Anal incontinence—sphincter ani repair: indications, techniques, outcome

• Published in: Langenbeck's archives of surgery Vol. 394; no. 3; pp. 425 - 433
• Main Authors: Galandiuk, Susan, Roth, Leslie A., Greene, Quincy J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.05.2009
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Anal Canal - physiopathology; Anal Canal - surgery; Antidiarrheals - therapeutic use; Behavior Therapy; Biofeedback, Psychology; Cardiac Surgery; Colostomy; Dietary Fiber; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Electromyography; Fecal Incontinence - epidemiology; Fecal Incontinence - etiology; Fecal Incontinence - physiopathology; Fecal Incontinence - therapy; General Surgery; Humans; Ileostomy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Overview; Prevalence; Thoracic Surgery; Traumatic Surgery; Vascular Surgery; Inflammatory bowel disease; Fecal incontinence; Colostomy; Sphincter injuries
• ISSN: 1435-2443; 1435-2451
• DOI: 10.1007/s00423-008-0332-4

Introduction Fecal incontinence is a debilitating problem that has many different causes. There also are many treatments options, from behavioral modification to sphincteroplasty to artificial anal sphincter and colostomy. In a society with an aging population, fecal incontinence is an ever-increasing problem and will continue to grow. Discussion Treatment plans need to be individually tailored for each patient. The surgeon should be proficient in different types of procedures and match the procedure with the needs of the patient. Long-term follow-up of these patients must continue to help us better serve this patient population.