Fecal Incontinence: Evaluation and Treatment

Giovanna da Silva, Anders Mellgren

Key Concepts

  • A thorough history and physical examination and conservative management measures should be the initial step in managing fecal incontinence.
  • Preoperative physiology testing can assist the surgeon in selecting the optimal treatment modality.
  • Sacral neuromodulation is successful for patients with and without sphincter defects; however, reinterventions are not uncommon.
  • Biomaterial injection may provide limited benefits.
  • Overlapping sphincteroplasty is an option for younger patients with an isolated sphincter injury, as after obstetric injury.

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Last updated: January 26, 2022