New method for assessment of anal sensation in various anorectal disorders.
A new technique for quantifying anal sensation utilizing mucosal electrosensitivity is described and has been tested in 97 patients. Normal subjects (n = 20) have a sensory threshold varying from 2 to 7.3 mA being most acute in the region of the anal valves. Sensory awareness also extends into the upper anal canal. Patients with neuropathic incontinence (n = 17) have a sensory deficit (P less than 0.002) whilst patients with haemorrhoids (n = 28) have less sensitive mucosa displaced into the upper anal canal (P less than 0.0001). Patients with acute fissure-in-ano (n = 10) have lower thresholds of sensation at the site of the fissure and slow transit constipation patients (n = 22) have normal anal sensation. The technique is reproducible and should prove useful in the investigation of anorectal disorders.
A M
AM
Roe
D C
DC
Bartolo
N J
NJ
Mortensen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000379:methods; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology