[Surgical treatment of fecal incontinence secondary to obstetric trauma]

Fecal incontinence (FI) is associated to elevated costs related to diagnostic work-up, surgical treatment and instrumental follow-up. The real incidence is unknown and prevalence is higher after 45 years with a ratio F:M ratio of 8:1. Frequently FI is due to pelvic damage secondary to obstetric trauma. The Authors analyze surgical treatment results of FI secondary to obstetric trauma evaluating pathogenesis and instrumental diagnostic preoperative work-up. In case of muscular injury, "overlapping" of external sphincter represents the treatment of choice allowing a good medium long term results. In the treatment of patients with more complex injures or after overlapping failures, direct sphincteroplasty are indicated. After multiple surgical failures, or in case of pure neural damage, sacral nerve stimulation, graciloplasty or artificial anal sphincter may be offered by referral centers.