Mapping of the external anal sphincter by anal endosonography was compared with the electromyographic findings in 15 patients with fecal incontinence after perineal trauma. Both examinations showed no defect in three patients. In the 12 patients with muscle defects, there was agreement on the quadrant involved in all patients. In seven patients, there was total agreement in the hours of the defect, in four there was a one hour discrepancy, and in one there was a two-hour difference in the measured defect. Correlation between the two techniques was high (
r =
0.96;
P<
0.01). Anal endosonography is better tolerated by patients than electromyographic mapping and is a useful technique for assessing posttraumatic defects of the external anal sphincter.
Key words
Ultrasound
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Anus
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Anal sphincters
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Incontinence
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Electromyography
Drs. Law and Kamm are supported by the St. Mark's Research Foundation.
Study performed at St Mark's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Reprints will not be available.