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Family Medicine  (Expert Forum)
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descending perineum syndrome
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descending perineum syndrome

by liegh, Jan 05, 2003 12:00AM
This is a follow-up to my previous posting (persistent odor) below.
What treatments are currently available for descending perineum syndrome?  Would this show up on a cat-scan?
Thanks very much

by Forum-M.D.-DT, Jan 06, 2003 12:00AM
Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.

The descending perineum syndrome consists of excessive ballooning down of the perineum usually as a result of years of straining, vaginal deliveries, prior rectal or perineal surgical procedures. Rectoceles and enteroceles (dilation/hernia of areas of the intestine/rectum/colon) may also be present with the descending perneum and contribute to outlet obstruction.

Descent of the pelvic floor on straining. This may be present with complete prolapse but may also occur on its own. Tenesmus, difficulty having a bowel movement and eventual incontinence are associated. "Evacuation proctography" may be helpful in diagnosing the problem. Quite commonly these abnormalities are teated by a general surgeon.


Essentially what you have here is a weakness of the muscles of the floor of the pelvis (Perineum). I suspect speaking to a gastroenterologist OR a general surgeon would be most helpful. Quite possibly there are some exercises you can do to help strengthen this area of muscles. Avoiding constipation will also help a great deal. Surgery would be a last resort.

I doubt this would show up on a CT scan,



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