Fecal Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women: A Review

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2016 Jun;45(2):217-37. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2016.02.002.

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunction and fecal incontinence is a common and debilitating condition in women, particularly as women age, and often goes under-reported to health care providers. It is important for providers to ask patients about possible symptoms. An algorithm for evaluation and treatment is presented. Current and future therapies are described and discussed.

Keywords: Accidental bowel leakage; Anal sphincter; Fecal incontinence; Pelvic floor dysfunction; Sphincter injury; Women’s health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Colostomy
  • Dextrans / therapeutic use
  • Diet Therapy
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy
  • Fecal Incontinence / diagnosis
  • Fecal Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Fecal Incontinence / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Hyaluronic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Lumbosacral Plexus
  • Magnets
  • Manometry
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders / diagnosis
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders / physiopathology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders / therapy*
  • Pessaries
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment*

Substances

  • Dextrans
  • NASHA-Dx copolymer
  • Hyaluronic Acid