Clinical and manometric characteristics of women with paradoxical puborectalis syndrome

Background A subset of patients with functional defecation disorders have predominance of the puborectalis muscle (PRM) on three‐dimensional high definition anorectal manometry (HDARM), known as paradoxical puborectalis syndrome (PPS). The aim of this study was to assess clinical and manometric differences between patients with and without PPS. Methods A total of 227 women with functional defecation disorders undergoing HDARM between December 2012 and October 2016 at a single center were included in this study. All completed the Rome III constipation module and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 (PFDI‐20). Results Eighty‐seven out of 227 women had a 3D pressure topographic profile consistent with PPS. They had higher mean PDFI‐20 scores for straining and incomplete evacuation symptoms than those without PPS. In addition, they demonstrated higher mean resting anal pressure, a more negative mean anorectal pressure differential, and a greater proportion with prolonged balloon expulsion test. These findings were more pronounced in a subgroup of 58 PPS patients with a distinct pattern of both posterior and posterolateral wall indentation. Conclusion Among female patients with functional defecation disorders, those with PPS demonstrated clinical and manometric differences compared to those without PPS. These differences may be driven by predominant posterolateral wall indentation in a subgroup of PPS patients.