Effects of Aging and Gender on the Anorectal Function of Healthy Subjects Assessed with Conventional Anorectal Manometry

Abstract

Background/Aims: Anorectal functions are influenced by gender and age. This study sought to define the normal anorectal pressure values measured with conventional anorectal manometry (ARM) and to evaluate the effects of age and gender on anorectal function in asymptomatic subjects. Methods: Conventional ARM was used to measure the anorectal pressures of 164 asymptomatic healthy subjects, including 86 males and 76 females. Results: The resting anal pressures of males and females aged >60 years were significantly lower than those <= 60 years (males, 44.09 +/- 14.22 vs. 57.45 +/- 17.69, p<0.001; females, 44.09 +/- 14.22 vs. 57.45 +/- 17.69, p<0.001). The anal high-pressure zone was significantly lower in older males than in younger males (2.42 +/- 0.93 vs. 2.82 +/- 0.739, p=0.048). In both age groups (<60 and >= 60 years), the anal squeezing pressures of males were significantly higher than those of females (<60 years old, 168.40 +/- 75.94 vs. 119.15 +/- 57.53, p=0.001; >= 60 years, 149.61 +/- 64.68 vs. 101.3 +/- 54.92, p=0.006). Conclusions: The normal anorectal pressure values measured with ARM in males and females were different. Older males and females had lower anal resting pressures than those of the younger subjects, but squeezing pressure was not affected by age.