Anorectal manometry

Anorectal manometry is an objective means of assessing the resistance to spontaneous defecation provided by anorectal sphincter mechanism and the sensory capabilities of the rectum to provide a feeling of imminent need to defecate. Since there is no single all-encompassing defecatory function test, the information provided by manometry works together with other function test to determine the causes of anorectal sphincter dysfunction. A systematic approach to the study of anal canal pressures provides several information about the anal canal at rest and during various physiological functions such as squeezing and simulated defecation. The computerized approach to obtaining longitudinal and radial pressures in eight directions provides for the exploration of the anal canal deficiencies mm by mm. Such a technique becomes fundamental to the diagnostic of pelvic floor disorders. Only a manometric technique, combined with proper acquisition and analysis on the computer that takes into account all these physiological and methodological considerations, can represent a valid enhancement of defecography in the study of the functional disorders of the pelvic floor, furnishing to physician and surgeon useful data leading to proper conservative or surgical therapeutic approaches.