[Artificial sphincter in patients with congenital anorectal malformations]

Fecal incontinence represents one of consequences of congenital anorectal malformations (CAM) which continues in some patients even after surgeries performed due to malformation and reconstructions. Implantation of artificial bowel sphincter (ABS) is a new solution not proved in daily practice. The aim of the study is to prove the ABS implantation as a feasible solution even in young adults after CAM, which have never been continent, and to verify ABS implantation as a suitable solution.

11 patients in the age between 18-25 y. were enrolled. 6 patients refused, 5 patients were operated on. 2 ABS implantations were performed. Due to perforation of rectal wall in 1 patient the implantation was postponed. In 2 patients preparative surgeries were performed.

2 patients with ABS implantation and 2 ones after prep surgeries healed primarily. Both ABS are fully functional. Special care is needed to adopt a new defecation habits. Patients with ABS registered increase of QOL score; all pts operated on are both of high motivation and satisfaction.