sphincter repairs??

I have seen several people post with sphincter repairs and I'm wondering how that area becomes involved. Can anyone enlighten me??

bkirkb--

The sphincter repairs are often done when women who have born children have tears OR have had episiotomies that have torn or cut through their anal sphincter muscles. This is the most common cause but sometimes such things as chronic constipation can also be the cause. These damage the internal and external anal sphincter muscles and later in life--often 20+ years later--causes such nasty things as fecal incontinence and the inability to control the release of gas and such. It is very unpleasant. Often, a GYN or UroGYN will add sphincter repair to perineal repairs since s/he is usually already in the area making other repairs (such as anterior/posterior repair). The anal sphincter is notoriously difficult to repair and subsequent repairs have a lower success rate than the intial repair so it pays to be extra cautious when considering this repair.

Hope this information helps.
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WOW, OrahDeb...you are NOT a princess...you are the Queen! You've had so many "procedures"...I am in awe...and I hope that you are healing (healed) from your most recent trip to the castle...thank you for being here and answering questions...this site is AWESOME and has been such a life saver for me!
Blessings,