[A speed-constant rectal lavage apparatus prepared in laboratory].

OBJECTIVE

To design a speed-constant rectal lavage apparatus for assessing the rectal and anal function in liquid stool continence and the degree of fecal incontinence.

METHOD: The apparatus was assembled by four common rectal lavage apparatuses, each with a container and a drainage tube.

RESULTS

The device could output a pulsed and speed-constant water stream with high pressure, capable of overcoming any rectal resistance change. The test for liquid continence in 12 patients with incontinence (n=12) and 12 normal control subjects (n=12) found that the retained liquid volume was significantly lower in the incontinence group than in the control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Fecal incontinence could be evaluated with the speed-constant rectal lavage apparatus, which yields objective and quantitative results.