Avaliação manométrica anal de crianças com encoprese Anal manometric evaluation of children with encopresis

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Chronic constipation is a common childhood disorder that affects 5 to 10% of pediatric patients, being the second most common cause for seeking medical help, with the encopresis arising out of severe constipation being associated with fecal impaction in the rectum. Among diagnostic exams, anal manometry is used to evaluate patients with functional disorders such as constipation and fecal incontinence, and in some procedures for the evaluation of patients suffering from encopresis, as it provides information on the defecation mechanism and any potential anal sphincter injuries. Objective: To verify manometric alterations in patients with encopresis. Methods: A study was conducted based on 40 anal manometries of constipated children with encopresis (G1) and 12 constipated children without encopresis (G2). The following data were obtained: pressure at rest, contraction and evacua - tion of the anal canal and the rectal ampulla, point of highest pressure, anal inhibitory reflex and rectal sensitivity. The manometries were performed with an 8-channel perfusion device manufactured by Alacer. Discussion: No differences were found with respect for