Electromyogram of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Genital Prolapse

Abstract

ABSTRACT In order to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of genital prolapse, an electromyographic (E.M.G.) survey of the perineal muscles is presented. Fifty women with genital prolapses and stress incontinence, plus 10 women as a control group, were examined. The results pointed to a primary neurogenic lesion in 50% of cases with a denervation pattern in extreme cases. Our hypothesis is that the muscular deficiency in genital prolapse is secondary to a neurogenic lesion. Operations were performed on 31 women, subsequently re‐examined electromyographically. In those cases with severe denervation, the surgical results were poor and relapse occurred. It is suggested that the E.M.G. can be a preoperative prognostic test, as well as a tool in evaluation of conservative treatment in genital prolapse.