Moderate rectal distension elicits recto-rectal reflex contractions and simultaneous recto-internal anal sphincter reflex relaxations that together comprise the defecation reflex. Both reflexes are controlled by 1) pelvic nerves, 2) lumbar colonic nerves, and 3) enteric nervous system. The aim of the present study was to explore a novel approach to repairing the defecation reflex dysfunction by...

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the effects of vaginal and caesarean delivery on internal and external anal sphincter muscle thickness using translabial ultrasonography (TL-US). METHODS This prospective cohort study enrolled nulliparous women who either had vaginal or caesarean deliveries. The thickness of the hypoechoic internal anal sphincter (IAS) and hyperechoic external anal sphincter (EA...

The present study investigated the spatial organization of electrical activity in the canine rectoanal region and its relationship to motility patterns. Contraction and resting membrane potential (E(m)) were measured from strips of circular muscle isolated 0.5-8 cm from the anal verge. Rapid frequency [25 cycles/min (cpm)] E(m) oscillations (MPOs, 12 mV amplitude) were present across the thickn...

Background Anal sphincter tone is routinely assessed by digital rectal examination in patients with fecal incontinence, although its accuracy in detecting sphincter defects or separating competent from incompetent muscles has not been established. Objective In this setting, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital rectal examination in grading anal defects in order to separate small from ...

AIM Comparison of bilateral versus posterior injection of botulinum toxin into the internal anal sphincter for treatment of acute anal fissure. METHODS Forty patients with acute anal fissure were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was treated by injecting 20 units of botulinum toxin into each side of the internal anal sphincter, and group 2 by injecting 25 units of botulinum toxi...

INTRODUCTION The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the use of biological materials in the augmentation of the anal sphincter either as part of an overlapping sphincter repair (OSR) or anal bulking procedure. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed was conducted using the search terms "anal bulking agents," "anal sphincter repair," or "overlapping sphincter repair." Five studies us...

Anorectal manometry and sphincter electromyography were performed in 23 patients with complete supraconal traumatic spinal injuries and 30 age and sex matched control subjects. Basal pressures in the spinal group were similar to those in normal subjects but conscious control of sphincter activity was abolished in all spinal patients. Discriminant rectal sensation was also abolished during recta...

To elucidate the phenomenon of faecal incontinence in impacted patients, manometric, radiological and other investigations were carried out in 55 elderly patients, who had impacted masses of faeces in the rectum and were incontinent of faeces and 36 elderly control subjects with no anorectal problems. Maximum basal pressure and the maximum squeeze pressure in impacted patients were not signific...