Correlation of clinical and manometric abnormalities of rectal function following chronic radiation injury

Abstract

Abstract Continuous fluid-inflation proctometrograms were performed in men with the symptoms of chronic radiation proctitis and in age and sex-matched control subjects (n = 10). Rectal volumes and compliance were measured. There was a significant reduction in the rectal volumes at sensory threshold, constant sensation and maximal tolerance and in rectal compliance (P<0.01). Comparable pressure measurements did not demonstrate significant differences. The maximum tolerable volume, symptomatic and sigmoidoscopic scoring correlated to rectal compliance (r = 0.77, −0.8, −0.73; P<0.01, <0.01, <0.02, respectively). Reduction in volume and compliance is often not obvious radiologically. Histological evidence suggests that smooth muscle hypertrophy and myenteric plexus damage are contributory.