Anorectal manometric profile in patients presenting with chronic constipation associated with a mobile cecum

Introduction: Constipation is a serious health problem affecting to millions of persons at world level. The anorectal manometry makes an objective assessment of the rectoanal segment dynamics for constipation diagnosis, the anal incontinence, etc. From 1989, it was demonstrated that the mobile cecum provoke organic alterations of colon leading to chronic constipation. Objective: To determine by manometry, the existence of a common and reproducible pattern favoring the diagnosis of mobile cecum-associated chronic constipation. Methods: A descriptive research was conducted in 90 patients (40 children, 50 adults) between 2006 and 2009 in the Institute of Gastroenterology all of them diagnosed with chronic constipation refractory to conventional m treatment, as well as a barium-meal specific radiologic colon study as Gold Standard to diagnose presence of mobile cecum. A anorectal manometry was carried out using a PC Polygraf HR, by a catheter system of continuous perfusion and registries were assessed in a computer with analysis program. It was found that the rest pressure of internal anal sphincter was of X = 79,6 mm Hg for the group of children with a 65,8 % of relaxation for the inhibitory rectoanal reflex. In adult patients, the pressure of internal anal sphincter was of X= 80,9 mm Hg and a 68,2% of relaxation of internal anal sphincter. The pressure of contraction of external anal sphincter, the anal canal length and the rectal sensitivity were normal in both groups. There was a common and reproducible pattern with hypertonicity of internal anal sphincter and a relaxation deficit due to an incomplete inhibitory rectoanal reflex in the 94% of cases. Conclusion: There was a relation among these findings and the potential decrease in transportation of the inhibitory neurotransmitters produced as consequence of the mobile cecum leading to a chronic constipation.