Open AccessFecal incontinence - Challenges and solutions
Author(s) -
Nallely Saldana Ruiz,
Andreas M. Kaiser
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v23.i1.11
Subject(s) - fecal incontinence , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , panacea (medicine) , urinary incontinence , intensive care medicine , urology , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology , nursing
Fecal incontinence is not a diagnosis but a frequent and debilitating common final pathway symptom resulting from numerous different causes. Incontinence not only impacts the patient's self-esteem and quality of life but may result in significant secondary morbidity, disability, and cost. Treatment is difficult without any panacea and an individualized approach should be chosen that frequently combines different modalities. Several new technologies have been developed and their specific roles will have to be defined. The scope of this review is outline the evaluation and treatment of patients with fecal incontinence.