Functional disorders of the anus and rectum

In this report the functional anorectal disorders, the etiology of which is currently unknown or related to the abnormal functioning of normally inner vated and structurally intact muscles, are discussed. These disorders inclu de functional fecal incontinence, functional anorectal pain, including leva tor ani syndrome and proctalgia fugax, and pelvic floor dyssynergia. The ep idemiology of each disorder is defined and discussed, their pathophysiology is summarized and diagnostic approaches and treatment are suggested. Some suggestions for the direction of future research on these disorders are als o given.