[Anorectal manometry and ileo-anal anastomosis]

Seventeen patients (12 ulcerative colitis, 5 familial adenomatous polyposis) underwent proctocolectomy and ileal J pouch anastomosis. Anal manometry with determination of maximum tolerable volume and a liquid continence test were perform before ileo-anal anastomosis, before closure of the loop ileostomy and 12 months after closure of the loop ileostomy. All patients were continent during the daytime less 12 months after proctocolectomy. The mean stool frequency was 5 stools per day in our 17 patients. A significant increase in maximum tolerable volume and in the liquid continence test was observed during the first year after closure of the ileostomy. Anal manometry is unnecessary after ileoanal anastomosis, but preoperatively, this test is able to exclude some patients with low anal pressure.