Download and print as a PDF
DownloadAnorectal Physiology Studies look at the function of the back passage and rectum.
We carry out different tests which give information about what is causing your problem, whether it is difficulty in controlling your bowel (incontinence) or constipation.
NO preparation is required prior to the tests. You may eat and drink as normal before and after the test and take any prescribed medications as normal.
Your test will be carried out by a specially trained nurse or consultant. There will be a chaperone present in the room and your privacy and dignity will be maintained at all times.
You will be asked to remove your lower half clothing and lie on a couch on your left hand side.
The practitioner will perform a gentle rectal examination to check the rectum is empty and that you are able to squeeze when requested to.
Manometry
A small tube (about the size of a straw) called a transducer will be inserted into your rectum. This allows us to measure the pressures your muscles can generate. It then transmits them to a graph.
You will be asked to ‘test’ your sphincter muscles by squeezing and coughing.
Rectal compliance and sensation
A small balloon attached to a tube (about the size of a straw) will be inserted into your rectum. Small volumes of water will be used to inflate the balloon. You will be asked to verbally record when you feel a change in sensation in your back passage as the balloon inflates.
Endo anal ultrasound
An ultrasound probe (about the width of a finger) will be inserted into your rectum to look at the sphincter muscles. A 3D Scan will be recorded to look for any breaks or irregularities within the muscles.
Pudendal nerve latencies
This test assesses the function of the nerve which supplies the back passage muscles (rectum). It involves placing a gloved finger with a stimulating electrode into your back passage. You may feel a twitching sensation as the nerve is stimulated. These tests can help to plan any further treatment. This will be discussed with you at a separate appointment with the consultant who has referred you.
Please note, you may not require all the tests.
Some patients have described the tests as uncomfortable, rather than painful.
They usually take about 20-30 minutes to complete.
There are no reported risks with these investigations. However, possible infection cannot be discounted.
The investigations are beneficial in as much as they enable a more accurate diagnosis to be made.
There are no alternatives to these investigations. They are simple and minimally invasive.
You will be able to resume normal activities following the tests.
Once the tests have been completed, a report will be sent to your consultant and GP.
The lead consultant for anorectal physiology problems will fully analyse all the information and decide further management and follow up.
If you require any additional information concerning the investigations or any advice please contact:
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Eastern Road, BN2 5BE
Telephone: 01273 696955, extension 4667.
If unavailable, please leave a message and you will be contacted.
The Digestive Diseases Foundation
This organisation is a registered charity that offers advice and information on digestive problems. They can be contacted at:
3 St Andrew’s Place
London
NW1 4LB
This organisation offers help and advice and has an established help-line service. They can be contacted at:
307 Hatton Square
16 Baldwin gardens,
London,
EC1N 7RJ.
Telephone: 0207 404 6875
Helpline: 0207 831 9831 (Monday to Friday 9.30 – 4.30).
We are in the Digestive Diseases Centre, Level 9, Thomas Kemp Tower. Access is via the Millennium Wing. Please report to reception on arrival.
If you need to cancel or change your appointment please call us on 0300 303 8517.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: November 2018
Review Date: November 2022
