Fecal incontinence: causes, diagnosis and treatment
What is fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence refers to the involuntary release of stool. It is a condition in which bowel control is lost, resulting in unwanted loss of stool.
Causes of fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence can be caused by various factors, including
- Injuries or diseases of the spinal cord,
- congenital anomalies,
- Injuries to the rectum or anus,
- Rectal prolapse,
- Diabetes,
- Dementia,
- Fecal congestion / constipation,
- inflammatory processes,
- Tumors,
- obstetric injuries and
- Operations on the anal sphincters
Diagnosis of fecal incontinence
The diagnosis of fecal incontinence is usually based on a clinical examination supplemented by functional diagnostic methods(anorectal manometry) to confirm the diagnosis.
Occasionally, imaging techniques such as pelvic floor electromyography, defecography or lower endosonography may be used to confirm the diagnosis. During the physical examination, sphincter function and sensitivity around the anus are assessed to rule out other potential causes such as tumors or rectal prolapse.
Treatment of fecal incontinence
The treatment of faecal incontinence involves various approaches, including a special program for
- Stool regulation
- Pelvic floor exercises in conjunction with biofeedback and
- in some cases, partial surgery.
The bowel control program aims to educate the bowel to have predictable bowel habits and includes measures such as adequate fluid and fiber intake and the use of suppositories or enemas to promote defecation. Biofeedback can help to improve control of the anal sphincter, and in more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair defects in the sphincter or correct other structural problems. Sacral nerve stimulation has also been shown to be a promising treatment method.
Further information
If no improvement is achieved despite these measures, a colostomy may be considered to improve the patient's quality of life. It is important to talk to a doctor about the appropriate treatment options and develop an individualized assessment and treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.