Incontinence of Faeces: A New Treatment

Incontinence of faeces in adults is a major but hidden problem. It is estimated that at least 5% of adults have more than a minor degree of incontinence.

Except for some relatively rarely performed operations treatment has been largely supportive. The use of incontinence pads and incontinence bed sheets is widely advertised. Other treatments related to bowel function are also used and moderately successful.

If there is severe constipation causing impaction of faeces with overflow it can be relieved with the appropriate medication. If the cause is diarrhoea with urgency of defaecation it can be suppressed with other treatments. A dietary change may be necessary. Your Doctor is the key person to institute these .

This article is to bring to notice a new and successful treatment which is minimally invasive not requiring an operation. It involves the injection of a liquid material (PTQ™ Implant also known as Bioplastique) which in the sphincter muscle becomes solid and by its bulk improves sphincter function.

Preliminary investigations include anal ultrasound and colonoscopy. Antibiotics are necessary before and after the injections. Laxatives are also administered. The injections are placed in three or four portions around the anus. In order to prevent pain during the injections sedation and a local anaesthetic are given. The patient returns home after one hour.

The PTQ™ material is expensive but you can be reimbursed by your medical benefit fund provided you are covered for private hospital treatments.

The Figure shows the PTQ™ implant being injected into the anal sphincter.
The operators finger guides the needle, 3 or 4 sites are injected this way

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