Diagnosis and Management of Fecal Incontinence

Seong, Moo Kyung

Abstract

Fecal incontinence is a common problem that is underreported, underdiagnosed and poorly managed. It profoundly affects the quality of life and psychological function. It is widely known that the diversity of causes of fecal incontinence and different modes of action of various treatment modalities mandates a tailored approach in each case. Currently, several diagnostic tests are available that can provide useful insights regarding the pathophysiology of fecal incontinence, and also several advanced treatment modalities which make it possible to rehabilitate most of these patients become recently available. Strictly speaking, however, no specific test can tell the exact etiology of fecal incontinence and the modes of action in various treatment modalities are still not well-defined. In this sense, policy of approach to patients with fecal incontinence can rather be straightforward. Patients with endosonographically proven sphincteric defect should be treated with sphincteroplasty. But for patients without such defect, less invasive procedures among recently available modalities should be the first consideration and then more invasive ones next in case of failure.