title: Implantation of microballoons in the management of fecal incontinence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The implantation of expandable microballoons has proved successful for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. This led us to test its effectiveness in the treatment of severe fecal incontinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six patients (four male), of average age of 43 (range, 29-60) years, with severe fecal incontinence, underwent implantation of expandable microballoons in the submucosa of the anal canal. The implantation was performed under intravenous sedation as an outpatient procedure. Anal manometry, endosonography, and incontinence assessment with a scoring system were performed before and after the implantation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With a mean follow-up of 8.6 (range, 7-12) months, the incontinence scores improved in all patients from an average of 16.16 (standard deviation: +/- 1.6) before the implantation to an average of 5 (standard deviation: +/- 1.26) after the procedure. The anal pressure at rest was not improved in any patient (mean: 50.16 before treatment to a mean of 53 after treatment). No significant adverse events were associated with the procedure, and no serious postimplantation complications were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anal implantation of expandable microballoons seems to be a simple, safe, and effective method that restores the fecal continence without hindering normal defecation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Therapeutic Endoscopy, Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Feretis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Benakis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dailianas
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dimopoulos
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mavrantonis
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Stamou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manouras
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Apostolidis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Androulakis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome