Gracilis muscle transposition for anal incontinence in children: long-term follow-up

We report a series of 7 patients, aged 6.5 to 19 years (mean, 12.9), who have been treated for uncontrollable fecal incontinence since 1976: 5 had imperforate anus and multiple subsequent operative procedures, 1 had a low myelomeningocele with bi-sphincteric incontinence, and 1 had a traumatic destruction of the sphincter apparatus. A modified Pickrell procedure was performed, with the gracilis muscle transposed subcutaneously, without constructing a pulley through the median raphe as originally described. All patients were evaluated by anorectal manometry preoperatively and post-operatively. They were followed-up for a period of 0.5 to 12.5 years (mean, 4.4). All patients were continent at follow-up, with a normal defecation pattern and no enemas required. None of the patients had evidence of fibrosis of the muscle or anal canal, and tension in the transposed muscle was maintained. Voluntary contractions remain efficient in all cases. Age was thought to be an important factor: personal motivation and compliance with physiotherapy, essential for a good outcome, is unlikely to be present in the younger child. We conclude that the gracilis sling procedure is an excellent long-term alternative for total fecal incontinence when time and other therapeutic measures have failed.