Colonic and anorectal motility testing in clinical practice

Abstract

Colonic and anorectal motor activity can be evaluated by a variety of diagnostic techniques. These include anorectal and colonic manometry, radiographic and scintigraphic studies of defecation and continence, colonic transit using radioopaque markers or radioisotopes, neurophysiological studies of pelvic floor striated muscles and pudendal nerves, and anal endosonography. This article reviews these techniques and assesses their value and limitations in evaluating patients with constipation, defecatory disorders, and fecal incontinence.