[Neurophysiologic diagnosis in proctology]

Functional diagnostic exploration in proctology is ever-expanding and becoming more differentiating. Neurophysiologic examinations can take over an essential share. They have in part already been introduced into routine diagnostic workup. Both afference and efference, as well as the muscular system can be investigated in functional neurologic disorders of the pelvic floor. The electromyogram using concentric needle electrodes constitutes the most significant tool. It provides us with a better verification of the neurogenic lesion, and enables us to discriminate between acute and chronic and comment on severity and prognosis. The diagnostic program is additionally supplemented by motor and sensory evoked potentials, electroneurography of the pudendal nerve, and measurements of vegetative nerve paths.