Ambulatory 24-h colonic manometry in healthy humans

• Published in: American journal of physiology: Gastrointestinal and liver physiology Vol. 280; no. 4; p. G629
• Main Authors: Rao, S S, Sadeghi, P, Beaty, J, Kavlock, R, Ackerson, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-04-2001
• Subjects: Aged; Area Under Curve; Colon - physiology; Female; Gastrointestinal Motility - physiology; Humans; Male; Manometry - methods; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Ambulatory - methods; Pressure; Sex Characteristics
• ISSN: 0193-1857
• DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.280.4.g629

Our aim was to investigate motor activity of the healthy, relatively unprepared colon in the ambulatory state. Twenty-five age- and gender-matched adults had a six-sensor solid-state probe inserted into the proximal transverse colon without sedation. Subjects ambulated freely and ate standard meals. In 528 h of recording, we found a lower (P < 0.05) area under the curve during the night. Waking induced a threefold increase in motility, whereas meals induced a twofold increase. Women showed less activity (P < 0.05) in the transverse/descending colon than men. The transverse/descending colon showed more (P < 0.05) activity than the rectosigmoid colon. Seven patterns were recognized; predominantly, they were simultaneous, propagated, or periodic bursts of 3-cycles/min (cpm) waves. A specialized propagating pressure wave with a high amplitude (>105 mmHg) and a prolonged duration (>14 s) occurred in all subjects (mean 10/day), mostly after waking, after meals, or with defecation. A 3-cpm motor activity was seen in the rectosigmoid region predominantly at night. The colon exhibits a wide spectrum of pressure activity around the clock, with gender and regional differences and circadian rhythm. This comprehensive study provides qualitative and quantitative normative data for colonic manometry.