Anorectal Function with High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry in Active Ulcerative Colitis and after Remission: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Surgery
• Physiology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis can significantly impair anorectal function, leading to symptoms like incontinence, increased stool frequency, urgency, and tenesmus.
• Existing data on anorectal function in ulcerative colitis patients, evaluated by conventional manometry, are conflicting and inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess anorectal function in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis using high-resolution anorectal manometry.
• To compare anorectal function in ulcerative colitis patients with that of healthy volunteers before and after treatment-induced remission.

Main Methods:

• 20 patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled.
• High-resolution anorectal manometry was performed on ulcerative colitis patients before treatment and after achieving clinical remission.

Main Results:

• Ulcerative colitis patients demonstrated significantly lower rectal volumes for sensation and desire to defecate, and reduced rectal compliance compared to controls.
• Anal sphincter function was comparable between ulcerative colitis patients and healthy volunteers.
• Following remission, rectal threshold volumes and compliance significantly increased, correlating inversely with urgency and stool frequency.

Conclusions:

• Ulcerative colitis is associated with altered rectal function, characterized by heightened sensitivity and diminished compliance, which normalizes after successful treatment.
• High-resolution anorectal manometry offers valuable insights into anorectal functionality in ulcerative colitis and is recommended over conventional methods.