[Rectal tonometry in the differential diagnosis of constipation in pediatrics]

Based on the difficulties regarding the clinical, radiological, and histological diagnosis of colonic aganglionosis, we resorted the motility studies. Sixty-two children (15 days-10 years of age) were studied by means of rectal motility without knowing the results of the other auxilary methods. We obtained a clear difference between aganglionic and other group formed by constipated functional or psicogenic. We conclude that rectal motility studies have the advantage of being rapid and non-aggressive, besides avoiding rectal biopsy.