title: The SECCA procedure for faecal incontinence: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The SECCA system is a treatment option for patients with faecal incontinence and was introduced into clinical practice in 2002. Clinical studies of radiofrequency energy to treat patients with faecal incontinence have been published. This article aimed to review all published series to assess the results of this treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve studies were included. Outcomes analysed included quality of life, the Wexner incontinence score, anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 220 patients from 10 studies were included. In the majority of clinical studies, the SECCA procedure has been shown to be an effective treatment of mild-to-moderate faecal incontinence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When patient selection is appropriate, this treatment has demonstrated clinically significant improvements in symptoms, as demonstrated by statistically significant reductions in the Wexner incontinence and quality of life scores.
authors.affiliation: Patologia Chirurgica ad Indirizzo Gastroenterologico, DISC-Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Methodologies, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frascio
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mandolfino
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imperatore
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stabilini
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fornaro
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gianetta
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Wexner
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019160:Endosonography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D011788:Quality of Life; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Faecal incontinence; SECCA procedure; Wexner incontinence score; quality of life score; radiofrequency