UnknownNot Applicable

Indirect Non-invasive Evaluation of Pudendal Neuropathy

Italy68 participantsStarted 2019-01-01

Plain-language summary

Purpose: Pelvic floor is a complex anatomical entity and its neuromuscular assessment is evaluated through electromyography, evoked potentials and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. An innovative approach is the study of pelvic floor through dynamic transperineal ultrasound (DTU). The aim of this study is to evaluate if anterior and posterior displacement of puborectalis muscle, studied by DTU, is a feasible and effective method to diagnose pudendal neuropathy alternatively to conventional St. Marks' glove. Methods:Patients affected by fecal incontinence (FI) addressed to our referral center of coloproctology at University of Campania were prospectively assessed. After a specialized coloproctology evaluation, each patient with pelviperineal dysfunction was addressed to DTU to determine anterior and posterior displacement of puborectalis muscle, and subsequently a blinded neurophysiologist performed pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment to identify pudendal neuropathy. In order to compare the data, a cohort of 34 healthy volunteers was enrolled.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥16 * symptoms of faecal incontinence Exclusion Criteria: * past history of anorectal or vaginal surgery * history of pelvic radiation or tumors -inability to complete the study protocol.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Concordance between pudendal nerve motor latency and dynamic transperineal ultrasound for the evaluation of pudendal neuropathy

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03933683

SponsorUniversity of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2019-03-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fecal Incontinence trials