Evaluation and Management of Postoperative Fecal Incontinence

Abstract

Fecal incontinence—or the involuntary loss of gas, liquid, or solid stool— can result in a significantly reduced quality of life. The prevalence of fecal incontinence in the general population has been estimated to be 2.2%, with much higher rates in the elderly and nursing-home populations (1,2). The diagnosis and subsequent management of these patients is often difficult, requiring extensive physical, physiologic, and anatomic assessment prior to the initiation of therapy. An overview of the anatomy and physiology of continence and a detailed discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, and management of postoperative fecal incontinence follows. This chapter should be read in conjunction with the overview of fecal incontinence. (Chapter 7.1).