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Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, which can lead to accidental leakage of faeces. This can range from occasional leakage when passing wind to complete loss of bowel control. Faecal incontinence is very common and can have a huge impact on daily life. While some people may benefit from surgery, many improve with simple non-surgical measures.
People experience faecal incontinence in different ways. The most common symptom is leaking mucus or faeces from the back passage (anus). There are two main types of incontinence:
Urge Incontinence: A sudden and intense urge to defecate that may not allow you to reach the toilet in time.
Passive Incontinence: Leakage without realising it’s about to happen, often due to loss of sensation or awareness.
Other associated symptoms may include:
Diarrhoea: Loose stools can be harder to control.
Constipation: Hard, dry stools can lead leakage of watery stool around it.
Gas: Sometimes leakage occurs only when passing wind.
Faecal Incontinence Treatment
Finding the cause is the first step to treating and improving faecal incontinence.
Causes include previous nerve or muscle injury, for example following childbirth, or diarrhoea caused by an underlying bowel condition.
Consult a colorectal surgeon
Assessment with a colorectal surgeon to get an accurate diagnosis is important to guide decisions about treatment. Assessment may include a colonoscopy, anorectal physiology or endoanal ultrasound.
Discussing faecal incontinence with a colorectal surgeon specialising in pelvic floor disorders can help you get a personalised management plan to improve your symptoms and quality of life.
Intus colorectal surgeons are experienced in the treatment of faecal incontinence and will support you through assessment and treatment.
Find A Specialist
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Dr Richard Perry
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr Ian Bradford
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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A/Prof Craig Lynch
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr Deborah Wright
General & Colorectal Surgeon
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Dr James Haddow
General & Colorectal Surgeon
