Fecal Incontinence due to Sphincter Muscle Loss: Present Palliative Strategies

Introduction Fetal incontinence due to agenesis or damage of the sphincter apparatus is a major cause of social dilemma in the pediatric, adolescent and adult population. The anal sphincter consists of an internal sphincter which is a smooth muscle complex and is responsible among other factors for the maintenance of resting pressures. The internal sphincter is surrounded by an external sphincter which is a skeletal muscle complex and is responsible for the voluntary control of defecation. In the neonatal patient, anorectal malformations especially the high forms of anal atresia are associated with varying severities of incontinence. This monogram addresses the various “make-shift” options applied for the maintenance of incontinence.