Anal plug for faecal incontinence.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Despite the availability of pharmacological, behavioural and surgical treatments for faecal incontinence, many patients remain symptomatic. There are few devices designed specifically to cope with this, and perineal pads are inefficient and unacceptable for many patients. This study aimed to evaluate a new device in patients with intractable faecal incontinence. METHOD: Two sizes of a purpose-designed anal plug were evaluated in 20 patients with intractable faecal incontinence for solid or liquid stool. Each plug size was tested for 2 weeks, with patients completing a structured questionnaire after each size. RESULTS: The majority [14/20] could not tolerate a plug due to discomfor..