Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence can be an uncomfortable condition, especially if a bowel accident occurs in public. There’s also the toll it takes out of everyday
life having to plan activities around the availability of a bathroom or monitoring what and how much you eat.

Fortunately, GastroIntestinal Specialists (GIS) offers treatment options that will improve symptoms and quality of life, so you can once again
be active outside of your home.

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence is an inability to maintain control of bowel contents or (in simpler terms) accidental pooping.

Symptoms include:

• Involuntarily passing gas

• Fecal seepage after a normal bowel movement

• Losing full control of the bowels

These symptoms can happen passively, meaning that you don’t realize they are happening. You can also be fully aware they are happening but be unable to retain the stool despite your best efforts.

Who does Fecal Incontinence affect?

Fecal incontinence affects between 7% and 21% of the population. Estimates vary due to under-reporting.

The prevalence increases with age, and it may be present in up to 25% of patients age 70 or older. Fecal incontinence more commonly affects women earlier in life, but it affects men and women equally later in life.

Although fecal incontinence is more prominent in senior adults, it is not a normal part of aging. It can be treated.

Causes

There are many causes for fecal incontinence. Some of the more common causes include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other cause for chronic diarrhea

• Diabetes

• Multiple sclerosis

• Stroke

• Surgery

• Spinal cord trauma

• Vaginal delivery

• Sphincter injury

• Weakness of rectum and/or anus muscles

Diagnosis

Fecal incontinence can be diagnosed at GIS. When you have your initial appointment, you can expect to go through a thorough medical history and a physical examination.

Other tools that may be used to help diagnose fecal incontinence include:

• Anorectal manometry

• Endoscopic ultrasound of the anal muscles

• MRI defecography

Treatment Options

With treatment, you can regain control over your leaky bowels and enjoy your life without worrying about accidentally pooping. Treatment for fecal incontinence takes a multifaceted approach that includes supportive measures and active treatments.

Supportive measures include:

• Timed toileting

• Incontinence pads

• Avoidance of diarrhea triggers

Active treatment options include:

• Antidiarrheal therapy

• Bulking agents like methylcellulose

• Pelvic floor physical therapy with biofeedback therapy

• Surgery

• Sacral nerve stimulation (InterStim™)

InterStim™

Sacral nerve stimulation (commonly known as InterStim™) is a two-stage procedure that can be effective for patients who have not found relief from other conservative treatments and are seeking a long-term solution.

The first stage involves placement of a temporary nerve stimulator into the sacral area of the lower back. It can be performed at GIS. The nerve stimulator enhances squeezing of the anal sphincter muscle to allow the muscles to remain closed and prevent fecal material from leaking. Those who experience good outcomes are referred to a surgeon for placement of a permanent stimulator.

Dr. Abby D. Linzay

Dr. Abby D. Linzay is a dedicated board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in fecal incontinence. She brings expertise honed through fellowship training at Baylor University Medical Center. Dr. Linzay has been providing compassionate and comprehensive care with us at GIS since 2021. Learn more about Dr. Linzay here.