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Published on: September 20, 2018
Quantitative evaluation of the anal sphincter by the tendency presented in the manometric asymmetry variations
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.
Objectives:
To assess the tendency of manometric asymmetry, and to quantitatively evaluate the function of the anal sphincter.
Methods:
Using the PC polygram HR at the states of relax and squeeze, we compared the values of pressure asymmetry in the anorectum of 27 normal children with that of 12 children with fecal incontinence.
Results:
In the two states, the anal sphincter in normal children showed not only the gradient of pressure, but also a gradient of pressure asymmetry. Children with fecal incontinence did not show any gradients.
Conclusion:
Gradients of pressure and pressure asymmetry can quantitatively evaluate the function of the anal sphincter.

