A regional audit of the investigation and treatment of colorectal and pelvic floor disorders (1984-1991)

The activities of a regional physiology unit established for the investigation of colorectal and pelvic floor physiology in health and disease in a clinically relevant setting has been audited and its evolution described over a period of eight years. Trends in surgical treatment of some of these disorders over the same period have also been documented in the Lothian Region. Although there has been little change in the number of patients investigated annually patterns of investigation appear to change. Sphincter manometry, proctometrography and somatosensory reflex measurements have remained the most frequently performed and useful investigations. Spinal stimulation studies increased transiently because of a collaborative investigation of bowel and bladder function in patients with spinal injuries. A considerable increase in surface EMG tests and dynamic proctography has occurred. These trends are thought to be related to interest in defining evacuation dysfunction of the rectum and related problems of the pelvic floor. Isotope proctography now rivals barium videoproctography; at the same time the use of manometric colonic motility studies has diminished. Anal ultrasonography has replaced sphincter mapping in the last year and is being applied to other aspects of anorectal pathology. The last 4 years have seen the introduction and increasing use of non-surgical therapeutic modalities for the treatment of faecal incontinence and constipation: reflex electronic sphincter stimulation, biofeedback and the use of a prokinetic agent to promote colonic motility. Concomitant changes in the surgery of constipation and reconstructive anorectal procedures have been observed. It is recommended that coloproctology units should have easy access to at least one such investigation laboratory within their catchment area together with appropriate auditing facilities.