Anal Manometry

Patients suffering from chronic constipation or fecal incontinence may benefit from a special test called anal manometry, which evaluates the strength of the anal sphincter muscles, rectal sensations and neural reflexes needed to have a normal bowel movement. This test may also be performed to determine anorectal function prior to or following bowel surgery. The procedure, which takes about an hour to perform and is virtually painless, involves placing a flexible sensor inside the rectum and then asking the patient to perform certain “exercises” such as pushing, squeezing and straining as if having a bowel movement. It can also include inflation of a small balloon within the rectum in order to evaluate reflexes and determine the patient’s sensations within the rectum.