Late results of postanal repair for idiopathic faecal incontinence.

Objective: To assess the long term clinical results of postanal repair for idiopathic faecal incontinence.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: University hospital, The Netherlands.

Subjects: 38 patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence.

Main Outcome Measures: Clinical outcome and its correlation with anorectal manometry.

Results: After a median follow up of 43 months (15-126) 19 patients were classified grades 1 and 2 (satisfied) and 19 patients grades 3 and 4 (dissatisfied). Six patients deteriorated and went from grades 1 or 2 to grade 3 or 4. Satisfied patients had a significant rise in resting pressure (median 13.5 mmHg, p = 0.01, 95% CI 5 to 25) and dissatisfied patients did not.

Conclusion: Long term follow up of patients after postanal repair shows that half the patients have a good result, although only 21% are fully continent. Long term follow up is necessary as a number of patients deteriorate.