Neurophysiological Evaluation: Techniques and Clinical Evaluation

Neurophysiological testing of anorectal function provides information on the integrity of its neuromuscular function. Pelvic floor disorders, faecal incontinence and dyssynergic defecation occur through disturbance of a complex neurophysiological system, and testing can give insight into their pathophysiological mechanisms. Improvements in understanding the aetiology of these disorders may allow for their better management. In this review we assess the common physiological tests with particular emphasis on their clinical relevance. Several novel techniques are described that may produce new information on the brain-gut axis as well as aid in clinical evaluation in the future.