[Value of electromyography in diagnosis of incontinence]

Electromyography (EMG) of the pelvic floor musculature is only carried out as a routine method in few clinics. There is a lack of standard patient groups and, correspondingly, standardized values do not exist. Close cooperation between proctologists and neurologists is the exception. Some surgeons use the EMG to evaluate muscular defects (mapping), however sonography is a less invasive method to detect these lesions. It is the real domain of the EMG to provide qualitative and quantitative evidence of neurogenic lesions, which means that it allows to differentiate between central and peripheral as well as between acute and chronic lesions. It also enables the experienced neurophysiologist to estimate the prognosis and to give an expert opinion. Optimum utilization of the method is only possible with interdisciplinary cooperation.