The internal and sphincter--new insights into faecal incontinence.

The internal anal sphincter -new insights into faecal incontinence Application of neurological techniques to the pelvic floor over the past 10 years has increased our understanding of the pathophysiology ofidiopathic faecal incontinence. 1-7 We now realise that damage to the innervation of the striated external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscles leads to progressive denervation with muscle fibrosis and weakness. These abnormalities can be shown clinically using manometry, measurement of the conduction time of the innervating nerves, and electromyography with either concentric or on July 23, 2023 by guest.