Related Experiment Videos
Increase in pudendal nerve terminal motor latency with defaecation straining
D Z Lubowski1, M Swash, R J Nicholls
1St. Mark's Hospital, London, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Perineal descent during straining can cause pudendal nerve damage. Measurements of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) confirmed a link between straining, descent, and nerve injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
Background:
- Pudendal nerve damage is a potential complication of pelvic floor disorders.
- The relationship between perineal descent and pudendal nerve function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between perineal descent and pudendal nerve damage.
- To quantify changes in pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) during defecation straining.
Main Methods:
- Studied 57 patients measuring PNTML before and after maximal defecation straining.
- Correlated PNTML changes (delta PNTML) with the degree of perineal descent and position during straining.
- Re-measured PNTML in 13 patients at 1 and 4 minutes post-straining.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between delta PNTML and the amount of perineal descent (r = 0.40, P < 0.005).
- Perineal position during straining also correlated significantly with delta PNTML (r = -0.46, P < 0.001).
- PNTML returned to baseline levels within 4 minutes after straining.
Conclusions:
- Perineal descent during straining is associated with transient pudendal nerve dysfunction.
- Findings support the hypothesis that perineal descent contributes to pudendal nerve damage.