Faecal incontinence (FI) is a socially isolating condition that can adversely impact upon one's quality of life [1]. Depending on the definitions used, the population surveyed and the method of reporting, between 2 and 24 % of the population has some degree of FI [2]. Incontinence caused by deficiencies of the internal sphincter, regardless of the underlying cause, is characterized by reduced resting pressures and passive incontinence [3]. Unfortunately, there is little targeted therapy available for this type of incontinence [4, 5]. Aside from anti-diarrhoeals and bio-feedback which form the backbone of conservative management, the only other available options are either complex or major surgery, such as sacral nerve stimulation, artificial bowel sphincter implantation or the formation of a permanent colostomy [4, 6]. The use of injectable bulking agents, a safe and minimally invasive procedure that seems to be effective at least in the short term, is therefore inherently attractive as it fills the wide chasm between conservative and surgical management of FI.
展开▼
