mcompass® Enhances Patient Care at Thriving Manhattan Colorectal Surgical Practice

What a Difference the Right Device Makes

“Introducing mcompass® really impacted how we deliver care,” says Steven Lavender, a physiotherapist with extensive post-graduate training, who uses the device frequently at the Manhattan colorectal surgery and proctology practice where he heads up the anorectal manometry testing program. “The device provides us with objective data about anorectal pressure and function that helps guide interventions, complementing the skills and experience of practice founder Dr. Evan Goldstein, a nationally renowned surgeon, as well as our entire clinical team. Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with our workflow and is extremely patient-friendly. I know mcompass was the right choice.”

Committed to making his testing program a success, Lavender invested significant time and effort investigating competing anorectal manometry technologies before selecting mcompass. “The device’s ease-of-use, ultra-fast set-up, and compact size made it a great fit for us. Equally important, it is also designed for patient comfort,” he says, noting that these exams can be intimidating, and that, unlike many competing devices, mcompass® provides features that may enhance patient acceptance of the procedure.

mcompass® – A Technology Standout

Key to this, he explains, is mcompass’ relatively slim, disposable catheter, which is inserted easily and painlessly into the rectum. “Another device we examined had an extremely thick probe that would be uncomfortable for most patients. For anyone suffering an injured sphincter or anal fissure, the pain would probably be so severe as to rule out testing altogether, which is vital care for a significant number of our patients.”

Lavender notes that another manometry device he initially considered relied on both external electrodes for defecation simulation as well as an internal probe for measurement. “Patient set-up requires shaving the anus as well as the added time and complexity of placing the electrodes,” he explains. “I know many of our patients would not tolerate this time-consuming and potentially embarrassing process. Moreover, patient turnaround would be far too slow for our large and growing patient volume.”

Supports Physician Office Workflow

Lavender believes that mcompass is extremely well-suited to their office environment as a compact all-in-one device with a built-in rechargeable battery. The disposable catheter also eliminates the hassle of sterilization. “mcompass keeps pace with our practice by supporting fast and accurate exam completion. It couldn’t be easier to use,” he says.

Like much of the anorectal technology available today, one of the devices Lavender examined was large and cumbersome. It necessitated patients being connected to a pump supported by a sizable stand. Given this, patients would be required to move to a dedicated anorectal manometry suite for testing. By contrast, mcompass is completely portable and can be brought right to the patient’s exam room. “This better integrates testing into the standard examination process, potentially making it less intimidating for patients,” he notes. The device’s compact and portable design also allows easy storage in a cabinet or closet, which helps the urban practice make the most of its available space.

The Benefits of Experienced Clinicians

Lavender notes that whatever the specific anorectal manometry device used, a thorough physical exam including digital palpation is still a crucial part of the testing process. “Your finger and the device must all tell the clinician a similar story. If not, it suggests the patient may be modifying their squeeze or related muscle movements because of fear or discomfort in the testing setting. Good clinicians will motivate patients to do their best and continue to search for what’s normal—until they find it,” he says.

The Power of Data-Driven Care

With accurate patient information, Lavender believes anorectal manometry testing can dramatically improve care. “After years of treating patients, we recognize when they are improving,” he explains. “But this is still a subjective judgment, without data to back it up. Having that objective, concrete information is a big step towards developing standardized treatment paths and more precise data-driven care.”

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