Treatment Of Fecal Incontinence Research Articles

The effect of low-level laser therapy on external anal sphincter repair and treatment of fecal incontinence: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

The effect of low-level laser therapy on external anal sphincter repair and treatment of fecal incontinence: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Microfluidic-Generated Injectable Bulking Agents with Biocompatible Surfaces and Their Mid-term Outcomes in a Rat Model with Anal Sphincter Injury.

Bulking agents have gained attention as new, minimally invasive treatments for fecal incontinence. Various materials and surface treatment techniques have been extensively studied to ensure good biocompatibility and long-term stability. Despite significant improvements in biocompatibility, the nonuniform particle size of existing materials has led to other challenges, such as the induction of phagocytosis or reduction of injectability during in vivo tests. This study aimed to conduct a preclinical test of the midterm stability of bulking agents with newly formulated particles with uniform size. To this end, the particles were fabricated using microfluidics, resulting in a narrow size dispersity of less than 5% as the coefficient of variation, which is essentially distinct from conventional bulking agents. The microfluidic fabrication resulted in uniformly sized particles larger than the in vivo migratory limit of 80 μm and in a reduction in maximum injection pressure. Histological staining and microscopic observations confirmed proper positioning of the filler materials in vivo and a negligible immune response for up to 6 months, indicating successful midterm stability.

Gatekeeper™ Prostheses Implants in the Anal Canal for Gas Incontinence and Soiling: Long-Term Follow-Up

Introduction: Although several treatments for faecal incontinence are available, gas incontinence (GI) and soiling are difficult to manage. The aim of this study is to evaluate Gatekeeper™ for this subtype of faecal incontinence. Methods: Prospective single-centre case series. Patients with mainly soiling and/or GI were treated with polyacrylonitrile prostheses. An evaluation was performed with a 3-week continence diary. St. Mark’s score and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to study the patient’s continence perception and surgical satisfaction, at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. 3D-Endoanal Ultrasound and Anorectal Manometry were performed at baseline and postoperatively. Results: A total of 13 patients were enrolled (11 women), aged (median (IQR)) 62 (13) years, and all implants were uneventful. A significant reduction in soiling and GI episodes was documented at 1 year, 7 (18) baseline days of soiling/3 weeks vs. 2 (4) (p = 0.002); 13 (13) baseline episodes of GI/3 weeks vs. 4 (10) (p = 0.01). This improvement was correlated with a significant increase in VAS (0–10), 3 (2, 5) baseline vs. 7 (1, 5) (p = 0.03), and maintained throughout the follow-up. There was complete remission or significant improvement defined as >70% reduction in gas and soiling days in 6 patients at 2 years follow-up. Soiling episodes were reduced ≥70% in 8/11 patients (72.7%). Nine (70%) patients would repeat the treatment. Conclusions: Gatekeeper™ is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for soiling and GI. A significant reduction in soiling and GI was observed in our series, with a better response to soiling. Most of the patients would repeat the treatment. Other studies are needed to confirm these findings in this subgroup of FI patients.

S728 Comparative Effectiveness of Biofeedback and Dextranomer/Hyaluronate Injection for Treatment of Fecal Incontinence: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

S728 Comparative Effectiveness of Biofeedback and Dextranomer/Hyaluronate Injection for Treatment of Fecal Incontinence: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Botulinum toxin injections for treatment of faecal incontinence after rectal resection.

Botulinum toxin injections for treatment of faecal incontinence after rectal resection.

Risk factors for complications following sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence: Long-term follow-up.

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become a standard surgical treatment for faecal incontinence (FI). Prior studies have reported various adverse events of SNM, including suboptimal therapeutic response, infection, pain, haematoma, and potential need for redo SNM. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with long-term complications of SNM. This retrospective cohort reviewed patients who underwent two-stage SNM for FI at our institution between 2011-2021. Preoperative baseline characteristics and follow-up were obtained from the medical record and/or by telephone interview. Management and outcome of each postoperative event were evaluated by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. A total of 291 patients (85.2% female) were included in this study. Postoperative complications were recorded in 219 (75.2%) patients and 154 (52.9%) patients required surgical intervention to treat complications. The most common postoperative event was loss of efficacy (46.4%). Other common adverse events were problems at the implant site (pain, infection, etc.) in 16.5% and pain during stimulation in 11.7%. Previous vaginal delivery (OR 2.74, p = 0.003) and anal surgery (OR = 2.46, p = 0.039) were independent predictors for complications. Previous colorectal (OR = 2.04, p = 0.026) and anal (OR = 1.98, p = 0.022) surgery and history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (OR = 3.49, p = 0.003) were independent predictors for loss of efficacy. Postoperative adverse events are frequently recorded after SNM. Loss of efficacy is the most common. Previous colorectal or anal surgery, vaginal delivery, and IBS are independent risk factors for complications.

Efficacy of Traditional Acupuncture Compared to Biofeedback Therapy in Fecal Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fecal incontinence has a devastating impact on quality of life and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. Best medical therapy, including biofeedback therapy, improves mild symptoms with minimal impact on moderate to severe symptoms. Surgical management for incontinence carries a degree of morbidity, resulting in low uptake and acceptability. Although acupuncture is common practice in Singapore for numerous medical conditions, its role in fecal incontinence is relatively novel. In our local context, however, acupuncture is accessible, inexpensive, and potentially well accepted as a treatment strategy. To determine the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, compared to biofeedback therapy, in the treatment of fecal incontinence. The secondary aim is to investigate the differences in quality of life after treatment. Randomized controlled trial. Prospective, single-institution study. Patients with 2 or more episodes of fecal incontinence per week or St. Mark's incontinence score of 5 or higher were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned into biofeedback therapy, which included 3 sessions over 10 weeks, or 30 sessions of acupuncture over 10 weeks. Incontinence episodes, St. Mark's score, and fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale. Eighty-five patients were randomly assigned to biofeedback therapy (n = 46) or acupuncture (n = 39). Demographics and baseline clinical characteristics were not different ( p > 0.05). Overall median incontinence episodes were reduced in both, with the acupuncture arm reporting significantly fewer episodes at week 15 ( p < 0.001). Acupuncture also improved quality of life, with improvement in lifestyle, coping, depression, and embarrassment at week 15 ( p < 0.05). Although the St. Mark's score was significantly reduced in both arms at week 15 ( p < 0.001), the acupuncture arm's score was significantly lower ( p = 0.002). Longer follow-up is required. Acupuncture is clinically effective and improves the quality of life in patients with fecal incontinence. See Video Abstract . Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT04276350. ANTECEDENTES:La incontinencia fecal tiene un impacto devastador en la calidad de vida e impone una carga socioeconómica sustancial. La mejor terapia médica, incluida la terapia de biorretroalimentación, mejora los síntomas leves, con un impacto mínimo sobre los síntomas moderados a graves. El tratamiento quirúrgico de la incontinencia conlleva un grado de morbilidad que resulta en una baja aceptación y aceptabilidad. Si bien la acupuntura es una práctica común en Singapur para numerosas afecciones médicas, su papel en la incontinencia fecal es relativamente novedoso. Sin embargo, en nuestro contexto local, la acupuntura es accesible, económica y potencialmente bien aceptada como estrategia de tratamiento.OBJETIVO:Determinar la efectividad de la acupuntura de la Medicina Tradicional China, en comparación con la terapia de biorretroalimentación en el tratamiento de la incontinencia fecal. El objetivo secundario es investigar las diferencias en la calidad de vida después del tratamiento.DISEÑO:Ensayo controlado aleatorio.AJUSTE:Estudio prospectivo de una sola institución.PACIENTES:Se reclutaron pacientes con >2 episodios de incontinencia fecal/semana o una puntuación de incontinencia de St. Mark's >5. Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a una terapia de biorretroalimentación que incluyó 3 sesiones durante 10 semanas o 30 sesiones de acupuntura durante 10 semanas.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Episodios de incontinencia, puntuación de St. Mark's y escala de calidad de vida de incontinencia fecal.RESULTADOS:Ochenta y cinco pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a terapia de biorretroalimentación (n = 46) o acupuntura (n = 39). Las características demográficas y clínicas iniciales no fueron diferentes ( p > 0,05). La mediana general de episodios de incontinencia se redujo en ambos, y el grupo de acupuntura informó significativamente menos en la semana 15 ( p <0,001). La acupuntura también mejoró la calidad de vida, con mejoras en el estilo de vida, el afrontamiento, la depresión y la vergüenza en la semana 15 ( p <0,05). Mientras que la puntuación de St Mark se redujo significativamente en ambos brazos en la semana 15 ( p < 0,001), la puntuación del brazo de acupuntura fue significativamente menor (p = 0,002).LIMITACIONES:Se requiere un seguimiento más prolongado.CONCLUSIONES:La acupuntura es clínicamente efectiva y mejora la calidad de vida en pacientes con incontinencia fecal. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

Patient Satisfaction With Long-term Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence: Experience From a Single Tertiary Center.

Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment for fecal incontinence in the long term. Efficacy is typically assessed using bowel diary, symptom severity, and quality-of-life questionnaires, and "success" is defined as more than 50% improvement in these measures. However, patient satisfaction may be a more meaningful and individualized measure of treatment efficacy. To assess patient-reported satisfaction with long-term sacral neuromodulation and compare it to the frequently applied efficacy measures. An observational study of a prospectively maintained database. A single tertiary pelvic floor referral unit. Data from 70 patients (68 women, median age 69 [60-74] years) were available. The median time since implantation was 11 (9-14) years. Nineteen patients reported inactive neuromodulation devices. Bowel diaries, the Manchester Health Questionnaire, and the St. Mark's Incontinence Score were recorded at baseline, after percutaneous nerve evaluation, and at the last follow-up. Patient-reported satisfaction, using a 0% to 100% visual analog scale, with treatment since implantation (overall) and in the 2 weeks preceding completion of the last outcome measures (current) were also assessed. Satisfaction was significantly higher in those with active sacral neuromodulation devices (75% vs 20%, p < 0.001) at follow-up. No significant relationships exist between symptom improvement using conventional measures and patient-reported satisfaction. Current satisfaction was not associated with changes in bowel diary data after percutaneous nerve evaluation. Despite improvements in the St. Mark's Incontinence Score and Manchester Health Questionnaire below the 50% improvement threshold used to define "success," patients reported high (80%) satisfaction. Retrospective design with gaps in the available data. High patient satisfaction with sacral neuromodulation can be achieved; however, the response to percutaneous nerve evaluation may not predict treatment satisfaction in the long term. The change in questionnaire results, which measure the use of compensatory behaviors and quality-of-life impact, may better correspond to treatment satisfaction. ANTECEDENTES:La neuromodulación sacra es un tratamiento eficaz para la incontinencia fecal a largo plazo. La eficacia suele evaluarse mediante cuestionarios sobre la frecuencia diaria intestinal, la gravedad de los síntomas o la calidad de vida, y el "éxito" se define como una mejoría >50% en estas medidas. Sin embargo, la satisfacción del paciente puede ser una medida más significativa e individualizada de la eficacia del tratamiento.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la satisfacción a largo plazo de los pacientes con la neuromodulación sacra y compararla con las medidas de eficacia aplicadas con frecuencia.DISEÑO:Estudio observacional de una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.LUGAR:Unidad terciaria única de referencia de suelo pélvico.PACIENTES:Se dispuso de datos de 70 pacientes (68 mujeres, mediana de edad 69 [60-74]). La mediana de tiempo transcurrido desde la implantación fue de 11 (9-14) años. Diecinueve pacientes informaron de dispositivos de neuromodulación inactivos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Diarios intestinales, el Cuestionario de Salud de Manchester y la Puntuación de Incontinencia de St Marks registrados al inicio, tras la evaluación percutánea del nervio y en el último seguimiento. Los pacientes informaron de su satisfacción, utilizando una escala analógica visual de 0%-100%, con el tratamiento desde la implantación (global) y en las dos semanas anteriores a la realización de las últimas medidas de resultado (actual).RESULTADOS:La satisfacción fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes con dispositivos de neuromodulación sacra activos (75% frente a 20%, p < 0,001) durante el seguimiento. No existen relaciones significativas entre la mejoría de los síntomas mediante medidas convencionales y la satisfacción comunicada por el paciente. La satisfacción actual no se asoció con los cambios en los datos de la frecuencia diaria intestinal tras la evaluación percutánea de los nervios. A pesar de que las mejoras en la puntuación de incontinencia de St Mark y el Cuestionario de Salud de Manchester se situaron por debajo del umbral de mejora del 50% utilizado para definir el "éxito", los pacientes declararon un alto grado de satisfacción (80%).LIMITACIONES:Retrospectivo con lagunas en los datos disponibles.CONCLUSIONES:Puede lograrse una alta satisfacción de los pacientes con la neuromodulación sacra; sin embargo, la respuesta a la evaluación percutánea del nervio puede no predecir la satisfacción con el tratamiento a largo plazo. El cambio en los resultados del cuestionario, que mide el uso de conductas compensatorias y el impacto en la calidad de vida, puede corresponder mejor a la satisfacción con el tratamiento. (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Racial Disparities in Sacral Neuromodulation for Idiopathic Fecal Incontinence.

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an effective treatment for fecal incontinence (FI). Previous studies found that Black women undergo SNM for urinary incontinence less than White women, but there is less known about racial disparities for FI. This study assessed differences in Black and White patients' FI treatment; SNM counseling was the primary outcome. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult non-Hispanic Black and White patients who received FI treatment at an academic institution from 2011 to 2021. Medical records were queried for treatments, testing, and treating specialties for a 2:1 age-matched cohort of White:Black patients. Four hundred forty-seven women were included: 149 Black women and 298 age-matched White women. A total of 24.4% (109) of patients had documented SNM counseling, significantly fewer in Black patients (14.8% vs 29.2%, P < 0.001). A total of 5.1% (23) of patients received SNM, less frequent in Black patients (2.7% vs 6.4%, P = 0.003). Among patients with SNM counseling, there was no difference between cohorts. Black patients were less likely to be referred for physical therapy (59.7% vs 77.2%, P < 0.001), sphincter imaging (0.7% vs 5.7%, P = 0.011), and defecography (8.1% vs 17.1%, P = 0.009). Different specialties managed the 2 cohorts. Black patients were less likely to see urogynecology and colorectal surgery (21.5% vs 34.6%, P = 0.004; 9.4% vs 15.4%, P = 0.077). Patients seen by these surgeons were more likely to discuss SNM (48.6% vs 8.5%, P < 0.001). There were differences between Black and White patients' FI treatment, including counseling about SNM. Multidisciplinary work is needed to provide equitable education for this life-altering condition.

Long-Term Outcome of Biofeedback versus Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in The Treatment of Functional Non-Retentive Fecal Incontinence

Long-Term Outcome of Biofeedback versus Transcutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in The Treatment of Functional Non-Retentive Fecal Incontinence

Is magnetic anal sphincter augmentation still an option in fecal incontinence treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Magnetic anal sphincter (MAS) augmentation is a novel surgical option for the treatment of fecal incontinence. Current clinical evidence is conflicting. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to report the safety profile, potential benefits, and the functional efficacy of this device. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines. Literature databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL) were screened for eligible articles. The primary endpoint was the pooled effect of MAS in the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) score. Quality evaluation was based on the ROBINS-I and Risk of Bias 2 tool. Overall, 8 studies with 205 patients were included. MAS resulted in a significant reduction of CCIS values (p = 0.019), and improvement only in the embarrassment domain of FIQoL scores (p = 0.034). The overall morbidity rate was 61.8%. Postoperative adverse events included MAS explantation in 12%, infection in 5.1%, pain in 10% and obstructed defecation in 5.8% of patients. The application of MAS in patients with fecal incontinence results in the improvement of some clinical parameters with a notable morbidity rate. Due to several study limitations, further, high-quality RCTs are required to delineate the efficacy and safety of MAS.

One-stage implant in sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence - short-term outcome from a prospective study.

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is approved for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI) in a two-stage technique. With standardized implantation, approximately 90% of patients undergo successful Stage I operation and proceed to a permanent implant (Stage II). The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of SNM as a one-stage procedure and report the 24-week efficacy. This study included patients diagnosed with idiopathic FI or FI due to an external anal sphincter defect ≤160° and one or more episodes of FI per week despite maximal conservative therapy. Patients were offered a one-stage procedure if a motor response of the external anal sphincter was achieved in three or more poles with at least one at ≤1.5 mA at lead placement. Patients were followed for 24 weeks. Their evaluation included the Wexner/St Mark's Incontinence Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQoL), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for assessing patient satisfaction and a bowel habit diary. Seventy-three patients with a median age of 60 years (interquartile range 50-69 years) completed this prospective study. Episodes of FI were significantly reduced at the 24-week follow-up, from 13 (8-23) at baseline to 2 (0-5) (p-value = 0002). A ≥50% reduction in the number of FI episodes was achieved in 92% of participants. The Wexner score improved significantly from 16 (14-17) at baseline to 9 (5-13) (p-value < 0.001), and the St Mark's score improved significantly from 18 (16-20) to 11 (7-16) (p-value < 0.001). All domains in the FIQoL score and VAS for patient satisfaction improved significantly following the one-stage procedure. A one-stage implantation procedure is feasible in selected patients with FI, significantly improving continence, quality of life and patient satisfaction after 24 weeks of follow-up.

Outcomes and efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging-compatible sacral nerve stimulator for management of fecal incontinence: A multi-institutional study.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is an involuntary passage of fecal matter which can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Many modalities of treatment exist for FI. Sacral nerve stimulation is a well-established treatment for FI. Given the increased need of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostics, the InterStim which was previously used in sacral nerve stimulation was limited by MRI incompatibility. Medtronic MRI-compatible InterStim was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in August 2020 and has been widely used. To evaluate the efficacy, outcomes and complications of the MRI-compatible InterStim. Data of patients who underwent MRI-compatible Medtronic InterStim placement at UPMC Williamsport, University of Minnesota, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and University of Wisconsin-Madison was pooled and analyzed. Patient demographics, clinical features, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology(STROBE) cross-sectional reporting guidelines were used. Seventy-three patients had the InterStim implanted. The mean age was 63.29 ± 12.2 years. Fifty-seven (78.1%) patients were females and forty-two (57.5%) patients had diabetes. In addition to incontinence, overlapping symptoms included diarrhea (23.3%), fecal urgency (58.9%), and urinary incontinence (28.8%). Fifteen (20.5%) patients underwent Peripheral Nerve Evaluation before proceeding to definite implant placement. Thirty-two (43.8%) patients underwent rechargeable InterStim placement. Three (4.1%) patients needed removal of the implant. Migration of the external lead connection was observed in 7 (9.6%) patients after the stage I procedure. The explanation for one patient was due to infection. Seven (9.6%) patients had other complications like nerve pain, hematoma, infection, lead fracture, and bleeding. The mean follow-up was 6.62 ± 3.5 mo. Sixty-eight (93.2%) patients reported significant improvement of symptoms on follow-up evaluation. This study shows promising results with significant symptom improvement, good efficacy and good patient outcomes with low complication rates while using MRI compatible InterStim for FI. Further long-term follow-up and future studies with a larger patient population is recommended.

Is percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) effective for fecal incontinence (FI) in adults compared with sham electrical stimulation? A meta-analysis.

Sacral nerve neuromodulation (SNM) has been considered the optimal second-line treatment for fecal incontinence (FI). However, SNM involves high cost and requires highly skilled operators. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) has emerged as an alternative treatment modality for FI, yielding varying clinical outcomes. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PTNS compared to sham electrical stimulation for FI. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies from May12, 2012 to May12, 2022. Four randomized controlled studies were included in this review, involving a total of 439 adult patients with FI (300 in the PTNS group and 194 in the sham electrical stimulation group). Our meta-analysis revealed that PTNS demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing weekly episodes of FI compared to the control groups (MD - 1.6, 95%CI - 2.94 to - 0.26, p = 0.02, I2 = 30%). Furthermore, a greater proportion of patients in the PTNS group reported more than a 50% reduction in FI episodes per week (RR 0.73, 95%CI 0.57-0.94, p = 0.02, I2 = 6%). However, no significant differences were observed in any domains of the FI Quality of Life (QoL) and St Mark's incontinence scores (MD -2.41, 95%CI -5.1 to 0.27, p = 0.08, I2 = 67%). Importantly, no severe adverse events related to PTNS were reported in any of the participants. Our meta-analysis revealed that PTNS was more effective than sham stimulation in reducing FI episodes and led to a higher proportion of patients reporting more than a 50% reduction in weekly FI episodes.

Anatomical sphincteroplasty as a surgical treatment for faecal incontinence: proposal for a global anatomical reconstructive surgical procedure and results from a case series.

The aim of this study is to describe the technical details and clinical and functional results of anatomical sphincteroplasty as a global reconstructive surgery for the treatment of faecal incontinence caused by anal sphincter lesions. This was a prospective, longitudinal study that included patients who underwent the anatomical sphincteroplasty procedure described here to treat complete sphincter damage. We have described the different technical steps in detail. We evaluated the intraoperative and postoperative complications rate, Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS), a modification of the CCS that included soiling (mCCS), the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQLS), and patient satisfaction. An endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometric study were performed in all the patients. Forty-four patients were included with a mean of 40.5months follow-up. The CCS reduced from 15 to 3.3 points and the mCCS from 18.5 to 4.5 points over the study period; p < 0.001. Excellent or good results were achieved in 93% of cases. Endoanal ultrasounds showed a good sphincter repair in 66% of the cases. Anorectal manometry showed an increase in the mean maximal resting pressure from 27.6mmHg to 41.7mmHg and of the maximal squeeze pressure from 57.9 to 93mmHg (p < 0.001) with respect to the preoperative values. Anatomical sphincteroplasty is a surgical proposal for the global anatomical reconstruction of anal sphincter lesions, even in cases of very severe damage. The procedure is safe and produced excellent clinical and functional results after a medium-term follow-up.

Faecal incontinence-a comprehensive review.

Faecal incontinence (FI) is a distressing and often stigmatizing condition characterised as the recurrent involuntary passage of liquid or solid faeces. The reported prevalence of FI exhibits considerable variation, ranging from 7 to 15% in the general population, with higher rates reported among older adults and women. This review explores the pathophysiology mechanisms, the diagnostic modalities and the efficiency of treatment options up to date. A review of the literature was conducted to identify the pathophysiological pathways, investigation and treatment modalities. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate physiological processes that maintain continence in humans. It then guides the reader through a detailed examination of diagnostic procedures and a thorough analysis of the available treatment choices, including their associated success rates. This review is an ideal resource for individuals with a general medical background and colorectal surgeons who lack specialized knowledge in pelvic floor disorders, as it offers a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of faecal incontinence (FI).

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence.

Faecal incontinence (FI) is a common condition with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). Neuromodulation treatments delivered by members of the multidisciplinary team including sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are options for FI refractory to conservative management. The aim of this study was to assess whether a successful treatment with one neuromodulation modality corresponds with success in the other. A retrospective review of a prospectively managed neuromodulation database identified 15 patients who had undergone both PTNS and SNS. The definition of success of each treatment was a >50% improvement in any of The St. Mark's Incontinence Score, Manchester Health Questionnaire, or weekly faecal urgency or FI episodes. Complete data from 12 patients was available for assessment and PTNS was delivered as the first treatment in nine patients. Overall, seven patients (58%) had successful PTNS treatment, with 10 (83%) having a successful SNS trials. Of the seven patients who had successful PTNS treatment, six patients (85.4%) went on to have success with SNS. Of the five patients who failed PTNS, four (80%) went on to have SNS success. Five (71%) of those who had positive PTNS outcomes had permanent SNS implantation as their final treatment decision. This study suggests that there is no clear relationship between successful PTNS treatment and an SNS trial period which may be explained by differing mechanisms of action or the potential placebo effect of PTNS. Further work is required to investigate any association in larger studies to inform clinical practice.

Efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of fecal incontinence in children and adolescents: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesFunctional retentive overflow incontinence (retentive FI) is the most common cause of fecal soiling in children. Based on the clinical experiences, the treatment of retentive FI in patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders was accelerated when Risperidone was used as treatment for their psychiatric comorbidities; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of risperidone in the treatment of retentive FI in children and adolescents.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 140 patients aged 4–16 years eligible for the study were randomized into two groups, receiving either 0.25–0.5 mg of Risperidone syrup (n = 70) or maltodextrin syrup (placebo group, n = 70) every 12 h daily for 12 weeks. Sociodemographic data, including age, sex, weight, height, BMI, BMI z-score, and socioeconomic status, was recorded, and the number of nocturnal FI, diurnal FI, and painful defecations was measured.Results136 participants (69 on Risperidone and 67 on placebo) were included in the study. Mean age of participants in the intervention and placebo groups were 7.2 ± 2.4 years and 8.0 ± 3.1 years, respectively. The mean number of nocturnal FI (Ptrend=0.39) and diurnal FI (Ptrend=0.48) in patients without psychiatric comorbidities, and the number of painful defecations for participants with and without psychiatric comorbidities (P = 0.49, P = 0.47, respectively) were not significantly different between the groups, but a significant effect was observed in diurnal FI after Risperidone treatment in patients with psychiatric comorbidities (P < 0.001).ConclusionRisperidone, when used along with other non-pharmacological interventions, may be helpful in treating FI in pediatric patients with psychiatric comorbidities.

Progress in pathophysiology research and update on diagnosis and treatment strategies for fecal incontinence

The traditional barrier theory believes that fecal incontinence is related to an imbalance of the recto-anal barrier and the characteristics of stool. However, in clinical practice this theory proves unable to explain all types of fecal incontinence. In recent years, research on the mechanisms related to fecal incontinence has shifted to a new integrative concept with the rectum and anus as functional units, and the central-peripheral nervous system and internal and external anal sphincters as a control loop. The diagnosis and treatment strategy of fecal incontinence, which is replaced by sacral neuromodulation, is undergoing a quiet change. With the progressively aging population in China, the need to improve the diagnosis and treatment of fecal incontinence has become increasingly urgent. This article explores the trends in diagnosis and treatment and mechanism research from the perspective of recent advances in pathophysiological research and updated diagnosis and treatment methods for fecal incontinence.

Surgical treatment of fecal incontinence

This article describes the surgical treatment of fecal incontinence. There are many surgical methods for fecal incontinence, and each treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages and indications. The appropriate surgical procedure should be selected according to the patient's history, anatomical structure and severity of incontinence. Injectable bulking agents is suitable for passive fecal incontinence. Sphincteroplasty is suitable for patients with sphincter injury caused by vaginal delivery or surgical trauma. Sacral nerve stimulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation are relatively conservative methods. Gracilomyoplasty, artificial anal sphincter or magnetic anal sphincter can be used in the treatment of refractory fecal incontinence, but with many complications. Colostomy is the ideal choice for patients who have failed to respond to conservative treatment and cannot undergo these procedures.