Left lateral position and common gynecologic examining position in anal manometry measurements for evaluation of urogynecologic patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the anometrical parameters obtained in the left lateral position, which is the conventional posi- tion of anal manometry, with the same measurements taken in the common gynecologic examining position (45° sitting position in a birthing chair with maximum hip flexion). Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were enrolled into this prospective cohort study. Basal mean resting pressure (BMRP), maximum squeeze pressure (MSP), rectal sensation, rectal compliance, and recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) were compared between the gynecologic examining position and left lateral position. Results: There was no statistically difference between the anal manometric measurements of the left lateral and gynecologic examining posi- tions (paired t-test, p>.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that it seems to be unnecessary to change the examination chair and/or patient position in urogynecological patients who need an anorectal assessment.