The gracilis sling for fecal incontinence

During the past 20 yr, we have transplanted the gracilis muscle to the perianal position for use as a sphincter to achieve continence in 7 completely incontinent children, ages 7 to 16 yr. Complete continence was achieved in three, three were improved and one transplant became infected and failed completely. The procedure has been performed as originally described by Pickrell. The bowel must be impeccably clean prior to the operation and the muscle must be sutured as tightly as possible about the anus. These two details, in addition to postoperative training, are essential for a successful result.