Comparative evaluation of the effect of sustained inflation and rapid inflation/deflation of the intrarectal balloon upon rectoanal inhibitory reflex parameters in asymptomatic subjects.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The effects of rapid sustained inflation versus rapid inflation/deflation of the intrarectal balloon upon rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) parameters were evaluated in asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: Forty asymptomatic adults were submitted to anorectal manometry with rapid or sustained inflation with 30 and 60 mL air. The average age was 27.4 years (range, 20-40). The subjects were divided into Group I (20 men) and Group II (20 women) for analysis. RAIR parameters were registered in order to compare the inflation patterns within each group, and Groups I and II were compared for each inflation pattern with regard to RAIR parameters. RESULTS: Sustained inflation significantly increased IAS relaxation time and duration of the reflex in both groups, and IAS tone recovery time in Group I. CONCLUSIONS: RAIR parameters are influenced by the choice of inflation pattern. Further studies are required to establish a standard intrarectal balloon inflation pattern.