Role of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment in constipated patients

Abstract

Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment was able to detect unsuspected pudendal neuropathy in 24 percent of patients. This finding correlated with age and with the presence of paradoxical puborectalis contraction but not with manometric anal pressures, motor unit potentials recruitment, or the presence of polyphasia. However, the often espoused relationship between pudendal latency and external sphincter function could not be demonstrated.