Fecal incontinence in medicine is referred to as incontinence (a person is unable to control the passage of fecal matter for certain reasons). Fecal incontinence is often associated with urinary incontinence, as both processes are regulated by similar impulse centers, but it occurs more frequently and predominantly in men.
Causes
The main reason for the inability to retain feces within the rectum is a disruption of its muscular activity. The causative factors of incontinence can be congenital – such as structural abnormalities of the rectum or abnormal development of the anal canal. Acquired factors include birth injuries, fistulas, brain injuries, and mental disorders (schizophrenia, neuroses, etc.), severe illnesses (epilepsy, dementia, and manic syndrome). Damage to the rectum and anal canal associated with tears from falls, surgeries, infectious diarrhea, tumors, and functional disorders due to hip trauma or diabetes also lead to fecal incontinence pathology.
Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence
The symptom of fecal incontinence is the inability of the anal sphincter muscles to retain fecal matter.
They include:
- incontinence during the urge to defecate
- constant passage of fecal matter without prior urges
- passage of small amounts of feces during coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion
- fecal incontinence due to age-related degenerative processes
- incontinence during sleep, during stress, or loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis of Fecal Incontinence in Israel
The diagnosis of "fecal incontinence" based on patient complaints is not difficult. All examinations conducted in Israel aim to determine the cause of such symptoms. Modern diagnostic methods include endorectal ultrasound (detects defects, assesses the condition of the sphincters in the rectal passage), anal canal manometry (evaluates the muscle tone of the anal passage), and rectal sensitivity threshold and volume analysis.
Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Israel
In Israel, a surgical method for treating incontinence – sphincteroplasty – is often used in practice. Mechanical injuries are more complex to treat; in such cases, post-anal reconstruction is performed in Israel. For functional dysfunction, patients are prescribed medication. Rectal muscle training for contraction is mandatory, along with exercises to strengthen the gluteal and thigh muscles. Electronic stimulation of the nerve endings forming the reflex may be applied, as well as biofeedback methods. Patients may require psychological assistance.
Prevention of Fecal Incontinence
Prevention of fecal incontinence involves a special exercise regimen and diet.