Reconstruction of the anal sphincter by gracilis muscle transfer: the value of electromyography in the preoperative assessment and postoperative management of the patient.

Anal incontinence causes severe socio-psychological difficulties for the patient. However, in selected cases it is possible to create surgically a new dynamic sphincter that will restore adequate anal control. We believe that electromyography will help in the choice of the appropriate muscle to be transferred, in the objective evaluation of the results and that it can be combined with a biofeedback technique for training the patient in the use of the new sphincter. This short paper demonstrates the use of these techniques in a case of gracilis muscle transfer for anal incontinence.