title: [Fecal incontinence--operative treatment of a complex problem].
abstract: Anal continence is maintained by the controlled synergism of all parts of the complex anal sphincter system and the normal functioning of the preposed gut. Operative treatment may improve the function of a single part of the system. In case of malfunction of more than one element of the anal sphincter, an operation may result in partial improvement. In these cases, additional conservative treatment is recommended. In a few cases, additional operations are needed. The indications for and results of the established operations for the treatment of anal incontinence will be discussed here.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Chirurgie II/Koloproktologie, Raphaelsklinik Münster, Klosterstrasse 75, 48143 Münster, Deutschland. koloproktologie@raphaelsklinik.de
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Raulf
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors