The use of a simple anal sling in the management of anal incontinence.

BACKGROUND. Many patients presenting with anal incontinence (AI) are frail, with attendant comorbidities precluding the use of complicated, expensive reconstructive techniques. In these cases, revisiting a simple approach-designed to provide some sort of effective barrier to stool-is worthwhile where the options include a customized peri-anal sling or the use of an anal plug.