[Technical aspects and indications of anorectal manometry].

Anorectal manometry is an important tool in testing anorectal disorders. Water-filled balloons is the most commonly used. The step-by-step anorectal manometry using a small balloon tube is easy to perform, well standardized and reproducible. Parameters studied by anorectal manometry are the rectoanal inhibitory reflex, anal resting pressure, sustained voluntary contraction of anal canal and rectal sensation. Anorectal manometry is also useful for diagnosis of anismus. The most important indications are anal incontinence, distal constipation and preoperative evaluation before sphincteroplasty or surgical rectocele repair.