Anal pressure waves in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Purpose: Many data suggest in irritable bowel syndrome a generalized smooth-muscle disorder, but data are scant concerning anal waves in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of the present study was first to propose a new method of anal pressure-wave analysis and second to apply this method to patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods: Spectral analysis was used in 20 healthy controls and 60 patients with irritable bowel syndrome to investigate anal pressure waves at rest during a standard anorectal test and during a maintained 12-ml anal distention.