4 Comparing anorectal function tests 101 Mean resting pressure Mean squeeze pressure Push Evacuation Trans perianal echo - - 1. Relaxation 2. Indifferent 3. Paradoxical 1. Yes 2. No BET - - - 1. <1 min = normal 2. >1 min = abnormal DRE digital rectal examination; 3D-HRAM 3-dimensional high resolution anorectal manometry; s-EMG surface electromyography; BET balloon expulsion test. Statistical analysis All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (IBM, SPSS Statistics 28). Continuous data were described as mean or median depending on the distribution, including range and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed by comparing categorical results of anal pressures with descriptive statistics using crosstabs, namely, the resting and squeeze pressures and straining movement of DRE by the surgeon and pelvic floor physical therapist, 3D-HRAM, s-EMG, transperineal ultrasound (with echo lucent gel) and BET. The interrater agreement for DRE, which included tone during rest and squeeze and straining movement, between the referring surgeon and the pelvic floor physical therapist was assessed by using the Cohen’s Weighted Kappa test. Agreement was classified as follows: poor agreement (0.000.20), fair (0.21-0.40), moderate (0.41-0.60), substantial (0.61-0.80), and almost perfect agreement (0.81-1.00). p values of <0.05 were considered significant. Results Patients, demographics, and clinical characteristics Between January 2020 and April 2022, 56 patients were referred for PFPT by the surgeon and underwent anorectal function tests in the diagnostic work-up. Six patients were excluded due to incomplete data because the patient cancelled an appointment or when treatment started between the different tests. The appointment for the 3D-HRAM was always prior to, or at the same day as the pelvic floor physical therapist. Demographics and clinical characteristics of the study group are detailed in Table 2. A total of 37 (74%) females were included and median age was 51 years. Twenty-three (62%) females had two or more vaginal deliveries. Thirty-one (62%) Table 1. Continued
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw