PROSTHETIC ANAL SPHINCTER

摘要

A prosthetic anal sphincter (10; 30) is described which is implantable around the upper anal canal (16) to reproduce the action of the sphincter muscles which maintain continence. This is particularly achieved by inflating tubes (24a, b, c; 32; 54) with liquid from a reservoir and creating an angle about 90.degree. between the rectum (14) and the anal canal (16) and by flattening the upper anal canal, in use, by squeezing the posterior wall of the anal canal against the anterior wall. The bending of the anal canal to create an angle of about 90.degree. is important as it creates a "flap valve" which resists the weight of solid faeces within the rectum whilst the flattening of the lumen of the canal produces a seal against the leakage of liquid or gas. Embodiments of the invention are described.