SPHINCTER DYSFUNCTION

The sphincter is a muscular valve that opens and closes. When there is a sphincter dysfunction, the muscular valve doesn’t open when it should. There is effectively an obstruction at the level of the sphincter, which may be due to fibrosis, inflammation, or elevated sphincter tone.

In a considerable proportion of cases the fibers decussate in front of the anus, and are continuous with the superficial transverse perineal muscle. Posteriorly, they are not attached to the coccyx, but are continuous with those of the opposite side behind the anal canal. The upper edge of the muscle is ill-defined, since fibers are given off from it to join the levator ani.

The symptoms of sphincter dysfunction may come and go over time. They also may vary in severity from one occurrence to the next. The external sphincter is a layer of voluntary (striated) muscle encircling the outside wall of the anal canal and anal opening. One can cause it to expand and contract at will, except during the early years of life when it is not yet fully developed.

There is a procedure that involves a probe inserted into the anus that directs controlled amounts of heat energy into the anal wall. Laser treatments can help the sphincter muscles thicken as they heal.

Our expertise can implant an inflatable cuff that surrounds the anal sphincter. One can deflate the cuff during bowel movements and reinflate it to prevent bowel incontinence. At VSLC, such medical conditions are dealt almost on a daily basis with quality care and laser procedures that are easy, quick and painless.