Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2005; 18(1): 32-37
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-864078
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

The Current Status of the Acticon® Neosphincter

Sharon G. Gregorcyk1
  • 1Departmentof Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 February 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Severe fecal incontinence is a very debilitating condition with a tremendous impact on an individual's life. In the past if a patient was not amenable to a tissue repair or failed a tissue repair, a colostomy was his or her only surgical option. New innovations have emerged giving patients more options to regain continence. The Acticon® Neosphincter, which is an artificial bowel sphincter, is one of those newer options. The device is reserved for patients with severe fecal incontinence that is not amenable to lesser forms of therapy. Because it is an artificial device, the risk of infection is of particular concern. With experience, however, the infection rate has declined and the artificial bowel sphincter has become a good option for patients with severe fecal incontinence. The results are quite impressive with a significant number of patients obtaining complete continence.