SPHINCTEROPLASTY FOR INCONTINENCE AFTER SURGERY FOR IDIOPATHIC FISTULA IN ANO

Between 1990 and 1992, external sphincter repair was performed in 20 p atients rendered faecally incontinent after earlier fistula surgery. A ll were improved, 13 (65%) achieving Grade 1 or 2 continence. Postoper ative ultrasound was useful in explaining the sub-optimal outcome of 3 patients who still had defects, Clinical outcome in female patients w as better than in male patients. Clinical outcome was not related to t he results of preoperative manometry, the site of external sphincter d amage, the use of a stoma, or the occurrence of wound complications. E xternal sphincter repair for faecal incontinence after fistula surgery achieves good results in the majority of patients.