Anal Physiology Test – PIL1593 version 1

This leaflet will tell you about the anal physiology test (also called anorectal physiology) and what to expect when you attend for the procedure.

What is anal physiology?

Anal physiology is a test that looks at the strength of the muscles in your anal canal (the part of your bowel which connects your anus to your rectum) to see if they are working normally. These muscles are very important in bowel continence (the ability to control your bowels). The test takes about 20 minutes.

Why do I need this test?

This test has been requested by your consultant/specialist nurse so they can determine what is causing your bowel problems and decide on appropriate treatment. The most common problems we see are faecal incontinence (where poo sometimes leaks out or you cannot control when you have a poo) and constipation (where your poo doesn’t happen regularly and is hard to pass).

During the test

Once you are ready to start the test we will pass a thin catheter (flexible tube) into your bottom through the anus. This is a special catheter which can be inflated at one end like a small balloon and it has small holes in it to enable us to run water through the tube to record measurements.

We will ask you to relax, squeeze and strain the pelvic floor muscles so that we can measure the pressure in your back passage.

We will slowly inflate the small balloon at the end of the catheter to stimulate stool (poo) in your rectum. It will feel like you need to go to the toilet to open your bowels, but you won’t really need to go.

We will ask you to tell us when you start to feel this. This will tell us how aware you are to your rectum filling and how much poo you can store.

Before your procedure

No preparation is required for the test. You may eat and drink normally before and after the test and continue all prescribed medications as normal.

At your appointment

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove your clothes from the waist down. Your privacy and dignity will be maintained at all times.

You will be asked to lie on a clinic couch on your left hand side in a private room. The test itself shouldn’t hurt at all but you may feel a bit uncomfortable at times.

After the test

You will be free to leave the department and resume your normal activities.

A report will be sent to your consultant to be used to help diagnose you along with other tests you may have had. We do not send these results to your GP. Your specialist nurse/consultant will contact you to discuss these results.

Contact Numbers

If you need any further advice or have any problems please contact the Colorectal Unit.

University Hospital North Tees
Phone: 01642 624399
Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]