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Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics)

Patient education: Fecal incontinence (Beyond the Basics)
Author:
Anthony J Lembo, MD
Section Editor:
J Thomas Lamont, MD
Deputy Editor:
Shilpa Grover, MD, MPH, AGAF
Literature review current through: Nov 2022. | This topic last updated: Feb 24, 2022.

FECAL INCONTINENCE OVERVIEW — Fecal incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of gas or liquid stool (called minor incontinence) or the involuntary loss of solid stool (called major incontinence). Surveys indicate that it affects between 2 and 7 percent of the general population, although the true incidence may be much higher since many people are hesitant to discuss this problem with a health care provider.

Minor fecal incontinence affects men and women equally, but women are almost twice as likely as men to report major incontinence. Fecal incontinence is also more common in older adults.

Fecal incontinence can undermine self-confidence, create anxiety, and lead to social isolation. People who suffer with fecal incontinence should learn as much as possible about their condition and discuss their symptoms honestly with their clinician. Fecal incontinence is a treatable condition; treatment can lessen symptoms in most cases and can often completely cure incontinence.

FECAL INCONTINENCE CAUSES — Continence requires the normal function of both the lower digestive tract and the nervous system. The anal sphincters, along with the pelvic muscles that surround the end of the digestive tract including the puborectalis muscle, ensure controlled movement of digestive tract contents. There are many possible causes of fecal incontinence; in most cases, incontinence results from a combination of these causes.

Damage to the anal sphincters — The internal and external anal sphincters are the muscles located at the end of the rectum (figure 1). These muscles and the surrounding pelvic muscles create a barrier that prevents the escape of feces. Any damage to or loss of control over these sphincters can lead to incontinence. Damage most commonly occurs during vaginal childbirth and anal surgery.

Neurologic causes — Neurologic disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury can decrease sensation and control over the lower digestive tract. Nerve damage during vaginal childbirth can also decrease anal sphincter function.

Decreased distensibility of the rectum — Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) and radiation-induced inflammation of the rectum (radiation proctitis) can impair the rectum's ability to expand and store fecal matter.

Fecal impaction — When hardened feces accumulates in the rectum, this can cause the anal sphincters to relax and allow liquid stool to escape around the blockage. Fecal impaction is a common cause of incontinence in older adults. Factors that make impaction more likely include certain mental health conditions, immobility, and loss of rectal sensation.

Diarrhea — Diarrhea of various causes, including irritable bowel syndrome, active inflammatory bowel disease, or acute gastroenteritis, can lead to loss of liquid stool. In some cases, if the diarrhea is treated, the person will be able to control their incontinence.

Unknown causes — In some cases, the cause of fecal incontinence cannot be identified; this is called idiopathic incontinence. Idiopathic incontinence most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older women.

FECAL INCONTINENCE DIAGNOSIS — The underlying cause of fecal incontinence can often be established with a combination of a medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests — Diagnostic tests are particularly useful in pinpointing the cause and ensuring the correct treatment. One or more tests may be recommended, based upon the suspected cause(s) of incontinence.

Endoscopy — Colonoscopy (examination of the entire colon), sigmoidoscopy (examination of the terminal part of the colon), or anoscopy (examination of the anal canal) may be recommended. These tests can help identify inflammation, tumors, and other disorders that can cause fecal incontinence. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are discussed in detail in separate topic reviews. (See "Patient education: Colonoscopy (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient education: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (Beyond the Basics)".)

Anorectal manometry — Anorectal manometry measures the internal pressure in different areas of the lower digestive tract under different conditions. This test can identify several of the different causes of incontinence and may be especially useful in revealing poor tone of the anal sphincters. Manometry can also be used to determine if rectal sensation and rectal reflexes are impaired.

Ultrasound or MRI — An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the rectum can reveal abnormalities of the anal sphincters, the rectal wall, and the pelvic muscles that help maintain continence. These tests are generally safe and reliable for identifying structural abnormalities of both the internal and external anal sphincters.

Stool tests — Stool testing may be done to determine if there is an underlying reason for diarrhea (eg, infection).

FECAL INCONTINENCE TREATMENT — Three types of treatment are commonly used for fecal incontinence: medical therapy, biofeedback, and surgery. The specific treatment(s) recommended will depend upon the underlying cause of fecal incontinence.

Medical therapy — Medical therapy includes medication and certain measures that can reduce the frequency of incontinence and firm the stools, which can reduce or eliminate episodes of fecal leakage.

Often, basic measures will improve minor incontinence, but more aggressive measures may be needed to control frequent or severe episodes of leakage.

Bulking substances — Substances that promote bulkier stools may help control diarrhea by thickening the stools. Methylcellulose (a form of fiber) is one type of bulking substance that is commonly used. Increasing dietary fiber may also help to bulk stools (table 1). (See Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics) for further information on stool bulking).

Medications that reduce stool frequency — The frequency of stools can be reduced with medications that are usually prescribed for diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium) and the prescription drug diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil). Loperamide can also increase the tone (tightness) of the anal sphincter muscle. If you take loperamide, be careful to never exceed the dose on the label unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose has led to serious heart problems in some people.

Anticholinergic medications — When taken before meals, anticholinergic medications (such as the prescription drug hyoscyamine) can decrease the incontinence that occurs after meals in some people. The medications work by reducing contractions in the colon.

Treatment of impaction — People who have become impacted (when the rectum is full of hard stool) may need to have this stool removed in the office. After disimpaction, the person will be given one or more medications to keep the bowels moving on a regular basis. (See "Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics)".)

Defecation programs — When incontinence is related to a disability or mental health condition, a clinician will often recommend a scheduled toileting program. This usually involves sitting on the toilet at a regular time every day, after a meal. Incontinence is less likely to occur if the person empties their bowels regularly.

Biofeedback — Anorectal biofeedback is a safe and noninvasive way of strengthening the anal sphincter and puborectalis muscles. During anorectal biofeedback, sensors may be used to help the patient identify and contract the anal sphincter muscles, which can help to isolate the appropriate muscles to strengthen. This is usually done in a healthcare provider or physical therapist's office. Home units are also available.

Most studies have shown biofeedback to be effective. The patient most likely to benefit from this therapy is someone who has the ability to contract their anal sphincter muscle and have some sensation when they need to have a bowel movement. The effects of biofeedback may begin to decline six months after the initial training, and retraining may be helpful.

Anal plugs — Anal plugs (eg, Procan-2, Renew Insert) can be helpful in some patients in reducing the frequency of incontinence. They are frequently used in conjunction with other treatments. Anal plugs come in different designs and sizes though they can be difficult to tolerate.

Sacral nerve stimulation — Electrical stimulation can eliminate leakage in 40 to 75 percent of people whose anal sphincter muscles are intact [1]. An electrode is surgically inserted near a nerve in the sacrum (low back) (figure 2).

Complications include pain, device malfunction, or infection, which may require that the device is removed or replaced. At present, this treatment is generally reserved for people with an intact or repaired anal sphincter who have not improved with other treatments.

Anal electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation involves using a mild electrical current to stimulate the anal sphincter muscles to contract, which can strengthen the muscles over time. The electrical current is applied using a small probe, which the patient inserts inside the rectum for a few minutes every day for 8 to 12 weeks.

A controlled trial suggested that electrical stimulation has only a modest benefit, possibly from increasing sensation in the anal area. However, this treatment is inexpensive, non-invasive, and has few to no side effects.

Injectable bulking agent — The gel is injected into the anal sphincter just below the lining that may help build tissue in the anal canal, thereby narrowing the opening of the anus and allowing the patient to better control their anal sphincter. This device was approved the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use in 2011 in patients ages 18 and up.

Surgery — Several different surgical procedures can help alleviate fecal incontinence. Surgical repair can reduce or resolve incontinence, particularly for women who develop a tear in the external anal sphincter during childbirth and in people with injury of the sphincter due to surgery or other causes. Surgery cures fecal incontinence in 80 percent of women with childbirth-related sphincter tears.

In people who have irreparable damage of the sphincters, muscles can be transferred from other areas of the body, usually the leg or buttock, and surgically placed around the anal canal. These muscles mimic the action of the damaged sphincters. Muscle transfer surgery can restore continence in up to 73 percent of people.

An alternative to a transferred muscle is a synthetic anal cuff that can be inflated to hold back feces and deflated to allow bowel movements. However, this type of procedure is only performed in specialized centers. Complications can occur even in when these surgeries are performed by experts.

Colostomy — Colostomy is a surgical procedure in which the colon is surgically attached to the abdominal wall. Stool is collected in a bag that fits snugly against the skin. This eliminates leakage of stool from the rectum. Variations on the procedure may allow the person to control bowel emptying.

Colostomy is usually a last resort, after other treatments have failed. It may also be considered for people with intolerable symptoms who are not candidates for any other therapy.

REDUCING FECAL INCONTINENCE — There are some steps that patients can take to help minimize leakage of stool.

Avoid foods and drinks that may cause loose or more frequent stools, which can worsen fecal incontinence. These can include dairy products (for people who are lactose intolerant), spicy foods, fatty or greasy foods, caffeinated beverages, diet foods or drinks, sugar-free gum or candy, and alcohol.

Eat smaller more frequent meals. In some people, eating a large meal triggers the urge to have a bowel movement, and sometimes cause diarrhea. Eating smaller and more frequent meals can reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Increase fiber in the diet. Fiber increases stool bulk and often improves the consistency of stool. The recommend daily intake of fiber is 25 to 30 grams. The amount of fiber should be increased gradually over a few weeks to reduce the possibility of bloating and gas.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION — Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.

This article will be updated as needed on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below.

Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.

The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.

Patient education: Fecal incontinence (The Basics)
Patient education: High-fiber diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Rectal prolapse in adults (The Basics)

Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.

Patient education: Colonoscopy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics)

Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.

Delayed surgical management of the disrupted anal sphincter
Endorectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the evaluation of fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence in adults: Etiology and evaluation
Fecal and anal incontinence associated with pregnancy and childbirth: Counseling, evaluation, and management
Effect of pregnancy and childbirth on urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
Transvaginal synthetic mesh: Use in pelvic organ prolapse
Reconstructive materials used in surgery: Classification and host response
Rectovaginal and anovaginal fistulas

The following organizations also provide reliable health information.

National Library of Medicine

     (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html)

National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

     (www.niddk.nih.gov)

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons

     (www.fascrs.org)

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This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms ©2023 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
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