Download IL120v5 Ano-rectal Physiology - Gateshead Health NHS Foundation

Patient Information – Ano-rectal Physiology
Introduction
You have been referred by your consultant for ano-rectal physiology. This is to study
the function of your anus and back passage (rectum). It can involve different tests that
give information about what is causing your problem, whether it is difficulty in
controlling your bowel (incontinence) or constipation. This leaflet is intended to
answer some of the questions you may have about your tests.
Pudendal nerve testing
This test assesses the function of the pudendal nerve which supplies the back passage
muscles (rectum). The test involves the consultant placing a gloved finger with a
stimulating electrode into the back passage (rectum). Several mild electrical impulses
are given to assess the nerve function of your back passage (rectum). You may feel a
twitching sensation during this test and will take approximately five minutes.
Anal manometry
This gives information about the strength of the muscles that control your bowel
movements.
It is carried out by placing a small tube the size of a drinking straw with a small balloon
on the end into your back passage (rectum). The allows us to measure the pressures
the muscles generate in your back passage (rectum) and transmits them to a graph
which shows for example, whether your muscles have been weakened. This will take
approximately 10 minutes to complete.
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Rectal compliance testing
This gives information about the function of the back passage (rectum). A small tube
the size of a drinking straw with a small balloon on the end is inserted into your back
passage. The small balloon is filled with water whilst in your back passage (rectum).
You will be asked when you can first feel a change in sensation in your back passage
(rectum) as the balloon is filled with water. The balloon will continue to be inflated
until the sensation of needing to pass a bowel motion is felt. You will also be asked
when you cannot hold onto the balloon any longer. The test is painless and takes
approximately five minutes to complete.
What are the risks, benefits and alternatives?
Ano-rectal physiology and ultrasound tests are safe and have no known side
effects. However when a tube is inserted into the back passage (rectum) there
is an extremely low risk of the tube accidentally going through the wall of the
back passage (rectum) this is called perforation.
Some patients may find the insertion of the tube or probe into the back passage
uncomfortable.
The tests will help plan any further treatment which will be discussed with you
at a separate outpatient appointment by your consultant.
The tests may show you do not need any further treatment.
There are no alternative tests to obtain information about the function of your
back passage (rectum).
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
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What should I expect during my appointment?
When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to remove the bottom half of
your clothing. You may wish to bring a dressing gown and slippers with you. Your
consultant or nurse specialist will explain the tests planned for you. You will be asked
to lie on your left hand side on an examination couch.
Your privacy and dignity will be maintained at all times. It is not necessary for you to be
put to sleep or sedated in any way.
Your consultant or nurse specialist will explain during the tests anything you need to
do to give us as much information as possible about your muscle function.
This may include being asked to cough and also to squeeze the muscles in your back
passage (rectum) as if you were stopping a bowel movement. You may also be asked
to “bear down” as if trying to pass a bowel movement. The tests will take
approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Will I be able to go back to work?
Yes. After your appointment you will be able to continue your day as normal.
When will I find out the results of the tests?
Once your consultant has reviewed all the information from the tests a follow up
appointment will be sent to you. Your consultant will then discuss the results with you
and arrange further treatment if necessary.
Where can I find the ano-rectal physiology clinic?
Located within the endoscopy unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
You need to report to the endoscopy unit reception on arrival.
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The clinic is held usually on Friday’s between 9.00am and 1.00 pm or 2.00pm
and 5.00pm.
What happens if I have any problems?
If you have any questions either before or after your appointment you can contact the
nurse specialist Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm on the number below.
Colorectal Nurse Specialist
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Sheriff Hill
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE9 6SX
Tel: 0191 4453150 or 0191 4820000 Bleep 2041
Outside office hours you may leave a message on the answer phone Tel: 0191 4453151
and your call will be returned by the next working day.
Further information
Bladder and Bowel Foundation
SATRA Innovation Park
Rockingham Road
Kettering, Northants, NN16 9JH
Helpline: 0845 345 0165
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
Patient information developed in conjunction with ano-rectal physiology services at
City Hospitals Sunderland.
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Data Protection
Any personal information is kept confidential. There may be occasions where your
information needs to be shared with other care professionals to ensure you receive
the best care possible.
In order to assist us improve the services available your information may be used for
clinical audit, research, teaching and anonymised for National NHS Reviews. Further
information is available in the leaflet Disclosure of Confidential Information IL137, via
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust website or the PALS Service.
Information Leaflet:
Version:
Title:
First Published:
Review Date:
Author:
NoIL120
5
Ano-rectal Physiology
November 2007
August 2016
Claire Egglestone
This leaflet can be made available in other languages and
formats upon request
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