Usefulness of valproate sodium for treatment of incontinence after ileoanal anastomosis.

We report on the excitatory effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which increased after the oral administration of valproate sodium, on anal canal resting pressure in human beings, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. We used this drug in order to improve continence after ileoanal anastomosis. Seventeen patients (eight with ulcerative colitis and nine with adenomatosis coli) were tested after receiving ileoanal anastomosis. The placebo showed no effect, but valproate sodium could ameliorate frequent defecation and soiling and the resulting perianal skin complications. Increasing anal resting pressure was also observed during valproate sodium administration without the amplitude, frequency of peristaltic wave, or voluntary squeeze pressure being affected. These results suggest that the subchronic administration of valproate sodium may be useful in the treatment of minor incontinence after ileoanal anastomosis.