Anorectal physiology tests provide a functional assessment of the anal canal. The aim of this study was to compare the results generated by the standard high-resolution water perfused manometry (WPM) with the newer THD® Anopress manometry system.
This was a prospective observational study. Conventional manometry was carried out using a water-perfused catheter with high-resolution manometry and compared to the Anopress system with air filled catheters. All patients underwent the two procedures successively in a randomized order. Time to arrive at the resting pressure plateau, resting, squeeze, straining pressure and visual analogue score (VAS) scores for pain were recorded. A qualitative analysis of the two devices used was performed.
Between 2016 and 2017, 60 patients were recruited. The time from insertion of the catheter to arriving at the resting pressure plateau was significantly lower in Anopress compared to WPM; 12 seconds (IQR 10-17 seconds) versus 100 seconds (IQR 67-121 seconds, p < 0.001). A strong correlation between the manometric values of the WPM and the Anopress was observed. Both procedures were well tolerated, although the VAS of insertion of the WPM catheter was significantly higher. The Anopress was easier to use and more time efficient compared to the WPM.
The pressure values obtained with Anopress correlated well with those of conventional manometry. The Anopress has the advantage of being less time consuming, user friendly, and better tolerated by patients.

Colorectal Disease © 2020 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

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