BACKGROUND We aim to establish the evidence base for the recognition and management of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and to compare this with current practice amongst UK obstetricians and coloproctologists. METHODS A systematic review of the literature and a postal questionnaire survey of consultant obstetricians, trainee obstetricians and consultant coloproctologists was carried out...

This study evaluates whether reflux function of the anal sphincter remains unchanged after restorative proctocolectomy, provided that the sphincter remaining is kept intact, without mucosal stripping or endo-anal anastomosis. Paired tests of anorectal function were performed before, and a median of 6 (range 2-12) months after restorative proctocolectomy with stapled, end to end pouch-anal anast...

The aim of this review was to consolidate the impact of recent advances in investigation technology on the clinical diagnostic workup for faecal incontinence. A literature search was made with emphasis on the recent 15 years. The advent of imaging techniques, particularly endoanal ultrasound has improved the understanding of anal incontinence. Of particular significance was the much higher inci...

The aim of the study was analysis of an anal sphincter function in patients before and after surgery for rectal prolapse. Material and methods. Between 1987 and 2005, 49 patients underwent operations for rectal prolapse. The anal sphincter function was analyzed in 17 of these patients. Abdominal approach surgery was performed in 13 patients; this involved rectopexy in 11 and sigmorectal resecti...

Abstract Background Foreign bodies inserted into the rectum often pose a challenge to emergency surgical teams due unforthcoming nature surrounding object inserted. Its shape, size and position within associated bowel sphincter injuries determine route of extraction need for further intervention. Trans-anal risks anal injury, however, circumvents laparotomy potential stoma. Case history Here we...

Anal dilatation in response to gentle parting of the buttocks has been advocated as a sign of sexual abuse in children, but nothing is known of the physiology of this response or its existence in normal subjects, in patients with spinal disease, and in patients with a weak sphincter and whether it can be elicited after training. To answer these questions we investigated the effect of parting th...