Related Experiment Videos
Does water-perfused catheter overdiagnose anismus compared to balloon probe?
G Savoye1, A M Leroi, P Bertot-Sassigneux
1Digestive Tract Research Group, University Hospital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France. g_savoye@hotmail.com
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 14, 2003
Summary
A water-perfused catheter for anorectal manometry can cause artifacts and false contractions, potentially leading to misdiagnosis of anismus. A balloon probe offers a more accurate assessment of rectal function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Anorectal manometry is crucial for assessing defecation disorders.
- Comparing different manometry techniques is essential for diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare manometric assessment of straining and rectoanal inhibitory reflex using a balloon probe versus a water-perfused catheter.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy volunteers underwent two manometric assessments with a balloon probe and a water-perfused catheter, separated by 7 days.
- Electromyographic (EMG) surface recordings of the external anal sphincter were obtained during both assessments.
Main Results:
- The water-perfused system showed increased external anal sphincter EMG activity during reflex and straining, with discrepancies between EMG and anal pressures.
- Rectosphincteric balloon probe resulted in a significantly longer duration of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex compared to the perfused catheter.
Conclusions:
- Water infusion from perfused systems can induce artifacts and contractions, mimicking anismus on EMG.
- These artifacts may lead to erroneous anismus diagnosis, especially when relying solely on pelvic floor EMG.