Comparison of ileoanal pouch and rectal function measured by barostat

The aim of this study was to compare pouch and rectal sensory and motor characteristics and to assess the influence of a meal on pouch tone and motility. Fifteen patients with an ileoanal J-pouch, with adequate pouch function and 12 healthy controls were studied. Visceral compliance was assessed using an electronic barostat by a pressure distension procedure, during which also sensitivity was scored by visual analog scales (VAS). The response to a meal was assessed during set pressure. Pouch and rectal compliance were not significantly different (9.3+/-0.7 vs 10.6+/-1.1 ml/mm Hg). VAS score for urge at 28 mm Hg was reduced in patients: 2.4+/-0.5 cm vs 4.7+/-0.9 cm in controls (P < 0.05). The postprandial decrease in intra-bag volume was more pronounced in patients (44+/-11%) than in controls (9+/-6%, P < 0.01). Postprandial phasic contractions were also more pronounced in patients. In conclusion, compliance is not significantly different between ileoanal pouch and rectum; differences in sensitivity reach significance only at high pressure. Significant differences were especially observed in the postprandial state with an increase in tone and frequency of phasic contractions in pouch patients.