E-Posters-Relationship between Anal Sphincter Complex Thickness and Symptoms of Anal Incontinence in Women who have Suffered a Single Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury

Relationship between Anal Sphincter Complex Thickness and Symptoms of Anal Incontinence in Women who have Suffered a Single Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury - Aisha Mchayle

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This study examined the relationship between anal sphincter thickness and symptoms of anal incontinence in women who have suffered a single obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). Data was collected from 84 women attending a pelvic floor clinic, and anal manometry and endoanal ultrasound were performed to assess sphincter function and integrity.<br /><br />The results showed that there was no association between anal pressures and thickness measurements of the anal sphincter complex (ASC) at any point. However, those with flatal and/or fecal incontinence had significantly lower squeeze pressures than those without these symptoms. Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in ASC measurements between those with and without flatal and/or fecal incontinence.<br /><br />One significant finding of the study was the relationship between external anal sphincter (EAS) thickness and symptoms of fecal urgency. The EAS average thickness was greater in those without fecal urgency, and this difference was observed at the 12, 3, and 6 o'clock positions. Those with an intact EAS on ultrasound also had significantly higher resting and squeeze pressures than those with scarring or residual defects.<br /><br />The study suggests that EAS thickness may be a useful measure for assessing symptoms of anal incontinence in women with OASI, while ASC measurements do not appear to be related to anal pressures. These findings provide valuable insights into the association between sphincter thickness and symptoms of anal incontinence in this specific patient population.

Keywords

anal sphincter thickness

symptoms of anal incontinence

obstetric anal sphincter injury

OASI

flatal incontinence

fecal incontinence

squeeze pressures

external anal sphincter

EAS thickness

fecal urgency