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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
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Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

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Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
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Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview01:13

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Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to study the composition of materials. It is widely employed in chemistry, materials science, forensic science, and other fields where sample characterization is required. ATR has several advantages over traditional transmission IR spectroscopy, including the requirement of little to no sample preparation and the ability to analyze a wide range of samples.
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Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan01:25

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Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Anal acoustic reflectometry: a new technique for assessing anal sphincter function.

P J Mitchell1, N Klarskov, G Hosker

  • 1Pelvic Floor Service, Department of General Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Trust, Manchester, UK. peter.mitchell40@btopenworld.com

Colorectal Disease : the Official Journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
|January 15, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) offers new insights into anal sphincter function. This pilot study shows AAR parameters are reduced in patients with fecal incontinence compared to continent individuals.

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Published on: January 30, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Medical Technology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Conventional manometry has limitations in assessing anal sphincter function.
  • Anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) is a novel technique providing additional functional parameters.
  • This study introduces AAR and presents initial pilot data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the technique and methodology of Anal Acoustic Reflectometry (AAR).
  • To present initial pilot study results of AAR in assessing anal sphincter function.
  • To compare AAR parameters between continent and incontinent patients.

Main Methods:

  • AAR utilizes wideband sounds (100 Hz to 16 kHz) transmitted into a polyurethane bag in the anal canal.
  • Cross-sectional area is calculated from reflected sound waves under varying pressures (0-200 cm H2O).
  • Five patients (3 continent, 2 incontinent) underwent AAR and anal manometry.

Main Results:

  • AAR parameters were demonstrably lower in incontinent patients compared to continent patients.
  • Resting Opening Pressure and Elastance values were significantly reduced in fecal incontinence (FI) cases.
  • Squeeze Opening Pressure and Elastance during voluntary contraction also showed lower values in the incontinent patient.

Conclusions:

  • Anal acoustic reflectometry shows promise as a new technique for assessing anal sphincter function.
  • Further research is warranted to establish AAR's clinical utility in managing incontinent patients.
  • AAR may offer valuable objective data beyond conventional manometry.