Novel techniques to study colonic motor function in children

Colonic motility is an essential component of normal colonic physiology and it controls essential bodily functions such as stool propulsion, storage, and expulsion. Disordered colonic motility may present with constipation or diarrhea as well as associated symptoms such as bloating, gas, pain, incontinence, and others. In order to assess colonic motor function, practitioners may use studies that either investigate transit time or that evaluate peristaltic activity. Transit time is the result of both the effectiveness of propulsive pressures and the physical characteristics of the stools. Its measurement allows one to quantify the extent and severity of the colonic dysfunction and permits the assessment of response to therapy. Various methods exist to investigate colon transit time and motility. In this review, we will focus on newer techniques for these investigations, including: scintigraphic transit studies, anorectal manometry, colonic manometry, and studies using a wireless motility capsule.