Late results of postanal repair for idiopathic faecal incontinence.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long term clinical results of postanal repair for idiopathic faecal incontinence.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital, The Netherlands.

SUBJECTS: 38 patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcome and its correlation with anorectal manometry.

RESULTS

After a median follow up of 43 months (15-126) 19 patients were classified grades 1 and 2 (satisfied) and 19 patients grades 3 and 4 (dissatisfied). Six patients deteriorated and went from grades 1 or 2 to grade 3 or 4. Satisfied patients had a significant rise in resting pressure (median 13.5 mmHg, p = 0.01, 95% CI 5 to 25) and dissatisfied patients did not.

CONCLUSION

Long term follow up of patients after postanal repair shows that half the patients have a good result, although only 21% are fully continent. Long term follow up is necessary as a number of patients deteriorate.