Related Experiment Videos
Injured external anal sphincter in erectile dysfunction.
1Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. shafisci@link.com.eg
Andrologia
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Injury to the external anal sphincter can cause faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Repairing the sphincter restored normal function, suggesting a strong link between anorectal health and sexual function.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction can occur after anal fistula surgery.
- The role of the bulbocavernosus muscle in these conditions requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bulbocavernosus muscle function in patients with faecal incontinence post-external anal sphincter injury.
- To determine the relationship between faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography and pressure recordings of the external anal sphincter and bulbocavernosus muscle in 16 men and 10 controls.
- Assessment of faecal continence and erectile function before and after external anal sphincter repair.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited reduced bulbocavernosus reflex activity, sphincter/muscle activity, and pressures compared to controls.
- Sphincteroplasty successfully restored faecal continence and erectile function, including normal ejaculation.
Conclusions:
- Reduced bulbocavernosus muscle activity likely results from external anal sphincter injury.
- Erectile dysfunction may stem from the bulbocavernosus muscle's failure to elevate cavernosal pressure during erection.
- External anal sphincter repair offers a cure for associated faecal incontinence and erectile dysfunction.