Fecal incontinence

Inability to control bowel movements

Fecal incontinence
Synonyms	Bowel incontinence, anal incontinence
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Involuntary excretion of bowel contents
Complications	Skin irritation, social isolation
Onset	Any age, more common in older adults
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Diarrhea, constipation, muscle damage, nerve damage
Risks	Childbirth, surgery, neurological disorders
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Dietary changes, medications, pelvic floor exercises, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common, especially in older adults
Deaths	N/A

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to involuntary excretion of bowel contents. It is a common condition that can affect individuals of any age but is more prevalent in older adults. Fecal incontinence can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social isolation and emotional distress.

Anatomy and Physiology

The control of bowel movements involves a complex interaction between the central nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the muscles of the anorectum. The puborectalis muscle and the external anal sphincter play crucial roles in maintaining continence. The puborectalis muscle forms a sling around the rectum, creating an angle that helps maintain continence (see image:

).

Causes

Fecal incontinence can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Diarrhea: Loose stools can be difficult to control.
• Constipation: Hard stools can cause stretching and weakening of the anal sphincter.
• Muscle damage: Injury to the anal sphincter muscles, often due to childbirth or surgery.
• Nerve damage: Conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves that control the anal sphincter.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fecal incontinence typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:

• Anorectal manometry: Measures the strength of the anal sphincter muscles.
• Endoanal ultrasound: Visualizes the structure of the anal sphincter.
• Defecography: Assesses the function of the rectum during defecation.

Treatment

Treatment options for fecal incontinence depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. They may include:

• Dietary changes: Increasing fiber intake to improve stool consistency.
• Medications: Anti-diarrheal drugs or laxatives, depending on the cause.
• Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor.
• Surgery: Procedures such as sphincteroplasty or sacral nerve stimulation.

Complications

Complications of fecal incontinence can include skin irritation, infections, and significant emotional and social consequences. It is important for individuals to seek medical advice to manage symptoms effectively.

Also see

• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal surgery

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Fecal Incontinence
• NHS - Faecal Incontinence