Prevalence of genito-urinary symptoms in patients with disordered defecation

Abstract

A large degree of overlap of coloproctological and urogynaecological disorders might be expected in view of the anatomical proximity and shared innervation of the pelvic viscera. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urogynaecological disease in patients with a functional anorectal disorder. The study included 89 patients presenting for evaluation of complete rectal prolapse, idiopathic constipation, neurogenic faecal incontinence, and obstetric sphincter disruption. Patients were questioned about past and present bowel and urogynaecological symptoms, and examined to elicit evidence of genito-urinary prolapse. Of the entire group, moderate or severe genital prolapse was pr..