ABSTRACT
This paper delineate the definition,etiology and treatment of fecal incontinence,Initial management of fecal incontinence consists of supportive care and medical therapy.If patients fail to re-spond to initial management,such patients should undergo additional evaluation(such as anorectal manom-etry,endorectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging)to detect functional and structural abnormali-ties causing fecal incontinence and to guide subsequent management.For patients who fail to respond to initial management,options include biofeedback,injectable anal bulking agent,sacral nerve stimulation, and anal sphincteroplasty.Dynamic graciloplasty and artificial anal sphincter devices are associated with significant morbidity and should therefore only be used to treat refractory fecal incontinence.Fecal diver-sion with a colostomy should be reserved for patients with intractable symptoms who are not candidates for any other therapy,or in whom other treatments have failed.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Permacol has been gaining popularity in recent times for the treatment of fecal incontinence (FI). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anal submucosal Permacol injection in the treatment of FI. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent Permacol injection for FI over a 3-year period were included. Patients' data relating to obstetric history, anorectal/pelvic operations, type of FI, preoperative anorectal physiology results and follow-up details for outcome measures were collected. Preoperative and postoperative Cleveland Clinic Florida Incontinence Scores (CCFISs) were noted. Patients were surveyed by using a telephone questionnaire to assess the quality of life and other outcome measures. Data were analysed using SPSS ver.19.0. RESULTS: Thirty patients (28 females and 2 males) with a median age of 67 years were included in the study. Of those patients, 37%, 50%, and 13% were noted to have passive, mixed and urge FI, respectively. Six of the patients (20%) had repeat Permacol injections, 5 of whom had sustained responses to the first Permacol injection for a mean of 11 months. There was a significant improvement in the CCFIS from a baseline median of 12.5, mean 12.8 interquartile range [IQR], 6-20), to a median of 3.5, mean 4.8 (IQR, 0-20), P < 0.001. Of the patients surveyed by telephone 89% were satisfied with their overall experience and the improvement in their symptoms following Permacol injections. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that Permacol injection for the treatment of FI is safe and effective and has no associated major complications. However, the results are not permanent; consequently, a significant proportion of the patients with an initial response may require repeat injections.