Gracilis muscle transposition in the treatment of fecal incontinence

Abstract

The results after gracilis muscle transposition were studied in 10 patients with a follow-up of 6 mo.-17 yr. Nine patients were continent for formed feces and the condition of 1 patient worsened after operation. Anorectal manometry was performed in 8 of the 10 patients. Evaluation of pressure recordings showed a normal image, both at rest and at maximal squeeze, in 5 patients. Low-pressure recordings at rest and at maximal squeeze were seen in 2 continent patients, in whom the tissue scarring resulted in narrowing of the anal canal. One patient with low-pressure recordings was completely incontinent. An attempt was made to explain the continence and low-pressure recordings. The results suggest gracilis muscle transposition to be a method of choice in patients with total incontinence who have no functional anal sphincter.