Anal Manometry
What is anal manometry?
There are two small muscles in the anus (opening from the rectum) which help to control bowel movements. These muscles are known as internal and external sphincters (sfink-ters). (Figures 1 and 2)
These muscles are normally closed to prevent uncontrolled leakage of bowel movements. To have a bowel movement, these muscles must relax and open at the same time. Anal manometry is a test that studies how these muscles are working.
Before the test
- If your child is old enough, explain to your child how the test is done at a time that you feel is best. The nurse will help you with this.
- Give your child an enema before the test. You will be instructed how and when to do this.
- It may be helpful to bring a favorite toy, tape or video to make your child more comfortable during the procedure.
During the test
- Before the procedure, your child will be asked to empty his/her bladder.
- When a child has anal manometry done at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, it will start in the Clinical Research Center (CRC) unit where your child will lie on a table. (Figure 3) If your child is young enough, you may hold him/her in your lap.
- The doctor and nurse will wear gowns, gloves and plastic glasses.
- Your child may be given some medicine to help him/her relax before the test is started.
- Your child will need to take off his/her pants and underwear. He/She will be asked to lie on his/her left side on the table. It is important that your child lie still during the test.
- The doctor will look at the rectum and insert his/her finger to make sure there is no stool in the way and to lubricate the anal canal.
- A tube with a balloon is inserted into the rectum. (Figure 4) The balloon is slowly inflated to different sizes. The largest size is about the size of a ping pong ball.
- The tube is connected to a computer with a graph. The computer records how well the muscles around the anus are working.
- During the test, parents may be with their child or wait in the waiting area.
- The test will take about 45 minutes.
What will my child feel during the test?
- The amount of air in the balloon is increased and decreased several times during the test. When the air is increased, your child will feel like he/she has to have a bowel movement. This urge will last only a few seconds and will go away as soon as the amount of air in the balloon is changed.
- An older child may be asked to tell the doctor or nurse what he/she feels during the test.
After the test
- Your child may return to a normal diet, play and usual activities.
- Your child's doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 4/06
