OBJECTIVETo investigate the characteristics of anorectal motility spectrum in children with functional constipation in comparison with healthy children and determine the efficacy of treatment measures based on the results of anorectal manometry.

METHODSAnorectal manometric indexes were detected by the multi-functional manometry in eight patients with functional constipation aged (11.4 +/- 4.8) yrs and ten healthy children aged (10.5 +/- 3.5) yrs from May 2004 to June 2005. The patients received combined treatment including probiotics (Bifid. triple viable), prebiotics (Lactulose) and regular defecation according to the results of anorectal manometry in patients with functional constipation. The efficacy of these conservative measures were estimated during the course of treatment.

RESULTSNo statistical differences were found in the indexes of effective length of anal sphincter, maximal systolic pressure and the duration of more than 50% of maximal systolic pressure between two groups. But minimal sensitivity and maximal tolerated volume between the two groups were significantly different. Seven of eight patients got better with the conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONAbnormal features exit in the anorectal motility spectrum of the children with functional constipation. The clinical efficacy of the conservative treatment measures based on the results of anorectal manometry is significantly good.