A short- and long-term follow-up study of intersphincteric NASHA Dx implants for fecal incontinence

BACKGROUND: The bulking agent NASHA Dx injected into the submucosal layer is effective in the treatment of fecal incontinence (FI) at short-and medium-term follow-up but efficacy after injection in the intersphincteric location is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of NASHA Dx injected into the intersphincteric location for FI. METHODS: Patients were recruited from referrals to our Department for treatment of FI in November 2008–January 2010. Eligible patients were injected with 8 ml of NASHA Dx. Patients with a subtotal treatment effect were retreated after 2–4 weeks. The change in number of fecal incontinence episodes, the proportion of responders defined as at least 50% decrease in number of FI episodes and side effects were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Sixteen patients, 15 women and 1 man with a median age of 68, 5 (range 44–80) years and a median CCFIS of 15 (range 10–19) were included in the study. The median number of incontinence episodes decreased from 21.5 (range 8–61) at baseline to 10 (range 0–30) at 6 months (p = 0.003) and 6 (range 0–44) at 12 months (p = 0.05). The median number of incontinence episodes in the 11 patients completing the 10-year follow-up was 26.5 (range 0–68). The percentage of responders at 12 months and 10 years were 56% and 27%, respectively. Mild to moderate pain at the injection site was described by 69%. There was one case of mild infection, successfully treated with antibiotics and one implant had to be removed due to dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: NASHA Dx as an intersphincteric implant improves incontinence symptoms in the short term with moderate side effects and can be used alone or as an adjunct to other treatment modalities. Long-term efficacy was observed in 27%.