Obstructive defaecation is where a patient strains when passing stool and has a sense of incomplete evacuation, sometimes having to use a finger to remove stool from the back passage. This syndrome is highly complex and requires careful management to improve symptoms.
We will take a thorough history and clinical examination before deciding whether you need further tests. Tests may include a colonoscopy, CT or MRI scans, x-ray based defaecation studies or manometry tests of the muscle strength of the anal sphincters.
Once we have diagnosed obstructive defaecation, we will go through all the treatment options with you, including conservative measures such as adjusting your diet and then some medical therapies such as laxatives, rectal irrigation or biofeedback.
