[Differential diagnosis in descending perineum syndrome]

Clinical symptoms in descending perineum syndrome show considerable variations, ranging from obstructed defecation to combined fecal and urinary incontinence and including different types of prolapse. Differential diagnosis has to compete with this complexity. Common pelvic floor disorders associated with descending perineum are rectocele, rectal prolapse, enterocele, and sigmoidocele. Standardized diagnostic tools include detailed history and clinical examination with proctorectoscopy as well as anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, defecography, and dynamic MR of the pelvic floor. The diagnosis and proposed therapy have to be developed within an interdisciplinary concept.