by Richard RogoskiMesh implant reduces fecal incontinence
Citing previous studies that concluded that half of nursing home residents suffer from fecal incontinence, Minneapolis-based American Medical Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Endo International plc, released the results of its TRANSFORM study focused on the use of an implantable mesh technology.
The results were recently presented at the International Society of University Colon & Rectal Surgeon (ISUCRS) Congress.
As a minimally-invasive procedure, implanting the permanent polypropylene mesh accomplishes both the restoration and support of the pelvic floor muscles and offers a viable option for treating fecal incontinence, also known as accidental bowel leakage (ABL).
Over a 12-month period, 69 percent of the 152 women implanted with the TOPAS System showed at least a 50 percent reduction in weekly incontinence episodes, a press release states.
"Currently, there is no standard treatment that is suitable for all women suffering from ABL," said Dee Fenner, MD, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan and a primary investigator. "These new findings suggest that TOPAS has the potential to be a safe, effective and minimally invasive approach to managing ABL in women where more conservative measures have failed. It takes about 30 minutes to implant and requires a minimal hospital stay."
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