Useful parameters helping proctologists to identify patients with defaecatory disorders that may be treated with pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Background No studies have specifically reported on the use of a diagnostic tool based on physiatric assessment of constipated or incontinent patients Methods Sixty-seven constipated and 37 incontinent patients were submitted to a standard protocol based on proctologic examination, clinico-physiatric assessment (puborectalis contraction, pubococcygeal test, perineal defence reflex, muscular synergies, postural examination) and instrumental evaluation (anorectal manometry, anal US and dynamic defaecography). Patients were offered pelvic floor rehabilitation (thoraco-abdominoperineal muscle coordination training, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and volumetric rehabilitation). Results After rehabilitation treatment, decreases of Wexner constipation score (p=0.0001) and Pescatori incontinence score (p=0.0001) were observed. Conclusions This diagnostic protocol might improve the selection of patients with defaecatory disorders amenable for rehabilitation treatment.