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Changes in fatigability of the striated anal canal after childbirth
Author(s) -
Cattle K. R.,
Telford K.,
Kiff E. S.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.01875.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anorectal manometry , anal canal , childbirth , fecal incontinence , vaginal delivery , anesthesia , cervical canal , defecation , surgery , pregnancy , rectum , cervix , cancer , biology , genetics
Aim Anal manometry is an established assessment tool for patients with faecal incontinence. Fatigue rate index (FRI) has been shown to discriminate between symptomatic patients and controls. The aim of this study was to compare manometry and fatigability of the anal canal in nulliparous women before and after childbirth. Method An air‐filled manometry device was used to record maximum resting and squeeze pressures, fatigue rate (recorded over 20 s) and FRI. Recordings were made before and after vaginal delivery. Results Nineteen women were studied. Resting anal canal pressure was not significantly different before and after delivery (57.1 ± 13.6 vs 51.1 ± 11.9 cmH 2 O, P = 0.1). Squeeze pressure was significantly lower postpartum (106.5 ± 43.6 vs 75.5 ± 45.6 cmH 2 O, P < 0.001). Fatigue rate was significantly reduced postpartum (−129.5 ± 74.7 vs −76.1 ± 54.8 cmH 2 O/min, P = 0.001), but FRI was not significantly altered (1.23 ± 1.49 vs 1.41 ± 1.27 min, P = 0.09). Conclusion Maximal squeeze pressure and fatigue rate of the anal canal are significantly reduced after childbirth. Resting anal canal pressure and FRI are not significantly different.