Prostate electromyography: A new concept

Abstract

Knowledge of the pharmacological and electrophysiological properties of prostatic smooth and striated muscle myofibres are necessary in order to determine whether the dynamic component of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To our knowledge prostate electromyography have not previously been applied in any type of prostate disorder. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the electrical activity of the prostatic muscle fibers. We were able to evaluate the features of prostatic muscle action potentials (PMAP) in 15 of the 16 patients from the area around the prostate capsule. Prostate was palpated in the knee-chest position then concentric needle electrode was inserted into the prostate tissue under digital guidance. Needle tip position in the prostate was confirmed with transabdominal ultrasonography. PMAPs were analysed with multi-motor unit action potential analysis (MMA) algorithm. Whenever the PMAPs were unsuitable for analysing with MMA software the amplitude trigger line method was used. Further studies with a large number of patients are needed to establish the correlation between the electrical activity of prostatic muscle fibers and dynamic component of patients with symptomatic BPH.