Anorectal physiology studies

These tests are designed to check the strength and function of the muscle around your back passage (sphincter) and the sensation inside the lower part of your bowel (rectum) to check if they are working normally. They are commonly used to investigate patients with symptoms of faecal incontinence, rectal prolapse, constipation or obstructive defecation. The tests are also used to assess continence and the risk of incontinence of a future vaginal delivery in women that have had a previous obstetric tear (versus a Caesarean section), to assess the risk of incontinence prior to performing surgical procedures such as laying open of anal fistula, sphincterotomy or low anterior resection and ινωεστιγατε for conditions such as Hirschbrungs disease. The tests may be performed in conjunction with an endoanal ultrasound.

Before the procedure

These are quick, simple, painless tests that do not require any sedation or anaesthetic. Prior to the procedure you will need to have an enema to clear your rectum.

The procedure

The procedure is usually performed in the office. Lying on your left side on an examination couch with your knees bent, a small tube is used to measure the pressure inside your back passage. The measurements are also performed while you squeeze and relax your sphincter and then cough – the measurements are recorded and analysed. A small balloon at the end of the tube is then slowly inflated with air inside the lower part of the bowel rectum and you will be asked when you will be able to feel it and the relevant pressures are recorded. Measurements are also made of the reflex used to relax the internal anal sphincter. The procedure usually lasts approximately 30 min when performed with the endoanal ultrasound.

Recovery

After the procedure you should be able to immediately return back to normal activities. Your will be informed of any follow-up arrangements or further investigations or procedures required in relation to the findings from the tests.

There are no reported risks with these tests.