Fecal incontinence

Faecal Incontinence

Faecal Incontinence: Understanding the Condition and Its Treatments at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

What Is Faecal Incontinence?

Faecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, is the loss of bowel control that leads to the involuntary leakage of stool. Faecal incontinence can be a distressing and highly embarrassing condition that adversely affects a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms

Symptoms of faecal incontinence may include:

• Unexpected leakage of stool
• Difficulty controlling bowel movements
• A frequent, urgent need to pass stool
• A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
• Soiling of clothing with stool

Causes

There are many potential causes of faecal incontinence, including:

• Pelvic floor muscle weakness: The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for controlling bowel movements. These muscles can become weakened due to childbirth, surgery, ageing or other medical conditions
• Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control bowel movements can lead to faecal incontinence. Nerve injury may result from trauma or medical conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
• Intestinal diseases: Certain intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause faecal incontinence
• Medications: Some medicines, such as laxatives or antacids, can cause faecal incontinence as a side effect.
• Other medical conditions: some conditions, such as obesity, colon cancer or rectal cancer, can lead to faecal incontinence

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and other diagnostic tests, such as:

• Digital rectal examination: The doctor examines the rectum using a gloved finger
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X‑rays or MRI can be used to assess the bowel and identify any abnormalities
• Bowel function tests: These tests assess the bowel’s ability to store and transport stool

Treatment

Treatment for faecal incontinence depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Certain lifestyle changes, such as following a fibre‑rich diet and maintaining good hydration, can help improve bowel control.
• Medications: Medicines such as anti‑diarrhoeals or bulking agents can help control bowel movements
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bowel control
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City: Exceptional Care for Faecal Incontinence

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi provides exceptional care for patients with faecal incontinence. Our team of highly experienced gastroenterologists utilises the latest knowledge and technologies to treat this condition. We deliver a comprehensive approach to care and work with every patient to develop an individualised treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.

Why Choose SSMC?

• A team of highly experienced gastroenterologists: Our gastroenterologists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating faecal incontinence.
• Latest technologies: We use the latest technologies to diagnose and treat faecal incontinence

Contact Us

For more information, please call SSMC on 800 7762 or schedule an appointment here.