High-resolution Anorectal Manometry Research Articles

Short-term clinical and manometric outcomes of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: a large single-centre series

BackgroundFaecal incontinence (FI) is common, with a significant impact on quality of life. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a therapy for FI; however, its role has recently been questioned. Here we report the short-term clinical and manometric outcomes in a large tertiary centre.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospective PTNS database was performed, extracting patient-reported FI outcome measures including bowel diary, the St Marks’s Incontinence Score (SMIS) and Manchester Health Questionnaire (MHQ). Successful treatment was > 50% improvement in symptoms, whilst a partial response was 25–50% improvement. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) results before and after PTNS were recorded.ResultsData were available from 135 patients [119 (88%) females; median age: 60 years (range: 27–82years)]. Overall, patients reported a reduction in urge FI (2.5–1) and passive FI episodes (2–1.5; p < 0.05) alongside a reduction in SMIS (16.5–14) and MHQ (517.5–460.0; p < 0.001). Some 76 (56%) patients reported success, whilst a further 20 (15%) reported a partial response. There were statistically significant reductions in rectal balloon thresholds and an increase in incremental squeeze pressure; however, these changes were independent of treatment success.ConclusionPatients report PTNS improves FI symptoms in the short term. Despite this improvement, changes in HRAM parameters were independent of this success. HRAM may be unable to measure the clinical effect of PTNS, or there remains the possibility of a placebo effect. Further work is required to define the role of PTNS in the treatment of FI.

Use of a footstool improves rectal balloon expulsion in some patients with defecatory disorders.

Whether patients with defecatory disorders (DDs) with favorable response to a footstool have distinctive anorectal pressure characteristics is unknown. We aimed to identify the clinical phenotype and anorectal pressure profile of patients with DDs who benefit from a footstool. This is a retrospective review of patients with high resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) and balloon expulsion test (BET) from a tertiary referral center. BET was repeated with a 7-inch-high footstool in those who failed it after 120 s. Data were compared among groups with respect to BET results. Of the 667 patients with DDs, a total of 251 (38%) had failed BET. A footstool corrected BET in 41 (16%) of those with failed BET. Gender-specific differences were noted in anorectal pressures, among patients with and without normal BET, revealing gender-based nuances in pathophysiology of DDs. Comparing patients who passed BET with footstool with those who did not, the presence of optimal stool consistency, with reduced instances of loose stools and decreased reliance on laxatives were significant. Additionally, in women who benefited from a footstool, lower anal pressures at rest and simulated defecation were observed. Independent factors associated with a successful BET with a footstool in women included age <50, Bristol 3 or 4 stool consistency, lower anal resting pressure and higher rectoanal pressure gradient. Identification of distinctive clinical and anorectal phenotype of patients who benefited from a footstool could provide insight into the factors influencing the efficacy of footstool utilization and allow for an individualized treatment approach in patients with DDs.

Relationship of Age and Gender to Motility Test Results and Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Constipation.

Patients with chronic constipation (CC) exhibit symptoms and functional abnormalities upon testing, but their relationship to age and gender is unclear. We assessed age- and gender-related differences in symptoms, colon transit time, and anorectal motility, sensation, and expulsion. Retrospective, post hoc data analysis of patients with CC, who underwent Wireless Motility Capsule (WMC), High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry (HR-ARM), Balloon Expulsion Test (BET) and Rectal Sensory Testing (RST). Clinical assessment was made by questionnaires. Standard WMC criteria for colonic transit time (CTT) and the London classification was used for HR-ARM analyses, and regression plots between age, gender, CTT, HR-HRM, RST and BET were calculated. We studied 75 women and 91 men. Abdominal pain, infrequent defecation, incomplete evacuation, defecatory straining, and multiple motility and anorectal function abnormalities were common. Abdominal pain was least frequently, and straining was most frequently associated with a motility abnormality. For each symptom, the highest prevalence was associated with failed BET. There was a significant increase in CTT with age only in men (p = 0.0006). In men, for each year of age there was a CTT increase of 1.02 h. The prevalence of abdominal pain and incomplete evacuation for females was significantly higher than that for males (both P < 0.05). The prevalence of low anal squeeze pressure for females was significantly higher than that for males, and the prevalence of poor rectal sensation for males was significantly higher than that for females (both P < 0.05). A significant decrease in basal anal and squeeze pressures with age occurred in women (p < 0.0001); an increase in age of one year was associated with a decrease in anal base pressure of 1.2 mmHg. Abnormal CTT and HR-ARM tests were associated with increased symptom frequency, but not severity. There are significant age- and gender-related differences in symptoms, CTT, and HR-HRM parameters, rectal sensation, and expulsion, that may influence the multifaceted management of constipation.

High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry as a Screening Tool for Hirschsprung's Disease: A Comprehensive Retrospective Analysis.

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is characterized by a congenital absence of enteric ganglion cells in the intestine, posing challenges in diagnosis, particularly in pediatric patients. The gold standard, rectal suction biopsy (RSB), carries risks, prompting an exploration of non-invasive alternatives such as high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) for HD screening. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 136 patients suspected of HD between 2018 and 2022, which were stratified into three age groups: ≤12 months, ≤24 months, and >24 months. Criteria for suspicion included delayed meconium passage, unresponsive chronic constipation, and abnormal prior test results. HR-ARM, supplemented by additional tests, confirmed 16 HD cases. HR-ARM exhibited 93.75% sensitivity, 89.47% specificity, 99.03% negative predictive value (NPV), and 55.56% positive predictive value (PPV). Notably, HR-ARM consistently performed well in patients ≤ 2 years old but demonstrated reduced efficacy in older children, which was likely due to complications from chronic constipation. This study underscores HR-ARM's promise as a non-invasive HD screening tool, especially in younger patients. However, its limitations in older children warrant consideration. Establishing standardized protocols, particularly for assessing the recto-anal inhibitory reflex, is crucial. Further research is imperative to optimize HR-ARM's diagnostic role across varied age groups in HD assessment.

Defecatory disorders are a common cause of chronic constipation in Parkinson disease.

Up to 50% of patients with Parkinson disease have constipation (PD-C), but the prevalence of defecatory disorders caused by rectoanal dyscoordination in PD-C is unknown. We aimed to compare anorectal function of patients with PD-C versus idiopathic chronic constipation (CC). Anorectal pressures, rectal sensation, and rectal balloon expulsion time (BET) were measured with high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) in patients with PD-C and control patients with CC, matched for age and sex. We identified 97 patients with PD-C and 173 control patients. Eighty-six patients with PD-C (89%) had early PD, and 39 (40%) had a defecatory disorder, manifest by a prolonged rectal balloon expulsion time (37 patients) or a lower rectoanal pressure difference during evacuation (2 patients). PD-C patients with a prolonged BET had a greater anal resting pressure (p = 0.02), a lower rectal pressure increment (p = 0.005), greater anal pressure (p = 0.047), and a lower rectoanal pressure difference during evacuation (p < 0.001). Rectal sensory thresholds were greater in patients with abnormal BET. In the multivariate model comparing CC and PD-C (AUROC = 0.76), PD-C was associated with a lower anal squeeze increment (odds ratio [OR] for PD-C, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.91-0.95]), longer squeeze duration (OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03-1.08]), lower rectal pressure increment (OR per 10 mm Hg, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.66-0.79]), and negative rectoanal gradient during evacuation (OR per 10 mm Hg, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.08-1.26]). Compared with CC, PD-C was characterized by impaired squeeze pressure, longer squeeze duration, lower increase in rectal pressure, and a more negative rectoanal gradient during evacuation.

Rectal Sensory and Compliance Testing: A Method Comparison Study between High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry and Barostat Investigations.

Abnormal visceral perception and motor function are often observed in patients with fecal incontinence, evacuation disorders and irritable bowel syndrome. The international anorectal physiology working group has proposed a standardization for anorectal function assessment, where rectal sensitivity testing is performed using an elastic balloon attached to a high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) catheter. Rectal compliance, another component of rectal function evaluation, is a pressure-volume relationship that refers to the rectum's ability to stretch and expand as it receives and holds fecal matter. There are no data available regarding the possibility of compliance testing using HRAM, although this is theoretically possible by correcting for the elastic balloon's intrinsic properties. The gold standard for measurement of visceral sensitivity and compliance is the rectal barostat, according to the procedure described by the European COST action GENIEUR group. Data on the agreement between the two different procedures are scarce. Hence, we performed a comparative study of the HRAM and barostat investigations in 26 healthy individuals. We hypothesized that by inflating the balloon before the examination, rectal compliance can be measured with HRAM investigations, and we examined correlations and levels of agreement between the methods. Our results demonstrate that assessing rectal compliance with HRAM is technically possible; however, a strong correlation with the rectal barostat was only observed at the maximum tolerable volume (Spearman's rho = 0.7, p = 0.02). We only found moderate correlations (Spearman's rho = 0.562, p = 0.019) for compliance according to the barostat methodology and for rectal sensibility testing (Spearman's rho = 0.57, p = 0.03 for maximum tolerable volume). Bland-Altman plots showed poor levels of agreement between the methods. We conclude that HRAM and the rectal barostat cannot be used interchangeably for compliance or sensitivity assessments. We suggest the development of a non-elastic balloon with a fixed size and shape to assess rectal sensory function and compliance in HRAM testing.

P499 Anorectal Motility Disorders In Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Abstract Background In spite of prolonged disease remission of IBD patients, induced by the new biological molecules, a significant number of them suffer from persistent debilitating symptoms with major impact on the quality of life. Frequently, these symptoms are due to post-inflammatory motility changes and misinterpreted as functional disorders. Our aim is to identify and characterize the anorectal motility dysfunction in IBD patients. Methods We are conducting an ongoing prospective study started in August 2019, which includes the IBD patients admitted in a Tertiary Gastroenterology Centre in Bucharest, with specific symptoms (anorectal pain, incontinence, difficult defecation). We perform high resolution anorectal manometry using Sandhill Scientific systems, the parameters being analysed using InSIGHT software. The manometric testing comprise measurements of anorectal pressure at rest, during squeeze, simulated evacuation, rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) and rectal sensory testing, in compliance with International Anorectal Physiology Working Group protocol Results We studied 30 patients (18 patients with Ulcerative Colitis and 12 patients with Crohn’s Disease, 18 females and 12 males, mean age 40 (±12.85) years. Only 33% (10 patients) had rectal active involvement. Symptoms were reported by 87% (26) patients: anal incontinence (85%), difficult evacuation (35%) and urgency (46%); rectal inflammation was not correlated with the presence of symptoms in our study group (p=0.28). Perianal surgical interventions didn’t represent a risk factor for fecal incontinence (p=0.18), or for dyssinergic defecation (p=0.1). Modified manometric parameters were found in 23 patients (79%). Low resting pressures were registered in 48% of patients; 55% of them presented low squeeze pressures; during push maneuvers, 34% of patients had insufficient rectal propulsive force, presenting low rectal pressures and 59% of them lacked anal canal relaxation. We performed sensibility testing on 18 patients: 9 patients presented criteria for hypersensitivity, hence reduced rectal compliance; 7 patients presented rectal hyposensitivity, while only 2 patients had normal rectal sensation. Recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was present only in 28% of the patients, reflecting the dysfunction of the enteric neural system. Conclusion Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have significantly higher rates of functional anorectal disease. Therefore, pelvic floor investigation is an essential tool in the investigation and management of IBD patients with ongoing symptoms not thought to be related to an IBD flare.

In the Driving Seat with High-Resolution Ano-Rectal Manometry

Introduction: High-resolution ano-rectal manometry (HRAM), part of the investigative process to diagnose disorders of recto-anal co-ordination, is currently performed in the left-lateral position (LLP). This may seem unnatural for patients and recent data suggest that the seated, squatted position (SP) may improve rectal drive and recto-anal pressure gradients, raising the question as to whether defaecatory dyssenergia (DD) is over-diagnosed when the test is carried out in the LLP. Aim/method: A single centre study was carried out in patients with faecal incontinence and/or constipation to evaluate the effect of SP versus LLP on HRAM analysis and resultant manometric diagnosis of DD. Positioning was consecutive and the order was randomised for each patient. The HRAM protocol was carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines (Manoscan). Data analysis and interpretation were blinded with a consensus reached for each test position. Data (mean ± SEM) were analysed using an unpaired t-test and Chi-square test. Results: In total, 40 patients completed the study, including 33 females with a median age of 56 (IQR 48–63). The mean rectal drive was significantly higher in the SP vs. LLP (82.6 ± 5.3 mmHg vs. 44.1 ± 3.9 mmHg, respectively, p &lt; 0.0001). No difference in the anal sphincter relaxation pressure (66.7 ± 5.7 mmHg vs. 70.9 ± 5.5 mmHg, p = 0.9535) was detected. The manometric diagnoses of abnormal ano-rectal co-ordination were significantly higher in the LLP, when p = 0.013. Patients reported a significant preference for the seated position, when p = 0.0001. Conclusion: These data show that HRAM in the seated position improves rectal drive, which reduces manometric diagnoses of abnormal ano-rectal coordination. These findings may have important implications for practice and may inform future guidelines.

Obesity Is Associated with Altered Rectal Sensitivity in Chronic Constipation.

Defecation dysfunction may contribute to chronic constipation (CC), but the impact of obesity on anorectal physiology in CC remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between obesity and anorectal function on physiologic testing in patients presenting with CC. This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults who underwent high resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) at a tertiary center for CC. Patient demographics, clinical history, surgical/obstetric history, medications, and HRAM results were reviewed. Patients were classified into obese (BMI > 30kg/m2) vs non-obese (BMI < 30kg/m2) groups at the time of HRAM. Fisher-exact/student t-test for univariate analyses and general linear regression for multivariable analysis were performed. 383 adults (mean 50.3years; 85.8% female) with CC were included. On HRAM, patients with obesity had lower anal sphincter resting tone (37.3 vs 48.5mmHg, p = 0.005) and maximum squeeze pressure (104.8mmHg vs 120.0mmHg, p = 0.043). No significant differences in dyssynergia (61% vs 53%, p = 0.294) and failed balloon expulsion (18% vs 25%, p = 0.381) were found between obese and non-obese groups. On balloon distention testing, the maximum tolerated (163.5 vs 147.6mL, p = 0.042) and urge sensation (113.9 vs 103.7mL, p = 0.048) volumes were significantly increased among patients with obesity. After adjusting for potential confounders, obesity remained independently associated with increased maximum tolerated volume (β-coefficient 13.7, p = 0.049). Obesity was independently associated with altered rectal sensitivity among patients with CC. Altered rectal sensation may play an important role in CC among patients with obesity. Anorectal physiology testing should be considered to understand the pathophysiology and guide management.

High-resolution anorectal manometry for diagnosing obstructed defecation syndrome associated with moderate rectocele compared to healthy individuals

BackgroundFew studies have investigated healthy female individuals (HFI) and those with obstructed defecation syndrome associated with moderate rectocele in women (MRW), identified using three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D HRAM) parameters that correlate with age stratification.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the clinical diagnostic values of the MRW and HFI groups using 3D HRAM parameters related to age stratification.MethodsA prospective non-randomized controlled trial involving 128 cases from the MRW (treatment group, 68 cases) and HFI (control group, 60 cases) groups was conducted using 3D HRAM parameters at Tianjin Union Medical Center between January 2017 and June 2022, and patients were divided into two subgroups based on their ages: the ≥50 and < 50 years subgroups.ResultsMultivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that age (P = 0.024) and rectoanal inhibitory reflex (P = 0.001) were independent factors affecting the disease in the MRW group. Compared to the HFI group, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the 3D HRAM parameters exhibited a higher diagnostic value for age (Youden index = 0.31), urge to defecate (Youden index = 0.24), and rectoanal pressure differential (Youden index = 0.21) in the MRW group.ConclusionsCompared to the HFI group, the ROC curve of the 3D HRAM parameters suggests that age, urge to defecate, and rectoanal pressure differential in the MRW group have a significant diagnostic value. Because the Youden index is lower, 3D HRAM cannot be considered the gold standard method for diagnosing MRW.

Defecation Symptoms in Relation to Stool Consistency Significantly Reflect the Dyssynergic Pattern in High-resolution Anorectal Manometry in Constipated Patients.

To evaluate the usefulness of a 2-week patient-completed bowel habit and symptom diary as a screening tool for disordered rectoanal coordination (DRC). DRC is an important subgroup of chronic constipation that benefits from biofeedback treatment. Diagnosis of DRC requires a dyssynergic pattern (DP) of attempted defecation in high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) and at least 1 other positive standardized examination, such as the balloon expulsion test or defecography. However, HRAM is generally limited to tertiary gastroenterology centres and finding tools for selecting patients for referral for further investigations would be of clinical value. Retrospective data from HRAM and a 2-week patient-completed bowel habit and symptom diary from 99 chronically constipated patients were analyzed. Fifty-seven percent of the patients had a DP pattern during HRAM. In the DP group, 76% of bowel movements with loose or normal stool resulted in a sense of incomplete evacuation compared with 55% of the non-DP group (P=0.004). Straining and sensation of incomplete evacuation with the loose stool were significantly more common in the DP group (P=0.032). Hard stool was a discriminator for non-DP (P=0.044). Multiple logistic regression including incomplete evacuation and normal stool predicted DP with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 50%. The sensation of incomplete evacuation with loose or normal stool could be a potential discriminator in favor of DP in chronically constipated patients. The bowel habit and symptom diary may be a useful tool for stratifying constipated patients for further investigation of suspected DRC.

Prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in children with constipation evaluated by high-resolution anorectal manometry.

Dyssynergic defecation, defined as the incoordination of rectoanal and abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor which are necessary for the appropriate relaxation, is characterized by paradoxical anal contraction, inadequate anal relaxation, or abnormal rectal propulsion; it is considered a cause of refractory primary constipation. The prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in the pediatric age is still little known. The studies that have evaluated the defecation dynamics through anorectal manometry suggest that 36.8% to 80.9% of children with functional constipation (FC) present dyssynergic defecation. High-resolution Anorectal Manometry (HRAM) is a tool for the evaluation of the sensitivity and defecation dynamics; it allows to establish the diagnosis of dyssynergia and its classification. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyssynergic defecation in children with FC and characterize the most common type of dyssynergia evaluated through a HRAM. In this study, 63 files of pediatric patients with FC diagnoses were included. Of these, 41.3% (n=26) were female and 58.7% (n=37) were male. The median age in the group of dyssynergia was 8 years, while for the FC group it was 9 years; the distribution by sex was similar. Of the included patients, 41.3% (n=26) showed dyssynergic defecation, and 58.7% (n=37) showed normal anorectal manometry. Regarding the type, 84.6% (n=22) were of type I, 7.7% (n=2) was the percentage for both types III and IV, and no patients were reported for type II.

Anal defecatory function in ulcerative colitis patients after total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a prospective cohort study.

Total proctocolectomy (TPC) followed by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) remains the only viable option whenever different treatment modalities fail in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Prospective cohort pre/post study examining the anal defecatory function and competence in UC patients undergoing TPC plus IPAA using high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM). Patients undergoing TPC and IPAA were enrolled in the study and subjected to HR-ARM prior to and 6 months after surgery. The anal resting, squeeze and push pressures were recorded, together with the rectal sensation and the rectal balloon expulsion test. The number of bowel movements, symptoms/signs related to fecal incontinence, as well as the IBDQ-32 quality of life questionnaires were documented during both HR-ARM visits. A total of 20 consecutive UC patients were recruited in our study. The mean (SD) number of bowel movements before the TPC plus IPAA was 10.1 (2.8), while the same number after the pouch surgery was 7.7 (3.1) [ P  = 0.01]. Symptoms or signs of fecal incontinence were noted in one of our patients prior to the operation; however, none of our patients reported any such symptoms after the pouch surgery. The median (IQR) IBDQ-32 questionnaire scores before and after surgery were 121.5 (13.5) and 142.5 (16.0) respectively. At the same time, the anorectal function remained intact since both the anal resting and squeeze pressures were not significantly changed. UC patients subjected to TPC-IPAA exhibit improved bowel movements and a normal anal defecatory function and competence post-surgery.

Normal Values of High Resolution Anorectal Manometry in 132 Romanian Healthy People.

The primary method for assessing anorectal function is high resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM). It is a useful tool in the diagnosis of different anorectal functional disorders such as fecal incontinence or dyssynergia. The aim of the present study was to propose a new set of normal values to be used in practice for East-European individuals, as it was proven that the results are highly influenced by race and sociocultural status. We conducted a study based on anorectal manometric values of healthy volunteers analyzed at Clinic Fundeni Institute, Bucharest, Romania, between 2017 and 2022. The anorectal manometry was performed using a solid-state catheter (Diversatek, 23 pressure sensors). All anorectal measurement values were analyzed using the Bioview Software Analysys, respecting the timing and the order from the standardized IAPWG protocol. Manometric measurements were summarized using mean, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values. The impact of age and gender on 8 different manometric parameters was further analyzed. Normal ranges for all numeric variables were estimated using the 5th and 95th percentiles of the measurements. A total of 132 subjects (97 females, 35 males) were enrolled in the study. Median age was similar between groups (54 vs. 55 years). The values for rectal propulsion, anal gradient and anal relaxation proved to be higher in females under 54 years as opposed to older women. The values for resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, incremental squeeze pressure were significantly higher in males younger than 54. Regardless of age, values for maximum squeeze pressure, incremental squeeze pressure, duration of squeeze and rectal propulsion were found to be significantly higher in males than in females. Normal values of HRAM in healthy volunteers are presented in a table at the end of the study. The data presented in the current study are of high value and have a great impact on clinical practice, being the first study offering a spectrum of the normal values for HRAM in an Eastern Europe population.

Increased Grades of Rectal Intussusception: Role of Decline in Pelvic Floor Integrity and Association With Dyssynergic Defecation.

The natural history of rectal intussusception (RI) is poorly understood. We hypothesized that decline in pelvic floor integrity and function leads to increasing RI grades. Retrospective analysis of a registry of patients with defecatory disorders with high-resolution anorectal manometry and magnetic resonance defecography was performed. Association of risk factors on increasing RI grades was assessed using logistic regression. Analysis included a total of 238 women: 90 had no RI, 43 Oxford 1-2, 49 Oxford 3, and 56 Oxford 4-5. Age ( P = 0.017), vaginal delivery ( P = 0.008), and prior pelvic surgery ( P = 0.032) were associated with increased Oxford grades. Obstructive defecation symptoms and dyssynergic defecation were observed at relatively high rates across groups. Increased RI grades were associated with less anal relaxation at simulated defecation yet, higher rates of normal balloon expulsion ( P < 0.05), linked to diminished anal sphincter. Indeed, increased RI grades were associated with worsening fecal incontinence severity, attributed to higher rates of anal hypotension. Levator ani laxity, defined by increased levator hiatus length and its excessive descent at straining, was associated with increasing RI grades, independent of age, history of vaginal delivery, and pelvic surgeries and could independently predict increased RI grades. Concurrent anterior and posterior compartments, and visceral prolapse were associated with higher Oxford grades. Our data suggest that decline in pelvic floor integrity with abnormal levator ani laxity is associated with increased RI grades, a process that is independent of age, history of vaginal deliveries, and/or pelvic surgeries, and perhaps related to dyssynergic defecation.

Low anterior resection syndrome and methods of its assessment (literature review)

Low anterior resection syndrome is a common problem due to the increased incidence of rectal cancer and the high incidence of anorectal dysfunction during sphincter-preserving surgical interventions. The influence of functional disorders on the quality of life of patients and changes in social adaptation makes it possible to attribute the syndrome of low anterior resection to topical and discussed issues.Purpose of the study: to consider the features of the development of anorectal dysfunction in patients with rectal cancer by studying risk factors and pathogenetic aspects of the development of low anterior resection syndrome, as well as to evaluate the role of objective studies in assessing the syndrome according to published literature. The etiology of low anterior resection syndrome is multifactorial. Unmodified and modified predictors are distinguished among the risk factors. Unmodified factors include female gender and age over 65 years. Among the modifiable predictors, radiation therapy, surgical intervention, the type of formed colorectal anastomosis and the development of its insolvency, as well as the elimination of intestinal stoma have a negative effect on anorectal function. Nevertheless, the greatest role in its development is played by organ-preserving surgery with total mesorecumectomy, radiation therapy and the formation of a preventive ileostomy. The complexity of the pathophysiological mechanism of the syndrome necessitates a detailed study of anorectal function and changes in its parameters in patients during treatment for rectal cancer. Functional disorders in low anterior resection syndrome vary in severity. In the study of the severity of clinical manifestations of the syndrome, the use of the LARS scale is important, and in the development of anal incontinence, the use of the Wexner scale is important. However, the most accurate assessment can be carried out by objective research methods, such as high-resolution anorectal manometry. This research method allows to control the function of the rectal obturator apparatus at different stages of combined treatment and unwraps the possibility of searching for new predictors of low anterior resection syndrome.

A Predictive Model to Identify the Effects of Transcutaneous Sacral Nerve Stimulation With Pelvic Floor Exercises in Fecal Incontinence After Surgery for Anorectal Malformation.

Although the combination of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation (tSNS) and pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) has shown significant effectiveness in treating fecal incontinence (FI) after surgery for congenital anorectal malformation (CARM), not all patients achieve satisfactory continence. Therefore, identifying which individuals will benefit from this method is crucial. A prospective cohort study enrolled 92 children with FI. All patients underwent tSNS with PFE treatment, and an improved outcome was defined as a Wexner score ≤4. A predictive model to identify the effects of tSNS with PFEs in FI was developed based on the analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and high-resolution anorectal manometry with area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve to evaluate the predictive value of external anal sphincter (EAS) thickness index and anal squeezing pressure (ASP). tSNS with PFEs improved outcomes in 72 patients and led to poor outcomes in 20 (4 had their rectums deviate from the puborectalis muscle center or puborectal muscle ruptures while 16 lacked EAS with a lower ASP). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for EAS thickness index and ASP in predicting the effects of tSNS with PFEs were 0.915 (95% confidence interval 0.846-0.983, P = 0.000) and 0.886 (95% confidence interval 0.819-0.952, P = 0.000), respectively. By applying cutoff values of 0.076 for EAS thickness index and 21.95 mm Hg for ASP, tSNS with PFEs was found to be ineffective. tSNS with PFEs is effective for most patients with FI after CARM surgery, except when the rectum deviates from the puborectal muscle center, puborectal muscle rupture occurs, or EAS is absent with a low ASP.

S620 Intra-Subject Reproducibility of Squeeze and Push Metrics in High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry: Assessing the Need for Multiple Attempts

S620 Intra-Subject Reproducibility of Squeeze and Push Metrics in High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry: Assessing the Need for Multiple Attempts

Lack of improvement in anorectal manometry parameters after implementation of a pelvic floor/anal sphincter biofeedback in persons with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury.

Effect of biofeedback on improving anorectal manometric parameters in incomplete spinal cord injury is unknown. A short-term biofeedback program investigated any effect on anorectal manometric parameters without correlation to bowel symptoms. This prospective uncontrolled interventional study comprised three study subject groups, Group 1: sensory/motor-complete American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A SCI (n = 13); Group 2 (biofeedback group): sensory incomplete AIS B SCI (n = 17) (n = 3), and motor-incomplete AIS C SCI (n = 8), and AIS D SCI (n = 6); and Group 3: able-bodied (AB) controls (n = 12). High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) was applied to establish baseline characteristics in all subjects for anorectal pressure, volume, length of pressure zones, and duration of sphincter squeeze pressure. SCI participants with motor-incomplete SCI were enrolled in pelvic floor/anal sphincter bowel biofeedback training (2 × 6-week training periods comprised of two training sessions per week for 30-45 min per session). HR-ARM was also performed after each of the 6-week periods of biofeedback training. Compared to motor-complete or motor-incomplete SCI participants, AB subjects had higher mean intra-rectal pressure, maximal sphincteric pressure, residual anal pressure, recto-anal pressure gradient, and duration of squeeze (p < 0.05 for each of the endpoints). No significant difference was evident at baseline between the motor-complete and motor-incomplete SCI groups. In motor-incomplete SCI subjects, the pelvic floor/anal sphincter biofeedback protocol failed to improve HR-ARM parameters. Biofeedback training program did not improve anal manometric parameters in subjects with motor-incomplete or sensory-incomplete SCI. Biofeedback did not change physiology, and its effects on symptoms are unknown. Utility of biofeedback is limited in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury in terms of improving HR-ARM parameters.

Clinical utility of anal sphincter relaxation integral in water-perfused and solid-state high-resolution anorectal manometry

We investigated the diagnostic performance of the anal sphincter relaxation integral (ASRI) for infants with Hirschsprung's disease (HD). We performed water-perfused high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) in 18 infants (9 with HD), and solid-state HRAM in another 18 infants (4 with HD). We calculated the ASRI during the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) maneuver at pressure cutoffs of <10mmHg (ASRI 10) and <15mmHg (ASRI 15). We investigated the diagnostic performance of the ASRI for HD in infants undergoing water-perfused and solid-state HRAM. HD infants who underwent either water-perfused or solid-state HRAM had significantly lower ASRI 10 and ASRI 15 values, compared with non-HD infants (P<0.05 and P<0.05, respectively). Using the water-perfused HRAM system, ASRI 10 and ASRI 15 values of <7 and<29mmHgs.cm, respectively, exhibited good diagnostic performance for HD (88.89% and 88.89%, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that ASRI 10 and ASRI 15 values of <5.5 and<20mmHgs.cm, respectively, were optimal for the diagnosis of HD infants when using the solid-state HRAM system, with high diagnostic accuracies of 83.33% and 83.33%, respectively. ASRI may assist the diagnosis of HD infants using either water-perfused or solid-state HRAM. These systems require different catheter-specific ASRI cutoffs for the prediction of HD.