[Anal incontinence--assessment of a new treatment]

Abstract

Background: Anal incontinence affects 1.4 % of the general population. Anal injections is a new treatment option for this condition; different techniques and bulking agents are used. The article presents a pilot-study with a new bulking agent (hyaluronic acid and dextranomere) and a new injection technique.

Material and methods: An anascope was used to inject Zuidex (4 x 1. 4 mL) submucosally (proximal to the dentate line and distally to the puborectal muscle) in 4 patients with severe faecal incontinence, who were deemed unfit for other treatment. No anaesthesia or antibiotic-prophylaxis was used.

Results: All patients tolerated the treatment well, and there were no adverse events. The treatment had an effect in 3 of 4 patients; there was a median fall in St. Mark's score of 3. 5 points.

Interpretation: The injection technique was well tolerated, easy to perform within an outpatient setting and with promising short-term results. The method has been implemented in a randomized, controlled trial.