Defecography is a valuable imaging method to assess changes within the pelvis and rectum during evacuation. Therefore, it has been extensively used to evaluate colorectal complaints such as constipation, dyschezia, faecal incontinence, interrupted defecation, anorectal pain and others. Furthermore, the technique can be used to evaluate the postoperative results and follow-up. In the last years, physicians' interest in this examination has greatly increased, in part due to the better understanding of the pathophysiology of colorectal disorders and also to the advances of the technique (e.g. computerized dynamic videodefecography extended the access to the test reducing radiation and improving the image quality). We discuss several aspects of defecography including the indications for the test and the methodology and interpretation of the results. The technique, including the basic principles and advances, are also discussed.
Defecography; Computerized dynamic videodefecography; Technique; Constipation; Pelvic floor disorders; Outlet obstruction
