Fecal Incontinence

Causes of fecal incontinence include:

• Childbirth-related injury
  This is the most common cause, resulting from a tear in the anal muscles. The nerves controlling the anal muscles may also be injured, which can lead to incontinence. Some injuries may be detected right after childbirth; however, many go unnoticed until they cause problems later in life. Since it may be years after giving birth, childbirth is often not recognized as the cause of the problem.
• Trauma to anal muscles
  Anal operations or traumatic injury to the tissues near the anal region can damage the anal muscles and reduce bowel control.
• Age-related loss of anal muscle strength
  Some people gradually lose anal muscle strength as they age. A mild control problem may have existed when they were younger, but this gets worse later in life.
• Neurological diseases
  Severe stroke, advanced dementia or spinal cord injury can cause lack of control of the anal muscles, resulting in incontinence. 

Symptoms of fecal incontinence can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may only involve difficulty controlling gas. Severe cases can lead to an inability to control liquid and formed stools. A patient may have a feeling of urgency or experience stool leakage due to frequent liquid stools or diarrhea.

If there is bleeding with lack of bowel control, consult your physician as soon as possible. This may indicate inflammation within the colon and rectum, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, a rectal tumor or rectal prolapse. All of these conditions require prompt evaluation by a physician.

An initial discussion of symptoms with your physician will help determine the degree of incontinence and the effect on your life.  Possible underlying factors are often found during a review of your medical history, such as:

• Multiple pregnancies, large weight babies, forceps deliveries or episiotomies (surgical incisions to aid childbirth)
• History of prior anal or rectal surgeries
• Medical illnesses or conditions
• Medication side effects

A physical examination of the anal region, possibly using an ultrasound, can help identify an obvious injury to the anal muscles. Our specialists can determine if additional tests are needed to assess the function of muscles and nerves surrounding the anal area.

Treatment options vary based on the cause and severity of the problem and may include nonsurgical or surgical options. Your colon and rectal specialist will discuss options and help you decide what approach is best for you.

Nonsurgical Options

• Dietary changes Mild problems may be treated simply by changing one's diet.
• Constipating medications Specific medications can result in firmer stools enabling more bowel control.
• Medications Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) can cause diarrhea and contribute to bowel control problems. Treating these underlying diseases may eliminate or improve incontinence symptoms.
• Muscle strengthening exercises Simple home exercises to strengthen the anal muscles can help in mild cases.
• Biofeedback This type of physical therapy can help strengthen anal muscles and sense when stool is ready to be evacuated.

Surgical options

There are several surgical options for the treatment of fecal incontinence. Keep in mind that surgery is not the right choice for every patient.

• Surgical muscle repair Injuries to the anal muscles may be surgically repaired.
• Stimulation of the nerves Insertion of a nerve stimulator can help nerves that control muscles and skin of the anus work more efficiently.
• Bulking agent injections Injecting a substance into the anal canal can bulk it up and strengthen the "squeeze" mechanism of the anal muscles used during bowel movements.
  Surgical colostomy In severe cases, a colostomy may be the best option for improving quality of life. During this procedure, part of the colon (large intestine) is brought out through the abdominal wall to drain into a bag.