Fecal incontinence is a common problem not frequently discussed between patients and
their physicians. More appropriately termed anal incontinence, it encompasses the
inability to control the passage of flatus, liquid, or solid stool. What may seem
like a minor inconvenience to the physician may be extremely distressing to the patient;
the incontinent patient may experience social isolation, feelings of inadequacy and
low self-esteem, and sexual dysfunction in addition to the physical symptoms of recurrent
genitourinary infections and perianal skin breakdown [
[1]
]. Community-based studies reveal a 2.2% prevalence of anal incontinence; 30% of these
patients are over the age of 65, and 63% are female [
[2]
]. By understanding the anatomic and physiologic mechanisms of fecal incontinence,
the surgeon can appropriately evaluate and treat her patient with medical or surgical
therapy.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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© 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
