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Outpatient hand held manometry: comparison of techniques
R C Bollard1, A Gardiner, G S Duthie
1Academic Surgical Unit, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, UK.
Summary
A hand-held manometer shows good repeatability for anorectal manometry, similar to laboratory systems. However, discrepancies in squeeze and cough pressures mean it is not interchangeable with standard methods.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Anorectal manometry is crucial for diagnosing various anorectal disorders.
- Specialized anorectal physiology laboratories are not universally accessible.
- Hand-held manometers offer a potential alternative in outpatient settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the reliability of a hand-held manometer with a standard anorectal laboratory system.
- To assess the interchangeability of measurements obtained from both techniques.
Main Methods:
- 24 patients undergoing anorectal manometry were studied.
- Resting, squeeze, and cough pressures were recorded using both a hand-held solid pressure transducer and a dual-channel MRP2 recorder.
- Measurements were compared for agreement and repeatability.
Main Results:
- Good correlation was observed between the two methods for resting and squeeze pressures (P < 0.01).
- Agreement was good for resting pressures (mean difference 15 cm H2O), but not for squeeze and cough pressures.
- Both methods demonstrated good repeatability with mean differences near zero for repeated recordings.
Conclusions:
- The hand-held manometer is as repeatable as the laboratory system.
- Discrepancies in squeeze and cough pressures prevent interchangeability between the two methods.
- The hand-held manometer is a valuable screening and research tool for outpatient departments.