Repair of Anal Sphincter

What is a repair of anal sphincter?

Repair of anal sphincter is needed to improve the muscular control of the bowels, by rejoining the muscles and sewing them back together.

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.

There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks:

Bleeding may occur from the operation site. This usually settles.
Deep abscess may develop beside the anus and this may require surgical drainage.
The wound may be thickened and red and painful.
The muscular control of the anus may not be completely fixed.
The operation may not improve the condition.
Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.