The importance of proper positioning of needle electrodes in the anal sphincter for obtaining the bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) has been examined in the medical literature. The study by Rodi and Vodusek highlights that controlled intramuscular placement of detecting electrodes significantly improves the detection of the BCR. Specifically, the study found that with controlled intramuscular placement, the BCR was detected in 97% of hemisphincters in men, compared to a much lower detection rate with superficial placement.[1] This underscores the critical role of precise electrode positioning in achieving reliable BCR recordings.
Additionally, Skinner and Vodušek discuss the importance of exacting recording techniques, which include proper electrode placement, to enhance the reliability and reproducibility of BCR testing. They report a high baseline BCR acquisition rate, which suggests that meticulous attention to electrode positioning is a key factor in successful intraoperative monitoring of the BCR.[2]
These findings collectively emphasize that the proper positioning of needle electrodes in the anal sphincter is crucial for the effective elicitation and recording of the BCR, particularly in intraoperative settings.