Anal position index; can it predict pelvic organ disorders in adults?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Anal position index is calculated with a simple formula, which is used to determine the exact position of anus in perineum. This index is currently used only in neonates and infants. Anteriorly displacement of anus is a common cause of chronic constipation. Here we assessed the association between anal position index with patients’ characteristics, chronic constipation, rectum prolapse uterine prolapse, and number of delivery. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional study performed in 2018 on 63 adult admitted to colorectal surgery clinic. Anus-forchuette, coccyx-forchuette and coccyx-scrotum and anal-scrotum were measure by a simple meter tape. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows, ver. 18) was used for data analysis. Independent Student's t-test, correlation coefficient and ANOVA were used. Results Sixty-three patients within age range of 22–75 years old were recruited. 48 were male (76.2%) and 15 females (23.8%). Twenty-nine (46%) had chronic constipation. The mean ± SD of the index with confidence interval of 95% was 0.5325 ± 0.11861 in males and 0.4510 ± 0.16803 in females. Also the mean of the index was 0.4616 ± 0.14007 in patients with chronic constipation and 0.5570 ± 0.11559 in patients without constipation. Discussion Anal position index can be a prognostic factor to predict chronic constipation and pelvic floor anatomy disturbance in adults as well as pediatrics.