Single-fiber electromyography correlates more closely with incontinence scores than pudendal nerve terminal motor latency.
BACKGROUND
The investigation of fecal incontinence is important in deciding the most appropriate treatment. The presence of neuropathy has been shown to affect surgical outcomes adversely. Latency studies are of dubious value in assessing neuropathy; needle electromyography is the gold standard test. The relationship between these two tests and the symptoms of fecal incontinence has not been studied.


METHODS
A cohort of 57 patients underwent neurologic and symptom assessment using latency studies, concentric and single-fiber electromyography, and symptom assessment using the Cleveland Clinic Scoring System.


RESULTS
There was a significant correlation between left mean fiber density and Cleveland Clinic Scoring (correlation: 0.32, P = 0.02) but not between right or left latency studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Single-fiber electromyography gave relevant results that could be obtained easily on modern equipment. Latency values were not reliable.
Fowler
A L
AL
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Mills
A
A
Durdey
P
P
Thomas
M G
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000294:innervation*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011930:Reaction Time; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index