ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of rectal thermal- and pressure- stimuli on visceral perception thresholds in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and investigate its pathogenesis. Methods Rectal visceral perception thresholds were examined in 46 patients with IBS and in 13 normal controls after rectal thermal- and pressure stimuli. Subjects were asked to report its sensation, location and spread. Results Compared with healthy subjects, IBS patients, especially those with diarrhea-predominant IBS, demonstrated significantly lower perception thresholds to rectal thermal and pressure stimuli. Ice had varied effects on symptoms in patients with IBS and no effects on perception thresholds. Conclusion Visceral perception thresholds were decreased significantly after rectal thermal-and pressure- stimuli in patients with IBS. Visceral hypersensitivity is one of the important pathogenesis in IBS.