TY - CHAP
T1 - Diagnostic workup in incontinent patients
T2 - An integrated approach
AU - Ratto, Carlo
AU - Parello, Angelo
AU - Donisi, Lorenza
AU - Litta, Francesco
AU - Doglietto, Giovanni B.
AU - Steele, Scott R.
AU - Lowry, Ann C
AU - Mellgren, Anders F.
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - Anal continence is assured by the activity of complex anatomical and physiological structures (anal sphincters, pelvic floor musculature, rectal curvatures, transverse rectal folds, rectal reservoir, rectal sensation). It is dependent also on numerous other factors, such as stool consistency, patient's mental faculties and mobility, and social convenience. Only if there is an effective, coordinated integration between these elements can defecation proceed normally. On the other hand, fecal incontinence (FI) is the result of disruption of one or several of these different entities: frequently, it can be due to a multifactorial pathogenesis, and in many cases, it is not secondary to sphincter tears. The disruption could lie in alterations intrinsic to the anorectal neuromuscular structures of continence control or be extrinsic to them, involving extrapelvic control mechanisms. The primary aim of an effective therapeutic approach must be the improvement-better, the resolution-of this distressing condition. Different forms of therapy are now available so that physicians must select the best option for each patient.
AB - Anal continence is assured by the activity of complex anatomical and physiological structures (anal sphincters, pelvic floor musculature, rectal curvatures, transverse rectal folds, rectal reservoir, rectal sensation). It is dependent also on numerous other factors, such as stool consistency, patient's mental faculties and mobility, and social convenience. Only if there is an effective, coordinated integration between these elements can defecation proceed normally. On the other hand, fecal incontinence (FI) is the result of disruption of one or several of these different entities: frequently, it can be due to a multifactorial pathogenesis, and in many cases, it is not secondary to sphincter tears. The disruption could lie in alterations intrinsic to the anorectal neuromuscular structures of continence control or be extrinsic to them, involving extrapelvic control mechanisms. The primary aim of an effective therapeutic approach must be the improvement-better, the resolution-of this distressing condition. Different forms of therapy are now available so that physicians must select the best option for each patient.
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U2 - 10.1007/978-88-470-0638-6_12
DO - 10.1007/978-88-470-0638-6_12
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:84890210057
SN - 9788847006379
SP - 135
EP - 147
BT - Fecal Incontinence
PB - Springer Milan
ER -