Imaging evaluation and surgical treatment strategies of chronic constipation        Regadas FSP, Lima DMR, Murad-Regadas SM, et al.  Department of Surgery, Medical School, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
Abstract    The evaluation of chronic constipated patients is commonly based on colon transmission test, defecography (DF) and dynamic magnetic nuclear ressonance (MNR) of the pelvic floor to differentiate slow transmission from obstructed defecation. It is minimally invasive, safe and technically simple but has the disadvantage of exposing patients to radiation, or limited for a few centers due to the high cost. Dynamic anorectal ultrasonography (DAUS) and echodefecography are techniques which able to identify all dysfunctions of the posterior pelvic floor compartment without radiation.