An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters. A gas pressure transducer, a processor and a signaling unit are provided. A flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect bowel pressure, and volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel. An indication of gas pressure in the bowel is processed by the processor to determine if the pressure level is within threshold limits, which may be used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used to operate a pressure releaase valve.
