Colonic Motility and Colon Tests
Question: Is there a safe way to test the motility of the colon?
Is there a safe way to test the motility of the colon? Should all children with anorectal defects and chronic constipation or diarrhea have their motility tested?
Answer: We believe not all children with constipation and anorectal malformation should be evaluated with motility tests
Evaluation of colonic motility, sometimes using contrast enemas, rectal manometry, and colonic manometry, is not very accurate. For contrast enemas, patients are given an enema with a contrast material.
Most children with anorectal malformations suffer from an abnormal colonic motility / movement of the colon. In fact, the overwhelming majority of patients suffer from slow motility / hypomotility, which translates into constipation. This is an incurable but manageable condition.
Evaluation of motility only confirms the colon moves too slowly, but it does not help treat the condition. Therefore, we believe not all children with constipation and anorectal malformation should be evaluated with motility tests.
For more information or to request an appointment, please contact the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's.
