Abstract
Electrical stimulation of the anal sphincter was used in six incontinent patients, resulting in control of fecal incontinence in five patients. One patient was unable to retain the electrode because of improper size and shape of the plug, which was cylindrical in contour. Only the external method was used, ie, variously shaped electrodes were inserted in the anal canal. Best results were obtained when hourglass-shaped plugs were used. It is postulated that control of fecal incontinence was achieved by contraction of the ana sphincter as well as by restoration of the tonus of the pelvic diaphragm. Since all patients had an indwelling urinary-tract catheter, no conclusions were drawn regarding the effect of electrical stimuli upon the urinary pathways. No adverse reactions were noted.
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