Introduction

Fecal continence is essential for social well-being. Investigation of the mechanism of continence means investigation of each of these different parts by specific tests that are collected under the name “the colorectal laboratory”. Disorders of perception are a false perception of rectal filling, like the feeling of incomplete evacuation in rectal intussusception, and total absence of urge, which usually accompanies neurogenic incontinence. Retention disorder is an uncontrollable loss of mucus, flatus or diarrhea, or solid feces. It is due to impaired rectal capacity, loss of rectal compliance, or impaired sphincter function. Retention disorders may lead to social isolation. Patients with retention disorders consider it an indecent subject. The primary goal of surgery is to restore continence, so postoperative results should be assessed on postoperative clinical history rather than on manometric values. Excretion disorders are a difficult rectal evacuation, as in functional constipation: type functional-outlet-obstruction, or evacuation of something else other than feces, like bowel wall, as in complete rectal prolapse.