Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:53
Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Predictive value of anal sphincter electromyography for sacral neuromodulation test-phase outcomes
Melita Rotar1, Urska Kogovsek2
1Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, Division of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Summary
Chronic neurogenic changes on anal sphincter electromyography (EMG) do not predict sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes. These EMG findings should not exclude patients from SNM therapy, as they do not indicate reduced efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Neurology
- Pelvic Health
Background:
- Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a key therapy for refractory pelvic organ dysfunction.
- Anal sphincter electromyography (EMG) assesses nerve integrity pre-SNM.
- The prognostic value of chronic neurogenic EMG changes for SNM is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if chronic neurogenic changes on preoperative anal sphincter EMG predict SNM test phase success.
- To evaluate the utility of EMG findings in patient selection for SNM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 62 patients undergoing SNM for bladder/bowel dysfunction or pelvic pain.
- Preoperative anal sphincter EMG classified as normal or showing chronic neurogenic changes.
- SNM test phase success defined as ≥50% symptom improvement at 24 days.
Main Results:
- 48% of patients had normal EMG, 52% had chronic neurogenic changes.
- Overall SNM test phase success rate was 76%.
- Success rates were similar between normal EMG (72%) and neurogenic EMG (79%) groups (p=0.878).
Conclusions:
- Chronic neurogenic changes on anal sphincter EMG do not predict SNM test phase outcomes.
- Abnormal EMG findings should not be used alone to exclude patients from SNM.
- Neurogenic signs on EMG do not imply reduced SNM capacity or clinical response.
