Transcutaneous electrocavernosography: a tool for recording the electromyographic activity of the corpora cavernosa.
OBJECTIVE
The electric activity of the corpora cavernosa (CC) is recorded by needle electrodes introduced into the CC. We investigated the hypothesis that transcutaneous electrocavernosography (ECG) would register electric waves similar to those recorded by the needle ECG but noninvasively.


METHODS
The ECG was recorded transcutaneously in 35 healthy volunteers (mean age 37.6 +/- 4.8 SD years). Two silver-silver chloride electrodes were applied on the dorsum of the penis over 1 of the CC. A reference electrode was applied to the thigh. Intracavernosal ECG using 2 needle electrodes introduced into the CC was performed in the same subjects. At least two 20 minutes sessions were recorded for each subject.


RESULTS
Slow waves (SWs) were registered transcutaneously. The waves from the 2 electrodes in each individual had the same frequency, amplitude and conduction velocity. They had a regular rhythm and were reproducible. The SWs were followed or superimposed by action potentials which occurred randomly. The transcutaneously recorded SWs were confirmed by the intracavernous route. Both routes had similar ECG recordings.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrated that the transcutaneous ECG recorded electric waves similar to those registered by the intracavernosal route. The transcutaneous ECG is simple, easy, non-invasive, and may be included as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
Shafik
Ahmed
A
Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. shafik@ahmed-shafik.org
El Sibai
Olfat
O
Shafik
Ismail
I
Shafik
Ali A
AA
D000200:Action Potentials; D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010413:Penis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology