Computerized videodefecography versus defecography: do we need radiographs?

Defecography has been recognized as a valuable method for evaluating patients with evacuation disorders. It consists of the use of static radiography and fluoroscopy to record different situations within anorectal dynamics. Conventionally, rectal parameters are measured using radiograms. It is rare...

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Published inSão Paulo medical journal Vol. 123; no. 3; pp. 105 - 107
Main Authors Sobrado, Carlos Walter, Pires, Carlos Eduardo Fonseca, Araújo, Sergio Eduardo Alonso, Amaro, Edson, Habr-Gama, Angelita, Kiss, Desidério Roberto
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Brazil Associação Paulista de Medicina - APM 02.05.2005
Associação Paulista de Medicina
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Summary:Defecography has been recognized as a valuable method for evaluating patients with evacuation disorders. It consists of the use of static radiography and fluoroscopy to record different situations within anorectal dynamics. Conventionally, rectal parameters are measured using radiograms. It is rare for fluoroscopy alone to be used. Computer software has been developed with the specific aim of calculating these measurements from digitized videotaped images obtained during fluoroscopy, without the need for radiographic film, thereby developing a computerized videodefecography method. The objective was thus to compare measurements obtained via computerized videodefecography with conventional measurements and to discuss the advantages of the new method. Prospective study at the radiology service of Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo. Ten consecutive normal subjects underwent videodefecography. The anorectal angle, anorectal junction, puborectalis muscle length, anal canal length and degree of anal relaxation were obtained via the conventional method (using radiography film) and via computerized videodefecography using the ANGDIST software. Measurement and analysis of these parameters was performed by two independent physicians. Statistical analysis confirmed that the measurements obtained through direct radiography film assessment and using digital image analysis (computerized videodefecography) were equivalent. Computerized videodefecography is equivalent to the traditional defecography examination. It has the advantage of offering reduced radiation exposure through saving on the use of radiography.
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ISSN:1516-3180
1806-9460
1516-3180
DOI:10.1590/s1516-31802005000300003