About Anal Sphincter Repair
Key Highlights
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Directly addresses the anatomical cause of fecal incontinence.Can significantly improve or restore bowel control and quality of life.Performed by specialists with deep expertise in pelvic and gastrointestinal anatomy.Often has a high success rate in appropriately selected patients.Minimally invasive approaches may be available in certain cases.
Who is this surgery for?
- Fecal incontinence due to a documented, repairable defect in the external and/or internal anal sphincter muscles.
- Obstetric trauma (e.g., third- or fourth-degree perineal tear during childbirth).
- Traumatic injury to the anal region.
- Previous anal surgery that resulted in sphincter damage.
- Failure of conservative management like dietary changes, medication, and pelvic floor physiotherapy.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation, including a detailed history and physical exam.
- Diagnostic tests such as anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, or MRI to assess the sphincter defect.
- Bowel preparation (enema or laxatives) to empty the colon before surgery.
- Discussion and management of current medications, especially blood thinners.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure as advised.
- Pre-operative counseling about the goals, risks, and recovery expectations.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Pain or discomfort in the anal region.
- Temporary difficulty with urination.
- Recurrence of incontinence or failure to improve symptoms.
- Anal stenosis (narrowing of the anal canal).
- Rare risks include fistula formation or injury to nearby structures.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically required for initial pain management and monitoring.
- Pain medication and stool softeners are prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent straining.
- A high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake are essential to prevent constipation.
- Sitz baths (warm water soaks) are recommended several times a day to promote healing and hygiene.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and prolonged sitting for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and progress.
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be recommended to strengthen muscles and optimize outcomes.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full effect and strength may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering anal sphincter repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for anal sphincter repair in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform anal sphincter repair. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for anal sphincter repair compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 2-4 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full effect and strength may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 2-4 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full effect and strength may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Anal Sphincter Repair in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing anal sphincter repair.
Emily Ali, a 42-year-old high school...
Emily Ali, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had a difficult forceps delivery with her second child five years ago. Since then, she has struggled with fecal urgency and occasional incontinence, particularly when lifting heavy objects or during a bout of coughing. This has forced her to meticulously plan her day around bathroom access and has caused significant anxiety, leading her to withdraw from social runs with friends and school field trips. After trying pelvic floor physiotherapy with limited improvement, her GP referred her to a surgical gastroenterologist. The doctor confirmed a significant obstetric anal sphincter injury and recommended an overlapping sphincter repair as the best chance for restoring control. Emily was terrified of another major surgery but desperate for a solution. The procedure went smoothly, but the initial recovery was painful and required a strict liquid diet. After six weeks of gradual healing and dedicated physio, she noticed a dramatic improvement. While not perfect, her control is now reliable for daily life. Emotionally, she has moved from a state of constant vigilance and shame to one of cautious optimism, feeling she has reclaimed a fundamental part of her independence and confidence.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Anal Sphincter Repair
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform anal sphincter repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist