A novel magnetic device to prevent fecal incontinence (preliminary study)

Abstract

This research demonstrated that the implantation of a couple of magnets in the wall of the anal canal is able to create a high pressure zone of a value sufficient to prevent fecal incontinence and that the strength of this "dynamic closure" can be modulated by using magnets of various attraction force, so allowing a "tailored correction" of the anal sphincter hypotension.

Magnetic challenge against gastroesophageal reflux

“…Please note that this system with two plaques could also be easily used to prevent fecal incontinence. A couple of the plaques may be surgically positioned on the right and left sides of the incontinent anal sphincter, with the opposite polarities facing each other, so that, by self-attracting they could keep the anal canal closed[ 64 ].…”

The magnetic anal sphincter: a seductive promise still not kept

“…The patient we reported still has a successful result now at an interval of 6 years despite some moderate evacuatory problems. Unfortunately we missed the interesting report from the University of Bologna on the use of magnets in FI and apologize for not referencing it in our papers . The use of magnets to correct FI, however, is far from being recent and a few attempts have been made over time, unfortunately with little clinical success .…”

The magnetic anal sphincter: a seductive promise still not kept

“…That system is completely different from the one devised by us and described in detail in a previous paper . In our system we used two small magnetic plaques implanted laterally on both sides of the anal canal with the opposite poles arranged to close the anal lumen by magnetic attraction, so that when the patient strains to evacuate the increased rectal pressure overrides the anal canal pressure, leading to separation of the magnets and opening of the lumen to allow the passage of faeces.…”