RECONSTRUCTION OF AN ANAL SPHINCTER USING THE GLUTEUS MAXIMUS MUSCLE

ABSTRACT

Anal incontinence following pelvic trauma, surgery, or neurologic disorders has significant medical and social implication. Both Chetwood in 1902 and Bistom in 1944 utilized coccygeal origin portion of the gluteus maximus muscle for the anal sphincter reconstruction. The gluteus maximus muscle is a broad, fan-shaped muscle with a wide origin from the ilium sacrum and coccyx and a narrow insertion along the iliotibial band of the lateral femur. Its blood supply is from the inferior gluteal artery and its innervation is from L-5, S-1 roots by means of the inferior gluteal nerve Incisions are placed at the inferior border of the ischial tuberosity. Subcutaneous tunnels are created about the rectum and gluteal and perirectal incisions. Two overacting slings are being created Their opposing pull creates sphincter or valve effect about the distal rectum. We have experienced 2 cases of irregular, deep soft tissue defects of the perianal region requiring muscle coverage with the gluteus maximus muscle overlapping slings. We think the use of the gluteus maximus muscle is one of the most useful method for reconstruction of the anal sphincter mechanism.