Anorectal Manometry
Functional Assessment of Anorectal Nerves and Muscles
About Anorectal Manometry (ARM)
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.
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.
During your appointment
The ARM will be performed by a qualified practitioner, who will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
The ARM test measures the pressure and muscle activity within your rectum and anus. This is done by gently inserting a small, flexible tube (catheter) into the rectum. The catheter then records how the muscles respond to squeezing, pushing, relaxing and coughing, which helps the practitioner understand how well these muscles and nerves are working together. The procedure is quick, usually taking about 15 minutes, and is performed in a clinic. No sedation is required, and most patients find it easy to tolerate, experiencing only a slight feeling of pressure.
After the test
Once the test is completed, you can typically resume your normal activities immediately. There are usually no side effects, though some people might feel slight discomfort or an urge to use the toilet afterward.
Your results will be sent to the referring practitioner, who will review the results with you, explaining what they mean and outlining the next steps in your treatment plan.