Biomaterial Database

The current understanding of continence and defecation. 1998

D C Nyam

Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.

Problems of continence and defecation are encountered in all facets of medical practice. Yet, the anorectum is cloaked by misunderstanding. Recent research has shed new light on this subject and newer concepts based on systematic investigations have paved the way to a rational approach. Motor function of the anorectum can now be delineated by manometry, electromyography and nerve stimulation. More complex functions like the coordination for continence and defecation are measured using other studies including defecating proctography, scintigraphic balloon topography, scintigraphic evacuation and colonic transit. The amalgamation of data from these studies have led to a logical sequence for the maintenance of normal continence and defecation that is developed in this manuscript based on our current understanding of anorectal motility and physiology. This allows patients who are resistant to straightforward diagnosis to be selected for specialised tests resulting in categorisation and a rational management strategy for their problems.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007413	Intestinal Mucosa	Lining of the INTESTINES, consisting of an inner EPITHELIUM, a middle LAMINA PROPRIA, and an outer MUSCULARIS MUCOSAE. In the SMALL INTESTINE, the mucosa is characterized by a series of folds and abundance of absorptive cells (ENTEROCYTES) with MICROVILLI.	Intestinal Epithelium,Intestinal Glands,Epithelium, Intestinal,Gland, Intestinal,Glands, Intestinal,Intestinal Gland,Mucosa, Intestinal
D008365	Manometry	Measurement of the pressure or tension of liquids or gases with a manometer.	Tonometry,Manometries
D009046	Motor Neurons	Neurons which activate MUSCLE CELLS.	Neurons, Motor,Alpha Motorneurons,Motoneurons,Motor Neurons, Alpha,Neurons, Alpha Motor,Alpha Motor Neuron,Alpha Motor Neurons,Alpha Motorneuron,Motoneuron,Motor Neuron,Motor Neuron, Alpha,Motorneuron, Alpha,Motorneurons, Alpha,Neuron, Alpha Motor,Neuron, Motor
D011877	Radionuclide Imaging	The production of an image obtained by cameras that detect the radioactive emissions of an injected radionuclide as it has distributed differentially throughout tissues in the body. The image obtained from a moving detector is called a scan, while the image obtained from a stationary camera device is called a scintiphotograph.	Gamma Camera Imaging,Radioisotope Scanning,Scanning, Radioisotope,Scintigraphy,Scintiphotography,Imaging, Gamma Camera,Imaging, Radionuclide
D012007	Rectum	The distal segment of the LARGE INTESTINE, between the SIGMOID COLON and the ANAL CANAL.	Rectums
D003106	Colon	The segment of LARGE INTESTINE between the CECUM and the RECTUM. It includes the ASCENDING COLON; the TRANSVERSE COLON; the DESCENDING COLON; and the SIGMOID COLON.	Appendix Epiploica,Taenia Coli,Omental Appendices,Omental Appendix,Appendices, Omental,Appendix, Omental
D003672	Defecation	The normal process of elimination of fecal material from the RECTUM.	Bowel Function,Bowel Movement,Bowel Functions,Bowel Movements,Defecations
D004558	Electric Stimulation	Use of electric potential or currents to elicit biological responses.	Stimulation, Electric,Electrical Stimulation,Electric Stimulations,Electrical Stimulations,Stimulation, Electrical,Stimulations, Electric,Stimulations, Electrical
D004576	Electromyography	Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes.	Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D005242	Fecal Incontinence	Failure of voluntary control of the anal sphincters, with involuntary passage of feces and flatus.	Bowel Incontinence,Fecal Soiling,Incontinence, Bowel,Incontinence, Fecal,Soilings, Fecal