A Brief History of Anorectal Manometry and Its Relationship with Hirschsprung’s Disease

 

Two doctors performing surgery

Anorectal manometry is a medical test done on patients who feel any kind of pain in their rectum or anal canal. The anal canal includes two types of sphincters called the internal sphincter and the external sphincter. Both these sphincters help control the passing of feces. 

What Does Our Digestive System Contain?

Our digestive system includes the following:

Large Intestine

·         Transverse colon.

·         Sigmoid colon.

·         Descending colon.

·         Ascending colon.

Rectum

The rectum is at the end of the digestive tract. It’s a temporary storage place for the waste material of the digestive system. The rectum is responsible for holding the stool until it can no longer contain it.

Anus

The stool or feces are then passed out of the anus.

Why Do You Need Anorectal Manometry?

Anorectal manometry is commonly used for people with constipation or fecal incontinence, but it's mainly used for people with Hirschsprung’s disease. This disease is known to block the large intestine.

What is Hirschprung’s Disease?

Hirschprung’s Disease is a kind of mega colon disorder. Patients who have this disease don’t have any ganglion cells in their large intestines. 

It causes paralysis of the peristaltic movement which results in constipation. If the disease worsens, it can create fecal tumors inside the colon which are then removed with surgery.

Relationship between Anorectal Manometry and Hirschprung’s Disease

Although there are many ways for Hirschprung’s Disease diagnosis, the least invasive and simple method is anorectal manometry. A study presented in 1984, shows the reliability and usefulness of anorectal manometry for Hirschprung’s Disease.

The Procedure of Anorectal Manometry

A catheter is inserted inside the patient’s rectum with a balloon attached to it. The balloon is inflated, hence, the pressure readings are observed. 

If the sphincters present in the rectum do not relax while the balloon is inflated, it’s an indication of Hirschprung’s Disease.

If you’re looking for a professional surgeon in the US that can diagnose your Hirschprung’s Disease or offer treatment for anal disorders, reach out to Ahmad Alsughayer. He’s a practicing doctor and has published numerous articles on colorectal surgery and gastrointestinal surgery. Contact now!

 

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