Combined urinary and faecal incontinence

Abstract

Combined urinary and faecal (liquid or solid) incontinence (double incontinence) is the most severe and debilitating manifestation of pelvic floor dysfunction. The community prevalence is 9-19% (urinary) and 5-10% (faecal), increasing with age. Pathophysiological factors include childbirth-associated external anal sphincter injury and pudendal nerve damage, pelvic floor descent, menopause, collagen disorders and multiple sclerosis-like conditions. The presence of crossed reflexes between the bladder, urethra, anorectum and pelvic floor in animal studies may explain the comorbidity of urinary and faecal urgency. Surgical treatment is based on aetiology and combined optimum techniques such as colposuspension or suburethral sling with overlapping sphincteroplasty. Other methods for improving sphincteric control include sacral nerve neuromodulation, bulking agents and artificial sphincters.