Long-term functional results of transvaginal anal sphincter repair for
faecal incontinence; a retrospective cohort study.
Abstract
Objective We report our experience with a transvaginal approach with
overlapping AS repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate long term
functional outcomes. Design Retrospective Cohort study. Setting and
Population Women who had undergone AS surgery for anal incontinence from
July 2005 to July 2020. were included. The patients included attended
the Mercy Hospital Perineal clinic a multidisciplinary team of
urogynecologists and colorectal surgeons. Private patients from the
surgeons in Perineal clinic were also included. Methods Overall 107
women were included in the study with a median follow up of 57.5 months.
Main Outcome Measure We analysed outcomes by comparing patients St marks
score difference before and after surgery. Meaningful clinical
difference (MID) was set at 5 points as per previous validation studies,
complications and patient demographics were recorded along with a
question if they would recommend this treatment to a friend. Results An
improvement exceeding the minimal clinical difference (MID) was seen in
69.3% of women. With a marked improvement in 46.5% of patients.
Furthermore 70% of our patients would recommend the procedure to a
friend, if they were in a similar situation. Wound infection or perineal
breakdown occurred in 45% of women but did not significantly impact on
outcomes. Conclusion Transvaginal AS repair is associated with
significant improvements in patients’ St. Marks score. Our data shows
that the long-term success rate of transvaginal AS repair may be better
than previously reported in the literature using a transvaginal
approach. Funding This study received no funding or sponsorship