proctography; defecography

Indications

• evaluation of rectal outlet obstruction (obstructed defecation)
  • comparison of pre- & post-surgical repair
• evaluation of fecal incontinence
• evaluation of internal rectal intussusception, enterocele, anismus, rectocele or sigmoidocele

Procedure

• defecation visualized in real time using a fluoroscope
• anatomy & function of the rectum & pelvic floor can be dynamically studied at various stages during defecation
• in females, pre-procedural preparation involves smearing a small amount of barium contrast agent in the vagina to identify anterior rectocele vs enterocele or sigmoidocele