Author/Editor		Podnar, S; Vodušek, D B
Title		Elektrofiziološke preiskave bolnika z analno inkontinenco
Translated title		Electrophysiological evaluation of patient with anal incontinence
Type		članek
Source		In: Repše S, editor. Zbornik simpozija Proktologija; 2000; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Klinični center, Kirurška klinika,
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 29-39
Language		slo
Abstract		Anal incontinence, apart from incontinence for faeces, includes also incontinence for flatus. It is a cause of misery to a large number of people around the world. Electrophysiological techniques may be valuable in assessment of subjects with anal incontinence, and complementary to anal ultrasound and other imaging methods. While these delineate morphological sphincter changes (scars after vaginal delivery, muscle atrophy...), electrophysiological methods reveal generalised (degeneration of motor neurones), or proximal (injury to cauda equina, conus medullaris) damage of the (somatic) sacral nervous system. Among a variety of different electrophysiological tests available, the concentric needle electromyography (EMG) of the external anal sphincter (EAS) muscle is the most important. It enables us to diagnose muscle denervation, and quantitatively assess reinervation changes, as well as the excitability level of motor neurones. In addition, during EMG examination of the EAS muscle several other kinesiological parameters and the integrity of the sacral reflex arc can be qualitatively assessed.
Descriptors		FECAL INCONTINENCE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY PELVIC FLOOR ANUS