Physiotherapy to improve faecal control after Stephens' rectoplasty in high imperforate anus

The role of physiotherapy for the achievement of faecal continence after Stephens' rectoplasty for high imperforate anus was studied. Clinical assessment and ano-rectal manometry were performed more than 7 years after surgery, both before and after one year of physiotherapy training of the perianal musculature. After the training period the faecal control improved. This effect was verified by the ano-rectal manometry findings. Faecal continence can be achieved by Stephens' rectoplasty. Furthermore, with any persisting incontinence, postoperative physiotherapy with training of the voluntary muscles in the perianal region can be valuable for the achievement of faecal continence.