Free Autogenous Muscle Transplantation in Children with Anal Incontinence

Abstract Five patients with anal incontinence have been operated with free muscle transplantation according to the technique of Hakelius et al. (7). Four patients had a previous pull-through operation for anal atresia and one was born with myelomeningocele. Improvement (improved sensation of rectal fullness and ability to contract) was good in 4 patients who all have stopped using diapers. Activity of the transplanted muscle has been demonstrated by EMG in four patients and in addition by cine-radiography in one patient. Our results seem to justify the conclusion of Hakelius et al. (7) that this new operation is promising.