An apparatus and method areprovided for use in studying a patient's bowelwhich combines recording and analysis ofphysiologic parameters and patient sensoryperception. A pain input detector, a paintransducer, and a processor are provided. A gaspressure transducer and flow meter may also beprovided. Output data may be generated to reflectperceived patient pain, volume of gas deliveredto the patient's bowel, and bowel pressure. Anindication of perceived patient pain is processedby the processor to generate data that may usedto validate a scan of a patient or may be used asa diagnostic tool.