Advances in the Surgical Treatment of Faecal Incontinence

摘要

Faecal incontinence is a common condition. Once conservative therapy has failed, surgical management of this problem is required. Over the last decade, neuromodulation has emerged as an effective and safe treatment. The most widely used form of neuromodulation is sacral nerve stimulation. The other less commonly used techniques are posterior tibial nerve stimulation and pudendal nerve stimulation. Anterior sphincteroplasty still has an important role to play in selected cases. If these treatments fail, then other therapies need to be considered. Recent advances in anal sphincter bulking agents and artificial sphincter devices offer some hope for these patients.