The Value Of Endoscopic Ultrasonography Applied In Patients With Functional Constipation By Examing Internal Anal Sphincter

Objective To investigate the value of endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with functional constipation by measuring the thickness of internal anal sphincter (IAS).Methods 64 patients with chronic functional constipation (constipation group) were recruited from August 2014 to January 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.14 patients as control group were excluded gastrointestinal and endocrinal diseases. The thickness of IAS was measured using endoscopic ultrasonography. The severity of constipation was evaluated by Cleveland scoring system combined with the results of colonic transit test and defecography.Results The thickness of IAS increased significantly in constipation group [(3.2±1.0)mm compared to control group(1.7±0.6)mm,P<0.05]. The median symptom score was (15.7±4.0) in the constipation group.The thickness of IAS was postive correlation with total symptom severity score (r=0.511, P=0.008). There was no relationship between thickness of IAS and age, sex, or duration of disease (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between slow transit constipation,functional defecation disorders and mixed constipation in thickness of IAS[(3.4±0.6)mm vs (4.4±1.0)mm vs (3.4±1.1)mm,P>0.05].Conclusion The thickness of IAS increase in patients with functional constipation. The thickness of IAS correlated significantly with the severity of symptoms。Endoscopic ultrasonography has diagnosis value in contipation.