Purpose: To evaluate effects of altering rectal contrast volume on defecatory effort during magnetic resonance defecography (MRD).
Methods: We assessed defecation qualitatively and quantitatively as a function of rectal distention (group A: 180 cc, n=31; group B: 120 cc, n=31). Quantitative evaluation comprised measuring rectal area on midline sagittal images pre- and post-defecation.
Results: Resting rectal area was significantly higher for group A than for group B (35.2 vs. 28.3 cm(2), P<.0001). Post-defecation rectal area and change in area (pre- to post-defecation) were not significantly different. Subjective evaluation showed no significant difference.
Conclusion: Decreasing rectal gel volume from 180 to 120 cc did not compromise defecation performance during MRD.
Keywords: Dynamic pelvic MRI; MR defecography; Pelvic organ prolapse; Rectal contrast; Rectal gel.
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