[Recommendations for the Protocol of functional examination of the anorectal zone and disorders classification: the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group consensus and Russian real-world practice]

This manuscript summarizes consensus reached by the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group (IAPWG) for the performance, terminology used, and interpretation of anorectal function testing including anorectal manometry (focused on high-resolution manometry), the rectal sensory test, and the balloon expulsion test. Based on these measurements, a classification system for disorders of anorectal function is proposed. Aim to provide information about methods of diagnosis and new classification of functional anorectal disorders to a wide range of specialists general practitioners, therapists, gastroenterologists, coloproctologists all who face the manifestations of these diseases in everyday practice and determine the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. Current paper provides agreed statements of IAPWG Consensus and comments (in italics) of Russian experts on real-world practice, mainly on methodology of examination. These comments in no way intended to detract from the provisions agreed by the international group of experts. We hope that these comments will help to improve the quality of examination based on the systematization of local experience with the use of the methods discussed and the results obtained. Key recommendations: the International Anorectal Physiology Working Group protocol for the performance of anorectal function testing recommends a standardized sequence of maneuvers to test rectoanal reflexes, anal tone and contractility, rectoanal coordination, and rectal sensation. Major findings not seen in healthy controls defined by the classification are as follows: rectoanal areflexia, anal hypotension and hypocontractility, rectal hyposensitivity, and hypersensitivity. Minor and inconclusive findings that can be present in health and require additional information prior to diagnosis include anal hypertension and dyssynergia.

High resolution anorectal manometry. Recommendations on russian-language terminology based on interdisciplinary consensus

The aim of the paper — is to present the results of the consensus on the terminology used to describe data of high-resolution anorectal manometry.

Methods: Online survey was conducted with the help of the public platform “Google forms” with the aim to harmonize the terms, which are used to conduct high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM), to agree the conformity of the proposed Russian-language terms to those used in English-language literature, and their abbreviations.

Results: According to the aim, 56 specialists of different medical specialties who perform and use the results of HRAM in clinical practice and research were invited to participate in the survey. We received 45 answers from the respondents (42.2% coloproctologists, 22.2% gastroenterologists, 15.6% surgeons, 20% — representatives of other specialties). The response rate was 80.3%. According to the survey, 95.6% of respondents supported the need for harmonization of terms. Ten out of the 11 terms reached consensus level C1 (excellent), 1 term level of consistency was C2 (moderate). 90.9% of respondents (consensus level C1) were in favor of the appropriateness of using common abbreviations. However, the proposed abbreviations of the terms used in the conduct and description of the results of the HRAM can be accepted with reservations (in 10 cases out of 11 consensus level was C2).

Conclusions: The agreed in interdisciplinary consensus terms can be approved and recommended for the use in clinical practice and when research data are published in Russian-language scientific literature.