Biofeedback for Constipation Dawn E

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Biofeedback for Constipation Dawn E 13 Biofeedback for Constipation Dawn E. Vickers Constipation, with its associated symptoms, is Biofeedback Defined the most common chronic gastrointestinal com- plaint, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits Schwartz et al9 define the biofeedback process as per year1 with a prevalence of 2% in the United “a group of therapeutic procedures which utilize States population.2 Rome II diagnostic criteria electronic instruments to accurately measure, for a diagnosis of constipation are specified in process, and feed back to persons and their ther- Table 13.1.3 After identification and exclusion of apists, meaningful physiological information extracolonic or anatomic causes, many patients with educational and reinforcing properties respond favorably to medical and dietary man- about their neuromuscular and autonomic activ- agement. However, patients unresponsive to ity, both normal and abnormal, in the form of simple treatment may require further physio- analog, binary, auditory and/or visual feedback logic investigation to evaluate the patho- signals.” This process helps patients develop a physiologic process underlying the symptoms. greater awareness of, confidence in, and an Physiologic investigation generally includes increase in voluntary control over physiologic colonic transit time study, cinedefecography, processes.This result is best achieved with a com- anorectal manometry, and electromyography petent biofeedback professional. Employing (EMG),4 which allows for definitive diagnosis of biofeedback instruments without proper cogni- treatable conditions including anismus, colonic tive preparation, instruction, and guidance is not inertia, rectocele, and sigmoidocele.5 appropriate biofeedback therapy. As with all Anismus, also termed pelvic floor dyssyner- forms of therapy, the therapist’s skill, personality gia, spastic pelvic floor syndrome, paradoxical and attention to the patient affect the outcome.9 puborectalis contraction, and nonrelaxing pub- It has been suggested that when researchers orectalis syndrome, accounts for an estimated understand the essential components of biofeed- 50% of patients with symptoms of chronic con- back training, research studies are often suc- stipation.6 Rome II diagnostic criteria for a diag- cessful. These components are as follows: (1) The nosis of pelvic floor dyssynergia are specified in biofeedback instrument is no more and no less Table 13.2.3 This disorder of unknown etiology than a mirror. Like a mirror, it feeds back infor- is characterized by failure of the puborectalis mation, but has no inherent power to create muscle to relax during defecation. Invasive sur- change in the user. (2) To maximize results, gical therapy or injection of botulinum neuro- biofeedback training, like any type of complex toxin7 are associated with an unacceptable skill training, involves clear goals, rewards for incidence of incontinence. In 1993, Enck’s8 criti- approximating the goals, ample time and prac- cal review found that biofeedback has become tice for achieving mastery, proper instruction, a widely accepted as the treatment of choice for variety of systematic training techniques, and anismus. feedback of information. (3) The individual 117 118 Constipation Table 13.1. Rome II criteria for diagnosis of constipation and the goals of training. A solid-state system is preferable to a water-perfused system because In the preceding 12 months, the patient had two or more of the following for 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive: there is no distraction or embarrassment from Straining >25% of defecations leakage of fluid, and the patient can be reori- Lumpy or hard stools >25% of defecations ented to a sitting position without adversely Sensation of incomplete evacuation >25% of defecations affecting calibration.Although this instrumenta- Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage >25% of defecations tion is of proven effectiveness, this method is Manual maneuvers to facilitate >25% of defecations (e.g., relatively cumbersome, complicated, and expen- digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor) sive. The sEMG instrumentation is widely used, <3 defecations per week proven effective, and suitable for office use.11,12 Loose stools are not present, and there are insufficient criteria Patients are able to remain fully clothed during for irritable bowel syndrome the session and position changes are easily accomplished to assist with functional maneu- vers. The therapeutic component involves the using the feedback must have a cognitive under- clinician’s taking an active role by establishing a standing of the process and goals, and positive rapport with the patient, listening to concerns, expectations and positive interaction with the 10 reviewing the patient’s medical history including trainer, and must be motivated to learn. current medications as well as over-the-counter and herbal preparations, reviewing bowel and bladder habits, educating the patient, and inter- Practical Aspects of Biofeedback preting data. Therapy for Constipation Clinicians must have a complete unders- tanding of bowel and bladder functioning Practical aspects of using biofeedback therapy considering the coexistence of multifactorial for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction to concomitant PFM dysfunction. In a patient with treat symptoms of constipation and fecal incon- symptoms of urinary stress incontinence, noc- tinence include the technical, therapeutic, turia, and difficulty voiding, Figure 13.1 shows behavioral, and the pelvic muscle rehabilitation the dysfunctional voiding pattern on the cys- (PMR) components. The technical component tometrogram (CMG).The increased sEMG activ- involves the instrumentation used to provide ity is indicative of outlet obstruction, inhibiting meaningful information or feedback to the user. the detrusor contraction, thus requiring exces- There are several technical systems available, sive straining by increasing intraabdominal and the advantages of any one device have not pressure to empty the bladder.This consequently been scientifically tested.Devices include surface produces a dysfunctional defecation pattern electromyography (sEMG), water-perfused and contributes to symptoms of constipation. manometry systems,and the solid-state manom- Chronic straining with stool is another source etry systems with a latex balloon. Although each of pelvic floor muscle denervation that contri- system has inherent advantages and disadvan- butes to pelvic floor muscle weakness and tages, most systems provide reproducible and useful measurements. The choice of any one system depends on many factors, including cost Increased EMG activity Table 13.2. Rome II diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of pelvic floor Interrupted flow dyssynergia Detrusor Inhibition The patient must satisfy diagnostic criteria for functional constipation (Table 13.1) There must be manometric, EMG, or radiologic evidence for Increased vesical, abdominal & inappropriate contraction or failure to relax the pelvic floor urethral pressures muscles during repeated attempts to defecate There must be evidence of adequate propulsive forces during attempts to defecate, and There must be evidence of incomplete evacuation EMG, electromyography. Figure 13.1. Voiding phase cystometrogram (CMG) recording. Biofeedback for Constipation 119 incontinence.13 Patients with fecal incontinence response.9 As a behavioral program, the patient’s may complain of multiple daily bowel move- active participation is paramount in achieving ments and a feeling of incomplete evacuation subjective treatment goals, which include resulting in postdefecation seepage.9 Many symptom improvement, quality of life improve- patients who present with constipation fre- ment, and patient satisfaction. The PMR compo- quently have symptoms of urinary incontinence. nent involves designing an exercise program Due to the coexistence of concomitant multifac- suitable for each patient to achieve the ultimate torial PFM dysfunction associated with weak goal of efficient pelvic floor muscle function PFM and outlet obstruction, it is difficult to offer (Table 13.3). a specific standard biofeedback therapy protocol that is beneficial for all patients. Therefore, the clinician must address all bowel and bladder Surface Electromyography symptoms and develop an individualized Instrumentation program for each patient with progressive real- istic goals. The behavioral component is aimed There is no standardization for sEMG recordings toward systematic changes in the patient’s among manufacturers of biofeedback instru- behavior to influence bowel and bladder func- mentation; therefore, it is important for tion. Operant conditioning utilizing trial and clinicians to understand basic technical aspects error as an essential part of learning is merely such as signal detection, signal processing, data one aspect of the learning process. Treatment is acquisition, and display. aimed at shaping the patient’s responses toward a normal model by gradually modifying the patient’s responses through positive reinforce- Signal Detection ment of successive approximations to the ideal Surface electrodes summate the electrical action potentials from the contracting muscle and establish electrical pathways from skin contact Table 13.3. Exercise program suitable for each patient to achieve of the monitored muscle site (Fig. 13.2).9 The the ultimate goal of efficient pelvic floor muscle function: sEMG instrument receives and processes this components of pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR) utilizing surface electromyography (sEMG)
Recommended publications
  • No.9 September 2003
    Vol.46, No.9 September 2003 CONTENTS Defecatory Dysfunction Pathogenesis and Pathology of Defecatory Disturbances Masahiro TAKANO . 367 Diagnosis of Impaired Defecatory Function with Special Reference to Physiological Tests Masatoshi OYA et al. 373 Surgical Management for Defecation Dysfunction Tatsuo TERAMOTO . 378 Dysfunction in Defecation and Its Treatment after Rectal Excision Katsuyoshi HATAKEYAMA . 384 Infectious Diseases Changes in Measures against Infectious Diseases in Japan and Proposals for the Future Takashi NOMURA et al. 390 Extragenital Infection with Sexually Transmitted Pathogens Hiroyuki KOJIMA . 401 Nutritional Counseling Behavior Therapy for Nutritional Counseling —In cooperation with registered dietitians— Yoshiko ADACHI . 410 Ⅵ Defecatory Dysfunction Pathogenesis and Pathology of Defecatory Disturbances JMAJ 46(9): 367–372, 2003 Masahiro TAKANO Director, Coloproctology Center, Hidaka Hospital Abstract: In recent years the number of patients with defecatory disturbances has increased due to an aging population, stress, and other related factors. The medical community has failed to focus enough attention on this condition, which remains a sort of psychosocial taboo, enhancing patient anxiety. Defecatory distur- bance classified according to cause and location can fall into one of four groups: 1) Endocrine abnormalities; 2) Disturbances of colonic origin that result from the long-term use of antihypertensive drugs or antidepressants or from circadian rhythm disturbances that occur with skipping breakfast or lower dietary
    [Show full text]
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Similarities and Differences 2 www.ccfa.org IBD Help Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN 888.694.8872 Important Differences Between IBD and IBS Many diseases and conditions can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is part of the digestive system and includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. These diseases and conditions include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD Help Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN 888.694.8872 www.ccfa.org 3 Inflammatory bowel diseases are a group of inflammatory conditions in which the body’s own immune system attacks parts of the digestive system. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel diseases are a group of inflamma- Causes tory conditions in which the body’s own immune system attacks parts of the digestive system. The two most com- The exact cause of IBD remains unknown. Researchers mon inflammatory bowel diseases are Crohn’s disease believe that a combination of four factors lead to IBD: a (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD affects as many as 1.4 genetic component, an environmental trigger, an imbal- million Americans, most of whom are diagnosed before ance of intestinal bacteria and an inappropriate reaction age 35. There is no cure for IBD but there are treatments to from the immune system. Immune cells normally protect reduce and control the symptoms of the disease. the body from infection, but in people with IBD, the immune system mistakes harmless substances in the CD and UC cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract. CD intestine for foreign substances and launches an attack, can affect any part of the GI tract, but frequently affects the resulting in inflammation.
    [Show full text]
  • The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Clinical Practice
    CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Constipation Ian M. Paquette, M.D. • Madhulika Varma, M.D. • Charles Ternent, M.D. Genevieve Melton-Meaux, M.D. • Janice F. Rafferty, M.D. • Daniel Feingold, M.D. Scott R. Steele, M.D. he American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons for functional constipation include at least 2 of the fol- is dedicated to assuring high-quality patient care lowing symptoms during ≥25% of defecations: straining, Tby advancing the science, prevention, and manage- lumpy or hard stools, sensation of incomplete evacuation, ment of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage, relying on anus. The Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee is com- manual maneuvers to promote defecation, and having less posed of Society members who are chosen because they than 3 unassisted bowel movements per week.7,8 These cri- XXX have demonstrated expertise in the specialty of colon and teria include constipation related to the 3 common sub- rectal surgery. This committee was created to lead inter- types: colonic inertia or slow transit constipation, normal national efforts in defining quality care for conditions re- transit constipation, and pelvic floor or defecation dys- lated to the colon, rectum, and anus. This is accompanied function. However, in reality, many patients demonstrate by developing Clinical Practice Guidelines based on the symptoms attributable to more than 1 constipation sub- best available evidence. These guidelines are inclusive and type and to constipation-predominant IBS, as well. The not prescriptive.
    [Show full text]
  • Patient Information Leaflet
    9 Tighten your anal muscles once more when Not everyone is the same, a normal bowel you have finished opening your bowels. habit varies from between three times a day to three times a week. Your motion should be solid, but easy to pass. If after following the advice in this leaflet Patient Information you are still having problems with Leaflet constipation please seek further help from your Doctor, Nurse or Continence Advisor. Compliments, comments, concerns or complaints? If you have any compliments, comments, concerns or complaints and you would like to speak to somebody about them please telephone or email If you find that your anal muscles are 01773 525119 tightening instead of relaxing practising 4, 5 [email protected] and 6 will help to get these muscles working correctly. However if you are still unable to Are we accessible to you? This publication relax your anal muscles and are straining is available on request in other formats (for excessively for long periods you should seek example, large print, easy read, Braille or help from your Doctor or Continence Advisor. audio version) and languages. For free You may have a condition known as anismus translation and/or other format please call which simply means that the muscles in your 01246 515224, or email us anus contract when they should relax. This is [email protected] easily treated. Remember... Constipation Advice for ¨ Drink 1.5-2 litres of fluid a day Continence Advisory Service Patients ¨ Eat 5 portions of fruit / vegetables a day Alfreton Primary Care Centre ¨ Eat regularly ¨ Never ignore the sensation to go Church Street Not everyone has a bowel which works ¨ Allow yourself plenty of time and privacy Alfreton properly, but you may be able to improve ¨ Get into a routine Derbyshire your symptoms by following the advice - Exercise (within your capabilities) DE55 7AH offered in this leaflet - Do not strain.
    [Show full text]
  • The Efficacy of a Multidisciplinary Approach to the Management of Constipation: a Case Series
    Journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health, Spring 2008, 102, 36–44 CLINICAL PAPER The efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of constipation: a case series R. W. C. Leung, B. K. Y. Fung & L. C. W. Fung Physiotherapy Department, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong W. C. S. Meng, P. Y. Y. Lau & A. W. C. Yip Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate a rehabilitative programme including biofeedback training for the treatment of chronic constipation. A prospective series of patients with constipation, as defined by the Rome II diagnostic criteria, were assessed by a clinician, a dietitian and a physiotherapist. Anorectal physi- ology investigations and defecography were performed prior to and after the programme. The treatment involved consultation by the dietitian, postural re-education and pelvic floor re-education regarding the proper pattern of defecation. The subjects were followed up in alternate weeks for the first 3 months and then monthly for another 3 months. Twenty patients have been recruited into the programme since 2005. Ten subjects have completed the course of treatment and three have defaulted; the remaining seven were still undergoing treatment at the time of writing. On completion of the programme, there was a significant improvement in fibre intake (pre-treatment=12.9191.06 g; post-treatment= 20.2661.064 g; P=0.001), average straining effort (pre-treatment=6.360.391; post-treatment=3.720.391; P=0.001) and average straining time (pre- treatment=17.612.172 min; post-treatment=6.002.172 min; P=0.004).
    [Show full text]
  • Redalyc.Biofeedback Treatment in Chronically Constipated Patients
    Revista Latinoamericana de Psicología ISSN: 0120-0534 [email protected] Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz Colombia Simón, Miguel A.; Bueno, Ana M.; Durán, Montserrat Biofeedback treatment in chronically constipated patients with dyssynergic defecation Revista Latinoamericana de Psicología, vol. 43, núm. 1, 2011, pp. 105-111 Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz Bogotá, Colombia Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=80520078010 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative Biofeedback on dyssynergic defecation Biofeedback treatment in chronically constipated patients with dyssynergic defecation Biofeedback aplicado al tratamiento de pacientes con estreñimiento crónico debido a defecación disinérgica Recibido: Marzo de 2009 Miguel A. Simón Aceptado: Agosto de 2010 Ana M. Bueno Montserrat Durán University of A Coruña, Department of Psychology, Research Group in Clinical and Health Psychology, Spain Correspondence: Miguel A. Simón, Full postal address: Research Group in Clinical and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, Campus of Elviña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain Abstract Resumen The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos del electromyographic biofeedback training in chronically entrenamiento
    [Show full text]
  • Constipation
    Constipation Caris Diagnostics Health Improvement Series What is constipation? Constipation means that a person has three bowel movements or fewer in a week. The stool is hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. You may feel‘draggy’and full. Some people think they should have a bowel movement every day. That is not really true. There is no‘right’number of bowel movements. Each person's body finds its own normal number of bowel movements. It depends on the food you eat, how much you exercise, and other things. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for a short time and is not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it. What can I do about constipation? Changing what you 4. Allow yourself enough time to have a bowel movement. eat and drink and how much you exercise will help re- Sometimes we feel so hurried that we don't pay atten- lieve and prevent constipation. Here are some steps you tion to our body's needs. Make sure you don't ignore the can take. urge to have a bowel movement. 1. Eat more fiber. Fiber helps form soft, bulky stool. It 5. Use laxatives only if a doctor says you should. is found in many vegetables, fruits, and grains. Be sure Laxatives are medicines that will make you pass a stool. to add fiber a little at a time, so your body gets used to Most people who are mildly constipated do not need it slowly.
    [Show full text]
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome If you suffer from the following ongoing symptoms, you mostly because IBS is not limited to the large intestine (colon). might have IBS: Sometimes, IBS is confused with colitis or other inflammatory Abdominal Pain diseases of the intestinal tract, but the difference is clear – in Bloating IBS, inflammation does not seem to accompany symptoms. Constipation Diarrhea Symptoms IBS is a chronic, often debilitating, functional gastrointestinal Almost every person has experienced abdominal cramping, (GI) disorder with symptoms that include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea at some point in his or her bloating, and altered bowel behaviours, such as constipation life. However, those who have IBS experience these multiple and/or diarrhea, or alternating between the two. In IBS, the symptoms more frequently and intensely, to the extent that they function, or movement, of the bowel is not quite right. There are interfere with day-to-day living. no medical tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis and yet it is A person who has IBS likely has a sensitive digestive the most common GI condition worldwide and the most frequent system with heightened reactivity, so that the GI tract responds disorder presented by individuals consulting a gastrointestinal quite differently to normal gut stimuli, such as the passage of specialist (gastroenterologist). solids, gas, and fluid through the intestines. These unusual IBS can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and movements may result in difficulty passing stool, or sudden, can resolve unexpectedly for periods throughout an individual’s urgent elimination. Up to 20% of those who have IBS report lifespan, recurring at any age.
    [Show full text]
  • Food and Ibd Condition Your Guide Introduction
    CROHN’S & COLITIS UK SUPPORTING YOU TO MANAGE YOUR FOOD AND IBD CONDITION YOUR GUIDE INTRODUCTION ABOUT THIS BOOKLET If you have Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn’s Disease (the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD) you may wonder whether food or diet plays a role in causing your illness or treating your symptoms. This booklet looks at some of the most frequently asked questions about food and IBD, and provides background information on digestion and healthy eating for people with IBD. We hope you will find it helpful. All our publications are research based and produced in consultation with patients, medical advisers and other health or associated professionals. However, they are prepared as general information and are not intended to replace specific advice from your own doctor or any other professional. Crohn’s and Colitis UK does not endorse or recommend any products mentioned. If you would like more information about the sources of evidence on which this booklet is based, or details of any conflicts of interest, or if you have any feedback on our publications, please visit our website. About Crohn’s and Colitis UK We are a national charity established in 1979. Our aim is to improve life for anyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. We have over 28,000 members and 50 local groups throughout the UK. Membership costs from £15 per year with concessionary rates for anyone experiencing financial hardship or on a low income. This publication is available free of charge, but we © Crohn’s and Colitis UK would not be able to do this without our supporters 2015 and 2016 and members.
    [Show full text]
  • European Evidence Based Consensus on Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis Tom Øresland*, Willem A
    Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, 2015, 4–25 doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2014.08.012 ECCO Guidelines/Consensus Paper ECCO Guidelines/Consensus Paper European evidence based consensus on surgery for ulcerative colitis Tom Øresland*, Willem A. Bemelman, Gianluca M. Sampietro, Antonino Spinelli, Alastair Windsor, Marc Ferrante, Philippe Marteau, Oded Zmora, Paulo Gustavo Kotze, Eloy Espin-Basany, Emmanuel Tiret, Giuseppe Sica, Yves Panis, Arne E. Faerden, Livia Biancone, Imerio Angriman, Zuzana Serclova, Anthony de Buck van Overstraeten, Paolo Gionchetti, Laurents Stassen, Janindra Warusavitarne Michel Adamina, Axel Dignass, Rami Eliakim, Fernando Magro, André D’Hoore, On behalf of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Received July 14 2014; revised August 23 2014; accepted August 27 2014. ⁎Corresponding author at: Clinic for Surgical Sciences, Univ. of Oslo at Dept. of Digestive Surgery, Akershus Univ. Hospital, 1478 Lorenskog, Norway. Keywords: ulcerative colitis; surgery; ileal pouch-anal anastomosis; cancer 1. Introduction and also for all national representatives of ECCO for the second vot- ing procedure. The WGs finally met in Belgrade on September 25th The goal of this consensus initiated by the European Crohn's and 2013 for a final face-to-face discussion and to vote and consent on Colitis Organisation (ECCO) was to establish European consensus the statements. Technically this was done by projecting the statements guidelines for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. The strategy and revising them on screen until a consensus was reached. Consensus to reach the consensus involved several steps and follows the standard was defined as agreement by more than 80% of participants, termed a operating procedures for consensus guidelines of ECCO.
    [Show full text]
  • Therapeutic Enema for Intussusception
    Therapeutic Enema for Intussusception Therapeutic enema is used to help identify and diagnose intussusception, a serious disorder in which one part of the intestine slides into another in a telescoping manner and causes inflammation and an obstruction. Intussusception often occurs at the junction of the small and large intestine and most commonly occurs in children three to 24 months of age. A therapeutic enema using air or a contrast material solution may be performed to create pressure within the intestine and "un-telescope" the intussusception while relieving the obstruction. This exam is usually performed on an emergency basis. Tell your doctor about your child's recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications and allergies, especially to barium or iodinated contrast materials. Your child may be asked to wear a gown and remove any objects that might interfere with the x-ray images. An ultrasound may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis. What is a Therapeutic Enema for Intussusception? What is intussusception? Intussusception is a serious disorder in which one part of the intestine slides into another part of the intestine, similar to a collapsing telescope. The intestine becomes inflamed and swollen and can cause an obstruction or blockage. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or abnormal stools. Intussusception may occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract; however, it often occurs at the junction of the small and large intestine. The condition most commonly occurs in children three months to 24 months of age. Intussusception is a medical/surgical emergency. If your child has some or all of the symptoms of intussusception, you should call your physician or an emergency medical professional immediately.
    [Show full text]
  • Irritable Bowel-Anismus
    7-5 Irritable Bowel-Anismus Wael Solh and Eric G.Weiss The causes of constipation and altered defecation are mul- found in patients with solitary ulcer syndrome and idio- tifactorial, and the manifestations are varied. Etiologies of pathic perineal pain.3 Therefore, the diagnosis of NRPS must constipation or altered defecation can be divided into two be made based on the patient’s clinical findings, supported categories – slow transit constipation, and pelvic outlet by more than one physiologic investigation. obstruction. Pelvic outlet obstruction includes etiologies such as paradoxical or nonrelaxation of the puborectalis muscle or anismus (nonrelaxation of the “anal canal”), Treatment rectal prolapse or intussusception, and nonemptying rec- toceles. Associated findings may include perineal descent Because NRPS is a behavioral rather than an anatomic and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. abnormality, biofeedback is the standard therapy. In In normal defecation, the pelvic floor muscles and exter- biofeedback training, patients are allowed to view their nal anal sphincter are voluntarily inhibited resulting in an own EMG or manometric tracings on a video monitor increase in the anorectal angle with increasing intraab- while attempting to relax the pelvic floor and sphincter dominal pressure. Patients with nonrelaxing puborectalis muscles. Numerous reports have demonstrated success syndrome (NRPS) or anismus are unable to voluntarily rates ranging from 37% to 100%.4 In the largest series to inhibit contraction of the pelvic floor. When inappropriate date, Gilliland and Wexner5 found only one variable to be function of the puborectalis muscle (inappropriate con- predictive of a successful outcome: patients who self- traction or failure to relax) results in the inability to evac- discharged from therapy had a success rate of only uate the rectum, the condition is termed anismus.
    [Show full text]