Multidisciplinary approach and rehabilitation practice for defecatory disorders in Italy: a snapshot survey on behalf of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR).
5 affiliations
- 1Department of General Surgery, San Bonifacio Hospital, ULSS 9 Scaligera, Verona, Italy. [email protected].
- 2Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Departement, Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.
- 3Department of General Surgery, San Bonifacio Hospital, ULSS 9 Scaligera, Verona, Italy.
- 4Proctology and Pelvic Floor Unit, Humanitas Gavazzeni and Castelli, Bergamo, Italy.
- 5Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Department, IRCSS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Verona, Italy.
Abstract
Background
Defecatory disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions are prevalent and significantly impact quality of life. Due to their multifactorial etiology, a multidisciplinary approach and pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) are recommended; however, their implementation varies widely. This study aimed to evaluate current practices in multidisciplinary management and rehabilitation strategies for defecatory disorders in Italy.Methods
A 25-item, web-based survey was distributed to members of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery between May and July 2024. The questionnaire explored the professional background of the responders, the availability and composition of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and the use of PFR and related clinical practices.Results
A total of 183 colorectal surgeons from 20 Italian regions completed the survey. Only 49% reported the presence of a structured MDT, with frequent absence of a urologist, gastroenterologist, and radiologist. Combined pelvic floor surgery was rarely performed, despite its clinical advantages. PFR services were available in just over half of the centers, often without psychological or nutritional support. Rehabilitative techniques varied, with volumetric rehabilitation and tibial nerve stimulation being underutilized. Referral rates to rehabilitation remained low, regardless of institution type or surgical experience. Despite the lack of standardized protocols, a quarter of responders utilized perioperative rehabilitation in the context of rectal prolapse surgery.Conclusions
Significant variability exists in the multidisciplinary and rehabilitative management of defecatory disorders in Italy. To optimize care, greater integration of MDT, wider access to a standardized PFR, and the adoption of combined surgical approaches are needed.
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BibTeX
@article{zigiotto2026multidisciplinary,
title = {{Multidisciplinary approach and rehabilitation practice for defecatory disorders in Italy: a snapshot survey on behalf of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR).}},
author = {D Zigiotto and G La Greca and A Elio and G A Santoro and S Orlandi and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Group},
journal = {Techniques in coloproctology},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1007/s10151-026-03294-9},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42901978},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Multidisciplinary approach and rehabilitation practice for defecatory disorders in Italy: a snapshot survey on behalf of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR).
AU - D Zigiotto
AU - G La Greca
AU - A Elio
AU - G A Santoro
AU - S Orlandi
AU - Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Group
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/24
JO - Techniques in coloproctology
DO - 10.1007/s10151-026-03294-9
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42901978
AB - Background Defecatory disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions are prevalent and significantly impact quality of life. Due to their multifactorial etiology, a multidisciplinary approach and pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) are recommended; however, their implementation varies widely. This study aimed to evaluate current practices in multidisciplinary management and rehabilitation strategies for defecatory disorders in Italy.Methods A 25-item, web-based survey was distributed to members of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery between May and July 2024. The questionnaire explored the professional background of the responders, the availability and composition of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and the use of PFR and related clinical practices.Results A total of 183 colorectal surgeons from 20 Italian regions completed the survey. Only 49% reported the presence of a structured MDT, with frequent absence of a urologist, gastroenterologist, and radiologist. Combined pelvic floor surgery was rarely performed, despite its clinical advantages. PFR services were available in just over half of the centers, often without psychological or nutritional support. Rehabilitative techniques varied, with volumetric rehabilitation and tibial nerve stimulation being underutilized. Referral rates to rehabilitation remained low, regardless of institution type or surgical experience. Despite the lack of standardized protocols, a quarter of responders utilized perioperative rehabilitation in the context of rectal prolapse surgery.Conclusions Significant variability exists in the multidisciplinary and rehabilitative management of defecatory disorders in Italy. To optimize care, greater integration of MDT, wider access to a standardized PFR, and the adoption of combined surgical approaches are needed.
SN - 1123-6337
SN - 1128-045X
ER -