title: Anorectal physiology and testing.
abstract: A good understanding of anorectal physiology is essential for the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of various anorectal disorders, such as fecal incontinence, constipation, and pain. This article reviews the physiology of the anorectum and details the various investigations used to diagnose anorectal physiology disorders. These anatomic and functional tests include anal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, defecography, balloon expulsion test, magnetic resonance imaging, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, electromyography, and colonic transit studies. Indications for investigations, steps in performing the tests, and interpretation of results are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Boulevard, Weston, FL 33331, USA.
authors.forename: Julie Ann M
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Van Koughnett
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: da Silva
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019841:Defecography; D051517:Digital Rectal Examination; D004576:Electromyography; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008365:Manometry; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D060525:Pudendal Nerve / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012007:Rectum / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Anorectal physiology; Defecography; Electromyography; Endoanal ultrasound; Manometry