Experimental Models of Neuropathic Fecal Incontinence: An Animal Model of Childbirth Injury to the Pudendal Nerve and External Anal Sphincter

Abstract

Balloon dilation within the boney pelvis results in denervation of the external anal sphincter and offers an experimental model of the effects of childbirth on the continence mechanism in humans.

Electrical Stimulation of Anal Sphincter or Pudendal Nerve Improves Anal Sphincter Pressure

“…34 Stimulation at the end of a spontaneous anal sphincter contraction did not result in a significant increase in anal sphincter pressure, probably because, at the end of a muscle contraction, the closing of Na + channels coupled with the opening of K + channels makes muscle cells less responsive to the incoming electrical stimulus. 35 Our results suggest that the timing of stimulation may be considered as an important factor for optimal stimulation of anal sphincter and restoration of fecal incontinence. Few other investigators have measured anal sphincter pressures in experimental animals, 35,36 and even fewer have investigated the effects of electrical stimulation on these pressures.…”

“…35 Our results suggest that the timing of stimulation may be considered as an important factor for optimal stimulation of anal sphincter and restoration of fecal incontinence. Few other investigators have measured anal sphincter pressures in experimental animals, 35,36 and even fewer have investigated the effects of electrical stimulation on these pressures. 37 We used rats in our experiment because of their availability and the extensive information available regarding the innervation and physiology of the anal sphincter in rats.…”

Mechanically evoked cortical potentials: A physiological approach to assessment of anorectal sensory pathways

“…This model could be used in two ways: (1) In combination with other rodent models of diseases and their treatment (Healy et al, 2008;Griffin et al, 2011;Qin et al, 2011), the study of the afferent somatosensory pathways of the anus and rectum may provide new insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of those disorders.…”

Électromyographie et constipation

“…Il existe ainsi une très bonne corrélation entre l'existence d'une dénervation du plancher périnéal et l'existence d'une constipation et d'une incontinence fécale [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. L'implication du système neuromusculaire dans la continence est bien établie [30][31][32][33][34][35][36].…”