The SphinkeeperTM is a new surgical procedure in order to treat refractory fecal incontinence, which includes up to ten self-expandable prostheses. These get implanted into the intersphincteric space and due to constriction of the anal canal and better contractibility continence should be improved. Because this is a new technique, there is only limited data about its clinical efficacy.~In this study, patients, aged 18-90 years, who met the inclusion criteria and have received a SphinkeeperTM operation, were enrolled. Functional outcomes and quality of life got measured by standard questionnaires before surgery and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Furthermore, in routine check ups patients received endoanal anorectal manometry for pressure measurement and endoanal ultrasound to determine the position of the prostheses.
32 patients who underwent sphinkeeper operation got enrolled in this study. The primary endoint is to explore the movement of the prostheses examined by manometry and ultrasound. The secondary endpoint is to find out about the functional outcome when migration of prostheses occurs and to examine differences in morphology of the sphincters after operation.