The construction of a “new” anal sphincter to treat severe intractable fecal incontinence. The gracilis muscle tendon is detached at its insertion, mobilized, and reattached by wrapping it around the sphincter. Some patients can be trained to make the sphincter functional. If necessary a sustained contraction can be stimulated by implanted electrodes, closing the anus. Additional procedures have been employed as gluteal muscle mobilization. An implantable artificial sphincter has been employed. The functional result of all of these procedures is variable.