Pudendal reflexes in women with pelvic floor disorders

Zentralbl Gynakol. 1994;116(10):561-5.

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study two pudendal anal reflexes: Deep Pudendal Reflex (DPR) and classical Bulbocavernosus Reflex (BCR) in women with primary and recurrent genital prolapse to obtain support to the hypothesis of pelvic nerve damage in patients with pelvic floor disorders. 124 women were studied: 68 were normal; 38 with genital prolapse (GP); and 18 with recurrent GP. Clinical and electrophysiological studies were carried out. Delayed reflex responses were found in 44/56 of patients (79%). [27/38 in genital prolapse group (71%); 17/18 in recurrent GP group (94%)]. The evaluation of pelvic floor reflex responses are tests to be taken into account in the diagnosis and management of pelvic floor disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anal Canal / innervation
  • Clitoris / innervation
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Pelvic Floor / innervation*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology
  • Peritoneum / innervation
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Recurrence
  • Reflex / physiology*
  • Uterine Prolapse / physiopathology*
  • Uterine Prolapse / surgery