| Percutaneous Cecostomy Return to HomePage |
| Introduction : What is Fecal Incontinence ? | |
| Bowel control depends on a normal internal sphincter, normal external
sphincter, sensation, peristalsis, a normal ano-rectal angle, psychosocial factors and the
absence of scarring. Normally, stool enters the rectum and results in relaxation of the
internal anal sphincter. This is independent of the central nervous system. Voluntary
contraction of the external sphincter is needed to contain flatus or feces. When any
component of this system fails, or is not normally developed, this may result in
"fecal incontinence", or the inability to control bowel function. Treatment of
fecal incontinence may include spontaneous defecation, dietary modification, laxatives,
manual expression, disimpaction, bowel training, biofeedback, suppositories,
electrostimulation, and large volume enemas delivered via a special rectal balloon
catheter. The number of people, young and old, with loss of bowel control or fecal soiling is quite large. Spina bifida, the most common underlying disorder in children with fecal incontinence occurs in about 1/1,000 births. Patients with other underlying diagnoses, such as imperforate anus, cloacal abnormalities, sacral agenesis, paraplegia and cerebral palsy may also be at risk for fecal soiling. There may be as many as 6 million people with poor bowel control in North America. |
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