Clinical application of anorectal manometry.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Digital examination offers limited insight into anal sphincter tone.
• Objective assessment of the anorectal sphincter mechanism is crucial for diagnosing various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of anal sphincter manometry in assessing anorectal sphincter function.
• To determine the diagnostic value of manometry in identifying specific anorectal disorders.

Main Methods:

• Objective assessment of anal sphincter tone using manometry.
• Evaluation of voluntary and involuntary sphincter components.
• Assessment of reflex inhibition to rectal distention.
• Radial cross-sectional analysis for identifying segmental defects.

Main Results:

• Anal sphincter manometry provides a more reliable indicator of anal sphincter tone than digital examination.
• The technique can differentiate between voluntary and involuntary sphincter components.
• It evaluates the integrity of reflex inhibition to rectal distention.
• Manometry can identify conditions such as Hirschsprung's disease and anal sphincter hypertonia.
• Radial analysis aids in detecting surgically repairable defects from traumatic injury.

Conclusions:

• Anal sphincter manometry is a valuable objective tool for assessing anorectal function.
• It aids in diagnosing specific conditions and guiding further investigations when results are normal.