A pilot study of ultrasound guided Durasphere injection in the treatment of faecal incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
To assess injection of Durasphere under direct endoanal ultrasound guidance as a treatment for faecal incontinence.


METHODS
A total of 23 patients with varying degrees of persistent faecal leakage and/or soiling were recruited. Durasphere was injected in the intersphincteric plane under direct ultrasound guidance. All patients were given a general anaesthetic. Patients had ano-rectal physiology, endoanal ultrasound, continence scoring and quality of life measures assessed at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
A total of 21 patients were followed up for at least 12 months, with two being excluded at the follow-up stage. Friedman two-way analysis of variance of the Cleveland Clinic Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score and Diary Response Score demonstrated a significant sustained improvement. There was no significant improvement in number of bowel movements. There was a significant difference in anal squeeze pressure after therapy, but no significant difference in anal resting pressure. Six patients reported no improvement after Durasphere therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Durasphere gave sustained improvements in quality of life and continence scores in this study group. Strict criteria are needed to ascertain suitability for Durasphere therapy.
Colorectal Surgery Unit, Mayday University Hospital, Croydon, UK.
A D
AD
Beggs
S
S
Irukulla
A H
AH
Sultan
W
W
Ness
A M
AM
Abulafi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000601:surgery*; D005936:Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D015040:Zirconium / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005936:Glucans; C431745:durasphere; D015040:Zirconium