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Review
. 2024 Feb 1:11:1340720.
doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1340720. eCollection 2024.

Faecal incontinence-a comprehensive review

Eloise Dexter  1 , Josephine Walshaw  2   3 , Hannah Wynn  4 , Safaa Dimashki  5 , Alex Leo  6 , Ian Lindsey  7 , Marina Yiasemidou  6
Affiliations
Review

Faecal incontinence-a comprehensive review

Eloise Dexter et al. Front Surg. .

Abstract

Introduction: Faecal incontinence (FI) is a distressing and often stigmatizing condition characterised as the recurrent involuntary passage of liquid or solid faeces. The reported prevalence of FI exhibits considerable variation, ranging from 7 to 15% in the general population, with higher rates reported among older adults and women. This review explores the pathophysiology mechanisms, the diagnostic modalities and the efficiency of treatment options up to date.

Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to identify the pathophysiological pathways, investigation and treatment modalities.

Result and discussion: This review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate physiological processes that maintain continence in humans. It then guides the reader through a detailed examination of diagnostic procedures and a thorough analysis of the available treatment choices, including their associated success rates. This review is an ideal resource for individuals with a general medical background and colorectal surgeons who lack specialized knowledge in pelvic floor disorders, as it offers a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of faecal incontinence (FI).

Keywords: conservative management; faecal incontinence; fecal incontinence; sphincter injury; surgical management.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

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