Functional activity of the rectum: A conduit organ or a storage organ or both?

Aim: To investigate whether the degree of rectal distension could define the rectum functions as a conduit or reservoir.

Methods: Response of the rectal and anal pressure to 2 types of rectal balloon distension, rapid voluminous and slow gradual distention, was recorded in 21 healthy volunteers (12 men, 9 women, age 41.7 +/- 10.