The Study of Anorectal Function Using High-resolution Anorectal Manometry in Patients With Fecal Impaction.

Fecal incontinence (FI) affects up to 1 in 4 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with inflammation, surgeries, and altered rectal sensitivity. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a surgical intervention for select IBD patients to avoid a permanent stoma. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) studies in IBD patients with FI demonstrate lower resting pressures and rectal sensory dysfunction. However, HRAM data in IBD patients with FI post-IPAA remains limited. We hypothesized patients with FI would have lower resting and squeeze pressures and rectal hypersensitivity compared to healthy controls and that these changes would be similar after IPAA. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted on patients undergoing HRAM from 2017-2021 at a single urban academic medical center. Patient characteristics (age, gender, BMI, stool frequency, diabetes, pregnancy history) and surgical history (prior perianal surgery, index vs. re-do IPAA) were obtained. HRAM variables included rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), sphincter length, resting, squeeze, cough, and push pressures, sensation thresholds (first sensation, constant sensation, desire to defecate, urgency to defecate, max tolerable volume), and balloon expulsion test (BET). HRAM outcomes in IPAA patients with FI (IPAA-FI) were compared to non-IBD patients with FI (non-IBD-FI). HRAM data for both patient cohorts were also compared to existing normative data of healthy controls. Non-IBD patients with constipation and FI were excluded from analysis. An independent samples t-test was performed (p < 0.05) for continuous variables, and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Fifty-six patients (66% female) were in the non-IBD-FI group. Eighteen patients (67% female) were in the IPAA-FI group. Average age in the IPAA-FI cohort was 44.8 ± 13.6 vs. 66.3 ± 14.4 in the non-IBD-FI group (p< 0.01). Sphincter length in the IPAA-FI group was 2.7 ± 1.1cm vs. 3.2 ± 0.6cm in the non-IBD-FI group (p=0.03). There was no significant difference in sensation thresholds or resting, squeeze, cough, and push pressures between the two groups. Urinary incontinence was observed in 5.6% of IPAA-FI patients vs. 44.6% of non-IBD-FI patients (p < 0.01). RAIR was present in 38.5% of IPAA-FI patients vs. 100% of non-IBD-FI patients (p < 0.01). Both patient cohorts had significantly shorter sphincter length, lower squeeze and push pressures, and lower sensation thresholds compared to normative data. Resting pressures for the IPAA-FI group was not significantly different compared to healthy controls. Overall, anorectal pressures and sensation are similar between IPAA-FI and non-IBD-FI patients. However, the underlying FI mechanism seems to differ. Higher rates of urinary incontinence in the non-IBD-FI cohort suggests global pelvic floor dysfunction compared to IPAA-FI patients who are younger and have post-operative neuromuscular dysfunction, as evidenced by shorter sphincter length and absent RAIR. Though rectal hypersensitivity and lower squeeze/push pressures are observed in both patient groups compared to healthy controls, normal resting pressure in IPAA-FI suggests that potentially different normative ranges are needed for this cohort to accurately assess post-surgical changes and guide pre-operative counseling.

Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can have perianal involvement with a fistulizing phenotype (PFCD) and could affect anal sphincter integrity, leading to morbidity and reduced quality of life (QoL) due to fecal incontinence (FI) and rectal pain. High-definition 3D anorectal manometry (HD-ARM) is a novel technique that allows volumetric imaging of the anal canal through 2D and 3D images, enabling visualization of morphology and identification of pressure defects caused by lesions in the sphincter complex. There are no studies in patients with IBD with this modality of manometry. Our aim is to determine the functional and structural abnormalities of the sphincter complex using HD-ARM in patients with CD with and without PFCD and to correlate these findings with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. Methods This is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of anorectal function using HD-ARM and rectal sensitivity using rectal barostat in patients with CD from our IBD unit. Patients were recruited during follow-up visits regardless of whether or not they reported anorectal symptoms. Findings were correlated with clinical activity of CD (Harvey Bradshaw index), PFCD activity index (PDAI), FI severity index (Jorge-Wexner and St. Marks scores), QoL scores (IBDQ-9 for IBD and FIQLS for FI), and perineal MRI to confirm anatomical abnormalities. Results A total of 19 patients were recruited from December 2023 to September 2024, 68.4% of whom were female. Among patients with PFCD (68.4% of the total), 84.6% had undergone some form of anorectal surgery. Only two patients from the total cohort (10.5%) had normal HD-ARM results. The main manometric diagnoses were: rectal hypersensitivity (36.8%), rectal hyposensitivity (31.6%), internal anal sphincter insufficiency (weakness) (21.1%), incomplete evacuation maneuvers (21.1%), and dyssynergic defecation (15.8%), with no significant differences between the groups with and without PFCD. In 90% of patients with PFCD, MRI findings correlated with the presence or absence of pressure defects on the HD-ARM. Patients with pressure defects on the HD-ARM had higher FI scores on the Jorge-Wexner (7.5 vs. 3.3) and St. Marks (9 vs. 5) scores, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.07). No differences in quality of life or luminal/perianal disease activity index were found in association with manometric alterations. Conclusion Anorectal sphincter function abnormalities are common in patients with CD, with or without concomitant perianal disease. HD-ARM is a useful tool to correlate functional anorectal abnormalities with anatomic abnormalities on perineal MRI. References Eglinton TW, Barclay ML, Gearry RB, et al. The spectrum of perianal Crohn’s disease in apopulation-based cohort. Dis Colon Rectum 2012;55:773–7. Felt-Bersma, R.J.F., Vlietstra, M.S., Vollebregt, P.F. et al. 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry in patients with perianal fistulas: comparison with 3D-anal ultrasound. BMC Gastroenterol 18, 44 (2018) R Costache, A Dimitriu, A Les, C Gheorghe, P027 Anorectal Motility Disorders in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients, Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, Volume 17, Issue Supplement_1, February 2023, Page i197 De Codes LMG, de Jesus ACC, de Codes JJG, Ferreira RF, da Silva Beda Sacramento C, da Cruz IDM, de Castro Ribeiro Fidelis F, de Carvalho AL, Motta MP, de Oliveira Alves C, Netto EM, Santana GO. Anorectal function and clinical characteristics associated with fecal incontinence in patients with Crohn's disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2023 Mar 23:jjad048

The functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP® ) is a new technology that measures the distensibility of the anal canal represented by the anal distensibility index. The aims of this study were (i) to compare the anal distensibility index to anal pressure in a cohort of patients with fecal incontinence (FI) and (ii) to compare the diagnostic value of the EndoFLIP® to that of high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) in the same cohort of patients. Eighty-three consecutive patients with FI who underwent EndoFLIP® and HRAM assessments were enrolled. The diagnostic value of the EndoFLIP® was compared to that of HRAM and agreement between EndoFLIP® and HRAM data was assessed. More than 70% of the patients diagnosed with anal deficiency at rest and/or during voluntary contractions by HRAM had the same diagnosis using the EndoFLIP® . Two patients with higher distensibility indexes at rest had normal anal resting pressures. Sixteen patients with a normal EndoFLIP® index (ie, normal distensibility index at rest and during voluntary contractions) had an abnormal HRAM result. Seven of these 16 patients (44%) had no sphincter lesion or neuropathic disorder that could explain an abnormal anal sphincter function. We demonstrated that the anal distensibility index and HRAM results are largely in agreement. We did, however, identify several discrepancies between the two techniques, indicating that they may be complementary.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a simple clinical method to diagnose anorectal disorders. High-resolution antorectal manometry (HRAM) based on a spatiotemporal plot is expected to promote improved diagnostic accuracy. However, there are no reports comparing the effectiveness of DRE and HRAM. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate the diagnostic value of DRE compared with HRAM. A total of 309 consecutive patients with chronic constipation (n=268) or fecal incontinence (n=41) who underwent a standardized DRE, HRAM, and balloon expulsion test were enrolled in this study. The diagnostic yield of DRE compared with HRAM was determined, and agreement between DRE and HRAM data was evaluated. Of the constipated patients, 207 (77.2%) were diagnosed with dyssynergia using HRAM. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of DRE in the diagnosis of dyssynergia were 93.2%, 58.7%, and 91.0%, respectively, and moderate agreement was seen between the two modalities (κ-coefficient =0.542, P<0.001). In patients with fecal incontinence, there was moderate agreement in terms of anal squeeze pressure between the two modalities (κ-coefficient =0.418, P=0.006); however, there was poor agreement for anal resting tone (κ-coefficient =0.079, P=0.368). DRE shows high sensitivity and positive predictive value in detecting dyssynergia compared with HRAM, and could therefore be used as a bedside screening test for the diagnosis of this disorder. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the correlation between DRE and HRAM in assessing anal sphincter pressure.

BACKGROUND: A group of patients with UC continue to present symptomatology despite being in remission. Previous studies with conventional anorectal manometry in patients with active UC or remission, decreased rectal compliance was reported, and sphincter pressures within normal parameters. Because of inflammation-induced fibrosis in activity periods, decreased rectal compliance has been proposed as the cause of persistent symptomatology, in remission. Our aim was evaluated UC patients in remission with persistent anorectal symptoms with HRAM. METHODS: Patients in remission in the Montreal and Mayo activity score for colonoscopy, from July 1, 2015 to June 31, 2016. Inclusion criteria:> 18 years, anorectal symptoms, signing of consent for HRAM. Exclusion criteria: alterations in proctological examination, loss of remission, anorectal surgery. A Manoscan 360 Sierra Scientific device with solid-state catheter, Manoview 2.1 software, was used. The mean volume for the first sensation, sensation and urgency of defecation, mean basal pressure of the sphincter and maximum contraction were reported. We analyzed the association between symptoms and HRAM results with the t test, and the association between symptoms and the extent of disease and evolution with X2. P=<0.5 to two tails was taken as significant. Analyzed with SPSS v22. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria were 17 patients with anorectal symptoms, 9 accepted HRAM. The median age: 59 years, with 14 years of evolution, 66.7% female gender. Patients who accepted HRAM, according to Montreal: E3 44.4%, E1 33.3% and E2 22.2%; 66.7% were Mayo 1 and Mayo 0, 33.3%. 55.6% had tenesmus, fecal incontinence 22.2%, proctalgia 22.2% and constipation 22.2%. Two patients had constipation and tenesmus, one proctalgia and tenesmus. The median anal resting and squeeze of female patients: anal resting 71.25 mmHg (42.5-75.9), squeeze 132 mmHg (86.7-267.5). In male patients: anal resting 84.6 (82.6-92.3) and squeeze 251.4 mmHg (208.9-273.2). Volume for first sensation in female: 40 mL (30-50) and urge to defecate 150 mL (120-160). Volume in male: first sensation 50 mL (20-60) and urge to defecate 140 mL (140-150). Two presented paradoxical contraction. We found correlation of proctalgia with first sensation with P=0.210 and urge to defecate P=0.015. There was no relationship of symptoms with years of evolution or extension of UC. CONCLUSION(S): The persistence of anorectal symptoms in patients with UC in remission is high. In our study, the most frequent symptom is tenesmus (55.6%). Patients had hyposensitivity and decreased rectal capacity. The anorectal symptoms are not related to years of evolution and extent of disease. There is correlation between proctalgia and changes in rectal capacity reported in HRAM.

High resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) is a diagnostic method indicated in patients with anorectal dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of anorectal dysfunctions and to assess therapeutic consequences. Retrospective data of consecutive patients referred to HRAM in the period from March 2019 to February 2021 were evaluated. Basic manometric parameters were assessed: resting pressure (RP), maximal squeeze pressure (SP), rectal sensitivity (RS), and dyssynergic defecation (DD). 113 patients with combined fecal incontinence and obstructive defecation syndrome (FI + ODS: 44.2%), fecal incontinence (FI: 26.5%), obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS: 16.8 %), stoma before restoration of intestinal continuity (6.2%), functional pelvic pain (FP: 3.5 %) and controversial cases (2.7%) were analyzed. The average age was 54 years; female patients predominated (72 %). Patients with FI and FI+ODS had lower mean RP (57 mmHg and 53 mmHg) and/or lower SP (160 mmHg and 140 mmHg) compared to baseline. Patients with ODS had normal values of mean RP (75 mmHg) and SP (225 mmHg). DD was noted in most patients (FI: 76.6%, FI + ODS: 88%, ODS: 89.5%, FP: 100%). Conservative therapy with pelvic floor physiotherapy was provided in most cases (FI+ODS: 40%, ODS: 36.8%, FI: 13.3%, FP: 75%). In patients with defecation disorders there is a high prevalence of pathological manometric findings that combine with each other. Based on manometric findings, conservative treatment with individual pelvic floor physiotherapy can be initiated.

Fecal incontinence 1,2

One and Done: Is Measurement of the Rectoanal Pressure Gradient Enough to Diagnose Defecatory Disorders and Guide the Management of Constipation?

Gastrointestinal dysfunction, particularly constipation, is among the most common non-motor manifestations in Parkinson's Disease (PD). We aimed to identify high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) abnormalities in patients with PD using the London Classification. We conducted a retrospective review of all PD patients at our institution who underwent HR-ARM and balloon expulsion test (BET) for evaluation of constipation between 2015 and 2021. Using age and sex-specific normal values, HR-ARM recordings were re-analyzed and abnormalities were reported using the London Classification. A combination of Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact test were used. 36 patients (19 women) with median age 71 (interquartile range [IQR]: 69-74) years, were included. Using the London Classification, 7 (19%) patients had anal hypotension, 17 (47%) had anal hypocontractility, and 3 women had combined hypotension and hypocontractility. Anal hypocontractility was significantly more common in women compared to men. Abnormal BET and dyssynergia were noted in 22 (61%) patients, while abnormal BET and poor propulsion were only seen in 2 (5%). Men had significantly more paradoxical anal contraction and higher residual anal pressures during simulated defecation, resulting in more negative recto-anal pressure gradients. Rectal hyposensitivity was seen in nearly one third of PD patients and comparable among men and women. Our data affirms the high prevalence of anorectal disorders in PD. Using the London Classification, abnormal expulsion and dyssynergia and anal hypocontractility were the most common findings in PD. Whether the high prevalence of anal hypocontractility in females is directly related to PD or other confounding factors will require further research.

Several guidelines recommend anorectal manometry in patients with functional anorectal disorders, eg. fecal incontinence and chronic constipation caused by outlet obstruction. We retrospectively reviewed tracings obtained between March 2005 and November 2008. A total of 189 patients (80% women; average age 56 years) were included. The main indications were fecal incontinence (21%) and constipation (79%). Patients suffering from incontinence were older (68±6 vs. 52±8 years) and had lower resting (35±8mmHg vs. 63±5mmHg P≤0.01) and squeeze pressure (54±7mmHg vs. 112±9mmHg P≤0.01) compared to continent patients, the perceptual thresholds were significantly lower in patients with fecal incontinence (urge: 50±4ml), compaired to those with constipation (137±18ml, P≤0.001). However, the sensitivity and specificity of manometric data seems to be low. An abnormal straining pattern suggesting dyssynergic defecation was seen in 51% of constipated patients compared to 85% of patients with fecal incontinence. Because of the low sensitivity and specificity of manometric parameters endoanal ultrasonography, defecography, balloon expulsion test are suggested to be performed in all patients with defecation disorders in order to make accurate diagnosis.

Introduction: High resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) and magnetic resonance defecography (MR defecography) are both modalities of assessing for anorectal dysfunction. HR-ARM assesses multiple manometric parameters while MR defecography evaluates pelvic organ structure and functional information regarding evacuation. Patients with constipation undergoing evaluation for defecatory dysfunction may undergo one or both of these testing modalities. To date, there is little data comparing HR-ARM to MR defecography. The aim of this study is to determine whether structural abnormalities on MR defecography correlate with findings on HR-ARM in patients with constipation. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study comparing results between HR-ARM and MR defecography in patients with constipation who underwent both testing modalities. MR defecography was first used to evaluate for presence of significant structural defects including rectocele >3cm, cystocele >3cm, or pelvic floor descent >3cm below pubococcygeal line during strain. Multiple manometric findings from HR-ARM were then compared between patients with and without structural defects using Student's t-test. Results: Forty-six patients with constipation (age 19-74) undergoing HR-ARM also underwent MR defecography. All except for one patient were female; 82% Caucasian, 8.7% African American, and 8.7% Hispanic. Twelve had significant structural findings: rectocele >3cm (n = 2), cystocele >3cm (n = 1), and abnormal pelvic floor descent (n = 9). Comparing HR-ARM in the 12 patients with structural defects to the 36 without defects, only two parameters were statistically different between the two groups. Interestingly, patients with structural defects had higher resting intrarectal pressure (73.3 mmHg vs 43.9 mmHg, p=0.02) when compared to those without defects. Those with structural defects also had higher squeeze sphincter pressures (219.8 mmHg vs 160.2 mmHg, p=0.03). Conclusion: In patients with constipation undergoing both HR-ARM and MR defecography, it was determined that structural abnormalities on MR defecography were associated with higher resting intrarectal pressures and squeeze sphincter pressures on HR-ARM. This may be helpful in providing a diagnostic prediction for structural defects in patients with constipation undergoing workup with HR-ARM.

Background Fecal incontinence commonly occurs in patients with ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. There is a paucity of manometric data in pouch patients. We aimed to better define manometric parameters in pouch patients with fecal incontinence. Methods We compared clinical and manometric variables in ulcerative colitis patients with pouch and fecal incontinence to ulcerative colitis patients with pouch without fecal incontinence and to non-ulcerative colitis patients with fecal incontinence. Manometric data for the 3 cohorts were compared to established normative data. An independent-samples t-test was performed for continuous variables, and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of incontinence in pouch patients (P &amp;lt; .05). Results Among 26 pouch patients with fecal incontinence (73% female), 26 pouch patients without fecal incontinence (35% female), and 84 patients with fecal incontinence without ulcerative colitis (68% female), there were no differences in anorectal pressures between patients with fecal incontinence. Lower pressures were observed in pouch patients with fecal incontinence compared to those without fecal incontinence. Resting pressure was similar between pouch patients with fecal incontinence and healthy controls (60.9 ± 36.1 mmHg vs. 66.9 ± 3.2 mmHg, P = .40). Female sex (P = .019) and defecatory disorders (P = .033) each independently predicted fecal incontinence in pouch patients. Conclusions Pouch patients with fecal incontinence have lower anorectal pressures compared to pouch patients without incontinence, though have similar pressures to non-ulcerative colitis patients with fecal incontinence. Pouch patients with fecal incontinence have similar resting pressures as healthy controls. Distinct manometric normative values for pouch patients are needed.

Guidelines recommend anorectal manometry in patients with fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. However, limited evidence supports the utility of manometric testing. We retrospectively reviewed tracings obtained between November 2005 and May 2008. A total of 298 patients (86% women; average age 52 years) were included. The main indications were incontinence (51%) and constipation (42%). Patients suffering from incontinence were older and had lower resting and squeeze pressure compared to continent patients. However, the discriminative power of manometric pressure data was poor, with low sensitivity and specificity. An abnormal straining pattern suggesting dyssynergic defecation was seen in 43% of constipated patients compared to 13% of patients with fecal incontinence. A concordance between manometric patterns and the balloon expulsion test was seen in 72%. The low sensitivity and specificity of manometric parameters does not support the routine use of anorectal manometry in patients with defecation disorders.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate anorectal function with high-resolution anorectal manometry in patients receiving combination treatment for rectal cancer. Material and methods. We analyzed literature data (PubMed, Scopus, eLIBRARY databases) and our treatment outcomes in 50 rectal cancer patients receiving combination or surgical treatment at Rostov Research Institute of Oncology. Results. The mean anal resting pressure was 1.8 times lower, and the maximal anal squeeze pressure was 1.5 times lower in patients after combination treatment, compared to surgical treatment (p&lt;0.05). 3 months after combination treatment with prolonged radiotherapy, contractile properties of the internal sphincter were decreased in 83.3%, of the external sphincter - in 26.7% of patients. Fatigue rate of external sphincter muscles was increased in 17 (56.7%) patients of this group. We observed a correlation between some anorectal manometry data and the LARS score: in both groups, patients with the maximal LARS score showed the lowest mean anal resting pressure, compared to patients with minimal and average LaRs scores (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion. Due to negative effect of radiation therapy on the anorectal function, careful selection of patients who will benefit from radiation therapy is very important, as well as identification of patients with a high risk of radiation-induced functional problems and development of rehabilitation programs for patients treated for rectal cancer.

BackgroundDespite the surge of new medical and surgical approaches to treat fecal incontinence, the types of sphincter abnormalities in patients with incontinence have not been well characterized. We aimed to categorize anal sphincter dysfunction using anorectal manometry in patients with fecal incontinence as a potential guide for improved treatment.MethodsA retrospective review of 162 consecutive patients with fecal incontinence referred for anorectal manometry was performed. Resting anal pressure and maximal squeeze pressure were considered as measures of internal anal sphincter and external anal sphincter function respectively.ResultsMean age of the patients was 63 years (13-89); females (81.5%) and males (18.5%). 74% of the patients had sphincter dysfunction on anorectal manometry. Internal anal sphincter dysfunction was present in 62% patients vs. external anal sphincter dysfunction present in 44% patients. 80% females had abnormal manometry vs. 44% in males (P<0.0001). Internal anal sphincter dysfunction was present in 68% females vs. 37% in males (P=0.0026).ConclusionsOverall, abnormal anorectal manometry studies revealed that internal anal sphincter dysfunction is the most common finding, alone or in combination with external anal sphincter dysfunction. We suggest that anorectal manometry may be important to delineate anal sphincter function prior to using newer therapeutic mechanical devices. Future studies using pharmacological agents to increase internal anal sphincter tone may be of clinical importance. Finally, the classification of fecal incontinence based on the type of sphincter dysfunction may be an improved guide in the selection of newer agents in treating fecal incontinence.