Anorectal manometry study

Your child is scheduled for an Anorectal Manometry Study at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee on _____________________ at _________ a.m./p.m.

Please stop at a Welcome desk for a badge and directions to:

• Craig Yabuki Tower, 4th floor
• Day Surgery 3rd floor of main hospital

Please be here at _________a.m./ p.m. to register your child.

What is an Anorectal Manometry Study?

The anus and rectum area has muscles that help with bowel movements. This test checks the nerves and muscles to see if they are working, as they should.  It is done when a child has had problems with constipation or soiling.

Some children are too young or are not able to cooperate during the study.  If needed, the study can be done at the same time as another procedure when your child has been given general anesthesia to make them sleep.

It is best to do this test when your child is awake.

How is the study done?

A tube, called a manometry catheter, is put into the rectum.  The tube is about as big around as a straw and has a balloon on the end.  The tube is connected to a computer.  The muscle pressures are recorded on the computer.

Your child will be asked to squeeze as if to hold back a bowel movement.  The muscle pressures will be measured again.  Air will be put into the balloon in increasing amounts.  If your child is awake they will be asked to tell when they can feel it.

The study lasts about 30 minutes.  The catheter is then removed and you can go home.

Will this test hurt?

No.  It will feel like having a rectal temperature taken.  To get the best possible results, your child will have to be able to cooperate.  Your child will need to squeeze when asked to and tell when they feel pressure from the balloon.  You may stay with your child during the test.

What needs to be done before the test?

A nurse will call you prior to the test to answer your questions. The nurse will ask when your child’s last bowel movement was. In order to do this test the rectum needs to be empty.  If your child has not had a bowel movement the morning of the test an enema will be given. Please discuss with the nurse if you are comfortable giving the enema to your child at home.  Be sure to let the nurse know if an enema is needed.

How do I find out the test results?

Early results may be discussed with you after the test is done.  It may take about a week for the doctors to review the test recordings and have the final results.  You will be called if the final results are different from the early results.  A letter will be sent to your primary doctor.