Comparison of ileoanal pouch and rectal function measured by barostat

The aim of this study was to compare pouch and rectal sensory and motor cha racteristics and to assess the influence of a meal on pouch tone and motili ty. Fifteen patients with an ileoanal J-pouch, with adequate pouch function and 12 healthy controls were studied. Visceral compliance was assessed usi ng an electronic barostat by a pressure distension procedure, during which also sensitivity was scored by visual analog scales (VAS). The response to a meal was assessed during set pressure. Pouch and rectal compliance were n ot significantly different (9.3 +/- 0.7 vs 10.6 +/- 1.1 ml/mm Hg). VAS scor e for urge at 28 mm Hg was reduced in patients: 2.4 +/- 0.5 cm vs 4.7 +/- 0 .9 cm in controls (P < 0.05). The postprandial decrease in intra-bag volume was more pronounced in patients (44 <plus/minus> 11%) than in controls (9 +/- 6%, P < 0.01). Postprandial phasic contractions were also more pronounc ed in patients. In conclusion, compliance is not significantly different be tween ileoanal pouch and rectum; differences in sensitivity reach significa nce only at high pressure. Significant differences were especially observed in the postprandial state with an increase in tone and frequency of phasic contractions in pouch patients.