Table 3.

Subdivision of the level of division of the external anal sphincter and immediate postoperative deterioration in anal continence defined as any extent of impairment of faecal incontinence. Divided into thirds

		Deterioration in anal continence
		No	Yes
EAS	Low	11(30.6)	2 (15.4)
	Medium	22 (61.1)	6 (46.2)
	High	3 (8.3)	5 (38.5)
Total		36	13

Values are expressed as n (% of subgroup deterioration in anal continence)

low (≤ 33%); medium (33–66%); high (≥ 66%). EAS external anal sphincter. p = 0.049