title: A new job for an old device: a novel use for nerve stimulators in anorectal malformations.
abstract: Muscle stimulation of the perineum is a crucial step in the repair of anorectal malformations. This allows the surgeon to assess muscle function and locate precisely the sphincter muscles during a pull-through operation. Presently, the device commonly used is very expensive. In searching for a cheaper and amenable device we explored utilizing the nerve stimulator MiniStim (model MS-IIIA, Life-Tech, Inc., Houston, TX) normally used for the "train of four" sign in assessing paralysis during general anesthesia. We have used this device in seven consecutive posterior sagittal anorectoplasties and compared its effectiveness with the regular muscle stimulator. In our experience, the nerve stimulator is easier to work with and is a common device in the operating theater. It gave us information that was at least equal to the regular muscle stimulator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Vadim
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kapuller
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. Electronic address: arbell@hadassah.org.il.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Arbell
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Udassin
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Yaron
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Armon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anorectal malformations; Muscle stimulation; PSARP