Medical Associations Publish Consensus for MRI of Defecatory Pelvic Floor Disorders

The Society of Abdominal Radiology, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the International Continence Society, the American Urogynecologic Society, the International Urogynecological Association and the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons have all endorsed a consensus paper on the many clinically relevant considerations for performing, interpreting and reporting MR defecography.

As published in the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR), the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium (PFDC), a multidisciplinary organization of colorectal surgeons, urogynecologists, urologists, gynecologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, and other advanced care practitioners, the Proceedings of the Consensus Meeting provides recommendations for all practitioners, irrespective of discipline, involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients with pelvic floor disorders.
A corresponding synoptic interpretation template was suggested based on these consensus guidelines. The described technique and template can be augmented with additional radiologic maneuvers and report elements based on specific patient indications, health care provider preferences, and local practice patterns, but the suggested verbiage and steps should be advocated as the minimum requirements when performing and interpreting MR defecography in patients with evacuation disorders of the pelvic floor.

The PFDC was formed to bridge gaps and enable collaboration between these specialties. The goal of the PFDC is to develop and evaluate educational programs, create clinical guidelines and algorithms, and promote high quality of care in this unique patient population.
In addition to AJR, the article is being published concurrently in Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, International Urogynecological Journal and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Journal.