[Around the sphincter: problems of continence in surgery of the large intestine]

Anatomy and physiology of anal continence and incontinence are described. The surgeon's first main task is the prevention of incontinence, e.g. in the treatment of the small and mobile carcinoma of the rectum, the wide pedunculated papilloma, the fistula in ano, haemorrhoids and anal fissure. The second main task is the reconstruction of continence of rectal prolapse, ectropion, third grade rupture of the perineum and perineal injuries. The possibilities for reconstruction, reinforcement and replacement of the sphincter are described.