Evaluation of the use of PTQTMimplants for the treatment of incontinent patients due to internal anal sphincter dysfunction

Objective  This study reports the results of injectable silicone PTQTM implants for faecal incontinence due to internal anal sphincter (IAS) dysfunction. Method  Twenty patients (12 women) with partial faecal incontinence aged from 55 to 65 years were treated by a PTQTM implant. All patients completed the Cleveland Clinic Continence and Quality of Life questionnaire. Endoluminal ultrasound and anorectal physiological testing were performed in each patient. All implants were inserted into the submucosal plane without ultrasound guidance. Results  Faecal continence was significantly improved up to 1 year. The Wexner continence score fell from a median of 13.05 (range, 5–20) before treatment to 4.5 (range 2–7.7) at 1 month after (P < 0.005). This rose gradually to 6.2 (range, 0–16) at one year (P = 0.02) and 9.4 (range, 1–20) at 2 years (P = 0.127). There were no differences in resting or squeeze pressure before and at 3 months after treatment (P = 0.86 and P = 0.93). Fourteen (70%) patients experienced pruritus ani during the first few weeks after the procedure and one developed infection at the implant site. Conclusion  Silicone implantation is minimally invasive and technically simple. It is effective over 1 year in the treatment of faecal incontinence due to IAS dysfunction.