title: Plugs for containing faecal incontinence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Faecal incontinence is a distressing disorder with high social stigma. Not all people with faecal incontinence can be cured with conservative or surgical treatment and they may need to rely on containment products, such as anal plugs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the performance of different types of anal plugs for containment of faecal incontinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 29 February 2012). Reference lists of identified trials were searched and plugs manufacturers were contacted for trials. No language or other limitations were imposed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Types of studies: This review was limited to randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (including crossovers) of anal plug use for the management of faecal incontinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children and adults with faecal incontinence.Types of interventions: Any type of anal plug. Comparison interventions might include no treatment, conservative (physical) treatments, nutritional interventions, surgery, pads and other types or sizes of plugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data from the included trials. Authors of all included trials were contacted for clarification concerning methodological issues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four studies with a total of 136 participants were included. Two studies compared the use of plugs versus no plugs, one study compared two sizes of the same brand of plug, and one study compared two brands of plugs. In all included studies there was considerable dropout (in total 48 (35%) dropped out before the end of the study) for varying reasons. Data presented are thus subject to potential bias. 'Pseudo-continence' was, however, achieved by some of those who continued to use plugs, at least in the short-term. In a comparison of two different types of plug, plug loss was less often reported and overall satisfaction was greater during use of polyurethane plugs than polyvinyl-alcohol plugs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The available data were limited and incomplete, and not all pre-specified outcomes could be evaluated. Consequently, only tentative conclusions are possible. The available data suggest that anal plugs can be difficult to tolerate. However, if they are tolerated they can be helpful in preventing incontinence. Plugs could then be useful in a selected group of people either as a substitute for other forms of management or as an adjuvant treatment option. Plugs come in different designs and sizes; the review showed that the selection of the type of plug can impact on its performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of SocialMedicine k2-207, AcademicMedical Center, Amsterdam,Netherlands. marije@baartdelafaille.nl.
authors.forename: Marije
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Deutekom
authors.forename: Annette C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dobben
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013630:Tampons, Surgical