Document Detail


Anal inspection and digital rectal examination compared to anorectal physiology tests and endoanal ultrasonography in evaluating fecal incontinence.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17096089     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Anal inspection and digital rectal examination are routinely performed in fecal incontinent patients but it is not clear to what extent they contribute to the diagnostic work-up. We examined if and how findings of anal inspection and rectal examination are associated with anorectal function tests and endoanal ultrasonography. METHODS: A cohort of fecal incontinent patients (n=312, 90% females; mean age 59) prospectively underwent anal inspection and rectal examination. Findings were compared with results of anorectal function tests and endoanal ultrasonography. RESULTS: Absent, decreased and normal resting and squeeze pressures at rectal examination correlated to some extent with mean (+/-SD) manometric findings: mean resting pressure 41.3 (+/-20), 43.8 (+/-20) and 61.6 (+/-23) Hg (p<0.001); incremental squeeze pressure 20.6 (+/-20), 38.4 (+/-31) and 62.4 (+/-34) Hg (p<0.001). External anal sphincter defects at rectal examination were confirmed with endoanal ultrasonography for defects <90 degrees in 36% (37/103); for defects between 90-150 degrees in 61% (20/33); for defects between 150-270 degrees in 100% (6/6). Patients with anal scar tissue at anal inspection had lower incremental squeeze pressures (p=0.04); patients with a gaping anus had lower resting pressures (p=0.013) at anorectal manometry. All other findings were not related to any anorectal function test or endoanal ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Anal inspection and digital rectal examination can give accurate information about internal and external anal sphincter function but are inaccurate for determining external anal sphincter defects <90 degrees. Therefore, a sufficient diagnostic work-up should comprise at least rectal examination, anal inspection and endoanal ultrasonography.
Authors:
Annette C Dobben; Maaike P Terra; Marije Deutekom; Michael F Gerhards; A Bart Bijnen; Richelle J F Felt-Bersma; Lucas W M Janssen; Patrick M M Bossuyt; Jaap Stoker
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2006-11-10
Journal Detail:
Title:  International journal of colorectal disease     Volume:  22     ISSN:  0179-1958     ISO Abbreviation:  Int J Colorectal Dis     Publication Date:  2007 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-05-25     Completed Date:  2007-10-09     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8607899     Medline TA:  Int J Colorectal Dis     Country:  Germany    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  783-90     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.c.dobben@amc.uva.nl
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Anal Canal / physiology*
Digital Rectal Examination*
Endosonography*
Fecal Incontinence* / pathology,  physiopathology,  ultrasonography
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Manometry
Middle Aged
Pressure
Prognosis
Prospective Studies
Rectum / physiology*
Reproducibility of Results
Severity of Illness Index

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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