Role of enterocele in the obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS): a new radiological point of view

Aim The aim of this study was to understand the role of enterocele in the pathogenesis of the obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) a new defecographic classification based on function. Method A total of 597 patients (551 women, 46 men) who underwent cinedefecography between November 2001 and November 2005 were studied. A total of 567 (95%) underwent cinedefecography as they had symptoms of ODS. Enterocele was classified into three types. Results Enterocele was found in 127 (23%) female and one (2.2%) male patients. Thirty-eight (6.9%) patients had type A, 38(6.9%) type B, and 27(4.9%) type C enterocele. A total of 24 patients (4.35%) had sigmoidocele. In patients with type C enterocele, the finding of a radiological pattern of ODS was higher (26/27) than that in the other groups (A + B + Sigmoidocele) (23/100) (P < 0.001). An obstructed evacuation pattern was found in 49 (38.5%) patients with enterocele and in 148 (34.9%) patients in the control group. Conclusion Type C enterocele is often associated with a radiological pattern of ODS and usually presents as an isolated condition. Type B is less frequently associated with ODS and is more frequently accompanied by other pathological conditions.