Overlapping Sphincteroplasty
Surgical repair of the torn or weakened external anal sphincter using an overlapping technique - the most effective surgical treatment for faecal incontinence caused by direct sphincter muscle injury.
What is Overlapping Sphincteroplasty?
Overlapping Sphincteroplasty repairs a defect in the external anal sphincter - the primary voluntary bowel control muscle. The torn or scarred sphincter muscle ends are identified, freshened, and brought together in an overlapping configuration to restore sphincter circumferential integrity. Dr. Samhitha Reddy performs overlapping sphincteroplasty at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad for patients with faecal incontinence due to a clearly identified sphincter defect - most commonly following obstetric injury, previous anal surgery, or trauma. Pre-operative endoanal ultrasound is essential to confirm the defect. As part of the fecal incontinence treatment in Hyderabad programme, it is the surgical treatment of choice when structural sphincter damage is the cause.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative Endoanal Ultrasound
Endoanal ultrasound precisely maps the sphincter defect - extent, depth, and location - confirming suitability for sphincteroplasty.
Anaesthesia & Positioning
Spinal or general anaesthesia. Patient in lithotomy position. Enema bowel preparation prior to surgery.
Sphincter Identification
A curved incision overlying the sphincter defect identifies and mobilises the scarred sphincter ends adequately for tension-free overlap.
Overlapping Repair
The sphincter ends are brought together in an overlapping configuration and secured with non-absorbable mattress sutures - restoring sphincter circumference and tension.
Levatoroplasty (If Indicated)
The puborectalis and levator ani muscles may be plicated posteriorly - narrowing the anorectal angle and providing additional support. Wound closed in layers.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Directly repairs the structural cause of incontinence - not a symptomatic treatment
- →70-80% short-term improvement in faecal incontinence episodes
- →Suitable for obstetric sphincter tears, surgical damage, and traumatic injury
- →Can be combined with levatoroplasty for improved long-term outcome
- →Definitive surgical repair - no implanted device required
- →Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad with comprehensive post-operative pelvic floor rehabilitation
Sphincteroplasty gives us the ability to directly repair what was broken. When a patient has a clear structural defect - particularly after an obstetric injury - the opportunity to restore sphincter integrity and give them back bowel control is enormously rewarding.
— - Dr. Samhitha Reddy, Consultant Proctologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
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