Follow-up of anal dynamic graciloplasty for fecal continence

The feasibility of anal dynamic graciloplasty (transposition of the gracilis muscle and subsequent implantation of a stimulation device) to restore continence, was assessed in a case-control study of 26 patients with severe fecal incontinence. It was shown that anal dynamic graciloplasty is capable of achieving the sphincter tone of healthy persons, as stimulated graciloplasty increased anal pressure from 46 mmHg without stimulation to 65 mmHg with stimulation (mean increase 19 mmHg; 95% confidence interval 13, 25; n = 25; p < 0.01). Time to retain a 250-ml phosphate enema increased from 52 seconds before to 204 seconds after 8 weeks of electrical stimulation (mean increase 151 seconds; 95% confidence interval 61, 241; n = 25; p < 0.01). Complete fecal continence was achieved in 17 patients (65%); two of these patients developed a wound infection, but one of the two realized continence without stimulation and the other patient became continent after reimplantation. Three other patients improved after anal dynamic graciloplasty, but infection necessitated removal of the stimulation device. One patient developed a fistula. Failures were encountered in five patients. Although our long-term follow-up results suggest a learning curve, it is concluded that electrical stimulation improves the results of conventional graciloplasty and avoids construction of a colostomy.