Introduction
A colon is the largest tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus to the other end. The colon removes water and some electrolytes and nutrients from partially digested food. The colon’s job is to remove excess water from food and convert it into stools. The colon completes the chemical part of the digestive process by the bacteria living in the colon. The digestive system is a hollow tube from the mouth to the anus. The walls of the tube contain nerves and muscles that squeeze food rhythmically through the system and this action is called peristalsis. If muscles or nerves fail to work properly, food cannot pass through the digestive system leading to many colon diseases.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Colon Disease?
The symptoms of colon disease are :
-
Weakness and fatigue.
-
Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
-
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
-
Persistent abdominal discomforts, like cramps, pain, or gas.
-
Persistent change in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea.
-
Unexplained persistent weight loss.
What Are the Conditions Where Colonic Manometry Tests Indicated?
Colonic manometry tests can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions that affect the function of the colon, this includes:
-
Hirschsprung's Disease: Colonic manometry can be used to evaluate the function of the colon and identify any areas of the colon that are not contracting properly. This can help to diagnose Hirschsprung's disease, a condition in which nerve cells are missing from the colon.
-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Colonic manometry can be used to evaluate the function of the muscles and nerves in the colon, and identify any areas of the colon that are overactive or underactive.
-
Chronic Constipation: This test can be used to evaluate the contractions and movements of the colon and identifies the areas where the colon functions are affected.
-
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Colonic manometry test is used to evaluate the muscle function and nerves in the pelvic floor.
The results of this test help the healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan for the affected individuals.
What Is a Colonic Manometry Test?
Colonic manometry test measures how the colon muscles and nerves work inside the colon. It is usually a three-day test requiring a night hospital stay. On the first day of the test, the individual will have a colonic cleanout via a tube placed in the individual’s nose. On the second day, a soft, flexible tube is placed in the child’s colon. On the third day, information is collected, a catheter is removed, and the individual is sent home.
How to Prepare for the Colonic Manometry Test?
Before the test, the child’s colon needs to be empty. The child must be on a clear, liquid diet for 48 hours before the test. Depending on the underlying issue, the child might have to get admitted one or two days before to the hospital to undergo pretests to clean the colon. In some cases, these tests are done at home. The instructions are given prior by the healthcare provider.
What Happens During the Colonic Manometry Test?
The colon must be prepared and cleaned of any hard stools. Preparation will depend on the method chosen by the healthcare provider. The individual is asked not to have food for several hours before doing the test. An intravenous needle is inserted in the vein to give sedation. And after the sedation works, the individual is made to sleep, and a flexible plastic tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the colon through the rectum. Following that, a very thin guidewire is inserted through the colonoscope, and the colonoscope is removed, leaving the guidewire in the colon.
A motility tube will then be slid by the physician over the guidewire. The motility tube is a flexible straw-thick piece of plastic. The motility tube is gently taped onto the thigh or buttock until the test is finished after the guidewire has been taken out. The pressure in various parts of the colon is measured through holes in the motility tube that are spaced regularly.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Colonic manometry can take as short as 90 minutes or longer than eight hours. The healthcare provider may attempt to change contraindications during the study by administering medications via mouth or IV (intravenous) injections or by letting normal food intake. During the test, the patients accompanying the patients must wait a bit longer.
Do Colonic Manometry Tests Hurt?
Mild discomfort may occur due to IV insertion, lying still for long periods, and possibly due to injections of medicines. The pressure measurement during the colon manometry test is painless and is not felt when the tube is inside the colon.
What Is the Risk Associated With a Colonic Manometry Test?
The endoscope or catheter carries a small risk of injuring the rectum and large intestine. As the catheter is flexible and the test is performed by skilled nurses and doctors, this is highly unlikely.
What Are the Side Effects of Colonic Manometry Tests?
Individuals undergoing colonic manometric tests may have one or more side effects. They usually get better without special medical attention and treatment:
-
Bleeding: A small amount of blood may be seen in the stool after the procedure. Usually, the bleeding occurs from the lining of the bowel from where the biopsy is done, and the tube is clipped inside the bowel.
-
Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Mild abdominal pain persists, and the child should rest and clear fluid intake can be taken to feel better.
-
Nausea and Vomiting: Nauseous feeling and vomiting can be possible side effects after the procedure.
Conclusion
Despite the many advantages of the test, sometimes complications do occur while performing the test. Seeking immediate care and medical attention in cases of severe vomiting more than three times over some time. Vomiting or bowel action of more than three to five milliliters (a teaspoon) of bright red blood needs to be checked for. Conditions like dysphagia, severe fever, severe abdominal pain, and bloating require a doctor’s attention. The analysis of this test is complicated, so the results may take some time. Infections can occur in rare conditions unless the individual has any underlying severe medical condition related to the immune system or heart. Antibiotics are administered in such cases. In cases of intolerant patients and complications during the procedure, the test is stopped immediately.
