Use of a neuromuscular stimulator to increase anal sphincter pressure

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine if short periods of electrical stimulation with perianal electrodes could increase anal pressures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 

Anorectal responses to electrical stimulation were evaluated in five healthy SCI patients. Anorectal pressures were recorded with a small pressure-recording balloon before, during, and

immediately following stimulation. A battery-powered stimulator with self-adhering surface electrodes, two inches in diameter was used. Stimulating parameters consisted of 300 μs pulse

duration, 35 Hz stimulating frequency. A current response study was conducted by using short periods of electrical stimulating with currents from 0–100 mA until a maximal pressure was

recorded. Each current setting was conducted for 13.2±9.7 s before increasing to the next higher current, and fatigue was reduced by including a 5-minute rest between stimulations. RESULTS: 

Four of the five subjects had strong anal contractions with perianal stimulation. Increases in pressure ranged from 38 to 125 cm H2O based on maximal responses at currents ranges of 60 to

100 ma. Even during the short periods of stimulation used here, fatigue was apparent. There was an average drop of 11% in anal pressure over the 13 s of stimulation. Rectal pressures were

unchanged with perianal stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Perianal stimulation with surface electrodes is an approach that might be considered in the future for management of fecal incontinence in

individuals with spinal cord injury. Further studies are needed to assess the feasibility of using chronic perianal surface electrical stimulation to sustain anal sphincter contractions.

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NEEDS, PRIORITIES, AND ATTITUDES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY TOWARD NERVE STIMULATION DEVICES FOR BLADDER AND BOWEL FUNCTION: A SURVEY Article 07 September 2020 STATE-DEPENDENT

BIOELECTRONIC INTERFACE TO CONTROL BLADDER FUNCTION Article Open access 11 January 2021 ARTICLE PDF AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Rehabilitation R&D Section, Hines VA

Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, Illinois, USA LW Riedy & JS Walter * Spinal Cord Injury Service, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, Illinois, USA R Chintam * Department of Internal Medicine,

Loyola Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, Illinois, USA LW Riedy & R Chintam * Department of Urology, Loyola Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine,

Maywood, IL 60153, Illinois, USA JS Walter Authors * LW Riedy View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * R Chintam View author publications You

can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * JS Walter View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and

permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Riedy, L., Chintam, R. & Walter, J. Use of a neuromuscular stimulator to increase anal sphincter pressure. _Spinal Cord_ 38, 724–727

(2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101088 Download citation * Published: 12 January 2001 * Issue Date: 01 December 2000 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101088 SHARE THIS ARTICLE

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by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative KEYWORDS * Neuroprosthetics * electric stimulation * spinal cord injury * fecal incontinence