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Anorectal Manometry

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Pediatric Neurogastroenterology

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Abstract

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is an objective, noninvasive study to assess the pressures of the anorectal canal thereby allowing the diagnosis of abnormalities and the subsequent application of appropriately tailored treatments. Presented in this chapter is a comprehensive, updated guide for the provider to understand and perform ARM in the pediatric population. First, the physiology of the anorectal canal is explained which highlights how fecal continence and defecation are achieved in the normal, healthy state. Additionally, the various types of ARM are explored emphasizing the two most commonly used techniques: water-perfusion and high-resolution manometry. Details of how to correctly perform the study, what measurements are obtainable and how to interpret study findings are thoroughly discussed. Incorporated in this discussion is a compilation of normal values pooled from multiple published data on pediatric ARM. Lastly, the chapter highlights abnormal conditions affecting anorectal function including Hirschsprung’s disease (HD), anal achalasia, neuromuscular disease, and dyssynergia, which the provider can ultimately diagnose or exclude through the help of ARM.

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Correspondence to Minou Le-Carlson M.D. .

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Le-Carlson, M., Berquist, W. (2013). Anorectal Manometry. In: Faure, C., Di Lorenzo, C., Thapar, N. (eds) Pediatric Neurogastroenterology. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-709-9_11

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-708-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-709-9

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