Defecography: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:53, 13 February 2025

Defecography[edit]

A defecography image showing the rectum during defecation.

Defecography, also known as defecating proctography, is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the function of the rectum and anus during the process of defecation. This test is particularly useful in assessing patients with constipation, fecal incontinence, or other disorders of the pelvic floor.

Procedure[edit]

The procedure involves the use of fluoroscopy to visualize the rectum and anal canal as the patient attempts to evacuate a contrast material that has been introduced into the rectum. The patient is seated on a specially designed commode that allows for imaging during the act of defecation.

Preparation[edit]

Prior to the test, the patient may be asked to undergo a bowel preparation to clear the colon. A contrast agent, typically a thick barium paste, is then introduced into the rectum. This agent helps to outline the rectal walls and anal canal on the X-ray images.

Imaging[edit]

During the test, a series of X-ray images are taken as the patient attempts to expel the contrast material. These images can reveal abnormalities in the structure and function of the rectum and anal sphincters. The test can identify issues such as rectocele, intussusception, or anismus.

Indications[edit]

Defecography is indicated in patients who present with symptoms such as:

Chronic constipation
Fecal incontinence
Incomplete evacuation
Pelvic floor dysfunction

Interpretation[edit]

The images obtained from defecography are analyzed to assess the movement and function of the rectum and anal canal. Abnormal findings may include:

Rectal prolapse
Rectocele
Enterocele
Anismus

Limitations[edit]

While defecography provides valuable information about the mechanics of defecation, it has limitations. It is a static test and may not fully replicate the dynamic process of defecation. Additionally, the use of contrast material and radiation exposure are considerations.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Defecography''' or '''defaecography''' is a diagnostic radiological examination of the [[rectum]] and [[anus]] used to evaluate [[defecation]]. This procedure is performed to identify any abnormalities in the structure or function of the rectum and anus that may cause [[fecal incontinence]] or [[constipation]].
+== Defecography ==
-==Procedure==
+[[File:Defproc.JPG|thumb|right|A defecography image showing the rectum during defecation.]]
-Defecography is performed by inserting a soft paste made of [[barium sulfate]] into the rectum of the patient. The patient is then asked to sit on a specially designed radiolucent commode. X-ray images are taken before, during, and after the defecation process. The images provide valuable information about the anatomy and function of the rectum and anus.
-==Indications==
+'''Defecography''', also known as '''defecating proctography''', is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the function of the rectum and anus during the process of defecation. This test is particularly useful in assessing patients with [[constipation]], [[fecal incontinence]], or other disorders of the pelvic floor.
-Defecography is indicated in patients with symptoms of [[fecal incontinence]], [[constipation]], [[rectal prolapse]], and [[rectocele]]. It can also be used to evaluate the success of surgical treatments for these conditions.
-==Limitations==
+== Procedure ==
-While defecography provides valuable information, it has some limitations. It is an invasive procedure and may cause discomfort to the patient. The procedure also exposes the patient to a small amount of radiation. Furthermore, the artificial conditions under which defecation is simulated during the procedure may not accurately represent the patient's normal defecation process.
-==See also==
+The procedure involves the use of [[fluoroscopy]] to visualize the rectum and anal canal as the patient attempts to evacuate a contrast material that has been introduced into the rectum. The patient is seated on a specially designed commode that allows for imaging during the act of defecation.
-* [[Barium enema]]
-* [[Colonoscopy]]
+=== Preparation ===
-* [[Gastroenterology]]
+Prior to the test, the patient may be asked to undergo a bowel preparation to clear the colon. A contrast agent, typically a thick barium paste, is then introduced into the rectum. This agent helps to outline the rectal walls and anal canal on the X-ray images.
+=== Imaging ===
+During the test, a series of X-ray images are taken as the patient attempts to expel the contrast material. These images can reveal abnormalities in the structure and function of the rectum and anal sphincters. The test can identify issues such as [[rectocele]], [[intussusception]], or [[anismus]].
+== Indications ==
+Defecography is indicated in patients who present with symptoms such as:
+* Chronic constipation
+* Fecal incontinence
+* Incomplete evacuation
+* Pelvic floor dysfunction
+== Interpretation ==
+The images obtained from defecography are analyzed to assess the movement and function of the rectum and anal canal. Abnormal findings may include:
+* Rectal prolapse
+* Rectocele
+* Enterocele
+* Anismus
+== Limitations ==
+While defecography provides valuable information about the mechanics of defecation, it has limitations. It is a static test and may not fully replicate the dynamic process of defecation. Additionally, the use of contrast material and radiation exposure are considerations.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Constipation]]
+* [[Fecal incontinence]]
+* [[Pelvic floor dysfunction]]
 * [[Proctology]]
-==References==
-<references />
 [[Category:Medical imaging]]
 [[Category:Gastroenterology]]
-[[Category:Radiology]]
-{{medicine-stub}}