title: Quantitative evaluation of the anal sphincter by the tendency presented in the manometric asymmetry variations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the tendency of manometric asymmetry, and to quantitatively evaluate the function of the anal sphincter.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the PC polygram HR at the states of relax and squeeze, we compared the values of pressure asymmetry in the anorectum of 27 normal children with that of 12 children with fecal incontinence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the two states, the anal sphincter in normal children showed not only the gradient of pressure, but also a gradient of pressure asymmetry. Children with fecal incontinence did not show any gradients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gradients of pressure and pressure asymmetry can quantitatively evaluate the function of the anal sphincter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
authors.forename: Yuanhong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Guilin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D012007:Rectum / Q000502:physiology