Ultrasound Indicators of Rectal Support Defect in Women With Obstructive Defecatory Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: The anatomic and physiologic pathophysiology of obstructive defecatory symptoms is complex and poorly understood. As a consequence, there is no one surgical method that can achieve overall superiority. We aimed to investigate rectal architectural change in women with obstructive defecatory symptoms using three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 65 women who were referred to our urogynecology clinic because of varied pelvic floor disorders between January 2013 and January 2014. Patients completed a standardized interview including PFDI-20 questionnaire and received a standard examination and assessment of pelvic floor by three-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound. Women were categorized to case and control based on their answers to questions 7, 8, and 14 on PFDI-20 (Colorectal and Anal Distress Index) questionnaire. In ultrasound images, levator plate descent angle, levator plate-probe distance, and rectal area have been measured and values have been compared among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. RESULTS: Forty-five women with obstructive defecatory symptoms and 20 asymptomatic women entered the study. There was no significant difference in mean (SD) age (56.55 [SD] 13.29 vs 51.8 [15], P = 0.2), mean (SD) body mass index (27.39 [6.7] vs 24.2 [4.08], P = 0.11), and median (range) parity (3 [1-7] vs 2 [1-6], P = 0.15) among categories. There was significant difference in ultrasound measurements, levator plate descent angle, levator plate-probe distance, and rectal area, between women with obstructive defecatory symptoms and asymptomatic women. CONCLUSIONS: Women with obstructive defecatory symptoms have wider rectum and descendent levator plate regardless of the stage of prolapse as measured by POPQ or the severity of rectocele.