Evidence That Anorectal Transplantation Is the Logical Treatment for Serious Anorectal Dysfunction and Permanent Colostomy

Abstract

Anorectal dysfunction resulting in fecal incontinence or permanent colostomy is a current public health concern that strongly impairs patient quality of life. Present treatment options for this complex disease are expensive and usually ineffective. Anorectal transplantation is the logical treatment for fecal incontinence and permanent colostomy. This procedure has been clinically effective in a few cases reported in the medical literature. Furthermore, experiments in rats, pigs, and dogs have shown promising results, with functional recovery of the graft. In this article we describe the scientific evidence that anorectal transplantation may be an important option for treating anorectal dysfunction.