Clinical, radiological and physiological assessment of anorectal function. Issue 6 (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harries, Rhiannon L.; Taylor, Gregory
• Is Part Of: Surgery. Volume 38:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Anal sphincter -- anorectal investigations -- anorectal manometry -- colonic transit studies -- defaecating proctogram -- endoanal ultrasound -- faecal incontinence -- obstructive defaecation -- pelvic floor -- rectoanal inhibitory reflex; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2020.03.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-9319

Abstract

Abstract: The maintenance of anorectal continence and defaecation is complex. The disruption of these mechanisms can result in symptoms of either faecal incontinence or obstructive defaecation. Both conditions can have significant impact on quality of life. This article details the clinical assessment of presenting patients to establish potential causes, grade the severity of the symptoms and to assess the impact on their quality of life. The appropriate specialized radiological and physiological investigations aim to evaluate the structural integrity and function of the anal sphincter, the anorectal and pelvic floor musculature and measure the transitory function of the colon.