Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Fellow, Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Member, Surgical Section Serbian Medical Association
Dr. Maher Abbas is an American Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon who performs the latest and most advanced procedures to treat conditions affecting the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. He is a leader in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. With over 18,000 operations and procedures experience, he provides state of the art treatment to his patients.
Manometry is an office-based procedure that assesses the function of the anus and the rectum in patients with constipation, difficulty with evacuation, or fecal incontinence. This test measures the pressures of the anal sphincter muscles, the sensation and the capacity of the rectum, and the neural reflexes that are needed for normal bowel movements. Manometry is performed while you are awake and lying on your left side. This painless test takes about 20 minutes. A small, flexible tube, about the size of a thermometer, with a balloon at the end is inserted into the rectum [Figure 1]. The catheter is connected to a machine that measures the pressure. During the test, the small balloon attached to the catheter is inflated in the rectum to assess the normal reflex pathways. You will be asked to squeeze, relax, and push at various times. In addition, you will be asked to report sensation inside the rectum.
Figure 1
You can eat the day of the procedure and take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise. Prior to coming for your visit, perform 2 Fleet enemas at home [see section on How To Do An Enema]. You can drive yourself to the appointment. Kindly arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.
You can resume your usual activity after the procedure without restrictions unless instructed otherwise. You can return to work the same day.
You can have regular diet and drink plenty of liquids.
You can continue your regular medications unless instructed otherwise. If you are prescribed new medications or treatment, follow the instructions given by Dr. Maher Abbas or his nurse.
No serious risks are associated with anorectal manometry. Minor anal irritation or bleeding can occur if you have proctologic conditions like hemorrhoids. It can be relieved by using over the counter anal ointments. If you experience any other type of symptoms, contact Dr. Maher Abbas’ office nurse.
You will be informed on the day of your visit if there is a need for a follow-up appointment and any additional treatment.
Any questions? Contact Dr. Maher A. Abbas’ office nurse here!
