Abstract
Gastroenterologists frequently encounter pelvic floor disorders, which affect 10% to 15% of the population. The anorectum is a complex organ that collaborates with the pelvic floor muscles to preserve fecal continence and enable defecation. A careful clinical assessment is critical for the diagnosis and management of defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence. Newer diagnostic tools (eg, high-resolution manometry and magnetic resonance defecography) provide a refined understanding of anorectal dysfunctions and identify phenotypes in defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence. Conservative approaches, including biofeedback therapy, are the mainstay for managing these disorders; new minimally invasive approaches may benefit a subset of patients with fecal incontinence, but more controlled studies are needed. This mini-review highlights advances, current concepts, and controversies in the area.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 37-45.e2 |
Journal | Gastroenterology |
Volume | 146 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- Anorectal Manometry
- Biofeedback Therapy
- Dyssynergic Defecation
- Fecal Incontinence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology