Korean J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2004 Dec;10(2):118-124.

Chracteristics of Defecation Difficulty in Constipated Patients Showing Decreased Resting Anal Pressure

• Nam JS
• Jung SA
• Kim SE
• Shim KN
• Cho YK
• Lee JS
• Yeum HJ
• Lee JK
• Yoo K

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of defecation difficulty in obstructive constipated patients showing decreased resting anal pressure (RAP) by manometry.
METHODS
From December 2001 to July 2003, 37 patients with pelvic floor dysfunction were enrolled. Group I had 22 patients with decreased RAP and Group II had 15 patients with normal RAP. Colon transit time, anorectal manometry and defecography were evaluated and compared retrospectively in the two groups.
RESULTS
The mean age in Group I was older than that in Group II (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in rectosigmoid colon transit time between the two groups, but total and left colon transit times were significantly delayed (p<0.05), and right colon transit had a tendency to be delayed in Group I (p=0.06). Concerning anorectal manometry, the anal squeezing pressure was lower, the defecation index was higher, and the minimum rectal sensory volume was decreased in Group I (p<0.05). Regarding defecography, anal canal diameter was significantly different between the two groups during defecation.
CONCLUSIONS
Some of the patients with pelvic floor dysfunction showing decreased RAP didn't show typical patterns of obstructive constipation in several physiologic parameters. Further evaluation for the mechanism of defecation difficulty remains to be studied.

Keyword

Constipation; Resting anal pressure; Pelvic floor dysfunction

MeSH Terms

Anal Canal
Colon
Constipation
Defecation*
Defecography
Humans
Manometry
Pelvic Floor
Retrospective Studies