What is the desirable stimulus to induce the rectoanal inhibitory reflex?
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to find other methods to induce rectoanal inhibitory reflex.


METHODS
Twenty healthy children were studied manometrically using three different types of stimuli, air, balloon, and water.


RESULTS
Reflex occurred with all three kinds of stimuli; however, the free-air method was more sensitive and convenient than the common inflating balloon method. The lowest feeling amount and lowest amount in the free-air method are significantly lower than those in the balloon method (P < 0.05). The highest amount in the free-air method is significantly lower than those in the balloon method (P < 0.02). The highest drop and sustain time in both the free-air and balloon methods are not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The internal and sphincter has the function to respond to air (flatus). The semiconductor strain gauge catheter is better than the air-filled or water-filled balloon and water-infused catheter for the study of rectal physiology.
Gang
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Y
Surgical Department, Second Hospital, JiangXi Medical College, People's Republic of China.
D000293:Adolescent; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry / Q000379:methods*; D012007:Rectum / Q000502:physiology*; D012018:Reflex