La Torre M¹, Lisi G², Milito G³, Campanelli M⁴, Clementi I⁵. Colorectal Dis. 2019 Aug 1. doi: 10.1111/codi.14801. [Epub ahead of print]

Author information

1 Department of Surgery, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto Primo, Rome, Italy.

2 Department of General Surgery, Sant'Eugenio Hospital, Rome, Italy.

3 Department of General Surgery, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy.

4 Department of General Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

5 Department of Emergency, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto Primo, Rome, Italy.

Abstract

AIM: A new artificial anal sphincter placed into the intersphincteric space, SphinKeeper^TM , has recently been proposed to improve outcomes in treatment of faecal incontinence. We report our preliminary results with short-term follow-up, comparing pre and post operative data after implant of SphinKeeper^TM in patients suffering from faecal incontinence.

METHODS: All patients older than eighteen were included with faecal incontinence of at least 6 months, incontinence episodes occurring more than once a week and resistance to other conservative treatments. Anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life, and total number of episodes of faecal incontinence per week were recorded pre operatively and at the end of the six months follow-up period.

RESULTS: Thirteen consecutive patients were treated with SphinKeeper^TM . No intraoperative nor postoperative complications were reported. Two cases of prosthesis extrusion occured, and in one case an anterior dislocation was detected. Maximum Resting Pressure, total number of episodes of faecal incontinence per week, and Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score were improved after six months (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: SphinKeeper^TM could be a minimally invasive procedure for faecal incontinence with good post operative outcomes. If these results are confirmed by studies with more patients and longer follow-up, it could be a first-line approach in faecal incontinence.