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A pressure measurement was taken to study how your anal sphincter is working.

The last segment of the large intestine consists of 2 sections. These 2 sections are the rectum and anal canal. The feces are collected in the rectum. The feces then move through the short anal canal to the anus. Feces are excreted through the anus. Our anal sphincter ensures that we only excrete stool intentionally.

To measure the pressure in the anal sphincter area, a thin tube is pushed through the anus into the rectum. The tube has some sensors that can measure the pressure and changes in pressure. A balloon at the end of the tube can be expanded. The balloon can be used to change the pressure situation in the intestine.

The pressure in the anal sphincter area is measured in different situations. Measuring the pressure, and changes in the pressure, can enable us to study, for example, how well the sphincter is able to close the intestine. We can also study whether the sphincter is also able to relax under pressure from the stool. The measurement is taken both while you are relaxed and straining. The sphincter is put under strain when you cough or press, for example.