Can a Defecation Posture Modifying Device Correct an Abnormal Balloon Expulsion Test in Chronically Constipated Patients?

Evacuation disorders are common among chronically constipated (CC) patients who fail to respond to laxatives and are typically diagnosed by anorectal manometry (ARM) and/or balloon expulsion testing (BET).1,2 Recently, there has been emerging interest in the use of defecation posture-modifying devices (DPMDs) to improve constipation symptoms, presumably by replicating the physiologic benefits of squatting on stool evacuation, such as straightening of the anorectal angle and relaxing the pelvic floor. However, the ability of DPMDs to normalize anorectal function in adult patients with CC has not been studied.

Age- and Gender-Based Differences in Anorectal Function, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Constipation-Specific Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Constipation.

BACKGROUND: The effect of age and gender differences on anorectal function, symptoms severity, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic constipation (CC) is not well studied. This study examines the impact of age and gender on anorectal function testing (AFT) characteristics, symptoms burden, and QoL in patients with CC. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 2550 adults with CC who completed AFT. Collected data include demographics, sphincter response to simulated defecation during anorectal manometry (ARM), balloon expulsion testing (BET), and validated surveys assessing constipation symptoms and QoL. DD was defined as both the inability to relax the anal sphincter during simulated defecation and an abnormal BET. RESULTS: 2550 subjects were included in the analysis (mean age = 48.6 years). Most patients were female (81.6%) and Caucasian (82%). 73% were < 60 years old (mean = 41) vs. 27% ≥ 60 years old (mean = 69). The prevalence of impaired anal sphincter relaxation on ARM, abnormal BET, and DD in patients with CC was 48%, 42.1%, and 22.9%, respectively. Patients who were older and male were significantly more frequently diagnosed with DD and more frequently had impaired anal sphincter relaxation on ARM, compared to patients who were younger and female (p < 0.05). Conversely, CC patients who were younger and female reported greater constipation symptoms severity and more impaired QoL (p ≤ 0.004). CONCLUSION: Among patients with CC referred for anorectal function testing, men and those older than 60 are more likely to have dyssynergic defecation, but women and patients younger than 60 experience worse constipation symptoms and QoL.