Anal Sphincteroplasty Specialist
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD FACOG
Urogynecologist located in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD performs anal sphincteroplasties for patients in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding Arizona areas. This procedure can help patients that suffer from fecal incontinence and accidental bowel leakage who have failed conservative measures.
Anal Sphincteroplasty Q&A
What is an anal sphincteroplasty?
An anal sphincteroplasty is used to repair or strengthen an anal sphincter that has been injured or weakened.
What is the purpose of the anal sphincter?
The anal sphincter is a combination of muscles that assist in maintaining continence. In other words, it helps to prevent fecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage. In fact, the anal sphincter is made up of two separate sphincters, the internal and external anal sphincters. The internal sphincter is an involuntary muscle that helps maintain anal sphincter tone. In contrast, the external anal sphincter is a voluntary muscle that we can voluntarily use to prevent fecal leakage.
How does Dr. Stone perform an anal sphincteroplasty?
Dr. Stone will make a small incision between the rectum and vagina. He then dissects towards the ends of the sphincter. Once these ends are identified, he then brings these ends together and sutures them together using suture. He will then close the skin that was incised.
What condition does an anal sphincteroplasty treat?
Dr. Stone may suggest an anal sphincteroplasty as a treatment for fecal or anal incontinence that is due to a weakened or injured anal sphincter.
How do injuries occur to the anal sphincter?
Usually, this happens during childbirth due to a significant perineal laceration that didn't heal well or was unrecognized at the time of delivery.
Does an anal sphincteroplasty use mesh?
Dr. Stone does not use mesh with an Anal Sphincteroplasty. Instead, he brings together the sphincter ends with suture.
What is the recovery like for an anal sphincteroplasty?
Dr. Stone recommends 6 weeks of no heavy lifting (no more than 15 lbs) and 6 weeks of pelvic rest after this procedure.
What are the risks of anal sphincteroplasty?
Risks include the following:
- Pain, swelling, numbness near incision sites
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to nearby organs such as bowel, bladder, and rectum
- Blood clots and problems related to anesthesia
How successful is an anal sphincteroplasty?
It's important to know that there is a high failure rate with this repair. 20% have recurrent symptoms in the first year. 40-50% have recurrent symptoms in 2 years. Dr. Stone will discuss this with you and individualize your risk of recurrence based on your history and physical exam.
What are the alternatives to a sphincteroplasty?
There are several alternatives to an anal sphincteroplasty that Dr. Stone will discuss with you.
- Conservative alternatives basically includes "watching and waiting", medications, dietary stool control, pelvic floor physical therapy.
- Surgical alternatives include Sacral Nerve Stimulation, which often is the preferred surgical treatment for accidental bowel leakage.
What other resources can I read regarding anal sphincteroplasty?
Testimonials
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
We accept most insurance policies for your convenience. Please contact your insurance carrier to verify your individual benefits and any copays or coinsurance that are part of your plan. Patients are responsible for notifying our office if a specific plan requires precertification, preauthorization, or a referral (especially HMOs). Please call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to verify your provider network participation as insurance carriers change policies often.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stone today
One of our staff members will contact you directly. If you have any concerns requiring immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to call us at 602-788-1521.
Office location
Valley Urogynecology Associates
Phoenix, Arizona 85016-1302
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM
Main: (602) 788-1521
Fax: (602) 688-5420
Conveniently located just off Highway 51 on Maryland Avenue just East of 16th Street between East Bethany Home Road and East Glendale Avenue.