Summary
We report a case of traumatic anal incontinence successfully treated by the trans plant of a gracilis muscle sling, using the technique described by Pickrellet al. in 1952. Although gracilis muscle transplant has been used in the treatment of congenital anal incontinence, its use in traumatic cases has not been widely accepted. Instead, many techniques offering uncertain results have been employed. We believe that Pickrell’s technique is a worthwhile procedure in the presence of traumatic anal incontinence, particularly with noniatrogenic large perineal wounds, and that establishment of a temporary colostomy immediately after the injury, together with use of surgical steel sutures and antibiotics, is very helpful in averting posttransplant infection.
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References
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Pickrell KL, Broadbent TR, Masters FW, et al: Construction of a rectal sphincter and restoration of anal continence by transplanting the gracilis muscle: A report of four cases in children. Ann Surg 135:853, 1952
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Read at the joint meeting of the Section of Proctology, Royal Society of Medicine. the Section of Colonic and Rectal Surgery, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Washington, D. C., May 22 to 25, 1974.
Aggregate Professor of Anatomy, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Surgeon and Consultant in Colon and Rectal Surgery, Centro Médico de Caracas.
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Nieves, P.M., Valles, T.G., Arangúren, G. et al. Gracilis muscle transplant for correction of traumatic anal incontinence: Report of a case. Dis Colon Rectum 18, 349–354 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02587400
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02587400