Objectives: Fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation are two topics in the field of functional coloproctology that are not fully understood yet. Our study aims at measuring the anal canal length (ACL) and average anal canal diameter (ACD) using endo-FLIP. This is used to calculate the average anal canal resistance (ACR) in normal controls to set a reference level for diagnosis and treatment of patients with anal incontinence according to the flow-equation theory. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on forty normal volunteers. ACL, ACD and intra-balloon pressure, were measured in forty normal controls using the endo-FLIP. The ACR was measured using the flow calculator specially designed for this purpose using ACL and ACD. Results: Forty volunteers 33 males and 7 females were included. Mean ACL during rest and squeeze were 3.04 cm and 3.24 cm respectively (p<0.001), Mean ACD during rest and squeeze were 7.18 mm and 7.07 mm respectively (p=0.254). Mean ACR at rest and squeeze were 9268.4 kg m- 1s- and 10302.83 kg m- 1s- respectively (p=0.012). Mean balloon pressure at rest was 31.39 mmHg and during squeeze was 51.57 mmHg (p<0.001). Conclusion: Endo-FLIP is a novel technique used in measurement of ACL and ACD to calculate the resistance and this can set a reference level to be used in diagnosis and treatment of patients with anal incontinence.
Corresponding Author: ELBARMELGI M.
|