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Background
Acticon Neosphincter:
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of flatus, liquid, or stool. Although it is considered a benign disorder, severe fecal incontinence is a distressing and socially isolating medical condition. Individuals who suffer from this condition often alter their lifestyle to minimize the likelihood of bowel accidents in public places. Over time, this can result in progressive social isolation and work incapacity.
The majority of cases of fecal incontinence are mild-to-moderate, and can be managed with medical interventions including anti-diarrheal medications (loperimide, codeine, diphenoxylate, atropine), treatment of underlying infections or inflammatory disorders as indicated, pelvic floor biofeedback, and dietary management (increase dietary fiber with psyllium products or synthetic analogues). For some patients with a sphincter defect, surgical procedures such as direct sphincter repair (sphincteroplasty), post-anal repair, or total pelvic floor repair may be attempted.
For individuals with severe fecal incontinence who have failed medical interventions and who are not candidates for sphincter repair, the choices are limited. An alternative surgical procedure, a dynamic muscle transposition, may be used in patients where the anal sphincter is either denervated or anatomically absent. It involves the transposition of muscle, usually the gracilis (gracilisplasty) or gluteus maximus, to create a barrier to the passage of stool.
Another alternative is a permanent ostomy that would allow bodily wastes to be expelled through the abdominal wall. However, neither a dynamic muscle transposition nor permanent ostomy provides normal bowel function and fecal continence.
The Acticon Neosphincter is an implantable fluid-filled device used to treat severe fecal incontinence. It simulates normal anal sphincter function by allowing the anal canal to open at the control of the patient.
The device consists of 3 interconnected components: (i) an occlusive cuff, (ii) a pressure-regulating balloon and (iii) a control pump. The occlusive cuff is implanted around a segment of the anal canal. The device maintains continence in the patient by using the pressure of the fluid-filled cuff to occlude the anal canal. To evacuate the bowel, the patient squeezes and releases the pump mechanism, located in the labium or scrotum, several times to move fluid from the cuff to the pressure-regulating balloon implanted in the abdomen. This movement of fluid empties and collapses the cuff, resulting in the release of the compressive force around the anal canal. Residual pressure within the balloon allows fluid to flow back into the cuff, automatically refilling the cuff within a few minutes.
Because of implantation of a silicone device in the perianal area, the peri-operative infection rate is high, and device removal due to infection may be necessary. Additionally, the sphincter may need replacement as often as every 5 years because of device wear.
Results from clinical trials submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval indicated slightly more than half (51.3 %) of all patients who were implanted with the Acticon Neosphincter had resolution or clinically significant reduction in their symptoms after one year. For the subset of patients who were able to maintain a functional device for 12 months, approximately 85 % had meaningful improvements in their incontinence.
A majority of the patients implanted experienced at least one device-related adverse event. Besides pain, the two most common adverse events were infection (31 % of implanted patients) and device erosion (21 %). Surgical intervention was required to address 36 % of these adverse events. Half of the implanted patients required at least 1 additional surgical device revision after the original implantation procedure and 30 % required total device explantation due to adverse events.
In approving the device, the FDA took into account the adverse event rates for other colorectal surgeries. The FDA cited a study examining the overall mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing resection of the colon or rectum, where 361 out of 971 patients undergoing elective surgery experienced at least 1 post-operative complication. In another study, 36 to 39 % of patients who had elective surgery for colorectal disease suffered from complications.
The FDA concluded that the Acticon Neosphincter is indicated “to treat fecal incontinence in males and females eighteen years and older who have failed, or are not candidates for, less invasive forms of therapy.”
Investigators from Adelaide Health Technology Assessment conducted a systematic review of literature on implantation of the Acticon Neosphincter in the management of fecal incontinence (Buckley et al, 2007). The investigators compared the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the Acticon to colostomy, dynamic graciloplasty, and conservative management. An advisory panel with expertise in this area then evaluated the evidence and provided advice to the Australian Medicare Services Advisory Committee (MSAC). The MSAC found no evidence comparing the Acticon with colostomy and limited evidence comparing it with conservative management and dynamic graciloplasty. The MSAC found that the evidence suggested that Acticon implantation is not as safe as conservative management and that it is likely to be at least as safe as dynamic graciloplasty. The MSAC found that the Acticon is more clinically effective than both conservative management and dynamic graciloplasty. The MSAC found that relative cost-effectiveness of the Acticon and the comparators could not be assessed due to lack of data. The comparison of the estimated total costs indicates that the cost to the Australian health system of the Acticon is less than for dynamic graciloplasty.
Transanal Radiofrequency Therapy (the Secca Procedure):
A new method of treating fecal incontinence is known as the Secca procedure, which received FDA clearance through Investigational Device Exemption in March 2002. The Secca procedure entails delivery of temperature controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy to the sphincteric complex of the anal canal. It offers a less-invasive option for treatment of fecal incontinence, as compared to surgery, and is performed on an outpatient basis using conscious sedation. Although the Secca procedure is cleared by the FDA, its clinical effectiveness has not been established.
In a small non-randomized study (n = 10), Takahashi et al (2002) examined the durability and long-term safety of the Secca procedure for the treatment of fecal incontinence. These investigators reported that significant improvements in symptoms of fecal incontinence and quality of life persisted 24 months after RF delivery to the anal canal. While the findings of this study are promising, it does not provide adequate evidence to allow conclusions regarding long-term outcomes. The authors noted that an additional randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial is underway to further evaluate the procedure.
Takahashi-Monroy et al (2007) reported an extension of the follow-up from their original study. The Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Scale (CCF-FI) (0 to 20), fecal incontinence-related quality of life (QOL) score, and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 were administered to 5 years. Differences between baseline and follow-up were analyzed by using paired t-test. A total of 19 patients were treated and followed for 5 years, including 18 females (aged 57.1 years; range of 44 to 77). The mean duration for fecal incontinence was 7.1 years (range of 1 to 21). At 5-year follow-up, the mean fecal incontinence score had improved from 14.37 to 8.26 (p < 0.00025) with 16 patients (84.2 %) demonstrating greater than 50 % improvement. All fecal incontinence-related QOL scores improved, including lifestyle (2.43 to 3.15; p < 0.00075), coping (1.73 to 2.6; p < 0.00083), depression (2.24 to 3.15; p < 0.0002), and embarrassment (1.56 to 2.51; p < 0.0003). The social function component of the Short-Form 36 improved from 38.3 to 60 (p < 0.05). There was a trend toward improvement in the mental component summary of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) from 38.1 to 48.14. There were no long-term complications. The authors concluded that significant and sustained improvements in fecal incontinence symptoms and QOL are seen at 5 years after treatment with the Secca procedure.
In an open-label, single arm, non-randomized, multi-center study, Efron et al (2003) evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the Secca procedure. A total of 43 women and 7 men (average age 61 years, range of 29 to 80) were enrolled, treated, and followed for 6 months. Mean duration of fecal incontinence prior to treatment was 15.6 years. At 6 months, the mean CCF-FI score improved significantly from 14.5 to 11.1 (p < 0.0001). Parameters in the fecal incontinence QOL were improved, including lifestyle (from 2.5 to 3.1; p = 0.0001), coping (from 1.9 to 2.3; p = 0.005), depression (from 2.8 to 3.1; p = 0.0008), and embarrassment (from 1.9 to 2.5; p < 0.0001)]. The mean SF-36 mental composite score improved from 45.3 to 48.3 (p = 0.06), and the mean SF-36 social function sub-score improved from 64.0 to 77.3 (p = 0.003). Patient diaries showed that there was a significant reduction in days with any fecal incontinence (p < 0.0001). A clinical response (greater than 10 % improvement) was noted by visual analogue scale in 60 % of patients.
It is interesting to note that the study by Efron et al (2003) did not report the same level of improvements as reported in the study by Takahashi et al (2002). The overall reduction in scores based on CCF-FI was 8.5 points in the study by Takahashi and colleagues and 3.5 points in the study by Efron and co-workers. Furthermore, the overall response rate was 80 % in the study by Takahashi et al and 60 % in the study by Efron et al. The findings of these studies need to be validated by prospective, randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes and long-term follow-up.
Felt-Bersma and colleagues (2007) examined the effectiveness of RF and possible changes in the anal sphincter with 3D-ultrasound in patients with fecal incontinence. A total of 11 women, mean age 61 years (range of 49 to 73) with long-standing fecal incontinence were included in this study. Patients with large sphincter defects and anal stenosis were excluded. The Secca procedure was carried out under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Oral antibiotics were given. In 4 quadrants on 4 or 5 levels (depending upon length of the anus) RF was delivered with multiple needle electrodes. Patients were evaluated at 0, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and 1 year. Three-dimensional anal ultrasound was performed at 0 (before and after the procedure), 6 weeks and 3 months. Anal manometry and rectal compliance measurement were performed at 0 and 3 months. At 3 months, 6 of 11 patients improved, which persisted during follow-up of 1 year. The Vaizey score changed from 18.8 to 15.0 (p = 0.03) and in those improved from 18.3 to 11.5 (p = 0.03). Anal manometry and rectal compliance showed no significant changes, there was a tendency to increased rectal sensitivity concerning urge and maximal tolerated volume (both p = 0.3). Responders compared with non-responders showed no difference in test results. Side effects were local hematoma (n = 2), bleeding 3 days (n = 1), pain persisting 1 to 3 weeks (n = 4) and laxatives-related diarrhea during 1 to 3 weeks (n = 4). The authors concluded that the Secca procedure seems to be promising for patients with fecal incontinence with a persisting effect after 1 year. No significant changes in tests were found.
Kim and associates (2009) evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the Secca procedure (n = 8). The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) score and the Fecal Incontinence-related Quality of Life (FIQL) scale were completed at baseline and after the procedure. Anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound also were conducted. Seven of the 8 patients were women, and the median age of the patients was 59 years (range of 28 to 73). The mean FISI score and all of the parameters in the FIQL scale with the exception of the embarrassment scale measured at 6 months after the procedure was not improved significantly. No changes in the anal manometry and endoanal ultrasound parameters were observed. Complications associated with the procedure developed in 7 of the 8 patients, including anal bleeding, anal pain, and anal mucosal discharge. The authors concluded that the FISI score and FIQL scale were not improved significantly after the Secca procedure, and considerable complications were associated with the procedure.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's guideline on endoscopic radiofrequency therapy of the anal sphincter for fecal incontinenc (2011) stated that "[t]he evidence on endoscopic radiofrequency therapy of the anal sphincter for fecal incontinence raises no major safety concerns. There is evidence of efficacy in the short-term, but in a limited number of patients. Therefore, this procedure should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research. . . . Further research into endoscopic radiofrequency therapy of the anal sphincter for fecal incontinence should clearly define the patient groups being treated. It should also report the clinical impact in terms of quality of life and long-term outcomes".
Abbas et al (2012) evaluated the short- and long-term outcome of the radiofrequency treatment for moderate-to-severe FI. Patients who underwent the radiofrequency procedure were included. The primary outcomes measured were the complication rate, short- and long-term response, and the rate of subsequent intervention for incontinence. A total of 27 patients underwent 31 radiofrequency procedures (81 % women; mean age of 64 years). Median length of symptoms was 3 years. Biofeedback had failed for 52 % of patients, and 23 % of patients had previous surgical intervention. Thirty-eight percent of patients had a sphincter defect. Minor complications were observed in 19 % of the patients. A treatment response was noted in 78 % of the patients (mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence Score: 16 (baseline) and 10.9 (3 months post-operatively)). However, a sustained long-term response without any additional intervention was noted in 22 % of the patients, and 52 % of the patients underwent or are awaiting additional intervention for persistent or recurrent incontinence (mean follow-up of 40 months). The authors concluded that the radiofrequency procedure was safe, but a long-term benefit was noted in a minority of patients with moderate-to-severe FI; additional interventions were needed in more than 50 % the patients. Moreover, they stated that larger studies are needed to determine the impact of various patient-related factors on the outcome of the radiofrequency treatment to identify the ideal patient for this therapy. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the limited number of subjects.
Sacral Nerve Stimulation (Sacral Neuromodulation):
Sacral nerve stimulation, also known as sacral neuromodulation, has been used successfully to treat urinary incontinence as well as non-obstructive urinary retention. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Sacral neuromodulation is also a novel treatment for fecal incontinence. It appears to be a promising procedure because of its relative simplicity and low morbidity. However, experience with sacral nerve stimulation for this indication is limited. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to better evaluate this procedure. In a review on sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of female pelvic floor dysfunction including fecal incontinence, Pettit et al (2002) stated that while the data are encouraging in these new arenas of pelvic floor disorders, investigators acknowledge the need for multicenter, statistically powered studies to assess the validity of these findings. An evidence review prepared for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2004) stated that sacral nerve stimulation has shown good results in patients with fecal incontinence due to a functional deficit; however, longer-term follow-up is needed. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2004) concluded that “[c]urrent evidence of the safety and efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence does not appear adequate to support the use of this procedure without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research.”
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2004) concluded that there is adequate evidence to support the use of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence in persons with a weak but structurally intact anal sphincter who are refractory to conservative measures. This conclusion was based on the results of a systematic evidence review (Fraser et al, 2004) that identified 6 case series studies of sacral nerve stimulation involving 266 persons with chronic refractory fecal incontinence. The systematic review found that complete continence was achieved in 41 to 75 % (19/46 to 12/16) of patients with permanent implants, whereas 75 to 100 % (3/4 to 16/16) of patients with permanent implants experienced a decrease of 50 % or more in the number of incontinence episodes. Commonly, the procedure is tested in each patient over a 2- to 3-week period, with a temporary percutaneous peripheral nerve electrode attached to an external stimulator (NICE, 2004). If significant benefit is achieved, then the permanent implantable pulse generator can be implanted.
The effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation in treating fecal incontinence has been demonstrated in clinical studies (Kenefick and Christiansen, 2004; Matzel et al, 2004; and Jarrett et al, 2004). Kenefick and Christiansen (2004) noted that sacral nerve stimulation appears to be an alternative treatment that is successful, has low morbidity, is maintained in the medium term and associated with an improved QOL. The technique has the advantage of a minimally invasive test procedure with high predictive value and the surgery is minor. Matzel et al (2004) stated that sacral nerve stimulation greatly improved continence and QOL in selected patients with morphologically intact or repaired sphincter complex offering a treatment for patients in whom treatment options are limited. Jarrette and associates (2004) concluded that sacral nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment, in the medium to long term, for fecal incontinence when conservative treatment has failed.
An assessment by the Australian Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC, 2005) recommended that "there is evidence of safety for sacral nerve stimulation in adults with faecal incontinence refractory to conservative, non-surgical treatment and who have an anatomically intact but functionally deficient anal sphincter. The total number of patients is small; there is some evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. MSAC supports public funding in these circumstances."
An assessment by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment (Fischer and Zechmeister, 2011) summarized current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of sacral nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence. The authors identified and analyzed 7 publications, including 5 reviews, 1 meta-analysis and 1 randomized controlled clinical study. The authors concluded that sacral nerve stimulation seems to be effective and safe for a selected group of patients. "However, the poor study design means that results are subject to considerable uncertainty and new studies could have an impact on the estimated effect."
Perianal Electrical Stimulation:
Perianal electrical stimulation has also been tried in treating fecal incontinence. A Cochrane review (Hoster et al, 2000) concluded that there are insufficient data to allow reliable conclusions to be drawn on the effects of electrical stimulation in the management of fecal incontinence. The report also concluded that there is a suggestion that electrical stimulation may have a therapeutic effect, but this is not certain; larger, more generalizable trials are needed. Since publication of the Cochrane review, Riedy et al (2000) reported on a study of perianal electrical stimulation of 5 healthy spinal cord injury patients. These researchers reported that 4 of the 5 subjects had strong anal contractions with perianal electrical stimulation. However, this study did not examine the effect of perianal electrical stimulation on fecal incontinence.
Mahoney et al (2004) reported on a randomized controlled clinical trial of intra-anal electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback versus EMG biofeedback augmented with electrical stimulation of the anal sphincter in the treatment of 60 women with post-partum fecal incontinence. These investigators reported that the addition of electrical stimulation of the anal sphincter did not enhance the symptomatic outcome of women with post-partum fecal incontinence.
Vitton and co-workers (2009) examined the usefulness of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation to treat fecal incontinence in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 12 patients (7 Crohn's disease, 2 undetermined colitis, 3 ulcerative colitis) were treated by applying transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve electrical stimulation daily for 3 months. A clinical evaluation was performed at the end of treatment, with Wexner's score and Harvey-Bradshaw index and analog scales to assess symptoms and QOL. At 3 months, 5 patients (41.6 %) reported a significant symptomatic and QOL improvement, although only 1 reported a significant modification in the Wexner score. The authors concluded that these preliminary results are encouraging, although further studies are necessary.
Leroi et al (2012) showed that although transcutaneous electrical tibial nerve stimulation (TENS) is being increasingly used to treat FI, its efficacy has never been proved using controlled trials. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, a total of 144 patients aged 30 to 82 years from 9 centers were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulations for 3 months. The primary end point was the response to treatment based on the number of incontinence and urgency episodes. Secondary end points were severity scores, quality of life scores, delay to postpone defecation, patient self-assessment of treatment efficacy, physician assessment of TENS efficacy, anorectal manometry, and adverse events. No statistically significant difference was seen between active and sham TENS in terms of an improvement in the median number of FI/urgency episodes per week. Thirty-four patients (47 %) who received the active TENS treatment exhibited a greater than 30 % decrease in the FI severity score compared with 19 patients (27 %) who received the sham treatment (odds ratio 2.4, 95 % CI: 1.1 to 5.1, p = 0.02). No differences in delay to postpone defecation, patient self-assessment of treatment efficacy, or anorectal manometry were seen between the two groups. The evaluating physicians rated the active stimulations as more effective than the sham stimulations (p = 0.01). One minor therapy-related adverse event was observed (1.5 %). The authors concluded that they failed to demonstrate any benefit of TENS on the primary end-point.
Injectable Bulking Agents:
A dysfunctional internal anal sphincter can result in fecal incontinence. Previous preliminary attempts to restore functional continuity have included a cutaneous flap to fill an anal canal defect, as well as the use of bulking agents (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, collagen, or autologous fat). In a pilot study, Malouf et al (2001) evaluated the effectiveness of single or multiple injections of the silicone-based product Bioplastique for the symptoms of passive fecal incontinence caused by an anatomically disrupted or intact but weak internal anal sphincter. A total of 10 patients (4 men and 6 women; median age of 64 years with a range of 41 to 80 years) with passive incontinence secondary to a weak (n = 6) or disrupted (n = 4) internal anal sphincter were injected either circumferentially or at a single site, respectively. Patients were assessed before and 6 weeks after treatment by clinical assessment, 2-week bowel diary card, anorectal physiologic testing, and endoanal ultrasound. Patients failing to show improvement after the first injection were offered a second injection 6 weeks after the first injection. Clinical assessment was further repeated at 6 months, and 5 patients had a further ultrasound examination. At 6 weeks, 6/10 patients showed either marked improvement (n = 3) or complete cessation of leakage (n = 3). Another patient was greatly improved after a second injection. Three patients were not improved. At 6 months, 2/7 patients had maintained marked improvement, and 1 patient had maintained minor improvement; all of these 3 patients had circumferential multiple injections. Maximum resting and squeeze anal pressures did not differ significantly between before versus 6 weeks after versus 6 months after injection. At 6 weeks, endoanal ultrasound (n = 9) confirmed the presence and correct position of the silicone in all but 1 patient who had experienced obvious external leakage of the product. At 6 months the silicone remained in the correct position in the 5 endosonographically assessed patients. Five of the initial patients experienced pain or minor ulceration at the injection site. These researchers concluded that although clinically effective immediately after injection, the benefit of an injectable biomaterial was maintained in only a minority of patients. This occurred despite the continued presence of material in the correct anatomical site. Patients with diffuse weakness treated by circumferential injection seemed to be the most responsive, but further studies are needed to clarify this finding.
Vaizey and Kamm (2005) noted that studies on the use of injectable bulking agents for the treatment of patients with fecal incontinence are mainly confined to a small number of pilot studies. The authors noted that although bulking agents have been used to treat urinary incontinence for more than 4 decades, their use in fecal incontinence has so far been limited. The large choice of products now available and the lack of a defined injection strategy will hamper efforts to produce meaningful prospective, randomized controlled trials.
Maeda et al (2007) examined the long-term effectiveness of silicone biomaterial (PTQ; Uroplasty BV, Geleen, The Netherlands) injection in the treatment of fecal incontinence. Six patients (median age of 53 years at the time of injection with PTQ) were followed-up at 61 months. A validated fecal incontinence score, treatment-specific questionnaire and SF-36 health survey questionnaire were completed. At 61-month follow-up, 1 patient had undergone a colostomy for fecal incontinence. In the remaining 5 patients the incontinence score was little changed: 11 (8 to 20) versus 13 (9 to 19). However, there was a substantial improvement in physical and social function on the SF-36 scores. S atisfaction scores were high at a median 7 of 10 (range of 0 to 8). Subjectively, 3 patients were improved; 1 of them had undergone a further set of injections and 1 improved after a course of biofeedback. After the follow-up period, 1 of the 5 patients had a colostomy for recto-vaginal fistula. The authors concluded that the results of perianal injection of PTQ for passive fecal incontinence are variable in the long-term. They noted that more extensive evaluation in the short-term, and possibly repeated treatment, may be needed.
An assessment of injectable bulking agents for fecal incontinence by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2007) concluded: "Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of injectable bulking agents for faecal incontinence does not appear adequate for this procedure to be used without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research, which should take place in the context of a clinical trial or formal audit protocol that includes information on well-defined patient groups."
In a pilot study, Dehli and co-workers (2007) reported the findings of a new bulking agent (hyaluronic acid and dextranomere) and a new injection technique for the treatment of fecal incontinence. An anascope was used to inject Zuidex (4 x 1. 4 ml) submucosally (proximal to the dentate line and distally to the puborectal muscle) in 4 patients with severe fecal incontinence, who were deemed unfit for other treatment. No anesthesia or antibiotic-prophylaxis was used. All patients tolerated the treatment well, and there were no adverse events. The treatment had an effect in 3 of 4 patients; there was a median fall in St. Mark's score of 3.5 points. The injection technique was well-tolerated, easy to perform within an outpatient setting and with promising short-term results. The method has been implemented in a randomized controlled trial.
Altomare and colleagues (2008) assessed the safety and effectiveness of carbon-coated microbeads (Durasphere) anal injection for the treatment of fecal incontinence. A total of 33 unselected patients with incontinence (24 females; mean age of 61.5 +/- 14 years; range of 22 to 83) underwent anal bulking agent submucosal injection with Durasphere in the outpatient regimen. The causes of incontinence were obstetric lesions in 18.2 %, iatrogenic in 36.4 %, rectal surgery in 12.1 %, and idiopathic in 33.3 %. Previous unsuccessful treatments for fecal incontinence included diet and drugs in 16 patients, biofeedback training in 7 patients, sacral nerve modulation in 6 patients, sphincteroplasty in 2 patients, artificial bowel sphincter in 1 patient, and PTQ macroplastique bulking agent in 1 patient. Under local anesthesia and antibiotic prophylaxis, a mean of 8.8 (range of 2 to 19) ml of Durasphere were injected into the submucosa by using a 1.5-inch, angled, 18-gauge needle. After a median follow-up of 20.8 months (range of 10 to 22), the median Cleveland Clinic continence score decreased significantly from 12 to 8 (p < 0.001) and the median American Medical System score from 89 to 73 (p = 0.0074), but the FIQL did not change significantly (74 to 76, p = not significant). Anal manometry significantly improved (resting pressure increasing from 34 to 42 mm Hg; p = 0.008) and squeezing pressure from 66 to 79 mm Hg (p = 0.04). Two patients complained of moderate anal pain for a few days after the implant, 1 patient had asymptomatic leakage of the injected material through a mucosa perforation, and 2 had distal migration of the Durasphere along the dentate line. The authors concluded that anal bulking agent injection is a safe treatment and can mitigate the severity of fecal incontinence by increasing anal pressure but does not significantly improve the QOL.
Ganio et al (2008) evaluated prospectively the effects of calcium hydroxylaptatite ceramic microspheres (Coaptite) as a bulking agent to treat patients with passive fecal incontinence (n = 10). All patients were assessed by clinical examination, anal ultrasonography and anal manometry. The severity of incontinence and QOL were assessed using the Fecal Incontinence Scoring System (FISS) and FIQL questionnaire at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the Coaptite injection. Eight patients (80 %) had a marked improvement in continence, with a significant reduction in FISS from 85.6 +/- 9.4 to 28.0 +/- 29.0 (p = 0.008) at 12 months. There was an improvement in global QOL scores, which was significant in 3 subscales (lifestyle, coping/behavior and embarrassment). Manometry showed a significant improvement from baseline in the mean resting anal canal pressure after the Coaptite injection (p= 0.018). The authors concluded that Coaptite is a promising and safe bulking agent for the treatment of passive fecal incontinence.
Soerensen et al (2009) assessed the functional efficacy of inter-sphincteric injected silicone biomaterial (PTQ) in patients with fecal incontinence. A total of 33 patients (male-female ratio: 9:24); median age of 53 years (range of 21 to 75 years) with fecal incontinence of varied etiology were included in this study. The PTQ was injected under general anesthesia with antibiotic cover. All patients had anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and responded to fecal incontinence severity questionnaire (Wexner score) and SF-36 short-form health survey questionnaire before and 3 months post-operatively. At time of final follow-up, the continence status and QOL questionnaire were re-assessed. The mean follow-up was 12.9 months (range of 3 to 22 months). The Wexner Continence Score was significantly reduced short-term from 12.7 to 11.0 (p = 0.03) and long-term to 10.4 (p = 0.02). The long-term effect on liquid stool incontinence continued to improve significantly (p < 0.01). Six patients (18 %) reported major improvement in Wexner Continence Score at the time of final follow-up. Anorectal manometry was not affected except for the maximum tolerable rectal volume, which was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The SF-36 short-form questionnaire showed no significant improvement in QOL after treatment with PTQ. The authors concluded that treatment with inter-sphincteric injection of PTQ implants can provide improvement in patients with fecal incontinence of varied etiology. However, the improvement is mainly limited to soiling and minor leakage; and a majority of patients still have severe incontinence, both short-term and long-term.
In a preliminary study, Aigner and associates (2009) evaluated if the injection of carbon beads can significantly improve anal continence. Consecutive patients presenting with fecal incontinence were evaluated with standardized incontinence grading and QOL grading scores, by anoproctoscopy, endoanal ultrasound, and anomanometry before, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after injection. Injection therapy was carried out in patients with anatomically intact anal sphincters. Patients kept a 2-week incontinence diary. Data were obtained from a 2-year follow-up period. A total of 11 women with a mean age of 66 years (range of 56 to 74) met the inclusion criteria. Mean incontinence score was 12.27 +/- 0.97 at baseline, 6.82 +/- 1.64 at 3-month, 6.73 +/- 1.47 at 6-month, 5.91 +/- 0.95 at 1-year, and 4.91 +/- 0.87 at 2-year follow-up (p = 0.003). Quality-of-life items like coping and embarrassment improved significantly from baseline 2.3 to 3.0 at 3 months and 2.8 at 6 months (p < 0.05). Anomanometry showed a trend toward increase in measured pressures. No major complications occurred. The authors concluded that the injection of carbon beads via an inter-sphincteric approach is a promising new treatment option for old patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence.
In a Cochrane review, Maeda and colleagues (2010) examined the effectiveness of perianal injection of bulking agents for the treatment of fecal incontinence in adults. All randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing use of injectable bulking agents for fecal incontinence with any alternative treatments or placebo were reviewed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Case-control and cohort studies were also reviewed to assess risks and complications associated with the treatment. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality of eligible trials and independently extracted data from included trials using a range of pre-specified outcome measures. Four eligible randomized trials were identified with a total of 176 patients. All trials but 1 were at an uncertain or high risk of bias. Most trials reported a short-term benefit from injections regardless of the material used as outcome measures improved over time. A silicone biomaterial (PTQ), was shown to provide some advantages and was safer in treating fecal incontinence than carbon-coated beads (Durasphere) in the short-term. Similarly, there were short-term benefits from injections delivered under ultrasound guidance compared with digital guidance. However, PTQ did not demonstrate obvious clinical benefit compared to control injection of normal saline. No long-term evidence on outcomes was available and further conclusions were not warranted from the available data. The authors concluded that a definitive conclusion can not be drawn regarding the effectiveness of perianal injection of bulking agents for fecal incontinence due to the limited number of identified trials together with methodological weaknesses. Within the available data, however, these investigators found no reliable evidence for effectiveness of one treatment over another in improving fecal incontinence. They stated that larger well-designed trials with adequate numbers of subjects using reliable validated outcome measures are needed to allow definitive assessment of the treatment for both safety and effectiveness.
Graf et al (2011) stated that injection of a bulking agent in the anal canal is an increasingly used treatment for fecal incontinence, but effectiveness has not been shown in a controlled trial. These researchers evaluated the effectiveness of injection of dextranomer in stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA Dx) for treatment of fecal incontinence. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, patients aged 18 to 75 years from centers in United States and Europe were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either transanal submucosal injections of NASHA Dx or sham injections. Randomization was stratified by sex and region in blocks of 6, and managed with a computer generated, real-time, web-based system. Patients and investigators were masked to assignment for 6 months when the effect on severity of fecal incontinence and quality of life was assessed with a 2-week diary and clinical assessments. The primary endpoint was response to treatment based on the number of incontinence episodes. A response to treatment was defined as a reduction in number of episodes by 50 % or more. Patients in the active treatment group are still being followed-up. A total of 278 patients were screened for inclusion, of whom 206 were randomized to receive NASHA Dx (n = 136) or sham treatment (n = 70). A total of 71 patients who received NASHA Dx (52 %) had a 50 % or more reduction in the number of incontinence episode, compared with 22 patients who received sham treatment (31 %; odds ratio 2·36, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1·24 to 4·47, p = 0·0089). These investigators recorded 128 treatment-related adverse events, of which 2 were serious (1 rectal abscess and 1 prostatic abscess). The authors concluded that the role of injectable agents in the treatment algorithm for fecal incontinence is not established. They stated that a refinement of selection criteria for patients, optimum injected dose, ideal site of injection, and long-term results might further increase the acceptance of this minimally invasive treatment.
Commenting on the study by Graf et al (2011), Norton (2011) stated that "Graf and colleagues' study as published, would be difficult to replicate because there is little detailed information about characterisation of patients' symptoms (did the patients report passive, urge, or both symptoms of faecal incontinence?). Other data not reported include changes in objective criteria such as anal pressures, ultrasound appearance, or sensation, which might give clues about the mechanism of action. How many patients had functional or structural impairment of the internal anal sphincter was not reported, nor how many faecal incontinence secondary to loose stool. If the treatment's presumed mechanism of action is sphincter occlusion, some categories of faecal incontinence would have little potential for benefit. So, although Graf and colleagues' study might change the conclusion of an updated Cochrane review on the subject, should it change clinical practice? maybe, but until we ask patients what they think, we cannot be sure whether a statistically significant result will actually change peoples' lives".
On May 27, 2011, the FDA approved Solesta, a sterile, injectable dextranomer hyaluronic acid gel to treat fecal incontinence (FI). The Solesta gel is injected into a layer of tissue beneath the anus lining and may help build tissue in that area. By growing the surrounding tissue, the opening of the anus narrows and the patient may be able to better control those muscles. The FDA based its approval on results from a clinical study of 206 patients. In the primary study, most patients received 2 treatments, consisting of 4 injections each, for a total of 8 injections. After 6 months, more than half of the patients injected with Solesta experienced a 50 % reduction in the number of FI episodes. However, one-third of patients who received no Solesta in the study also experienced a similar reduction. Overall, a greater proportion of patients treated with Solesta experienced improvements, indicating the gel provides benefit. Solesta is approved for use in patients aged 18 years and older who have failed conservative therapies (e.g., diet change, fiber therapy or anti-motility medications) failed. It should not be used in patients who have active inflammatory bowel disease, immunodeficiency disorders, previous radiation treatment to the pelvic area, significant rectal prolapse, active infections, bleeding, tumors or malformations in the anorectal area, rectal distended veins, an existing implant in the anorectal region, or allergy to hyaluronic acid based products. The most common side effects associated with Solesta include injection area pain and bleeding. Infection and inflammation of anal tissue are more serious risks, but are less common.
In a systematic review, Luo et al (2010) examined the safety and effectiveness of injectable bulking agents for passive FI in adults. Electronic searches were performed for MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge and other relevant databases. Hand searching of relevant conference proceedings was undertaken. Studies were considered if they met the pre-defined inclusion criteria of more than 10 adult patients and receiving an injectable bulking agent for passive FI with a validated means of assessing pre-operative and post-operative incontinence. A total of 13 case series studies and 1 randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) were included with a total of 420 patients. Two completed RCTs with placebo control were identified but results were unobtainable. Coaptite, Contigen, Durasphere (carbon-coated beads), EVOH and PTQ (silicone biomaterial) injections were assessed with 24, 73, 83, 21 and 208 patients respectively. Most studies reported a statistically significant improvement in incontinence scores and quality of life. No statistically significant difference was found between the treatment and placebo arms in the RCT. No serious adverse events were reported. The authors concluded that currently there is little evidence for the effectiveness of injectable bulking agents in managing passive FI. The inability to obtain results from 2 further RCTs concerned the reviewers and hindered their ability to make strong recommendations. The identified injectable bulking agents appear to be safe with only minor complications reported.
Schwandner et al (2011) analyzed safety and functional outcome of transanal submucosal injection of dextranomer hyaluronic acid ("bulking agents therapy") in patients with passive FI. All patients who underwent transanal injection therapy were prospectively enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria included FI (internal anal sphincter dysfunction) after failed conservative treatment. The procedure was performed in a standardized technique, including submucosal injection of 4 × 1 mL dextranomer hyaluronic acid 5 mm above the dentate line. The primary endpoint focused on symptom improvement provided as the change in incontinence status and quality of life using validated scores (Wexner incontinence score, symptom-specific Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life [FIQoL] scale, and generic EQ-5D-Visual Analogue Scale [EQ-5D-VAS]). Within the observation period (July 2007 to May 2009), a total of 21 patients (17 women) with passive FI were treated. Neither morbidity nor adverse events were documented. Three months post-operatively, 61.1 % (11/18) showed significant improvement of symptoms (reduction of incontinence episodes and soiling), which was sustained after 20 months in 55.6 % (10/18). Wexner incontinence score decreased from 16.8 to 12.3 (p > 0.05). Significant improvement was documented for FIQoL and EQ-5D-VAS (p < 0.05). The authors concluded that these findings indicated that injection therapy using hyaluronic acid is an innovative and minimally invasive procedure with no morbidity. Although Wexner incontinence score is not significantly influenced, a significant improvement in quality of life was observed in more than 50 % of patients.
Leung (2011) stated that novel treatments are needed to augment medical therapy for fecal incontinence. The author reviewed observational studies (OS) and RCTs related to injection of bulking agent for the treatment of FI. A total of 22 observational studies and 4 RCTs were identified. OS mostly with limited sample sizes reported promising results. Repeated injection was necessary in some patients. Effect on anal sphincter pressures was highly variable. Significant improvements in the length of anal high-pressure zone, asymmetry index and maximum tolerable rectal volume were suggested. Four RCTs (n = 176) revealed: (i) Short-term benefits from injection of Bioplastique under ultrasound guidance compared with digital guidance; (ii) Silicone biomaterial (PTQ) provided some advantages and was safer than carbon-coated beads (Durasphere); (iii) PTQ did not demonstrate clinical benefit compared to control injection of saline; and (iv) There was significant improvement at 6 weeks post-injection, but no difference between Bulkamid and Permacol. A 2010 Cochrane review, however, noted that these data were inconclusive due to limited number and methodological weaknesses. The author concluded that further studies are needed to assess patient-centered outcomes (e.g., adequate relief) in addition to the attenuation of severity of incontinence symptoms in ambulatory patients. In nursing home residents, cost-effectiveness studies combining injection treatment and prompted voiding (to mitigate constraints of immobility and dementia) in preventing peri-anal skin complications deserves to be considered.
Ullah et al (2011) examined the safety and effectiveness of injectable bulking agents for the management of FI. A total of 13 procedures were performed on 11 patients with FI during 2002 to 2007. Patients with internal anal sphincter defect and low incontinence score (Cleveland score less than 10) revealed improvement. Patients with higher incontinence score and external sphincter defect secondary to obstetric damage required further intervention. At a median follow-up of 43 months, 7 (63 %) patients showed improvement in incontinence score and 4 (32 %) showed marked improvement in their symptoms. Fifty six percent of the patients described this as an effective procedure, though the level of effectiveness varied from person to person. Anal injectable collagen was found safe and effective in the management of FI. The authors concluded that long-term follow-ups are needed to re assess and consider definitive procedure in failed cases.
An UpToDate review on "Treatment of chronic functional constipation and fecal incontinence in infants and children" (Ferry, 2012) does not mention the use of bulking agents in the treatment of FI. Moreover, an UpToDate review on "Fecal incontinence in adults" (Robson and Lembo, 2012) states that "Injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Solesta™) is used for the treatment of urinary incontinence and has been studied in patients with fecal incontinence. Studies suggest dextranomer/hyaluronic acid is effective for the treatment of fecal incontinence". However, the authors did not include injectable bulking agents in the "Summary and Recommendations" of this review.
Furthermore, the National Association For Continence (NAFC, 2012) lists injectable bulking agents (Solesta) as one of the less invasive surgical options that offer promise for selected patients. The NAFC also lists phenylephrine gel (for improvement in resting tone of anal muscles) as one of the treatments undergoing testing.
Hoy and colleagues (2012) noted that dextranomer in stabilized sodium hyaluronate (Solesta), hereafter referred to as dextranomer/hyaluronic acid, is a biocompatible bulking agent administered by submucosal injection. It is hypothesized to expand the submucosal layer of the proximal anal canal, thereby augmenting bowel control. Treatment with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid was associated with symptomatic improvements in adult patients with fecal incontinence participating in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, multi-national study as well as a non-comparative, multinational study. In the double-blind study, patients in the dextranomer/hyaluronic acid group met the primary efficacy objective in that a significantly higher proportion of patients responded to treatment (greater than or equal to 50 % reduction from baseline in the number of incontinence episodes) at the 6-month post-treatment time-point than in the sham group (2 of 3 primary response criteria), with the durability of the treatment response (greater than or equal to 25 % reduction from baseline in the number of incontinence episodes) confirmed at the 12-month post-treatment time-point (3rd primary response criterion). For the most part, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid did not significantly differ from the sham treatment in terms of quality of life and various other symptomatic endpoints at 6 months post-treatment in the double-blind study, although there were significant improvements from baseline in various parameters, such as the mean number of incontinence-free days, the median number of incontinence episodes and mean Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life domain scores, at 12 months post-treatment. In general, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid was well-tolerated for up to 18 months post-treatment, with the majority of treatment-related adverse events considered mild or moderate in intensity.
In an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s report (AHRQ, 2012), a total of 7 experts, with clinical, research, and health systems backgrounds, offered perspectives on the use of Solesta for the treatment of FI. The experts generally agreed that an important unmet need exists for effective fecal incontinence treatment for this patient population, based on the current lack of effective therapies and their associated cost and risk of adverse events. One clinical expert opined that few patients seek proper care for fecal incontinence and that those patients who seek treatment often receive conservative treatment or no treatment at all. However, one expert opined that effective alternative therapies and “protective garments” are available for fecal incontinence management and that the need for improved options was incremental. Most experts stated this intervention has potential to improve health outcomes. Basing their opinions on preliminary results, they thought the tissue-bulking agent would not always completely resolve fecal incontinence. Most experts wanted to see additional trial results. One expert with a clinical perspective found it difficult to determine this intervention’s potential to improve health outcomes, stating that “This will not work for everyone. Those with muscle disruptions will probably need surgery. Even ‘perfect’ candidates will sometimes not be successful”. Experts generally agreed that this intervention has the potential to affect the current care model and patient management and to shift care setting from inpatient surgery to office visits. One clinical expert opined that if this treatment is proven effective, it has the potential to dramatically shift the staff needed to treat the condition, because colorectal surgeons who perform the surgical procedures would be supplanted by gastroenterologists delivering minimally invasive injections during an office visit. Another clinical expert commented on this intervention’s potential to “reduce the number of individuals needed to care for incontinent patients (decreased number of aides, LPNs [licensed practical nurses], etc.). It would also decrease the individual’s costs for cleaning materials and local treatments (e.g., creams and ointments)”. One research expert added that this intervention would reduce the number of procedures performed in operating rooms.
In a Cochrane review, Maeda et al (2013) examined the effectiveness of perianal injection of bulking agents for the treatment of fecal incontinence in adults. These investigators searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register of trials (May 25, 2012), ZETOC (May3, 2012), clinical trials registries (May 3, 2012) and the reference lists of relevant articles. All randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing the use of injectable bulking agents for fecal incontinence with any alternative treatments or placebo were reviewed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Case-control and cohort studies were also reviewed to assess risks and complications associated with the treatments. Two review authors assessed the methodological quality of eligible trials and independently extracted data from the included trials using a range of pre-specified outcome measures. A total of 5 eligible randomized trials with a total of 382 patients were identified; 4 of the trials were at an uncertain or high- risk of bias. Most trials reported a short-term benefit from injections regardless of the material used, including placebo saline injection. One study demonstrated dextranomer in stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA Dx) to be more effective than sham injection but with more adverse effects. Dextranomer in stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA Dx) was better than sham injections at 6 months (65/136, 48 % versus 48/70, 69 % participants not improved, defined as less than 50 % reduction in incontinence episodes, RR 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.55 to 0.88; with more incontinence free days (3.1 days compared with 1.7 in the sham treatment group, MD 1.40 days, 95 % CI: 0.33 to 2.47). Another study comparing silicone material (PTQ™) to saline injections was too small to demonstrate a clinical benefit compared to the control injection of normal saline. A silicone biomaterial (PTQ™) was shown to provide some advantages and was safer in treating fecal incontinence than carbon-coated beads (Durasphere®) in the short-term. Similarly, there were short-term benefits from injections delivered under ultrasound guidance compared with digital guidance. No long-term evidence on outcomes was available and further conclusions were not warranted from the available data. None of the studies reported patient evaluation of outcomes and thus it is difficult to gauge whether the improvement in incontinence scores matched practical symptom improvements that mattered to the patients. The authors concluded that 1 large randomized controlled trial has shown that this form of treatment using dextranomer in stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA Dx) improves continence for a little over 50 % of patients in the short-term. However, the number of identified trials was limited and most had methodological weaknesses.
Injection of Autologous Myoblast Cells:
In a pilot study, Frudinger and colleagues (2010) examined the effectiveness of injection of autologous myoblast cells in the treatment of anal incontinence as a result of obstetric trauma. A total of 10 women suffering from anal incontinence due to obstetric anal sphincter injury, refractory to conventional non-surgical therapy were included in this study. Autologous myoblasts were cultured from a pectoralis muscle biopsy, harvested, and injected into the external anal sphincter defect using direct ultrasound guidance. Main outcome measures included Wexner incontinence score, anal squeeze pressures, and QOL 12 months after injection. The procedure was well-tolerated and no adverse events were observed. At 12 months the Wexner incontince score had decreased by a mean of 13.7 units (95 % CI: -16.3 to -11.2), anal squeeze pressures were unchanged, and overall QOL scores improved by a median of 30 points (95 % CI: 25 to 42). Anal squeeze pressures rose significantly at 1 month and 6 months post-injection (p = 0.03). The authors concluded that injection of autologous myoblasts is safe, well-tolerated, and significantly improves symptoms of anal incontinence due to obstetric anal sphincter trauma. The findings of this small pilot study need to be validated by well-designed studies.
Topical Estrogen:
In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, Pinedo and co-workers (2009) evaluated the effect of topical estrogens (TE) in controlling symptoms of fecal incontinence in post-menopausal women. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: (i) topical estriol, and (ii) placebo. In both groups, the ointment was applied 3 times daily for a period of 6 weeks. Wexner's fecal incontinence score and the fecal incontinence QOL scale were compared before commencing and after 6 weeks of TE application. A total of 36 patients were evaluated (average age of 67 years; range of 48 to 84). Group (i): 18 patients and group (ii): 18 patients, 1 patient was excluded. Wexner's fecal incontinence score in group (i) was 11 (5 to 18) and 7 (0 to 19) with pre- and post-application, respectively (p = 0.002). Wexner's fecal incontinence score in group (ii) was 12 and 9 with pre- and post-application, respectively (p = 0.013). When results between both groups were compared, these were not statistically significant (p = 0.521). The authors concluded that there is improvement of continence in both groups that had the ointment applied; nonetheless this study could not show that TE improves fecal incontinence more than a placebo does.
Poserior Tibial Nerve Stimulation:
Findlay and Maxwell-Armstrong (2011) stated that fecal incontinence is a common and important multi-factorial disorder with a range of treatment options. Over the last 2 decades, neuromodulation via sacral nerve stimulators has been shown to be effective for both fecal and urinary incontinence, although associated with complications. Peripheral neuromodulation, via the posterior tibial nerve, is widely used in urinary incontinence; however, its use in fecal incontinence, while evolving is limited to 8 small heterogeneous studies. These 8 studies were discussed in the context of the methodology and underlying neurophysiology of peripheral neuromodulation, as are thus far unanswered questions. The 8 studies include a total of 129 patients with fecal incontinence (of variable etiology), all of whom had failed conservative management. One study was prospective and controlled, 6 were uncontrolled and 1 was retrospective and uncontrolled. Five different neuromodulatory protocols were used over 6 different study periods. Outcome measures varied, but short-term primary end point success ranged from 30.0 % to 83.3 %. The limitations to this early evidence, while encouraging, are significant, and it remains to be seen whether this novel treatment modality represents the minimally invasive, well-tolerated, cost-effective and flexible panacea hoped for this common and debilitating disease. The authors noted that 3 upcoming multi-center, placebo-controlled trials will better be able to delineate its role.
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