[EMG surface polygraphy of the pelvic floor--description of functional changes after radical prostatectomy]

Urinary stress incontinence after radical prostatectomy could be cured by physiotherapy in a high percentage. The authors developed an investigation procedure for description of myoelectrical activity of pelvic floor with surface electrodes. 10 patients were studied 1 day before, 10 days and 6 months after radical prostatectomy. Significant changes of amplitude and frequency characteristics could not be found in rest and during the stationary intervals of maximal contraction. But after the operation in all patients changed the activation pattern within the interval of increasing muscle contraction. The mean and median frequency decreased significantly (Friedman-test, p < 0.001). This was interpreted as a problem of intramuscular coordination. After physiotherapy urinary incontinence was cured or improved. The typical activation pattern of dyscoordination was not more evident after 6 months.