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Pudendal nerve function in idiopathic fecal incontinence
O O Rasmussen1, J Christiansen, T Tetzschner
1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology D, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|May 29, 2000
Summary
Idiopathic fecal incontinence in older women is primarily due to aging, not pudendal nerve damage. Unilateral nerve latency prolongation appears insignificant for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Fecal incontinence is a common issue in older women.
- Idiopathic fecal incontinence lacks a clear cause, often attributed to aging or nerve damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if idiopathic fecal incontinence in middle-aged and elderly females stems from pudendal nerve damage or aging.
- To differentiate between neurogenic incontinence and age-related causes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 178 females over 50 with idiopathic fecal incontinence.
- Assessed pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (nerve conduction velocity) and anal pressures.
- Classified incontinence as idiopathic, excluding trauma or disease-related causes.
Main Results:
- A majority showed normal pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, suggesting aging as the primary factor.
- Prolonged latency (bilateral or unilateral) was found in a smaller percentage of participants.
- Anal resting pressure declined with increasing age, but no correlation was found between latency and anal pressures.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic fecal incontinence in most older females is linked to the aging process.
- A small subset may have neurogenic incontinence; unilateral nerve latency prolongation is likely clinically insignificant.
- Aging is the predominant factor in idiopathic fecal incontinence in this demographic.