An apparatus for treating an anal or urinary incontinent patient includes an elongate adjustable constriction member adapted to extend in a loop around and constrict the patient's large intestine or urethra to close the intestinal or urethral lumen and release the large intestine or urethra to open the intestinal or urethral lumen. A connection device releasably connects the end portions of the constriction member to each other and an adjustment device adjusts the longitudinal extension of the constriction member in the loop to change the constriction of the large intestine or urethra. The connection device includes a female part and a male part fitting into the female part to lock them together. The design of the connection device facilitates laparoscopic surgery for implanting the constriction member.