The role of Pudendal Nerve Terminal Motor Latency (PNTML) in the assessment of the external anal sphincter function

Objectives: The objective of our study was to analyse the impact of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) testing on the final treatment procedure in a group of patients who presented to us with anorectal disorders.
Methods: The PNTML results and the final treatment procedure of 24 patients who attended the gastrointestinal physiology laboratory in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colombo was analysed.
Results: Male to female ratio was 6 : 18 (1 : 3). The study population had a median age of 28 years with a range of 13 years to 69 years. The indications for the study were recurrent fistulain- ano 8 (33%), anal sphincter trauma 6 (25%), rectal prolapse 5 (21%), idiopathic incontinence 3 (13%) and miscellaneous 2 (8%). Twelve patients (50%) indicated bilateral or unilateral abnormality. Only in 4 (17%) patients, the final treatment modality was changed as a result of PNTML report.
Conclusion: Although a significant number of patients (50%) indicated an abnormality in their PNTML values, it was of limited value in deciding the final treatment modality.  

doi: 10.4038/gmj.v11i1.1108

Galle Medical Journal Vol.11(1) 2006 3-6