Anorectal Manometry
Anorectal manometry is a simple test used to measure muscle pressure, reflexes, and sensitivity in the anorectal area. It’s often used to diagnose constipation or faecal incontinence, providing valuable information to guide treatment and improve bowel control.
What is anorectal manometry?
Anorectal manometry is a simple test that checks the strength and coordination of your rectal and anal muscles (the anorectal sphincters). These muscles play an important role in controlling bowel movements.
Your consultant may recommend anorectal manometry if you experience symptoms such as constipation, difficulty passing stool, or bowel incontinence (loss of control). The test can also help assess recovery after childbirth, surgery, or an injury affecting the anal sphincter.
At Welbeck, anorectal manometry is performed in our state-of-the-art Digestive Health centre by experienced specialists. The results help your consultant understand how your muscles are working, so they can design a personalised plan to restore comfortable, natural bowel function.
More information
Anorectal manometry is a straightforward test that’s performed in our outpatient clinic. It takes around 20 minutes and does not require anaesthetic or sedation.
During the test:
you’ll be asked to lie on your left side with your knees gently bent
a small, flexible tube (catheter) with a soft, deflated balloon at the end is gently inserted a few centimetres into your rectum
you’ll be asked to relax and squeeze your muscles, and measurements from the catheter will be recorded
the balloon will be gradually inflated to test nerve responses
When the test is finished, the tube and balloon are removed, and you can go home straight away. A follow-up appointment will be arranged with your consultant to discuss the results.
Anorectal manometry is a very safe and low-risk procedure. No sedation or anaesthetic is needed, and most people experience little to no discomfort. Occasionally, you may notice a slight feeling of fullness or mild irritation for a short time after the test.
Complications are extremely rare, but can include:
minor bleeding or soreness from the tube or balloon
a temporary urge to open your bowels
mild irritation
These symptoms usually settle quickly without treatment. If you notice persistent discomfort, bleeding, or any unexpected symptoms after your test, you should get in touch for advice.
Most people don’t need to do anything to prepare. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications before the test. Your consultant will let you know if any specific preparation is needed in your case.
Anorectal manometry is a very safe, low-risk diagnostic test, and rarely causes any pain, so there’s no recovery time. It’s safe for you to drive yourself home and go about your normal activities straight after the test.
Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book anorectal manometry, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the test does not require sedation or anaesthetic, so you can safely attend on your own. However, if you’d feel more comfortable having someone accompany you, that’s absolutely fine.
If your results show weak or overactive muscles, your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment to explain what this means and outline treatment options to help restore bowel comfort and control. Often, issues can be managed with exercises, medication, or physiotherapy.
In cases where muscle or nerve problems are thought to be the cause of bowel symptoms, anorectal manometry is usually the most accurate test for diagnosis. Unlike imaging, which shows the structure of the bowel, manometry measures how well the muscles and nerves are actually working. For this reason, anorectal manometry remains the gold standard for assessing bowel muscle function and guiding effective treatment.
Sedation isn’t used during anorectal manometry because the test relies on your muscles working normally while you squeeze and relax. The procedure is quick, gentle, and usually causes only mild pressure or a feeling of fullness. Our caring team at Welbeck will explain each step beforehand, help you stay relaxed, and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the test.