Anorectal Manometry | Children's National Hospital

Measuring the movements or motility of the rectum and anal canal helps determine if any difficulty in pooping is related to issues with functioning of the anorectal muscles. An anorectal manometry study is usually done when there is difficulty in bowel movements or soiling. It can also be used to determine if any underlying neuromuscular condition could be present. The study is also helpful in children who have had operations for anorectal malformations such as imperforate anus or Hirschsprung’s disease.

How is the study performed?

What to expect during the study?

Once the catheter is secured in position, we offer your child to rest for a few minutes to get baseline pressures. After this, we record the sphincter response to a swift puff of air into the rectal balloon to measure the Recto Anal Inhibitory Reflex (RAIR). We may ask your child to squeeze the sphincters like trying to hold the poop, and then to push like trying to have a bowel movement. Lastly we may measure the sensation by slowly inflating the rectal balloon to determine when your child is able to feel the presence of the balloon, and the sensation or urge to poop.

What are the complications of the study?

How long does the study take?

What happens after the study?

What does an anorectal manometry study look like?

Preparing for the study

Non sedated procedures are done at set times provided to you. Please arrive to the designated registration at least one hour prior to your scheduled time.
Often parking and entry to the hospital takes another 30 minutes or so.
Your child should have an enema the morning of the study.
Your child is allowed to eat and drink prior to the study.
The nurse will review all instructions with you at the time of the study.