PELVIC FLOOR TESTING - 3 TESTS
Please Note: If you are also having a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy please refer to the patient information handout. Preparation for these procedures is different.
1. MANOMETRY
Anorectal manometry is a test performed to evaluate patients with constipation or faecal incontinence (difficulty controlling the bowels).
This test measures the strength and pressures of the anal sphincter muscle. The reflexes and sensitivity of the rectum (back passage) will also be tested.
The Test
• This test takes around 10 minutes.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• We will take a brief health history and answer any questions you may have.
• A small flexible tube with a small balloon on the end will be inserted into you back passage (rectum).
• You will be asked to squeeze and relax the anal muscles at various times.
• The anal sphincter muscle pressures are measured during each of these manoeuvres.
• During the test, the small balloon attached to the catheter may be inflated at the rectum to assess the normal reflex pathways.
2. PUDENDAL NERVE TESTING
This is anal sphincter nerve testing and is a test to evaluate the nerve supply to the anal muscle.
The Test
• During this test a gloved finger with a small stimulating electrode is passed into the back passage (rectum).
• Mild, painless electrical stimulus will be generated to stimulate the nerves. This may cause some minor involuntary twitching in your thigh muscles during this test.
• This test takes around 3 minutes.
3. ANORECTAL ULTRASOUND
Anal and rectal ultrasound can be used to look for abnormalities including:
• sphincter defects (muscles in the anal area)
• A mass in the anus
• A path of a fistula (abnormal tunnel extending from the rectum to the skin or vagina)
Ultrasound examination involves no radiation and is a very safe procedure.
The Test
This test takes around 5 - 10 minutes.
• A smooth probe the size of a finger is placed in the anus.
• High frequency sound waves are used to create images of tissue layers beneath the surface of the anal canal.
General Information - Unless undergoing another procedure on the same day
• You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
• You will not need any sedation for these procedures and will be able to drive home immediately after the tests are finished.
• You can continue with all your current medications.
What are the Risks?
These studies are safe, low risk procedures and are unlikely to cause any pain.
Complications are rare, but it is possible that a perforation (tearing) or bleeding of the rectum could occur.
Equipment failure is a remote possibility.
If you are allergic to latex, you should inform the nurse before the test.
Preparation
There is no preparation for the test. There is no anaesthetic involved.
You may eat and drink before the test.
* If you are also having a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy please refer to the patient information handout. Preparation for these procedures is different.
Please Note: If you are also having a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy please refer to the patient information handout. Preparation for these procedures is different.
1. MANOMETRY
Anorectal manometry is a test performed to evaluate patients with constipation or faecal incontinence (difficulty controlling the bowels).
This test measures the strength and pressures of the anal sphincter muscle. The reflexes and sensitivity of the rectum (back passage) will also be tested.
The Test
• This test takes around 10 minutes.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• We will take a brief health history and answer any questions you may have.
• A small flexible tube with a small balloon on the end will be inserted into you back passage (rectum).
• You will be asked to squeeze and relax the anal muscles at various times.
• The anal sphincter muscle pressures are measured during each of these manoeuvres.
• During the test, the small balloon attached to the catheter may be inflated at the rectum to assess the normal reflex pathways.
2. PUDENDAL NERVE TESTING
This is anal sphincter nerve testing and is a test to evaluate the nerve supply to the anal muscle.
The Test
• During this test a gloved finger with a small stimulating electrode is passed into the back passage (rectum).
• Mild, painless electrical stimulus will be generated to stimulate the nerves. This may cause some minor involuntary twitching in your thigh muscles during this test.
• This test takes around 3 minutes.
3. ANORECTAL ULTRASOUND
Anal and rectal ultrasound can be used to look for abnormalities including:
• sphincter defects (muscles in the anal area)
• A mass in the anus
• A path of a fistula (abnormal tunnel extending from the rectum to the skin or vagina)
Ultrasound examination involves no radiation and is a very safe procedure.
The Test
This test takes around 5 - 10 minutes.
• A smooth probe the size of a finger is placed in the anus.
• High frequency sound waves are used to create images of tissue layers beneath the surface of the anal canal.
General Information - Unless undergoing another procedure on the same day
• You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
• You will not need any sedation for these procedures and will be able to drive home immediately after the tests are finished.
• You can continue with all your current medications.
What are the Risks?
These studies are safe, low risk procedures and are unlikely to cause any pain.
Complications are rare, but it is possible that a perforation (tearing) or bleeding of the rectum could occur.
Equipment failure is a remote possibility.
If you are allergic to latex, you should inform the nurse before the test.
Preparation
There is no preparation for the test. There is no anaesthetic involved.
You may eat and drink before the test.
* If you are also having a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy please refer to the patient information handout. Preparation for these procedures is different.