A modified myotomy of the puborectalis for anismus

Abstract

Anismus or non-relaxing puborectalis muscle (PRM) on straining may affect over 40% of patients with obstructed defecation (OD). Management is usually with biofeedback, or botulin toxin injection or partial puborectalis muscle myotomy. Such a procedure can be difficult technically. Bleeding and rectal injury may occur when detaching the PRM from the rectum. A partial modification of surgical technique may avoid these complications. The diagnosis should be confirmed with exclusion of sphincter compromise. Through two cutaneous incisions, an Ellis forceps is advanced through the ischio-rectal space, whilst finger pressure per rectum allows the puborectalis to be visualized and grasped by the forceps. Removal of some ischiorectal fat may be necessary to allow division of half the PRM under direct view. From October 2020 to October 2021, 5 patients underwent the modified technique in our department (4 males, median age 43 years [range 34–58 years], median follow-up 6 months [range 2–12 months]). No patients suffered from injury of the rectum or bleeding during or after surgery. Operative time was 30 min less than conventional PRM division, as the time-consuming “blind dissection” of PRM was avoided. Four patients regained appropriate relaxation of the PRM on straining. One male patient had temporary minor anal incontinence for 2 weeks. One male patient with severe mental distress continued to have with anismus and OD after surgery and refused psychiatric support. This modified procedure is feasible and safe and quicker than our conventional technique. More cases with longer follow-up are needed to confirm its efficacy.