Sphincter-levatorplasty as a method for correcting anal incontinence in women. Review
Glukhov E.Yu., Khizadze A.G., Kurkova T.F., Glukhova V.E.
Background: Anal incontinence is a common problem in women who have suffered perineal trauma during childbirth. Symptoms of anal incontinence are socially disabling and significantly reduce quality of life.
Key findings: Current understanding of anal incontinence necessitates in-depth knowledge of the functioning of the rectal sphincter apparatus and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this problem. Surgical treatment of anal sphincter insufficiency includes various sphincteroplasty options, including restoration of the levator ani muscle. The long-term effectiveness of surgical correction of sphincter insufficiency varies; early and detailed diagnosis of muscle defects and functional impairments improves treatment outcomes, allowing for the development of an individualized, multimodal treatment approach. Alternative techniques (sacral neuromodulation, artificial sphincter implantation, and graciloplasty) are used in cases with severe damage, anal sphincter denervation, and in cases where other techniques have proven ineffective.
Conclusion: Modern approaches to sphincteroplasty focus on restoring anatomy and function, taking into account individual cha-racteristics, with the choice of technique based on a balance between its benefits and potential risks.
For citations: Glukhov E.Yu., Khizadze A.G., Kurkova T.F., Glukhova V.E. Sphincter-levatorplasty as a method for correcting anal incontinence in women. Review. Pharmateca. 2026;33(4):172-178. (In Russ.). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2026.4.172-178
Authors’ contribution: All authors contributed equally to the writing of the article, take responsibility for the accuracy of all parts of the work, and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Conflicts of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The study was conducted without any sponsorship.
Keywords
anal incontinence
fecal incontinence
patient-centered treatment
sphincteroplasty
levatoroplasty
sphincter-levatoroplasty
quality of life
About the Authors
Evgeny Yu. Glukhov, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Chief Physician, Center for Restorative Gynecology «Women’s Clinic», Yekaterinburg; Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a Course in Medical Genetics, Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia; 9222241411@mail.ru,ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3899-8382 (corresponding author)
Artem G. Khizadze, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Center for Restorative Gynecology «Women’s Clinic», Yekaterinburg, Russia; khizadze.artem@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9542-5184
Tatyana F. Kurkova, Obstetrician-gynecologist, Ultrasound Diagnostics Specialist, Center for Restorative Gynecology «Women’s Clinic», Yekaterinburg, Russia; kurkovagyn@ya.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6360-9044
Victoria E. Glukhova, Head of the Ultrasound Diagnostics Department, Center for Restorative Gynecology «Women’s Clinic», Yekaterinburg, Russia; gluhovav17@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1656-5411
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