Quantitative evaluation of the anal sphincter by the tendency presented in the manometric asymmetry variations

Yuanhong Xiao1, Guilin Liu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.

Insights

Manometric pressure gradients and asymmetry in the anal sphincter can quantitatively assess anal sphincter function. Normal children exhibit these gradients, unlike those with fecal incontinence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Anal sphincter dysfunction can lead to fecal incontinence in children.
  • Quantitative assessment of anal sphincter function is crucial for diagnosis and management.
  • Manometric techniques offer objective measures of anorectal physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of manometric pressure asymmetry in children.
  • To quantitatively assess anal sphincter function in normal children and those with fecal incontinence.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized PC polygram HR for anorectal manometry in resting and squeeze states.
  • Compared pressure asymmetry values between 27 normal children and 12 children with fecal incontinence.

Main Results:

  • Normal children demonstrated pressure gradients and pressure asymmetry gradients in both states.
  • Children with fecal incontinence lacked these pressure and asymmetry gradients.
  • Manometric asymmetry effectively differentiated between normal and incontinent pediatric anal sphincters.

Conclusions:

  • Pressure and pressure asymmetry gradients are reliable quantitative measures of anal sphincter function.
  • Absence of these gradients in children with fecal incontinence suggests sphincter dysfunction.
  • Manometric assessment of pressure asymmetry offers a valuable tool for evaluating pediatric fecal incontinence.
Abstract