1.   ...the anal sphincter.

2.   Other studies indicate that loperamide may prolong intestinal transit, normalise intestinal fluid and electrolyte movement, and increase anal sphincter tone.

3.   Hence age alone is not a contraindication to restorative surgery provided that the anal sphincter is preserved in its entirety.

4.   The second objective was best served, in our experience, by leaving the anal sphincter intact at operation without any stripping of anorectal mucosa and without endoanal anastomosis.

5.   Each patient underwent restorative proctocolectomy, the pelvic reservoir or ileum being anastomosed end to end to the anal sphincter without any stripping of the anal mucosa.

6.   The selection criteria used were the same for all patients -- namely, each patient was individually assessed with respect to general fitness for function of the anal sphincter.

7.   The aim of the operation is to ablate the diseased bowel while preserving normal function of the anal sphincter.

8.   It has been recognised for over a century that the internal anal sphincter relaxes in response to rectal distension, a phenomenon called the rectanal inhibitory reflex.

9.   They descend from the rectum to the internal anal sphincter and do not use the classical neurotransmitter substances, acetylcholine and noradrenaline.

10.   It has been identified as a neurotransmitter in the gastrointestinal tract, and has been implicated in nerve mediated relaxation of the internal anal sphincter.