Clinical and instrumental parameters in patients with constipation and incontinence: their potential implications in the functional aspects of these disorders.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate several clinical and instrumental parameters in a large number of patients with constipation and incontinence as well as in healthy controls and discuss their potential implications in the functional aspects of these disorders.

METHODS: Eighty-four constipated and 38 incontinent patients and 45 healthy controls were submitted to a protocol based on proctologic examination, clinico-physiatric assessment, and instrumental evaluation.

RESULTS: Constipated and incontinent patients had significantly worse lumbar lordosis as well as lower rate in the presence of perineal defense reflex than controls. Constipated but not incontinent patients had a lower rate of puborectalis relaxation than controls. Furthermore, worse pubococcygeal tests and a higher rate of muscle synergies presence, either agonist or antagonist, were observed in both constipated and incontinent patients compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated strong correlations between physiatric disorders and the symptoms of constipation and incontinence. Further studies designed to demonstrate a causal relationship between these parameters and the success of a specific treatment of the physiatric disorders on the proctology symptoms are warranted.