Objective: Summary of the impact of Caesarean section on anal incontinence. Design: Review. Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Plzen. Summary: Review of the current international literature. Currently, Caesarean section is not considered to reduce symptoms of anal incontinence. If there is any reduction of symptoms, that remains only for a short term (40% in 3 months after the delivery in the largest trial). In a long term, virtually in no trial has been observed any difference, and others, non-obstetrical factors (particularly aging) prevail. Current knowledge does not allow to assess sufficiently pros and cons of Caesarean compared to vaginal delivery. High risk groups, that would profit from elective Ceasarean, have not been clearly identified yet.

        Key words: anal incontinence, Caesarean section, elective Caesarean section, emergency Caesarean section