Surgical intervention for faecal incontinence in women: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review we intend to overview the operations available for faecal incontinence with particular reference to recently published articles.

RECENT FINDINGS: Operations benefiting faecal incontinence in women are direct sphincter repair, dynamic graciloplasty, artificial anal sphincter and sacral nerve stimulation. Considerable benefit was demonstrated with these operations but not without complications. Studies with longer follow-up are required for better assessment of these operations.

SUMMARY: Surgery for faecal incontinence is indicated after failure of non-operative measures. Good results may be achieved.