Dyssynergic defecation may aggravate constipation: results of mostly pediatric cases with congenital anorectal malformation

Maxime M. van Meegdenburg*, Erik Heineman, Paul M. A. Broens

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most patients with congenital anorectal malformation suffer from mild chronic constipation. To date, it is unclear why a subgroup of patients develops a persistent form of constipation. Because dyssynergic defecation is a common cause of constipation in the general population, we hypothesized that the severe form of constipation may be caused by dyssynergic defecation.

METHODS: Retrospectively, we reviewed the medical records of 29 patients with anorectal malformations who had undergone anorectal function tests because of severe constipation. The study was conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.

RESULTS: All patients had increased maximum rectal pressure and increased anal sphincter pressure during balloon expulsion and therefore suffered from dyssynergic defecation.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with congenital anorectal malformations may also suffer from dyssynergic defecation. It is important, therefore, to check whether these patients have severe constipation due to dyssynergic defecation because perhaps it may be treated effectively with pelvic physiotherapy. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)357-364
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume210
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug-2015

Keywords

  • Anorectal anomaly
  • Pelvic floor dyssynergia
  • Anorectal function test
  • Defecation disorders
  • POSTERIOR SAGITTAL ANORECTOPLASTY
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • RECTAL FILLING SENSATION
  • TERM-FOLLOW-UP
  • FECAL CONTINENCE
  • EPIDEMIOLOGY
  • ANTERIOR
  • CHILDREN

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