Would Surgeons Like to Be Submitted to Anal Fistulotomy? An International Web-Based Survey.

Traditional fistulotomy is the most performed surgical procedure in anal fistula surgery. We conducted an international online survey to explore colorectal surgeons' opinions and preferences on fistulotomy. Considering the healing and continence impairment rates reported in the literature, surgeons were invited to answer as a hypothetic patient susceptible to being submitted to fistulotomy for low and high anal fistula. A total of 767 surgeons completed the survey from 72 countries. The majority of respondents were consultants, having treated more than 20 anal fistulas in the last year. Most of them declared that anal fistula would be able to negatively affect quality of life and would be worried/anxious about it. Taking into account all aspects, 87.5% and 37.8% of respondents would agree to be treated with a fistulotomy in case of a low and high fistula, respectively, with an acceptance rate that varied worldwide. At multivariate analysis, factors correlated to the acceptance of anal fistulotomy were male gender (p = 0.003), practice of less than 20 fistula operations during last year (p = 0.020), and low fistula (p < 0.001). Surgeons recognized the extreme complexity of this approach. This study highlighted the necessity of an accurate patients' selection and the adoption of alternative strategy to reduce the risk of anal continence impairment.

The pathogenesis of cryptoglandular anal fistula: New insight into the immunological profile.

AIM: The aetiology of cryptoglandular anal fistula (AF) is poorly understood. Evidence suggests that persistence and/or recurrence of the disease is more related to inflammatory than infectious factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the immune profile of cryptoglandular AF and to perform a histopathological characterization. METHOD: Fistulectomy was performed in all patients; healthy ischioanal fat from the same patients was used as a control. Samples were evaluated by the Luminex xMAP system for the detection of 27 analytes. AF tissues were analysed using immunofluorescence. Staining was performed using primary antibodies to identify M1 inflammatory and M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages. Selective staining of total T lymphocytes and different T lymphocyte subsets was performed. RESULTS: Twenty patients with AF underwent a fistulectomy. Specific cytokine pathways differentiated AF from healthy tissue: pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-17 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were overexpressed in AF compared with controls. Chemokines involved in macrophage recruitment (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4) were higher in AF than in healthy fatty tissue. Moreover, we showed that Tc17 cells characterize AF patients, thus confirming the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay data. Furthermore, elevated infiltration of CD68+ myeloid cells and a reduction of the M1/M2 ratio characterize AF patients. CONCLUSION: A combination of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors reside in the wound microenvironment of AF patients. For the first time an important prevalence of Tc17 cells and a reduction in the M1/M2 ratio was observed, thus suggesting new insights into the immunological characterization of AF patients.

Effectiveness and Validation of the Italian Translation of the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score in an Italian High-Volume University Hospital.

Background: The low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score is a validated questionnaire developed in Denmark to measure the severity of bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the LARS score in the Italian language in a population of Italian patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The convergent and discriminative validity and the test-retest reliability of the score were investigated. Methods: A cohort of two hundred and five patients treated with low anterior resection were enrolled in an Italian high-volume university hospital between January 2000 and April 2018. The Italian version of the LARS score (tested twice), as translated from English original version, a single question on quality of life and the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire were submitted to patients. Results: A high proportion of patients showed a perfect or moderate fit between the LARS score and QoL categories (convergent validity, p < 0.0005). All differences regarding the items of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) functional scales were statistically significant (p < 0.0005). The LARS score was able to discriminate between groups of patients who received or did not receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.0005) and those who received total or partial mesorectal excision (p < 0.0005). The test-retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.96). Conclusion: The Italian translation of the LARS score is an easy and reliable tool for assessing bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection and its routine use in clinical practice should be recommended.Trial registration number at www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04406311.

Clinical and functional outcome of surgery for posttraumatic cloacal deformity.

AIM: Cloacal deformity is a disabling condition that severely affects a patient's quality of life. Surgery to repair cloacal deformity remains the mainstay of treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and functional outcome of patients treated for traumatic cloacal deformity by three different techniques. METHOD: A retrospective multicentre study was carried out using data from women operated on for cloacal deformity between 2015 and 2019. Demographic characteristics, the presence of urinary and/or faecal incontinence and manometric findings were collected. The main outcome measures were represented by St Mark's and Rockwood faecal incontinence quality of life scores. RESULTS: Thirty eight women with a median age of 34 years [interquartile range (IQR) 31-39 years] were enrolled. Perineoplasty was performed in 23 patients by direct suture of the rectovaginal septum, in five using the X-flap and in 10 by the Singapore flap. Median resting and squeezing pressures increased significantly from 28.15 (IQR 23-32.7) cmH2 O to 45 (IQR 31-60.7) cmH2 O (p = 0.0001) and from 47 (IQR 41.2-54.7) cmH2 O to 97.2 (IQR 80-118) cmH2 O (p = 0.0001), respectively. Maximum tolerable volume improved from 120 (IQR 90-137.5) ml to 137.5 (IQR 120-150) ml (p = 0.002). The St Mark's score decreased from 18 (IQR 14-20) to 4.5 (IQR 2-8) after 20 months (p = 0001). Sexual activity was confirmed by 16 patients preoperatively and by 27 postoperatively. A diverting stoma was performed in three patients after X-flap perineoplasty and in 14 treated by direct closure. No significant differences were found pre- and postoperatively between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the technique used, surgical repair significantly improves both clinical and functional outcomes irrespective of the presence of a covering stoma.

Tunneling of Mesh during Ventral Rectopexy: Technical Aspects and Long-Term Functional Results.

Avoiding the extensive damage of pelvic structures during ventral rectopexy could minimize secondary disfunctions. The objective of our observational study is to assess the safety and functional efficacy of a modified ventral rectopexy. In the modified ventral rectopexy, a retroperitoneal tunnel was created along the right side of rectum, connecting two peritoneal mini-incisions at the Douglas pouch and sacral promontory. The proximal edge of a polypropylene mesh, sutured over the ventral rectum, was pulled up through the retroperitoneal tunnel and fixed to the sacral promontory. In all patients, radiopaque clips were placed on the mesh, making it radiographically "visible". Before surgery and at follow up visits, Altomare, Longo, CCSS, PAC-SYM, and CCFI scores were collected. From March 2010 to September 2021, 117 patients underwent VR. Modified ventral rectopexy was performed in 65 patients, while the standard ventral rectopexy was performed in 52 patients. The open approach was used in 97 cases (55 and 42 patients in modified and standard VR, respectively), while MI surgery was used in 20 cases (10 and 10 patients in modified and standard VR, respectively). A slightly shorter operative time and hospital stay were observed following modified ventral rectopexy (though this was not statistically significant). Similar overall complication rates were registered in the modified vs. standard ventral rectopexies (4.6% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.779). At follow-up, the Longo score (14.0 ± 8.6 vs. 11.0 ± 8.2, p = 0.042) and "delta" values of Altomare (9.2 ± 6.1 vs. 5.9 ± 6.3, p = 0.008) and CCSS (8.4 ± 6.3 vs. 6.1 ± 6.1, p = 0.037) scores were significantly improved in the modified ventral rectopexy group. A similar occurrence of symptoms recurrence was diagnosed in the two groups. Radiopaque clips helped to accurately diagnose mesh detachment/dislocation. The proposed modified VR seems to be feasible and safe. Marking the mesh intraoperatively seems useful.

A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of Two Different Phlebotonic Therapies as a Bridge to Surgery in Patients with Advanced Hemorrhoidal Disease.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two different phlebotonic therapies, preoperatively administered in advanced hemorrhoidal disease (HD) patients with recommendation for surgery, and to assess patient satisfaction after treatment. In this prospective observational study, 100 patients were preoperatively treated either with micronized purified flavonoid fraction (group A) or sublingual nano-emulsion flavonoid (group B). HD symptoms, local inflammation signs and patients' satisfaction were evaluated at baseline visit (T0), after 4 weeks of therapy (T1) and 8 weeks after its discontinuation (T2). In group A, a significant improvement for all HD symptoms and inflammation signs was observed after therapy (T1), followed by a reduction of efficacy in T2, except for itching and edema. In group B, therapy had a significant benefit on symptoms and local inflammation at T1, which persisted after its discontinuation for all symptoms, and edematous hemorrhoids. In both groups, the satisfaction rate was "good" in 60% of patients and patients were statistically significant more satisfied at T1 compared with T2 (p = 0.0001). No adverse events were recorded. Preoperative treatment was safe and useful to optimize patients' clinical condition prior to surgery.

FISSIT (Fistula Surgery in Italy) study: A retrospective survey on the surgical management of anal fistulas in Italy over the last 15 years.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of anal fistulas is still a challenge. The aims of this study were to evaluate the adoption and healing rates for the different surgical techniques used in Italy over the past 15 years. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective observational study of patients affected by simple and complex anal fistulas of cryptoglandular origin who were surgically treated in the period 2003-2017. Surgical techniques were grouped as sphincter-cutting or sphincter-sparing and as technology-assisted or techno-free. All patients included in the study were followed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 9,536 patients (5,520 simple; 4,016 complex fistulas) entered the study. For simple fistulas, fistulotomy was the most frequently used procedure, although its adoption significantly decreased over the years (P < .0005), with an increase in sphincter-sparing approaches; the overall healing rate in simple fistulas was 81.1%, with a significant difference between sphincter-cutting (91.9%) and sphincter-sparing (65.1%) techniques (P = .001). For complex fistulas, the adoption of sphincter-cutting approaches decreased, while sphincter-sparing techniques were mildly preferred (P < .0005). Moreover, there was a significant trend toward the use of technology-assisted procedures. The overall healing rate for complex fistulas was 69.0%, with a measurable difference between sphincter-cutting (81.1%) and sphincter-sparing (61.4%; P = .001) techniques and between techno-free and technology-assisted techniques (72.5% and 55.0%, respectively; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of anal fistulas has changed, with a trend toward the use of sphincter-sparing techniques. The overall cure rate has remained stable, even if the most innovative procedures have achieved a lower success rate.

One-year evaluation of anorectal functionality and quality of life in patients affected by mid-to-low rectal cancer treated with transanal total mesorectal excision.

Surgery of mid-to-low rectal cancer is still considered challenging. Transanal total mesorectal excision has been proposed to facilitate the mesorectal dissection, gain sphincter-saving procedures, and reduce functional sequelae. Few studies have investigated long-term functional outcomes and patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes and quality of life before and after transanal total mesorectal excision in 1-year follow-up. Between February 2016 and April 2019, 51 patients with mid- or low rectal cancer undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" were enrolled. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was administered to locally advanced cancers. Before and after the surgical procedure, patients were examined collecting clinical data, LARS score, CCFIS, SF36 and FIQL, performing anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography. Thirty-three patients were eligible and completed the 12 months follow-up. After treatment, six patients (18.2%) had minor or major LARS. A mild but significant increase of CCFIS was documented. Only the mean resting pressure significantly decreased at follow-up. No sphincter lesions were documented. FIQL assessment showed significant reduction of lifestyle, coping/behaviour, and embarrassment, while an increase of general health was assessed by SF36. At both uni- and multivariate analyses the neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy had a not negligible impact. Transanal total mesorectal excision represents a safe approach to patients treated for mid- or low rectal cancer. The functional sequelae can be limited in severity, with a low incidence of minor/major LARS, particularly faecal incontinence. These results are comparable to those obtained by the conventional total mesorectal excision.

The Management of Hemorrhoidal Disease by Dearterialization and Mucopexy.

Several minimally invasive surgical procedures have been recently developed to treat hemorrhoids without any excision. About 25 years ago, a non-excisional procedure providing doppler- guided ligation of the hemorrhoidal arteries has been proposed - named "hemorrhoidal dearterialization". The original technique has been modified over the years, and indications were expanded. In particular, a plication of the redundant and prolapsing mucosa/submucosa of the rectum (named "mucopexy") has been introduced to treat hemorrhoidal prolapse, without excision of the hemorrhoidal piles. At present, the THD® Doppler procedure is one of the most used techniques to treat hemorrhoids. Aim of this technique is to realize a target dearterialization, using a Doppler probe with the final purpose to reduce the arterial overflow to the hemorrhoidal piles. In the case of associated hemorrhoidal prolapse, a mucopexy is performed together with Doppler-guided dearterialization. The entity and circumferential extension of the hemorrhoidal prolapse guide the mucopexy, which can be considered tailored to a single patient; the dearterialization should be considered mandatory. Advantages of this surgical technique are the absence of serious and life-threatening postoperative events, chronic complications, and limited recurrence risks. The impact of the procedure on the anorectal physiology is negligible. However, careful postoperative management is mandatory to avoid complications and to guarantee an improved long-term outcome. Therefore, regular physiologic bowel movements, excessive strain at the defecation and strong physical activity are advisable.

Anorectal Function and Quality of Life in IBD Patients With A Perianal Complaint.

PURPOSE: Anorectal function of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is still poorly understood, with contradictory results. This prospective observational study aimed to analyze the effect of perianal disease on anorectal function and quality of life in IBD patients. Methods: Patient assessment included full clinical examination, validated scores, anorectal manometry, three-dimensional endoanal ultrasonography, and endoscopy. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire was adopted to evaluate patients' quality of life. Results: From January to November 2016, 37 consecutive IBD patients (30 Crohn's disease, 7 ulcerative colitis) and 20 controls were enrolled in the study. Twenty-five patients had a history of perianal fistula, 9 reported fecal incontinence, and 2 had anal fissure. Fecal incontinent patients were older, had a longer disease duration, and higher bowel movement number than continent patients. Endoanal ultrasound findings were normal in all volunteers, while pathological features were found in 31/37 patients. Rectal sensory testing and anal pressure did not differ between the IBD patients and controls. However, the rectoanal inhibitory reflex was normally elicited in all controls vs. 32/37 (86%) IBD patients; 25/37 (68%) IBD patients showed manometric features of dyssynergic defecation. Rectal inflammation and incontinence were associated with low maximum anal resting pressure. The quality of life score was lower in ulcerative colitis patients than in Crohn's patients and significantly lower in fecal incontinent patients. Conclusions: Anorectal function is impaired in IBD patients with perianal disease. Fecal incontinence correlates with poorer quality of life. Anorectal manometry and ultrasonography are useful tools for evaluating IBD patients.

Impact of COVID-19 Quarantine on Advanced Hemorrhoidal Disease and the Role of Telemedicine in Patient Management.

The aims of this population study were to assess the lockdown impact on patients waiting for hemorrhoidal surgery, and the role of telemedicine in patient management. All patients on our waiting list for hemorrhoidal surgery were considered. Eligible patients were contacted by phone. Rørvik score was evaluated and compared to the baseline score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A numeric rating scale was used to estimate patient satisfaction regarding telemedicine. One-hundred and ten patients were found to be eligible. Finally, 103 patients were included in the study of whom 16 (15.3%) were already considered for priority surgery. Patients waiting for a longer time showed significantly worse scores (p < 0.001). After telemedicine evaluation the priority waiting list increased by 43.8% (plus 23 patients). Weight loss of at least 3 kg and physical activity were found to be protective factors (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002 respectively). A high grade of satisfaction (almost 80%) towards telemedicine was registered. COVID-19-related delays are linked to a deterioration of hemorrhoidal symptoms and patients' well-being. Weight and lifestyle changes were deemed key factors in determining disease severity. Telemedicine was a valuable tool to evaluate and re-evaluate patients waiting for hemorrhoidal surgery and was considered satisfactory by patients.

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) for hemorrhoidal disease: a single-center study on 1000 consecutive cases and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) Doppler procedure is a minimally invasive technique to treat symptomatic hemorrhoids. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy and the satisfaction of patients in a large series treated with THD and to review the relevant literature. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-institution, study consecutive patients with grade 2, 3, or 4 hemorrhoidal disease were treated with the THD Doppler procedure. Dearterialization was performed in all cases and mucopexy in case of prolapse. The dearterialization procedure evolved from "proximal artery ligation" to "distal Doppler-guided dearterialization." Follow-up was scheduled at 15 days, 1, 3, 12 months, and once a year thereafter. Complications were recorded. Clinical efficacy was assessed comparing both frequency of symptoms and disease grading (Goligher's classification) at baseline versus last follow-up. Uni-/multivariate analysis evaluated factors affecting the outcome. RESULTS: There were 1000 patients (619 men; mean age: 48.6 years, range 19-88 years). Acute postoperative bleeding was observed in 14 patients (1.4%), pain/tenesmus in 31 patients (3.1%), and urinary retention in 23 patients (2.3%). At mean follow-up duration of 44 ± 29 months, the symptomatic recurrence rate was 9.5% (95 patients; bleeding in 12 (1.2%), prolapse in 46 (4.6%), and bleeding and prolapse in 37 (3.7%) patients). The recurrence rate was 8.5, 8.7, and 18.1% in patients with grade 2, 3, and 4 hemorrhoids, respectively. Seventy out of 95 patients with recurrence needed surgery (reoperation rate: 7.0%). At final follow-up and taking into account the reoperations, 95.7% of patients had no hemorrhoidal disease on examination. Younger age, grade 4 disease, and high artery ligation affected the outcome negatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the THD Doppler procedure is safe and effective in patients with hemorrhoidal disease and associated with low morbidity and recurrence rates and a high rate percentage of treatment success.

Fistulotomy with end-to-end primary sphincteroplasty for anal fistula: results from a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Fistulotomy plus primary sphincteroplasty for complex anal fistulas is regarded with scepticism, mainly because of the risk of postoperative incontinence. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of this technique in medium-term follow up and to identify potential predictive factors of success and postoperative continence impairment. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care university hospital in Italy. PATIENTS: A total of 72 patients with complex anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin underwent fistulotomy and end-to-end primary sphincteroplasty; patients were followed up at 1 week, 1 and 3 months, 1 year, and were invited to participate in a recent follow-up session. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success regarding healing of the fistula was assessed with 3-dimensional endoanal ultrasound and clinical evaluation. Continence status was evaluated using the Cleveland Clinic fecal incontinence score and by patient report of post-defecation soiling. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients, 12 (16.7%) had recurrent fistulas and 29 patients (40.3%) had undergone seton drainage before definitive surgery. At a mean follow-up of 29.4 (SD, 23.7; range, 6-91 months, the success rate of treatment was 95.8% (69 patients). Fistula recurrence was observed in 3 patients at a mean of 17.3 (SD, 10.3; range, 6-26) months of follow-up. Cleveland Clinic fecal incontinence score did not change significantly (p = 0.16). Eight patients (11.6% of those with no baseline incontinence) reported de novo postdefecation soiling. None of the investigated factors was a significant predictor of success. Patients with recurrent fistula after previous fistula surgery had a 5-fold increased probability of having impaired continence (relative risk = 5.00, 95% CI, 1.45-17.27, p = 0.02). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by potential single-institution bias, lack of anorectal manometry, and lack of quality of life assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Fistulotomy with end-to-end primary sphincteroplasty can be considered to be an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of complex anal fistulas, with low morbidity, a high rate of success even at long-term follow-up, and a very low rate of postoperative major fecal incontinence, although minor impairment of continence (postdefecation soiling) may occur. Caution should be used in selecting patients with a history of recurrent fistula and fecal incontinence.

Evaluation of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach to hemorrhoids.

PURPOSE: Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization is an innovative technique to treat hemorrhoids using a specially designed proctoscope for Doppler-guided transanal ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries. We analyzed results of experience at a single-institution with this transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization device. METHODS: Overall, 170 patients were submitted to transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization during the period July 2005 through October 2008. The operation consisted of hemorrhoidal dearterialization (of 6 arteries) in all patients, with major mucosal/submucosal pexy in 56 patients (32.9%). The first consecutive 11 patients (6.4%) were treated under general/spinal anesthesia, the remaining 159 (93.6%) by sedation with propofol, supported by analgesia with remifentanil. Following transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization surgery, patients were regularly evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months, and once a year after operation. RESULTS: The mean age of the 170 patients was 47.3 +/- 13.0 years; 102 (60%) were men. Hemorrhoidal disease was grade II in 13 (7.6%); grade III in 141 (82.7%), and grade IV in 16 (9.6%). Postoperative bleeding requiring surgical hemostasis occurred in 2 cases (1.2%). Mean follow-up was 11.5 +/- 12 (range, 1-41) months. Hemorrhoidal thrombosis occurred in 4 patients (2.3%), chronic pain and fecal incontinence in none. Hemorrhoidal prolapse was reported at follow-up by 50 patients (29.5%), but prolapse was confirmed only in 18 (10.5%) and was mild; some patients reporting prolapse were found to have skin tags. Overall, long-term control of bleeding was obtained in 159 patients (93.5%) and control of prolapse in 152 (89.5%). Recurrence of hemorrhoidal disease requiring surgery was found in 7 patients (4.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization appears to be a very effective minimally invasive option to treat hemorrhoids and can be performed in a day-surgery setting. Future controlled trials comparing transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with other procedures will show the real potential of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization and define adequate indications for this approach.

Sacral nerve stimulation is a valid approach in fecal incontinence due to sphincter lesions when compared to sphincter repair.

PURPOSE: Anal sphincter lesions represent the major cause of fecal incontinence, particularly in women. Sphincteroplasty with overlap is the traditional treatment, but a significant reduction in benefits within 5 years of surgery has been reported. More recently, sacral nerve stimulation has been suggested following sphincteroplasty or as primary treatment. METHODS: Overall, 24 women with fecal incontinence in the presence of anal sphincter lesions underwent sphincteroplasty (14 patients, mean age 47.6 +/- 15.6 years, range 26-70) or definitive implant of sacral nerve stimulation (10 patients, mean age 60.7 +/- 17.6 years, range 26-73), using identical selection criteria. At baseline, patients were studied with clinical evaluation, 3-dimensional endoanal ultrasound, and anorectal manometry (ARM), repeated at follow-up (median 60.0 months, range 6-96 in sphincteroplasty group; median 33.0 months, range 6-84 in sacral nerve stimulation group). RESULTS: At baseline, both groups presented similar characteristics. Two sphincteroplasty patients (14.3%) experienced relapse of fecal incontinence at 6 and 19 months after treatment, whereas good to excellent continence was observed in all of the sacral nerve stimulation patients. Compared to baseline, both groups showed a significant improvement in clinical parameters, and ARM data remained unchanged. In 12 of 14 sphincteroplasty patients, the repaired sphincter at endoanal ultrasound was found to overlap. At follow-up, comparison between sphincteroplasty and sacral nerve stimulation showed no significant differences in clinical and ARM parameters, if related to lesion of internal, external, or both sphincters. CONCLUSIONS: These data appear to confirm that sacral nerve stimulation could represent a valid alternative in the treatment of fecal incontinence patients presenting with sphincter lesion that was not preceded by sphincteroplasty.