Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool that can both aid in identifying mechanisms contributing to fecal incontinence (FI) and inform management strategies. Consensus on standard reference range values has not been established, and women of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds are not well-represented in the current literature.

We aimed to compare ARM values between women of different racial and ethnic groups with FI.

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of women with FI who underwent ARM at a tertiary health system in an urban underserved community between 2016 and 2021. Demographic information and ARM values were collected from the medical record. Socioeconomic status (SES) was represented by the percent of the population living below the poverty line according to zip code using U.S. census data. Anorectal manometry values were compared between racial and ethnic groups, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to control for patient characteristics.

Fifty-eight women were included in the analysis: 33% Hispanic, 22% Black, and 45% White. Hispanic and Black women had higher body mass index and higher rates of diabetes and loose stools and were of significantly lower SES compared with White women. Black and Hispanic women had significantly lower thresholds for volume at first sensation and higher mean anal squeeze pressure. Differences were maintained after controlling for body mass index, diabetes, SES, and diarrhea (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Other ARM values were not significantly different between groups.

Racial and ethnic differences in ARM values among women with FI exist. Further studies are needed to determine whether these differences have an impact on symptom severity, treatment selection and outcomes, and patient satisfaction.