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Anorectal manometry
anorectal manometry · rectal manometry · anal sphincter test
A thin soft tube, called a catheter, is put into your back passage. It measures how the muscles of your rectum and anus work.
For constipation, leaking stool, before some operations, and after childbirth if you have these problems.
⏱ Duration: usually 30 to 45 minutes; results are given right away or in a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Cleansing. Often a small enema is done 1 to 2 hours before the test. The clinic will give you instructions.
- Food. Usually no special diet is needed. Check with the clinic.
- Medicines. You are sometimes asked to skip laxatives and some other medicines. Do not stop anything on your own. Ask your doctor.
What to bring
- Your referral
- A list of your medicines
- Results of past tests
How it goes
- You lie on your left side with your knees to your chest
- The doctor puts a thin catheter with gel into your back passage
- You are asked to relax, squeeze your muscles, and push
- Sometimes a small balloon is inflated in the bowel, and you are asked what you feel
- The catheter is taken out
What you'll feel
- Unpleasant, but usually not painful
- You may feel an urge to go to the toilet
- It can feel awkward. That is normal. The doctor does this every day
Afterwards
- You can go back to your usual day right away
- Results are explained right away or in a few days
- Mild discomfort passes quickly
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Bleeding from the back passage that does not stop
- Severe belly pain or a temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
Common questions
Does it hurt?
Usually not. The catheter is thin. It is more unpleasant than painful.
Why push during the test?
It shows the doctor whether your muscles work properly when you go to the toilet.