Fecal Incontinence

Bowel Incontinence, also known as Fecal Incontinence, is the inability to control bowel
movements, causing stool to leak unexpectedly from the rectum.

Causes & risk factors

 Constipation

 Diarrhea

 Hemorrhoids

 Dementia

 Physical disability

 Nerve damage

 Loss of storage capacity in the rectum

 Muscles damage (anal sphincter)

Symptoms

 Poor control of flatus

 Diarrhea

 Constipation

 Urgency and loss of control, or complete Incontinence

 Gas and bloating

Diagnosis

 History collection

 Digital rectal examination

 Colonoscopy

 MRI

 Anal manometry

 Anorectal ultrasonography
Prevention

Reduce Constipation - increase your exercise, eat more high-fiber foods and drink plenty of
fluids.

Control Diarrhea - treating or eliminating the cause of diarrhea, such as an intestinal infection,
may help you avoid fecal incontinence.

Avoid straining - straining during bowel movements can eventually weaken anal sphincter
muscles or damage nerves.

Surgery

 Sphincteroplasty

 Sphincter replacement

 Sphincter repair (dynamic graciloplasty)

 Colostomy (bowel diversion)

Complications

 Emotional distress

 Skin irritation (around the anus)