Anal sphincter function in conservatively managed rectal intussusception at long-term follow-up: A prospective anal acoustic reflectometry study with comparison to healthy volunteer data.

AIM: Rectal intussusception (RI), proposed to be a progressive condition, is associated with internal sphincter dysfunction. This study examines sphincter function using anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) at long-term follow-up. METHODS: A prospective study of conservatively managed patients attending a tertiary pelvic floor unit. Clinical, AAR and symptom severity data were analysed at baseline and follow-up (>5 years). Patients were grouped into intra-rectal (Oxford I-II) or intra-anal RI (III-IV). Data from asymptomatic volunteers were used to estimate the effect of ageing on AAR parameters. RESULTS: O; p = 0.532). CONCLUSION: There were no significant changes in patient-reported symptoms or anal sphincter function in conservatively managed RI at follow-up, challenging the concept of a progressive condition with a detrimental impact on sphincter function.