Role of electromyography and functional electrical stimulation in the treatment of anorectal diseases.

Functional disorders of pelvic floor muscles are an important element of the many pathological conditions of the anal and rectal area. The problem is manifested by fecal incontinence, chronic anorectal pain, and chronic constipation, affecting a large heterogenous group of patients. Amongst these patients one may observe young women after vaginal births, patients after proctological operations, extensive cancer surgery or minor pelvis radiotherapy, as well as patients with chronic nonmalignant diseases of the anorectal area, including those diagnosed with unspecific inflammatory bowel diseases. For the majority of these patients, to find specialistic help or obtain information concerning therapy of functional disorders might pose a significant problem. The above-mentioned patients require specialistic diagnostics followed by specialistic rehabilitation by means of functional stimulation. Rehabilitation using methods such as electromyography, EMG-biofeedback, and functional stimulation restores muscle strength, improves sensation and mucous vascularization, as well as restores the physiological mechanisms of sphincter activity control. The above-mentioned methods help reduce fecal incontinence symptoms, pain, and constipation. Considering operated patients, preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation improves surgical results, reduces the number of complications and shortens the recovery period. It remains a valuable and often only method considering the management of surgical diseases, especially when the patient is disqualified from surgery, due to numerous significant coexisting diseases. The aim of the study was to present the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of electromyography and electrostimulation in the management of functional anorectal diseases.