Anorectal manometry for evaluating defecation disorders.

Anorectal manometry is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of disorders of defecation. While especially useful in differentiating between functional constipation and Hirschsprung's disease and thus reducing in many children the need for barium enema and rectal biopsy, anorectal manometry can be a practical adjunct in the diagnosis and management of patients of all ages with constipation and/or fecal soiling due to a wide range of congenital and acquired disease.