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.
The ABS is a complex implanted device with significant infection, erosion, and mechanical failure rates (30-50% requiring revision at 5 years). It is reserved for highly selected patients at specialist centres after all other options have been exhausted.
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, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Artificial Bowel Sphincter Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of artificial bowel sphincter implantation in Hyderabad depends on the severity of sphincter dysfunction, complexity of the condition, device requirements, investigations required, and the care needed before and after the procedure.
For patients with end-stage sphincter failure, the approximate cost of artificial bowel sphincter implantation ranges between ₹8,00,000 and ₹15,00,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Artificial Bowel Sphincter | ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 |
The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, findings during evaluation, type of device used, and whether any additional procedures are required.
Factors That Influence Artificial Bowel Sphincter Cost
The overall cost may depend on:
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Severity of sphincter failure: The extent of sphincter damage, severity of symptoms, and failure of other treatment options may influence treatment planning.
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Pre-procedure evaluation: Required investigations, clinical examination, anorectal assessment, and medical evaluations before surgery may affect the overall cost.
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Device and surgical requirements: The type of implant, surgical complexity, and additional procedures required during implantation may influence the cost.
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Hospital stay and post-operative care: The duration of admission, device monitoring, medicines, wound care, and follow-up requirements may influence the final estimate.
Is Artificial Bowel Sphincter Covered by Insurance?
Artificial bowel sphincter implantation may be covered by health insurance when it is performed for a medically necessary condition. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, inclusions, and approval process.
Our insurance support team can assist you with checking your policy coverage, required documentation, cashless approval process, and insurance-related queries before the procedure.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Samhitha Reddy
Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
During consultation, Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Proctologist and Colorectal Specialist in Hyderabad, will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and investigation reports to determine whether artificial bowel sphincter implantation is suitable for you. She will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, and guide you regarding the estimated cost based on your individual condition and treatment requirements.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a consultation with Dr. Samhitha Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.