%0 Journal Article
%T Anorectal Manometry in Pediatric Colorectal Surgical Care.
%A Wheeler JC
%A Short SS
%A Rollins MD
%J Children (Basel)
%V 11
%N 6
%D 2024 May 28
%M 38929233
%F 2.835
%R 10.3390/children11060654
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Pediatric colorectal specialists care for patients with a variety of defecation disorders. Anorectal (AR) manometry testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of these children. This paper provides a summary of AR manometry techniques and applications as well as a review of AR manometry findings in pediatric patients with severe defecation disorders referred to a pediatric colorectal center. This is the first study describing multi-year experience using a portable AR manometry device in pediatric patients.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>An electronic medical record review was performed (1/2018 to 12/2023) of pediatric patients with defecation disorders who had AR manometry testing. Demographics, diagnostic findings, and outcomes are described.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 297 unique patients (56.9% male, n = 169) had AR manometry testing. Of these, 72% (n = 188) had dyssynergic defecation patterns, of which 67.6% (n = 127) had fecal soiling prior to treatment. Pelvic rehabilitation (PR) was administered to 35.4% (n = 105) of all patients. A total of 79.5% (n = 58) of the 73 patients that had fecal soiling at initial presentation and completed PR with physical therapy and a bowel management program were continent after therapy. AR manometry was well tolerated, with no major complications.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>AR manometry is a simple test that can help guide the management of pediatric colorectal surgical patients with defecation disorders. As a secondary finding, PR is a useful treatment for patients with dyssynergic stooling.