Fecal Incontinence Specialist

Fecal Incontinence/ Accidental Bowel Leakage Q & A

What is fecal incontinence?

Any time stool involuntarily exits the rectum causing any amount of soiling, that is referred to as fecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage.  The better term is accidental bowel leakage as it also refers to involuntary seepage, loss of gas, liquid or solid stool.

Fecal incontinence is much more common than most people think because it is often not reported due to embarrassment or shame.  It is unfortunate that many women are afraid to seek help due to embarrassment as effective treatments are available.

What can be done to treat fecal incontinence/ accidental bowel leakage?

Once the evaluation has been completed, appropriate and effective treatments ranging from simple dietary changes and pelvic physical therapy to medications, prosthetic devices and procedures such as implanting a neurostimulator may be effective.  Occasionally, surgery is an appropriate option to treat accidental bowel leakages, such as in the case of a fistula or a rectocele.

To better understand what each of these treatments includes, schedule an appointment by calling the office at 561-701-2841. The team at Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health can help determine the cause of fecal incontinence and determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

A few of the tests that might be recommended during your visit:

• Anorectal manometry – This will assess both nerve and muscle function in and around the rectum
• Defecography – A special real-time x-ray done to observe the actual mechanics of defecation and how the bowel empties
• MRI – Evaluation of the pelvic anatomy, sometimes done in real-time to observe the mechanics of emptying the bowel

The medical professionals at Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health will review your specific symptoms and design an appropriate evaluation and treatment plan for you.  Schedule an appointment by calling the office at 561-701-2841.