Endosonography for assessment of anorectal changes in patients with fecal incontinence.

Our aim was to evaluate the anorectal changes in patients with fecal incontinence by using different endoultrasound techniques. Eighteen females with fecal incontinence and 14 healthy controls (females) were examined. Rigid linear transducer and 10 MHz radial scanning miniprobe were used. Statistically significant difference was found in the mean percentage of decreasing of the anorectal angle during contraction between healthy subjects (21.4%) and incontinent patients (7.5%). The mean percentage of shortening of the puborectal muscle length during squeezing was significantly lower in patients (9.6%) than in controls (17.9%). By means of miniprobe the anal sphincter defects were clearly demonstrated. Endosonography with a radial scanning miniprobe and rigid linear transducer ensures complex morphological and functional assessment of the anorectal region.