Long-term outcomes of pelvic floor exercise and biofeedback treatment for patients with fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and quality of life outcomes for patients after referral to a four-month treatment program for fecal incontinence based on pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback. Secondary objectives were to document patients subsequent treatment activities and their perception of the biofeedback training; to establish the long-term outcomes and initial predictors for the subset of patients who did not complete the treatment, or who failed to improve during the program; and to correlate changes in clinical outcome measures and quality of life over time. METHODS: Patients were contacted by telephone to determine their perception of progress subsequent to the treatment program, any subsequent treatment or activities relating to their fecal incontinence, and which aspect of the treatment program they believed was most helpful. St. Marks and Pescatori fecal incontinence scores were also recorded, along with patients self-assessments of their incontinence severity and quality of life. RESULTS: Eighty-three (69 percent) patients were contacted for interviews at a median of 42 (range, 26–56) months after program completion. At the time of follow-up, patients who completed the program continued to enjoy strongly significant improvements in all outcome measures, with 75 percent perceiving a symptomatic improvement and 83 percent reporting improved quality of life. For many patients, improvement continued subsequent to program completion. Patients whose incontinence scores became worse during treatment still reported improvement in their quality of life and perceived incontinence severity during the same time period; many experienced some degree of catch-up in their continence scores during the follow-up period. Fourteen patients (17 percent) went on to have surgery for fecal incontinence; of these, 6 (7 percent) had a stoma. Twenty (24 percent) regularly took antidiarrheal medication. Thirty program completers (41 percent) were continuing pelvic floor exercises. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the long-term improvement in fecal incontinence achieved through treatment with biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises. In this study, patients also continued to improve after treatment completion, possibly because of the strong emphasis placed on patients during treatment to continue the pelvic floor exercises on their own. The poor correlation between quality of life and quantitative scores of fecal incontinence suggests that there are important aspects of continence that are not being appropriately recognized.     

Fecal seepage and soiling: A problem of rectal sensation

PURPOSE: To determine the physiologic alteration resulting in fecal seepage and soiling, results of anorectal manometric testing were evaluated in patients with varying degrees of fecal incontinence. METHODS: Anal manometric studies performed on 170 patients with fecal incontinence were reviewed. Results of their studies, including mean resting pressure, maximum resting pressure, maximum squeezing pressure, minimum rectal sensory volume, and minimum volume at which reflex relaxation first occurs, were compared with those of 35 control group subjects with normal fecal continence. Manometric studies were performed using a four-channel, water-perfused catheter. Incontinent patients were divided into three groups based on presenting complaints: complete incontinence (incontinence of gas and liquid and solid stool), partial incontinence (incontinence of gas and liquid), and seepage and soiling (incontinence of small amounts of liquid and solid stool without immediate awareness). RESULTS: Resting pressures were significantly lower in complete incontinence, partial incontinence, and seepage and soiling groups than in the controls (P<0.001). Resting pressures of the complete incontinence group were also significantly lower than those of the partial incontinence and seepage and soiling groups (P=0.03). Squeezing pressures were lower for both the complete incontinence and partial incontinence groups than for those in the control group (P<0.001) and in the seepage and soiling group, which did not differ significantly from controls. The minimum rectal sensory volume was greater in all incontinent groups than in controls (P<0.001). Sensory volume of the seepage and soiling group was significantly greater than that of the complete incontinence and partial incontinence groups (P<0.01). The difference between sensory volume and the volume producing reflex relaxation was greatest in the seepage and soiling group and differed from that of the partial incontinence and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the mechanism of incontinence is different in seepage and soiling patients and involves a dyssynergy of rectal sensation and anal relaxation. Patients with the pattern of seepage and soiling may be successfully treated with stool bulking agents (e.g.,psyllium or bran).     

The safety and efficacy of the artificial bowel sphincter for fecal incontinence: results from a multicenter cohort study

PURPOSE: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and impact on quality of life of the Acticon artificial bowel sphincter for fecal incontinence. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted under a common protocol. Patients were evaluated with anal physiology, endoanal ultrasonography, a fecal incontinence scoring system, fecal incontinence quality of life assessment, and overall health evaluation. Patients with a fecal incontinence score of 88 or greater (scale, 1–120) were considered candidates for the study. Implanted patients underwent identical reevaluation at 6 and 12 months postimplant. RESULTS: One hundred twelve of 115 patients (86 females) enrolled were implanted. Mean age was 49 (range, 18–81) years. A total of 384 device-related or potentially device-related adverse events were reported in 99 enrolled patients. Of these events, 246 required no intervention or only noninvasive intervention. Seventy-three revisional operations were required in 51 (46 percent) of the 112 implanted patients. Infection rate necessitating surgical revision was 25 percent. Forty-one patients (37 percent) have had their devices completely explanted, of which 7 have had successful reimplantations. In patients with a functioning neosphincter, improvement in quality of life and anal continence was documented. Mean matched fecal incontinence scores in 63 patients at 6 months follow-up was improved from 105 preimplant to 51 postimplant. In 55 patients at 12 months follow-up, mean matched fecal incontinence scores were 105 preimplant vs. 48 postimplant. A successful outcome was achieved in 85 percent of patients with a functioning device. Intention to treat success rate was 53 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Although morbidity and the need for revisional surgery are high, the artificial bowel sphincter can improve anal incontinence and quality of life in patients with severe fecal incontinence.     

Antegrade Continence Enema in the Treatment of Congenital Fecal Incontinence Beyond Childhood

Purpose  The role of antegrade continence enema for the treatment of congenital fecal incontinence in adult patients remains unclear. Materials  Twenty-seven patients, median age 19 (range, 17–43) years, with congenital fecal incontinence underwent surgery for antegrade continence enema and were prospectively followed up for functional outcome after a median of 25 (range, 3–117) months. Results  The diagnoses included myelodysplasia (n = 14), anorectal malformations (n = 6), and others (n = 7). Antegrade continence enema conduits included appendicostomy (n = 22) and cecal (n = 2), ileal (n = 2), and sigmoid (n = 1) tubes. Thirteen (48 percent) patients had complications. Eighteen (66 percent) patients became fully continent, six (23 percent) had minor, and three (11 percent) major soiling. Antegrade continence enema became unnecessary in three patients (11 percent). Treatment with antegrade continence enema failed in three cases. Of the 21 patients who continued with antegrade continence enema, 16 (76 percent) are fully continent, and bowel function and quality of life was improved in 15 (71 percent) and 13 (62 percent) patients, respectively. The scores of convenience (1 = easy, 5 = difficult) and overall satisfaction (1 = poor, 10 = excellent) were median 2 (range, 1–4) and 8 (range, 3–10). Conclusions  Despite numerous complications and occasional treatment failures, 90 percent of adult patients with congenital fecal incontinence benefited from antegrade continence enema. Reprints are not available     

Rectal Hyposensitivity

PURPOSE: Blunted rectal sensation, or rectal hyposensitivity, has been reported anecdotally in patients with functional disorders of evacuation and continence. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of rectal hyposensitivity and whether the finding of such an abnormality was associated with any clinical impact. METHODS: One thousand three hundred fifty-one patients, referred for anorectal physiologic investigation, were divided according to presenting symptoms into the following categories: constipation (subdivided into infrequency of and/or obstructed defecation), fecal incontinence (subdivided into passive, postdefecation, and urge incontinence), fecal incontinence and constipation, or other. Rectal hyposensitivity was judged to be present when at least one of the sensory threshold volumes was elevated beyond the normal range (mean plus 2 standard deviations). The prevalence of rectal hyposensitivity was then calculated in each group and in relation to other investigations. RESULTS: Rectal hyposensitivity was present in 16 percent of patients, with males and females equally affected. Twenty-three percent of patients with constipation, 10 percent of patients with fecal incontinence, 27 percent of patients with incontinence associated with constipation, and only 5 percent of patients with other symptoms were found to have rectal hyposensitivity. In patients with obstructed defecation, rectal hyposensitivity was present in 33 percent with rectocele, 40 percent with intussusception, and 53 percent with no mechanical obstruction evident on evacuation proctography. CONCLUSION: Rectal hyposensitivity is common in patients with constipation and/or fecal incontinence and may thus be important in the etiology of such conditions. Although the clinical relevance of this physiologic abnormality is unknown, its presence may have implications regarding the management of hindgut dysfunction and particularly the selection of patients for surgery.     

Injectable Silicone Biomaterial for Fecal Incontinence Caused by Internal Anal Sphincter Dysfunction Is Effective

PURPOSE Fecal incontinence caused by a weak or disrupted internal anal sphincter is common but there has been no effective treatment. This prospective study evaluates the medium-term clinical effects of an injectable silicone biomaterial, PTP^TM (Bioplastique), used to augment the internal anal sphincter.METHOD Eighty-two patients (64 females; median age, 66 years) with severe fecal incontinence and a low anal resting pressure caused by internal anal sphincter dysfunction (defect, n = 11; intact, n = 71) were randomized to PTP^TM injection into intersphincteric space and internal anal sphincter with (Group A, n = 42) or without (Group B, n = 40) guidance by endoanal ultrasound. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, past anorectal surgery, duration of follow-up (median, 6 months; range, 1–12 months), and baseline continence score. Sixty-two percent of Group A and 55 percent of Group B had prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency.RESULTS There was no significant complication. Two patients in Group A and four patients in Group B noted minor discomfort at injection sites. At one month postprocedure, endoanal ultrasound confirmed retention of silicone biomaterial without migration. In both groups, fecal continence was significantly improved by PTP^TM implants 1 month after injection, but continued to improve significantly for up to 12 months in Group A and 6 months in Group B (P < 0.001). Improvement in fecal continence and maximum anal resting pressure was significantly greater in Group A, in whom injection was guided by endoanal ultrasound, than in Group B. At three months after injection, significantly more Group A patients than Group B patients achieved >50 percent improvement in Wexners continence score (69 percent vs. 40 percent; P = 0.014). Ninety-three percent of Group A and 92 percent of Group B had >50 percent improvement in global quality of life scores (visual analog scale). At a median follow-up of 6 months, all domains of the fecal incontinence quality of life scale improved significantly in both groups; however, the physical function and mental health scores of Short Form-12 only improved in Group A. A prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency had no effect on functional outcome in either group.CONCLUSION Injection of silicone biomaterial provided a marked improvement in fecal continence and quality of life in patients with internal sphincter dysfunction, despite the presence of pudendal neuropathy.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Dallas, Texas, May 8 to 13, 2004.     

Quality of Life After Subtotal Colectomy for Slow-Transit Constipation

PURPOSE: Subtotal colectomy reliably increases bowel-movement frequency in patients with slow-transit constipation, but its impact on quality of life is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between functional outcomes and quality of life after subtotal colectomy for slow-transit constipation. METHODS: We reviewed the charts and operative reports of all patients who underwent subtotal colectomy for slow-transit constipation from January 1992 to June 2001. We sent them a 54-question survey that inquired about bowel function and included a modified 36-item gastrointestinal quality-of-life index. Using Pearsons R, we correlated gastrointestinal quality-of-life index scores with specific functional outcomes. RESULTS: Of 112 patients (109 females), 28 had been lost to follow-up and 2 had died. In all, 75 surveys (67 percent) were returned. Most of these 75 patients (81 percent) were at least somewhat pleased with their bowel-movement frequency, but 41 percent cited abdominal pain; 21 percent, incontinence; and 46 percent, diarrhea at least some of the time. The overall mean gastrointestinal quality-of-life index score was 103 ± 22 of a maximum possible score of 144 (mean score for healthy controls, 126 ± 13). We found no correlation between frequency of bowel movements and gastrointestinal quality-of-life index score (R = –0.03). Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and incontinence each had a statistically significant negative impact on gastrointestinal quality-of-life index scores (P = 0.01). Patients who required permanent ileostomy had low gastrointestinal quality-of-life index scores (68 ± 24). The vast majority (93 percent) of patients stated they would undergo subtotal colectomy again if given a second chance. CONCLUSION: Subtotal colectomy for slow-transit constipation increases bowel-movement frequency; however, the persistence of abdominal pain and the development of postoperative incontinence or diarrhea adversely affect quality of life. Although most patients in the present study were satisfied with their results, quality-of-life scores should be used to assess postoperative outcome.     

Subtypes and symptoms of fecal incontinence in the Dutch population: a cross-sectional study

Purpose

To study the distribution of subtypes and symptoms of fecal incontinence in the general Dutch population.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of the general Dutch population. All respondents (N?=?1259) completed the Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaire. We assigned the respondents to a so-called healthy subgroup (n?=?1008) and a comorbidity subgroup (n?=?251). The latter subgroup comprised the respondents who reportedly suffered from chronic diseases and who had undergone surgery known to influence fecal continence. We defined fecal incontinence according to the Rome IV criteria.

Results

The combination of urge fecal incontinence and soiling was the most frequent form of fecal incontinence in the total study group, the “healthy” subgroup, and the comorbidity subgroup (49.0, 47.3, and 51.5%). Passive fecal incontinence was the least frequent form of fecal incontinence in all three groups (4.0, 5.4, and 2.2%). The prevalence and severity of fecal incontinence was significantly higher in the comorbidity subgroup than in the “healthy” subgroup. Only in the comorbidity subgroup did the fecally incontinent respondents feel urge sensation significantly less often before defecating than their fecally continent counterparts (16.5 versus 48.8%, P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Urge fecal incontinence combined with soiling is commonest in the general Dutch population. Chronic diseases and bowel and pelvic surgery both increase and aggravate fecal incontinence.

     

Biofeedback for fecal incontinence using transanal ultrasonography

PURPOSE: Neosphincter procedures may prove to be the treatment of choice for patients with neuropathic fecal incontinence but are rarely proposed for milder forms of the disease. Biofeedback may prove beneficial to these patients but is yet unproven. The objectives of this study were to develop a method of performing biofeedback using transanal ultrasound to teach the patient to contract repetitively and to determine biologic measures of sphincter function using transanal ultrasound in healthy and incontinent patients. METHODS: Initial uncontrolled studies were performed to determine the compliance, normal values, biologic measures of external sphincter strength (isotonic and isometric fatigue times), and early efficacy data using continence scores and visual analog scale scores. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were assessed during three months, with relative improvements in continence scores (St. Mark's Hospital, 40 percent; Pescatori, 20 percent) and patient and investigator visual analog scale scores (38 percent for both) and measurable increase in biologic fatigue times measured by transanal ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal ultrasound seems to be a method of teaching external sphincter contraction and measuring sphincter strength with good initial compliance. Clinically and statistically significant improvements in incontinence scores, visual analog scale scores, and biologic strength of the external sphincter were detected in the short-term follow-up with uncontrolled data. The randomized, controlled trial that we have begun will either confirm or refute these results.     

Long-term results of lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure with particular reference to incidence of fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is the procedure of choice for chronic anal fissure because it relieves symptoms and heals the fissure in nearly all patients. However, there is evidence that fecal incontinence complicates lateral internal sphincterotomy. The aim of this study was to examine the outcome of lateral internal sphincterotomy in terms of fissure healing and incidence of fecal incontinence. METHODS: Between 1984 and 1996, 585 patients underwent lateral internal sphincterotomy and were surveyed by questionnaire. Eighty-three percent (487/585) responded. The mean follow-up was 72 (range, 6–145) months. RESULTS: Fissures had healed by a median of three weeks after surgery in 96 percent of patients. Recurrent fissures occurred in 8 percent. Two thirds of the recurrent fissures healed on conservative management alone. Ninety-eight percent of patients were satisfied with the outcome of surgery, but some degree of fecal incontinence occurred in fully 45 percent of patients at some time in the postoperative period. Incontinence occurred in 53.4 percent of women and 33.3 percent of men (P<0.05). Incontinence to flatus, mild soiling, and gross incontinence occurred in 31, 39, and 23 percent of patients, respectively. However, by the time of survey (a mean of >5 years after lateral internal sphincterotomy) 6 percent reported incontinence to flatus, 8 percent had minor fecal soiling, and 1 percent experienced loss of solid stool. Importantly, only 3 percent of patients stated that incontinence had ever affected their quality of life. CONCLUSION: Although lateral internal sphincterotomy heals and relieves symptoms of chronic anal fissure in nearly all patients (96 percent), incontinence occurs frequently. Most episodes of incontinence are indeed minor and transient, but in a small subgroup, incontinence seems to be permanent.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 22 to 26, 1997.     

Clinical value of colonic irrigation in patients with continence disturbances

Continence disturbances, especially fecal soiling, are difficult to treat. Irrigation of the distal part of the large bowel might be considered as a nonsurgical alternative for patients with impaired continence. PURPOSE: This study is aimed at evaluating the clinical value of colonic irrigation. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (16 females; median age, 47 (range, 23–72) years) were offered colonic irrigation on an ambulatory basis. Sixteen patients suffered from fecal soiling (Group I), whereas the other 16 patients were treated for fecal incontinence (Group II). Patients were instructed by enterostomal therapists how to use a conventional colostomy irrigation set to obtain sufficient irrigation of the distal part of their large bowel. Patients with continence disturbances during the daytime were instructed to introduce 500 to 1,000 ml of warm (38°C) water within 5 to 10 minutes after they passed their first stool. In addition, they were advised to wait until the urge to defecate was felt. Patients with soiling during overnight sleep were advised to irrigate during the evening. To determine clinical outcome, a detailed questionnaire was used. RESULTS: Median duration of follow-up was 18 months. Ten patients discontinued irrigation within the first month of treatment. Symptoms resolved completely in two patients. They believed that there was no need to continue treatment any longer. Irrigation had no effect in two patients. Despite the fact that symptoms resolved, six patients discontinued treatment because they experienced pain (n=2) or they considered the irrigation to be too time-consuming (n=4). Twenty-two patients are still performing irrigations. Most patients irrigated the colon in the morning after the first stool was passed. Time needed for washout varied between 10 and 90 minutes. Frequency of irrigations varied from two times per day to two times per week. In Group I, irrigation was found to be beneficial in 92 percent of patients, whereas 60 percent of patients in Group II considered the treatment as a major improvement to the quality of their lives. If patients who discontinued treatment because of washout-related problems are included in the assessment of final outcome, the success rate is 79 and 38 percent respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with fecal soiling benefit more from colonic irrigation than patients with incontinence for liquid or solid stools. If creation of a stoma is considered, especially in patients with intractable and disabling soiling, it might be worthwhile to treat these patients first by colonic irrigation.Read at the meeting of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Lisbon, Portugal, April 14 to 18, 1996. No reprints are available.     

Extended Two-Year Results of Radio-Frequency Energy Delivery for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence (the Secca Procedure)

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the durability and long-term safety of radio-frequency energy delivery for fecal incontinence (Secca procedure). METHODS: This was an extended follow-up of a prospective study in which patients with fecal incontinence of various causes underwent radio-frequency energy delivery to the anal canal muscle. The Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale (0–20), fecal incontinence–related quality-of-life score, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 were administered at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedure. Differences between baseline and follow-up were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Ten females (aged 55.9 ± 9.2 (range, 44–74) years) were treated. At two-year follow-up, the mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale score was improved from 13.8 to 7.3 (P = 0.002), with eight patients having scores of 10. All fecal incontinence–related quality-of-life score parameters were improved, including lifestyle (from 2.3 to 3.3; P = 0.002), coping (from 1.7 to 2.7; P = 0.002), depression (from 2.4 to 3.4; P = 0.004), and embarrassment (from 1.5 to 2.4; P = 0.008). There was no decrement in effect noted in any parameter between 12 and 24 months (P > 0.2). The social function component of the Short Form 36 improved from 50 to 82.5 (P = 0.04), whereas there was an improvement trend for the mental component summary of the Short Form 36 from 38.3 to 48.1 (P = 0.11). Protective pad use was eliminated in four of the seven baseline users. There were no long-term complications, such as stricture, pain, or constipation. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement in symptoms of fecal incontinence and quality of life persists two years after radio-frequency delivery to the anal canal, which demonstrates durability of this intervention.     

Long-Term Results of Antegrade Colonic Enema in Adult Patients: Assessment of Functional Results

Purpose  This retrospective study reviewed long-term results in a large group of adult patients treated with antegrade colonic enema and antegrade colonic enema combined with a colostomy. Methods  Retrospective chart review identified 80 patients (64 females, mean age 51) surgically treated between 1993 and 2007 for fecal incontinence or constipation. Surgical treatments included 69 appendicostomies, 13 tapered ileum, 3 cecal tube, and 25 appendicostomy/neoappendicostomy combined with a colostomy. A 44-item questionnaire was mailed considering bowel regimen, complications, bowel function, social function, and quality of life. Results  Sixty-nine patients were available for follow-up (mean follow-up, 75 months). Thirty patients (38 percent) had surgical complications. Forty-three patients (62 percent) were still performing antegrade continence enema and 8 patients (12 percent) no longer needed it. Accordingly, treatment was successful in 51 patients (74 percent). Twenty-seven patients (63 percent) had side effects. Evaluation of bowel function, social function, and quality of life all showed significant improvement. Antegrade continence enema was successful in patients with neurologic disabilities (67 percent), anorectal injury (53 percent), idiopathic fecal incontinence (50 percent), and idiopathic fecal constipation (42 percent). Antegrade continence enema was successful in patients with constipation, incontinence, and mixed symptoms. Results did not differ between appendicostomy, neoappendicostomy, and the combined appendicostomy/neoappendicostomy and colostomy. Conclusion  Long-term results were favorable in most patients treated with antegrade continence enema for fecal incontinence or constipation. Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Tripartite Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, June 7 to 11, 2008.     

Long-term outcomes of a Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) for the treatment of fecal incontinence or constipation in adults

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the long-term outcome of a Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure for fecal incontinence or constipation in adults.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study assessed the long-term outcome and quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent a MACE procedure between 2005 and 2014 at the Maastricht University Medical Centre. Success rate was quantified by using Malone’s continence scale. Quality of life was assessed by validated questionnaires covering general quality of life (SF-36 and Karnofsky scale), current pain level (visual analog scale), fecal incontinence (Vaizey incontinence survey), or constipation (Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score).

Results

Based on patients’ records, 22 out of 30 patients (73%; 95% CI 54–87%) were still using their MACE. Mean follow-up was 43 months (SD 25.9) since time of surgery. According to the Malone continence scale, the overall success rate was 37% (95% CI 20.0–53.3). Nine patients developed a postoperative complication. Eighteen out of 22 patients (13 with constipation and 5 with fecal incontinence) returned the QoL questionnaires (82% response rate). Long-term quality of life of patients with a MACE did not differ from the general Dutch population.

Conclusions

In our cohort of patients with fecal incontinence or constipation, MACE resulted in a disappointed overall success rate of 37%. However, it may be indicated in patients who do not prefer more invasive surgical procedures or a definite stoma. The success and morbidity rate should be thoroughly discussed with the patients preoperatively.

     

Management of fecal incontinence in children without functional fecal retention

Opinion statement The management of the fecal incontinence in children is difficult, and its social consequences are usually devastating. The general objectives of any bowel program are to produce social continence, predictability, and eventually independence. How to achieve those goals depends in part on the underlying condition. In children, fecal incontinence can occur from a variety of conditions. The most common is overflow incontinence from functional fecal retention, but it can also occur in otherwise healthy children with functional nonretentive fecal soiling or in children with organic causes of fecal incontinence, such as congenital malformations, or any other condition affecting the anorectum, anal sphincters, or the spinal cord. The therapeutic regimen that is recommended in patients with nonretentive fecal soiling consists of explanation and support for the child and parents, a nonaccusatory approach, and a toilet training program with a rewarding system. Biofeedback does not play an important role, and laxatives need to be used with caution, as they may exacerbate the incontinence. For those patients with congenital/neuropathic incontinence a combination of maneuvers to change stool consistency, colonic transit, anorectal function, and rectosigmoid evacuation is used. Stool consistency can be changed with the use of dietary interventions or medications. Stool transit can be slowed (antimotility agents) or accelerated (laxatives) with the use of medications. Anorectal function can be improved with the use of biofeedback or procedures to alter sphincter pressure, and the production of a bowel movement can be induced with maneuvers to empty the sigmoid (suppositories, enemas). With the recent advent of the Antegrade Colonic Enema (ACE), the patient is then able to be predictable and independent. This procedure creates a continent conduit from the skin to the cecum that can be catheterized or accessed for self-administration of enemas. The ACE has revolutionized the treatment of children with fecal incontinence.     

Long-Term Results of Anterior Sphincteroplasty

PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of anterior sphincteroplasty in a large series with ten-year follow-up.METHODS The long-term results in 191 consecutive patients who were a median of ten years from sphincteroplasty were assessed. A questionnaire was administered to assess current bowel function, degree of incontinence, and quality of life as measured by the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale. Subjective assessment of early outcome was available for most patients at a median follow-up of three years.RESULTS During the follow-up period, three patients died and one developed severe dementia. Five patients required further surgery for incontinence and were considered failures. Of the remaining 182 patients, 130 (71 percent) returned a completed questionnaire. At ten years follow-up, 6 percent had no incontinence, 16 percent were incontinent of gas only, 19 percent had soiling only, and 57 percent were incontinent of solid stool. Results worsened significantly between the assessments at three and ten years. The only significant predictors of a poor outcome were older age and fecal incontinence at three years. Preoperative anorectal physiology studies did not predict outcome. Scores on the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale were lower in those with fecal incontinence, indicating a poorer disease-specific quality of life.CONCLUSIONS Only 40 percent of patients maintain fecal continence long-term after sphincteroplasty. Older patients and patients with poorer short-term function are more likely to have fecal incontinence at ten years. Incontinence at ten years had a negative effect on quality of life. Further research is needed to develop techniques to improve long-term continence in these patients.Reprints are not available.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 21 to 26 2003.     

Anal Sphincter Injury,Fecal and Urinary Incontinence

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the longterm outcome of forceps delivery in terms of evidence of anal sphincter injury and the incidence of fecal and urinary incontinence. METHODS: Women who delivered in 1964 were evaluated by using endoanal ultrasound, manometry, and a continence questionnaire. Women delivered by forceps were matched with the next normal delivery and elective cesarean delivery in the birth register. RESULTS: The womens overall obstetric history was evaluated. Women who had ever had a forceps delivery (n = 42) had a significantly higher incidence of sphincter rupture compared with women who had only unassisted vaginal deliveries (n = 41) and elective cesarean sections (n = 6) (44 vs. 22 vs. 0 percent; chi-squared 7.09; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the incidence of significant fecal incontinence between the three groups (14 vs. 10 vs. 0 percent) or significant urinary incontinence (7 vs. 19 vs. 0 percent). CONCLUSION: Anal sphincter injury was associated with forceps delivery in the past; however, significant fecal and urinary incontinence was not.     

Rectal mucosal prolapse in males: surgery is effective for fecal incontinence but not for obstructed defecation

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the functional outcome of transanal surgery in male patients suffering from fecal incontinence, soiling, and obstructed defecation associated with rectal mucosal prolapse.

Methods

All male patients who underwent transanal surgery (either stapled or Delorme mucosectomy) for rectal mucosal prolapse associated with fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation were prospectively enrolled in the study. The recruitment phase was 17 months (April 2011 to August 2012). Symptom evaluation was based on the validated scores preoperatively and 12 months after surgery (Wexner incontinence score and Wexner constipation score). The primary end point was “success,” which was defined as a 50 % reduction in symptoms. Using a decision-tree algorithm, patient groups with the highest and lowest chance of success were identified.

Results

Thirty-eight male patients (mean age 51 years) underwent transanal surgery for rectal mucosal prolapse. The predominant symptoms were fecal incontinence in 31 patients (82 %) and obstructed defecation in 7 (18 %). Stapled mucosectomy was performed in 34 patients and Delorme mucosectomy in 4 patients. No major morbidity occurred. Symptom resolution for soiling was 77 %, itching and mucus secretion were improved in 47 and 50 %, and bleeding resolved in 89 % of patients affected. Functional outcome was good in 90 % (28/31) of the patients with fecal incontinence but in only 28 % (2/7) for obstructed defecation. The Wexner incontinence score decreased significantly (11.1 vs. 3.9, p < 0.01), whereas the Wexner constipation score was not influenced (18.4 vs. 15.6, p > 0.05). Using a decision-tree algorithm, a success rate of 96 % was observed in patients with fecal incontinence associated with younger age (age <45 years) and no presence of fecal urgency prior to surgery.

Conclusions

Transanal stapled mucosectomy for rectal mucosal prolapse in males is effective for fecal incontinence, but not for obstructed defecation.     

Open <Emphasis Type="Italic">vs</Emphasis>. Closed Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy for Idiopathic Fissure-in-Ano: A Prospective,Randomized, Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Internal sphincterotomy remains the gold standard for treatment of anal fissure but is associated with a risk of imperfect continence. Recent studies have suggested that surgical technique (open vs. closed) may influence incontinence rates after sphincterotomy. This study was designed to assess the short-term and long-term incidence of incontinence after open and closed internal sphincterotomy.METHODS: Seventy-nine patients were randomly assigned to open or closed internal sphincterotomy, performed in standardized fashion by trainee staff. Standardized questionnaires assessing continence (modified Wexner score) were administered preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 52 weeks. Postoperative stay, pain scores, complications, and fissure healing were prospectively assessed by an independent observer.RESULTS: Three patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 36 closed (16 males; mean age, 45.1 years) and 40 open (21 males; mean age, 47.9 years) internal sphincterotomy patients for assessment. All operations were performed as day case procedures with no readmissions. At six weeks postoperative, 96 percent of fissures had healed. There were no significant differences in pain scores between closed and open internal sphincterotomy at Day 1 or Day 3 postoperative. New incontinence of any grade was seen in 6.8 percent of patients at 52-week follow-up. Three patients (4.1 percent, 1 closed, 2 open) suffered major incontinence at 52 weeks. There were no significant differences in continence at 1, 6, or 52 weeks, although more open patients experienced minor imperfections at 1 week.CONCLUSIONS: Incontinence after internal sphincterotomy is not insignificant. The technique (closed vs. open) does not seem to influence incontinence rates.Presented at the Colorectal Tripartite Meeting, Melbourne, Australia, October 28 to 31, 2002.     

Randomized, controlled trial of topical phenylephrine for fecal incontinence in patients after ileoanal pouch construction

INTRODUCTION: Fecal incontinence is experienced by some patients with an ileoanal reservoir pouch. The ₁-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine raises resting anal sphincter pressure in healthy volunteers and may be of value in these patients. METHODS: Twelve patients (7 female), median age 44 (range, 29–67) years were studied. All had fecal incontinence despite a noninflamed pouch of normal size and ultrasonographically structurally normal anal sphincter muscles. Patients were treated with topical 10 percent phenylephrine and placebo gels, allocated in random order in a double-blind, crossover study for two four-week periods. Before and during treatment, maximum resting anal sphincter pressure and anodermal blood flow were measured, a symptom questionnaire was completed, and incontinence score was determined using a validated scale. RESULTS: Six of 12 (50 percent) patients improved subjectively after phenylephrine compared with one on placebo (P=0.07). Four patients had complete cessation of incontinence with active treatment. Phenylephrine significantly reduced the incontinence score (P=0.015). It also resulted in a significant rise in mean maximum resting anal sphincter pressure when compared with placebo (P=0.012). For all 12 patients, mean percent subjective improvement was higher after phenylephrine compared with placebo (P=0.04). There were no side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Topical phenylephrine significantly improves fecal continence in patients with an ileoanal pouch. In some patients it totally eliminates nocturnal episodes. The mechanism of benefit is likely to be one of altered neural sphincter control. This is the first study of the use of a topical pharmacologic agent to treat fecal incontinence and may have a wider application.E. Carapeti is supported by the Robert Luff Foundation. Abstract presented at the meeting of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Jersey Channel Island, June 28 to July 1, 1998.