**7. Conclusion**

**5.2. Surgical treatment of FI**

134 Experimental Animal Models of Human Diseases - An Effective Therapeutic Strategy

used for hands on training in different workshops.

*5.2.1. Artificial anal sphincter*

between anal canal (A) and (E) external anal sphincter.

Obstetric anal sphincter trauma is the most common cause of fecal incontinence with a severe impact on quality of life. Anal sphincter rupture is reported in about 2.5% of vaginal deliveries in centers that practice mediolateral episiotomy and about 11% in centers that practice mid‐ line episiotomy [54]. The effect of anal sphincter laceration (with repair) at the time of parturi‐ tion after term pregnancy on physiologic function of the external anal sphincter was studied on eighty rats [55]. Overall, anal sphincter laceration at time of delivery results in signifi‐ cantly impaired anal function. Rat anal sphincter neurophysiologic functions were assessed. Recovery of sphincter function was evident as early as three months and maintained at six months after injury. The diagnosis and repair of sphincter tear is very important. Unrepaired or badly repaired sphincter can lead to FI. Several simulator models have been developed to provide surgical training to consultants, midwives and trainees. The early diagnosis of anal sphincter injury is very important for effective surgical outcome. The pig model was intro‐ duced due to its similarity to both internal and external anal sphincters [56]. The model used cadaveric pig perineum with a clear demarcation between internal and external anal sphinc‐ ters simulating human sphincters. Another study showed effective teaching of repair of peri‐ neal tears using goat perineum model (**Figure 2**), which mimics human female anatomy [57]. Both anal sphincter latex/plastic and cadaveric animal sphincter models have been effectively

The artificial anal sphincter is used in cases where other treatment modalities fail. It includes an inflatable expander that compresses and flattens the bowel against a pillow. Before its

**Figure 2.** Multiperous goat. Cut edge of external anal sphincter (E) held by Allis forceps, (I) internal anal sphincter

The use of animal models has helped in understanding the pathogenesis and etiology of both urinary and fecal incontinence. Due to ethical issues related to human cadaveric stud‐ ies, animal models are good substitute for research related to surgical innovations for treat‐ ment of double incontinence. Animal models like sheep, goat and pig have been validated for surgical training for perineal tears. The latest use of animal model is related to stud‐ ies on mouse for simulated birth trauma‐induced SUI and stem cell treatment for double incontinence.
