ABSTRACT

Fecal incontinence is a debilitating symptom that limits the social and working activities of the patient. Prevalence is probably underestimated, and it is higher in geriatric population and in elderly people with psychiatric disorders. First-line treatment consists of medical and rehabilitative therapy. Use of bulking agents has been proposed in the last years for the treatment of anal incontinence after failure of conservative therapy.

Sixteen patients suffering from mild to moderate fecal incontinence were treated with PTQ™ bulking agent endoanal injection from April 2004 to June 2007. Clinical and manometric evaluations were performed. Quality o Life questionnaires were administered. Good results were reported in almost all cases. CCF-FI score improved from a median of 10,4 before to 5,6 2 years after procedure. Manometry showed a marked increase in median resting and squeeze anal pressures. A limited improvement was observed in Quality of Life scores. No adverse events were registered.

Anal bulking agents should be considered for all patients suffering from fecal incontinence after failure of the conservative therapy being the procedure minimally invasive, repeatable, effective and safe.