[Anorectal incontinence--cause and treatment].

The organ of continence shows sex-related differences. The female organ of continence is less high developed and therefore more susceptible to impairment. 90% of all patients with "spontaneous incontinence" are women. This can be explained by comparative anatomy. Pelvic floor and abdominal wall is a unit. They have an intrinsic permanent tone and this is on the pelvic floor the basis of continence. During delivery and from chronic obstipation pelvic nerve damage due to overextension occur frequently. The permanent tone is lost. The flabby abdomen and incontinence are therefore the result of such nerve overextension injuries. Our results of treatment in 120 patients are very good in traumatic lesions by direct sphincter suture. If the pelvic floor has retained some of its strength a circular silastic band can improve the effect of continence.