Sensation, Continence and Defæcation

Role of anorectal sensation in preserving continence.

The role of anal sensation in preserving continence was studied in nine healthy volunteers. Objective assessment of sphincter function by manometry and rectal saline infusion was carried out during topical anaesthesia of the anal canal using 5% lignocaine gel and during lubrication with the same amount of inert gel. Anaesthesia successfully abolished anal sensation and reduced both the amplitud...

, Continence and Pelvic Floor

The relation of sensation in the anal canal to the functional anal sphincter: a possible factor in anal continence.

In normal subjects the length of the functional anal sphincter has been compared with the extent of sensation to light touch in the anal canal. At rest, the sphincteric zone was the longer. On distension of the rectum, a decrease in pressure in the anal canal so shortened the functional sphincter that intrarectal pressure extended down to contact the sensory zone. This mechanism may allow the s...

Role of the wound, ostomy continence nurse or continence care nurse in continence care.

Devices for continence and prolapse.

Women of all ages and social and cultural backgrounds can be affected by prolapse, urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence. For most, a cure can be found with the right investigation and subsequent treatment. For some, however, a cause can take time to be established, some may not want medical or surgical treatment, and for others a cure is not always possible. For these groups of women, d...