Single-fiber electromyography correlates more closely with incontinence scores than pudendal nerve terminal motor latency.

Background: The investigation of fecal incontinence is important in deciding the most appropriate treatment. The presence of neuropathy has been shown to affect surgical outcomes adversely. Latency studies are of dubious value in assessing neuropathy; needle electromyography is the gold standard test. The relationship between these two tests and the symptoms of fecal incontinence has not been studied.

Method: A cohort of 57 patients underwent neurologic and symptom assessment using latency studies, concentric and single-fiber electromyography, and symptom assessment using the Cleveland Clinic Scoring System.

Results: There was a significant correlation between left mean fiber density and Cleveland Clinic Scoring (correlation: 0.32, P = 0.02) but not between right or left latency studies.

Conclusion: Single-fiber electromyography gave relevant results that could be obtained easily on modern equipment. Latency values were not reliable.