EMG-Mapping versus Endosonographie: Der Vergleich ist entschieden

The detection or exclusion of a sphincter damage plays an important role in the diagnosis of anal incontinence as well as in preoperative diagnostic measures. The apparative diagnosis must show a high validity and must have a clear superiority to digital examination. This was possible in the past with the aid of EMG mapping. During more recent years introduction of anal sonography superseded the latter, because this new method is less invasive, is more readily available in coloproctological departments and most possibly shows a superior diagnostic validity. The EMG mapping has its place in sonographically uncertain findings and in cases where only an EMG and no sonography is available. To clarify a neurogenic damage the needle EMG is by far the most secure method.