Anal incontinence is a devastating condition that significantly reduces the quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of human adipose stem cell (hASC) injections in a rat model for anal sphincter injury, which is the main cause of anal incontinence in humans. Furthermore, we tested if the efficacy of hASCs could be improved by combining them with polyacrylamide hydrogel carrier, Bulk...

CONTEXT Obstetric anal sphincter injuries occur uncommonly in Caribbean practice but are accompanied by substantial morbidity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinicians' compliance with management guidelines at a national referral hospital in Jamaica. DESIGN Retrospective review of the records of all consecutive obstetric patients with anal sphincter injuries between November 1, 2007, and December 3...

Hypothesis / aims of study Fecal incontinence is a major debilitating condition that primarily affects women due to childbirth injuries. Most women who have acute injury to their anal sphincters remain asymptomatic, and injuries remain occult for a long time before women present with symptoms of fecal incontinence. Although anal physiology has been investigated previously, no animal model has b...

Obstetric injury is the commonest cause of anal incontinence. We report a case of anal incontinence as a result of severe chronic fourth-degree perineal tear secondary to birthing with complete disruption of the perineum. Secondary repair consisting of an anterior sphincter repair and levatorplasty in a poor resourced area rendered excellent immediate clinical result. The outcome of anterior sp...

The development of fecal incontinence after childbirth is a common event. This incontinence responds to a multifactorial etiology in which the most common element is external anal sphincter injury. There are several risk factors, and it is very important to know and avoid them. Sphincter injury may result from perineal tear or sometimes by incorrectly performing an episiotomy. It is very import...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Anal sphincter weakness and rectal sensory disturbances contribute to faecal incontinence (FI). Our aims were to investigate the relationship between symptoms, risk factors, and disordered anorectal and pelvic floor functions in FI. METHODS In 52 women with "idiopathic" FI and 21 age matched asymptomatic women, we assessed symptoms by standardised questionnaire, anal press...

Background and aims: Anal sphincter weakness and rectal sensory disturbances contribute to faecal incontinence (FI). Our aims were to investigate the relationship between symptoms, risk factors, and disordered anorectal and pelvic floor functions in FI. Methods: In 52 women with ‘‘idiopathic’’ FI and 21 age matched asymptomatic women, we assessed symptoms by standardised questionnaire, anal pre...

Widespread popularity of the double-stapler technique has created the potential for anal sphincter and anal canal injury during transanal insertion of the end-to-end anastomosing stapler. The Faensler operating anoscope helps eliminate that potential by symmetrically dilating the anal canal, thereby permitting atraumatic insertion of the end-to-end anastomosing stapler.

BACKGROUND Despite the surge of new medical and surgical approaches to treat fecal incontinence, the types of sphincter abnormalities in patients with incontinence have not been well characterized. We aimed to categorize anal sphincter dysfunction using anorectal manometry in patients with fecal incontinence as a potential guide for improved treatment. METHODS A retrospective review of 162 co...