PROVIDENCE – A colorectal surgeon at University Surgical Associates is evaluating a trial procedure to treat fecal incontinence using a system approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Leslie Roth plans to perform the procedure on participants in the study, which is funded by the Rosalyn and Joseph Sinclair Clinical Professorship in Pelvic Floor Disorders at The Miriam Hospital.
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Women age 18 to 50 who have experienced three or more “accidents” a week and who do not have other medical issues may be eligible to participate and are encouraged to call 401-444-7148 to learn more.
“Patients who are living with fecal incontinence are an underserved population,” Roth said. “Many keep their condition a secret from their closest friends and are socially anxious about the issue since it is not widely discussed. Through this procedure, we have an opportunity to improve the quality of life for countless individuals.”
During the procedure, Roth injects patients’ fat cells into deficient tissue that causes stool loss. The injection cushions and supports the affected area, and will, doctors hope, help in the recovery of the weakened tissue.
Although further research is needed, early study results are promising, Roth says. Patients who have undergone the surgery have been able to return to daily life within a week.
“It is our hope to bring this treatment option to more people in Rhode Island and across the nation,” Roth said.
Fecal incontinence often affects women who have given birth by preventing them from being able to control bowel movements. Traditional treatments have included a sphincteroplasty or sacral nerve stimulation, both of which can be highly invasive and require long recovery times.
In addition to her role as a physician and surgeon at University Surgical Associates and the Women’s Medicine Collaborative at The Miriam Hospital, Roth is also an assistant professor of surgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with contact information for those who are interested in participating in the study.
