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Anal sphincter repair for fecal incontinence: effect on symptom severity, quality of life, and anal sphincter squeeze pressures

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of external anal sphincter repair on fecal incontinence symptoms, quality of life, and anal sphincter squeeze pressures.

Methods

The fecal incontinence symptoms and impact on quality of life, patient satisfaction, and anorectal manometry were assessed pre- and post-operatively.

Results

One hundred four women were eligible and 74/104 (71%) returned post-operative questionnaires. Fifty-four of 74 (73%) had pre- and post-operative questionnaires. Twenty-five of 74 (34%) had pre- and post-operative anorectal manometry measures. Mean length of follow-up for participants (n = 54) was 32 ± 19 months. Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire scores decreased from 47.3 ± 21.9 to 28.4 ± 24.3 (p < 0.01) and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index scores from 30.6 ± 13.0 to 21.6 ± 15.5 (p < 0.01). Seventy-seven percent of the participants was satisfied. Sphincter squeeze pressures increased from 53.4 ± 25.0 to 71.8 ± 29.1 mmHg (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

External anal sphincter repair resulted in sustained improvements in fecal incontinence severity and quality of life along with improved anal sphincter squeeze pressures.

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Acknowledgments

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) ARRA Administrative Supplement 3K24DK068389-05S1 and 2DK24-DK068389 granted financial support to HER.

Conflicts of interest

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Women’s Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Jonathan Lee Gleason, Wm Jerod Greer & Holly E. Richter

  2. Department of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Alayne Markland

  3. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Alayne Markland

  4. Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Jeff M. Szychowski

  5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, MN, USA

    Kimberly A. Gerten

  6. 1700 6th Ave South, Suite 10382, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA

    Jonathan Lee Gleason

Authors
  1. Jonathan Lee Gleason
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  2. Alayne Markland
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  3. Wm Jerod Greer
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  4. Jeff M. Szychowski
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  5. Kimberly A. Gerten
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  6. Holly E. Richter
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan Lee Gleason.

Additional information

Oral presentation of this study was made at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons at San Antonio, TX, on April 11–13, 2011.

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Gleason, J.L., Markland, A., Greer, W.J. et al. Anal sphincter repair for fecal incontinence: effect on symptom severity, quality of life, and anal sphincter squeeze pressures. Int Urogynecol J 22, 1587–1592 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1551-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1551-8

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