New method of measuring forces in the anal canal.

Water‐perfused manometry vs three‐dimensional high‐resolution manometry: a comparative study on a large patient population with anorectal disorders

“…Moreover, the pressure over the 16 sensors located on the same circumference is averaged and used to represent a pressure profile through the entire length of the anal canal, thus allowing a visualization of the higher average pressures measured, while perfused catheter probes essentially give a pressure in the radial axis of the anal canal. This difference is of particular importance in the major axis because the distribution of pressure in the anal canal is radially asymmetric and variable there . Therefore, the position of perfusion ports has a major effect on the value of the pressure measurement, but with WPAM the infusion port is not necessarily located at the sphincteric region where the pressure is highest.…”

Effective and safe control of incontinence by the intra-anal plug electrode

“…Only I patient HOPKINSON and Lightwood first described the intraanal plug electrode in 1966. Since then, doubt has been expressed about its efficiency (Collins, Brown, and Duthie, 1969) and the intra-anal plug has not yet gained general acceptance for the control of incontinence. The mechanism of continence control is poorly understood with many theories and methods for treatment, at times producing conflicting results, although external faradic stimulation and exercises have long been used in the management of pelvic floor weakness associated with incontinence.…”

Measurement of anal pressure and motility.

“…Ultra slow pressure waves (0-6-1 9/ min) were seen in 42 % of patients with haemorrhoids and 5 % of normal subjects and arose from a synchronous contraction of the whole internal sphincter. used effectively to study force and motility, but the probes are difficult to construct and prone to mechanical failure (Wankling et al, 1968;Howard and Nixon, 1968;Collins et al, 1969). Whichever 'Present address: Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester 23.…”