Anorectal Manometry (ARM)

What is ARM?

Uses

• Chronic constipation
• Laxative dependence
• Fecal incontinence, leakage or smearing
• Anorectal pain
• Difficulty having a bowel movement
• Childhood constipation

Procedure

• A small, flexible catheter about the size of a thermometer, with two small balloons attached to the end, is used to measure pressures in the anorectal sphincter, sensation in the rectum, &normal reflexes required to have a bowel movement
• We like to tell our patients it’s like an EKG of their bottom!
• Through this information, providers are better be able to understand the root cause of patient symptoms & design a treatment plan specific to individual needs

Prep

Duration & Recovery

• 15-minute procedure, no sedation or driver required
• Patients can resume their normal activities & diet immediately following

Results & Risks

• Helps pinpoint symptom causes & target management approaches
• Depending on study findings, Biofeedback Therapy may be recommended.
• Safe, low-risk procedure
• Offers high caliber information to help guide management
• All catheters used at our facility are latex-free

Biofeedback Therapy

What is it?

How does it work?

• A thin, flexible catheter measures muscle activity while a TV monitor provides real-time feedback to the patient.
• Exercise helps restore muscle coordination, reduce laxative dependence, & improve bowel control.

Is it effective?

• With dyssynergic defecation the puborectalis muscle & internal & external anal sphincters fail to contract & relax in a coordinated fashion, resulting in symptoms of constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement.
• Literature supports Biofeedback Therapy as an effective option to improve patient symptoms & quality of life & minimize medication dependence.
• Simply treating symptoms with long-term laxative therapy will not address the root cause: Retraining your anorectal muscles to work properly will!

Sessions & Prep

• The biofeedback system used at our center offers patients an option to retrain their pelvic floor muscles without the need for more invasive treatments
• Measuring instruments, a balloon catheter, & TV monitor are used to provide patients with an awareness of the functions of their body
• The sessions are relatively painless & convenient & have the potential to provide a long-term solution to frustrating symptoms & medication reliance
• 4-6 sessions are typically required

Pain & Coverage

• Little or no pain
• Covered by most insurance plans
• ARM testing is required prior to personalized treatment