Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is the involuntary loss of stool or flatus. The condition is often multifactorial, with contributing factors including structural abnormalities of the anal sphincter, neurological disorders, cognitive and behavioral disorders, altered stool consistency, and impaired functional status. It is a common condition affecting approximately 10% of the population, particularly older adults. Surgical treatment options include anal sphincter repair and implantation of a neosphincter. Fecal incontinence may occur following obstetric anal sphincter injury, particularly after forceps-assisted delivery or the vaginal delivery of an infant weighing more than 4 kg.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology