Qualitative assessment of anal function in swine model for research in colorectal surgery: development of the swine anal function assessment table

PURPOSE: The porcine model is widely used in preclinical studies of anorectal function due to its anatomical and physiological similarity to humans. However, appropriate behavioral and functional evaluation methods of anorectal segment are still lacking. METHODS: This study introduces the swine anal function assessment table (SAFAT), a standardized qualitative tool developed to evaluate anorectal function. Six male Landrace × Large White pigs underwent evaluation following anorectal transplantation over up to one year. RESULTS: The functional parameters assessed included cleanliness, fecal distribution, stool consistency, anal tone, anal skin sensitivity, anal reflexes, and other ones. Each indicator was rated using semi-quantitative scales based on behavioral observations. CONCLUSION: SAFAT was effective for behavioral and functional evaluation after anorectal transplantation and may improve the reproducibility and reliability of functional evaluations in swine models of major anorectal surgeries, supporting translational research in colorectal treatments.