Sexual function following anal sphincteroplasty for fecal incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to assess sexual function following anal sphincteroplasty and determine associations between sexual function and fecal incontinence.


METHODS
Women 1 year or longer following anal sphincteroplasty with or without other reconstructive surgery were matched to controls. Subjects were mailed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQOL), Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), and a general questionnaire.


RESULTS
Twenty-six cases and 26 controls responded; 73% were sexually active. Sexual function scores were similar between the groups. Seventeen sphincteroplasty patients and 8 controls complained of fecal incontinence at follow up. Significant correlations were found between FSFI domains and the FIQOL depression/self-perception scale, FISI fecal incontinence of solid stool, and total FISI.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual activity and function was similar following anal sphincteroplasty, compared with controls, despite worse symptoms of fecal incontinence. Fecal incontinence of solid stool and depression related to fecal incontinence were correlated with poorer sexual function.
Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Center for Female Sexual Health, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. Rachel_Pauls@trihealth.com
Rachel N
RN
Pauls
W Andre
WA
Silva
Christopher M
CM
Rooney
Sam
S
Siddighi
Steven D
SD
Kleeman
Vicki
V
Dryfhout
Mickey M
MM
Karram
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires