By Agugua, N.e.n, Adam, I,currie A.b.m
Achildren comprising 5 normals and 34' with
chronic constipation. The normal manometric
pattern is a reflex relaxation of the anal sphincter
consequent on an increase in rectal pressure termed
Recto-Anal-Reflex (RAR). In Hirschsprung's
disease, the pre-operative tracings show an absence
of RAR but the post-operative tracings, regardless
of :he type of operation. are consistently similar
to the pre-operative tracings, thus indicating that
the reflex embodies many factors that include
some which are not affected by operation. Patients
with idiopathic or dietary constipation show
normai relaxation of sphincters.