Anorectal Manometry
Anorectal Manometry is a diagnostic procedure to assess the function of the muscles and nerves in the rectum and anus by measuring the muscle contractions to check if they are functioning correctly.
About Anorectal Manometry (ARM)
The muscles and nerves in the rectum and anus control bowel movement and if they are not activating or coordinating as they should be, issues such as chronic constipation, faecal incontinence, and pelvic floor dysfunction may occur.
The insights gained from ARM are invaluable for accurately diagnosing the underlying causes of bowel movement difficulties. By evaluating muscle strength, nerve function, and coordination, the test provides practitioners with the information to tailor effective treatment strategies for individual patients.
Who might need the test?
ARM plays a crucial role in understanding and managing disorders related to bowel function. It is particularly beneficial for people who experience:
Chronic Constipation: Persistent difficulty with hard or infrequent defecation.
Obstructed Defecation: The feeling that stool can’t come out.
Faecal Incontinence: Uncontrolled leakage of stool.
Pelvic Floor Disorders: Issues with the muscles in the pelvic area affecting bowel movements such as pain or straining.
Post-Surgery Evaluation: Assessing muscle function after surgery involving the rectum or anus.
What happens during the procedure?
Before the procedure, patients might need to follow specific preparation guidelines, such as avoiding food and drink for a few hours or using an enema to ensure accurate results. You will be informed of any preparation needed when you book your procedure.
During the ARM procedure a thin, flexible catheter is gently inserted into the rectum. The catheter has pressure sensors on it, and a small balloon which is inflated once the catheter is in position. This triggers the nerves to activate the sensation of defecation. You will be asked to push, squeeze, relax and cough and the device sensors will measure the muscle activity.
Although some patients may feel slight discomfort, the sensation is usually minimal, described as a gentle pressure.
The entire process is quick, typically lasting about 15 minutes, and is performed in a clinic without the need for sedation.
After the test, patients can resume their normal activities immediately, as there are typically no side effects.
Results
The ARM device will generate a graph of your muscle function. This will be reviewed along with your clinical history and presenting concerns by a Gastroenterologist, who will identify muscle areas which are not functioning as they should be.
Once the areas of concern have been identified a treatment plan can be made. This may involve seeing a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist or other Specialists, depending on the diagnosis.
Bowel dysfunction can have significant impact on day to day life. ARM can identify the underlying causes of bowel dysfunction, allowing for a treatment plan to be developed, and help patients get improved function and an improved quality of life.
Locations
Bowel Health Scan Anorectal Manometry is a mobile service across Melbourne and surrounds. Our trained nurse works closely with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Gastroenterologists and GPs in many locations, alongside our sister organisation Liver Health Scan which provides a mobile Fibroscan service. See our locations here.
