Rectal compliance determined by rectal endosonography. A new application of endosonography.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a method for determination of rectal compliance that allows direct measurement of corresponding changes in the rectal cross-sectional area or perimeter and rectal pressure. We developed an anal probe for transrectal endosonography. The probe was tested in vitro, and rectal compliance of six healthy patients was determined. In vitro measurements proved the method to be well reproducible. The method allowed calculation of an endosonographic rectal compliance, which correlated well with rectal compliance measured by the standard method. Endosonographic determination of rectal compliance is possible, and the endosonographic method may give a more precise and reproducible estimation of rectal compliance.