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Recent Advances in Functional Anorectal Disorders

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Abstract

Defecatory disorders are a common cause of chronic constipation and should be managed by biofeedback-guided pelvic floor retraining. While anorectal tests are necessary to diagnose defecatory disorders, recent studies highlight the utility of a careful digital rectal examination. While obstetric anal injury can cause fecal incontinence (FI), diarrhea is a more important risk factor for FI among women in the community, who typically develop FI after age 40. Initial management of fecal incontinence should focus on bowel disturbances. Pelvic floor retraining with biofeedback therapy is beneficial for patients who do not respond to bowel management. Sacral nerve stimulation should be considered in patients who do not respond to conservative therapy.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported in part by RO1 DK 78924 from the National Institutes of Health.

Disclosure

A. Bharucha: Consultancy and patents for Medspira, Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical and Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research Program (C.E.N.T.E.R.), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Adil E. Bharucha

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Correspondence to Adil E. Bharucha.

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Bharucha, A.E. Recent Advances in Functional Anorectal Disorders. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 13, 316–322 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-011-0194-8

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