[Anorectal pressure measurement with a microtransducer].

In 20 healthy subjects anorectal pressure has been measured with a micro-tip pressure transducer. This method is shown to be superior to conventional measurements with perfusion or balloon catheters. The main features of the micro-tip pressure transducer are internal calibration, thermal stability and linearity in pressure transmission. Our results show significantly higher pressure profiles at rest and during squeezing in young males than in young females. Exact and selective pressure data can be obtained from any area of the anal canal in supine as well as in standing position. Therefore we recommend this method for evaluation and follow-up of all the cases with sphincteric incompetence.