Recent advances in the surgical treatment of faecal incontinence

Improved imaging and refined technology have led to a number of recent advances in the surgical treatment of faecal incontinence.

Original articles, identified using a computer database (Medline), and recently published abstracts of meetings were selected on the basis of greatest clinical relevance; these were reviewed.

Ultrasonographic characterization has led to improved therapeutic strategies. Simple structural damage is readily identified and external sphincter repair results in a good outcome for a majority of patients. For more complex structural damage, or for the newly recognized primary internal sphincter degeneration, alternative treatment strategies are emerging. The electrically stimulated gracilis neosphincter and the artificial bowel sphincter offer good results. The latter may be a more simple operation. For structurally intact but weak sphincters, sacral nerve stimulation is a promising therapy. Other therapies, such as antegrade irrigation, may be helpful for patients with neurological disorders.

Better imaging, refined classification and new operations are leading to improved surgical techniques for faecal incontinence.