanos entrenados; sometidos a manometría anorrectal y estudios imagenológicos dinámicos. Se realizó una técnica de Resección Rectal por vía perineal con engrapadora lineal y la aplicación de malla. Se aplicaron distintos scores para evaluar los resultados. Resultados: El 100% fueron sexo femenino, edad promedio 44,6 años. El tiempo promedio de cirugía fue 164 minutos (r: 135-180). No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias. La estadía media hospitalaria fue 2,6 días. La morbilidad fue del 16,6% (2) y no hubo mortalidad relacionada al procedimiento. La evaluación basal del score ODS mostró un promedio de 19.16, mientras el promedio determinado al 7 y 21 día postoperatorio fue 0,5 y 0,16 respectivamente (P = 0,001). La evaluación del estreñimiento usando el score PAC-SYM mostró un resultado basal promedio de 17,08, mientras que al 7 y 21 día postoperatorio fue 3,25 y 1,32 respectivamente (P = 0,002). El cuestionario de Satisfacción a los 6 meses mostró mejoría significativa respecto al valor basal (p = 0,001). Conclusión: Esta nueva técnica permite restaurar el tabique rectovaginal resecando el defecto rectal. Los resultados funcionales obtenidos son favorables, con baja morbilidad y pocas complicaciones relacionadas al uso de mallas. (AU)

Objective: To analyze short and mid-term results of anterior rectocele treatment by trans perineal rectal resection with linear stapler and rectovaginal septum reinforcement with mesh. Patients and methods: Between 01April 2008 and 31 March 2010, 12 patients were treated at our institution with diagnosis of Anterior Rectocele. Patients were evaluated by trained surgeons, underwent anorectal manometry and dynamic images studies. We performed a novel technique called "Stapled Perineal Rectocele resection". Different scores were applied to evaluate the results. Results: 100% were female, average age 44.6 years. The mean surgical time was 164 minutes (r: 135-180). There were no intraoperative complications. The average hospital stay was 2.6 days. The morbidity was 16.6% (2) and there was no procedure-related mortality. Baseline of ODS showed an average score of 19.16, while the average determined at 7 and 21 days postoperatively was 0.5 and 0.16 respectively (P = 0.001). The assessment of constipation using the PAC-SYM score showed a mean baseline of 17.08 results, while at 7 and 21 days after surgery was 3.25 and 1.32 respectively (P = 0.002). The patient satisfaction score after six months showed significant improvement from baseline (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The novel technique restores rectovaginal septum and extirpates the rectal defect. The functional results are favorable, with low morbidity and few complications related to the use of mesh. (AU)

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy in patients with fecal incontinence associated with rectoanal intussusception: prospective evaluation of clinical, physiological and morphological changes.

BACKGROUND: Physiological changes after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) in patients with rectoanal intussusception (RAI) remain unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate physiological and morphological changes after LVR for RAI, and to study clinical outcomes following LVR with special reference to fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS: The study was conducted on patients who had LVR for RAI between February 2012 and December 2016 at our institution Patients with RAI and FI were included in the study. Patients with RAI and obstructed defecation and those with RAI and neurologic FI were not included. The patients had anorectal manometry preoperatively, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Defecography was performed before and 6 months after the procedure. FI was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). RESULTS: There were 34 patients (median age 77 years (range 60-93) years). Thirty-two patients (94%) were female and the median number of vaginal deliveries was 2 (range 0-5). Neither maximum resting pressure nor maximum squeeze pressure increased postoperatively. There was an overall increase in both defecatory desire volume (median preoperative 75 ml vs. 90 ml at 12 months; p = 0.002) and maximum tolerated volume (median preoperative 145 ml vs.175 ml at 12 months; p = 0.002). Postoperatively, RAI was eliminated in all patients but one, although 13 had residual rectorectal intussusception found at defecography. There was an overall reduction in both rectocele size (median preop 29 mm vs. postop 10 mm; p = 0.008) and pelvic floor descent (median preop 26 mm vs. postop 20 mm; p = 0.005). Twelve months after surgery, a reduction of at least 50% was observed in the FISI score for 31 incontinent patients (91%). CONCLUSIONS: LVR for RAI produced adequate improvement of FI, and successful anatomical correction of RAI was confirmed by postoperative proctography. Postoperative increase in the rectal volume may have a positive effect on continence.

Rectocele plication: description of a novel surgical technique and review of clinical results.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: A rectocele is the bulging of the anterior rectal wall into the posterior vaginal compartment. The route of surgical repair can be transvaginal, transrectal or abdominal. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe a novel transvaginal surgical procedure and investigate the associated subjective and objective clinical outcomes. METHODS: Database records were retrieved for all women who underwent a rectocele plication for the period from January 2010 until December 2015 in a referral urogynecology unit with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. This transvaginal technique entails a plication of the anterior rectal wall by suturing of the rectal muscularis layer. Clinical findings and quality of life (QOL) metrics were evaluated and reported on. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine women met the initial inclusion criteria with full data available for 123. The presenting symptoms included a vaginal bulge in 73 (52.5%), overactive bladder (OAB) in 73 (52.5%), obstructed defecation (OD) in 49 (35.3%) and anal incontinence (AI) in 35 (25.2%). The majority of women (n = 72, 51.8%) had stage 3-4 posterior prolapse. The mean follow-up period was 27 ± 15 months. The postoperative symptoms were significantly improved for all, except AI (p = 0.43). There was a significant improvement in posterior prolapse (p < 0.001) with the majority of women noted to have a stage 0 or 1 (n = 109; 88.6%) posterior prolapse at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The rectocele plication is a novel surgical technique with good subjective and objective clinical outcomes in the medium term.

Association between vaginal parity and rectocele.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Rectocele is common in parous women but also seen in nulliparae. This study was designed to investigate the association between vaginal parity and descent of the rectal ampulla/rectocele depth as determined by translabial ultrasound (TLUS). METHODS: This retrospective observational study involved 1296 women seen in a urogynaecological centre. All had undergone an interview, clinical examination and 4D ultrasound (US) imaging supine and after voiding. Offline analysis of volume data was undertaken blinded against other data. Rectal ampulla position and rectocele depth were measured on Valsalva. A pocket depth of 10 mm was used as a cutoff to define rectocele on imaging. RESULTS: Most women presented with prolapse (53%, n = 686); 810 (63%) complained of obstructed defecation (OD). Clinically, 53% (n = 690) had posterior-compartment prolapse with a mean Bp of -1 [standard deviation (SD)1.5; -3 to 9 cm]. Mean descent of the rectal ampulla was 10 mm below the symphysis (SD 15.8; -50 to 41). A rectocele on imaging was found in 48% (n = 618). On univariate analysis, OD symptoms were strongly associated with rectal descent, rectocele depth and rectocele on imaging (all P < 0.001). The prevalence of a rectocele seen on imaging increased with vaginal parity (P < 0.001). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of vaginal parity against rectal descent and rectocele depth showed a dose-response relationship (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal parity was strongly associated with descent of the rectal ampulla and rectocele depth. This relationship approximated dose-response characteristics, with the greatest effect due to the first vaginal delivery.

The association between a positive lactulose methane breath test and rectocele in constipated patients.

OBJECTIVES: Rectocele with constipation might be related to methane (CH4) producing intestinal bacteria. We investigated the breath CH4 levels and the clinical characteristics of colorectal motility in constipated patients with rectocele. METHODS: A database of consecutive female outpatients was reviewed for the evaluation of constipation according to the Rome III criteria. The patients underwent the lactulose CH4 breath test (LMBT), colon marker study, anorectal manometry, defecography and bowel symptom questionnaire. The profiles of the lactulose breath test (LBT) in 33 patients with rectocele (with size ≥ 2 cm) and 26 patients with functional constipation (FC) were compared with the breath test results of 30 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: The mean size of rectocele was 3.52 ± 1.06 cm. The rate of a positive LMBT (LMBT+) was significantly higher in patients with rectocele (33.3%) than in those with FC (23.1%) or healthy controls (6.7%) (p = 0.04). Breath CH4 concentration was positively correlated with rectosigmoid colon transit time in rectocele patients (γ = 0.481, p < 0.01). A maximum high pressure zone pressure > 155 mmHg was a significant independent factor of LMBT+ in rectocele patients (OR = 8.93, 95% CI = 1.14-71.4, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: LMBT+ might be expected in constipated patients with rectocele. Moreover, increased rectosigmoid colonic transit or high anorectal pressure might be associated with CH4 breath levels. Breath CH4 could be an important therapeutic target for managing constipated patients with rectocele.

The prevalence of abnormal posterior compartment anatomy and its association with obstructed defecation symptoms in urogynecological patients.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Symptoms of obstructive defecation (OD) are common in women. Transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) has been used for the evaluation of defecatory disorders. The aim of our study was to determine the overall prevalence of anatomical abnormalities of the posterior compartment and their correlations with OD in women seen in a tertiary urogynecology clinic. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 750 women seen at a tertiary urogynecological unit who had undergone a standardized interview, clinical examination, and 4D TPUS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to study the association between examination findings and symptoms of OD. This study was approved by the local human research ethics committee (Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee, IRB approval no. 13-16). RESULTS: The datasets of 719 women were analyzed. Mean age was 56.1 (18.4-87.6) years. Ninety-seven patients (13 %) reported fecal incontinence, 190 (26 %) constipation, and 461 (64 %) symptoms of OD. On examination, 405 women (56 %) were diagnosed with significant posterior compartment prolapse (POP-Q ≥ stage 2), which was associated with symptoms of OD (p < 0.0001). On ultrasound, 103 (14 %) patients had an enterocele, 382 (53 %) a true rectocele and 31 (4.3 %) had rectal intussusception. On multivariate analysis true rectocele (p = 0.003) and rectal intussusception (p = 0.004) remained significantly associated with symptoms of OD. CONCLUSION: Both symptoms of OD and anatomical abnormalities of the posterior compartment are highly prevalent in urogynecological patients. Ultrasound findings of a true rectocele and rectal intussusception are significantly associated with obstructed defecation.

RECTOCELE - A LITERATURE REVIEW WITH A CASE REPORT.

Rectocele is defined as an herniation of the rectal wall through a defect in the posterior rectovaginal septum in direction of the vagina. A great variety of factors can cause a rectocle. Small rectoceles are asymptomatic, but the big ones are appearing with a great variety of symptoms. Diagnosis of a rectocele is based on the clinical signs, physical examination and imaging tests. There are nonsurgical and surgical methods for treament of rectocele. Here we share our experience of successful surgical treatment of a big, sacculiform, high rectocele appeared soon after a vaginal hysterectomy.

Does childbirth play a role in the etiology of rectocele?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Rectoceles are common among parous women and they are believed to be due to disruption or distension of the rectovaginal septum as a result of childbirth. However, the etiology of rectocele is likely to be more complex since posterior compartment prolapse does occur in nulliparous women. This study was designed to determine the role of childbearing as an etiological factor in true radiological rectocele. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the data from 657 primiparous women recruited as part of a previously reported study and another ongoing prospective study. Women were invited for antenatal and postnatal appointments comprising an interview, clinical examination and translabial ultrasonography. The presence and depth of any rectocele were determined on maximum Valsalva maneuver, as was descent of the rectal ampulla. Potential demographic and obstetric factors as predictors of rectocele development were evaluated using either multiple regression or logistic regression analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: A true rectocele was identified in 4% of women antenatally and in 16% after childbirth (P < 0.001). Mean rectocele depth was 13.5 mm (10 - 23.2 mm). The mean antepartum position of the rectal ampulla on Valsalva maneuver was 4.39 mm above and it was 1.64 mm below the symphysis pubis postpartum (P < 0.0001). De novo appearance of true rectocele was significantly associated with a history of previous <20 weeks pregnancy and fetal birth weight. Body mass index and length of the second stage were associated with rectocele depth increase. CONCLUSIONS: Childbirth seems to play a distinct role in the pathogenesis of rectocele. Both maternal and fetal factors seem to contribute.

Prevalence of constipation in a tertiary referral Italian Colorectal Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiology data on constipation are not commonly available, particularly in Italy Here we review the prevalence and clinical features of constipated patients attending a tertiary referral Italian center. METHODS: Clinical data of patients attending our Coloproctology Unit in the last 15 years and complaining of constipation as the main clinical features were retrospectively analyzed. Rome-III criteria were adoptedto define constipation. RESULTS: 1041/11881 patients were affected by chronic constipation (8.8%), 376 had slow-transit constipation, 497 obstructed defecation and 168 both types of constipation. 76% of them were females. Patients distribution according to sex and age was Gaussian-like only in females. In the slow-transit group, constipation was idiopathic in 59.3% and secondary to other causes in 40.7% . In patients with anatomic obstructed defecation, rectocele and intussusceptions were the main findings, while pelvic floor dissynergia was the main finding in functional outlet obstruction, although more frequently all these components were associated. In 14.8% no apparent cause was identified. CONCLUSION: Constipation accounts for about 9% of patients attending a tertiary referral Colorectal Unit. Females were much more frequently affected in both types of constipation. Anatomic and functional defecatory disturbances are frequently associated, although in 15% no evident causes were identified. KEY WORDS: Constipation, Epidemiology, Obstructed defecation, Slow transit constipation.

Stapled transanal rectal resection with contour transtar for obstructed defecation syndrome: lessons learned after more than 3 years of single-center activity.

BACKGROUND: Obstructed defecation syndrome is a widespread and disabling disease. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stapled transanal rectal resection performed with a new dedicated curved device in the treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome. DESIGN: A retrospective review of 187 stapled transanal rectal resections performed from June 2007 to February 2011 was conducted. SETTINGS: The entire study was conducted at a university hospital. PATIENTS: : All the patients with symptomatic obstructed defecation syndrome and the presence of a rectocele and/or a rectorectal or rectoanal intussusception, in the absence of sphincter contractile deficiency, were included in the treatment protocol. INTERVENTIONS: All procedures were performed with the use of the Contour Transtar device. We analyzed the functional results of this technique, the incidence and features of the surgical and functional complications, and ways to prevent or treat them. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Constipation was graded by using the Agachan-Wexner constipation score; use of aids to defecate and patient satisfaction were assessed preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also investigated. RESULTS: The constipation intensity was statistically reduced from the preoperative mean value of 15.8 (± 4.9) to 5.2 (± 3.9) at 6 months after surgery (p < 0.0001). Of the 151 (80.3%) patients who took laxatives and the 49 (26.2%) who used enemas before treatment, only 25 (13.2%; p < 0.0001) and 7 (3.7%; p < 0.0001) continued to do so after surgery. None of the 17 (9.1%) patients who had previously helped themselves with digitations needed to continue this practice. Almost all patients showed a good satisfaction rate (3.87/5) after the procedure. LIMITATIONS: Limitations are the short follow-up of 1 year and the design of the study that may introduce potential selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that stapled transanal rectal resection performed with the use of the Contour Transtar is a safe and effective procedure to treat obstructed defecation syndrome.

[Laparoscopic resection rectopexy as treatment for obstructive defecation syndrome]. / Die laparoskopische Resektionsrektopexie zur Therapie des obstruktiven Defäkationssyndroms.

Anorectal outlet obstruction constitutes one form of chronic constipation. Combinations of morphological alterations of the pelvis, the pelvic floor and the colorectum are nearly always evident. The goal of the diagnostic work-up is to identify those patients who will profit from a surgical intervention. Resection rectopexy aims at restoring the physiological anatomy thereby ameliorating the functional interaction of structures effected with the laparoscopic approach entailing all advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Besides a detailed description of the surgical technique used and an algorithm for indications to operate we present our results after 19 years of experience. Throughout this period, 264 laparoscopic resection rectopexies for outlet obstruction were performed. With a mean follow-up of 58.2 months the rate of improvement of obstructive symptoms was 79.5 % (n = 128 of 161 available for follow-up). Present studies suggest that (laparoscopic) resection rectopexy entails better results in comparison to non-resecting procedures and procedures with the implantation of allogenic material. Certainly, in order to achieve these results a correct patient selection and an expertise in laparoscopic surgery are essential. Both the perioperative and the functional results of our own collective fortify the advantages of laparoscopic resection rectopexy in patients with an outlet obstruction.

Prevalence of and risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract symptoms among women in rural Nepal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among women seeking healthcare services in 3 discrete rural areas in Nepal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a Nepalese-specific questionnaire to obtain demographic and personal information. Urinary symptoms were examined using the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short form questionnaire, while POP severity was staged according to the POP-Q system. The χ(2) test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine POP risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 174 women included in the analysis, 106 (60.9%) had stage II POP or greater. In all, 93 women (53.4%) had cystocele, 63 (36.2%) had rectocele, and 37 (21.3%) had uterine prolapse. Univariate analysis identified high parity; young age at first delivery; menopause; squatting or standing position during delivery; and early return to work after delivery as risk factors for POP. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that delivery in a lying position presented a lower risk for cystocele than squatting or standing (odds ratio 0.34; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both LUTS and POP are common among women in rural Nepal. Cystocele is the most frequent, advanced, and symptomatic form of POP observed in this population.

Correlation between anorectocele with the anterior anal canal and anorectal junction anatomy using echodefecography.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between the pathogenesis of anorectocele and the anatomy of the anal canal and anorectal junction using echodefecography. METHODS: The study was conducted on a total of 100 women with obstructed defecation, mean age 46.6 years, who underwent echodefecography. Patients were classified based on rectocele status into group I, without rectocele (n = 32); group II, grade I rectocele (n = 11); group III, grade II (n = 27); and group IV, grade III (n = 30). We identified the layers of the anterior anorectal wall and measured anterior external sphincter length, posterior external sphincter and puborectalis length, gap between anterior external sphincter and anorectal junction, anorectal wall thickness in 3 locations: (1) proximal to anterior external anal sphincter; (2) anterior anorectal junction; (3) 1.0 cm proximal to anorectal junction. RESULTS: The anterior part of the external anal sphincter was significantly longer in group I (18.91 ± 0.38 mm) than in group III (16.94 ± 0.45 mm) (p < 0.05), and the length in group I was similar to that in group II (18.56 ± 0.44 mm) (p = 0.6223). The gap was significantly shorter in group I (21.24 ± 0.97 mm) than in group III (25.04 ± 0.82 mm) and group IV (23.82 ± 0.80 mm) (p < 0.05). The length of the anterior part of the external anal sphincter as a percentage of the length of the posterior external anal sphincter together with the puborectalis muscle was a mean of 57.39 ± 2.13% in group I, 56.01 ± 1.581% in group II, 47.77 ± 1.48% in group III, and 50.45 ± 1.61% in group IV, with a significantly higher percentage in group I than in groups III (p = 0.0126) and IV (p = 0.0007). No significant differences were identified between any of the groups regarding anorectal wall thickness at any of the 3 selected locations (p > 0.05). The muscularis propria layer of the rectal wall was not identified in 2 patients in group I (6.25%), 3 patients in group II (11.11%), and 3 patients in group III (10.00%), and 6 in group IV (8.82%), with no significant differences among groups. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of anorectocele may be associated with a shorter anterior part of the external anal sphincter and consequently a longer gap.

Barium proctography vs magnetic resonance proctography for pelvic floor disorders: a comparative study.

AIM: Accurate and reliable imaging of pelvic floor dynamics is important for tailoring treatment in pelvic floor disorders; however, two imaging modalities are available. Barium proctography (BaP) is widely used, but involves a significant radiation dose. Magnetic resonance (MR) proctography allows visualization of all pelvic midline structures but patients are supine. This project investigates whether there are measurable differences between BaP and MR proctography. Patient preference for the tests was also investigated. METHODS: Consecutive patients referred for BaP were invited to participate (National Research Ethics Service approved). Participants underwent BaP in Poole and MR proctography in Dorchester. Proctograms were reported by a consultant radiologist with pelvic floor subspecialization. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were recruited. Both tests were carried out on 42 patients. Complete rectal emptying was observed in 29% (12/42) on BaP and in 2% (1/42) on MR proctography. Anismus was reported in 29% (12/42) on BaP and 43% (18/42) on MR proctography. MR proctography missed 31% (11/35) of rectal intussusception detected on BaP. In 10 of these cases no rectal evacuation was achieved during MR proctography. The measure of agreement between grade of rectal intussusception was fair (κ=0.260) although MR proctography tended to underestimate the grade. Rectoceles were extremely common but clinically relevant differences in size were evident. Patients reported that they found MR proctography less embarrassing but harder to empty their bowel. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that MR proctography under-reports pelvic floor abnormalities especially where there has been poor rectal evacuation.