The anorectum plays an important role in the regulation of defecation and in the maintenance of continence.<sup>2 American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on anorectal testing techniques Gastroenterology 1999 ;  116 : 732-760

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 32 Rao S.S.C., Sun W.M. Current techniques of assessing defecation dynamics Dig Dis 1997 ;  15 (suppl) : 64-77  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>In the 1980s and 1990s, a wide range of tests were developed to assess anorectal function.<sup>32 Rao S.S.C., Sun W.M. Current techniques of assessing defecation dynamics Dig Dis 1997 ;  15 (suppl) : 64-77  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The most common and widely used test is anorectal manometry.<sup>2 American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on anorectal testing techniques Gastroenterology 1999 ;  116 : 732-760

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 32 Rao S.S.C., Sun W.M. Current techniques of assessing defecation dynamics Dig Dis 1997 ;  15 (suppl) : 64-77  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>The American Gastroenterological Association<sup>2 American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on anorectal testing techniques Gastroenterology 1999 ;  116 : 732-760

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> has endorsed this technique but has recognized that “it requires some degree of experience and familiarity with the test and its applications.” The position paper further acknowledged that there was a lack of consensus regarding which test to use and when.<sup>2 American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on anorectal testing techniques Gastroenterology 1999 ;  116 : 732-760

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> This lack of consensus was confirmed in a multicenter study that compared current methods of performing anorectal manometry. In 7 centers across North America and Europe, no 2 centers used a similar probe, similar sensor configuration, or similar methodology.<sup>24 Rao S.S.C., Diamant N., Enck P. , e al. Current methods of performing anorectal manometry (ARM)—an intercenter comparison Gastroenterology 1999 ;  116 : A1067

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>

This article reviews some of the tests that commonly are used for assessing anorectal and pelvic floor function, assesses the significance of these tests, and provides an approach for the manometric assessment of anorectal function. Tests for assessing anorectal function include the following:

Each laboratory should develop its own normal range for interpreting results or if using normative data from the literature to adopt similar methodology. The reader is referred to Olsen's article in this issue for a discussion on neurophysiologic assessment of anorectal function. The present article focuses primarily on the manometric and sensory assessment of anorectal function.

The purpose of anorectal manometry is to evaluate the integrated function of the defecation unit, including its motor and sensory function. From these measurements, it is possible to assess the expulsion forces, the resistance to bowel evacuation, the anorectal sensory responses, and the neuronal innervation.