Figure: Transperineal Ultrasound in male (SP: symphysis pubis; B: bladder; U: urethra; P. prostate; PR: puborectalis muscle; EAS: external anal sphincter; R. rectum; AC: anal canal)
ICS is very pleased to announce the publication on September 21st, 2026, in the journal Continence of the Standardisation Report on the Terminology for Male Anorectal Dysfunction.
This publication has been added to the ICS Glossary as its 25th publication and the first since 2022. Whilst it is a reference on the ICS Glossary database, the ability to download the full document will improve with the upload of definitions from the document to the Glossary over coming weeks.
In the interim, it is available for download from ICS Documents:
Download Report PDF
The report is published on the Continence Journal website: 10.1016/j.cont.2026.102824
To quote from the Report’s introduction, “Anorectal dysfunction comprises a group of abnormalities as a result of a change in the normal function of the pelvic floor, anal canal and rectum. This can be due to anatomical (e.g. rectocoele, anal sphincter injury) or functional (e.g. anismus) abnormalities. The anatomical configuration of the anorectum is complex. The mechanisms that control continence and allow defaecation are multifactorial and dependent on many factors such as the consistency of stool, bowel transit, rectal compliance and sensitivity, intact neurological function and integrity of the pelvic floor, and anal sphincters”.
As characteristic of other ICS Standardisation documents, a comprehensive analysis of the subject of Anorectal Dysfunction involves detailed chapters on: (i) Symptoms; (ii) Signs; (iii) Assessment tools and questionnaires; (iv) Physiological investigations; (v) Imaging and (vi) Most common diagnoses. Treatment options were not, however, part of the brief on this document.
Of the 182 definitions/descriptors in the document, 91 are NEW; 32 are CHANGED and 58 are UNCHANGED (compared with previous male-inclusive Reports).
Like a fine red wine, the document has improved with ageing. Originally discussed in Tokyo (2016), it was the subject of live Meetings in Philadelphia (2018), Gothenburg (2019), Vienna (2022) and Abu Dhabi (2025). There were a total of 20 rounds of review, 17 within the Working Group (WG) of nine members and 3 outside the WG (including five expert external reviewers).
The terminology for anorectal dysfunction in men has long needed a specific clinically-based Consensus Report. That need has now been satisfied. It is the desire that this document will provide a significant aid to clinical practice and research.
Bernard Haylen – Co-Author and Mentor: Terminology for Male Anorectal Dysfunction
Editor ICS Glossary