Tests and results

Tests

People with bowel incontinence may have one or more tests to find the cause of your symptoms. 

The tests are not painful but may be slightly uncomfortable. We will explain what to expect for each test. 

All of these tests are done as an outpatient so you do not have to stay in hospital overnight.  

Ano-rectal manometry

This test checks to see if your muscles are working properly. You will need to lie on your left side, while a small tube (about the size of a pen) is inserted into your bottom. This measures the pressures in your bottom when your muscles are relaxed and when you squeeze them. A small balloon is then inserted into your bottom to check sensation. This procedure should take around 10 minutes.   

Endo-anal ultrasound 

This ultrasound scan will show the structure of your anal sphincter muscles to see if there is any damage. You will lie on your front and we will insert a small probe (about the size of a finger) inside your bottom. The images produced are recorded. This procedure should take about 10 minutes. 

Perineal and vaginal ultrasound

These scans are used to get an overview of the pelvic floor and to see surface and deep pelvic structures in more detail. 

You will be asked to drink 2 glasses of water to fill up the bladder. You will like on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the table. You will be covered at all times.

For the vaginal scan. A small probe (about the size of a finger) will be inserted into your vagina. The images are recorded. This procedure should take about 15 minutes. 

For the perineal scan. A flat probe will be placed on your perineum (the area between the vagina or scrotum to the bottom).  The images are recorded. This procedure should take about 10 minutes.

Proctogram 

This is an X-ray test to examine how your bowel is working. You will be given a drink containing barium, which shows up in your bowel on X-ray. Barium is a thick, chalky substance that takes about 30 minutes to reach your small intestine. We will also insert some barium paste into your bottom. You will be asked to sit on a special toilet chair in privacy and squeeze the barium out (empty your bowel) while we take X-rays. This procedure should take about 10 minutes. 

Colonic transit study

This is a special X-ray that looks at how quickly food moves through your bowel.  You will receive separate instructions for this test from the radiology department as you need to take capsules containing special markers before having this X-ray. 

Read more about colonic transit study

If you need a proctogram or colonic transit study, it is very important to tell your nurse specialist if you still have periods, as this may affect when we can do your test. If you do not tell us, we may need to cancel your appointment on the day. 

Results

The results of your tests will be sent to the doctor who referred you. You will be sent a copy of these results.

If you have been referred from another hospital, you will need to arrange an appointment with your consultant at that hospital to discuss your results. 

Depending on the results of your tests, you may be invited for further tests, a consultation or to start treatment. We will write to you to confirm this.