Obstructed defecation syndrome

Abstract

Chronic constipation is a common problem affecting about 2-30% of population in the western societies. About 30-50% of the constipated patients suffer from obstructed defecation. Contrary to colonic constipation stool reaches the rectum, but he or she feels a blocage and is unable to propel the stool. It has two subtypes; mechanical and functional. The functional type is also known as pelvic floor dyssynergy, anismus, spastic pelvic floor, descending perineal syndrome. Mechanical type includes rectocele, enterocel, pelvic organ prolapsus, intussusception, rectal prolapse. Here we attempted to discuss the structures responsible for defecation, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of outlet obstruction.