Rectal Hyposensitivity: A Disorder of the Rectal Wall or the Afferent Pathway? An Assessment Using the Barostat

Abstract

In patients found to have RH on simple balloon distension, impaired perception of rectal distension may be partly explained in one subgroup by abnormal rectal compliance. However, a second subgroup exists with normal rectal wall properties, suggestive of a true impairment of the afferent pathway. The barostat has an important role in the identification of these subgroups of patients.