Faecal Incontinence

 Faecal IncontinenceFaecal Incontinence

Faecal Incontinence


 

 

Terms You Should Know 

  • Anal sphincter : Muscles around the anal canal that contract, closing the anus to prevent the stool from expelling. 

  • Anorectal : Pertaining to the anus and rectum. 

  • Anus : The opening at the end of the large intestine ( rectum) that expels stool. See also large intestine. 

  • Bowel : The small or large intestine 

  • Colon : A portion of the large intestine not including the rectum 

  • Colorectal : Pertaining to the coon and rectum

  • Colostomy : A surgical approach in which a section of the colon is brought out through an opening (stoma) created in the abdominal wall. Stool then passes into a small bag securely fastened over the opening. 

  • Constipation : The infrequent or difficult passage of hard, dry stools. 

  • Diarrhoea : Loose or watery and often frequent bowel movements. 

  • Fibre : A food substance that resists chemical digestion and passes through the system relatively unchanged. 

  • Flatus Intestinal gas expelled through the anus. 

  • Haemorrhoid : A swollen vein in or around the anus. 

  • Ileum : The last portion of the small intestine.

  • Impaction : Pressed firmly together so as to become immovable, often causing an obstruction. 

  • Intestines: The portion of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. The term intestines includes the small and large intestines. 

  • Large intestine : A muscular tube that extends from the end of the small intestine ( ileum ) to the anus. 

  • Laxative : A medicine that helps relieve constipation. 

  • Manometry : A test that measures muscle contractions. 

  • Ostomy : A surgical approach in which a section of the small or large intestine is brought out through an opening ( stoma) created in the abdominal wall. 

  • Perianal :The area located around the anus. 

  • Rectum : The lowest portion of the large intestine. 

  • Sigmod colon : The lower part of the large intestine that connects to the rectum. 

  • Sphincter : A circular band of muscle that acts as a valve. 

  • Stool : Waste products such as food residue expelled from the body through the rectum and anus. Also referred to as faeces. 

Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing the stool ( faeces) to leak unexpectedly form the rectum. It can range from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control. Faecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence, can occur at any age, but is most common among people over the age of 65 years. 

Causes, Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Surgical Options