Simultaneous Perineal Ultrasound and Vaginal Pressure Measurement Proves Electroacupuncture Pudendal Nerve Stimulation / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Purpose:To prove that electroacupuncture pudendal nerve stimulation(EPNS)can exactly excites the pudendal nerve.by simultaneous measurements of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) movements(perineal ultrasound),vaginal pressure and pelvic floor surface myoelectricity.Methods:Long needles(acupuncture needles)were deeply inserted into four sacral points and electrifled to stimulate the Pudendal nerves.When EPNS Was performed.perineal ultrasound B-mode images of PFM movements(contractions),M-mode PFM movement curves;vaginal pressure and pelvic floor surface electromyogram were recorded simultaneously by use of an urodynamic instrument with video suite(Medtronic Duet Encompass).Simultaneous records were also obmined under three conditions in the process of the nerve stimulation:1) pausing electric stimulation;2)reducing the intensity of electric stimulation(to about 2/7 of the original);3)drawing back the two lower needles to make the tips 1-2 cm away from the original position.Results:Thirty-five female patients with stress incontinence(aged 54.9±9.81 received EPNS and the simultaneous measurements.When EPNS was performed correctly,the patient felt rhythmic and cephalad PFM contractions with the urethra as the center.Simultaneous records showed the following:1) cranio-caudal PFM movements on the B.mode image;2)the M-mode curves indicating the PFM contractions (amplitude:about 1 mm,n=31,14 cases≥1 mm and 17 cases＜1 mm);3)A sawtooth curve of changes in vaginal pressure[amplitude:2.61±1.69(0.7-5.6)cmH2O,n=34];4)pelvic floor myoelectric waves[amplitude:23.9±25.3(5-96)μV,n=34].The amplitude of a PFM movement curve conformed basically to that of a vaginal pressure curve.If the electric current was stopped or its intensity was reduced to about 2/7 of the original or during the process of the nerve stimulation the two lower needles were gradually drawn back until the tips were 1-2 cm away from the original positions,then B-mode PFM movements,M-mode curves and sawtooth changes in vaginal pressure disappeared.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture pudendal nerve stimulation can exactly excites the pudendal nerve and effectively contract the pelvic floor muscles.