Minimum standards of anorectal manometry.

Functional disorders of the anus and rectum affect 10–20% of the population. Tests of anorectal function can provide useful information regarding the pathophysiology of disorders that affect continence and defecation or those that cause anorectal pain. Currently, several tests are available for evaluating anorectal function (Table 1). Often, they complement each other, but among the various tests that are available, the two most commonly performed tests are: (i) anorectal manometry and (ii) the balloon expulsion test. Recent studies suggest that manometric tests can be useful in the management of defecation disorders. The diagnostic potential and yield of these tests have been described previously. However, there is lack of uniformity with regard to the methods of performance and interpretation of the tests. There is also a relative lack of normative data stratified for age and gender. Individual laboratories are therefore encouraged to either consult published data or establish their own normative data. Purpose