[Multicenter study for the evaluation of the reproducibility in the measurement of rectal sensorial threshold]

A simple way to evaluate the rectal sensorial threshold has been the sloped distention of a rectal balloon, as a way to obtain the required volume to induce desire to defecate (VDE) and pain (VTM). Six medical groups belonging to the Argentine Motility Circle, studied in 14 patients (7M, 7F age 51 +/- 10.1) the VDE and VTM. The measurements were repeated in the same subjects with intervals longer than 24 Hs. The estimate of precision established a coefficient of variation (CV) for VDE of 10.23% (2CV = 20.46%). And so Reproducibility was found to be not acceptable. The CV for VMT was 1.44 (2CV = 2.88%) this could be considered a very good reproducibility. In conclusion, the VTM appears to be a reproducible measurement suitable for clinical and pharmacological studies of the rectal sensorial perception.