Common anorectal conditions including hemorrhoids, fissure, and abscess. A comprehensive evaluation is performed to diagnose these conditions. Most patients can undergo in-office treatment using medications and/or hemorrhoidal banding (if needed). Outpatient, limited surgery using newer minimally invasive techniques is possible for other patients.

Anorectal Physiology Testing for Constipation and Fecal Incontinence

We offer a comprehensive anorectal physiology laboratory which can investigate the cause of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence. Testing available in our anorectal physiology laboratory includes:

Rectal Manometry Test

Anorectal manometry is an outpatient test that evaluates bowel function in patients with constipation or stool leakage.

EMG (Electromyogram)

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract. An EMG uses tiny devices called electrodes to transmit or detect electrical signals. These are then interpreted by a specialist. EMGs can include placing a needle electrode into a specific muscle to measure its electrical activity, and a nerve conduction study, which is using electrodes taped to the skin to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or more points.

Pudenal Nerve Terminal Motor Latency Testing

The pudenal nerves control the body's ability to constrict the sphinter muscle. In this test, the time it takes to constrict is measured.

Defecography and Transanal Ultrasound

Defecography is a medical exam that uses ultrasound to visualize how a patient releases stool from their body, in real time.

Colon Transit Time Testing

A colon transit study allows a doctor to evaluate the function of the colon by measuring the time it takes for food to move from the small intestine into the rectum.

Endoanal ultrasonography

In endoanal ultrasound, doctors use ultrasound to evaluate the various parts of the anal canal, end of the rectum, and surrounding area.

Endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS)

ERUS is a procedure where a probe is inserted into the rectum and high frequency sound waves (ultrasound waves) are generated, allowing a doctor to see anything that may be wrong.

Using these tests, specific disorders causing chronic constipation and fecal incontinence can be identified and treated appropriately. All treatments are offered including dietary, biofeedback, medical and surgical therapies.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Colon and Rectal Surgery

BMC's colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.