Choice of electrode in electromyography of the external urethral and anal sphincters

The needle, anal and catheter methods of performing simultaneous cystometry and pelvic floor electromyography were compared in 29 patients. Urethral sphincter electromyographic recordings consistently were satisfactory with a needle electrode, whereas the catheter surface electrode caused recording artifacts and was fragile. Anal sphincter electromyography was more reliable with a needle electrode than with an anal surface electrode.