The Effect Of A Sexual Abuse History On Symptoms And Anorectal Physiology Findings In Patients Presenting To A Colorectal Pelvic Floor Service

Purpose: Studies report that 12-23% of patients with functional anorectal disorders have a history of sexual abuse (SA). This paper aims to assess whether there is a difference in symptom severity, quality of life or anorectal physiology findings in female patients presenting to a colorectal pelvic floor service with and without a history of sexual abuse. Methods: : A retrospective analysis of all female patients attending a single tertiary pelvic floor unit for faecal incontinence or constipation between 2017 and 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of a volunteered history of sexual abuse. Validated quality of life and symptom severity scores, along with anorectal physiology studies were analysed and compared between the two groups. Results: : There were 148 patients included in the study period and 17% reported a history of SA. There was no statistically significant difference in symptom severity, quality of life scores or anorectal physiology studies between those with and without a history of SA. Conclusion: In female patients seeking management for defaecatory symptoms, those who have reported a history of SA did not demonstrate any significant difference in symptom severity, quality of life or physiological measures when compared to those without a history of SA.