[Diagnostic evaluation of the rectum and pelvic floor in chronic constipation].

In outlet constipation an exact diagnostic evaluation is always necessary because of the different etiologies, multiple combinations in primary and secondary lesions and the number of therapeutic alternatives. Basic diagnostics start with the very important, structured evaluation of the patient's history, colorectal examination including inspection, palpation, procto-, recto-, sigmoidoscopy and anorectal manometry. Depending on the results of this primary evaluation the following methods are indicated: neurophysiologic evaluation (basic neurological examination, EMG, PNTML), defecography ev. including colon contrast enema and gastrointestinal transit time studies. If the complete problem could not be ruled out till that point, the following examinations might be helpful: dynamic pelvic floor MRI, anorectal endosonography, rectal motility studies, fecoflowmetry, colonoscopy, urological und gynecological examinations.