A novel technique for bedside anorectal manometry in humans

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Physiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Anorectal manometry (ARM) is crucial for diagnosing defecatory disorders and assessing anal weakness in fecal incontinence (FI).
• Traditional ARM is typically performed in specialized laboratory settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare anorectal function measurements obtained using high-resolution manometry (HRM) and a novel portable manometry device.
• To assess the correlation and agreement between the two manometry techniques.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated anal pressures (rest, squeeze, simulated evacuation) and rectal sensation in healthy women, women with constipation, and women with FI.
• Utilized portable manometry and HRM for measurements.
• Assessed correlation using concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland Altman test, and paired t-tests.

Main Results:

• Portable and HRM showed significant correlation for anal pressures at rest (CCC 0.45) and during squeeze (CCC 0.60).
• Correlation was higher for rectal pressure (CCC 0.62) than anal pressure (CCC 0.22) during simulated evacuation.
• Rectal sensory thresholds (first sensation, desire to defecate, urgency) were significantly correlated between the portable device and HRM.

Conclusions:

• Portable manometry provides a convenient method for measuring anorectal pressures and rectal sensation.
• Measurements from the portable device are significantly correlated with those from HRM, suggesting its utility in clinical settings.