Electromyography: A new test for urethral dysfunction?

This study investigated the effectiveness of electromyography (a minimally invasive imaging technique) in detecting urethral dysfunction.

Researchers concluded that a single electromyography exam of the urethral sphincter muscles can identify urethral dysfunction in women.

Stress urinary incontinence is often caused by weakness of the urethra (the urinary tract), also called intrinsic sphincter deficiency or urethral dysfunction. Urethral dysfunction can be measured in different ways, but there is currently no standardized test to establish a reliable diagnosis. The diagnosis of urethral dysfunction is important, because it influences the choice of suitable treatment options. 

Electromyography is a technique for measuring the electrical activity of muscles. It is not known whether this could be helpful in evaluating urethral dysfunction.

The focus of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of electromyography in diagnosing urethral dysfunction.

This study included 44 women with stress urinary incontinence. All women received an electromyography exam to record the electrical activity of the urethral sphincter muscles. The electromyography exam involved the insertion of a small cable into the urethra during different intensities of contraction of the urethral sphincter muscles.

Twelve women (27%) were identified to have urethral dysfunction. As measured by electromyography, weakness of the urethral sphincter muscles at a specific point, and at maximum contraction, reliably predicted urethral dysfunction. Women with higher muscle activity at that specific point were 64% less likely to have urethral dysfunction. No serious pain complaints were reported by any of the women.

The researchers concluded that an electromyography exam of the urethral sphincter muscles is a reliable test for urethral dysfunction.

Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.