Anatomy and mechanical properties of the anal sphincter muscles in healthy senior volunteers

ConclusionsThis work reports baseline parameters describing the morpho‐mechanical condition of the sphincter muscle of healthy elderly volunteers. New parameters were also proposed to quantify the active properties of the muscles based on the mechanical energy associated with muscle contraction and fatigue. This information could be used to assess patients suffering from AI or for the design of novel implants. The mechanisms by which continence is maintained remain poorly understood. Therefore, we report a first statistical analysis of the involuntary (compliance) and voluntary (muscle work) mechanical properties of the healthy continence organ along the anal canal. This work presents baseline parameters for implant design and proposes new mechanical biomarkers for quantifying continence. In addition, this study provides evidence that the proximal segment of the anal canal plays a prominent role in mechanically maintaining continence.
Source: Neurogastroenterology and Motility - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research