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Colonic Manometry

Also known as: colon manometry.

What is colonic manometry?

If a person has problems digesting food or passing it through the body, a colonic manometry may be performed. This procedure involves using a colonoscope to place a catheter in the colon (large intestines) in order to check its function.

What happens during the procedure?

  1. The colonoscope is inserted into the anus and guided to the colon.
  2. A guidewire is place in the colon, and the colonoscope is removed.
  3. Then a catheter is slid over the guidewire, and the guidewire is removed.
  4. The catheter has sensors along its length that check the strength and function of the muscles and nerves in different areas of the colon.

Is any special preparation needed?

You’ll need to avoid food and drink for a set period of time before the procedure. You also may need to perform an enema in order to completely rid the colon of its contents before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding, infection, tearing of the colon or equipment failure are possible complications of colonic manometry.

Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:38 PM

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