A new method for assessing anal distensibility with a barostat and magnetic resonance imaging in healthy and constipated women

Defecation requires relaxation of the internal and external anal sphincters. High anal resting pressure is associated with painful constipation, defecatory disorders, and increased healthcare utilization in constipated patients; the mechanisms are unclear. Perhaps patients with a high anal resting pressure have a less distensible canal, which impedes defecation.In 50 of 64 participants (33 healthy and 17 constipated women), anal pressures and...