2016

Efficacy of Sphinkeeper implantation in faecal incontinent patients: 1 year experience

Donisi L., Parello A., Litta F., Ratto C.
Colorectal disease, Volume 18, Supplement 1, September 2016

AIM:
Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Sphinkeeper in the treatment of faecal incontinence.

METHOD:
Ten patients (5 female; median age 70 years [20-75]) met the inclusion sphincteric space of the middle-upper third of the anal canal, under endoanal ultra-sound guidance. Continence diary, FI scores, ability to defer defecation, need to wear pads, quality of life, endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry were assessed before and at follow-up.

RESULTS:
No complication occurred. At 1 year follow-up there was a significant reduction of median weekly episodes of FI to soiling (7[0-49] vs. 0.5[0-7]; P<0.017), flatus (10.5[0-35] vs. 0.1 [0-14] P<0.028), liquid stool (1.8[0.21] vs 0 [0-14]; P<0.028), and solid stool (0[0-7] vs 0[0-0] P=0.068). Seven patients could not defer defecation for more than 5 min preoperatively, which reduced to three patients at follow-up. Median Wexner, Vaizey and AMS FI scores significantly decreased at f.up (10 [5-17] vs 4 [0-9] P= 0.012; 13 [7-19] vs 7 [0-11] P=0.012; 80 [26-114] vs 49 [0-86]; P=0.035). Two patients were fully continent.

CONCLUSION:
Sphinkeeper seems to be a safe and effective approach to FI.