This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Cerebral representation of the anorectum using functional magnetic resonance imaging. BJS 2006; 93: 1251-1257.
Published: 6th June 2006
Authors: B. Bittorf, R. Ringler, C. Forster, W. Hohenberger, K. E. Matzel
Background
Anorectal continence depends not only on the organs of continence but also on cerebral control. There are relatively few data regarding cerebral processing of anorectal continence.
Method
Thirteen healthy subjects underwent rectal distension to cause urge increasing to discomfort during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition, a painful heat stimulus was applied to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall in the dermatome corresponding to the rectum. Voluntary contraction of the anal sphincter was also performed. Subjective rating of stimulus intensity was recorded. Evaluation of the data used a general linear model with Brain Voyager™.
Results
Subjective sensation of discomfort increased during repeated rectal distension and caused activation in the anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, thalamus and secondary somatosensory cortex seen on fMRI. Perception of rectal urge and discomfort activated the same cerebral regions with differing intensity. Application of a painful thermal stimulus in the corresponding dermatome showed a modification of the response. Voluntary contraction of the anal sphincter led to activation of the motor cortex and increased activity in the supplementary motor cortex and the insula.
Conclusion
Cerebral representation of the anorectum as mapped by fMRI is intricate and reflects the complexity of the continence mechanism. Copyright © 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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