Functional disorders of the anus and rectum

Gut. 1999 Sep;45 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):II55-9. doi: 10.1136/gut.45.2008.ii55.

Abstract

In this report the functional anorectal disorders, the etiology of which is currently unknown or related to the abnormal functioning of normally innervated and structurally intact muscles, are discussed. These disorders include functional fecal incontinence, functional anorectal pain, including levator ani syndrome and proctalgia fugax, and pelvic floor dyssynergia. The epidemiology of each disorder is defined and discussed, their pathophysiology is summarized and diagnostic approaches and treatment are suggested. Some suggestions for the direction of future research on these disorders are also given.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anus Diseases / diagnosis
  • Anus Diseases / physiopathology
  • Anus Diseases / psychology
  • Anus Diseases / therapy
  • Defecation
  • Fecal Incontinence / diagnosis
  • Fecal Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Fecal Incontinence / psychology
  • Fecal Incontinence / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Rectal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rectal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Rectal Diseases / psychology
  • Rectal Diseases / therapy
  • Syndrome