[Value of anorectal manometry in defecation disorders and its clinical interpretation]

Bowel dysfunction affected by functional factors, mechanical factors or surgical damage may lead to constipation, fecal incontinence and other overlapped symptoms, which is only the tip of the iceberg. Anorectal manometry can provide combined dysfunction information of four subtypes, including sphincter dysfunction, dyssynergic defecation, sensory disability and insufficient rectal expel force, which are underlying pathophysiology of defecation dysfunction. Anorectal manometry can be helpful in optimizing protocol or predicting success in pelvic floor dyssynergic syndrome of defecation, fecal incontinence or anorectal pain, stoma closure and pediatric intractable constipation. Interpretation of manometry parameter or data must consider the age, sex, symptoms, digital rectal examination, pelvic floor radiology(ultrasound, MR and defecography), physiology (pelvic floor sEMG and evoked potential testing) and psychology, in order to perform comprehensive assessment.