Biofeedback treatment is ineffective in neurogenic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to assess biofeedback treatment (active sphincter exercises under direct electromyography vision) in neurogenic fecal incontinence. METHODS: Twelve patients with neurogenic fecal incontinence have been studied prospectively. External sphincter contractions were exercised under direct electromyographic vision twice per day for 30 minutes during 12 weeks. Manometry was done at the beginning and after 12 weeks of training to evaluate objectively changes in sphincter functions. RESULTS: No patient experienced any improvement in fecal control. Mean resting pressure increased from 7 to 9 kPa and mean squeeze pressure from 3.9 to 4.9 kPA, which was of no statistical significance (P =0.20 and P =0.46, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: External sphincter contraction exercises under direct electromyographic vision are not effective in neurogenic fecal incontinence. Degree of continence does not improve, and external sphincter function is not increased significantly.     

Simplified solid sphere test to investigate anal sphincter strength in patients with anorectal diseases

PURPOSE: The solid sphere test has not gained general acceptance to investigate anal sphincters, despite its simplicity and low cost. We studied continent and incontinent patients to evaluate whether the solid sphere test is suitable in assessment of anal sphincter function. METHODS: Seventy colorectal patients with anal incontinence of varying severity were studied by means of incontinence grading, solid sphere test, and anal manometry. RESULTS: Anal sphincter strength, studied using the solid sphere test, declined gradually with increasing severity of anal incontinence from 1,186 (±334, SD) g in 28 continent patients to 619 (±256, SD) g in 13 patients with daily soiling (P<0.001). The test also correlated with anal manometry; there was positive correlation with maximum basal pressure (tr=0.643,P<0.001) and maximum voluntary contraction pressure (r=0.393,P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The solid sphere test is useful in the primary assessment of patients with anal incontinence as a screening test, but alone it is too inaccurate for clinical decision making.     

Transanal ultrasound and manometry in the evaluation of fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: This preliminary study was undertaken to clarify the role of ultrasonography of anal sphincters in the colorectal laboratory. METHODS: Twenty-eight parous female patients with fecal incontinence were evaluated with transanal ultrasonography (TAUS), anal manometry, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML). Ultrasound images were recorded and labeled in centimeters from the anal verge. The continuity of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) was identified as either intact or disrupted. The separation of the external anal sphincter (EAS) was measured at the 1.5-cm level and below. TAUS findings were then compared with anal manometric pressures. Clinical data were obtained by patient interview and examination during TAUS. RESULTS: Evidence of IAS disruption was associated with significantly decreased mean maximum resting pressures (P=0.023). EAS separation was inversely proportional to mean maximum squeezing pressures (r=?0.61). In the group of patients offered sphincteroplasty, the IAS was disrupted more often (P=0.016), mean maximum resting pressures were significantly lower (P=0.023), mean EAS separation was significantly greater (P=0.022), and mean PNTML was significantly faster (P=0.004). Twenty-five percent of patients with normal clinical examinations had significant muscular injury by TAUS requiring sphincteroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Manometric findings correlate significantly with anal sphincter defects visualized by TAUS. TAUS is useful in the evaluation and management of patients with fecal incontinence.     

Long-term outcome after overlapping anterior anal sphincter repair for fecal incontinence

Purpose

The aim was to assess long-term results and quality of life following anterior anal sphincter repair for anal incontinence.

Patients and methods

Twenty-three female patients underwent anterior anal sphincteroplasty over a 10-year period between January 1999 and January 2009 in a gynecological surgery department. Patients were asked to complete pre- and postoperative questionnaires comprising the Jorge and Wexner incontinence score. The secondary objective was to assess pre- and post-sphincteroplasty symptom severity and sexual quality of life. Mean follow-up was 87 months (median, 91.5 months). Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analysis was applied.

Results

Mean age was 52 years (±15.2), and mean postoperative Jorge and Wexner score, 7.5/20 (±4.1). Seventeen patients (85 %) declared themselves satisfied by the repair; 12 (60 %) showed good fecal continence. Fecal incontinence had a negative impact on quality of life for 15 % and on sexuality for 50 % of patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 85 % conservation of anal continence correction at 1 year, 74 % at 48 months, 67 % at 60 months, and 48 % at 84 months.

Conclusions

Overlapping anterior anal sphincter repair provided lasting improvement in fecal incontinence, with satisfactory long-term functional results. At 84 months’ follow-up, 48 % of patients maintained good fecal continence, with a satisfaction rate of 85 %. Anal sphincteroplasty may be a first-line attitude in young female fecal incontinence patients with a recent sphincter defect following initially undiagnosed obstetric trauma and also restores perineal comfort.     

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).     

Ergebnisse der Sphinkterrekonstruktion nach Parks: Welchen Einfluss haben der Grad der neurogenen Schädigung und die muskuläre Defektgröße?

Background: Results of sphincter reconstruction according to Parks and the influence of the degree of neurogene damage and muscular defect on postoperative outcome. Patients und Methods: In a retrospective study we investigated clinical and electromyographic parameters of 142 patients with second or third degree anal incontinence treated with Parks' sphincter reconstruction. Results: In 82% of the patients, complete continence (51%) or minor incontinence (31%) resulted postoperatively. Extent of preoperative sphincter defect showed a linear relationship to postoperative results. Severe neurogene damage was associated with poor functional outcome.We demonstrate a new quantifying electromyographic classification. Conclusion: Extent of sphincter defect and level of severe neurogene damage are important factors of postoperative functional results. Our new scheme of electromyographic findings allows more precise evaluation and prediction.     

Randomized trial of internal anal sphincter plication with pelvic floor repair for neuropathic fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the role of adjuvant internal anal sphincter plication in women with neuropathic fecal incontinence undergoing pelvic floor repair. METHODS: We completed a randomized trial with symptomatic and physiologic assessment before and after surgery. RESULTS: There was no symptomatic advantage of adding internal sphincter plication; the mean improvement of functional score was 3.61±1.82 (standard deviation;P <0.01) following pelvic floor repair alone compared with 2.80±1.66 (standard deviation;P <0.01) when adjuvant internal anal sphincter plication was added. The addition of internal sphincter plication was associated with a significant fall in maximum anal resting and squeezing pressures (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of internal sphincter plication is not advised in women with neuropathic fecal incontinence treated by pelvic floor repair.     

Anorectal function investigations in incontinent and continent patients

Anal manometry, rectal capacity measurement, and the saline-infusion test were performed in 350 patients, 178 of whom had fecal incontinence and 172 of whom were continent. Anal manometry was also performed in 80 control subjects, whose results were compared with the patients. Women and older patients exhibited lower pressures. Compared with continent patients, incontinent patients had lower anal sphincter pressures at rest and during squeeze, a smaller rectal capacity, and leaked earlier and more with the saline infusion test. Differentiation between incontinent and continent patients was not possible with a single test because there was complete overlap. The maximum squeeze pressure showed the best discrimination. Combining the three tests did not show better discrimination than any individual test. Anal pressure and rectal capacity below the normal range only were found in very few incontinent patients. The authors' study demonstrates that no prediction can be made about continence with anorectal function tests. Therefore, in the individual patient, an abnormal result in one test must be interpreted with caution and only in relationship with other tests, especially when therapeutic surgery is considered.     

Carbon-Coated Microbeads Anal Injection in Outpatient Treatment of Minor Fecal Incontinence

Purpose

Anal bulking agents are injected to pose a stronger obstacle to the involuntary passage of feces and gas. This prospective, multicenter study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Durasphere® anal injection for the treatment of fecal incontinence.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-three unselected patients with incontinence (24 females; mean age, 61.5?±?14 (range, 22–83) years) underwent anal bulking agent submucosal injection with carbon-coated microbeads (Durasphere®) in the outpatient regimen. The causes of incontinence were obstetric lesions in 18.2 percent, iatrogenic in 36.4 percent, rectal surgery in 12.1 percent, and idiopathic in 33.3 percent. Previous unsuccessful treatments for fecal incontinence included diet and drugs in 16 patients, biofeedback training in 7 patients, sacral nerve modulation in 6 patients, sphincteroplasty in 2 patients, artificial bowel sphincter in 1 patient, and PTQ macroplastique bulking agent in 1 patient. Under local anesthesia and antibiotic prophylaxis, a mean of 8.8 (range, 2–19) ml of Durasphere® were injected into the submucosa by using a 1.5-inch, angled, 18-gauge needle.

Results

After a median follow-up of 20.8 (range, 10–22) months, the median Cleveland Clinic continence score decreased significantly from 12 to 8 (P?P?=?0.0074), but the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life did not change significantly (74 to 76, P = not significant). Anal manometry significantly improved (resting pressure increasing from 34 to 42 mmHg; P?=?0.008) and squeezing pressure from 66 to 79 mmHg (P?=?0.04). Two patients complained of moderate anal pain for a few days after the implant, one patient had asymptomatic leakage of the injected material through a mucosa perforation, and two had distal migration of the Durasphere® along the dentate line.

Conclusions

Anal bulking agent injection is a safe treatment and can mitigate the severity of fecal incontinence by increasing anal pressure but does not significantly improve the quality of life.     

Anal sphincteroplasty for incontinence after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

PURPOSE: This report reviews two patients who underwent anal sphincteroplasty to improve continence after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). METHODS: A retrospective study of two patients was performed. RESULTS: Two patients underwent anal sphincteroplasty after IPAA for incontinence, one diagnosed preoperatively and one postoperatively. Both had had previous anal surgery. Satisfactory continence was achieved in both cases, despite modest changes in manometric studies. CONCLUSION: Anal sphincteroplasty should be considered after IPAA. The value of anorectal manometry in this situation is equivocal.     

Pudendal neuropathy in evacuatory disorders

PURPOSE: Aims of the present study were to assess frequency of pudendal neuropathy in patients with constipation and fecal incontinence, to determine its correlation with clinical variables, anal electromyographic assessment, and anal manometric pressures, and to determine usefulness of the pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment in evaluation of these evacuatory disorders. METHODS: From 1988 to 1993, 395 patients (constipated, 172; incontinent, 223) underwent pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, electromyography, and anal manometry. Pudendal neuropathy was defined as a pudendal nerve terminal motor latency greater than 2.2 ms. RESULTS: Patients were a mean age of 60.7 (range, 17–88) years. Overall incidence of pudendal neuropathy was 31.4 percent (constipated, 23.8 percent; incontinent, 37.2 percent; P<0.05). Incidence of pudendal neuropathy dramatically increased after 70 years of age in both groups (22 percent vs. 44 percent; P<0.05). Moreover, subjects with pudendal neuropathy were older than those without pudendal neuropathy (mean age, 67 vs. 57 years; P<0.05). The presence of pudendal neuropathy was associated with decreased motor unit potentials recruitment in patients with incontinence (P<0.01). Patients with and without pudendal neuropathy had a similar mean squeezing pressure in both groups. CONCLUSION: Pudendal neuropathy is an age-related phenomenon. Although pudendal neuropathy is associated with abnormal anal electromyographic findings in patients with incontinence, no association with anal manometric pressures was found. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency assessment is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with fecal incontinence, but its role in the assessment of constipated patients remains unknown.     

Study protocols and functional results in 86 electrostimulated graciloplasties

PURPOSE: This study analyzes different protocols adopted in 86 electrostimulated graciloplasties performed during the last eight years, comparing functional and manometry results in 63 patients. METHODS: Electrostimulated graciloplasties were performed to construct a neosphincter after surgical removal of the anorectum for cancer in 75 patients and to substitute the anal sphincter in 11 fully incontinent patients. An intermittent stimulation protocol, using external devices, was applied in the first 68 patients, while long-term stimulation was carried out with implantable stimulators and intramuscular electrodes in the last 18 patients. Sixty-three patients remaining under study were evaluated by questionnaires, continence scores, and manometry. RESULTS: In patients submitted to intermittent stimulation, continence was achieved in 71 percent of 42 “neosphincters” after rectal resection and in 33 percent of 3 incontinent patients. Adopting chronic stimulation, implantable stimulators and intramuscular electrodes, continence reached 100 percent and 83 percent, respectively. Significant differences were also observed in resting and voluntary pressure values between the intermittently and chronically stimulated patients. Incontinent patients showed after chronic stimulation significant increases in mean resting and maximum voluntary pressures: from 13.3 to 60.5 mmHg and from 32 to 103 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the efficacy of chronic stimulation and the validity of a bilateral, “one-time” graciloplasty to reconstruct or substitute the anal sphincter.     

Relationship between manometric anal waves and fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: The significance of manometric anal waves is uncertain, and their fate and diagnostic importance are unknown. It is conceivable that in neurogenic fecal incontinence (NFI) the frequency and amplitude of these waves may be altered into specific, recognizable patterns. Evaluation of this unexplored relationship between fecal incontinence and anal manometric waves has potential diagnostic use. METHODS: Anal motility was studied in 20 patients, each with NFI and traumatic fecal incontinence (TFI), and results were compared with findings in 20 control subjects to determine changes in frequency and amplitude of anal waves in fecal incontinence. RESULTS: Frequency of slow waves when present (NFI=9.5/minute; TFI=9.5/minute; control subjects=9.1/minute) was identical in the three groups (P>0.05). Amplitude of slow waves (NFI=mean, 4.3 mmHg; TFI=mean, 3.9 mmHg; control subjects =mean, 6.6 mmHg) was reduced in patients who were incontinent compared with control subjects but failed to reach statistical significance (P>0.05). Frequency of ultraslow waves when present (NFI=mean, 0.75/minute; TFI =mean, 0.6/minute; control subjects=mean, 1.2/minute) was not statistically different between the three groups (P>0.05). Amplitude of ultraslow waves (NFI=mean, 10.5 mmHg; TFI=mean, 23.4 mmHg; control subjects=mean, 29.6 mmHg) was significantly reduced in NFI vs.control subjects (P<0.01) and between TFI vs.control subjects (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Manometric slow and ultraslow waves, when present, retain their frequency characteristics, irrespective of underlying disease. Amplitude of slow waves was not statistically different from control subjects, but the amplitude of ultraslow waves was significantly decreased in patients who were incontinent.     

Audit of sphincter repair

PURPOSE: This study was designed to critically analyze the outcome of sphincter repair and, if possible, to identify high-risk factors. METHODS: Clinical and physiologic assessment was made of all sphincter repairs (42 patients) performed in one unit by two surgeons during five years. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (10 men, 32 women) underwent sphincter repair. Only three of five men with anterior defects of the anorectum from perineal trauma were rendered continent. Only three of five men with defects from fistula operations became continent, but one improved by later graciloplasty. All six women with fistula-related injuries eventually achieved continence, but two required repeat sphincter repairs because of early breakdown from sepsis. The worst results were in 26 women with third-degree obstetric injuries, of whom 11 remain incontinent; poor results in this group were associated with gross perineal descent, obesity, and age older than 50 years; two or more of these factors indicated a poor outcome. Preoperative anorectal physiology did not identify a poor-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: Poor results were identified in women with anterior defects from obstetric trauma, especially if they were obese, older than 50 years of age, and had perineal descent.     

Obstetric fecal incontinence

During the last five years, 37 patients with fecal incontinence because of childbirth have been investigated. Ages varied from 22 to 62 years and duration of symptoms from 0.3 to 26 years. Anal manometry was performed in all patients and electromyography was performed in 24 patients. Thirty patients underwent delayed sphincter repair. In all patients, a dehiscence was found anteriorly, bridged by scar tissue. Continence was restored in 25 patients (83 percent). Electromyography was performed postoperatively in patients who remained incontinent and who demonstrated severe denervation. All these patients had undergone previous sphincter repair. In seven patients, there were no signs of obstetric injury. Electromyography demonstrated severe denervation, but sphincter mapping did not demonstrate muscle discontinuity. Continence improved in four patients within one year as a result of reinnervation demonstrated by electromyography. The authors conclude that fecal incontinence after childbirth may be due to either obstetric rupture or denervation. Both disorders may coexist. Delayed sphincter repair gives excellent results provided that denervation is not present. Preoperative assessment with electromyography is mandatory.     

Endosonography of the anal sphincter after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to visualize supposed defects of the internal anal sphincter after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) by anal endosonography and to relate these findings with anal manometry and fecal continence. METHODS: We investigated 23 patients, visualized the sphincter complex by anal endosonography, and quantified the anatomic changes of the sphincter. Anal resting and squeezing pressures as well as length of the anal canal were determined by anal manometry. Continence was objectively scored by an observer not involved in treatment of patients and subjectively by patients themselves. RESULTS: At anal endosonography, the mean thickness of the internal anal sphincter was 1.16 mm (95 percent confidence interval, 0.98–1.33), which is significantly less than in normal volunteers. Tapering of the internal anal sphincter only occurred in six patients (of whom two had a gap in the internal sphincter). In 17 patients endosonography showed a thin internal anal sphincter without essential variation in thickness over the complete circumference. Approximately eight weeks after ileostomy closure following IPAA, maximum resting pressure (MRP) and length of the anal canal appeared to be significantly decreased compared with values before IPAA (P=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). These differences were less striking (P=0.05 and 0.04, respectively) when measured six or more months after ileostomy closure,. The extent of reduction of the MRP and thickness of the internal anal sphincter were not correlated with grade of continence or with subjectively scored continence. CONCLUSIONS: IPAA leads to a reduction of thickness of the internal anal sphincter and reduction of the MRP. Tapering or gaps in the internal anal sphincter are probably caused by direct trauma to this sphincter because of mucosectomy, whereas in cases of circular reduction of thickness of the internal anal sphincter without tapering or gaps, direct trauma is an unlikely explanation; this reduction is probably caused by denervation. IPAA compromises continence to a variable degree in 18 of 23 patients. No correlations were found between the extent of reduction of the MRP and the extent of reduction in internal anal sphincter thickness or between these two parameters and objectively or subjectively scored continence. Difficulties in obtaining reliable information on continence may be a causal factor. A striking discrepancy was noticed among objective, scored disturbances in continence, and overall satisfaction concerning level of continence by patients themselves.     

Anal sensitivity test: What does it measure and do we need it?

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the anal sensitivity in controls and in different patient groups and to establish factors that determine anal sensitivity. METHODS: Anorectal function tests were performed in 387 patients with different anorectal diseases. Anal sensitivity was measured in 36 controls. Anal sensitivity was measured by means of mucosal electrosensitivity (MES) using a catheter with two electrodes placed in the anal canal. A constant current (square wave stimuli 100 μsec, pulses per second) was increased stepwise from 1 to 20 mAmp until the threshold sensation was reached. Other tests used were anal manometry (maximum basal pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, rectal compliance (maximum rectal volume and pressure), endosonography (submucosal thickness), defects and thickness of internal and external sphincter), electromyography (maximum contraction pattern, Grade 1 (solitary contractions) to Grade 4 (interference pattern)), and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency. Multiple regression analysis was performed. It was postulated that age, local conditions (anal scars, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, mucosal prolapse, proctitis, sphincter thickness and defects, and submucosal thickness), and neurologic factors could influence anal sensitivity. RESULTS: Controls had an MES of 3.4±1.7. MES was significantly increased compared with controls in patients with fecal incontinence, soiling, hemorrhoids, mucosal prolapse, constipation, anal scars, anal surgery, and sphincter defects; patients with fecal incontinence had the highest MES (6.7±4.3;P <0.0001). Patients with anal fissures and proctitis showed no differences compared with controls. MES correlated significantly with age (R =0.29), maximum basal pressure (R =?0.29), maximum squeeze pressure (R =?0.32), submucosal thickness (R =0.19), maximum contraction pattern (R =?0.39), single-fiber electromyography (R =0.39), and maximum rectal volume and pressure (0.14). Multiple regression analysis showed that age, internal sphincter defects, and submucosal thickness significantly influenced anal sensitivity, but explained only 10 percent of the variance. CONCLUSION: Anal sensitivity is diminished in all patients with anorectal diseases except for anal fissures and proctitis. There are correlations with other anorectal function tests. Anal sensitivity is determined for 10 percent by age, internal sphincter defects, and thickness of the submucosa. Anal sensitivity measurement, therefore, has limited clinical value and should be used in conjunction with other tests in a research setting.     

Quantifying the extent of fistulotomy. How much sphincter can we safely divide? A three-dimensional endosonographic study

Purpose

To quantify the longitudinal division of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) after fistulotomy using three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) and correlate the results with postoperative faecal incontinence.

Methods

A prospective, consecutive study was performed from December 2008 to October 2010. All patients underwent 3D-EAUS before and 8?weeks after surgery. Thirty-six patients with simple perianal fistula were included. Patients with an intersphincteric or low transphincteric fistula (<66% sphincter involved) without risk factors for incontinence underwent fistulotomy. The outcome measures were the longitudinal extent of division of the IAS and EAS in relation to total sphincter length and continence (Jorge and Wexner scores).

Results

One-year follow-up revealed a 0% recurrence rate. There was a strong correlation between preoperative 3D-EAUS measurement of fistula height with intraoperative and postoperative 3D-EAUS measurement of IAS and EAS division (p?p?>?0.05).

Conclusions

In patients without risk factors, division of the EAS during fistulotomy limited to the lower two thirds of the EAS is associated with excellent continence and cure rates.     

Continence disorders after anal fistulotomy

PURPOSE: This study was designed to detect factors that predict the occurrence of continence disorders after anal fistulotomy. METHODS: A retrospective study of the charts of 312 patients was undertaken. A questionnaire was sent to all patients, with a response rate of 90 percent. RESULTS: Minor continence disorders occurred in 73 patients, incontinence did not occur. Multivariate analysis (chi-squared test) was performed showing that extensions (P=0.008), location (P=0.03), and level (P=0.029) of the anal opening appeared to be independent factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with high openings, posterior openings, or fistula extensions are at risk to develop continence disorders after anal fistulotomy.     

Vectormanometry for differential diagnosis of fecal incontinence

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the reliability of three-dimensional vectormanometry for differential diagnosis of fecal incontinence. METHODS: Eight-channel, continuous pull-out perfusion manometry was performed on 23 female patients with traumatic (n=11) or idiopathic (n=12) incontinence, respectively. RESULTS: At rest, the minimum sector pressure of patients with traumatic incontinence (32±14 mmHg) was significantly lower than it was in the controls (76±16 mmHg) and in those with idiopathic incontinence (64±28 mmHg) (P<0.001). At maximum squeezing, the minimum sector pressure was 57±22 mmHg in patients with traumatic incontinence and 79±33 mmHg in those with idiopathic incontinence, both being significantly lower than in the control group with 152±27 mmHg (P<0.001). The asymmetry index of the patients with a sphincter defect was significantly higher, both at rest (23±13 percent) and squeeze (26±12 percent), in comparison with the control group (7 ±2 percent at rest and 6.2±1.6 percent at squeeze) and the patients with idiopathic incontinence (10±5 percent at rest and 8.4±4 percent at squeeze). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional vectormanometry identifies localized pressure deficits in the anal canal, thereby differentiating between sectorial and global sphincter insufficiency.