Barriers to the management of obstructed defaecation according to colorectal surgeons

Aim: Obstructed defaecation (OD) has a high prevalence and high disease impact; however, patients often experience suboptimal management. This problem reflects the complex pathophysiology of OD as well as health service delivery factors. This study aimed to identify the factors that act as a barrier to effective management of OD as perceived by specialist colorectal surgeons treating this disorder.

Method: A postal questionnaire was administered to a bi-national sampling of colorectal specialists in Australia and New Zealand who were registered with their specialty society. Questions addressed variables relevant in OD management, including clinical access, decision-making, patient factors and surgeon experience and perceptions, and used Likert scales. Statistical analyses compared surgeon practice variables.

Results: The response rate was 68.5% (n = 113). Most surgeons managed OD (94%), and preferred to treat OD patients themselves (87%); however, 33% of these respondents were dissatisfied with their management, 46% felt they lacked management expertise and 33% stated they had inadequate expertise in OD investigations. Clinical investigation services were more limited in private than public practice, and many surgeons lacked access to biofeedback (31%). Other barriers included heterogeneity in decision-making by surgeon age and practice location (P < 0.05), dual pathologies (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome) and psychological factors, and limited uptake of multidisciplinary services and standardized (Rome) diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion: Barriers to OD management include surgeon-specific factors, patient-specific factors and healthcare access factors. Increased utilization of pelvic floor and multidisciplinary services, increased training and standardization of OD investigations and improved access to specialist investigations and allied-health management services could improve outcomes for OD.