The motility of the pelvic colon: 1 Motility in normals and in patients with asymptomatic duodenal ulcer

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Abstract
The unstimulated motility of the sigmoid colon was studied under physiological conditions using miniature balloons, which are advocated as the method of choice in studying this area of the bowel. Normal patterns of colonic motility were established and an analysis of the salient features of the motility records is presented. On average the colon of normal subjects is active for 50% of the time of recording, but there is a wide range of activity in different persons and even in the same person from day to day. The principal wave of the colon represents a slow independent segmental contraction lasting approximately one half minute, which does not have primarily a propulsive function. There are differences in frequency of contractions and amplitude of the waves between the sigmoid colon and the rectum. The possible physiological significance is discussed. Waves representing either forward peristalsis or reverse peristalsis are only occasionally seen. There is no difference in colonic motility of normal subjects and patients with asymptomatic duodenal ulceration.