Dynamic graciloplasty for anal atresia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess whether an electrically stimulated graciloplasty (dynamic graciloplasty) can achieve continence in nine patients with anal atresia (median age, 28 years; range, 18 to 40). As the first procedure, a gracilis muscle was transposed. Six weeks later, intramuscular electrodes were implanted and connected to a pulse generator. Eventually, the muscle was gradually trained, by electrical stimulation, to achieve fecal continence. Continence was obtained in five patients (55%). Manometry demonstrated an increase in mean anal pressure, from 36 mm Hg (without stimulation) to 52 mm Hg (with stimulation), after 8 weeks (mean increase, 16 mm Hg, [95% confidence interval, 8, 24 mm Hg; n = 9; P < .01). Failures resulted from a noncontracting distal part of the gracilis muscle (in three patients) and a nondistending rectum (in one patient). We conclude that dynamic graciloplasty can achieve continence in a substantial number of patients with thus-far untreatable incontinence after surgical correction for anal atresia.