Objective: In our study, we aimed to investigate the importance of pelvic floor (PF) muscles in individuals with anal area diseases and defecation irregularities.
Materials and Methods: Anorectal angle (ARA), pubococcygeal line (PCL) and the distance between ARA and PCL were measured retrospectively on 392 images patients over 18 years of age who underwent lower abdomen MR (Sagittal, T2 sequence) defecography with complaints of fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, anal fissure, haemorrhoids, anal abscess, anal and perianal fistula. The measurements were repeated at rest, valsalva and final phase of defecation. Patients were grouped according to World Health Organization’s age classification and the average age of childbirth and menopause determined by Turkish Statistical Institute.
Result: In the all patients, the ARA was not sufficiently constricted in valsalva, and the angle was wider in women in all phases of defecation. The ARA was wider at rest in patients aged 65 and over, and in the last phase of defecation in patients aged 45-64 compared to other age groups. In all phases of defecation, PCL was longer in women and in the 45-64 age group than in other age groups; PF descent in the valsalva and final phase was greater in women and in the 45-64 age group.
Conclusion: It is emphasised that PF insufficiency is more advanced in the postmenopausal period. PF should be evaluated in anal area diseases and PF rehabilitation should be included in the treatment program.