Optimizing the Utility of Anorectal Manometry for Diagnosis and Therapy: A Roundtable Review and Recommendations

Clinical Utility of Anorectal Manometry in Children with Functional Constipation: Can Anorectal Manometry Help Predict the Therapeutic Response?

Background: Anorectal Manometry (ARM) plays a crucial role in diagnosing potential motility disorders of anorectum in pediatric gastroenterology. Despite its prevalence, the predictive utility of ARM in guiding therapeutic response remains poorly characterized. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ARM in predicting therapeutic responses among children with functional constipation. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at two tertiary centers examining pediatric patients who underwent ARM between January 2018 and July 2022. Key ARM parameters were analyzed, including anal resting pressure, recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR), first rectal sensation, and bear-down maneuver (BDM). Therapeutic responses were assessed post-ARM, with success defined as an increase in bowel movement frequency and/or a decrease in fecal incontinence. In addition, we also intended to evaluate the eventual need for surgical intervention as another outcome. Results: The study included 327 patients, with a median age of 8.2 years. The overall therapeutic response rate was 40.7%, with stimulant laxatives showing a 48% response. Notably, lower anal resting pressures and delayed rectal sensations were associated with better therapeutic outcomes. Abnormal BDM correlated with a lack of response to therapies, while the presence of abnormal RAIR was linked to a higher eventual need for surgical intervention. Conclusions: ARM is instrumental in predicting therapeutic responses in pediatric patients with functional constipation. In addition to diagnosing HD, ARM could be an instrumental tool in identifying patients with dyssynergic defecation for early intervention with targeted therapy in age-appropriate patients.

Controversies in fecal incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a common condition that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Obstetric anal sphincter injury and anorectal surgeries are common etiologies. Endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry are important diagnostic tools for evaluating patients. There are various treatment options, including diet, lifestyle modifications, drugs, biofeedback therapy, tibial and sacral nerve neuromodulation therapy, and surgery. In this editorial, we will discuss current controversies and novel approaches to fecal incontinence. Screening for asymptomatic anal sphincter defects after obstetric anal sphincter injury and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is not generally recommended, but may be helpful in selected patients. The Garg incontinence score is a new score that includes the assessment of solid, liquid, flatus, mucous, stress and urge fecal incontinence. Novel tests such as translumbosacral anorectal magnetic stimulation and novel therapies such as translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy are promising diagnostic and treatment options, for both fecal incontinence and neuropathy. Home biofeedback therapy can overcome some limitations of the office-based therapy. Skeletal muscle-derived cell implantation of the external anal sphincter has been further studied as a possible treatment option. Sacral neuromodulation may be useful in scleroderma, congenital fecal incontinence and inflammatory bowel disease but merits further study.

The Clinical Utility of Anorectal Manometry: A Review of Current Practices

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a diagnostic test that utilizes pressure sensors to dynamically measure intraluminal anal and rectal pressures, thus providing an objective evaluation of anorectal functional parameters (tone, contractility, and relaxation), coordination and reflex activity, and sensation. ARM is a useful test for numerous indications including for the assessment and management of functional anorectal disorders such as fecal incontinence, functional defecatory disorders, and functional anorectal pain, preoperative assessment of anorectal function, and in facilitating/assessing response to biofeedback training. In addition, while many functional anorectal disorders present with overlapping symptoms (ie constipation, anorectal pain), ARM allows delineation of more specific disease processes and may guide treatment more effectively. In recent years the development of advanced manometric methodologies such as high-resolution anorectal manometry has also led to improved spatial resolution of data acquisition, further increasing the potential for the expansion of ARM. However, despite its ability to provide detailed information on anorectal and pelvic floor muscle function and synergy as well as the endorsements of several national and international organizations, ARM is still infrequently utilized in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to address the current clinical applications and limitations of ARM for various disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract. In so doing, we will provide clinicians with a framework for the use of ARM in clinical practice. This review will also discuss potential barriers to widespread adoption of ARM in clinical practice and propose possible solutions to these challenges.

Position paper on transanal irrigation in chronic non-organic constipation

The practice of recto-colonic water irrigation to treat constipation has been used since ancient times with different, uncontrolled, and variably performing methods which have been considered interchangeably all alike. The use of better-performing devices with a standardized methodology is relatively recent, and the term Trans Anal Irrigation (TAI) defines a methodology performed with devices able to control the timing, volume, and pressure of the water introduced into the rectum and colon utilizing a catheter or a cone through the anus. Such practice has been implemented with favorable responses in patients with refractory chronic constipation secondary to neurological diseases. However, since the role of Trans Anal Irrigation as a therapeutic aid in chronic functional constipation and functional evacuation disorders is not yet fully clarified and standardized, a group of clinical investigators with recognized expertise in these clinical conditions intends to clarify the elements that characterize a TAI procedure that can benefit patients with functional constipation and functional defecation disorders defined according to the lastly updated Rome Diagnostic Criteria. Finally, the paper deals with adherence and practical implementation of TAI.

Digital Rectal Exams Are Infrequently Performed Prior to Anorectal Manometry

BACKGROUND

Digital rectal examination should be performed prior to anorectal manometry; however, real-world data is lacking.

AIMS

Characterize real world rates of digital rectal and their sensitivity for detecting dyssynergia compared to anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was conducted to examine all patients who underwent anorectal manometry for chronic constipation between 2021 and 2022 at one tertiary center with motility expertise. Primary outcomes consisted of the rate of digital rectal exam prior to anorectal manometry; and secondary outcomes included the sensitivity of digital rectal exam for dyssynergic defecation.

RESULTS

Only 42.3% of 142 patients had digital rectal examinations prior to anorectal manometry. Overall sensitivity for detecting dyssynergic defecation was 46.4%, but significantly higher for gastroenterology providers (p = .004), and highest for gastroenterology attendings (82.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Digital rectal examination is infrequently performed when indicated for chronic constipation. Sensitivity for detecting dyssynergic defecation may be impacted by discipline and level of training.

Optimizing the Management Algorithm for Adults With Functional Constipation Failing a Fiber/Laxative Trial in General Gastroenterology: Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Minimization Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Anorectal function testing is traditionally relegated to subspecialty centers. Yet, it is an office-based procedure that appears capable of triaging care for the many patients with Rome IV functional constipation that fail empiric over-the-counter therapy in general gastroenterology, as an alternative to empirical prescription drugs. We aimed to evaluate cost-effectiveness of routine anorectal function testing in this specific population.

METHODS

We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis from the patient perspective and a cost-minimization analysis from the insurer perspective to compare 3 strategies: (i) empiric prescription drugs followed by pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) for drug failure, (ii) empiric PFPT followed by prescription drugs for PFPT failure, or (iii) care directed by up-front anorectal function testing. Model inputs were derived from systematic reviews of prospective clinical trials, national cost data sets, and observational cohort studies of the impact of chronic constipation on health outcomes, healthcare costs, and work productivity.

RESULTS

The most cost-effective strategy was upfront anorectal function testing to triage patients to appropriate therapy, in which the subset of patients without anal hypocontractility on anorectal manometry and with a balloon expulsion time of at least 6.5 seconds would be referred to PFPT. In sensitivity analysis, empiric PFPT was more cost effective than empiric prescription drugs except for situations in which the primary goal of treatment was to increase bowel movement frequency. If adopted, gastroenterologists would refer ∼17 patients per year to PFPT, supporting feasibility.

DISCUSSION

Anorectal function testing seems to be an emergent technology to optimize cost-effective outcomes, overcoming testing costs by phenotyping care.