What it feels like, the steps, and the results.

Anorectal manometry is a non-invasive procedure that measures the muscle contractions of the anal and rectal muscles to determine whether they are properly activated and regulated. It is usually done to find the cause of fecal incontinence or chronic constipation.

This article explains everything you need to know about anorectal manometry, from how it is done to what the results mean.

Who needs anorectal manometry?

Healthy bowel movements require special muscles to work together. In conditions such as fecal incontinence and constipation, the muscles are not contracting or cannot exert the force necessary to properly release the bowels. Constipation and fecal incontinence are the symptoms most likely to require anorectal manometry.

People with other health conditions or conditions may also require treatment. Specific problems that may require anorectal manometry include:

How does anorectal manometry work?

Anorectal manometry uses a tool known as a manometer, which is an electromechanical device that measures pressure. This procedure measures the pressure with which the muscles in your anus or rectum contract to test how strong or weak they are, how long they take to trigger, and whether they turn on at the right time.

How to prepare for anorectal pressure measurement

Please have a light breakfast on the morning of the anorectal manometry test and avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) until the test is complete. The rectum and anus must be free of feces, so refraining from overeating will help you get accurate results.

You should also do two saline enemas at least 2 hours before starting to encourage bowel movements. This will help clear the area so that the pressure gauge can be easily inserted into the rectal cavity.

What happens during the anorectal manometry procedure?

The anorectal manometry procedure is relatively simple and non-invasive and does not require anesthesia. Several things happen during the procedure:

• Insertion of a pressure gauge into the anus and rectum
• The balloon at the end of the pressure gauge is inflated and deflated with air to measure how the muscles contract.
• Pressure data is sent to a computer and analyzed.

During the test, the health care provider performing the test may also ask you to squeeze, push, and relax the muscles in your anus and rectum at various points while taking various measurements.

Is anorectal manometry painful?

Anorectal manometry may involve some discomfort, but is usually not painful. The pressure gauge tool is roughly the same size as a thermometer. Due to its small size, it does not cause any pain when inserted into the anus or rectum.

What is a balloon discharge test?

A balloon deflation test may be performed in addition to anorectal manometry to obtain a more accurate diagnosis. This test involves inserting a small balloon into your anus and rectum and filling it with water. Insert it, fill it with water, and try defecating in the bathroom.

Your health care provider will measure and record the time it takes you to defecate or expel the balloon after you go to the bathroom. If it takes a long time, it is likely that there is a problem with the function of the anus and rectum.

Are there any risks or side effects to anorectal manometry?

Anorectal manometry is usually safe and effective. Adverse events are unlikely, but not entirely absent. Although rare, possible side effects include:

What do the results of anorectal manometry show?

Since the main purpose of anorectal manometry is to determine why a person is experiencing chronic constipation or fecal incontinence, the results of anorectal manometry can tell you a few things. Issues that may be discovered after the procedure include:

• weak anal sphincter
• Your rectum becomes numb, making it difficult to feel whether you need to have a bowel movement.
• Anal sphincter cannot relax

Can anorectal manometry lead to effective diagnosis and treatment?

Anorectal manometry is often helpful in diagnosis and treatment. Your health care provider will need to see what’s going on in your anus and rectum before treating you, so other tests and tests may also be performed.

If the problem is solely with the muscles and nerve transmission, biofeedback may be suggested to retrain the muscles. Physical therapy is also a viable option to treat problems caused by changes in the action of the anal and rectal muscles.

summary

Anorectal manometry is a non-invasive and often painless procedure that helps diagnose problems affecting gastrointestinal health. Fecal incontinence and chronic constipation are the most common reasons for having an anorectal manometry test, but it can also be used to determine other diseases that affect the health and function of the rectum and anus. People undergoing surgery experience relatively little discomfort and are able to return to their daily activities after surgery.