Endosonographic monitoring of Sphinkeeper® prostheses movements: does physical activity have an impact?

Treatment of fecal incontinence-is there a light in the end of the tunnel?

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common disease with higher incidence rates in the elderly population. Treatment of affected patients remains challenging and ranges from conservative management to surgical techniques. Despite all efforts patients often undergo several therapeutic measurements to achieve reasonable functional improvements.Although sacral neuromodulation still remains a key therapy with success rates up to 80%, a significant number of patients do not respond sufficiently and require further treatment.Several artificial bowel sphincter devices exist, which can lead to better functional control in selected patients. Notably, complications after these surgeries do occur frequently and the need for implant replacement is still considerable high.A novel anal band, developed by Agency for Medical Innovations (A.M.I., Austria) is currently under evaluation. This device, composed of silicone and polyester, is placed around the anus outside the external sphincter muscle complex aiming to improve stool continence via mechanical pressure. Early results of this new operation are eagerly awaited.

Long-term outcome after SphinKeeper® surgery for treating fecal incontinence-who are good candidates?

PURPOSE

The efficacy of the novel SphinKeeper® procedure for the treatment of fecal incontinence (FI) is not yet well defined. This study aimed to assess long-term functional outcomes after SphinKeeper® surgery.

METHODS

We included 32 patients with FI (28 female), who were operated at a tertiary referral center between August 2018 and September 2021. Functional outcome and quality of life were evaluated prospectively using validated questionnaires before and after surgery. Additionally, endoanal ultrasound and anal manometry were conducted prior and after SphinKeeper® implantation. Predictive parameters for treatment success were defined.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 22.62 ± 8.82 months. The St. Mark's incontinence score decreased significantly after surgery (median preoperative = 19 (IQR 17-22) versus median last follow-up = 12 (IQR 8-16), p = 0.001). Similarly, physical short-form health survey showed a significant improvement after SphinKeeper® implantation (p = 0.011). Patients with a higher degree of internal sphincter defect showed an improved objective therapy success (r = 0.633, p = 0.015) after SphinKeeper® operation, whereas the type and severity of FI had no impact on the functional outcome. Notably, a higher number of dislocated prostheses (r = 0.772, p = 0.015) showed a significant correlation with reduced improvement of incontinence.

CONCLUSION

The SphinKeeper® procedure showed a significant long-term functional improvement in over half of the patients. Patients with a higher internal sphincter defect benefited most, whereas dislocation of the prostheses was associated with less favorable results.