distension and the anorectal distension reflex in ulcerative colitis

The maximum volume of air tolerated within a rectal balloon was less in colitic patients than in normal subjects (p < 0 001). Smaller volumes were tolerated by patients with a spontaneously bleeding mucosa than by those with less severe inflammation (p <0 001). Severe urgency of defaecation with incontinence was experienced by about half those with spontaneous mucosal haemorrhage butwas infrequent among other colitics. Those patients with inactive colitis and a reduced maximum tolerable volume tended to have a smaller rectal size than those who could tolerate a normal volume within the rectum. Reflex relaxation of the internal anal sphincter on distension of the rectum appeared normal in patients with colitis.