Anorectal Manometry as a diagnostic method in the neonatal period

Presented are the results of manometric investigation of 63 neonates. The method was correct in 92% of all cases at first investigation, and if delay was justifiable on clinical grounds, this figure rose to 98%. Most problems in diagnosis using this method were related to abnormal smooth muscle contractility, which is regarded as being the most important single factor to determine. In patients in whom contractility was abnormal, sepsis, hypoxia, and hypothermia were associated with the generally poor clinical condition. The return of normal contractility paralleled the improvement in the patient's general clinical condition. Neither the maturity nor the size of the patient was felt to be a factor influencing the success or failure of manometry as a diagnostic method.