Length Tension Function of Puborectalis Muscle: Implications for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Disorders

BACKGROUND/AIMS External anal sphincter (EAS) and puborectalis muscle (PRM) play important role in anal continence function. Based on length-tension measurement, we recently reported that the human EAS muscle operates at short sarcomere length under phys-iological conditions. Goal of our study was to determine if PRM also operates at the short sarcomere length. METHODS Length-tension relationship of the PRM muscle was studied in vivo in 10 healthy nullipara women. Length was altered by vagi-nal distension using custom-designed probes of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mm diameters as well as by distending a poly-ethylene bag with different volumes of water. Probes were equipped with a reverse perfuse sleeve sensor to measure vaginal pressure (surrogate of PRM tension). PRM electromyogram (EMG) was recorded using wire electrodes. Three-dimensional ultra-sound images were obtained to determine effect of vaginal distension on PRM length. RESULTS Ultrasound images demonstrate distension volume dependent increase in PRM length. Rest and squeeze pressures of vaginal bag increased with the increase in bag volume. Similarly, the change in vaginal pressure, which represents the PRM contraction increased with the increase in the probe size. Increase in probe size was not associated with an increase in EMG activity (a marker of neural drive) of the PRM. CONCLUSIONS Probe size dependent increase in PRM contraction pressure, in the presence of constant EMG (neural input) proves that the hu-man PRM operates at short sarcomere length. Surgically adjusting the PRM length may represent a novel strategy to improve treat anal continence and possibly other pelvic floor disorders.(J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014;20:539-546).