Insertion of a magnetic bead band for faecal incontinence

The procedure

With the patient under a general anaesthetic, a cut is made below the anus, and a tunnel is made under the skin around it. After checking what size is needed, a ring of magnetic beads is placed into the tunnel so that it lays around the anus. The ends are tied together and the cut is closed up.

The beads can separate to allow stools to be passed, but normally the magnetism holds them together, keeping the sphincter closed and so preventing incontinence.