Anorectal manometry
Anorectal Manometry
Anorectal manometry (pronunciation: an-o-rect-al man-om-e-try) is a medical procedure that measures the pressure activity in the anus and rectum. This test is used to evaluate patients with constipation, fecal incontinence, and other disorders that may cause abnormal bowel movements.
Etymology
The term "anorectal" is derived from "ano-", referring to the anus, and "-rectal", referring to the rectum. "Manometry" comes from the Greek words "manos", meaning thin or rare, and "metron", meaning measure. Thus, anorectal manometry literally means the measurement of the thin or rare aspects of the anus and rectum.
Procedure
Anorectal manometry involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube with a balloon at the end into the rectum. The tube is connected to a machine that measures pressure. During the test, the balloon may be inflated to assess the rectal response and sensation. The patient may be asked to squeeze, relax, and push at various times to evaluate muscle tone and contractions.
Related Terms
- Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive tract where bowel contents leave the body.
- Rectum: The final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus.
- Constipation: A condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces.
- Fecal Incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum.
- Bowel Movements: The act of expelling waste from the body; also known as defecation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anorectal manometry
- Wikipedia's article - Anorectal manometry
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