Abstract
Anorectal manornetry with 4-lumen tube was carried out in 14 normal infants and children, 5 patients with idiopathic constipation, 5 patients with Hirschsprung's disease, 10 patients who had undergone radical operation for Hirschsprung's disease, and 10 patients who had undergone anoplasty for translevator- or intermediate type of anal atresia. Anorectal pressure profiles and recto-anal reflex were studied at 4 different directions (12°, 3°, 6°, and 9°) of the anorectum simultaneously. Measurements of rectal pessure, anal canal pressure, length of anal canal, and basal rhythmic contraction of anal disclosed that there was no significant difference of these values among every directions. Recto-anal reflex was observed in all directions of the anal canal and there was no significant difference of maximum fall of anal canal pressure amang all the directions, when the reflex was present. It was concluded from results of the present study that one can rely on results of anorectal manometry using infused side-opening catheter without considering the direction of side-opening in the anorectum.
