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Conditions that may be treated
These anal probes may be used to treat Urinary and Faecal
Incontinence in
a similar way to the vaginal probe. Because the
stimulation cannot be restricted to one muscle group, and the
mucosal tissue has different electrical characteristics, anal stimulation
is less comfortable than vaginal.
You should consult your healthcare professional before starting
treatment.
Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence can be the result of weakened or poorly
functioning
anal sphincter muscles or damage to the nerves
controlling them. The purpose is to re-educate the anal sphincter and
other muscles of the pelvic floor to contract. The treatments aim to
progress towards graduated active exercises, in order to improve
pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance and to regain function.
You may benefit from the "Elise" if you either have no active anal
sphincter contraction, or a weak or poorly sustained contraction. Use
the STRESS or TONE programs. Intensity should be as strong as
possible without being painful. When possible, try to contract the
muscles at the same time as the "Elise".
Post Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence
Electrical stimulation has been found to help urinary incontinence in
men
after radical prostatectomy in some trials. Use the same
programs as for vaginal stimulation. Increase intensity in STRESS,
MIXED, or TONE programs to the highest tolerable.
15.1 HOW TO INSERT ANAL PROBE
Caution: Ensure the "Elise" is switched OFF before inserting
the probe.
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• Before using "Elise" Pelvic Floor Exerciser you will need to visit the
toilet.
• Connect the leadwires the same way as you would for Vaginal
Probe.
• Lubricate the metal electrode surfaces and probe tip with a
proprietary jelly, such as TensCare Go Gel or waterbased lubricant,
or water.
• Choose a comfortable position, such as leaning back or lying down
on your bed with your knees raised.
• After wires are securely connected, insert the probe into anus whilst
'bearing down' (as in the action of passing stool) to a comfortable limit
until the base of the flange on the probe touches the anus. The metal
parts conduct the electrical pulse and should be in contact with the
main part of the muscle at all times. The tissues close to the entrance
are more sensitive, so you should avoid stimulating them. It is
recommended that the probe is inserted past the sphincter muscles of
the anus, unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Note: Anal probes with long electrodes (the metal part) that run up
and down the length of the attachment should always be inserted
with the metal parts facing hip-to-hip. Anal probes with circular
electrodes (the metal part) should be inserted simply to the desired
depth. Sometimes the wearing of tight fitting undergarments or a tight
pair of jeans will help to keep the probe in place and maintain correct
contact during the program.
For Faecal incontinence the aim is to stimulate the external sphincter
and/or pubo-rectal muscle, so ring electrodes should be placed so
that the external ring is just inside the sphincter.
For Urinary Stress incontinence the aim is to stimulate the levator
muscles and the probe should be inserted deeper.
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