[Anal incontinence]

Anal incontinence, i.e. the loss of the voluntary control of intestinal contents, covers the spectrum from slight traces of stool in the underwear via the loss of wind to marked episodes of uncontrollable evacuation of soft or hard faeces. These are humiliating symptoms the causes of which can be multiple and complex. In women, the most frequent aetiological factor is injury to the pelvic floor due to birth trauma. Specialists and general practitioners do often not realize that anal incontinence can be treated, which may significantly improve the quality of life of the patients after the appropriate diagnostic tests and subsequent individual therapy.