PROCEDURES - Anorectal Manometry

1. Description

Anorectal manometry is utilised to provide information on pressures that are generated in the rectum. There are two sphincters present in the anal canal - the internal and external sphincters. Anorectal manometry is able to analyse the function of one or both sphincters and provide information as to whether functional weakness is present by analysing the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, squeezing pressure, resting pressure and high pressure zone.
 
2. Indications

Faecal incontinence
Pelvic floor dyssynergia
Constipation
Hirschsprung's disease
 
3. Complications

Latex allergy to manometry balloon
 
4. Procedure

Enema is given prior to the procedure
PR performed prior to procedure
Manometry probe is inserted into the rectum and slowly withdrawn
As it withdrawn the transducer is continuously measuring the pressures at different points
The patient is then asked to squeeze the anus onto the probe, thus measuring sphincter pressure
Finally, a balloon is inflated at the tip of the probe, and the patient is asked whether this gives the sensation of urgency to defaecate.