[Results of anorectal manometry for the determination of age- and sex-dependent pressure differences].

Manometric findings in 88 anorectal healthy probands are reported. Basal (PAC) and maximal squeeze (PAC max) pressures in the anal canal as well as rectal pressure at rest (PAR) and the pressure increase in the anal canal after dilatation of the ampulla recti (delta PAC) were registered with a 2 balloon catheter and statistically analysed in the 52 male and 36 female probands, divided in three age groups (group I under 40 years, group II 40-60 years and group III over 60 years). PAC showed for all three groups a statistically significant difference for men and women as well as a statistically significant decrease with age in both sex groups. PAC max, PAR and PAC decreased statistically significantly with age in both sex groups whereas in the three age groups, men and women showed nearly equal values. These age- and sex correlated differences in the anorectal pressure profile must be considered in the evaluation of the continence function.