Sexual function, quality of life, and severity of anal incontinence after anal sphincteroplasty

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 195; no. 6; pp. 1753 - 1757
• Main Authors: Trowbridge, Elisa R., Morgan, Daniel, Trowbridge, Matthew J., Delancey, John O.L., Fenner, Dee E.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Mosby, Inc 01-12-2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Anal Canal - physiopathology; Anal Canal - surgery; Anal incontinence; Anal sphincteroplasty; Biological and medical sciences; Digestive System Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Dyspareunia - etiology; Fecal Incontinence - physiopathology; Fecal Incontinence - psychology; Fecal Incontinence - surgery; Female; Flatulence - etiology; Follow-Up Studies; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Other diseases. Semiology; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Period; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Sexual function; Sexuality; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; Anal incontinence; Anal sphincteroplasty; Sexual function; Quality of life; Digestive system; Gynecology; Severity; Obstetrics; Anus; Sexuality; Digestive diseases; Intestinal disease; Anorectal disease
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.07.030

The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of anal incontinence and its impact on quality of life and sexual function in women after anal sphincteroplasty.
Eighty-six women who underwent anal sphincteroplasty during the years 1993 to 2004 were mailed validated survey instruments to evaluate continence status, health-related quality of life, and sexual functioning. Demographic and perioperative data were obtained from patient charts.
At a mean follow-up time of 5.6 ± 3.0 years, 6 women (11%) were totally continent; 8 women (15%) were incontinent of flatus only, and 41 women (75%) were incontinent of liquid and/or solid stool. Sexual function scores were not correlated with continence scores; 24% vs 4% of subjects who had undergone an overlapping sphincteroplasty versus an end-to-end sphincteroplasty reported pain during intercourse (
P = .04).
Anal continence rates 5 years after anal sphincteroplasty are disappointing, adversely impact quality of life, yet do not appear to relate to sexual function.