Interní Med. 2009; 11(5): 218-220

Anorectal dysfunction

MUDr. Jitka Prokešová, MUDr. Jiří Dolina Ph.D

III. interní klinika gastroenterologická, FN Brno-Bohunice

Anorectal dysfunction (ARD) is a common term referring to anorectal muscle discoordination resulting in continence or rectal evacuation

failure. Clinically, it is most commonly manifested as a defecation disorder or fecal incontinence. Approximately 10–20 percent of patients

are affected (80 % of which are women) and they are cared for by gastroenterologists. ARD can occur at any age, however, most often

as a result of obstetric injury, following radical gynecological procedures, or in old age. A clear distinction needs to be made between

fecal incontinence and so-called pseudoincontinence due to acute diarrheal disease. Diagnosing requires a multidisciplinary approach

involving the specialities of gastroenterology, imaging techniques, surgery, rehabilitation, and urogynecology. Therapy is long term

requiring a close cooperation of the patient. ARD-related complaints are managed by specialists from the fields of surgery, gastroenterology,

neurology, and urogynecology. There still remains a certain degree of unease among patients when it comes to presenting with

these complaints; as a result, the disorders are treated only at the stage of moderately severe involvement and chronicity.

Keywords: anorectal dysfunction, constipation, fecal incontinence, diarrhea, rectal manometry.

Published: June 1, 2009  Show citation