Riassunto

• Common condition affecting up to 10% of the population, particularly older institutionalised people.
• The pathogenesis is often multifactorial with local, anatomical, or systemic disorders potentially contributing.
• There is a significant response to conservative therapy and appropriate support.
• For those who do not respond to conservative treatment, investigation by a consultant specialist is recommended to determine underlying aetiology.
• Surgical options include anterior sphincter repair and neosphincter formation.