Fecal incontinence in adults

Fecal incontinence is often multifactorial with local, anatomic, 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, specialist investigation is recommended to determine underlying etiology.

Surgical options include anterior sphincter repair and neosphincter formation.

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage of flatus or feces. The underlying etiology is often complex with multiple possible contributing factors including anorectal structural abnormalities, neurologic disorders, cognitive or behavioral dysfunction, stool consistency, or general disability (particularly age). Sometimes no cause can be found. It is extremely common, affecting up to 10% of adults, but the true prevalence remains hidden due to the associated stigma.[1]Perry S, Shaw C, McGrother C, et al; Leicestershire MRC Incontinence Study Team. Prevalence of faecal incontinence in adults aged 40 years or more living in the community. Gut. 2002 Apr;50(4):480-4. https://gut.bmj.com/content/50/4/480 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11889066?tool=bestpractice.com [2]MacMillan AK, Merrie AE, Marshall RJ, et al. The prevalence of fecal incontinence in community-dwelling adults: a systematic review of the literature. Dis Colon Rectum. 2004 Aug;47(8):1341-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15484348?tool=bestpractice.com