Abstract
The aim of the present study was to carry out a proper correlation between patients'
clinical symptoms and the radiological findings obtained by dynamic rectal examination
(DRE). At DRE, the small bowel and in females the vagina are routinely opacified in
addition to defecography. A prospective study of 248 consecutive patients (193 women
and 55 men, ratio 3.5:1) and 14 control subjects was conducted. The parameters assessed
included the anorectal angle, the position of the anorectal junction, and the total
movement of the pelvic floor during squeezing and defecation. Anatomical changes as
rectoceles, enteroceles and intussusceptions were also observed. Based on the findings,
the following conclusions can be drawn. There is no indication for measurement of
the central or posterior anorectal angle. There is no indication for measurement of
the perineal ascent, perineal descent, and anorectal junction level. Anterior rectoceles
occur very frequently in females, and are only of clinical relevance if the patients
need digital vaginal support to facilitate defecation. DRE is a sensitive method for
diagnosing enteroceles and intussusceptions.
