Gracilis muscle transposition as a workhorse flap for anal incontinence: Quality of life and functional outcome in adults

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Anal incontinence is one of the most psychologically and socially debilitating conditions in an otherwise healthy individual. It can lead to social isolation, loss of self-esteem, self-confidence and depression. This study is devoted to the problem of anal incontinence in the adult patients. The aim of our study is to analyse the results of gracilis muscle transposition for anal incontinence and improvement in quality of life (QOL) of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study. A total of 18 patients with complaint of anal incontinence were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with gracilis muscle transposition. RESULTS: All patients are continent, and there is an improvement in their QOL. CONCLUSION: Gracilis muscle transposition is a good option for patients of anal incontinence who are not treated by non-surgical means.