Editorial

A NEW THEORY OF ANO-RECTAL FUNCTION

Summary

The Musculo-Elastic Theory of anorectal function and dysfunction in the female

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

The Musculo-Elastic Theory for anorectal function and dysfunction in the female

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH
• BYRON KAKULAS
• IAN W. HOCKING
• PETER RICHARDSON
• BURGHARD ABENDSTEIN
• CHRISTINA BRUGGER
• ANTON FURTSCHEGGER
• MICHAEL RIEGER

Original Article

The Musculo-Elastic Theory of anorectal function and dysfunction

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Experimental Study No. 1: Directional muscle forces activate anorectal continence and defecation in the female

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Experimental Study No. 2: A direct test for the role of the pubourethral ligament in anorectal closure

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Study No. 3: Reflex contraction of the levator plate increases intra-anal pressure, validating its role in continence

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Experimental Study No. 4: Abdominal pressure increase during anorectal closure is secondary to striated pelvic muscle contraction

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Experimental Study No. 5: A prospective endoanal ultrasound study suggests that internal anal sphincter damage is unlikely to be a major cause of fecal incontinence

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Experimental Study No. 8: Stress urinary incontinence results from muscle weakness and ligamentous laxity in the pelvic floor

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH
• BYRON KAKULAS

Study No. 10: Fecal incontinence cure by surgical reinforcement of the pelvic ligaments suggests a connective tissue aetiology

• PETER PETROS
• PETER RICHARDSON

Study No. 11: Ligamentous repair using the Tissue Fixation System confirms a causal link between damaged suspensory ligaments and urinary and fecal incontinence

• BURGHARD ABENDSTEIN
• PETER PETROS
• PETER RICHARDSON

Study No. 12: Role of the uterosacral ligaments in the causation of rectal intussusception, abnormal bowel emptying, and fecal incontinence. A prospective study

• BURGHARD ABENDSTEIN
• CHRISTINA BRUGGER
• ANTON FURTSCHEGGER
• MICHAEL RIEGER
• PETER PETROS

Commentary

Study No. 7: Role of puborectalis muscle in anal continence. Comments on original 4D pelvic ultrasound data from Chantarasorn & Dietz

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Original Study

Experimental Study No. 9: Double incontinence, urinary and fecal, cured by surgical reinforcement of the pubourethral ligaments

• IAN W. HOCKING

Conclusion

Conclusions and future directions

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH

Foreword

A Musculo-Elastic Theory of anorectal function and dysfunction in the female

• PETER PETROS
• MICHAEL SWASH