Faecal Incontinence

Faecal Incontinence - What it is

Faecal incontinence is a medical condition where a person loses control of bowel movement. In the mildest form, a person may be incontinent to flatus (gas). In the more severe cases, the person may be incontinent to liquid of solid faeces.

If left untreated, a person with faecal incontinence may develop irritation or infection of the skin around the anus. Whether mild or severe, faecal incontinence is embarrassing and socially unacceptable. Depression may eventually set in or the sufferer may withdraw from family and friends.

In most cases, faecal incontinence is treatable. A complete cure may not always be achievable but a tailored approach to the treatment can improve the quality of life for sufferers. If you or your loved ones are suffering from faecal incontinence, talk to your doctor. You need not suffer in silence. We will help you stay in control.

Faecal Incontinence - Symptoms

Faecal Incontinence - How to prevent?

Faecal Incontinence - Causes and Risk Factors

Trauma from childbirth
Previous anal surgery
Neurological disease
Diabetes mellitus
Congential disorders
Rectal prolapse

Faecal Incontinence - Diagnosis

Tests performed for the investigation of faecal incontinence are aimed towards identifying problems with the anatomy of the anal sphincter complex, neurological status of the anal sphincter muscles, as well as evaluating the colon for diseases which might cause or contribute to anal incontinence.

Anal manometry
Anorectal ultrasound
Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency
Colonoscopy

Faecal Incontinence - Treatments

Effective, individualised treatments are available for faecal incontinence and can improve or restore control of bowel movements. These include:

Dietary modification
Medications (eg. anti-diarrhoeals)
Anorectal biofeedback
Neuromodulation e.g. sacral nerve stimulation
Injectable anal bulking agents
Surgery to repair anal sphincters
Surgery to implant artificial anal sphincters

Faecal Incontinence - Preparing for surgery

Faecal Incontinence - Post-surgery care

Faecal Incontinence - Other Information

Overview

Article contributed by Pelvic Floor Disorders Service, Singapore General Hospital; Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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