Prolonged ambulatory colonic manometric studies using endoclips

Background: It is difficult to study human colonic motility under physiolog ic conditions. An important limitation associated with prolonged colonic re cording is the failure of the sensors to resist normal expulsive forces. Method: In this article we describe a method of endoscopically positioning a manometric catheter by using clips in conjunction with a solid-state cath eter. With the use of a rotatable clip-fixing device loaded on to a colonos cope, the manometric catheter was clipped to the colonic mucosa. Results: Recordings for up to 120 hours were obtained from 6 subjects witho ut apparent migration of the catheter assembly. No complications were noted , the catheter does not interfere with defecation, and defecation does not result in its expulsion. Conclusion: The current technique will allow reliable ambulatory measuremen ts over prolonged periods of time in relatively comfortable and unrestraine d subjects. This technique should increase our understanding of normal and abnormal colonic motility.