Polytetrafluoroethylene injection for the treatment of partial fecal incontinence

Int Surg. 1993 Apr-Jun;78(2):159-61.

Abstract

Perianal injection of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon or Polytef) paste was used in the treatment of 11 patients with partial fecal incontinence which followed internal sphincterotomy in 7 patients and was idiopathic in 4. All patients had been incontinent for more than 4 years, and had failed to respond to conservative measures. 5 ml of Polytef paste were injected, without anesthesia, in the rectal neck submucosa, above the pectinate line at each of the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Patients were followed for 18 to 24 months. They were categorized into 3 scores: 1, cured; 2, improved, and 3, no change. Long-term cure (score 1) occurred in 45.4% after the 1st injection and in 63.6% after the 2nd injection. 36.4% showed partial improvement (score 2). No failures occurred. Improvement is believed to be due to the increase in rectal neck pressure produced by the cushion-effect of the polytef submucosal injection. The technique is simple, easy and without complications. It is performed on an outpatient basis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anal Canal
  • Chronic Disease
  • Fecal Incontinence / epidemiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Injections / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ointments
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / administration & dosage*
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / adverse effects
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Ointments
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene