ABSTRACT
Techniques have been developed for investigation of rectal volume capacity and compliance while others have been designed for rectal motility studies and others for studies on the integrated control of the recto-anal and/or recto-rectal reflex interplay. Rectal distensibility is reflected in its compliance, which is defined as the change in rectal volume per unit change in rectal pressure. In the currently most popular technique rectal compliance is determined by means of a rectal balloon in which serial volumes of fluid or air are infused in an incremental fashion while intrarectal pressure is measured. The ideal system for rectal compliance measurement should first of all be well standardized. The system consists of two units, one reflecting rectal volume at preset distension pressure and the other allowing recording of anal pressure. Registration of compliance and rectal dynamic events provide valuable information on mechanisms regulating continence and defecation.
