Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two different defecatory postures over the anorectal angle (ARA) and the amount of defecation.

Methods:Defecography was used to evaluate the ARA, sacral angle (SA) and the amount of defecation in patients with evacuation disorders when patients were in an upright sitting position versus the forward-leaning position.

Results:The ARA, SA and amount of defecation for the forward-leaning position was 134.6°±16.8°,92.4°±10.7°, and 140.7 g±93.3 g, respectively, while those for the upright sitting position were 1114.1°±21.0°, 84.9°±10.8°, and 90,1 g±82,0 g, respectively. Our findings revealed that in the forward-leaning position the ARA and SA were significantly greater and the amount of defecation was significantly increased.

Conclusion:In the forward-leaning position, the outward angle of the pelvis and sacral nutation create a greater ARA during defecation and increases the amount of defecation. Posture during defecation is an important variable to consider.

The present study aimed to develop and analyze the reliability and validity indicators of the Sexuality Satisfaction lndex in patients with lnflammatory Bowel Disease(SEXSI－IBD). The SEXSI-IBD was developed according to the definition of sexuality that refers to personal sexual characteristics and interactions with a sexual partner. We extracted questionnaire items from the elements used to establish this definition and specific phenomena. A postal survey was conducted with the cooperation of patients with IBD. SEXSI-IBD comprises five factors:daily interaction, sexual communication, sexual difficulty, sexual concern, and physical contact importance. The reliability of the SEXSI-IBD was confirmed with high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient of test-retest=0.95) and high internal consistency(Cronbach's α=0.94). Its validity was also demonstrated with reasonable correlation with the Marital Satisfaction Scale (r=0.68). The SEXSI-IBD could be suitable for use in identifying factors that interfere with sexual satisfaction in patients with IBD, as well as in determining the effects of counseling. However, the study is limited by the absence of items specific to patients with IBD, and because the same cohort used to develop the survey was also used to evaluate its reliability and validity.

We made a map of toilets for ostomates in Toyama City and conducted a survey regarding toilets for ostomates and associated equipment. The survey was conducted at 57 locations within 36 facilities around the city. We found that most of the toilets for ostomates were concentrated in downtown areas, that they were located in public facilities, and that the equipment varied by facility. We also noted that equipment for changing ostomy bags was not often available, although it could be installed easily. This is likely due to the lack of clear standards regarding toilets for ostomates, as well as the lack in awareness and understanding surrounding ostomates in our society. We conclude that an increased awareness about ostomates is required, and that appropriate equipment to assist them must be installed hereafter.