Anorectal manometry is a simple diagnostic test used to understand how well the muscles and nerves of the rectum and anus are working. At King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, anorectal manometry is available as part of our specialist proctology service for patients experiencing problems such as ongoing constipation or fecal incontinence.
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, anorectal manometry is offered within a specialist proctology service recognized by the SRC as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Proctology and Endoscopy. The hospital’s clinical policies and protocols are set by King’s College Hospital London, established in 1840, bringing British healthcare standards to the investigation of constipation, fecal incontinence and other bowel function concerns in Dubai.
What is anorectal manometry?
The anal sphincter is made up of muscles that help control bowel movements. These muscles need to tighten and relax at the right times, while the rectum also needs to sense when stool is present.
Anorectal manometry measures how these muscles and nerves are working together. During the test, a thin catheter with a small balloon at the end is gently inserted into the rectum. The catheter is connected to equipment that records pressure as you are asked to squeeze, relax and perform other simple movements.
The results can help your doctor understand what may be contributing to your bowel symptoms and guide the next steps in your care.
Why might I need an anorectal manometry test?
Your doctor may recommend anorectal manometry if you are having ongoing problems with bowel control or bowel movements.
The test can be particularly helpful when investigating:
- Fecal incontinence, stool leakage, seepage, and difficulty controlling bowel movements
- Severe or persistent constipation
- Hirschsprung’s disease in children
Anorectal manometry may also form part of a wider assessment when your symptoms cannot be fully explained through a physical examination alone.
What does anorectal manometry measure?
The test looks at several aspects of how the rectum and anal sphincter work. This includes the pressure produced by the sphincter muscles and how well they tighten and relax.
Your doctor can use this information to better understand whether the muscles and nerves involved in bowel movements are functioning as expected.
The findings are considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and any other investigations you may have had. Anorectal manometry is therefore one part of the diagnostic process rather than a diagnosis on its own.
What happens during an anorectal manometry test?
Anorectal manometry is a short test and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Step 1: Preparing for your test
Your doctor will explain how to prepare beforehand. You may be asked to use a bowel-cleansing laxative at home the day before the test so that the rectum is empty.
Step 2: Getting into position
During the test, you will usually lie on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest.
Step 3: Placing the catheter
A thin catheter, approximately the size of a thermometer, is gently inserted into the anus. A small balloon is attached to the end.
Step 4: Measuring the muscles
The balloon is gradually inflated and you will be asked to squeeze and relax at different points. The equipment records changes in pressure as the rectum and anal sphincter respond.
Step 5: Completing the test
The test usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Once it is complete, the catheter is removed and the recorded measurements can be reviewed by your doctor.
What happens after anorectal manometry?
You can usually go home shortly after the test and return to your normal diet and daily activities.
Some people may notice mild irritation or discomfort around the anus afterwards. Minor bleeding can also occur if you already have an anorectal condition such as hemorrhoids.
Your doctor will review the measurements alongside your symptoms and other clinical findings. The results can then be used to help decide whether you need further investigation, treatment or management of the underlying problem.
Who are the best proctologists in Dubai?
The best proctologists in Dubai are Dr. Mouhsen Al Hosein, Professor Atif Alvi, and Dr. Firas Younis.
Dr. Mouhsen Al Hosein is a Consultant General Laparoscopic Surgeon and Proctologist with a background in managing a wide range of anorectal conditions. His qualifications include Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and he holds the distinction of being the world’s first Global Master Surgeon in Surgical Proctology. His work focuses on minimally invasive techniques for conditions affecting the anus and rectum, alongside his certification in upper diagnostic and interventional endoscopy.
Professor Atif Alvi is a Consultant Colorectal, Laparoscopic and General Surgeon who trained in Cambridge and London. He holds MBBS, MSc, MRCS and FRCS qualifications, as well as a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Following his higher surgical training, he completed a Fellowship in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. His areas of practice include colorectal disease, anorectal conditions and endoscopy, and he is a JAG-accredited colonoscopy trainer.
Dr. Firas Younis brings UK and international colorectal surgical training to the team. A graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, he went on to specialize in general and colorectal surgery in East Anglia and Cambridge, earning his CCT. He also holds FRCSI qualifications and completed post-CCT fellowship training in laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery in Auckland, New Zealand. His subspecialty interests include pelvic floor surgery, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal oncology, and he is JAG-accredited in endoscopy.
Why choose King’s College Hospital Dubai for anorectal manometry?
Bowel symptoms can be difficult to talk about, but they can also have a significant effect on everyday life. Anorectal manometry can provide your doctor with useful information about what is happening rather than relying on symptoms alone.
At King’s College Hospital Dubai, the test is provided within a specialist proctology and colorectal service, giving patients access to diagnostic testing and specialist medical and surgical expertise in one place.
King’s College Hospital Dubai is also an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Surgical Proctology and Endoscopy, with clinical policies and protocols set by King’s College Hospital London.
How can I book an appointment?
To book an appointment with our proctology or colorectal team at King’s College Hospital Dubai, call +971 800 7777, complete the online appointment form or book through the KingsHub App.
Faqs
الأسئلة الأكثر شيوعا
King’s College Hospital Dubai is the best hospital for anorectal manometry in Dubai. The hospital is an SRC-accredited Center of Excellence in Surgical Proctology and Endoscopy, with specialist colorectal and proctology services for the investigation and management of bowel and anorectal conditions.
The best doctors for anorectal and colorectal conditions in Dubai include Dr. Mouhsen Al Hosein, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and Global Master Surgeon in Surgical Proctology; Professor Atif Alvi, UK-trained, FRCS-qualified Consultant Colorectal, Laparoscopic and General Surgeon with a Fellowship in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery; and Dr. Firas Younis, European-trained, FRCSI-qualified Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with UK CCT, a post-CCT colorectal fellowship and JAG accreditation in endoscopy at King’s College Hospital Dubai.
Anorectal manometry is generally a simple test. You may notice some pressure or mild discomfort when the catheter and balloon are in place, but the test is short and usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
Your doctor will give you instructions before your appointment. You may be asked to use a bowel-cleansing laxative at home the day before the test so the rectum is empty when the procedure is performed.
The test itself usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can usually go home shortly afterwards.
Anorectal manometry can help investigate severe or persistent constipation by showing your doctor how the rectum and anal sphincter muscles behave during bowel movements. The results are considered together with your symptoms and any other tests you may need.
Yes. Fecal incontinence is one of the conditions commonly investigated with anorectal manometry. The test measures anal sphincter pressure and provides information about how the muscles involved in bowel control are working.
Yes. Anorectal manometry is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients can return to their normal diet and everyday activities immediately afterwards.
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