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[Fecal incontinence: methods of exploration]
Annales De Gastroenterologie Et D'Hepatologie
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Faecal incontinence, the involuntary release of stool, can be diagnosed through various tests. Identifying the cause allows for more effective treatments, including bio-feedback for select patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Urology
Context:
- Faecal incontinence is a prevalent condition affecting quality of life.
- Diagnosis often involves ruling out organic causes like tumors or proctitis.
- Chronic constipation, termed "spurious diarrhoea," is a key consideration.
Purpose:
- To outline diagnostic approaches for faecal incontinence.
- To detail investigations for identifying etiological mechanisms.
- To highlight therapeutic strategies based on diagnostic findings.
Summary:
- Diagnostic workup includes clinical history, examination, and complementary investigations like defaecography and anorectal manometry.
- Key etiological factors identified are anal sphincter deficiency, sensory anomalies, reduced rectal distensibility, and abnormal rectal contractile activity.
- Bio-feedback therapy is a potential treatment for selected patients based on manometric criteria.
Impact:
- Improved etiological diagnosis of faecal incontinence.
- Potential for more targeted and effective treatment strategies.
- Enhanced understanding of ano-rectal function in incontinence.