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

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.

• Authors: Maxime M van Meegdenburg, Erik Heineman, Paul M A Broens
• Journal: American journal of surgery (Am J Surg) Vol. 210 Issue 2 Pg. 357-64 (Aug 2015) ISSN: 1879-1883 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25721649 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anorectal Malformations
• Anus, Imperforate (complications, physiopathology)
• Child
• Constipation (etiology, physiopathology)
• Defecation
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Retrospective Studies
• Severity of Illness Index
• Young Adult