MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Inflatable artificial sphincter

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Inflatable artificial sphincter

An artificial rectal sphincter is used to treat fecal (bowel) incontinence caused by neurological or muscular dysfunction of the anal sphincter.

Update Date: 11/18/2006

Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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