Pernilla Stenström
Sweden
Research Article
Clinical Examinations of the Rectoanal Inhibitory Reflex Correlated with Anography Findings, Histopathological Findings, and Clinical Outcomes
Author(s): Christina Granéli, Pernilla Stenström, Anna Börjesson and Einar Ólafur ArnbjornssonChristina Granéli, Pernilla Stenström, Anna Börjesson and Einar Ólafur Arnbjornsson
The diagnostic method for Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) involves rectal biopsy to determine the presence of histopathological findings for aganglionosis. Contrast enema (CE) and anorectal manometry help to support the indication for biopsies. Patients with HD lack a rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) that can be studied using manometry, ultrasound, or a modified contrast enema (CE), which provokes the RAIR with an injection of cold fluid. A question that arises is whether the RAIR also could be visualized with only a specific clinical examination.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that the RAIR could be seen with a cold fluid injection into the rectum to identify children without HD and thus to avoid additional investigations involving a CE or rectal biopsy.
Materials and method: In a prospective study .. View More»
