Artificial Bowel Sphincter
An implanted inflatable silicone cuff replicates sphincter function for severe refractory faecal incontinence - reserved for rare cases where all other treatments have failed, as a last step before permanent stoma consideration.
What is Artificial Bowel Sphincter?
The Artificial Bowel Sphincter (ABS) consists of an inflatable silicone cuff implanted around the anal canal, a pressure-regulating balloon in the retropubic space, and a control pump in the scrotum or labia. When the patient wishes to defecate, the pump deflates the cuff to allow stool passage. The cuff then reinflates automatically. Dr. Samhitha Reddy offers ABS referral at specialist centres in Hyderabad for patients with severe refractory faecal incontinence in whom SNM, sphincteroplasty, and all other approaches have failed - and where a permanent stoma is the only alternative. As part of the comprehensive best fecal incontinence specialists in Hyderabad programme, it represents the last surgical rung before stoma consideration.
How the Procedure Works
Strict Patient Selection
ABS is considered only after SNM, sphincteroplasty, and conservative measures have failed. Psychological assessment and patient motivation are evaluated.
Cuff Implantation
Under general anaesthesia, the silicone cuff is placed around the distal anal canal through a perineal incision.
Balloon & Pump Placement
The pressure-regulating balloon is placed in the retropubic space. The control pump is placed in the scrotum (male) or labia (female) through separate incisions.
Deactivation Period
The device is deactivated for 6-8 weeks to allow healing before activation - preventing pressure necrosis on healing tissues.
Activation & Training
The device is activated and the patient is trained on pump operation. Regular follow-up monitors for infection, erosion, and device function.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Restores a degree of voluntary bowel control in otherwise uncontrollable severe incontinence
- →Avoids a permanent stoma for appropriately selected patients
- →Fully reversible - device can be removed if complications arise
- →Patient-controlled mechanism - empowers the patient to determine when to defecate
- →Provides significant quality-of-life improvement in successful cases
- →Available via specialist referral through Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
The Artificial Bowel Sphincter is a remarkable device - a true engineering solution to a biological problem. It is not without complications, but for the carefully selected patient who has exhausted all other options, it can make the difference between a stoma and a near-normal life.
— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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