A novel three-dimensional dynamic anorectal ultrasonography technique (echodefecography) to assess obstructed defecation, a comparison with defecography

Aim To test the effectiveness of echodefecography, the dynamic 3D anorectal ultrasonography technique –(EDF). To assess women with obstructed defecation (OD), as compared with conventional defecography (DF). Methods A prospective study was carried out with 30 women with OD symptoms, the mean validated Wexner constipation score was 14 (range 7–25) and the mean age 47.7 years. All patients were submitted to DF followed by EDF and the results compared. Results Six patients were normal at DF and five were normal at EDF. Defecography identified grade I rectocele in five patients (average size: 1.8 cm), grade II in seven (average size: 2.9 cm) and grade III in 12 (average size: 4.6 cm). Different sizes of anorectocele were also observed at EDF and quantified according to DF classification (grade I: ≤0.6 cm; grade II: 0.7–1.3 cm; grade III: >1.3 cm). Significant differences were observed between anorectocele sizes ( p