Abstract
We determined the maximum closing capability of the internal anal sphincter muscle ring in vitro and in vivo. The internal sphincter, 4 to 6 mm thick, cannot close the anal canal hermetically, not even during maximal contraction. The blood-filled anal cushions have to till up an intrasphincteric gap of at least 7 to 8 mm in diameter.
Résumé
Nous avons déterminé la capacité maximale de fermeture du sphincter anal interne in vitro et in vivo. Le sphincter interne (4 à 6 mm d'épaisseur) ne peut occlure hermétiquement le canal anal même durant la contraction anale maximale. Les coussinets anaux remplis de sang ont a remplir un vide intra-sphinctérique d'au moins 7 à 8 mm de diamètre.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bennett R, Duthie H (1964) The functional importance of the internal anal sphincter. Br J Surg 51:355–357
Frenckner B, Ihre T (1976) Influence of autonomic nerves on the internal sphincter in man. Gut 17:306–312
Lestar B, Pennickx F, Kerremans R (1989) The composition of anal basal pressure: an in vivo and in vitro study. Int J Colorect Dis 4:118–122
Bennett R, Goligher J (1962) Result of internal sphincterotomy for anal fissure. Br Med J 2:1500–1503
Gordon A, Siegman M (1971) Mechanical properties of smooth muscle I. Length-tension and force-velocity relations. Am J Physiol 221:1243–1249
Burleigh D, D'Mello A, Parks A (1979) Responses of isolated human internal anal sphincter to drugs and electrical field stimulation. Gastroenterology 77:484–490
Penninckx F (1981) Morphological and physiological aspects of anal function. Acco Editions, Leuven
Kerremans R (1969) Morphological and physiological aspects of anal continence and defaecation. Editions Arscia SA, Brussels
Stelzner F (1963) Die Haemorrhoiden und andere Krankheiten des Corpus Cavernosum Recti und des Analkanals. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 88:689–696
Gibbons C, Bannister J, Trowbridge E, Read N (1986) An analysis of anal sphincter pressure and anal compliance in normal subjects. Int J Colorect Dis 1:231–237
Gibbons C, Trowbridge E, Bannister J, Read N (1986) Role of anal cushions in maintaining continence. Lancet 1:886–887
Read M, Read N, Haynes W, Donnelly T, Johnson A (1982) A prospective study of the effect of haemorrhoidectomy on sphincter function and faecal continence. Br J Surg 62:396–398
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lestar, B., Penninckx, F., Rigauts, H. et al. The internal anal sphincter can not close the anal canal completely. Int J Colorect Dis 7, 159–161 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00360358
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00360358