Injectable bulking agents for treating faecal incontinence

Abstract

Background: Reports of the use of injectable bulking agents for faecal incontinence are currently confined to a small number of pilot studies. However, the use of these agents is rapidly becoming widespread based on this limited knowledge.

Methods: This review provides an overview of the products available and the methods of delivery based on the pilot studies, selected articles reporting experience of these agents in urology, plastic surgery and laryngology, and some animal studies.

Results and conclusions: Although bulking agents have been used to treat urinary incontinence for over four decades, their use in faecal incontinence has so far been limited. The large choice of products now available and the lack of a defined injection strategy will hamper efforts to produce meaningful prospective randomized trials.