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Overlapping sphincteroplasty for acquired anal incontinence
Southern Medical Journal
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Overlapping sphincter repair offers good to excellent results for anal incontinence caused by childbirth, surgery, or trauma. This procedure significantly improves continence, with most patients satisfied and willing to undergo it again.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
Background:
- Anal incontinence significantly impacts quality of life.
- Overlapping sphincter repair is a common surgical approach for fecal incontinence.
- Causes include obstetric injury, anorectal surgery, trauma, and idiopathic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of overlapping sphincter repair for anal incontinence.
- To assess patient outcomes and satisfaction following the procedure.
- To determine the effectiveness of the repair based on the etiology of incontinence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 36 patients undergoing overlapping sphincter repair between 1981 and 1990.
- Single surgeon performed all operations with standardized care.
- Long-term follow-up assessed functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Overall, 73% of patients achieved good to excellent results.
- Excluding idiopathic cases, 85% reported good to excellent outcomes.
- 92% considered their continence improved, and 96% would repeat the procedure.
Conclusions:
- Overlapping sphincteroplasty is effective for anal incontinence due to obstetric injury, anorectal surgery, and trauma.
- The procedure has a more limited role in treating idiopathic anal incontinence.
- Patient satisfaction and reported improvement in continence are high.