Anorectal function testing

Abstract

Faecal incontinence and evacuation disorders are common conditions that cause significant morbidity. Patient-reported symptoms are poor predictors of underlying pathophysiology, so anorectal function testing is a key component of the clinical evaluation when initial management strategies fail. A number of investigations are available to assess anorectal structure (endoanal ultrasound, defaecography) and function (anorectal manometry, rectal sensory test, balloon expulsion test, defaecography). This review article outlines the usefulness and relevance of these investigations for investigating patients with faecal incontinence and/or evacuatory difficulty.