A disposable anal plug electrode for pelvic floor/anal sphincter electromyography

During the last year we developed a disposable anal plug electrode for pelvic floor/external anal sphincter electromyography. The electrode consists of 2 disposable silver chloride surface electrodes mounted on a trochlear-shaped sponge. Testing of the new electrode with simultaneous registration of external anal sphincter electromyography using a coaxial needle electrode showed synchronous electromyographic patterns. In clinical urodynamic studies, including 48 cystometry studies with anal sphincter electromyography and 48 pressure-flow electromyographic studies, the electrode provided technically good and reliable electromyograms. The electrode design secures good contact to the recording surface and a safe fixation of the electrode during recording. The compressibility of the electrode might circumvent the problem of possible detrusor reflex inhibition induced by conventional hard anal plug electrodes. We recommend this technique for anal sphincter electromyography, since it is simple, reliable and without discomfort, and it does not require sterilization of the electrode.