Operations for the improvement of faecal incontinence

Experiences and results are reported of Pickrell's gracilis sling transplantation in 30 cases. 24 cases could be followed up. In 21 of these there was definite improvement of continence. The favourable results are attributed to the contractibility of the muscle after transplantation. After high anal and rectal atresiae, a maturation of anorectal structures and a belated rectal adaption reaction may be observed, which can be attributed to the gracilis sling operation. It seems, therefore to be sensible to perform the operation earlier than has been practised hitherto.