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Fecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary passage of fecal matter through anus or inability to control the discharge of bowel contents. Its severity can range from an involuntary passage of flatus to complete evacuation of fecal matter. Depending on the severity of disease, it has a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.[1]
Definition
The International Continence Society provides the following definitions of bowel incontinence:[2]
Fecal incontinence (FI) is defined as the involuntary loss of feces (liquid or solid). FI is also referred to as accidental bowel leakage.
Anal incontinence (AI) is defined as the involuntary loss of feces and/or flatus.
Passive FI ; this happens when the stool is leaking without any previous feeling of pressure or urge.[3]
Urge FI; it occurs when there is an urge to void but the individual is unable to stand up long enough to go to the toilet.[3]
Exercise FI; occurs when intra-abdominal pressure increases due to stress or activities.[3]
Etiology
The causes of FI differ between women and men. Anorectal sensory abnormalities are a more prevalent issue in men. On the other hand, due to obstetric stress and weaker pelvic floor muscles, women are more frequently impacted by anal sphincter muscle abnormalities.
During Pregnancy: During the late stages of pregnancy, physiological changes such as, increased transit time leading to altered stool consistency and increased intra-abdominal pressure, may contribute changes in incontinence for women with preexisting pelvic floor or anal sphincter dysfunction.
Childbirth:During childbirth, pelvic floor muscle and/or nerve injury may lead to incontinence. Injury of the neural innervation to the pelvic floor muscles can lead to the inability to use these muscles adequately. Damage to the pudendal nerve can occur through can become stretched and compressed, with demyelination and subsequent denervation, due to the passage of the fetal head through the pelvis.[4]Anal sphincter laceration can lead to FI, however, not all anal sphincter injuries result in FI.[5] Additionally, the use of instruments (ie. forceps or vacuum) during vaginal delivery can increase the risk or FI or AI, particularly if an obstetric anal sphincter injury occurred.[6] When comparing the use of forceps versus vacuum during vaginal delivery, one study found the use of forceps significantly increased the risk of FI.[7] There remains controversy in the literature with regards to the effect of vaginal delivery versus cesarean birth and its effect on FI or AI.[8]
Post-Partum: Incontinence symptoms are more common during the postpartum period than during pregnancy.[9] Additionally, women who experienced symptoms of incontinence during pregnancy were more likely to experience these symptoms in postpartum.[10]
Epidemiology
The prevalence of FI is difficult to estimate because often, this condition is undereported due to social stigma[1].
It affects approximately 0.25–6% of the population, both men and women[3].
The overall reported prevalence of FI ranges from 2% to 21% with a median of 7.7% (significant variation depending on age).
Prevalence of FI is reported as 7% in women younger than 30 years which rises to 22% in their seventh decades.
In geriatric patients, prevalence is reported as high as 25% to 35% of nursing home residents and 10% to 25% of hospitalized patients. In fact, FI is the second leading cause of nursing home placement in the geriatric population[1]
Clinically Relevant Anatomy
Please see the page "Pelvic Floor Anatomy," for further details regarding anatomy.
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing FI includes but not limited to;
unable to stop the urge to defecate, which comes on so suddenly, patient may comment that that they don't make it to the toilet in time
May state that they have additional bowel issues, such as, diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating
Objective:
Physical examination – The physical examination should include pelvic examination, inspection of the perianal area, and a digital rectal examination (DRE).
Pelvic Examination: assess the health of the vaginal tissue, pelvic organ prolapse (supine and standing), and the ability to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles
Perianal Examination: assess for area for dermatitis, fistula, prolapsing hemorrhoids, or rectal prolapse, as well as the anocutaneous reflex
DRE: assess the anal resting tone and the ability to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles
Management/Interventions
Physiotherapist
The physiotherapy management of FI begins with detailed history and per vaginal and per rectum palpation and global postural evaluation. History taking should begin with questions about the onset of symptoms, frequency, severity, stool consistency, coexisting diseases conditions, previous injuries, medications, and diet; for women, additional questions should be asked about their parturitions and course[3]. Assessment of posture globally is important. Studies have shown that disorders of spinal curvature and postural defects can affect the development of abnormal respiratory patterns and can lead to increased additional abdominal pressure, which negatively affects the pelvic floor muscles.
The per vaginal and per rectum examinations are carried out using the PERFECT system with the Modified OXFORD scale to determine the correctness and effectiveness of PFM function. The examination includes assessment of voluntary (will-dependent) contraction, used during PFM training, and involuntary (will-independent) contraction, occurring during increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended for women during pregnancy and beginning at four to six weeks postpartum. PFMT has been proven to be effective in improving the contractility and strength of the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and in postpartum.[12][13] The studies cited here are examining the effects of the PFMT on urinary symptoms, it is reasonable to conclude that it may beneficial for FI/AI because the puborectalis muscle contributes to anal continence and is strengthened during PFMT. In order to gain benefits from PFMT, it is imperative that patients perform a pelvic floor muscle contraction (ie. Kegel) correctly. Physiotherapist can help patients to how to perform a correct pelvic floor muscle contraction through, verbally cueing (ie. think about holding in gas), visually assessing the pelvic floor region to ensure proper contraction, tactile feedback through a DRE while a pelvic floor muscle contraction is being performed by the patient, and biofeedback (ie. electromyography to assess the pelvic floor muscles).
Physician
Educated patients about PFMT and the points listed in "Education and Diet."
Fiber-bulking agent may be suggested to improve stool consistency.[14]
Imaging
Endoanal ultrasound: to detect functional and structural abnormalities (eg, anal sphincter injury), if a significant sphincter injury is already present it may allow women to make an informed choice regarding mode of delivery.[15]
Education and Diet
Keep a food and symptom diary to help identify factors that cause diarrhea and incontinence
Avoiding foods or activities known to worsen symptoms
Avoidance of incompletely digested sugars (ie. eg, fructose, lactose, FODMAPs), and caffiene
Anal inserts: may be an option for patients who have exhausted other treatment options listed
Conclusions
Fecal incontinence has multiple causes and is best managed by an interprofessional team that includes a pediatric surgeon, colorectal surgeon, physiotherapist, dietitian, internist, a pediatrician, and a mental health worker.
Treatment depends on the cause, most of non-congenital causes can be managed with conservative treatment and a change in diet. Congenital disorders require corrective surgery. The outcomes do depend on the cause, but in a significant number of people, recurrence is common and the quality of life is poor.[1]
