Anorectal manometry
What is meant by measuring the performance of the anal muscles?
It is a procedure by which the integrity of the muscles and nerves of the rectum and anal canal that contribute to the bowel movement is known.
What are the reasons for measuring the performance of the anal muscles?
The reasons for measuring the performance of the anal muscles include the following:
- Chronic constipation.
- Gas or faecal incontinence.
- Diagnosis of some congenital diseases such as Hirschsprung’s disease, where there is weakness or absence of nerve fibers in the wall of the rectum and large intestine.
- Post-operative evaluation of the anal muscle
- Anal prolapse.
What are the procedures followed before the examination?
- It is preferred to fast 4 hours before the examination
- Stopping all medicines, especially those affecting the motility of the digestive system
- Explain the procedure in detail to the patient and answer all his questions.
How is the examination done?
The examination procedure takes 2-3 minutes and is carried out in the clinic and is considered to be a complement to the clinical examination.
Anal and rectal pressure measurement is a common test (Anal manometry) in which we insert a thin, flexible tube into the anus, and this tube is connected with a special device.
Anorectal manometry steps
Inflate the tube (balloon)
Inflate at the end of the tube end.
Insert the tube (balloon)
insert a thin, flexible tube into the anus, and this tube is connected with a special device.
When the tube is in place, a small balloon is inflated at the end of the tube end. This test allows the doctor to know the narrowing of the anal sphincter, and it also measures the sensitivity and function of the rectum and estimates the extent of rectal prolapse.
